Liu Chengcai stared at Mudan’s moving lips, catching only two key phrases: “imperial marriage decree” and “divorce papers.” While he had anticipated Princess Kangcheng’s involvement and accounted for it in his plans, he never expected the crucial step to be ruined by his own family – he had severely underestimated Liu Chang. This critical misstep led to a cascade of errors, leaving him unprepared and backed into a corner with no way out.
The incident with Princess Qinghua was dangerous if taken seriously. If ignored, it could be dismissed as a frivolous affair. But if pursued, it would be an insult to the imperial family – a serious crime. He’d need to prepare contingencies tonight. With this in mind, Liu Chengcai set aside Mudan’s rudeness and said gravely, “Come with me.”
Seeing his solemn expression, Mudan grew increasingly worried, fearing the worst had already happened. She glanced back at Jiang Changyang, bowing slightly. She had memorized his address, intending to thank him properly another day. Unexpectedly, Jiang approached his friends, saying, “Madam He, your family hasn’t arrived yet. It’s late, and it’s unwise for you to be alone. We’ll wait outside. If you need anything, just call out.”
With them waiting outside, Liu Chengcai couldn’t attempt any tricks, no matter how cunning he might be. Mudan felt greatly relieved and grateful. She bowed silently to the group before following Liu Chengcai into the viewing pavilion.
The interior had changed. All the curtains were drawn, obscuring the view. The pavilion’s owners huddled in a corner, the women looking distressed. Li Xing’s friend kept fearfully glancing at Liu Chengcai.
Mudan glared at him in disgust, spitting viciously. She suspected he was involved, despising those who aided villains and betrayed friends through dishonorable means.
“Sister-in-law,” a gentle voice called. Mudan noticed Qi Yuzhu leaning on a maid, peeking timidly from behind a curtain. Yuzhu wore two gold hairpins with jeweled flowers, a scarlet eight-panel silk skirt with golden embroidery glinting in the lamplight, and a sheer blue robe over a teal bodice that accentuated her jade-like skin and autumn-pool eyes. She exuded an air of bashful beauty.
She had dressed up meticulously. Recalling Liu Chang’s words about strengthening family ties, Mudan felt nauseated. No matter how beautiful Yuzhu was, to Mudan she now seemed as repulsive as a blowfly. “Miss Qi, please don’t address me so familiarly. I don’t deserve it,” Mudan said coolly.
Yuzhu looked hurt but persisted, “Then what should I call you?”
Annoyed by her innocent act after what had transpired, Mudan ignored her and addressed Liu Chengcai directly: “Lord Liu, where is my cousin?”
Liu Chengcai’s eyes darted between Mudan and Yuzhu before he chuckled, “Mudan, your attitude is unacceptable. Even if we can’t be family, there’s no need for such hostility. Although Zishu wronged you, haven’t I always treated you generously? Yuzhu is a good girl – why hurt her like this? Yuzhu, if not sister-in-law, then call her elder sister.”
Understanding Liu Chengcai’s intention, Yuzhu’s face lit up as she chirped, “Elder sister…”
Mudan ignored her, glaring fiercely before shouting, “Luoshan, where are you?” She yanked open a curtain to peer inside. Li Xing lay motionless on a couch, his clothes neat. Luoshan crouched at his feet, eyes swollen from crying. Seeing Mudan, he wailed, “The young master is dying! I can’t go on without him!” He pointed angrily at Yuzhu, “Liu Zishu hacked at the young master with a sword, and she smashed his head with a porcelain pillow! They wanted to kill him!”
Mudan had felt relieved seeing Li Xing’s tidy appearance, but Luoshan’s outburst startled her. She turned to glare coldly at Liu Chengcai and Yuzhu. Yuzhu hastily explained, “Elder sister, don’t misunderstand! He’s just very drunk – he’ll be fine by tomorrow, truly. Luoshan is confused and speaking nonsense.” Her face flushed as she spoke.
The situation didn’t seem to match Luoshan’s claims. Mudan frowned, scolding him, “You useless thing! Your master is drunk and you can’t even give him some tea? All you do is cry!” She looked around, spotting tea on a table. As she moved to pour it, Liu Chengcai strode over with a dark expression, ordering, “Yuzhu, you pour it.”
Yuzhu quickly approached, reaching for the teapot in Mudan’s hands. “Sister-in-law, let me.”
Mudan held the pot firmly, staring at Yuzhu. “No need to trouble yourself, Miss Qi. Please let go.”
Sensing Mudan’s hostility, Yuzhu withdrew her hand awkwardly, glancing at Liu Chengcai. His face darkened further as he said, “Mudan, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. Be a witness to today’s events.”
Alarmed, Mudan protested loudly, “Witness what? Your assault on my cousin, leaving him half-dead and unconscious? No need for witnesses – we’ll report this to the Metropolitan Court and let them judge!”
Before she finished, Jiang Changyang called from outside, “Madam He, is everything alright? Do you need assistance?”
Liu Chengcai’s expression soured as he chuckled coldly, “Mudan if you’re wise, heed my advice. It’s best not to involve outsiders. What’s the point of bringing them in? They’ll just be spectators. If I wish, I have plenty of willing witnesses already.” He glanced meaningfully at the men and women huddled in the corner.
Mudan turned to Yuzhu, speaking earnestly, “Qi Yuzhu, this is a lifelong decision. You can’t be forced. Surely you don’t want to end up like me?”
Yuzhu paled, her coy demeanor vanishing. She clutched her handkerchief, looking panicked as she glanced between Mudan and the unconscious Li Xing. Mudan pressed on, “Do you know what it’s like to live without your husband’s respect, to be looked down upon? It’s a living death. Are you certain you want this?”
Seeing Yuzhu waver, Liu Chengcai barked harshly, “Things have gone too far for second thoughts! Did you consider any of this when you followed that scoundrel here?” His tone implied she had no choice in the matter now.
Yuzhu looked fearfully at Liu Chengcai, her eyes reddening with indecision.
Seeing her fear, Liu Chengcai softened his voice, “There, there, child. Don’t be afraid. Your uncle will take care of everything. Just be good and wait – you won’t have to do anything. I’ll send for your aunt and parents right away.”
Tears welled in Yuzhu’s eyes as she whispered, “He told me to knock him unconscious. He surely doesn’t want this either. He’ll look down on me. Uncle, I don’t want this. We didn’t do anything…”
Mudan gave Yuzhu an approving look, coaxing, “Would you dare repeat that to my friends outside? Ask them to witness. My cousin would be grateful to you for life.”
Yuzhu hesitated again. Her earlier words had been spoken in desperation – how could she repeat such things to strangers? Liu Chengcai ignored her entirely, ordering someone, “Quickly, bring my wife and the girl’s parents!”
Mudan urged, “Qi Yuzhu, think carefully. My cousin hates and despises those who conspire to frame him above all else.”
Yuzhu panicked, at a complete loss.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. The pavilion’s curtains were slashed to ribbons as seven or eight men burst in. They wore brocade robes with floral patterns and red headbands, their ages ranging from teens to thirties, all unshaven. They surrounded the area, glaring coldly at Liu Chengcai, their swords glinting ominously in the lamplight.
Liu Chengcai saw his men sprawled about while Jiang Changyang’s group watched from the sidelines. Enraged, he shouted, “Who are you? Do you dare commit violence in broad daylight? I am a third-rank official of the current dynasty!”
“Impersonating a third-rank official?” The oldest man sneered, effortlessly slicing through a thick pine support beam. “With your sorry appearance, you dare pretend to be a high-ranking official in the capital? Do you think we border soldiers don’t know better? Look at his clothes, brothers – he’s no official. Let’s apprehend this old criminal for the Metropolitan Court!”
The group roared in agreement and sprang into action. One restrained Liu Chengcai while others lifted Li Xing and dealt with Liu’s servants. They moved swiftly and efficiently, fierce but not brutal. Mudan watched in astonishment, wondering who these men were. Suddenly, she heard a voice from the crowd: “Mudan, come quickly!” It was He Erlang and He Dalang, waving to her.
Seeing Luoshan still dazed, Mudan grabbed him and ran to join her cousins. By the time they reunited, the mysterious group had finished their operation, tossing Li Xing onto a horse and vanishing without a trace. In the ransacked pavilion, Liu Chengcai stood supported by Yuzhu, his goatee quivering and face ashen – shocked and furious beyond words.
“Are you alright?” Dalang asked Mudan. Once assured of her safety, Erlang explained quietly, “They’re Li Xing’s cousins, recently returned from Youzhou. We thought rescuing him first was the best option.”
Relieved, Mudan looked towards Jiang Changyang, intending to thank him with her cousins. But Jiang had already nodded to her and was leaving with his friends.
“Shall we head home? Father and the others must be worried sick,” Mudan said. She glanced at the tearful Yuzhu and the trembling Liu Chengcai before taking Dalang and Erlang’s arms. Calling to the still-bewildered Luoshan, they quickly departed.