Zhang Wulang carefully examined his attire. While his clothes were fine, his hair was simply tied back in a ponytail – acceptable among friends but not for meeting others. He had no choice but to borrow a comb from Madam Cen’s room to fashion a simple bun, casually inserting a plain silver hairpin. He then went with He Zhizhong to meet Zhang Wulang.
Zhang Wulang sat in the main hall of the He residence, holding a teacup and openly surveying the decor. It was his first visit, and the furnishings weren’t as lavish as he and his brothers had speculated. Though not covered in gold and silver, he recognized the quality of the slightly worn furniture. The elaborate incense mountain made of agarwood particularly caught his eye as a rare treasure.
Silang and Dalang sat beside him. Noticing his interest in the incense mountain, they enthusiastically shared stories about their seafaring adventures buying spices. Though Zhang Wulang frequented Silang’s shop and was familiar with many spices, he struggled to follow some of the finer details. Still, he enjoyed the lively conversation.
The discussion only halted when Mudan entered with He Zhizhong. Zhang Wulang quickly glanced at the woman he’d been thinking of before formally greeting He Zhizhong. As he moved to greet Mudan as well, He Zhizhong stopped him with a laugh, saying, “No need for such formality, nephew. Please, sit and talk with us.”
Mudan curtsied and smiled, saying, “Brother Zhang Wu.”
Seeing her smile, Zhang Wulang felt as though a peony had suddenly bloomed before him. Unable to look away, he stared intently before forcing himself to respond seriously.
After everyone was seated, Silang explained, “Today, Mudan came to my shop and asked me to send workers to inquire about peonies at various temples and Taoist monasteries. When they returned, they all reported that this year’s autumn grafts had been bought at high prices. We couldn’t learn why, but when Zhang Wulang heard about this, he had his friends investigate and uncovered some useful information.”
Zhang Wulang’s heart fluttered as Mudan’s beautiful eyes turned to him. Clearing his throat, he said seriously, “Indeed. As it happens, one of my brothers is close with a monk at Shanguo Temple in Buzheng Ward. Yesterday, when he visited the monk, he overheard someone offering high prices for peony grafts and mentioning Mudan’s name.”
He looked directly at Mudan and continued, “Your frequent visits to temples and monasteries to buy peony grafts have become well-known. My brother noticed when your name was mentioned and followed the man. It turns out he visited many temples and monasteries, all offering high prices for valuable peony varieties.”
Mudan frowned and asked, “Brother Wu, do you know who this person is? What did he say?”
Zhang Wulang replied with a hint of pride, “My brother found it strange and followed him. He learned the man lives outside Guanghua Gate, surname Cao, given the name Wanrong. He has a peony garden and makes good money from it every spring. He was overheard saying they couldn’t let the He family buy all the good varieties, or else when she builds her garden, they’d be out of business.”
Mudan sighed in relief upon hearing it was Cao Wanrong. “So it’s him.” She had worried this might be related to the Fangyuan incident or involve a more formidable adversary. But if it was Cao Wanrong, whether he was simply competing for peony grafts or involved in both matters, he wasn’t particularly threatening.
Zhang Wulang rolled up his sleeves indignantly, saying, “Has he wronged you before, Mudan? He’s opposing you on purpose! How can a grown man compete with a delicate young woman over this? He’s no real man! Let me go teach him a lesson and see if he dares to do this again!”
Mudan smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Brother Wu. But rivalry between those in the same trade is normal. He’s not stealing or robbing, just buying at high prices before me. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that.”
Zhang Wulang realized Mudan likely disapproved of resorting to violence and blushed slightly, fidgeting with his teacup.
Dalang furrowed his brow, “I’m just puzzled how Cao Wanrong knew Mudan plans to build a garden. He’s acting as if her unbuilt garden is already threatening his livelihood. Isn’t he being overly cautious?”
Mudan explained, “Big Brother hasn’t met him. He’s indeed very shrewd. He once tried to compete with me for a peony and somehow found out who I was. When Brother Wu, my Sister-in-law, and I visited his garden, we happened to meet him. He tried to get close, wanting me to sell flowers to him. When I refused, he suggested an exchange. But Sister-in-law wasn’t feeling well, so we had to leave quickly. I told him we’d discuss it another time, and he nearly lost his temper.”
She continued, “I’ve been frequently visiting temples and monasteries lately, inquiring about good varieties and paying deposits for grafts. As someone in the business, he’s always paying attention to such news. How could he not notice? Considering our family is in trade, it’s not hard for him to guess I might be planning to build a peony garden. Since he’s ambitious in this field, of course, he’d take action.”
He Zhizhong, recalling Mudan’s previous mention of Cao Wanrong’s attempt to buy peonies, said, “That’s understandable. We’re all in business, and that’s how it goes. But since this man seems ill-tempered, Mudan, you should be more careful when going out in the future.” He then asked Mudan to thank Zhang Wulang and turned to him with a smile, “Would you like to stay for a meal, Wulang? We could have a drink together.”
Zhang Wulang reluctantly tore his gaze from Mudan’s retreating figure and smiled, “I don’t want to impose, Uncle He.”
He Zhizhong laughed, “No need for such formality!” He ordered the servants to prepare a feast and invited Zhang Wulang to join them, asking, “I heard you opened a rice shop recently. How’s business?”
Zhang Wulang blushed and stammered, “I’m not cut out for business. It’s already closed.”
He Zhizhong responded with an “Oh,” realizing Zhang Wulang had likely returned to his old ways. Stroking his beard, he suggested, “If you want to make a name for yourself, why not join the army?” Noticing Zhang Wulang’s lack of interest, he added, “Or do you have other plans?”
Zhang Wulang, his palms sweating, quickly replied, “I’m still considering what to do.” Recently, he had been leading his brothers to various venues, taking a cut for providing security, and even tried raising fighting cocks. His life had become more comfortable and profitable, though he constantly longed to see Mudan.
He Zhizhong didn’t press further, only saying, “Actually, in business, newcomers often need guidance.”
Hearing this, Zhang Wulang looked up at He Zhizhong, who met his gaze openly and raised his cup with a smile. “You know, Mudan is naturally restless and always wants to do something. We can’t always be with her. You know many gallant men, so I hope you can help spread the word to ensure she isn’t bullied. My sons and I would be very grateful.”
Zhang Wulang swallowed hard, frowning in thought for a moment before standing up. “Uncle, don’t worry. Silang and I have been good friends for years, and Mudan is like a little sister to me. I’ll do my best to look after her. As for business…” He paused briefly. “I don’t think I’m cut out for it. But I can still provide for my family.”
He Zhizhong was surprised by his refusal but noticed Zhang Wulang’s apparent displeasure. Realizing he might have understood his intentions, He Zhizhong changed the subject. Silang and Dalang tactfully came forward to toast Zhang Wulang, addressing him as a brother and drinking together until his mood improved. Then they had someone escort him home.
Dalang asked He Zhizhong, “Father, were you thinking of bringing him into the maritime trade?”
He Zhizhong replied calmly, “He’s not someone we want to offend. He’s helped Mudan twice, and who knows when he might be of help to our family again. I can’t give him what he wants, but I can offer him a chance to make money. One more person on the ship wouldn’t make a difference. If he had the courage, I’d take him to sea. If he’s lucky and makes money, he’d deserve it. But he’s too proud and won’t come with me.”
Silang, returning from seeing Zhang Wulang off, heard this and asked, “Father, you’re talking about Zhang Wulang?”
He Zhizhong sighed, “I’ve noticed how he looks at Mudan. But I can’t bear to give her to him, and I doubt Mudan would want that either.” He thought to himself about Zhang Wulang’s lack of a proper job and his reputation for causing trouble in the markets with his group.
Silang smiled, “He’s not tactless, just a bit bold and straightforward. But he hasn’t done anything inappropriate. Besides, he’s never mentioned anything about it. I think he understood your meaning tonight and won’t act rashly.”
He Zhizhong replied, “He is indeed honest and straightforward, but he’s not suitable for Mudan. Beauty fades quickly.” He reflected on the difficulties of raising a daughter – worrying when she’s not watched over, and even more so when unsuitable men, or too many men, take an interest in her.
Mudan, unaware of He Zhizhong’s maneuvering, rested well that night. Early the next morning, she sent Feng Daniang and Yuhe, along with two strong servants carrying gifts, to visit the neighbors of Fangyuan according to the list she had prepared.