Dusk was one of the most beautiful times of a summer day. Crickets began their intermittent chirping in the nearby bushes. A gentle breeze rustled through the rice paddies, and the air was fresh and crisp. Riding horseback towards the setting sun was truly a delightful experience.
Mudan glanced to her side, where Jiang Changyang rode about two horse-lengths away, holding his reins at a leisurely pace. His vibrant sapphire blue half-sleeved robe and jet-black horse stood out strikingly against the fading sunlight, the deep blue evening sky, and the emerald green rice fields. The scene exuded an indescribable sense of harmony.
She hadn’t realized how well bright colors suited him. In Mudan’s memory, he had never worn such vivid hues before, always opting for gray, black, or dark blue. Those somber colors hadn’t diminished his presence; rather, they had accentuated his unique aura. People generally fall into three categories: those whose clothes overshadow their presence, those who rely on clothes to enhance their appearance, and those who outshine whatever they wear. In Mudan’s eyes, Jiang Changyang belonged to the last category. At this point, she was intensely curious about his true identity.
He was a friend of Pan Rong, an honored guest at the Minister’s mansion, dared to oppose the Princess, enjoyed the favor of the Prince of Fen, and now had crossed paths with the steward of Prince Ning’s estate. He owned a fine residence near Furong Garden and had an estate here. His skills in horsemanship, swordsmanship, and polo were all exceptional. Such an outstanding and passionate person should be famous if he is from a noble family. Yet, Lady Dou and others didn’t know who he was, even asking her for information. So, who exactly was he? Unfortunately, she couldn’t keep pressing him about his identity.
Mudan cleared her throat and began, “I feel terrible for always causing you trouble. I won’t keep thanking you, but please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything I can help you with.”
“Rest assured, I won’t be shy if I need anything,” Jiang Changyang replied with a slight smile, glancing at Mudan. She wore an orange-red Hu-style outfit today. Her waist was still slender, and though she had tanned slightly since their last polo match, she looked noticeably healthier and more robust. Her spirit was completely different now. The current Mudan was youthful and lively, a stark contrast to the frail noblewoman she had been before, who seemed as if a gust of wind might topple her. Indeed, grand households were places that slowly transformed the living into the lifeless.
Mudan smiled, and the conversation lulled. This was inevitable; they weren’t close, and they had little in common. He wasn’t talkative, and neither was Mudan the type to make small talk just to break the silence.
After riding in silence for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Jiang Changyang took the initiative: “How did you find the headache medicine you used last time?”
Mudan hesitated before answering vaguely, “It was fine. I haven’t had a headache since.”
Jiang Changyang continued, “That’s good. My mother used to suffer from terrible headaches that left her incapacitated. While this remedy isn’t the absolute best, it was carefully formulated. She now uses only this and hasn’t had an episode in a long time. Since it’s been effective for you, I’ll have some more sent over.”
Mudan had never actually taken the medicine. Her illness that day had been feigned, and she wasn’t in the habit of taking unfamiliar medicines. Moreover, she was wary of consuming black pills. Hearing that he wanted to send more, she quickly said, “That’s not necessary. I still have plenty left from last time.”
Jiang Changyang found her phrase “plenty left” childlike and smiled. “It’s just sitting idle at my place. It’s better to give it to someone who needs it. Don’t refuse; if you feel indebted, you can pay for the medicine.”
Mudan blushed and admitted, “Actually, I was pretending to be ill last time.”
Since she had feigned illness and hadn’t been sick since, she naturally hadn’t taken the medicine. Jiang Changyang was stunned momentarily, then laughed. “Well, never mind then. After all, medicine isn’t something to be taken lightly.”
Seeing that he wasn’t offended, Mudan relaxed and joked, “But if I do fall ill, I’ll certainly try the medicine.”
Behind her, Yuhe mumbled, “I’ve never heard anyone say they want to get sick.”
Mudan turned back to Yuhe with a radiant smile. “How could one fall ill just by saying so?” She knew that if Jiang Changyang and the others weren’t present, Yuhe would have likely spat twice and chided her for being reckless.
Yuhe was still displeased. “Even so, you shouldn’t say such things.”
Wu chimed in, “That’s right. It’s better not to have a chance to try that medicine at all.”
Jiang Changyang, however, laughed and said, “While that’s true, if you’re curious about the taste, you could try a little. At least then you’d know what it tastes like, more than others.”
Everyone smiled, and Mudan, surprised by his joke, replied, “I can’t refuse such kindness. I’ll try it when I get back. Next time we meet, if you ask me how the medicine you sent tastes—whether it’s bitter, sweet, or sour—I’ll be able to give you an answer.”
This playful exchange lightened the atmosphere between the two groups. Mudan took the opportunity to ask about the peonies he had shown her before, wondering if he had found a suitable gardener. Jiang Changyang replied, “A friend recommended someone who’s doing a great job. As for the Mudan seeds you wanted, I asked the other day, and they should be ready soon. I’ll have them sent over in a few days. Should I send them to your residence or the estate here?”
Mudan had planned to bring this up if he didn’t mention it, so she was pleased he remembered. “Whatever is convenient for you. There are people at both places.”
Jiang Changyang said, “I assume you want to plant them in the garden here? I often have people coming to the estate, so I’ll have them delivered directly here next time.”
As they spoke, the city gate came into view. In the distance, two riders were galloping towards the group. Wu quietly called out to Jiang Changyang, who turned to Mudan and said, “Regarding the river issue, you needn’t worry about it anymore. If anyone comes to cause trouble, just direct them to me.”
Although Mudan had no intention of doing so, she appreciated his goodwill and didn’t say much, only bidding him farewell. Jiang Changyang cupped his hands in salute, cracked his whip in the air, and quickly joined the two approaching riders. Instead of leaving immediately, they stood talking in low voices for a moment before moving on. The two riders glanced back at Mudan’s group before departing.
Yuhe remarked, “In this servant’s opinion, Master Jiang is truly kindhearted. With his help, that matter will be much simpler.”
The two men who had come to meet Jiang Changyang wore swords at their waists rather than ceremonial daggers, and their posture in the saddle was slightly different from ordinary men, more like soldiers. Mudan withdrew her gaze and said noncommittally, “Let’s hurry back. We can bathe and be just in time for dinner.”
After Mudan recounted the events to He Zhizhong, he remained silent for a moment, formulating his thoughts. Instead of sharing them directly, he asked, “Do you have any plans?”
Mudan had already considered the situation thoroughly. She calmly replied, “I think we should first inform Prince Ning’s household about this matter. Although Jiang Changyang is helping, his situation differs from ours. He can stand up because he has backing, which we lack. If someone is deliberately targeting me, they’ll find other ways to cause trouble, bypassing him. So, we need to address this issue fundamentally. There are many powerful figures in the area, and if we don’t handle this well, even if I manage to build the garden, I might not be able to keep it. We’d end up with nothing to show for our efforts. Therefore, I must face this myself and resolve it cleanly and effectively.”
He Zhizhong nodded in agreement. “What do you think is the best approach?”
Mudan glanced at Madam Cen, who was sitting nearby mending her cloak and said, “First, we should inquire about Steward Deng’s position and importance in Prince Ning’s household, his motivations, and his goals. Then, we should find a way to inform his superiors about this matter. Not as a formal complaint, but to apologize for my oversight in not informing them beforehand. However, I’m afraid we can’t avoid involving my cousin and his family in this.”
Seeing Madam Cen abruptly stop her work and look up sternly, Mudan quickly added with an apologetic smile, “They’ve always helped with such matters, and they’re in the right position to do so. Although we could certainly resolve this through other means, I fear they might misunderstand and think we’re deliberately bypassing them, seeking help from others behind their backs. They might see it as an affront, intentionally distancing ourselves from them, which would only worsen our relationship. Moreover, I mentioned my cousin in front of that person today, so he’s already involved.”
Madam Cen’s lips moved slightly, but she ultimately didn’t voice any objection. He Zhizhong asked with interest, “What if the steward isn’t acting on his own, but on orders from his superiors, targeting your land and property? After all, times have changed, and the reputation of that land being unlucky has faded. The area is now extremely valuable, and many covet it. You should know that while your cousin will help you both out of sentiment and duty, he’s still just the Chief Clerk of the Prince’s household. If someone claims it’s for the benefit of the Prince’s household, your cousin’s ability to help you may be limited, and there are things he can’t easily discuss with Prince Ning.”
This was natural. Just as everyone says a secretary is close to their leader and trusted, if someone tries to curry favor with the leader by targeting the secretary’s relatives’ interests, the secretary can’t directly complain to the leader, can they? Mudan had considered this and smiled, “If that’s the case, I certainly can’t put him in a difficult position. I’ll seek out others who can speak with Prince Ning. If one doesn’t work, there’s always another. Someone will be able to handle this matter. But I can still consult my cousin about the truth of the situation, who to ask for help, and how to proceed. As long as I’m careful, I don’t think he’ll make things difficult for me.”
He Zhizhong pressed further, “Let’s consider the worst-case scenario. What if he still refuses to help you, or happens to be unavailable when the situation becomes urgent? What will you do then? Who do you plan to approach?”
Mudan looked up with a slight smile, “I can’t let my estate be taken away for nothing. I’ll swallow my pride and seek help from anyone who might be able to assist—Lady Bai, Lady Dou, and if all else fails, I’ll go to Princess Kangcheng. Even if I’m not allowed past the gate, I’ll wait outside until I can see her. These are options to consider while there’s still a chance for a peaceful resolution. If none of these methods work, I’ll go to the government office and beat the drum to plead my case!”
He Zhizhong pressed even harder, “What if pleading your case doesn’t solve the problem? What if you must give up the estate no matter what? What will you do then? In other words, what if Prince Ning himself wants the estate?”
Mudan took a deep breath and replied seriously, “I won’t do anything drastic. Life is more important than property or pride. If I’m truly overpowered, I’ll give it to him. As long as I’m alive, I’ll have the chance to start over, to get what I want, to fulfill my wishes, to repay kindness, and to settle scores. But if I die, I truly lose everything, earning nothing more than a few sighs and sneers.”
“Good!” He Zhizhong slapped the table forcefully and smiled, “In that case, handle this matter as you see fit! Time is of the essence. Go see your cousin tomorrow and explain your troubles.”
Mudan hadn’t expected her father’s assessment to lead to this conclusion—he wouldn’t intervene, leaving her to handle it herself. But the thought of seeking help from Li Yuan… She tried to picture him, conjuring a vague image of a thin, middle-aged man with a perpetual smile and piercing eyes.
Previously, it wouldn’t have been a big deal to meet him alone, even though she hadn’t seen him since arriving here. But now, both he and Madam Cui were wary of her, fearing some impropriety between her and Li Xing. If she went to the Li household to find him, Madam Cui would likely give her the cold shoulder or make indirect remarks, making everyone uncomfortable. If she tried to intercept him elsewhere, they might think she was attempting some roundabout strategy, which would also be uncomfortable. It seemed there was no good option. Mudan instinctively balked, looking pitifully at Madam Cen.
Madam Cen gave her a serious look and said, “You’re not allowed to go find Li Xing!”
Mudan sat anxiously in He Zhizhong and Madam Cen’s room, tugging at her clothes and refusing to leave. He Zhizhong sat nearby, sipping tea and looking over accounts, amused by his daughter’s dilemma.
Madam Cen couldn’t bear to watch any longer and said, “Given the circumstances, you should accompany her this time.”
He Zhizhong finally looked at Mudan and said teasingly, “Just a moment ago, you were talking about shamelessly seeking help from others, but now that it’s real, you’re backing out? Is your own family harder to approach than strangers? Even if there’s been a misunderstanding, what of it? If you stand upright, what do you have to fear? You have us to rely on now, but if you didn’t, you’d still have to grit your teeth and take this step.
When people are pushed to the brink, they realize that face isn’t as important as survival. Of course, one shouldn’t abandon proper principles.” He kept one thought to himself: if people are prejudiced against you, avoiding them only confirms their bias. If it were him, he’d make a point of showing his best side. But he realized that in Mudan’s situation, a good impression alone might not change things, so he didn’t voice this thought.
Hearing there was hope, Mudan immediately cozied up to He Zhizhong, hugging his arm and coaxing, “Father, dear father, the first step is always the hardest. Please accompany me this time, and I’ll go by myself next time. I’m not familiar with Cousin, and if I try to intercept him and he gives me a cold reception, it would be embarrassing for me as a young woman.”
He Zhizhong lovingly tapped his daughter’s upturned nose, “You little rascal, of course, I’ll accompany you this time. But after this, you’ll truly have to rely on yourself.”
At Prince Ning’s residence, with the preparations for the Princess Consort’s burial items finally complete, Li Yuan, who had been run off his feet, finally had a moment to catch his breath. Due to the prolonged lack of proper rest, his legs and feet ached unbearably, making it difficult to stand or walk. A large blister had formed on the corner of his mouth, and several cracks had opened up on his lips due to internal heat. He looked utterly exhausted and disheveled. His subordinates urged him to go home and rest for the night, but he didn’t dare leave. Instead, he approached Prince Ning’s study and quietly asked the attendant An Ning standing outside, “How was His Highness’s food intake today? Has he taken his medicine?”
Before An Ning could answer, Prince Ning’s low, powerful voice came from within the study, “Yuan Chu, come in.”
Li Yuan quickly smoothed his robes and entered unhurriedly with lowered eyes. Just as he was about to bow, Prince Ning, seated behind his desk, raised his bloodshot eyes to look at him and said, “No need for formalities. Come and look at these few items.”
Li Yuan took a couple of steps forward and stood still. Looking up, he saw a golden basket with a pearl-inlaid golden box in front of Prince Ning. Inside were the golden pearl that Li Xing had bought and a pair of gold-mounted red jade arm rings. Beside it was a crystal-clear pillow carved and polished from a single piece of rock crystal. All were priceless treasures. After a moment’s thought, he understood why Prince Ning had called him, but he didn’t reveal this and simply said, “These are all rare and precious items.”
Prince Ning was silent for a moment before saying, “I plan to bury these items with the Princess Consort. The gold-mounted red jade arm rings were bestowed by the Empress, and the rock crystal pillow was a gift from Father Emperor at last year’s family banquet. They were all her favorite possessions in life.”
Li Yuan thought to himself that the Emperor had recently decreed against lavish burials. While it was understandable that Prince Ning, having lost his wife at a young age, would want to give her a grand burial, there was no need to enter these imperial gifts. However, he didn’t say this directly. Instead, he kept praising how virtuous, respectful, filial, and considerate Princess Qin had been. Listening to this, Prince Ning’s eyes reddened again. After a while, he sighed and said, “Enough. A Qin always thought of me and only wished for my well-being. How can I do something that would displease her? Have these put away? You mentioned the other day that the Thousand Flavors prepared for the Princess Consort were too extravagant. You can reduce that as you see fit, but there’s no need to keep the things she used regularly.”
Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and responded almost happily. Prince Ning glanced at him, noticing his sunken cheeks, bloodshot eyes with dark circles underneath, the large blister on the corner of his mouth, and the cracks on his lips—clear signs of exhaustion. He said kindly, “You’ve worked hard these past few days. I have no other urgent matters at the moment, so go home tonight and get some proper rest.”
Li Yuan replied, “Your Highness, please take care of your health.”
Prince Ning waved his hand wearily, signaling him to withdraw.
Li Yuan dragged his exhausted body out of Prince Ning’s residence and was about to mount his horse when he suddenly saw a palanquin flying towards him. Then the tall and stout He Zhizhong approached with a broad smile, “Brother-in-law, knowing you’re tired and can barely walk, I’ve prepared this especially for you. Get in.”
Li Yuan’s sharp eyes quickly scanned the area and spotted Mudan quietly holding a horse and watching him not far away. After a moment’s thought, he got into the palanquin without hesitation and said with a smile, “My dear brother-in-law knows how to take care of me. What’s this, taking the child out for some fresh air?”
He Zhizhong mounted his horse and rode alongside, laughing, “She’s far too busy to have time for leisurely outings. There’s a big problem with the garden she’s building, and she’s come specially to seek your help. We won’t take up too much of your time; we can talk as we go.”
As the palanquin left the gate of the Prince’s residence, Mudan hurried forward to greet Li Yuan respectfully. Li Yuan discreetly looked her over and smiled, “You look much healthier than before. Go ahead, what’s the matter?”
Seeing his attitude was fairly kind, Mudan carefully recounted the situation. Li Yuan stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes, and said, “I understand. Wait for my response tomorrow evening.”
He Zhizhong took the opportunity to ask, “Brother-in-law, do you know who this Jiang Changyang is? He’s helped Mudan several times, and we’re quite grateful.”
Li Yuan glanced at the father and daughter, noticing Mudan’s clear, expectant eyes waiting for his answer. He relaxed a bit and smiled slightly, “He seems to have some family connection to Duke Zhu. The exact nature of their relationship isn’t clear to others. But I imagine he’s not an insignificant person.”
Speaking of the famous general Duke Zhu of this dynasty, there was likely no one in the capital who didn’t know of him. He came from a fallen noble family and joined the army at a young age. At eighteen, he single-handedly killed over twenty enemies, gaining instant fame. After that, he participated in more than a hundred battles, large and small, each time fully demonstrating his bravery and wisdom. Add to that his merits in supporting the throne, and his typically low-key and steady demeanor, he had earned the Emperor’s trust and respect. If Jiang Changyang was indeed a close relative of his, it would explain his boldness in opposing people like Qinghua.
He Zhizhong didn’t press further and instead shifted to lighter topics. After leaving An Yi Ward, he instructed the palanquin bearers to take good care of Li Yuan on his way home, then led Mudan towards Silang’s spice shop in the East Market.