Qin Shengyi had refrained from asking questions earlier, fearing she might say the wrong thing and disrupt Mudan’s plans. However, Mudan quickly corrected her, emphasizing that they were equals and business partners. She encouraged Qin Shengyi to ask anything she was unsure about. To Qin Shengyi, Mudan appeared literate and business-savvy, which led her to assume Mudan was from a wealthy family. Mudan, however, shared little about her background, redirecting the conversation to Shengyi’s future aspirations. When asked what she would do if money were no longer a concern, Shengyi had no clear answer. Mudan suggested that Shengyi learn to read and write so she could help with bookkeeping, to which Shengyi readily agreed.
The neighboring Jiang estate was filled with nightly revelry. Mudan’s primary concern, however, was ensuring the precious “Qiongtai Yulu” plant in their yard remained unharmed.
The next day, Mudan visited the Jiang estate, where she found a line of officials outside delivering gifts to fill Jiang Changyang’s storerooms. A guard named Chuanyu explained that the officials were bringing tributes, hoping to gain favor. Among them was Sima Feng, who presented a large red coral stone. Chuanyu dismissed the gift as insincere, stating Jiang Changyang would not meet him. Insisting on an explanation, Sima Feng was led to the backyard, where he was astounded to see a red coral stone twice the size of his. He nearly stumbled in shock.
Yin Jiancheng lavished extravagant praise on Jiang Changyang, presenting him with a basket of priceless pearls called “Magpie Eggs.” In return, Jiang Changyang gifted him a cricket known as the “Unbeaten General,” claiming it was bestowed by the emperor.
Mudan curiously inquired if another storeroom replenishment would take place on the 15th of the following month. Chuanyu explained that the so-called “relocation” was merely a pretense. Items from one side of the storeroom would be moved to another, creating space to fill with new gifts. Mudan, sharp and perceptive, quickly deduced that Jiang Changyang’s ostentatious display of wealth was a ruse to conceal more valuable treasures. She also suspected Chuanyu’s openness was a tactic to spread false narratives through her. When Jiang Changyang asked if she was curious about the true hidden items, Mudan wisely chose to feign disinterest. Jiang Changyang simply informed her that the “Qiongtai Yulu” was in the study.
Elsewhere, Liu Zishu accompanied the Princess of Ji’an to a gathering at Jia Erlang’s residence. Liu presented an elegant painting, believing it to be sophisticated and unique, only to find that Jia’s home was filled with countless works by the famed artist Wu Huasheng. Jia’s father was even friends with the artist, who could easily be invited to paint live. Liu Zishu attempted to discuss strategies for improving canal transportation, but Jia, born into an aristocratic family, was only interested in pleasure.
Two servants at Jia’s estate praised the “miraculous flower-seller” who made peonies affordable for ordinary families. Overhearing this, Liu Zishu wondered if the flower-seller could be He Weifang. Disgusted by the opulence around him, Liu excused himself and, on his way back, sent Qiushi to the flower market.
At the market, Mudan intervened when a con artist injured an elderly man’s donkey and falsely accused him of causing damage to an expensive “Golden Peony” potion flower. The scammer demanded a hefty compensation, but Mudan’s quick thinking exposed the fraud. The scammer fled with a small sum, while Mudan claimed the peony for herself.
When Liu Zishu arrived, he saw Qin Shengyi at the flower stall and, realizing she wasn’t He Weifang, felt a pang of disappointment. However, fate brought him face-to-face with Mudan again. This time, Liu Zishu confessed his feelings, but Mudan coldly replied that her only emotion toward him was hatred.
Mudan brought the “Golden Peony” back with plans to nurture it and sell it for a high price. Unfortunately, Jiang Changyang’s friend, Sanlang, accidentally damaged the flower. To resolve the matter, Mudan and Sanlang signed an agreement: if Mudan successfully nursed the flower to bloom, Sanlang would compensate her at any price she set. If the flower failed to bloom, Sanlang would only pay the standard market rate.
Meanwhile, Wang Qing, envious of Qin Shengyi’s flourishing flower business, pretended to reconcile with her. Mudan arrived just in time to prevent Wang Qing from causing any trouble.
