HomeFlourished PeonyChapter 86: Awaiting the East Wind

Chapter 86: Awaiting the East Wind

Seeing Li Xing change the subject, Mudan relaxed slightly and said, “I bought an estate with over an acre of land by the Yellow Canal. I plan to build a garden there and grow peonies – just like Cao did. I’ve asked a skilled gardener to bring me here to seek his advice and help design the garden.”

Li Xing noticed her eyes light up as she spoke about this, her earlier caution replaced by obvious enthusiasm. He smiled and asked, “So, have you made the request?”

Mudan replied with a laugh, “Master Fuyuan is very approachable. He looked at my rough sketch without any hint of mockery. He’ll visit the site tomorrow and then draw up plans. Once it’s ready, I’ll invite all of you to come and enjoy it.”

Li Xing responded meaningfully, “I look forward to it.” He then asked Mudan what name she’d chosen for the garden.

Embarrassed to admit it was simply called “Mudan Garden,” Mudan improvised, “It’s called Fang Yuan (Fragrant Garden).”

Li Xing chuckled, “Of all fragrant flowers, the peony reigns supreme – quite fitting indeed.”

Mudan blinked, slightly flustered, and changed the subject, “The abbot just told me the peonies here are growing nicely. I should take a look.” She bent down to examine the peony plants, noting the abundance of new shoots at the base. She decided she must buy some of these shoots for grafting in autumn.

As Li Xing watched her inspect the peonies, he suddenly said, “Did you know? Princess Qinghua has awakened. The day before yesterday, the imperial decree for her marriage was officially issued.”

Mudan frowned, “Is her injury no longer a concern?” Surely the imperial family wouldn’t force her on Liu Chang if she were paralyzed? If so, Liu Chengcai’s position as a minister would lose all face, with his only heir being saddled with such an unsuitable daughter-in-law. Even for imperial relatives, there should be some standards.

Li Xing smiled, “I hear there’s no major issue. At worst, she might walk with a slight limp.”

Mudan laughed unkindly, “What do you mean by a slight limp’…”

Suddenly, Yuhe softly called out, “My lady.” They both turned to see Madam Cen approaching with a displeased expression, accompanied by Madam Feng.

Li Xing reacted quickly, walking over to Madam Cen and greeting her respectfully, “Aunt, I hope you are well. I came here with Prince Ning to offer alms at the hospital. Hearing there were Huating cranes, I came to see them and happened upon cousin Mudan. I was about to pay my respects to you but heard you were discussing important matters with Master Huisheng, so I thought I’d wait until later.”

Madam Cen glanced at Li Xing and Mudan, seeing how well-matched they appeared. If only… Though she didn’t entirely believe Li Xing’s explanation, she wasn’t one to make baseless accusations. She sighed inwardly before asking pleasantly, “What were you discussing?”

Seeing Madam Cen’s frown disappear, Mudan relaxed and smiled, “We were just talking about how Princess Qinghua has finally gotten her wish to marry into the Liu family.”

Noticing Mudan’s casual demeanor, Madam Cen realized she had truly put the past behind her. She smiled, “Tell me more about it.”

Li Xing responded with a “Yes” and began recounting the details.

When Princess Qinghua first awoke, she didn’t cry or make a scene. Instead, as soon as she learned she was conscious, she called for Liu Chang in front of all the visitors from the Wei Prince’s household and the palace. She pulled Liu Chang close by his collar and, in front of everyone, demanded to know if he would reject or abandon her if she were paralyzed.

Although their engagement hadn’t been officially confirmed, making “breaking off the engagement” a moot point, Liu Chang still answered emotionlessly in public, “I won’t.” As a result, Liu Chang’s reputation soared in the following days, transforming him into a paragon of loyalty and righteousness. Consequently, before the imperial decree of marriage was issued, Liu Chang smoothly obtained a position as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, with a rank of Junior Grade of the Sixth Rank. Of course, there were also discordant voices, claiming that Liu Chengcai and his son were willing to disregard everything for the sake of gaining imperial favor.

Madam Cen let out a cold laugh, “Well, isn’t this a happy ending for all? Let’s hope their family enjoys the good life they’ve been longing for from now on.”

Mudan simply smiled, taking Madam Cen’s arm as they walked out, “The other ladies are waiting. I also want to inquire about who’s in charge of these peonies in the temple. I’d like to arrange in advance to get some of these shoots for grafting in autumn.”

Before Madam Cen could respond, Li Xing said, “That’s easy enough. Just speak with Master Huisheng.” He then bid farewell to Madam Cen and Mudan, “I have other matters to attend to and can’t accompany you, Aunt. I’ll go speak with Master Huisheng briefly, then I must leave. I won’t go to greet the other ladies at the front.”

Madam Cen thought to herself that with so many people around if Li Xing were to go to the front with Mudan, her daughters-in-law might say something thoughtless, which would be awkward. So she said, “Xing’er, go about your business. Don’t worry about us; we’ll seek out Master Huisheng ourselves. When you have time, come visit us at home. Your uncle and cousins miss you.”

Li Xing smiled slightly, not insisting on finding Huisheng for Mudan. He clasped his hands and left.

Madam Cen then sent a young novice to fetch Master Huisheng and explained Mudan’s request. The fat monk agreed without hesitation, “That’s no trouble at all. However, our temple’s peonies are famous, and many people have their eyes on them. We can’t give away too many. At most, we can spare four shoots. I hope the lady benefactor understands.”

He didn’t mention any payment. Although Mudan guessed that the He family’s donations to the temple were substantial and they likely wouldn’t refuse, she had only expected one or two shoots at most. Hearing him offer four shots at once, she was overjoyed and didn’t even think to ask for more. She thanked him happily and went to join Madam Xue and the others.

Seeing that it was still early, Mudan was in no hurry to return home. She pleaded with Madam Cen, “I’d like to visit other temples and Taoist shrines to see if they have similar peonies and tree peonies. I want to make arrangements in advance to avoid the rush when it’s time to buy.”

Madam Cen, being older, was already tired from the half-day outing. She roughly calculated that there were over a hundred Buddhist temples and dozens of Taoist shrines in the capital. If Mudan were to visit them all, how long would that take? She said, “I don’t have the energy to accompany you. See if any of your sisters-in-law are free to go with you, and take a few more people along.”

Before Mudan could speak, Sixth Young Master’s wife, Madam Sun, smiled and said, “I’m the most idle at home. If Mudan doesn’t mind my chatter, I’d be happy to accompany her.”

Madam Sun, being childless and the youngest, indeed had the least responsibilities at home and was most suitable. After a brief contemplation, Madam Cen left Madam Feng and several strong servants with them, instructing the two to be careful and the servants to attend to them diligently. Then she let them go on their temple-visiting expedition.

While Mudan went about seeking famous peony and tree peony varieties, Li Xing hurriedly parted from Mudan and the others, finding his waiting attendants Luoshan and Cangshan in a hidden spot. Master and servants left Fashou Temple together, heading towards their shop. They had barely sat down in the shop when someone came rushing in with news that Prince Ning’s consort had gone into labor.

Li Xing stood up nervously. In the past, he wouldn’t have been so concerned; childbirth was childbirth, and at most he would have sent someone home to inform them early and have Madam Cui prepare congratulatory gifts. But now, because he is concerned for that person and that matter, he fervently hoped that Prince Ning’s consort would have a safe and smooth delivery, preferably giving birth to the first son. If Prince Ning was in high spirits, he could then present those few achievements, and the effect would be twice as good as usual.

As evening approached and the market-closing gong had already sounded, there was still no news from Prince Ning’s mansion. Li Xing anxiously ordered his people to tidy up the shop’s affairs and rode home.

Madam Cui had already heard about Prince Ning’s consort going into labor and was reviewing the congratulatory gifts with Li Manniang. They also discussed the consort, Lady Qin: “Sister, have I told you about this Lady Qin before? She’s truly a heavenly beauty, not only gorgeous and dignified but also kind-hearted and approachable, without any of the arrogance of the Five Noble Families. Most remarkably, she’s an excellent painter and pipa player, with first-rate talent. Not only does Prince Ning respect and love her, but even the Empress in the palace shows her much consideration. Speaking of fortune, it’s not by chance – she was born the legitimate daughter of the Qin family, became a prince’s consort, and within half a year of her grand wedding, she was with child. If this child is a boy, her future will surely be even more splendid.”

Li Manniang smiled as she listened to her sister-in-law’s words, picking up a small blanket that Madam Cui had meticulously made. She said, “Although this is exquisitely made, I’m afraid the prince’s household won’t use it. In my opinion, you’d be better off sending a few auspicious trinkets. Their fathers both serve in Prince Ning’s household, and everything they do is under scrutiny. There’s no need for you to go to such lengths.” It wasn’t just about the effort; the real issue was that such gifts wouldn’t be appreciated. As for these small clothes and blankets, they all had specific designs and were always made by specialized palace servants. How could they use these? But she couldn’t say this directly to Madam Cui.

However, Madam Cui wasn’t foolish. She immediately understood Li Manniang’s meaning but disagreed, smiling proudly, “Sister, you don’t know, but this is why I say the consort is approachable. She specifically requested this from me. Previously, when we went to congratulate her on her birthday, she happened to see a cloak I made for Deputy Minister Deng’s little daughter and liked it very much. She specially asked me to do this. It’s just a gesture of my sincerity; whether she uses it or not is another matter.”

Knowing that her sister-in-law took the most pride in her embroidery skills, and since Prince Ning’s consort seemed intent on cultivating relationships with the officials’ wives, Li Manniang decided not to interfere further. Seeing Madam Cui in good spirits, she changed the subject, “Today when I visited Madam Dou, guess who I met? The wife and daughter of Remonstrance Official Qi Changlin.”

Madam Cui frowned, taking a moment to recall who Qi Yuzhu was. She smiled dismissively, “How was she? Is she anything like that vicious aunt of hers?”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Chapter