The vendor shook his head, “I don’t know. It’s certainly not in the Lotus Garden. You might want to ask around near Qujiang Pool.”
The Lotus Garden was an imperial garden. The imperial family had built a walled passage from Xingqing Palace south to the Lotus Garden, allowing the emperor to visit the garden unnoticed. Nobles couldn’t enter without an imperial summons, let alone commoners.
Qujiang Pool was different. It was a public recreational area, bordering Purple Cloud Tower and Lotus Garden to the south, with Apricot Garden and Ci’en Temple to the west. Flowers bloomed everywhere, the water sparkled, and countless willow trees lined the shore, with lotus flowers filling the air with fragrance. During the Zhonghe Festival and the Shangsi Festival, it was packed with people, a favorite spot for both officials and commoners to enjoy spring outings. Even the civil service examination celebratory banquets were held here, with noble families turning out in full force to select potential sons-in-law.
There were many secluded spots nearby, but most were private temples built by officials. Having a residence here was like owning a villa by West Lake in modern times – stepping out of your door into a scenic area, the envy of all.
The eldest young master He was confused. He scratched his head and asked Mudan, “Danniang, are you sure he didn’t misspeak? Near the Lotus Garden is, and near Qujiang Pool is. Was he being deliberately vague? Could it be that he didn’t want to tell Princess Qinghua his real address because he found her troublesome, so he gave an ambiguous answer?”
Mudan also wondered if this might be the case. After all, someone like Princess Qinghua was more trouble than she was worth, even worse than the clingy Liu family. If it were her, she’d probably hesitate before giving out her real address too. Even if she wasn’t afraid for herself, she wouldn’t want to bring trouble to her family.
However, He Zhizhong said, “Someone brave enough to rescue a stranger, injure a horse, and face the consequences head-on wouldn’t be the type to hide. If he said it’s near both Qujiang Pool and Lotus Garden, it must be between the two. This cart vendor selling steamed Hu-style flatbread probably doesn’t live in this area, so he might not know exactly.”
“Doesn’t Qujiang Pool connect to the Lotus Pool inside Lotus Garden? If we head in that direction, we’re bound to find out more information.”
The eldest young master He suddenly slapped his forehead and laughed, “That’s right! It must be there. A few years ago during the Shangsi Festival, my second brother and I heard that poem leaves would float out from the canal. We went there specifically to see the excitement. I remember there were a few residences there.”
Did they think they’d find poems released by lonely beauties to pass the time? Her brothers could be quite amusing. Mudan laughed out loud and looked at her eldest brother teasingly, “Poem leaves floating in the canal? I wonder if my eldest and second sisters-in-law know about this?”
The eldest young master He belatedly realized his slip and blushed slightly, “It was all a hoax! We fished around for ages and only found plenty of flower petals and rotten leaves.” Seeing Yuhe, Kuan’er, and his own servants covering their mouths to hide their laughter, he felt embarrassed and said to Mudan, “Next spring during the celebratory banquet, I’ll take you to see the excitement.”
He meant to see if there were any newly successful examination candidates worth considering, and to pick out a son-in-law. Mudan smiled openly, “Forget it. Even if we approve of someone, they might not choose us. And even if they approve of me, I might not approve of them.” The social reality was that successful examination candidates were waiting to be chosen by the powerful and wealthy for a meteoric rise. Who would want to marry a merchant’s daughter? It would be an exception. So she had never set her heart on this. Rather than trying everything to marry into an official’s family, it was better to find an ambitious young man, make a fortune together, travel to famous mountains and great rivers, have children, and raise their own successful examination candidate. That seemed more realistic.
The eldest young master He realized she was right but felt he had said the wrong thing, stirring up Mudan’s painful memories. Unable to speak for a moment, he tried to think of how to make up for his mistake. “Danniang, shall I teach you how to identify jewelry?”
Mudan sighed and playfully spread her hands, “The other day, Fourth Brother also said he’d teach me about incense, and Second Brother wanted to teach me how to blend fragrances. But what if I’m not interested in any of that? I just need to know the basics. I’d rather grow my flowers.”
He Zhizhong, who had been listening to the siblings’ banter, finally spoke up, “Danniang wants to establish a female-headed household. Find some time to help her sort that out soon. Then inquire about good land, buy some, and build her an estate. If she likes growing flowers, let her do that for fun, but have her live at home most of the time.”
The eldest young master He was shocked, his first thought being that the women at home had mistreated Mudan. He Zhizhong calmly said, “This is for the best. You’ll all have to divide the family eventually. I’m getting old too. Whenever your mother and I find it too noisy, we can go stay at the estate to relax.”
Talking about dividing the family made the eldest young master He very sad. His eyes reddened as he said, “Father, what are you saying? It’s strange to talk about such things now. It makes me feel awful.”
The eldest young master He had always been honest and kind. He Zhizhong sighed, “Of course we won’t divide while I’m alive. But if I die, I won’t speak for the second, fourth, and fifth sons. The third and sixth sons have different mothers, so they’ll likely want to split off and live independently. You and your wife are honest and often get the short end of the stick. Since we’re talking about this today, I’m telling you to take good care of your mother and sister in the future. When your brothers are in trouble, give them a hand.”
The eldest young master He was devastated but knew his father was right. Mudan quickly said, “Elder Brother, look, could that be the place?”
They saw several small, exquisite residences near Lotus Garden by Qujiang Pool. One had pink walls and blue-green tiles, with a low courtyard wall. Roses peeked over the wall, colorful butterflies fluttered about, presenting a flourishing scene that caught the eye. However, there were no passersby outside, and it was very quiet. The eldest young master He had someone knock on the door to ask for directions. The doorkeeper looked at the group in surprise, noting that while they were dressed elegantly, they didn’t seem exceptionally wealthy. He said, “This is indeed my young master’s residence. May I ask who you are?”
Mudan finally understood why Jiang Changyang had said they could easily find the place – his home was the first one they’d encounter. Looking at the garden, it didn’t seem like a formal family residence but rather an elegant retreat, which didn’t quite match her impression of Jiang Changyang. But then she remembered his impulse to buy flowers for his mother and realized it made sense. His mother must be someone who loved life and enjoyed tending to flowers and plants.
The eldest young master He explained their purpose, and the doorkeeper said, “My young master invites the honored guests in, but he currently has a visitor. Please wait a moment while I go inform him.”
After about half a cup of tea’s time, the doorkeeper returned to lead them in. As they entered, Mudan realized how truly elegant the place was. Tall trees and lush flowers lined deep, secluded paths. The main courtyard was paved with Wukang stone blocks, creating a clean and beautiful surface, while the paths between flowers were laid with gravel that had grown moss, giving an antique feel. As they walked, they could hear clear, melodious birdsong. They made their way to the main hall without encountering a single servant aside from their guide. Mudan estimated the residence to be at least several decades old.
The main hall was simply but not plainly furnished. Although the furniture was slightly old, the materials and craftsmanship were exquisite. A particularly eye-catching six-panel silver-inlaid folding screen depicted butterflies resting on pinks. A young servant in blue attended to them, inviting them to sit and serving tea with enthusiasm. He smiled and said, “Please forgive us. Our young master will be here shortly.”
Moments later, Jiang Changyang hurried in from outside. After exchanging greetings with everyone, he apologized, “I’m terribly sorry to have kept you waiting. An old friend was visiting, which delayed me a bit.”
He Zhizhong chatted with him briefly, explained their purpose, and had someone present the exquisite agarwood incense mountain. He said, “This small token cannot compare to the great kindness you showed in saving my daughter’s life. Our family made this ourselves. Please don’t look down on it and keep it as a plaything.”
It was fashionable at the time to use incense. Anyone of status would scent their clothes, burn incense where they sat or slept, and carry fragrant sachets when they went out. Knowing the rarity and value of incense mountains, anyone with money and status would try to obtain one as a refined decoration. However, incense quality varied, as did the prices. The He family’s incense mountain, unlike some made from small pieces of agarwood piled together, was carved from a single piece – definitely not an ordinary item. As soon as He Zhizhong opened the box, the room filled with fragrance.
Jiang Changyang took one look and solemnly declined, “I dare not accept such a gift.”
He Zhizhong was surprised, “Does the young master not like it?” This incense mountain was second only to the one displayed in their own main hall. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to use it as a thank-you gift. Looking at the furnishings in Jiang Changyang’s room, he knew Jiang wasn’t someone who couldn’t appreciate its value. He had thought such an elegant item wouldn’t be refused, but to his surprise, Jiang didn’t want it.
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “How could I not appreciate such a precious and elegant item? But when I see injustice, I should lend a hand if I can. If I had been unable to help, that would have been that. But since I could, of course I had to step in. If I accepted your gift now, I wouldn’t be able to face myself afterward.”
He Zhizhong tried to persuade him, but seeing Jiang’s firm refusal, he said seriously, “Although I’m a merchant, I’ve always been clear about debts of gratitude in my life. Your kindness in saving a life can’t be repaid with just a small incense mountain. If you truly won’t accept it, I won’t force you. But remember this: if you ever need anything in the future, please come to our store and ask. Whatever you request, we’ll do our best to fulfill.”
This put Jiang Changyang in a difficult position. After some thought, he looked at Mudan and said, “If you really want to thank me, perhaps Miss He could help me take care of a few peony plants? My mother loves flowers, and I bought some nice specimens for her on this trip. Unfortunately, it’s a long journey home, and I don’t trust others to deliver them safely. I have to keep them here, but my servants are clumsy and managed to kill one plant in just half a month. It’s such a shame.”
Mudan agreed without hesitation, “Certainly.”