On this day, Mudan pushed the boundaries of her boldness to new heights. From initially blushing and feeling awkward, she progressed to naturally smiling and chatting with stewards, building connections, and tirelessly seeking to meet the masters of each household. This made her feel one step closer to becoming a successful woman.
The first family she visited was surnamed Tian. The master of the house held the rank of Left Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs, a high-ranking official of the fourth grade. When the servant presented Mudan’s calling card, the doorkeeper was initially polite. However, upon closer inspection and inquiry, his attitude changed, stating that their madam couldn’t be seen by just anyone. Sensing trouble, Yuhe quickly stepped forward to apologize and offer pleasantries, along with a small purse. Only then did the doorkeeper grudgingly agree to call for a steward.
The person who came out was merely a minor steward. Upon seeing Mudan, his eyes couldn’t help but wonder, and his words lacked substance. His arrogant manner infuriated Feng Daniang. Mudan, too, was tempted several times to leave in anger, but she forced herself to remain patient. She gritted her teeth and gave him a brief tour, swallowing her pride and spending half an hour cajoling, threatening, and persuading him to report to the head steward.
Luck was on her side as the head steward happened to be available. This man was much more reasonable, experienced, and composed than his junior counterpart. Though initially stunned by Mudan’s beauty, he quickly regained his composure. After Mudan assured him of her lack of ulterior motives, he finally agreed to convey her gifts and apologies to the lady of the house. He even offered some kind words: “Young miss, you’re too kind. It’s not a big deal. The river belongs to your estate; feel free to renovate it as you wish. There’s no need to worry.”
Mudan feigned delight, asking for the head steward’s name while mentioning that her family-owned jewelry and perfume shops. She offered him the best goods at the most favorable prices should he ever need anything. She then signaled Yuhe to present a small porcelain box of borneol incense, ostensibly for him to sample.
In those times, fragrances were widely used, especially high-quality borneol incense, which was beyond the reach of ordinary households. The steward was indeed tempted. He introduced himself as Jiang and mentioned that he was familiar with the He family’s perfume shop, praising Silang for his generosity and the shop for its authentic goods and fair prices.
Having established a connection, the conversation flowed more smoothly. Mudan tactfully brought up the difficulties of a woman trying to support herself by buying land and building a garden. She expressed her only wish for peaceful coexistence among neighbors. Steward Jiang pondered for a moment before saying, “Please wait a moment, young miss. Let me ask if the madam has time to see you.” He then glanced at the gifts Mudan had brought and asked with a smile, “May I ask what gifts you’ve brought?”
Mudan replied, “I heard that Left Deputy Director Tian enjoys poetry and painting, so I’ve brought some Shu paper.”
Steward Jiang laughed heartily. “You’re quite thoughtful and refined, young miss. Wait for my news.” He then ordered someone to take the gifts to the inner chambers.
Yuhe looked excitedly at Mudan, who returned a confident, radiant smile. The hardest part was always the beginning. Now, like a salesperson, she had to set aside her reserved nature to interact with all kinds of people, endure insults, and resolve conflicts if she wanted to live better and gain more. The more people she knew, the more opportunities she would have.
It was true that officials looked down on commoners and merchants, but people weren’t made of stone. Everyone had their likes and dislikes. As long as she found the right approach, she could always find something to talk about. Moreover, she wasn’t trying to make friends or discuss life and ideals; it was merely a matter of supply and demand. If she positioned herself correctly and maintained the right attitude, there was no need for anger or resentment. Over time, people would come to know her character and realize that dealing with her would not be disadvantageous. Thus, a mutually beneficial relationship could be established.
Soon after, Steward Jiang returned with a respectable maidservant in her forties wearing a green dress. He apologetically said, “Our madam happens to have an engagement and cannot meet with you. However, hearing that you plan to visit two other households, she was concerned you might not know the way. She has sent her maid, Nanny Zheng, to guide you to those two households.”
Mudan hadn’t held high hopes, thinking that meeting the lady of the house would be a pleasant surprise, while not meeting her would be normal. However, hearing that they were willing to guide her to the other two households was an unexpected and valuable surprise. It had taken her nearly an hour of persistence, challenging her patience and self-esteem, just to enter the Tian household. She wasn’t afraid of difficulties at the other two houses; she only feared that after enduring their obstacles and presenting gifts, her message might not reach the masters of the houses, instead being intercepted by some unscrupulous servants. With Nanny Zheng’s help, entering the other two households would be much easier.
Regardless of whether the Tian family’s madam was truly humble and considerate, Steward Jiang’s efforts were certainly praiseworthy. Mudan sincerely thanked him and politely requested Nanny Zheng’s assistance. She also had Yuhe discreetly offer some additional compensation to Nanny Zheng to establish a closer relationship.
After completing the round of visits, although only the wife of the Chen family’s Youji General (a fifth-rank official) had personally met with Mudan, while the other households were represented by their head stewards, all of them had accepted Mudan’s gifts and assured her that there was no issue with her proceeding with the construction work. Thus, Mudan’s status as a new neighbor was confirmed, and the possibility of this household joining Manager Deng in causing trouble was essentially reduced to zero.
Although Mudan was exhausted and hungry, she felt immensely relieved and had a sense of accomplishment. Seeing that it was already the eighth hour (1-3 PM), she felt obliged to invite Nanny Zheng for a meal and drinks. She believed in the principle that effort might not always yield results, but lack of effort would certainly yield nothing. One encounter led to familiarity, and since the opportunity had presented itself, she needed to seize it well. Who knew when she might need to ask for their help again?
Nanny Zheng had initially looked down on merchant daughters like Mudan who actively sought to befriend neighbors, possibly with the intention of social climbing. However, seeing Mudan’s beauty, grace, and straightforward generosity, and noticing that Feng Daniang and the others behaved no differently from the servants of official families, understanding etiquette perfectly and avoiding any improper actions or words, she gradually set aside her arrogance and accepted Mudan’s dinner invitation.
Not wanting these people to think of her as a wealthy pushover, Mudan chose a restaurant that prioritized taste and a quiet environment. She ordered appropriate dishes and showed genuine warmth and attentiveness. After entertaining Nanny Zheng to her satisfaction and seeing her off after the meal, Mudan added two of the restaurant’s specialty desserts for Nanny Zheng to pass on to Steward Jiang.
With the major task completed, the group stood under the shade of a locust tree on the street, all showing signs of fatigue except for Mudan, who was radiant and energetic. She shook the reins and said, “Let’s go pay a visit to Master Fuyuan at Fashou Temple.”
One of the servants, wiping sweat from his brow, relied on his trusted status with He Zhizhong and Mudan’s usually gentle nature to suggest, “You’re delicate, miss. You should rest. We can always go tomorrow.”
Did he think they had come out to enjoy themselves? Mudan gave a cold laugh and glanced at Feng Daniang. Feng Daniang turned to look at the two listless servants trailing behind and scolded, “What’s the matter? Weren’t you fed enough meat and wine? Too tired to walk? Think you’re more delicate than the mistress? Next time, don’t bother coming along.”
Mudan added coldly, “It’s not about whether you come along or not. It’s about completing the task you’ve been assigned. If everyone could just say they can’t do something and leave, no work would ever get done. What’s the point of keeping you then?” Without waiting for the servants’ reactions, she whipped her horse and rode ahead.
The two servants had no choice but to hurry after her. Feng Daniang laughed softly to Yuhe, “She’s become much firmer than before. In the past, she would have been considerate of the servants, gently agreeing to go home, or even rewarding them with money and kind words, which would only encourage their impudence. This is better – do what needs to be done, whether you want to or not!”
Yuhe smiled confidently, “Miss Mudan has changed a lot these days. I believe she’ll be very successful in the future.”
Feng Daniang sighed, “You’d better be smart if you’re going to follow her. Don’t be so simple-minded.”
Upset that her mother looked down on her, Yuhe retorted, “How am I simple-minded? Miss Mudan often praises me for being capable.”
Feng Daniang glanced at her, “You’re very capable? I haven’t noticed.”
Mudan turned back with a smile, “Auntie Feng, Yuhe is indeed very capable.”
Pleased with the praise, Yuhe couldn’t help but make a face at Feng Daniang, who glared at her fiercely before breaking into a smile.
Mudan’s timing was unfortunate, as Master Fuyuan was playing chess with someone. Not daring to disturb him, she sat in the bamboo grove outside the pavilion to cool off, chatting idly with the young novice Ruman, who had eaten too many of the vegetarian snacks she had brought.
The nine-year-old Ruman, having indulged in Mudan’s snacks and fruits, was very friendly towards her. Grinning with his two large front teeth like a rabbit, he said, “Female benefactor, on such a hot day, you must be very thirsty. Master’s chess game will take at least an hour. A guest brought some good tea today. Let me brew some for you.”
Seeing Ruman’s mischievous expression, Mudan said, “If it’s good tea given to your master, it must be precious. How dare you brew it for me?”
Ruman grinned, “My master becomes oblivious when he plays chess. Just wait for your tea. I have my ways, and he won’t find fault with me.”
Mudan peered through the bamboo grove and saw Master Fuyuan in the pavilion, still in the same position as when she had arrived, motionless with a blank expression. His opponent’s upper body was hidden by a reed screen, so she couldn’t tell if he was equally engrossed. Feeling playful, she smiled, “Go ahead. If you bring me some to drink, I’ll give you ten peaches tomorrow.”
Ruman tiptoed into the pavilion. Seeing Master Fuyuan and his blue-robed guest deeply focused on the chessboard, he pretended, “Master, the tea has cooled. I’ll brew fresh tea for you.”
As expected, Fuyuan replied without looking up, “Do as you see fit.”
Ruman quickly opened the white rattan tea basket brought by the blue-robed guest, took out an exquisite tea cake, and skillfully prepared the tea. Soon after, he first served two white porcelain cups from Xingzhou to Fuyuan and his guest. Then he filled a Yuezhou porcelain cup and carefully carried it out to Mudan.
Fuyuan didn’t notice, absorbed in the game, but his guest saw it. Without showing any reaction, he placed a stone, ending the game: “I’ve lost.”
Fuyuan, detached from worldly concerns, took the loss lightly and smiled. As he was about to speak, his guest pointed outside and said softly, “Your young disciple has a visitor. He’s using better teacups for them than for you, his master.”
“Chengfeng, I think you’re just jealous that his cup is better than yours,” Fuyuan replied good-naturedly. They both stood up and peeked through the red screen. They saw Ruman hurrying into the bamboo grove with the teacup. Soon, they heard a woman’s clear laughter and Ruman’s proud boasting.
The guest smirked, “It seems to be a female visitor.”
Unfazed by the teasing smile, Fuyuan called out, “Ruman, where are you taking my teacup?”
After a moment of silence, Ruman stammered a response and emerged from the bamboo grove, followed by Mudan holding the teacup.
Mudan was surprised to see Jiang Changyang standing beside Fuyuan. She quickly put on a sweet smile as a greeting and, before Ruman could apologize, bowed to Fuyuan, “Master, it was my fault. I tricked Ruman into giving me good tea.”
Fuyuan smiled upon seeing Mudan, “When did you arrive, benefactor?” He then glared at the sheepish Ruman, “You didn’t even announce her arrival, sneaking tea as if I wouldn’t offer it to guests.”
Surprised by Fuyuan’s playfulness, which she attributed to his chess victory, Mudan replied, “I’ve been here for nearly half an hour. I didn’t want to disturb your game with worldly matters.”
Fuyuan introduced Mudan to his friend, “This is Benefactor He, who asked me to design her garden. Coincidentally, her estate neighbors yours, making you neighbors of sorts.”
Mudan stepped forward, smiling and bowing to Jiang Changyang, “I hope you’ve been well, Sir Jiang.” She was surprised to learn that Jiang also knew Fuyuan.
Jiang Changyang smiled back, “I hope you’ve been well too, Miss He. I’m sorry for the delay.”
Mudan quickly responded, “Not at all. I should apologize for interrupting your pleasant conversation.”
Fuyuan asked, “Have you come today because of an issue with the garden plans, benefactor?”
Mudan had originally intended to ask Fuyuan to visit in the next few days as a witness if needed. However, seeing Jiang Changyang present, she felt uncomfortable bringing it up. She worried that after Jiang’s previous comment, her actions of seeking solutions elsewhere might appear disrespectful or ungrateful. So, she decided not to mention it in front of Fuyuan and instead improvised, “It’s not about the garden plans. I wanted to ask Master about ornamental rocks.”
Fuyuan smiled, “Please, go ahead.”
Mudan blinked and said, “You once told me that Lingbi stones are the best for gardens, with Ying stones being second-best. But in my recent inquiries, I haven’t been able to find any good large ones. Even when I do find some, they’re all small. Do you know where I might buy large, high-quality ones?”
Amused by her question, Fuyuan replied, “Both types of stones are rare and precious, especially large ones. Even stones a few feet tall are considered treasures. Naturally, you haven’t found any in such a short time. Lake stones might be more suitable.”
Mudan, who already knew this answer, pretended to accept the advice, “I see. I’ll ask someone to buy lake stones when I return.” Seeing that Jiang Changyang showed no signs of leaving, she felt there was no point in staying longer and took her leave.
After she left, Jiang Changyang remarked, “I think she came to see you for another reason but didn’t want to speak in front of me.”
Fuyuan retorted, “If you knew that, why didn’t you leave?”
Jiang replied, “There’s an order to things. My business with you isn’t finished, so naturally, I won’t leave. Besides, her matter surely isn’t more important than mine. Will you agree or not?”
Fuyuan frowned, “You’re not her. How do you know her matter isn’t more important than yours? What if I don’t agree?”
“What she wants from you is just about that garden,” Jiang smiled slightly, sitting down on a grass mat. “If you don’t agree to my request, I won’t leave. We can discuss it again when you’re willing.”
“I didn’t realize you could be so unreasonable,” Fuyuan said, annoyed, waving his sleeve. “Go catch your demon monk and be a hero. Why must you involve me?”
Jiang responded, “You can’t expect me to shave my head and sneak in, can you? Even if I did, how would I discuss Buddhist scriptures with them?”
Fuyuan’s face darkened as he said coldly, “I said no, and that’s final. Stay if you want, but don’t blame me if I don’t feed you.”
Ignoring Fuyuan’s displeasure, Jiang went to browse the bookshelf. When Ruman brought in the vegetarian meal, Jiang grabbed it before Fuyuan could speak and started eating.
Frustrated, Fuyuan snatched the bowl and chopsticks from Ruman and fought with Jiang over the pickles. Jiang, unfazed, ate rapidly, taking what he wanted regardless of Fuyuan’s choices. Before Fuyuan had eaten half a bowl of rice, Jiang had finished all the other dishes. He looked up at Fuyuan with satisfaction, “The meal was quite good.”
Fuyuan was furious, “How can you behave like this?” While others saw Jiang as a good person, Fuyuan knew how thick-skinned he could be. He felt he had lost his composure today.
Jiang replied in surprise, “Don’t you know that my primary principle is to always eat my fill, no matter what?”
As they bickered, Ruman began to sob. Fuyuan asked concernedly, “Ruman, what’s wrong?”
Ruman looked at them with a grieved expression, “I’m hungry. There’s no food left for me.”
Jiang burst into laughter, while Fuyuan sighed, “Stop crying. Go to the kitchen and ask them to prepare more food. Tell them I said so.”
Ruman immediately stopped crying and bounced out with their bowls and chopsticks. Fuyuan sighed, “Is this matter so important to you?”
Jiang replied without hesitation, “Very important.”
Fuyuan sighed again and fell silent.
The evening sunlight filtered through the reed screen, casting a golden glow on the simple furnishings. Ruman, who had been sent to the kitchen, came running back, “Master, there’s another Mr. Jiang outside asking to see Mr. Jiang.”
Fuyuan glanced at Jiang Changyang, “Well, they’ve come for you. Will you see them?”
Jiang calmly replied, “Since they’re here, how can I not?”
Moments later, Ruman led in a young man of about seventeen or eighteen, wearing a pine-green round-collared robe with narrow sleeves. His skin was fair, and his features resembled Jiang Changyang’s. Upon seeing Jiang, the young man put on an exaggerated, bright smile and gave him a deep bow. He sat down in front of Jiang and said warmly, “Brother, I’ve heard about that matter. Please don’t go. Father said he’d give you anything you want. We have no objections. Whatever you ask for is yours. There’s no need to risk your life.”
Jiang Changyang looked at him calmly, “Have you delivered your message?”
Surprised by the lack of reaction, the young Jiang reflexively replied, “Yes.”
Jiang Changyang said, “I understand. You may leave now. This is a place of Buddhist tranquility. Don’t disturb the master.”
The young Jiang urgently said, “You still intend to go? Do you resent us? I…”
Jiang Changyang suddenly smiled and raised his hand to stop him, “You and the others are mistaken. I don’t resent you. I have many things to do, and many ideals and ambitions yet to realize. How would I have time to resent you? I’m too busy and have no interest in that.”
The young Jiang was bewildered. Did harboring resentment require time and leisure?
Jiang Changyang grabbed a handful of chess pieces and said calmly, “You should go back. Tell her that over the years, we haven’t had time to hate anyone. I’m here to settle some of my mother’s property matters and do some things I want to do. It has nothing to do with any of you. You can rest assured.”
The young Jiang could hear the dismissiveness and sincerity in Jiang Changyang’s tone, rather than perfunctory politeness or pretense. Feeling slighted, he forgot his family’s instructions and said sharply, “If you look down on these things and don’t hold any grudges, why are you causing trouble everywhere under the banner of the Zhu Guogong Manor, creating problems for the family?”