Madam Zhen gloated, amused that Madam Bai and Madam Li’s attempts to curry favor with the in-laws and sister-in-law had failed. Madam Bai and Madam Li remained indifferent; at least they had shown their welcome and concern for Mudan, appearing generous and unselfish. Madam Cen would surely recognize their goodwill and not neglect them. In the future, they could claim to have done Mudan a favor.
Madam Xue, however, had other concerns: “Mother, where should we move your things from that room?”
Her question prompted each sister-in-law to consider their interests. The three rooms weren’t empty; they contained Madam Cen’s private savings accumulated over the years. While Mudan’s dowry was substantial, it belonged to her and was off-limits. Madam Cen’s private funds, however, were different. The children of concubines couldn’t claim a share but could hope, while the legitimate children could fully partake. Everyone knew Madam Cen favored Mudan, and if their belongings were mixed, Madam Cen might later claim certain items were always Mudan’s, leaving the others with no recourse.
Madam Cen had already planned for Mudan to settle in comfortably for the long term, and financial matters needed to be clarified to avoid any future disputes. She didn’t want Mudan to be accused of taking things that belonged to her sisters-in-law or nieces. She said, “Yes, Mudan has many belongings and needs space. I remember we have two empty back rooms behind our storehouse. Let’s move all my things there. Also, have someone tell your father that for the items brought back from the Liu family, the non-urgent and larger items that won’t fit in the house should be stored in a suitable warehouse at our shop, with someone specifically assigned to watch over them.”
Turning to Mudan with a smile, she continued, “Your things are like a separate household. We already have everything here, so apart from valuables and daily necessities, don’t bring the rest back. It would be too crowded. Once everything is properly stored, have your father give you the keys and inventory list. You can retrieve items as needed. What do you think?”
Mudan nodded repeatedly, “I’ll follow your arrangements, Mother.” The more time she spent with Madam Cen, the more she admired her. Madam Cen’s arrangement was perfect, completely separating Mudan’s property from the He family’s. In the future, if Mudan were to move out, she would only need to take her personal belongings from the three side rooms, leaving the furniture behind. It was clear, simple, and comfortable. No one could find fault with this plan.
Seeing Mudan’s agreement, Madam Cen assigned Madam Zhen and Madam Li, the two rivals, to oversee the moving of her chests, while instructing Madam Xue to arrange the bed, tables, chairs, and curtains for Mudan. Madam Bai was tasked with preparing dinner. She sent the children away, leaving only Madam Zhang and Madam Sun to keep Mudan company.
As evening approached, a commotion arose outside. He Zhizhong and He Dalang, accompanied by a group of people, were bringing in over twenty pots of peonies from Mudan’s dowry. Once the chaos settled, He Zhizhong dismissed everyone except Madam Cen, Mudan, Mama Lin, and Yuhe, to inquire about the situation with the Liu family in detail.
Mudan calmly recounted the events, only glossing over the more intimate details, leaving it to Madam Cen to fill in later.
He Zhizhong had already heard some of the stories from Mama Lin and Yuhe on the way home and now sought confirmation. The overall situation was clear: who was right or wrong, whether the marriage could continue, and if there was any possibility of reconciliation. At his age, he no longer had He Dalang’s quick temper and preferred to focus on finding solutions.
He paced the room with his large belly, hands behind his back, sighing as he stroked his graying hair.
While Mudan and Madam Cen had left quickly, he had spent the entire day negotiating with Liu Chengcai and Liu Chang. After the Liu father and son had gone out and returned, they had calmed down and their attitude had changed significantly. Liu Chengcai had said all the right things, and Liu Chang had even served tea and apologized. They both agreed that if Mudan wanted to stay at her maiden home for a while, she could, and when she calmed down, Liu Chang would come to apologize and bring her back with full honors.
Given how far things had progressed, how could it be resolved so easily? He naturally disagreed and prepared to discuss divorce with the Liu family, but the Liu father and son found excuses to avoid meeting. By evening, when he couldn’t delay returning home any longer, most of Mudan’s belongings had been moved back, but he and Dalang were full of anger and frustration.
Mudan, since Liu Chang’s threat, knew this wouldn’t be a smooth process. Even in modern times, divorce was a complex and challenging affair, especially when property disputes were involved, let alone in ancient times. So she was prepared and didn’t feel particularly disappointed. She comforted He Zhizhong, “Father, don’t worry. As long as I’m not suffering in their house, I’m not afraid to wait it out. I’m just sorry for causing so much trouble for you, Mother, and my brothers. And it’s unfair that they’ve benefited from the money you’ve worked so hard to earn.”
He Zhizhong patted her shoulder, “Don’t think too much about it. The money spent on your behalf is part of your dowry. Even if we get it back in the future, it’s still yours. Everything your mother and I have done is for your well-being. If you’re not happy, it loses its meaning. Just relax and wait; I’ll discuss it with your brothers and make proper arrangements.”
Just then, a servant announced, “Young Master Li from the Li family has arrived.”
He Zhizhong quickly ordered to invite him in.
Mudan, eager to thank Li Xing, said, “Father, this matter is all thanks to Cousin’s help. Yesterday, he also stood up for me and vented my anger. I want to thank him personally.”
Madam Cen said, “We should indeed thank him properly. Invite him to stay for dinner, and you men can have a good drink with him. Another day, we’ll prepare a gift and visit to express our gratitude.”
He Zhizhong agreed and sent someone to call for Dalang.
Soon after, Li Xing entered carrying a large food box. Seeing everyone, he first bowed and greeted them with a smile, then handed the box to Madam Xue, saying, “Elder Cousin-in-law, these are the hammer cakes Uncle loves. They’re made by the imperial kitchen’s hammer cake maker. The taste is crispy and delicious beyond description. Please share them with everyone.”
Everyone laughed at this, and Madam Cen said with a smile, “Xingzhi, no wonder your shop does such good business. It seems your employees have learned from you.”
Li Xing laughed heartily, “The goods are truly excellent. Being modest would be affected.”
He Dalang looked him up and down, pointing at his headwear with a smile, “Oh my, you’ve come up with a new style…”
Mudan looked and saw that Li Xing was wearing black gauze headwear that was not only the most fashionable high crown of the time but the tails were uniquely folded up instead of hanging down the back like others. Paired with his bright green silk robe with side slits, and his self-satisfied expression, he was the epitome of a trendy young man of ancient times.
Li Xing, without any shyness, turned around to show the He family’s young men, laughing, “You should learn from me quickly. It’ll be all the rage in a few days.”
The He family’s young men were indeed eager to try, laughing and tugging at each other’s headwear. He Zhizhong, with a stern face, said, “Whichever of you has your cousin’s abilities, I’ll allow you to fold it however you like, even into a flower if you can.” With this one sentence, he successfully subdued his grandsons, who quietly retreated with their hands at their sides.
Li Xing then said, “I heard that Mudan had returned home and was worried, so I came to check on her. If there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask, Uncle and Aunt.”
Mudan stepped forward and bowed deeply, “Thank you, Cousin, for your help in rescuing me from such a difficult situation.”
Li Xing smiled, “It’s good that you could leave. There’s no need for such formalities among family.” He looked Mudan up and down, and said in a good mood, “You look quite well. I heard that beast had gotten violent, and I was worried you might have suffered greatly.”
Mudan wanted to say that she had gained more than she had lost, and hadn’t suffered much. But she dared not say so, and only smiled, “When one’s mood is good, even pain doesn’t hurt.”
Li Xing looked at her deeply and said, “It’s good that you can think positively. After this matter is settled, forget what needs to be forgotten.”
Mudan smiled and agreed.
He Zhizhong, stroking his beard thoughtfully, said, “Xingzhi, I have something I want to discuss with you. Come with me, and Dalang, you come too.”
Li Xing, who had always greatly respected his distant uncle-in-law for his successful business acumen, immediately became serious and followed He Zhizhong and his son to the study.
Just as they sat down, He Erlang also returned.
He Zhizhong said, “I think Mudan’s situation might not be easily resolved. The Liu family has a son and already has children. Even if we drag this out for years, he’ll still have a loving wife and beautiful concubines. But it’s different for Mudan. If we delay, her youth will pass, and if we drag it out longer, her whole life will be wasted. Money is something we can’t take with us when we’re born or when we die, and we can always earn more. Thinking of her future, I suggest we do this: in a few days, we’ll go to Liu Chengcai and exchange that paper and money for Mudan’s freedom. What do you think?”
He Dalang objected, “Wouldn’t that mean Mudan suffered this injustice for nothing? It’s infuriating!”
He Zhizhong sighed, “Sacrificing Mudan’s youth or even her entire life for the sake of pride isn’t worth it. As the saying goes, ‘The common people can’t fight against officials.’ Right now, the Liu family is in the wrong. If we make a small concession, they won’t have much to say. Why make bitter enemies of them and risk them causing trouble for our family in the future, openly or secretly?”
He Erlang spoke in a muffled voice, “Father’s words make sense, but what we did was already risky from the start. We’ve already made enemies. Liu Chang is a petty man with a narrow mind. Even if we make concessions, he’ll hate Mudan for life and seek revenge on us at any opportunity.”