Chapter 64: Seeking an Audience

  That peddler just shook his head: "I don't know. Anyway, it won't be the Furong Garden. Lang Jun might as well go to Qujiangchi and ask around."

  Furong Garden is a royal imperial garden, the royal family built a wall along the east wall of the city, from Xingqing Palace to Furong Garden, so that the emperor can visit Furong Garden at any time without being known to outsiders. The princes and nobles cannot enter without being summoned, let alone ordinary people.

  Qujiang Pool is different, it belongs to a public recreational venue for the masses. To its south are the Purple Cloud Pavilion and the Hibiscus Garden, while to its west are the Apricot Garden and the Temple of Benevolence. Flowers are planted everywhere, with clear water and countless willows, lotus flowers fragrance wafting from baskets. During the Spring Festival and the Hanshi Festival, people throng the streets, making it a great place for the capital's scholars and commoners to go on excursions. It is also where the Qinghe Academy holds its banquet for successful candidates in the imperial examination, when aristocratic families would gather together, selecting sons-in-law from among them.

  There are many secluded places nearby, but most of them were built as private temples by officials. It can be said that building a house here is not easy, equivalent to modern people building a villa by the West Lake, where you step out and it's a famous scenic area, making others jealous to death.

  Da Lang was somewhat confused, rubbing his head and asking Mudan: "Mudan, are you sure he didn't say anything wrong? Saying that the vicinity of Furong Garden is just the vicinity of Furong Garden, and the vicinity of Qujiang Pool is just the vicinity of Qujiang Pool, speaking in such an ambiguous manner, isn't it because he's too lazy to tell Qinghua County Princess her true residence, so he's just making excuses?"

  Peony also doubted whether it was really possible, after all, the young master of Qinghua was not a good person, and that would be more troublesome than Liu's family being stuck on her. If she were to reveal her true address, wouldn't she hesitate for a moment? Even if she wasn't afraid herself, she couldn't bring trouble to her family.

  He Zhizhong said, "If he had rushed to rescue people at that time and injured the horse, why would he hide and not avoid people? He said it was near Qujiangchi Furong Garden, which is between the two places. This vendor selling steamed millet cakes is not a local resident, so he wouldn't know."

  "Isn't Qujiangchi connected with Furong Pool inside Furong Garden? If we go that way, we'll definitely be able to find out."

  Dalong slapped his forehead and laughed: "That's it! It must be there. A few years ago on the Dragon Boat Festival, Erlang and I heard that the ditch would flow out leaf poems, and we went to see the excitement. I remember there were several courtyards."

  I thought I'd pick up some beautiful people relieving their boredom and releasing poetry with the water? These few brothers of mine are really quite amusing. Peony burst out laughing, glancing sideways at Dalang with a sly smile: "Will leaves of poetry flow out of the ditch? I wonder if my sisters-in-law know about this?"

  Dalong finally reacted, his face slightly red: "It's all a scam! After scooping for half a day, there are plenty of rotten petals and leaves." Seeing Yuhe, Kuaner, and their own followers covering their mouths in laughter, he couldn't bear to look at them, so he looked at Peony and said: "Next spring, Brother will bring you to see the excitement at the Lantern Festival."

  Here is the translation:

  "It's just to see if Kejin scholars are worthy of consideration, and also to choose a son-in-law. Peony smiled openly: "Forget it, we can appreciate others, but they may not be willing to be chosen by us. If they appreciate me, I may not necessarily appreciate them." The social reality is that as a Kejin scholar, one is already waiting to be chosen by the powerful and wealthy, who would want to marry a merchant's daughter? It's probably an exception. So she never thought about it, and instead of trying every means to climb up to an official family, it's better to find a young man with ambition, make a fortune together, travel to famous mountains and rivers, have children, and cultivate a Kejin scholar herself."

  He Dalang thought for a moment, but then felt that he had misspoken and brought up Peony's painful past, and was momentarily speechless. His mind was preoccupied with how to make up for his earlier mistake, so he said: "Peony, I'll teach you about precious jewels."

  Dan Niang sighed, and with a mischievous wave of her hand said: "That day Fourth Brother also said he wanted to teach me about fragrances, let Second Brother teach me how to blend scents. But I'm not interested, what can I do? I roughly know what's what, it's better for me to just grow flowers."

  He Zhizhong had been listening to his siblings' quarrel for a while, and now he finally spoke up: "Dan Niang wants to set up a separate household for the daughter, you should find some time to help her with that soon. Then go ask around, where's a good place, go buy some land, and build a villa for her. She likes flowers, so plant some for her to play with, and usually have her live at home."

  Dalan was shocked, his first reaction was that the women at home had bullied Mudan. He Zhitong said calmly: "It's also good this way, you will all be separated from the family sooner or later. I'm old too, whenever I feel annoyed, I can go to the villa with your mother to relax."

  When it came to dividing the family property, Dà Láng was very sad and his eyes turned red. He said: "What is Father saying? It's not right to say such things at this time. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

  Dalar was always loyal and kind, He Zhi sighed: "I won't divide it before I die. If I die, I won't mention Erlang, Silang, and Wulang. Sanlang and Liulang have different mothers, so they might need to separate and live on their own. You and my eldest daughter-in-law are both kind and often at a disadvantage. Today, I'm telling you to take good care of your mother and sister in the future. When your younger brothers are having a hard time, give them a hand."

  Dalan was so grieved that he almost died, but he knew his father's words were reasonable. Mudan hastily said: "Big brother, look, is it there?"

  But as they approached the Curve Pool near the Lotus Garden, there were indeed several small and exquisite courtyards. One of them had a pink wall and green tiles, with low courtyard walls, roses peeking out from above the wall, and butterflies fluttering about, presenting a thriving scene that was quite eye-catching. However, there were no passersby outside, and it was very quiet. The young master couldn't help but go knock on the door of that household to ask for directions. The gatekeeper looked at everyone in surprise, but seeing that although they were dressed elegantly, they didn't seem particularly luxurious, so he said: "It's indeed my young master, I don't know who you all are?"

  Peony suddenly understood that Jiang Changyang's words were a hint, and it turned out that his family was the first household. But looking at this garden, it doesn't seem like an ordinary person's formal residence, but rather a secluded and elegant villa, which is not quite in line with her impression of Jiang Changyang. However, thinking again about Jiang Changyang buying flowers for his mother, she thought it made sense, probably his mother was also a person who loved life and enjoyed gardening.

  The servant explained the situation and said, "My young master is inviting a few honored guests inside. However, there are currently guests present, so please wait for a moment while I go in to inform him."

  After about half a cup of tea, the gatekeeper came out to lead everyone in. Peony went all the way in and only then did she realize how elegant it was. The trees were tall and lush, the flowers were blooming, the small path was deep, and the ground of the courtyard was paved with Wukang stone slabs, which was luxurious and clean. The small paths between the flowers were made of crushed stones, which had already grown moss, giving off an ancient charm. Walking among them, you could hear the clear and melodious bird calls. The group walked all the way to the hall, except for the gatekeeper who led the way, they didn't meet a single servant. According to Peony's calculation, this mansion was at least several decades old.

  The hall was simply decorated but not simple, the furniture was half old, but the materials and workmanship were extremely exquisite. There was also a butterfly-shaped stone bamboo six-bend silver hinge screen that was very eye-catching. A young servant in green clothes came to serve, after inviting everyone to sit down, he carefully served tea and smiled: "Please forgive us, our young master will be here soon."

  A moment later, Jiang Changyang hurriedly rushed in from outside and apologized after greeting everyone: "I'm really sorry to have kept you all waiting for so long. Just now an old friend came by and delayed me for a while."

  He Zhizhong exchanged a few pleasantries with him, explained the purpose of his visit, and ordered someone to present that exquisite incense burner made of sinking water fragrant sandalwood, saying: "This is just a small trifle, not worth mentioning in comparison to your great kindness in saving my daughter. This was made by our family ourselves, please don't disdain it, keep it for your enjoyment."

  At that time, it was popular to use incense, and anyone with a bit of status would have their clothes scented, their beds scented, and they would carry sachets when they went out. The "Xiangshanzi" was rare and precious, so those who had some money and status would try to get one to display, thinking it was a refined thing to do. However, incense came in different qualities and prices, ranging from high to low. The Xiangshanzi that the He family had was not like the ones on the market made by piling up small pieces of agarwood, but was carved out of a single piece, definitely not an ordinary product. As soon as He Zhizhong opened the box, the whole room was filled with fragrance.

  Jiang Changyang took a look and then solemnly declined: "I dare not accept."

  He Zhizhong was somewhat surprised: "Can't the young master appreciate it?" This incense burner, apart from the one placed in the hall of his own home, was a good thing, otherwise he wouldn't have dared to use it as a gift. He looked at the decorations in Jiang Changyang's house and knew that Jiang Changyang wasn't someone who didn't know the value of things. He thought that this thing was elegant and wouldn't be disliked by people, but unexpectedly the other person didn't want it.

  Jiang Changyang smiled slightly: "Such a valuable and elegant thing, how could I not appreciate it? When I see injustice, I will help others to right the wrong. If I had no ability, then I would just let it go. But since I have the capability, I should lend a hand. If I were to accept your gift, I would be too ashamed to show my face afterwards."

  He Zhongzhong persuaded him for a while, seeing that he really didn't accept it, so he said seriously: "I He Zhongzhong am just a businessman, but I have always been clear about gratitude and resentment. The kindness of saving my life is not something that can be repaid with just a small Xiangshanzi. You don't want to accept it, and I won't force you. But remember, if you need anything in the future, please come to my store and say so. As long as you have a request, there's nothing I won't do."

  He Zhizhong said so, and Jiang Changyang was embarrassed. He thought for a moment, looking at the peony and said: "If you really want to thank me, it's better to ask Miss He to help me take care of a few peonies. My mother loves flowers, and this time I came, I replaced her with several good-looking ones, but unfortunately, the mountain is high and the road is far away, and I don't trust anyone to send them back. Can only be raised at home, but the servants are clumsy, and in just half a month, they have already killed one of the peonies, which is really a pity."

  "Agreed."