The Qiujian Pool in early winter is really not worth visiting. The only thing you can do is sit on the withered yellow grass by the shore and bask in the sun, but you have to choose a spot that's sheltered from the wind. If the cold wind blows over from the lake, it'll be painful even if the sun is shining brightly above. Despite this, there are still many tourists who come here, and on the lake, there are many boats coming and going, with passengers drinking and having fun. Among them, there are also some women wearing bright-colored dresses, heavily made-up, holding musical instruments.

  Received the forgiveness of children, expensive, choose a Jiang Changyang must pass by the way, put a thick blanket on the lawn, and bought some snacks from the small food stall next to it, sat down to bask in the sun and eat. Seeing that the wind is big, someone releases a kite, Peony buys another dragonfly, trying to play with it.

  Suddenly, a painted barge appeared on the lake surface, getting closer and closer. At the bow of the boat sat a woman wearing a pink thin silk jacket, a green parrot-embroidered vest, a pomegranate-red silver mud skirt, and green satin shoes. She held a pipa in her arms, with thick makeup and bright lipstick. The woman played and sang by herself, her voice was pleasant to hear, attracting many people to turn their heads and look back.

  Peony and Xiao'er also turned back to look, but saw that the song had ended, and a man with a hooked nose and a goatee walked out of the cabin wearing a lake-green round-necked narrow-sleeved robe. It was Cao Wanjun. Cao Wanjun held up a silver cup with two ears in his hand, smiled and said something to the woman, who bowed her head and let him feed her a big cup of wine, which she drank clean in one gulp.

  Cao Wanrong took back the cup and turned it around to where she had been drinking, then stuck out his tongue to lick off the lipstick she had left behind. The people in the cabin burst into laughter, and the woman didn't get angry either, but instead took a plain handkerchief, printed her lips on it, and tossed it into Cao Wanrong's arms. She adjusted her skirt, pulled out a box of lipstick, and reapplied her makeup. Cao Wanrong took the handkerchief with the lip print and sniffed it under his nose, looking intoxicated. This made the woman laugh so hard that she trembled like a flower branch, and she trilled out a few high notes.

  Xu Er let out a sound of disgust, tugging on Peony's sleeve: "This person is utterly depraved. Under the bright daylight, they dare to do such lewd and immoral things, it's really nauseating." Then she criticized that female performer, "It's so chilly, yet she wears thin silk...tsk, tsk, tsk..."

  "Peony withdrew her gaze and said: 'You don't like watching, then just don't watch, look elsewhere.'"

  The woman turned around, just in time to see them. From a distance, she thought they were just a few handsome young men and waved at them. Xiu Er scolded: "Look, really not a good person, the men on her boat are even worse, dare to call us? Spit!"

  "That's not necessarily the case..." Peony was about to speak when Gu, who was standing beside her, suddenly said: "Young masters, seeking pleasure and having fun is quite common. This kind of thing happens a lot and it's normal too. Forgive me, sister, but just because someone doesn't seek pleasure or have fun, it doesn't mean they're all bad people. And just because someone is serious and proper, it doesn't mean they're all good people. In this world, there are many people who work hard, does that mean they're all bad?"

  The peony opened its big eyes and looked at the little servant who had just been sold to him through a special channel yesterday, and smiled slightly.

  She was only twenty years old, of medium build, not strong but not weak either, with ordinary eyebrows and eyes, the kind that would be hard to find in a crowd. But she saw him single-handedly knock down four tall and robust men, his horsemanship was also good, she had always regretted that he couldn't read or write, which was a pity, didn't expect him to say something like this. He is indeed a precious medicine for traveling at home.

  The girl obviously didn't want to acknowledge the newcomer's words, looking at him with disdain, and said with her hands on her hips: "Would a good family's daughter become a prostitute? No! Would a good family's son come to find a prostitute? No! So neither of you are good people!"

  "You wouldn't understand even if I told you, and I'm too lazy to talk to you." Qi's face sank, turning his head away, impatient with continuing to chat nonsense with this little servant girl.

  "Let's not talk about it, there are many people living in Pingkang Lane who are good sons of good families. Who can say they're not? It's just that one needs to take care of their own family members." This world is already full of chaos and confusion, it's really hard to tell who's good or bad.

  "Ah, it's actually Lord He Qi. What a coincidence!" Cao Wanrong surprisingly instructed his painted barge to approach the group with Peony and others. His expression was very amiable, even somewhat fawning: "Lord He, these are all good friends from the same path. Would you like to come aboard and drink wine, tour the lake, and discuss some important matters?"

  "Thank you, Master Cao," Peony smiled. "I have other matters to attend to today, so I won't disturb you." If she and Xuer were dressed in women's clothes, Cao Wanrong would not have dared to call her onto the boat with such a casual tone. But since they were dressed as men, this move seemed to be intentionally pressuring her. Before Cao Wanrong had even finished speaking, four men emerged from the cabin. One of them was an old man with white hair and beard, wearing a yellow silk robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, and a black hat. He smiled warmly, looking like a kindly elder neighbor. Another one was around twenty years old, wearing a brown silk robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, with a similar build to the old man - slender and strong, with a clear and handsome face, and a pair of bright, piercing eyes that were particularly striking. The other two men Peony had seen from afar with Cao Wanrong before, and she guessed they were in cahoots with him.

  At this time, many women loved to wear men's clothes, and many women wore men's clothes, chasing fashion, not intentionally trying to look like them. Therefore, when everyone saw the master and servant, they all saw that Peony and Xuer were women dressed as men, so they all felt it was inappropriate to call them onto the boat.

  Cao Wanrong said, "He Qigong, you may not know that these two...". He pointed at the two men wearing brown and grey round-collared shirts, and in a particularly rhythmic tone, said: "These two are from Luoyang. Lü Zhensheng, Old Lü, is a famous flower expert, a master of cultivating flowers. He knows what's good and what's not about these flowers."

  Although Peony didn't know what trick Cao Wanrong was playing, he still bowed his fist and saluted respectfully: "He Qi has seen Lü Lao."

  The old man stroked his beard and smiled: "Good, a hero emerges in his youth."

  Cao Wanrong pointed to the young man: "This one is Lü's youngest son, Lü Fang. Although he is still young, he has already mastered Lü's true skills. Among his peers, in terms of vision and technique, no one can be compared with him. The Peony Garden of the Lü family in Luoyang is unparalleled, I dare say it is the best under heaven."

  It's indeed impressive. Peony smiled slightly and also cupped her hands: "Lü Shigong is young and promising."

  Lü Fang glanced at Peony and turned back to look at Cao Wanrong with a hint of displeasure, saying: "Brother Cao, you're talking nonsense again. The world is vast, and there are countless talented individuals; as long as they're not mediocre, I'm already content. How dare I be arrogant?"

  Cao Wanrong burst out laughing: "Ah, my tenth public, don't be modest. Just now Old Lü also said you are the thousand-mile horse of the Lü family. What I'm saying is true, in Luoyang, except for the Peony Garden of the Lü family, there really isn't another family that dares to call itself a peony garden, they can only be called flower gardens... If you really open a garden in the capital, I think the various gardens in the capital will also be like this." As he spoke, he glanced at the peonies with his eyes.

  The girl was already big, but the peony didn't have any expression, standing there lightly, holding that kite and looking at it back and forth. On the surface, she seemed indifferent, but in fact, she had been thinking all along: Luoyang's Lyu family peony garden was famous for a long time, and it was said that their family had inherited the skills from their ancestors, with many people working together and being a powerful family for many years. Her own Fragrant Garden was certainly inferior to them in these aspects. What were these two doing in the capital? And how did they get mixed up with Cao Wanrong? Could it be because of the peony meeting that Jiang Changyang mentioned to her the other day?

  If that's the case, then when Jiang Changyang heard this news, it had already spread out or was intentionally sent to someone who cared. So, next spring's peony flower meeting will necessarily be held. Her Fragrant Garden, Cao Wanjun's Cao Family Garden, Luoyang's Lü family, and others, perhaps there are some people that none of them could think of, hidden among the common people, extraordinary individuals.

  Cao Wanrong couldn't bear the sight of Peony's nonchalant demeanor, so he deliberately cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone's attention to himself. Then, in a loud voice, he introduced Peony to Mr. Lü: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is He Qīgōng... haha..." He covered his mouth with his sleeve and said with a joking tone, "Actually, she's a girl, but she loves to have fun, so she dressed up as a boy. I didn't even think of it just now, and I invited her onto the painting boat. Luckily, she remembered, or else it would've been my mistake."

  "Peony furrowed his brow, coldly gazing at Cao Wanjun and smiling: 'Master Cao, your tone is not quite right. If someone didn't know better, they'd misunderstand you as a scoundrel! Luckily, you remembered, or else I would have made a mistake.'"

  Cao Wanrong had intended to mock Mudan for acting like a man, and deliberately made fun of her in front of everyone, teasing her. But unexpectedly, Mudan retorted without mercy, and Cao's face turned somewhat ugly. Taking the opportunity, he said: "He Niang, although we are in the same line of work, I have always been willing to learn from you and get along with you harmoniously. On the contrary, you have never gotten along with me, always targeting me everywhere. As a man, I don't want to argue with you, but you also shouldn't look down on your seniors."

  The peony was made somewhat bewildered by his string of accusations, she swept away the two followers who kept flattering Cao Wanrong, and glanced at Lü's father and son with a disapproving gaze, and had an idea in her mind. This peony meeting would likely have a great deal to do with Lü's father and son, Cao Wanrong was desperately trying to curry favor with them while also desperately attacking herself. At this point, it was likely that Lü's father and son had already been fooled by him, she couldn't argue her way out of this situation even if she tried. Anyway, they all wanted to leave a strong impression, rather than holding back, it was better to be frank and forthright.

  "Ah, Master Cao, I didn't know that about myself. It seems I'm really not worthy to be in your presence. But despite all this, you still took the trouble to row your boat all the way over here and greet me, even introducing me to these two gentlemen from the Lu family. I'm truly ashamed... The great sage once said, 'Knowing one's mistakes and being able to change is a great virtue.' Today, after hearing Master Cao's teachings, I've had an epiphany. From now on, if you take a liking to any of the peonies by the lotus pond, just let me know and I'll make sure to stay away. And as for the temples and Taoist monasteries, I won't go around making deals with them either. If you're interested in a particular place, just write 'Cao' on the door and I'll turn back immediately, saving us both the trouble of having to return the deposit money and sparing me the extra cost of the little monk's errand-running fee."

  Cao Wanjun's face turned darker and darker, Lü Lao frowned to examine the peony, but Lü Fang couldn't help but curl up his lips.

  "Elder, I'm the most respectful one, but now in this situation, oh dear, I really don't dare to delay you all. Boatman, hurry up and set sail!" Peony turned her body sideways and ignored Cao Wanrong and others again. Gui heard the words and actually took out the whistle stick in his hand and pushed the painting boat forward.

  "Run!" Cao Wanrong turned his head to look at Lü Old and said: "Lü Old, look at her, born with a sharp tongue and teeth, I'm being kind to her, speaking good intentions to her, but I've become what kind of person?" As he spoke, he stomped his foot fiercely, a big and tall man doing this, it seemed truly humiliating.

  Lü Lao frowned and said, "You say she's from a wealthy family, spoiled by her father and brothers? She's used to dealing with the powerful, so she's fearless? And yet two men fought over her in public?"

  Cao Wanrong nodded vigorously: "Right, right! One is her ex-husband and the other is her cousin. Tsk, tsk... At that time, she hadn't even received the book yet, but she helped others harm her own husband... This isn't all, she has connections with several royal families, she said that although there are many rare peonies in this world, the most precious and wonderful ones must come from her hands. I don't know who gave her such great audacity! Lü Old Master, this time you've emerged from seclusion, you must give this arrogant little person a good lesson!"

  Lü Lao was furious: "This kind of scum! Also qualified to cultivate peonies? Also dare to say they love peonies? Still called peony? Really tarnished this good name!"

  Cao Wenyong took the opportunity to say: "Lü Lao, I am willing to give you that small garden of mine, just ask you..."

  Lü Lao gave him a glance: "I said I wouldn't open a garden in the capital."

  Cao Wanrong was overjoyed: "Good heavens, this capital city is lacking just such a seasoned veteran like you to take charge... otherwise, evil spirits will run amok..." Lü Old took a sip of wine and said slowly: "No rush, let's talk about it later."

  Lü Fang furrowed her brow and glanced at Cao Wanrong, then looked up at the peony on the shore getting farther and farther away. The kite in her hand had already flown up, but she was clearly not good at flying kites, and had released it by the tree, where it naturally got caught in the branches. She stomped her foot and shouted, while the little maid gestured wildly and ran back and forth, and the little servant held the bamboo pole and tried his best to poke upwards, trying to rescue the kite.

  She circled around the tree, looking up and down, left and right, trying to figure out where to start, but that little scamp was a fool, no matter how she gestured, he poked with a stick and ended up poking a big hole in the kite. The little girl was furious, her finger almost poking into his nose.

  She suddenly opened the small servant's hand and stuffed a bright red orange into it. The young man was now smiling at the small servant with pride, showing off in front of her as he peeled the orange and ate it segment by segment. The small servant cried, but she laughed and maliciously pinched the servant's nose, causing the servant to cry even louder. She panicked a bit and let go, patting the servant's shoulder, but the servant took advantage of the opportunity to kick the young man.

  Is this the kind of person Cao Wanrong was talking about? Lü Fang found it a bit strange. Just as she couldn't figure it out, several horsemen came over, and the first one wearing a red robe jumped off his horse, didn't say a word, walked straight to the tree, climbed up in two strokes, took down the dragonfly kite that had been poked with a stick, and handed it to her. She held the dragonfly kite and gestured, smiling and talking nonstop. The man just looked at her and smiled, without saying much, while Xiaoyu and Ah Gui were busy packing up their things. After they finished packing, she flipped onto her horse and followed the man in red towards the distance.

  Although they were far apart, Lü Fang had a good eye since he was young, and he could see He Qi's every smile and frown, as radiant as the morning sun. In terms of appearance, she was worthy of being called Peony, but it was unknown what kind of person she was. He thought to himself, her peony garden must be called Fragrant Garden? He had to go take a look.

  "Sir, what are you looking at? Come, I'll sing a song for you." The charming musician fanned the air with her sleeves, her red lips slightly parted... She tapped her small shoe, stretched out her foot that had never worn silk stockings, and occasionally brushed against Lü Fang's leg with her toes, which were painted bright red. Her semi-transparent blue gauze pants fluttered in the wind.

  Lv Fang stared blankly for a while, then suddenly said: "My family has a kind of ointment that is suitable for skin as dry and cracked as yours, it's worth trying!"

  Lai Ji was taken aback and quietly withdrew her foot, giggling: "You're bragging!"

  Lü Fang was very serious: "Lü Fang never boasts."

  The courtesan raised an eyebrow, leaned in close to him and said: "Then bring it over and let me take a look, and then apply it for me?" Her foot hooked onto Lu Fang's thigh from an unexpected place. Lu Fang remained still, smiling slightly: "It's exhausting. Others only need to wipe once and they'll be fine, but sister, you might need to wipe for ten years before there's any improvement. However, by that time, it would already be too late."

  Le Qi's face slightly flushed, and she relaxed her feet. Lü Fang turned around and left, a golden pearl fell into Le Qi's arms, diluting her sorrow and anger just now.

  Peony and Jiang Changyang did not go back home directly, but instead found a secluded teahouse to sit down and talk.

  After everyone had retired, Peony quietly told Jiang Changyang what she had heard, saying: "Our whole family has heard about this matter, and my mother asked me to take a look. Just now I heard that you went to the palace early in the morning, and I was worried that it might be related to this matter. Seeing you return wearing your red robe, I thought it should be fine." Filial piety is a serious crime. Even the emperor cannot withstand such public opinion, and many people have fallen because of this.

  Jiang Changyang gently grasped her hand, and smiled slightly: "When I came, I guessed that this matter would spread so widely, I didn't know if you would come to see me. Who would have thought that you were actually waiting for me? If I had known you were coming, I should have run a bit faster. Look at the sky, it's already late, and you can't stay long before going back home."

  "Peony pinched his fingers one by one: 'How did it end up like this? They were also poisoned, everyone who knows you knows that you absolutely wouldn't use those bad things to pay respects to the elderly, even if you don't like her, you're not that kind of person.'"

  Jiang Changyang felt that the fingers she was pinching were more comfortable one by one, and he couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly: "I had expected it to be like this. From now on, everyone will know that I am not in harmony with the Zhu Guogong Mansion, so they won't bother me because of my relationship with them, and similarly, the troubles of the Zhu Guogong Mansion won't easily find their way to my head either. There must be gains and losses, it just depends on whether what you gain is more or what you lose is more."

  "However, you can't bear the reputation of being unfilial. It's clearly not your fault. They're also being quite vicious."

  Jiang Changyang smiled lightly and stood up, placing his face half a foot away from hers, staring at her steadily: "You're thinking for me like this now?"

  "Peony stretched out her hand to push his face: 'Greasy face, full of oil, disgusting, stay away from me.'"

  Jiang Changyang didn't say another word, pulled her hand up and wiped his face with it: "You're right, it's oil. I accompanied the Emperor shooting arrows for half a day and sweated a lot. My face hasn't even been washed yet, and I rushed back."

  The peony felt greasy in her palm, struggled to get free, wiped it with a handkerchief, and clicked... She couldn't bear to look at it anymore, shouting that she wanted to use tangerine peel to scrub this hand for Jiang Changyang to eat.

  Jiang Changyang didn't mind, handing her an orange, but Peony couldn't do that, taking a clean handkerchief to peel it: "From what you said, the Emperor isn't blaming you? The Imperial Censor's side..."

  Jiang Changyang smiled slightly: "It's best if no one punishes them, they still dare to say those things are bad, some of which are imperial gifts. Those who embezzle will lose their heads. So I came this morning to plead for them, not to plead for myself."

  "Didn't you tell them there's an imperial gift inside?" He must have done it on purpose!

  Jiang Changyang sighed, "I didn't even have a chance to tell them before they drove me away. Their views on my mother and me are really too much, daring to insult my mother in front of me. As a human being, how can I tolerate it? This morning, I have already sworn an oath in front of the gods that this life, I will not inherit anything from the Zhu Guo Gong Fu, including the title. But blood ties and kinship cannot be broken, so I took responsibility for their foolish actions yesterday, all because I didn't make things clear to them beforehand, which led to what happened. So I endured a few slaps on behalf of my grandmother."

  "Peony's eyebrows furrowed even deeper: 'Did you get beaten up? Where does it hurt?'"

  Jiang Changyang clutched his waist: "It hurts so much, if you're willing to help me apply some medicine, I'll definitely get better quickly." Peony lightly kicked his calf: "Die from the pain for all I care."

  Jiang Changyang dodged nimbly and chuckled in a low voice, "Just wait, they'll soon realize they've been had and will pin the crime on me at Zhu Guogong's place. I'm here to harm them, and I must not be allowed to return. Zhu Guogong will soon suspect me."

  "Your Majesty, what did you say?" Peony asked anxiously.

  Jiang Changyang sighed softly: "Your Majesty, he actually doesn't like me and the Zhu Guogong Mansion getting close. My mother and Fang Bohui... So, the more I don't get along with the Zhu Guogong Mansion, the happier he is." Therefore, although he was beaten and scolded, the Emperor's heart was actually happy.