Jiang Changyang used the position of Assistant Transport Commissioner to tempt Prince Ning, further stating that the Emperor had seen Mudan and the Noble Consort had also encountered her. If another beautiful and gentle woman were chosen to marry, it would amount to deceiving the Emperor. Seeing that Prince Ning wavered, Jiang Changyang pointed out that the County Princess only cared for Liu Zishu’s heart. If Liu Zishu took He Weifang as a concubine, it would cut off his affections, which would ultimately benefit the County Princess. Though Prince Ning said nothing, Jiang Changyang knew he couldn’t resist such a lucrative position, finally putting his mind at ease.
Mudan, who had been safely hidden in a secret room, overheard Jiang Changyang’s negotiations with Prince Ning. After sending the prince off, Jiang Changyang worried about how to explain the temporary measure of taking a concubine to Mudan. Unexpectedly, Mudan responded with clarity and understanding.
For Mudan, reputation was secondary to life, especially as she was remarrying and seen by society as a profit-driven merchant. Conversely, the Flower and Bird Envoy was marrying for the first time, making him the one at a disadvantage. Jiang Changyang couldn’t help but laugh, realizing Mudan was far from ordinary and didn’t need his guidance. While Mudan didn’t mind the arrangement, Jiang Changyang insisted that the wedding be properly arranged. However, Mudan preferred to keep things simple, as an extravagant ceremony for a temporary marriage could raise suspicions. Zhu Fu and Xiaochun objected to the simplicity, with Sanlang predicting the Jiang mansion would be crowded with well-wishers. Still, Jiang Changyang decided to follow Mudan’s wishes—keeping it simple, without inviting guests, though they would still deliver wedding gifts.
Li Youzhen, on the other hand, found herself facing the harsh reality that even a royal family’s affection for their daughter couldn’t outweigh political interests. Prince Ning demanded Liu Chang marry into the Ning family, promising to fulfill any condition as long as he signed the marital agreement and refrained from taking other concubines. Liu Chang refused, hoping to delay by claiming he needed to consult his family patriarch. Enraged, Prince Ning threatened to end Liu’s bloodline. Terrified, Liu Shen signed the agreement on behalf of his son, leaving Liu Chang bitterly amused by the absurdity of the situation. Entering the Ning household as a son-in-law, with no offspring, felt unfair enough, yet Prince Ning expected harmony between Liu Chang and Li Youzhen. Liu Chang’s resistance only deepened, but Prince Ning had ways to suppress his defiance.
Meanwhile, Zhu Fu and Xiaochun, unaware of the truth, fretted over rumors of the Flower and Bird Envoy being a debauched womanizer. Xiaochun even checked his pulse, discovering his robust health contradicted such rumors. Initially staging an act for Zhu Fu and Xiaochun, Mudan and Jiang Changyang began to realize the ambiguous bond they had developed along the way.
Mudan entered the palace to accompany the Noble Consort, bringing calming incense and offering guidance to ease her worries. The Emperor and Jiang Changyang eavesdropped from outside, learning of the Noble Consort’s disdain for rigid court protocols. Feeling conflicted, the Emperor instructed Jiang Changyang not to reveal his visit to the Noble Consort.
Back at the Ning mansion, Liu Chang, now crippled and imprisoned, resorted to hunger strikes to protest Prince Ning’s overwhelming power. A servant delivering meals mocked Liu Chang, recounting how Liu Shen and his wife had joyfully accepted the 20 bridal gift chests. The servant declared that Liu Chang belonged to the Ning household in both life and death. Adding insult to injury, the servant presented celebratory pastries for the Flower and Bird Envoy and He Weifang’s marriage, further extinguishing Liu Chang’s hope of taking He Weifang as a concubine. This moment seemed poised to mark Liu Chang’s descent into darkness.
