Days passed swiftly, and soon it was the end of the twelfth lunar month. As households busied themselves with New Year preparations, Mudan ordered the creation of spring couplets and peach wood charms. She distributed these to the servants for use on New Year’s Eve, hoping to create a festive atmosphere.

The period since Jiang Changyi’s marriage had been Mudan’s most relaxed and content. All was well with her and the child in her womb at Fang Garden. Jiang Changyang was thriving in his new position, no longer working himself to exhaustion as before. Though he still met friends like Pan Rong and Yuan Shijiu every few days, he spent far more time at home on a regular schedule. After the He family’s households separated, both family harmony and business prospered, leaving little room for complaint.

As for the Duke’s mansion, it remained a distant tale for Mudan. Only when Jiang Yunqing visited did she hear news of affairs there.

For instance, after Bai Xiang’s death, Jiang Zhongfang spoke harshly… Under Madam Du’s merciless suppression, the matter was quickly silenced. However, it wasn’t truly over. Half a month later, the Xiao family hosted a banquet for Jiang Zhongfang. During the meal, Minister Xiao personally poured wine for Jiang Zhongfang and apologized, asking him to be lenient towards Xiao Xuexi. Understanding the implication, Jiang Zhongfang returned home and closeted himself with Madam Du for half the night. No one knew what they discussed.

The very next day, Xiao Xuexi received an estate and was granted a portion of Madam Du’s authority. She performed her new duties capably, attending to the Old Madam morning and evening. She no longer quarreled with Jiang Changyi, and peace was restored.

The high-born Miss Gao Shu, who had praised Xiao Xuexi’s skills as the newly married third sister-in-law, gained entry to Xiao Xuexi’s social circles. She gradually acquired some renown, seemingly improving her prospects for a good marriage. She, Xiao Xuexi, and the Old Madam got along harmoniously, making Madam Du and Jiang Yunqing appear like outsiders.

Madam Du grew quiet and avoided conflicts. She generously excused Xiao Xuexi from morning and evening greetings. After settling her affairs, she frequently visited temples and Taoist shrines with her sisters-in-law, nieces, and nieces-in-law to burn incense, listen to sermons, and watch performances. She also rekindled relationships with old friends and noble relatives. Between admiring plum blossoms and snow, she lived a carefree life. Rumor had it she’d even gained some weight.

As for Jiang Zhongfang, he ventured out more often. Besides formal social engagements, he typically donned plain clothes and went fishing by Baqiao Bridge with a few servants, sometimes sitting for half a day. Despite his limited skill and meager catches, he seemed addicted, refusing to return home even in snowy weather, disregarding all advice and doing as he pleased.

While the Duke’s mansion appeared calm on the surface, undercurrents stirred beneath. This became particularly evident when Princess Fenwan invited Jiang Yunqing to visit. Guests pried, instigated, and speculated. Jiang Yunqing found it extremely tiresome but had to respond, only complaining to Mudan afterward. To Mudan, who didn’t witness these events, it felt like a different world entirely. She only remembered Jiang Zhongfang was her child’s grandfather when he sent fish he’d caught for her nourishment.

Mudan’s main concern was her rapidly growing belly, which had begun to swell noticeably since mid-December. Several experienced mothers told her they hadn’t shown as much during their first pregnancies, worrying her. Despite Dr. Sun’s assurances that all was normal, she suspected she was eating too well. She agonized daily over what and how much to eat. Eating too much might make the baby too large to deliver naturally, and without the option of a cesarean section, she feared death despite having experienced it once before. Eating too little might deprive the baby of nutrients, which pained her to consider.

When Madam Cen and Madam Bai visited, they laughed at her excessive worry and advised her to follow her instincts – eat when hungry, and sleep when tired. Though Mudan agreed in the moment, she still fretted at mealtimes. She thought perhaps ignorance would have been bliss; partial knowledge seemed most dangerous. In truth, her long journey had barely begun, yet she was already afraid.

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, Jiang Changyang finally lost patience after enduring her behavior for days. He accused her of needless worry and advised: “When I charge into battle on horseback, I never think about whether I’ll die. I know if Heaven wants me dead, I can’t escape it; if not, I won’t die. All I need to focus on is controlling my horse, wielding my sword, and commanding my men to minimize injury. As for you, if you think you’re eating too well, add some coarser foods. If you feel you’ve overeaten one meal, eat less the next. Countless women have been pregnant; I truly don’t understand why you’re so troubled.”

Mudan had indeed never seen another pregnant woman so conflicted. Though she recognized her constant worry was unreasonable, she refused to admit it. Instead, she retorted, “Of course you’re not afraid – you’re not the one giving birth! By your logic, if Heaven wants me dead, I can’t escape no matter how much I eat, right?”

Hearing these ominous words, Mama Lin’s face paled. Disregarding rank, she spat twice and said, “No taboos, no taboos.” She hurried off to pray to Guanyin for safety.

“I may not be giving birth, but my wife is!” Jiang Changyang frowned, glaring sternly at Mudan. “How can you be so unreasonable? Why would you say such things?”

Knowing they strictly avoided mentioning death, Mudan pouted stubbornly, “You brought it up first! I was just following your lead.”

Before she finished speaking, Jiang Changyang slammed down his chopsticks, his face dark. “Following my lead? You were following my lead? What did I say?”

“You said…” Mudan bit her chopstick and stared at him, intending to argue further. But seeing his black expression, she felt a twinge of guilt. She waved her hand in front of him, changing her tone playfully, “Are you angry? Why the long face? It’s just talk – it’s not like saying it will make it happen, right?”

Hearing her repeat the taboo, Jiang Changyang angrily swatted her hand away and yanked the chopstick from her mouth. “How can you talk like this? Do you think you’ve done nothing wrong? Should I call your parents to judge? And biting chopsticks! How is that good for the baby?”

The sudden motion hurt Mudan’s lips. Seeing his angry face, she grew furious. She threw down her chopsticks and glared, “You look horrible like that! Keep glaring at me! I dare you! How is yelling at me and manhandling me good for the baby?”

“So what if I glare? If you weren’t pregnant, I’d…” Jiang Changyang shouted even louder. Who could be so careless about taboos, especially near the New Year? He glanced instinctively at Mudan’s belly, growing more agitated.

“You’d what? You dare hit me?” Mudan pouted for a moment, then suddenly grinned mischievously at Jiang Changyang. “Are you afraid I’ll die?” As soon as she spoke, Jiang Changyang grabbed her hand and slapped it hard. “Say that again!”

Her palm stinging, Mudan yelled, “You hurt me!” She tried to grab him to exact revenge.

Jiang Changyang caught her hand, glaring fiercely. “Say it again!”

“You hurt me!” Seeing he was serious, Mudan dared not repeat the taboo word. She stared at him for a moment, then said magnanimously, “Fine, for our child’s sake, I won’t be angry with you. You’re in a bad mood today, so I won’t provoke you. I’m not so easily… I’ll have many children to torment you. Come on, smile.”

Jiang Changyang couldn’t bring himself to smile, still glaring at her. Mudan made a silly face, puffing out her eyes and cheeks. A hint of amusement flickered in Jiang Changyang’s eyes, though he tried to maintain a stern expression.

Seeing his softening expression, Mudan pressed her advantage. She took his hand to her belly: “You can’t blame me. I’ve asked several people, and it seems a bit big.”

Jiang Changyang observed her soft, rosy skin and wide, bright eyes. Her expression was cunning yet pleading and unrepentant. Though he had much more to say, he ultimately sighed and only said:

“Don’t casually mention that word or say such things in the future. Saying it at home saddens and worries the family. If you get used to it and slip up in public, people will dislike you.”

Seeing her opportunity, Mudan nodded solemnly: “I understand. I won’t say it again.” If he disliked it, she would never say it again, not even in jest.

Jiang Changyang handed her chopsticks back: “I’ve inquired, and everyone says if Dr. Sun says it’s fine, then it’s fine. I don’t think you’re eating too much…” He paused, glancing at Mudan’s belly, unsure if it truly was larger than usual. He amended, “If it is a bit big, perhaps you could eat just a tiny bit less.”

Mudan hugged his face and kissed him with a “mwah,” laughing, “Then I’ll follow your advice and eat a little less.” She playfully pointed at a bowl of fish: “Husband, should your wife eat this? If you say I may, I will. If not, I won’t.”

“You may have more of that,” Jiang Changyang finally smiled. “Look at you, so annoying.”

Mudan glanced at him sideways: “Do you find me annoying?”

Ignoring her question, Jiang Changyang said, “I have news. The second young master has distinguished himself in battle again!” He always called Jiang Changyi “Third Brother” but referred to Jiang Changzhong as “Second Young Master.”

Mudan smiled, “It seems the second young master truly belongs in the military camp. In just over a year, he’s constantly earning merits. Had he been sent earlier, he might not be far behind you.”

Jiang Changyang smiled slightly: “New Year’s Eve is approaching. On New Year’s Day, noble ladies must enter the palace to pay respects. As it’s your first time, you should go with your Grandmother. She’ll ensure you don’t make any missteps.”

Mudan sighed: “I already knew. The mansion sent word this morning, and I was about to tell you.”