The young manservant went to Old Crow Lane and found the courtyard where Xiang Yun’s family was temporarily staying, but the place was empty. Upon entering, he saw an old woman sweeping the courtyard. He stepped forward to inquire, and the old woman said, “The family who was here moved out seven or eight days ago. Word is they went back to their hometown. What’s the matter, young lad — are you looking to rent? I’ve nearly finished cleaning, and the tables and chairs are all still here…” But before she could finish, the manservant had already turned and run off.
He returned to the ducal residence and reported that Xiang Yun’s entire family had vanished without a trace, which enraged Duke Shuguo so much that he slammed his fist on the table.
Because Mei Fen had previously refused to marry Li Chenjian no matter what, and because of that embracing and clinging incident that had occurred afterward, the couple had assumed everything had started because of Xiang Yun. Xiang Yun was a down-and-out nobody, and they reckoned that scoundrel was just like Jiang Heng — nothing more than a man who had set his eyes on the ducal family’s status and wealth, trying to sweet-talk Mei Fen into marrying beneath herself. Though they resented him for repaying their kindness with ingratitude, things had not quite reached the point of wanting him dead. Now they truly regretted it — they should have had him dragged to the magistrate’s court for questioning. What did reputation matter at a time like that!
There was no use saying any of this now. They could only calm down and think it through. Duke Shuguo turned his head and asked Mei Fen, “You’re saying that everything was a scheme arranged by He Xiao?”
Mei Fen was still kneeling, and she looked up and said, “Please think, Father — who was it that profited in the end?”
Duke Shuguo suddenly found himself at a loss for words. After one great circle, the marriage had indeed landed in He Xiao’s hands. Originally, after Si Si’s tearful confession that day, He Xiao had been completely ruled out as a candidate for Mei Fen’s husband…
He struck his own head hard. “I fancied myself clever, but it turns out I have the brains of a pig. To think I was played like a fool in the palm of some young upstart’s hand.”
Madam Ming, after the shock, burst into tears. She went to hold Mei Fen and wept, “My child, this time it was truly your father and I who have wronged you… What is to be done? Calling off an engagement is not the first time it’s happened — doing it once more is no great matter.”
But Mei Fen said no. “In Father’s and Mother’s eyes, He Xiao has always been an upright and proper gentleman. You have never seen his true face behind closed doors. Let us not rush to break off the engagement, and do not make a sound about it — wait until He Xiao comes again, and then ask Father and Mother to verify with your own eyes whether what I have said is true.”
Madam Ming and Duke Shuguo nodded blankly. Looking at the daughter standing before them, they found they hardly recognized her. The Mei Fen of the past had been timid beyond measure — she hadn’t even dared to breathe too loudly. What had happened to her now? How had she suddenly become a completely different person?
She saw the bewilderment on her parents’ faces. She forced a faint pull at the corners of her mouth. “Because I don’t want to die. I want to live.”
The young manservant known as Mai Shou was shoved out of a gambling den, and a moment later a coin purse was flung straight at his face. “No money and you still want to play — get lost, get lost, get lost!”
Mai Shou picked up the empty purse from the ground, slapped it against his thigh, and muttered, “When I had money, every last one of them fawned on me like a groveling fool. Now that I’m broke, they don’t even recognize me… Just as they say — a beggar’s mouth and a courtesan’s legs, both are things to be wary of!”
After venting his frustration, he spat twice at the gateway arch, then turned around and nearly walked straight into someone. It gave him a start. “Watch where you’re going!”
But the person didn’t leave. Instead, he smiled apologetically and said, “Oh, oh — I nearly made you twist your ankle, how terribly awkward. I just happened to receive my monthly pay today. Let me treat you to a couple of drinks as an apology — besides, there’s no one at home and I’m dreadfully lonely on my own.”
As dusk was settling in, the lanterns lit along the roadside dimly illuminated the face of the newcomer. It was Chang Song, from the Duke of Weiguo’s residence.
Mai Shou had never seen him before, but he found the man rather interesting — running into someone and then immediately offering to buy them wine. He himself had just gambled away every last coin, and his stomach was already singing an empty-fortress tune. Someone willing to foot the bill was an unexpected stroke of luck.
So he gave his neck a flip and said, all right. “Making a friend is never a bad thing — the more friends, the more roads.”
The two found a small stall at the foot of a workshop wall. Eating outdoors in this kind of weather was far more comfortable than being cooped up inside a tavern.
The stall owner brought out wine and dishes. Two cups down, and a bond of brotherhood had been forged. Mai Shou asked, “Where do you hold a position, my friend? I accompany my young master in and out of the finest residences of the capital’s elite, yet I’ve never laid eyes on you.”
Chang Song gave a sound of acknowledgment. “I work at an Appeasement Commissioner’s household — I do rough chores like sweeping courtyards and cleaning out the stables. I’ve never had the chance to meet any notable personages.” Then he turned it back around: “And which household does your master belong to? Since you move among the capital’s finest, he must be quite a remarkable figure.”
Mai Shou said, “Of course, of course — have you heard of Luoyang’s foremost talent, He Zhongrou?”
Chang Song let out an exclamation. “Why, that is a renowned man of great learning! Working under a master like that, you must have both prestige and comfort.”
Mai Shou listened and nodded for a moment, then shook his head, then finally twisted one side of his mouth, shook his head again, let out a scoff, and said, “Foremost talent… drink, drink.”
Chang Song could see he harbored some dissatisfaction. Before approaching him, Chang Song had done thorough reconnaissance. This manservant had always been at He Xiao’s side — it was likely he knew every mole on He Xiao’s body.
A self-proclaimed paragon of virtue who is in truth a hypocrite — one only needs to dig out even the smallest scrap of evidence to make something significant of it. If He Xiao was so concerned with his reputation, the more he cared about it, the more vulnerabilities he exposed. Without even mentioning anything else — just digging up proof that he was a certain courtesan’s devoted admirer would be enough to keep him busy clearing his name for quite some time.
Chang Song filled his cup and pressed him warmly to drink. “I see, elder brother, that you’ve just come out of the Wucao Gambling House. The threshold there is quite high — they won’t let you in without five taels of silver… My, a man of such talent is indeed a man of such talent, to be so generous with the monthly wages he gives out.”
Mai Shou listened and scoffed again. “Our young master is a man of first-rate talent and first-rate character — how could he possibly allow his attendant to gamble? So to cut off my access to gambling dens entirely, he gives me only one string of copper coins a month. He says the rest will be paid out at year’s end… One string of coins — what is that worth? Two pots of wine and it’s all gone.”
Chang Song feigned surprise. “One string of coins? That’s less than my monthly wage. Even the servants doing odd jobs at the Appeasement Commissioner’s residence get two taels of silver a month.” He kept a close eye on Mai Shou’s expression as he spoke. “I can see that those fellows at the gambling den threw you out — you must have nothing left on you now. Here’s what I’ll do: I just received two taels today, and I’ll split one with you. The capital is expensive — at least you can buy a sesame flatbread each day to keep your strength up.”
Mai Shou watched him pull out a piece of silver and set it on the table. Flushed with drink and the warmth of the wine, he was moved. “It is said that those who act with righteousness are often butchers and common folk, while those who prove faithless are often men of letters.”
Chang Song blinked. “Butchers? I wouldn’t know how to slaughter a dog. I can’t even bring myself to kill a chicken…”
Mai Shou cracked a grin. “That’s not what I meant.”
Chang Song chewed his peanuts with a satisfying crunch, nodding his head as he pushed the silver closer. “Take it, take it — it’s dark out; don’t let it get lost.”
Mai Shou heaved a long, wistful sigh and pocketed the silver. “Consider it a debt.”
Chang Song smiled. “Don’t mention it.”
The two clinked their cups together, in uncommonly good spirits. Later, Chang Song asked him: “But elder brother, if you only get one string of coins a month, where do you get the silver to get into the Wucao Gambling House?”
Mai Shou gave a sly laugh. “Our young master’s calligraphy and paintings fetch good prices. I’d sneak a piece or two out and swap them for cash.”
Chang Song nodded along. “Truly, learning has its uses — everything can be turned into money. I’ve heard He Zhongrou’s ‘Gold Sash Blossom.’ Something about silk stockings trailing dust, wine-warmed fragrance of flowers, the sun shining, dusk in the courtyard.”
Mai Shou, having spent years alongside a man of learning, had picked up something of the literary arts himself, and corrected him: “Not ‘the sun shining’ — it’s ‘the sun’s shadow slanting westward.'”
Chang Song gave another sound of acknowledgment. “Either way, it’s a fine lyric. The performers in the entertainment houses have even set it to song.”
Yet with several cups of wine in him, Mai Shou’s tongue had grown somewhat loose, and his dissatisfaction with his master was on the verge of spilling out. He lowered his head and muttered, “A fine lyric, but he didn’t write it. Someone else wrote it, and he gets all the glory. What kind of renowned talent and genius is that… Others may not know the truth, but I certainly do.”
Chang Song was immediately startled. This was far more explosive than any story of visiting courtesans. So he pressed on. “Brother must be drunk and rambling. If I had learning that high, why would I want to carry another person’s name? I’d make my own name and my own future, and become an official in my own right — isn’t that far better?”
“It’s precisely because he can’t become an official,” Mai Shou said, pressing two fingers together. “There’s that great big scar burned across his face — it ruined his appearance, and he’s not even eligible to sit the provincial examinations. So he can only ghostwrite for others, scraping together a living with his brush.”
Chang Song listened, and inwardly his delight was almost ready to burst into bloom. “And who is this person — is his learning actually higher than He Zhongrou’s?”
Mai Shou slurred out an answer: “He was a study companion from childhood — originally doing very well, but then the room caught fire and his face got burned. Burned face aside, it doesn’t stop him — he wraps his face up and goes everywhere with the young master: poetry competitions, scholarly gatherings, you name it. People like us have nothing else to do — if not the Wucao Gambling House, then where?”
“I see…” Chang Song smiled and refilled his cup. “A rough fellow like me, to meet an elder brother like you today — it must be a connection from a past life. Come, drink, drink…”
Another round of drinking, and at last they were well-fed and full. It was time to take their leave. Mai Shou patted the place on his chest where the silver was tucked away. “My friend, I am grateful for your generosity.”
Chang Song waved him off. “Safe travels.”
As for what exactly he was being thanked for — from start to finish, he hadn’t even asked the man’s name. A false gentleman nurturing a genuine scoundrel at his side. Chang Song gave a couple of sardonic laughs, turned around, and made his way back to the ducal residence.
Once back at the residence, he promptly passed the information through to the inner courtyard. Li Chenjian was sitting under the lamp reading a book. Upon hearing Chang Song’s report, he turned to look at Yun Pan. “What does Madam intend to do?”
Yun Pan was silent for a moment, then said, “Tomorrow I’ll bring this news to Cousin Mei Fen. Whatever she decides to do, I’ll leave it entirely up to her.”
The person had, with great difficulty, kindled a spark of fighting spirit — it was only right to help fan those flames, to let that fire burn hotter and brighter. Too many old ailments had accumulated over Mei Fen’s years of suffering, and only that fire could burn away the grime and restore her to her true self. After all, no one can shelter under another person’s wings forever. Whether life would be good or bad from here on, she would have to bear it herself.
The next day, Yun Pan hurried to Duke Shuguo’s residence. The two sisters sat down on the goose-neck chairs in the rear veranda, and Yun Pan relayed the information Chang Song had gathered. When she finished, she asked, “What does Elder Sister plan to do with all this?”
Mei Fen took a sip of her fragrant drink, set the ceramic bowl down on the small table, and leaned coolly against the chair back. “Nothing more than ruining his reputation entirely.”
The world had always extolled Luoyang’s foremost talent in such lofty terms, praising He Xiao to the heavens and back — and yet it turned out he could not withstand the slightest scrutiny. Even that famous “Gold Sash Blossom” was not written by his own hand. Looking back on it now, it was truly laughable.
Seeing that Mei Fen’s resolve was firm, Yun Pan was at ease too. She gazed out at the distant sky, narrowed her eyes, and said, “On the day of the third-day return-to-the-natal-home visit, we saw He Xiao on the road. The Duke said at the time that for a man who guards his reputation so zealously, the best way to defeat him is to utterly destroy it. I hear there is a poetry gathering in three days’ time, hosted by Minister Han. Elder Sister may well begin making her plans — and if you need any help, I can lend you a hand.”
Mei Fen turned her head and gave her a small smile. “You have already brought me such vital information — I am deeply grateful for that. If He Xiao can bribe people to ruin my name, why can I not strike at the root of the problem? In the end, this is my own affair. I have relied on too many people in this lifetime, always hoping that Father and Mother would believe me — but I have never thought to prove myself. This time… I will unmask He Xiao with my own hands. No matter how frightened or difficult it is, I will see it done.”
Yun Pan nodded and asked no further questions about how she planned to handle matters. She simply urged her to take care of her own safety — there was no need to ruin her entire life for the sake of such a worthless person.
Outside, the sky was clear and bright, with a vast expanse of blue. The two sat quietly together, their skirt sashes and sashes fluttering in the breeze. Had there been none of these troublesome matters, it would have been quite a fine time of year.
After Yun Pan left, Mei Fen went to her parents and told them every single word of what she had learned, without omission.
“In three days, Minister Han is hosting a banquet. He Xiao will certainly want to use that ghostwriter to showcase his talent. The autumn examinations are just around the corner, and if he can make a good impression on the capital’s examination officials at this time, obtaining some post or position afterward would be well within his reach.” She furrowed her brow slightly. “In any case, I cannot let him go on unimpeded. A mere broken engagement is not nearly enough — since he was willing to destroy my reputation, I naturally must let him have a taste of that same feeling.”
Since Mei Fen’s transformation, Duke Shuguo and Madam Ming had truly learned to sit quietly and listen to what she had to say. In the past they had always thought of her as a child, sheltering her with careful protection, and even when she lost her temper they had dismissed it as youthful ignorance. Now a candle had been lit inside this beautiful lantern — she was a whole new Mei Fen. Madam Ming felt nothing but relief. That incident before had been so perilous — if she had not been able to endure it and had lost her life, would the truth ever have come to light?
Duke Shuguo, too, clenched his back teeth. “This indestructible little wretch — what a cunning hand he plays. I’ve lived to this age and never come across anything with such a vicious mind. Don’t worry — whatever you have in mind, do as you see fit. Good or bad, your father will bear it with you. Once this business is settled, I intend to settle a thorough account with him as well. I absolutely will not let that beast off cheaply.”
Just then, someone came from the front gate to report that the Third Young Master He had come calling, wishing to discuss the setting of the wedding date.
Duke Shuguo rose to his feet with a dark expression. If not for Mei Fen having her own plan, he would at this very moment be giving that little wretch a thorough thrashing.
Madam Ming glanced at Mei Fen. Though she was somewhat nervous, her composure remained steady. She turned to her parents and said, “I would like to meet with him today. Mother, just say you’re bringing him to look in on me. Afterwards, hide in the rear veranda — you’ll be able to hear everything said inside. But whatever happens, please Father, stay calm and do not act on impulse. Don’t let him become wary. I’ve been deceived by him for so long — I want to wash away my own grievances, and I want Father and Mother to know that I have never told a lie, never deceived you.”
She returned to Zi Lan Garden. Duke Shuguo and Madam Ming exchanged a glance, then composed their expressions into smiles and went to the front courtyard, welcoming the guest in with every courtesy.
A prospective son-in-law from within the family — what could be unwelcome about that? They were even counting on him to be there to support them in their old age. Madam Ming smiled and said, “Stay for the midday meal. It’s so hot, running back and forth like this.”
Duke Shuguo stroked his beard. “Does discussing the wedding date not require informing your own father and mother?”
He Xiao replied, “Luoyang is several hundred li from the capital — even with fast horses, the round trip takes many days. My father said all matters are to be decided by me, so I thought to pick an auspicious date and settle the timing first, so that preparations can begin in earnest.”
Duke Shuguo slowly nodded. “That makes sense — a long journey indeed. When the day comes, it won’t be too late to bring them to the capital then. As for the wedding date, wait until tomorrow when I’ve had the Imperial Astronomer check for an auspicious day before we discuss it. Rest a while first. Then we’ll call Mei Fen over and all have the meal together.”
He Xiao agreed readily, with an expression of cautious delight that was enough to turn Madam Ming’s stomach.
Since they had already gone so far with the performance, they couldn’t let it go to waste halfway. She then said, “Mei Fen hasn’t been feeling well lately — I’m afraid she may not want to come out for a meal. Why don’t you go and look in on her at her own courtyard? The engagement has already been settled, so sooner or later you’ll be family. The two of you can have a good heart-to-heart talk — perhaps she’ll come around.”
He Xiao hesitated for a moment after hearing this, then said uncertainly, “I’m afraid my cousin may not be willing to see me.”
“Not willing to see you?” Madam Ming laughed. “My child, when you’re husband and wife, are you still going to worry about whether she’s willing to see you? Mei Fen is the most soft-hearted of people — say a few kind words to her and she’ll change her mind. I spoke to her the other day as well, reminding her that you’ll be entering government service in the future, and that once you’ve established a residence here in the capital, even after she’s married, she’ll still be in the same city. Coming home to visit would be very convenient — I told her she needn’t worry.”
He Xiao responded in agreement, but inwardly he felt rather displeased. In his view, a woman who had married into a household ought to focus on being a good wife, raising the children, and managing the home well — constantly running back to her natal family put the husband in an awkward position. But this was not the moment to say so. Once she was through the door, he would manage and discipline her himself, and he needn’t worry about her gadding about everywhere.
Madam Ming led him toward Zi Lan Garden, talking all the while as they walked. She gestured with her hand, saying, “We’ll have this courtyard renovated again in the next few days — so that when you come back to visit in the future, you’ll have somewhere comfortable to stay.”
He Xiao kept a smile on his face, but privately he found Madam Ming terribly tiresome. All he wanted now was to have a look at his not-yet-married little wife — to see what state she was in. Could she still be like she had been that day, stepping out through the gate with a smile bright on her face, strolling around without a care?
At last they reached the entrance to the courtyard. Madam Ming called out to the maidservants: “Quickly go and announce to the young miss that the Third Young Master He has come.”
Ba Bao was standing beneath the covered walkway. Catching sight of He Xiao, she looked as though she had seen a ghost. Unable to slip away, she could only shrink back to one side, wishing she could flatten herself into one of the wooden tenons in the doorframe.
He Xiao passed by her, casting her a sidelong glance in passing. He remembered this round-faced maidservant — wasn’t she the one who had charged forward from behind the garden rocks that day? Women were all just paper tigers in the end. Now, seeing him, all that ferocity from the other day had entirely vanished — she could only bow her head to the side and watch helplessly as he walked into her young mistress’s chamber.
Madam Ming played the role of the tactful and understanding elder to perfection, fussing and calling until Mei Fen emerged. She said, “Your cousin has come to see you. Since the engagement has already been settled, there’s no need to be so reserved. Sit and talk for a while. I’ll go to the kitchen to check on the meal preparations — once the table is set, I’ll send someone to call you both.”
He Xiao bowed to Madam Ming. Madam Ming smiled and waved her hand lightly. “Sit, sit.” Then she led the maids and nannies out with her.
The timing was just right — the room was pleasantly cool. He settled into the armchair and tilted his head to look Mei Fen over. “What’s the matter with my cousin? I’ve come to see you, and you’re not pleased?”