“What did you find out?” Mudan glanced at the wet nurse, who had already retreated to the corner, not daring to listen in on their conversation.
Jiang Changyang replied, “He has been appointed as a Junior Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel.” This position, similar in rank to the one Liu Chang previously held in the Ministry of Agriculture, was still a sixth-rank position, but it carried a vastly different significance. Considering Liu Chang’s recent accomplishments, this reward seemed well deserved.
Mudan remained silent for a moment before saying, “His days ahead will surely be difficult.” The Ministry of Personnel was under Xiao’s father’s control, and the Xiao family was allied with Prince Min and Prince Wei. Liu Chang entering at this time would undoubtedly make him a thorn in their side, likely to be ousted at the first misstep.
“It won’t be easy for him to gain a firm footing,” Jiang Changyang nodded, recalling his difficulties when he first entered the Ministry of War. King Jing’s appointment of Liu Chang to the Ministry of Personnel was both a reward and a test of Liu Chang’s abilities. If Liu Chang could succeed, his future career would be secure; if not, it would be a different story.
During dinner, both husband and wife were silent. Mudan was preoccupied with thoughts about Liu Chang. She did not want Liu Chang to become too powerful; he was vengeful and unpredictable. If he suddenly turned against them, it would be disastrous for their small household. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do about it. She looked at Jiang Changyang, who was also lost in thought, and gently nudged him. “What are you thinking about?”
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “I was thinking about the recent changes in the court. Most of the rising officials are not from the Five Great Clans. It seems the Emperor has long wanted to make changes.” The Five Great Clans held significant influence in society, priding themselves on their noble lineage and making strategic marriages. Their disciples and allies had formed a powerful force within the court. Despite internal conflicts, they had common interests and could unite to challenge the Emperor when necessary. These families were often behind every enthronement, a situation no ruler wished to see but had to compromise with. After compromising, any ambitious emperor would not allow this to continue unchecked.
Seeing Mudan’s confusion, Jiang Changyang explained, “The Wang family, a royal in-law, was the most influential back then, contributing greatly to the Emperor’s ascension. The Empress was also from the Wang family, but she died early, losing her influence. Then, Prince Ning married into the Qin family, further binding them together. The Wu family, although not openly taking sides, strengthened its position by marrying Wu Shijiu, a prominent daughter, to Li Xing.”
With the support of these powerful families, Prince Ning was well-positioned, but the Emperor hesitated to name him as his heir. Mudan suddenly understood that the Wang family’s actions, meant to secure their position, had only made the Emperor wary of them. The rise of the noble families threatened imperial power, and the Emperor likely did not want his successor to be similarly constrained by these powerful clans.
Jiang Changyang sighed lightly, “The Wang family’s intentions were good, but the Emperor was still strong and healthy then. That allowed Prince Min and the Xiao family to rise, challenging the Wang family. The Emperor is aware of what Prince Min and the Xiao family are doing, but he tolerates it because he needs them. He might even support them if they weaken, pushing them back into power.”
Mudan pondered for a long time before asking, “What about the Bai family?” The Bai family, despite their connections with the Wu and Qin families, seemed more detached from these power struggles.
Jiang Changyang smiled, “The Bai family has dwindled over the years. The head of the family has been lying low, waiting for the right moment to act. Similar to King Jing, who did not have the rightful status or the support of powerful families. He relied on a group of people who had risen from the bottom, and to succeed, he had to bide his time and seize opportunities. Now, as Prince Min and Prince Ning weaken each other, his chance has come.”
“You planned this all along? That’s why you decisively refused Prince Ning’s invitation through my cousin?” Mudan put down her chopsticks, resting her chin on her hand as she blinked at Jiang Changyang. “Our marriage was also part of this plan, wasn’t it?”
“Prince Ning’s gentle and filial nature wasn’t entirely an act. He was indeed somewhat weak and sentimental. The Xiao family supports him now but will control him in the future. This kingdom is neither named Wang nor Qin.” Jiang Changyang glanced at Mudan, boldly answering her second question, “As for us if I had married Xiao Xuexi, could he trust me? Or my foster father? But just because of that, he wouldn’t agree to our marriage. There were other suitable candidates besides Xiao Xuexi, so ultimately, it was because of my efforts.”
“Smack!” Mudan playfully slapped his hand and glared at him, “Yes, you’re the best.” His words lightened her worries about Liu Chang’s promotion. However, she couldn’t help but think about what would happen to Li Xing in the future.
Jiang Changyang gently held her hand, smiling, “Don’t worry. If Liu Shu can keep rising, we can’t stop him. Either I keep suppressing him, or he remains under control. If he doesn’t provoke me, I won’t provoke him.”
Mudan replied, “Rest assured, given the chance, he will provoke us. He has done so several times already. It would be great if we could deal with him once and for all.” Liu Chang was the type who caused trouble if not disciplined.
So far, Liu Chang hasn’t gained any advantage over Jiang Changyang. He smiled silently, pleased with Mudan’s “us.” No matter how Liu Chang acted, he and Mudan were a team, and that unity was enviable. Jiang Changyang’s gaze lingered on Mudan. In the lamplight, she was stunning, her skin smooth and fair. Her once slightly thin frame had filled out attractively, warm and soft to the touch. Remembering the exquisite feel of her skin in the dark, his hand slowly moved up her arm, savoring the sensation.
Mudan shivered slightly at his touch, her thoughts drifting. When their eyes met, they were locked in a gaze. Jiang Changyang whispered, “Are you done eating? I’m a bit tired today and want to retire early.”
Since their mourning period ended, he often said he was tired and wanted to retire early, implying something more. However, Mudan didn’t want to conceive another child so soon and avoided taking medicine that could harm her body. She kept track of her safe days to manage their intimacy. Blushing slightly, she picked up her chopsticks, pretending to eat. “Not yet, I was listening to you. Aren’t you eating more?”
There was a soft noise at the door, and Shuer and Kuan’er exchanged whispers. Jiang Changyang withdrew his hand, “I’m done.” His hunger was for something else entirely, and he couldn’t wait to satisfy it.
Under his intense gaze, Mudan lost her appetite. She soon put down her chopsticks, instructed the servants to clear the table, and smiled at Jiang Changyang, “The weather is nice tonight, no wind. Let’s take the children for a walk in the garden to digest our food.”
Jiang Changyang reluctantly agreed, knowing he had no excuse to refuse. He left early in the morning and returned late, so he had to spend time with the children. They took the children for a walk in the garden. Jiang Changyang, distracted, repeatedly remarked that the children should be asleep by now. Mudan, amused, said, “When they’re having fun, they might not feel like sleeping.”
Jiang Changyang immediately replied, “That’s not good. They should sleep when it’s time.” Without waiting for Mudan’s response, he ordered the nursemaids to put the children to bed, leaving no room for negotiation. Walking back together, the atmosphere turned tense, both aware of their mutual desires. Once inside, Shuer and Kuan’er sensed the mood and quietly brought hot water before leaving without asking if they were needed.
The maidservants’ perceptiveness was somewhat embarrassing. Mudan, feeling both annoyed and shy, blamed Jiang Changyang, who she thought must have shown his desires plainly. Jiang Changyang, thick-skinned and finding her reaction endearing, let her pinch his eyelids, “Go ahead, pinch. Then help me wash up.”
Mudan retorted, “I help you wash? You should be helping me!” She regretted her words immediately, as he started undressing her while earnestly replying, “Alright, I’ll help you. Don’t be shy.”
Mudan quickly covered herself, pushing him away, “No, go wash yourself.”
“Together,” Jiang Changyang insisted, removing her outer robe and revealing her creamy shoulder, which he gently bit. Hearing her quickened breath, his gaze deepened. He guided her hand to touch him, his voice husky and commanding, “Help me wash.”
“Okay.” Mudan blushed and nodded almost imperceptibly. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. Blushing slightly, he handed her a water jug, his eyes bright.
Soon after the water began to flow, the sound of a hairpin hitting a porcelain pillow echoed softly, mingling with the sound of water, creating a continuous melody that lingered in the quiet night. Kuan’er and Shuer blushed, covered their ears with a quilt, and pretended it was the wind stirring the crystal curtain.