The next day, in front of everyone, Mudan deliberately pointed out that the jade pendant worn by Chuan Yu belonged to Yu Lu. Furthermore, this jade pendant was given to Jiang Changyang by Chen Zhang, and Jiang Changyang had rewarded it to Chuan Yu. Chen Zhang denied any involvement, claiming that the jade pendant was sent to the mansion by the Liu household’s steward. The steward was forced to take the blame, and the instigator, Liu Shen, pretended to punish the steward, administering a beating before expelling him from the Liu family. Although this action caused Liu Shen to lose face, Mudan did not feel happy because what she had done did not truly constitute revenge. During the banquet, Jiang Changyang expressed his wholehearted support for Lady Li Youzhen and intended to assist her in secretly meeting Liu Chang at Shuiyu Pavilion. Chuan Yu worried that the young madam, Mudan, would take offense, but Jiang Changyang had long realized that Mudan’s heart was not set on Liu Chang, firmly believing that she would not be offended.
Lady Li Youzhen met with Liu Chang again at Shuiyu Pavilion to rekindle their past romance, urging him to divorce Mudan and return to Chang’an with her. In Lady Li Youzhen’s eyes, He Weifang lacked power and influence, only serving as a burden to Liu Chang. Liu Chang had already found Lady Li Youzhen to be very unfamiliar, and she had become an overbearing county lord who not only rejected Mudan but also decided to sever all ties with her. Lady Li Youzhen, unwilling to accept this, resorted to self-sacrifice and seductive tactics, attempting to soften Liu Chang’s heart. Witnessing all of this, Mudan deliberately suggested that everyone move to Shuiyu Pavilion to admire the flowers. While Liu Chang and Lady Li Youzhen were passionately embracing and kissing at Shuiyu Pavilion, Mudan pulled down the curtain, revealing their disheveled appearances to everyone present. The room immediately erupted into uproar, and Liu Chang hurriedly covered Lady Li Youzhen with his garment.
Mudan feigned a crying and sorrowful demeanor, making it clear that the Liu family was at fault in this matter, which garnered more sympathy from everyone. Jiang Changyang assisted Mudan, suggesting that they facilitate Liu Chang and Lady Li Youzhen’s union. Mudan took advantage of the situation and requested Liu Shen’s approval for her divorce from Liu Chang. Under these circumstances, even if Liu Shen did not want to agree, it was difficult for him to refuse. Unbeknownst to others, not long before, Mudan had approached Lady Li Youzhen, expressing her willingness to divorce Liu Chang to vacate the position of the legitimate wife in the Liu household for the county lord. Initially, Lady Li Youzhen thought Mudan was exploiting her, but Mudan explained that their objectives were aligned and that it was not a matter of exploitation. Mudan then stated her reasons for wanting a divorce, noting that Lady Li Youzhen had also married someone she did not love and could deeply empathize, ultimately convincing her to agree. Disregarding propriety, Mudan orchestrated the Shuiyu Pavilion incident to trap Liu Chang.
Liu Shen, believing the sorcerer from the martial world, went to consult the sorcerer. The sorcerer had already received instructions from the county lord and deliberately claimed that He Weifang was now incompatible with the Liu family, making it impossible for her to stay. He also stated that the county lord was a good match for Liu Chang, ensuring that the Liu family would rise smoothly and soar to great heights. Liu Shen fully trusted this information and, along with Mrs. Liu, went to meet the county lord, stating that they would send three letters of betrothal to arrange for Liu Chang to marry the county lord. As for He Weifang, Liu Shen assured that arrangements would be made. Once again, Liu Chang was arranged to divorce Mudan and marry another woman. He was evidently dissatisfied with this marriage arrangement, but Liu Shen remained indifferent. Lady Li Youzhen, who had long been infatuated with Liu Chang and determined to spend her life with him, resorted to any means necessary. If, in the future, Liu Chang discovered that everything had been part of Lady Li Youzhen’s plan and that he had been manipulated, he was unsure how he would react.
Liu Shen rearranged for another maid to attend to He Weifang. He Weifang asked her what Liu Shen and Mrs. Liu were doing at that moment. The maid did not tell the truth, but He Weifang knew that the couple must be counting the family’s assets, likely settling accounts once and for all. Liu Chang, believing that He Weifang was just jealous, felt a sense of duty as a husband. He thought that no matter how angry a rabbit with bared teeth might be, it still needed to be soothed and calmed, so he decided to go and comfort He Weifang.
