Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, Jiang Changyang maintained a calm facade. “What are you laughing at? Is it strange that I can’t guess?”
Mudan composed herself and said seriously, “Liu Chang sent them. I initially didn’t want to accept, but considering the current situation, you’ll inevitably have to interact with him. Normal gift-giving and socializing are appropriate. Refusing and having Axin return them would seem petty. So I decided to accept them, waiting for you to handle it. I didn’t explain in detail to Mama Lin and the others, which left them anxious.”
Jiang Changyang remained silent, reaching out to grab the lacquer ball again. He turned it in his hand a few times before saying calmly, “You handled it well. Since he thought to congratulate us, I should send him a grand gift in return. We’ll certainly not accept his gifts for free. We’ll accept as much as he sends, as long as he can afford it.” Liu Chang’s intentions weren’t sincere; sending these gifts was meant to irritate him.
The more he refused, the happier Liu Chang would be. So, it was better to accept everything and send gifts in return, making Liu Chang the frustrated one instead. Jiang Changyang wondered how many times Liu Chang could keep this up – surely he couldn’t send gifts for ten children if they had that many? He heard Liu Chang recently acquired a new beauty, which would be a perfect excuse to send gifts in return. Thinking of this, Jiang Changyang couldn’t help but smile mischievously.
“Arrange it as you see fit,” Mudan said, not taking it to heart. She secretly glanced at Jiang Changyang, noticing his raised eyebrow had relaxed, and knew he wasn’t bothered anymore. She felt secretly pleased. Then she caught Jiang Changyang stealing a glance at her expression. Their eyes met unexpectedly, leaving them both a bit flustered.
Mudan couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter. Jiang Changyang, embarrassed and annoyed, suddenly leaned forward and bit her lip, saying, “I’ll give you something to laugh about!” He saw Mudan’s clear, phoenix-like eyes widen, filled with charm and allure as she silently looked at him. His heart fluttered, and the pressure of his teeth lessened. Then, he felt her small, soft tongue gently lick his lips, the sensation like floating on clouds. Unconsciously, Jiang Changyang cupped Mudan’s face, opening his mouth to kiss her properly, even if he couldn’t fully indulge. Just a taste would be nice.
“Ahem, ahem!” Someone outside coughed unnaturally twice. Both of them were startled out of their trance, quickly withdrawing and sitting up straight. Mudan lowered her head, pretending to adjust the children’s blankets, while Jiang Changyang looked outside with a serious expression. The window area was quiet, with no one in sight, except for a parrot peering in with its round eyes, perched on a silver stand swaying in the afternoon breeze.
“This little troublemaker!” Jiang Changyang cursed, jumping up to make a fierce gesture at Shuai Shuai. Then, realizing how amusing it was to be caught by a parrot rather than a person, he couldn’t help but laugh.
ShuaiShuai shrank its neck in fear, then realizing it was being teased, mimicked Jiang Changyang’s laugh with a strange voice. Jiang Changyang, both annoyed and amused, said, “From now on, it’s not allowed outside when we’re alone.”
Mudan dropped her serious demeanor and laughed, covering her mouth. She said that the feeling of sneaking around, wanting but not being able to have, was quite nice.
They didn’t laugh for long before real visitors arrived. Kuan’er announced that Yuan Nineteen had brought a group of people, requesting Jiang Changyang’s presence. Several daughters-in-law from Fang Bohui’s family had also come to offer congratulations, currently being entertained by Madam Cen and about to visit Mudan. Jiang Changyang had to bid farewell to his wife and children, and the couple separately attended to their guests.
As if by coincidence, just when everyone thought no more visitors would come in the evening, distant guests arrived. It was a steward surnamed Gao from Fang Bohui’s household, along with several servants, bringing a full cart of gifts. Besides various clothes and toys for the children, there were also gifts for the He family, Prince Fen’s manor, and the Fang family.
“The master and madam are well,” Steward Gao reported on Fang Bohui and Madam Wang’s recent situation before bowing in congratulation. “How fortunate! Since we didn’t know if it would be a boy or a girl, the master and madam prepared a set for each. Now both can be used. The young master and young miss are very blessed.” He then recited a string of auspicious phrases, explaining that they had set out early, hoping to deliver the gifts before the children were born. Although they were late, arriving on the day of the children’s first bath was still considered fortunate.
“Thank you for your hard work, Old Gao,” Jiang Changyang said, having finished reading the letters from Fang Bohui and Madam Wang. He had them sent to Mudan and rewarded the visitors but was very careful not to show favoritism, as Madam Wang was now married to Fang Bohui. He quickly arranged for someone to inform the Fang family, explaining the special circumstances of the day and inviting them to come pay respects and deliver gifts after having a meal.
The Fang family was gracious, saying there was no need for such formality and that the visitors from afar must be tired. They suggested Steward Gao could visit the Fang family the next day. Jiang Changyang was pleased; when everyone was considerate and respectful of each other, family relationships could last.
In the evening, after the twins were fed and put to bed by the wet nurses, Mudan and Jiang Changyang had the gifts from Madam Wang and Fang Bohui brought out for a closer look. Among them were two pieces of printed and gold-threaded silk with intricate patterns. They recalled Steward Gao mentioning that these were gifts from a local person, too bright in color for Madam Wang to wear, so they were brought back for Mudan to see if she could use them.
Jiang Changyang picked up the slightly inferior piece, an orange-ground silk with blue printed flowers and gold threads, and said, “This fabric’s color is a bit flashy. It’s not as elegant and dignified as this blue one with gold prints that suits you well. We might as well add some fragrances and pearls and send them to the Liu family. What do you think?”
The gold-threaded silk was quite fine; Mudan hadn’t seen any ladies in the capital use such fabric before. She understood Jiang Changyang’s intention to send something novel to pressure Liu Chang, part of the men’s competition with each other. She casually replied, “As long as Mother doesn’t blame you for giving away her gift to others.”
Jiang Changyang smiled, “What’s given to me is mine to handle as I see fit.” He called Mama Lin in and instructed her to prepare a gift box. When Mama Lin heard it was a gift for Liu Chang, she was surprised, and her gaze toward Jiang Changyang held more admiration and respect. This expression wasn’t hidden and was visible to Jiang Changyang, pleasing him.
Just as they finished preparing the gift box, Shu’er came in and said, “Xiong Dasao asks for Mother’s instructions. Two servants have offended the old master…”
Mudan remained silent, while Jiang Changyang frowned, “What happened?” In his household, there had never been any ill-mannered servants, but as soon as Jiang Zhong arrived, such incidents occurred.
It turned out that with the arrival of distant guests, the servants who were free after dinner went to listen to Steward Gao’s tales about the Anxi Protectorate and his travel experiences. Two young servants from Jiang Zhong’s courtyard also went to listen and were laughing and talking outside upon their return, disturbing Jiang Zhong who was praying, chanting sutras, and meditating.
Hearing this, Jiang Changyang understood that someone was feeling bitter. He couldn’t help but give a cold laugh before going to see Jiang Zhong. Jiang Zhong was kneeling with his back to him in front of the Buddha statue that the old madam used to worship, eyes closed, intently chanting Buddhist scriptures in a low voice, appearing as if he had transcended the mundane world.
Jiang Changyang didn’t rush him, silently sitting and waiting for him to finish his chanting. Jiang Zhong, being a novice at this, fumbled through it and soon stopped. He turned around with a lifeless look, weakly asking, “What is it?” as if everything was over.
Jiang Changyang didn’t beat around the bush or mention the incident with the servants. He said directly, “You seem to have become increasingly fond of Buddhist teachings lately.”
A hint of bitterness flashed in Jiang Zhong’s eyes. In his current state, what else could he do? Kneeling before this Buddha statue was at least better than staring blankly at an empty garden.
Jiang Changyang spoke calmly, “Today, I asked someone to search for my brother. I think, no matter what, we need a conclusion. We can’t leave things unclear like this. If someone were to take advantage of the situation, we’d have nothing left to lose.”
Jiang Zhong understood his meaning. The Jiang family had given him no benefits, yet he had suffered losses, handed over his hard-earned gains, and endured criticism. Who wouldn’t be resentful? Who could feel at ease? Jiang Zhong lowered his eyes, thinking for a moment before saying, “Do as you see fit. I had thought of requesting permission to go to the border to defend and fight, even if just as a common soldier…”
These words were a test. Even a fool would know that the emperor wouldn’t pay any attention to him. Jiang Changyang didn’t respond to this, only saying, “Right now, Qingni’s marriage is the most pressing matter.”
A father who had become a laughingstock and could be used as a target at any time was a burden to Jiang Yunqing. Such an in-law would likely trouble Prince Fen’s manor. For Jiang Changyang, providing for himself wasn’t difficult, but living together day and night was. Avoiding each other was impossible, and moving out would be considered greatly unfilial. Jiang Zhong’s heart was filled with bitterness, and he completely abandoned the last remnant of hope in his heart. He said softly, “Lately, I’ve been feeling quite unsettled, feeling that I’ve made many mistakes in the past. Only before the Buddha can I find some peace. I’ve heard you have a good friend, Fuyuan, at Fashou Temple. I plan to go stay there and seek his guidance.”
Jiang Changyang was somewhat surprised but then relieved. He nodded, “I’ll make arrangements for you.” Regardless of whether Jiang Zhong truly felt he had made mistakes or not, Jiang Changyang chose to believe that Jiang Zhong sincerely felt he had erred. This was why he was willing to go along with Jiang Zhong’s wishes and take this step back, accommodating others. There was no need to dwell on this and trouble his mind further.
At this point, father and son had nothing more to say to each other. They sat in silence for a while before parting ways.
The next day, Jiang Zhong indeed called Jiang Yunqing and Concubine Xue to inform them of his plans. Then, accompanied by two experienced household servants and carrying simple luggage, he was sent to Fashou Temple by Jiang Changyang. Jiang Changyang made a substantial donation to the temple before returning home.