Widows in the Song Dynasty were easy to marry

Chapter 34

Danmei sat down next to him, placed a cloth under his hand, and poured hot tea into his cup from the boiling teapot. She said, "Since the old physician has recommended you in this way, he must be no ordinary person. I hope you can get rid of this stubborn disease soon, so you won't suffer like this every year."

King Jing chuckled, glancing down at the still-swirling green tea leaves in the white porcelain teacup. After a moment's thought, he said, "When I visited Huaichu last month, I also sent someone to your mother's house in Suzhou to secretly inquire about your situation. Your parents are both in good health, but they still don't know about you... He sends letters and gifts several times a year, so your parents still believe you're living a good life with him in Huaichu. They just haven't seen you visit for many years, so they have some lingering thoughts..."

The smile on Danmei's face froze instantly.

When she left, she did add a sentence at the end of her letter, asking him not to let her parents know that she had left home. Her initial plan was that after she left, he would grieve for a while, then naturally remarry, and she could then return home to apologize to her parents. Although her parents would inevitably be heartbroken, they would still accept her as their daughter. Unexpectedly, nearly four years have passed, and the news brought by Prince Jing is still the same.

Why is he so obsessed with himself that he has caused both of them to make things so difficult for each other?

"You... really don't want him to know you're staying here?"

Prince Jing picked up his cup, took a small sip of tea, and looked in the direction where Xiao Bao had just gone in. He said, "When he gets older, it'll be good for him to be recognized by his ancestors... If you're willing, I can give him a heads-up..."

Danmei gazed at the field of white night-blooming jasmine behind the trellis, lost in thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, "When Xiaobao is older and understands things better, if he wants to go back, I will let him go. But for now..."

Now, she knows she is somewhat lost herself. The only clear feeling is the fear of him finding out she is hiding here, the fear of her current peaceful life being disrupted, and the fear of how she would react if their eyes were ever truly locked. Knowing that he has not given up searching for her only intensifies this fear.

King Jing laughed, shook his head and sighed, "It must be his fate to encounter such a stubborn woman as you. Very well, since you are unwilling, I will naturally not act against your wishes."

Danmei breathed a sigh of relief, thought for a moment, and looked at Prince Jing, saying, "Recently, when I have nothing to do, I often think of some old things from back then. When I was about to leave Miao Village in Suzhou, I happened to visit Granny Wang's family, who were also returning to Hangzhou Prefecture, so I came here on the same boat. When we arrived here, Granny Wang went to the village head and said that I was a distant relative of hers, so I was able to settle down, buy land, and build a house. Before, I just thought I was lucky and met a benefactor as soon as I went out. Now that I think about it carefully, I realize that I am able to have this place to settle down today because of your secret help, right? It's laughable that I didn't realize it before, and I am very ashamed. Now that you've come, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you."

Prince Jing was somewhat surprised that she would suddenly bring this up, but he quickly smiled and said frankly, "I am about the same age as the heir of the Chong Prince's mansion, and we occasionally have dealings. He is someone who can't keep a secret. Once, during a meeting, I overheard him casually mention that the princess is determined to marry no one but Lord Xu, and from what he said, it seems that the matter is almost certain. I was a little worried, so I sent someone to Huai Chu to keep an eye on things. Later, I learned that you had left Huai Chu on your own. Although I don't understand your thoughts, I figured you must have your reasons, so I had someone secretly look after you. I didn't do anything, but you, a woman, have managed the affairs of this flower field so well all these years on your own. I am truly impressed."

Danmei smiled and said a few words of modesty, then solemnly thanked her again.

King Jing smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Gold is easy to obtain, but a true friend is hard to find. I have lived a mundane life, with only a passion for flower arranging. Upon first meeting you, I felt as if we were old friends. I have only done my best, and I also have my own selfish motives..." King Jing tilted his head slightly, his expression somewhat mischievous, "I have heard you mention the green peony before, and you promised to give it to me if you could cultivate it, and I have been thinking about it ever since. I couldn't wait to see this new peony, the best in the world, which is why I rushed over here so early."

Having known him for several years, this was the first time she had seen him so playful. Danmei smiled and nodded, saying, "You've come at the perfect time. I've been trying to cultivate the green peony in Yaoshun for several years, using every method imaginable, but without success. This year, however, it looks promising; it's already budding and will bloom in a few days. If it truly blooms in a vibrant green, I'll naturally give it to you, since it came because of you, and you can name it."

King Jing was overjoyed and thought for a moment before saying, "After seeing it with my own eyes, I will think of a good name to do justice to its beauty."

Danmei nodded with a smile. Her years of painstaking effort to cultivate a green peony were not for fame, but rather because during a casual conversation with Prince Jing, she had inadvertently mentioned that besides multi-colored peonies, there existed a rarer kind of green peony. Prince Jing had expressed his admiration, which was why she agreed to try cultivating it using medicinal herbs. If she succeeded, she would present it to Prince Jing as a token of her gratitude for his care over the years.

"If it really works, after you take it to the capital, please do not reveal the origin of this flower."

Danmei hesitated for a moment, then looked at Prince Jing and said.

King Jing was taken aback, but then he understood what she meant. He sighed and nodded in agreement.

***

Xu Jinrong and Yang Huan parted ways at the Drunken Red Pavilion as dusk fell. The setting sun shone from the distant mountains, casting its rays upon the lake, half golden-red and half shadowy green. The wind picked up, and the sound of waves lapping against the shore could be faintly heard. Though it was late spring, a time of vibrant life, the scene before him seemed to carry an air of autumnal desolation.

He had spent the entire afternoon drinking and chatting with Yang Huan, the first time in years he had enjoyed himself so much. But now that the wine was gone and they were gone, a gust of wind made him feel the effects of the alcohol, and he stumbled, grabbing onto a willow tree for support. Even then, the figure that had haunted him for years could not be driven away, and his heart was filled with unbearable resentment.

"Where did they go? There's been no news of their whereabouts. How could there be such a ruthless person in the world? If I find them..."

He slammed his palm down on the tree trunk, causing the willow branches to tremble violently.

Chapter Seventy-Eight

Yang Huan staggered back to the Prefect's Office. As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Xu Shirong looking at him with a stern face. He suddenly remembered the drinking rules she had set for him in the past, and it was clear that he had gone too far today. With a jolt, he sobered up quite a bit. He took a few steps forward, hugged her, and leaned in to kiss her, but she pushed him away, fanned the smell of alcohol on his breath in front of her, and frowned, saying, "Don't tell me you came back like this because you met a kindred spirit while drinking!"

Yang Huan chuckled, then casually lay back on the couch. He hooked his leg around Xu Shirong, causing her to lose her balance and fall onto him. He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her deeply. Seeing her eyebrows furrow, he immediately interjected, "Do you know why he came to Hangzhou?"

Xu Shirong was taken aback: "How would I know why he went to Hangzhou?"

Yang Huan sighed, "I don't know either." After saying that, he shook his head and said, "He drank all afternoon and even brought up the story of how my father used to beat me. His mouth was like a clam shell, tightly sealed, and he wouldn't mention the reason for it. Judging from his dejected look, he must have encountered something terrible. It's unbelievable that someone like him would eat such a big meal. It makes me even more curious to know."

Xu Shirong recalled how that person used to be meticulous and never showed his emotions, and then she remembered the desolate look in his eyes when she saw him from afar today. She was somewhat surprised. However, unlike Yang Huan, she wasn't gossipy. She let it go after thinking about it, but seeing that he still looked unwilling, she said irritably, "Look at what you've been drinking! Even your clothes smell like a stench. Go take them off and change!"

Yang Huan lay still, just looking at her with a grin and said, "Take it off for me, and I'll change."

Seeing that he was determined to be a rogue, Xu Shirong knew that if she didn't go along with him, he would become persistent and annoying under the influence of alcohol, and there would be no end to it. So she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

***

Xu Jinrong returned to his lodgings after dark. His head was still slightly throbbing. As soon as he entered, he saw Jiang Rui approaching, who seemed to have been waiting for some time. Xu Jinrong perked up and asked, "Any news?"

Jiang Rui glanced at him and said in a low voice, "Since Prince Jing arrived here, he has been going in and out of the Bi Family Medical Clinic in Liren Lane for the past few days without making any other moves. I was afraid that you would be anxious waiting, so I came back to report today."

Xu Jinrong could not hide his disappointment. He muttered to himself, "He left Huaichu for Hangzhou, really to seek medical treatment? But why did he send someone to Suzhou to inquire about the situation?" After a moment of distraction, he asked, "Jiang Rui, I remember having someone search for Hangzhou once before?"

Jiang Rui thought for a moment and said, "That happened at the beginning of last year. I searched all the places near Suzhou. Since this place is not a flower-producing area like Luoyang, I thought it was unlikely that Madam would linger here. Moreover, the flower growers are scattered here and there. After searching for some time without success, I did not stay any longer and went to other places."

"Now that we've come this far, we should send people to search again. This time, we must search more thoroughly, looking through all the places where flowers are planted, leaving no one out."

Jiang Rui agreed, and as he left, he saw Xu Jinrong's dejected expression, and his own heart sank as well.

For the past few years, the master's search for his wife has never ceased. Wherever news of someone resembling her comes, he immediately rushes there. But each time, he goes with hope, only to return disappointed. As for the places where his wife is most likely to stay, such as the capital region she is familiar with, and Luoyang, famous for its flowers, almost every inch of the land has been searched. But in this vast world, finding someone who has deliberately concealed their tracks is no easy task.

The official is still keeping this matter a secret from the elderly couple in Suzhou. He sends him there once or twice a year to deliver messages, partly to appease them, and partly out of a desire for the lady to contact her maternal family and receive some news. Just last month, when he went to Suzhou again, he encountered someone at the gatehouse inquiring about the elderly couple's affairs. After the person turned and left, he asked the gatekeeper and learned that the man had come several times before, always leaving after asking questions. Suspicion arose in his heart, and he immediately sent someone to follow him. Unexpectedly, the man followed them all the way back to Huaichu, and when he saw the man enter the old imperial physician's residence, he realized it was related to Prince Jing, who visited every year. Unable to contain himself any longer, upon learning that Prince Jing had left Huaichu for Hangzhou, he immediately secretly followed him.

Men his age usually marry and start families long ago. But he spends most of the year traveling and working; how could he possibly have the time or inclination to think about such things? Besides…

Jiang Rui's mind flashed back to the scene several years ago when he parted ways with that woman with thick eyebrows and large eyes in Suzhou. That was the last time he saw her. At that time, she handed him a letter from his wife, earnestly urging him to be careful on the road and deliver the letter as soon as possible. As he mounted his horse and rode away, he could still see her standing there, gazing at him from afar.

At the time, he had no idea what was going to happen. He thought she was just reluctant to see him leave, and he was even happy for a long time. Now that he thinks about it, she probably only vaguely sensed the lady's intentions but wasn't sure, which is why she was so distracted.

She must still be by the lady's side. But, so many years have passed, is she still well?

Jiang Rui sighed and quickened her pace as she went out.

***

A few days later, in the early morning, Danmei went to the back garden as usual, only to find to her surprise that a hole had been dug in the fence, and the green peony planted there had disappeared. Next to it was a large mud pit that had been dug, and some small roots of the peony remained on the ground. It seemed that in the dark of night, the thief was flustered and had broken it.

The local people are known for their honesty and simplicity, and theft is extremely rare. Although the green peony is a rare flower, Danmei had no intention of selling it for a high price. Therefore, she simply chose a suitable spot and planted it in the garden behind the house along with other flowers. It had only been in bloom for two days, and she was planning to transplant it into a clay pot for Prince Jing to take with him when he came next time. Unexpectedly, someone beat her to it. After thinking for a moment, she remembered that the rogue Zhang Xiaoqi who lived at the edge of the village seemed to have been loitering around her fence a few times a couple of days ago.

Zhang Xiaoqi was an idle and lazy bum, with only his elderly parents at home. He was a despicable man whom everyone in the village frowned upon, often gambling in the city. He had no wife or children. When Danmei first moved here, Zhang Xiaoqi had already set his sights on Xiqing, but she chased him away with a hoe. Later, through Wang Da Niang, she found the village head, gave him some money, and the village head found Zhang Xiaoqi and gave him a severe scolding, which made him behave somewhat. Could it be that he harbored malicious intentions and stole the Green Peony?

When Danmei arrived at Zhang Xiaoqi's house at the village entrance, she found no one there. His old mother immediately started cursing her son, calling him a good-for-nothing who lay dead on the roadside, saying that he hadn't returned since he went out last night and she wished he never came back so she could have some peace and quiet.

Zhang Xiaoqi's mother grabbed Danmei and kept complaining. Danmei already understood what was going on, but had no choice but to stay with her for a while before she finally left.

Xiqing angrily threatened to report it to the authorities, but Danmei stopped her. What she least wanted right now was to get entangled with a scoundrel like Zhang Xiaoqi and escalate the situation. As for Prince Jing, it seemed he truly had no chance with this green peony; he could only wait until next year to cultivate a new one and send it to him.

***

"Sir, this time we've sent people to investigate thoroughly. They reported back that the two most well-known flower-growing women in the area are Cui San Niang from Guanqiao near the East Gate and a woman from Meijia Village near Qiantang Gate. Cui San Niang is quite old, so she doesn't fit the description. The woman from Meijia Village, although of similar age, is a widow with a son. The village head said she also has an older brother, so she can't be the wife either..."

Jiang Rui carefully reported the information he had gathered over the past few days. Seeing Xu Jinrong's furrowed brows, he sighed inwardly.

Xu Jinrong pondered for a moment, then waved his hand wearily and said, "You come back to Huaichu with me first. Leave some people here to keep an eye on Prince Jing."

Jiang Ruigong responded with a "Yes," and then got up from behind the desk, put his hands behind his back, and slowly went out.

Having searched for her for so many years, Xu Jinrong had experienced countless ups and downs of hope and despair. His initial eagerness and anxiety had gradually turned into a profound weariness. The reason he still refused to give up was because of a thought that often surfaced in the dead of night, tormenting him yet also stirring a bittersweet feeling within him: "If Heaven allows me to find her, then I will..."

If he really finds her, what will he do?

He might angrily condemn her cold-bloodedness and then turn away resolutely, or he might hold her tightly and tell her that he truly wants to be with her for life, as long as he can see her lying quietly beside him every morning when he wakes up.

He didn't know either. All he knew was that he had to find her and put an end to things.

There were still many matters in Huainan Road that urgently required his attention. Having lingered there for several days, he needed to return. Remembering his chance encounter with Yang Huan, now the Prefect of Hangzhou, by West Lake, he hesitated slightly before finally deciding to go and greet him before leaving. That young master was a man of deep feeling and integrity, a fact he had known before. However, things had changed, and the past seemed like a distant memory, allowing them to enjoy wine and conversation together so comfortably.

Upon hearing the gatekeeper's report, Yang Huan personally went to the front of the yamen to welcome him inside. After the two sat down, Yang Huan heard that he was leaving and had only come to say goodbye. He said with some regret, "Since you've come all this way, why not stay a few more days? If you really have any difficulties, just tell me. As the chief official here, I am of some use. If I can help, I certainly won't refuse."

Xu Jinrong smiled and said, "Coming here this time has already violated the rules, so how could I dare to stay any longer? I appreciate Brother Yang's kindness."

Yang Huan knew he was unwilling to reveal the truth, so he let it go. The two chatted for a while longer, agreeing to visit each other often. Seeing that he was about to take his leave, Yang Huan suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "Now that you've come here, as a local, I must show you some appreciation before you leave. I know your home is overflowing with gold and silver, so those worldly things are naturally beneath your notice. A couple of days ago, a subordinate official came to visit. Knowing that I don't accept gifts, he was quite cunning and had someone bring over a green peony. You know that peonies are not easy to grow well here, and to have a green peony like this is truly rare. Not to mention your Huai-Chu region, even in the most prosperous capital city, I'm afraid it's quite something..."

"Is that green peony still there? Do you know who made it?"

Xu Jinrong initially didn't care much, but the more he listened, the more serious his expression became, and he even interrupted Yang Huan without regard for etiquette.

Seeing his anxious expression, Yang Huan was taken aback for a moment, then scratched his head and said, "The peony is in the backyard now. I bought it, intending to please my wife, but she scolded me instead, saying that such a fine variety, and since she doesn't know how to grow flowers, would be a waste if she killed it. Now it's become a hot potato. If you're interested, you can take it with you; it would be a good help. But I don't know who made it..."

"The person who delivered the flowers must know. Quickly take me there and ask them!"

Xu Jinrong had already stood up.

Yang Huan was extremely surprised. Just moments ago, he had been smiling and composed, so why was he so flustered upon hearing about the green peony? Remembering the purpose of his trip, which he had so vehemently concealed, could there be some connection? A mischievous thought immediately arose in his mind. He coughed lightly and said with a smile, "What's the rush! The person who delivered the flowers was sent away on official business yesterday, and it seems unlikely he'll be back for at least ten days. If you really want to know, just stay and wait. West Lake is full of beautiful scenery; I'll accompany you and we can leisurely explore it all!"

Upon hearing the name "green peony," Xu Jinrong immediately recalled the color-changing peony that Danmei had planted before. In this vast world, those with such ingenuity and skill, if not unique, would be few and far between. After years of fruitless searching, just as he was about to lose heart, he suddenly discovered this possible clue. How could he possibly ignore it? His heart pounded, and he couldn't wait to find the person who possessed that flower and see for himself.

He had been abandoned by his wife with a letter, and there had been no news of her since. How could he easily let anyone know about such a shameful affair within the inner court? And it was Yang Huan again! But given the current situation, if he didn't give a clear explanation, judging from his appearance, he would deliberately play tricks and delay. Even if he made up another reason, given Yang Huan's cunning, he wouldn't easily believe it.

Xu Jinrong pondered for a moment, but ultimately could not resist the urgent thought of finding his wife. He sighed and briefly mentioned it.

Yang Huan's eyes widened, and he stood there stunned for a long while before suddenly bursting into laughter, clutching his stomach and groaning in pain: "You...you really do expect to encounter such a thing! Haha, I really want to meet your wife, she's truly a heroine! Next time, bring her to meet my darling, and I'm sure they'll become close friends..."

Xu Jinrong's face flushed red, and he frowned as he waited for him to finish laughing before standing up and coldly saying, "Now that you know everything, take me to find that person!"

As Yang Huan got up, he rubbed his stomach and said, "Okay, okay, I'll take you to his house right away! Poor thing, it's not easy for you either..."

The official who delivered the flowers was momentarily confused when he saw Prefect Yang arrive with a stern-faced man by his side. Upon hearing that the inquiry was about the origin of the green peony he had sent previously, he breathed a sigh of relief and immediately explained.

It turned out that this official was also a flower lover, and he often strolled around the flower market. A few days ago, he happened to be there when he came across someone selling peonies, surrounded by a crowd marveling at them. Upon closer inspection, he realized that they were extremely rare green peonies.

Peonies of all colors are available now, but green is nowhere to be found. In the past, people often dyed white peonies green to increase their price. But this pot of peonies, when its petals were lightly touched with a wet hand, showed no fading; it was truly the genuine article. I was immediately tempted. Seeing the flower seller's sleazy appearance, I knew he wasn't a practical person, and the flower's origin must be unusual. Seeing the man's extremely high price, I revealed my identity to intimidate him. The flower seller indeed looked panicked, and I finally sold it for thirty thousand.

The official was extremely pleased to have acquired such a rare and exquisite variety at such a price. He admired it for two days and, having heard from somewhere that the newly arrived prefect did not accept money but only had a fondness for refined tastes, decided to send the flower to Yang Huan to curry favor. That's how it ended up in Yang Huan's hands.

Do you know the flower seller?

Xu Jinrong asked.

The subordinate official, seeing that the man was dressed in ordinary clothes but had a sharp gaze, dared not underestimate him and hurriedly said, "I don't recognize him. But people in the flower market must have seen him. If you want to find him, I'll take you there right away."

***

Because Zhang Xiaoqi was short of money, he had recently noticed a rare green peony in the village's flower garden. Knowing it was a rare variety, he hatched a wicked plan. Taking advantage of the family's small size, he sneaked in at night, dug up the flower with a pickaxe, and the next day went to the Jia Hui Gate flower market in the south of the city, hoping to sell it for a high price and make a quick buck. However, he was threatened and, feeling guilty, dared not resist. He hastily took thirty thousand coins and then immediately went to a brothel in the city. That day, he was rolling up his sleeves and shouting at the gambling table when he suddenly felt people around him grabbing some money. He screamed and scattered like birds. Not understanding why, he glared at them, about to curse, when someone patted him on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw it was a clerk from the yamen (government office). He was so frightened that he knelt down and begged for mercy.

Zhang Xiaoqi was dragged out and thrown to the ground. Trembling, he looked up and saw a young official in front of him, smiling broadly. Beside him stood another man, whose face was cold and stern, his gaze like a blade. A chill ran down Zhang Xiaoqi's spine. He racked his brains trying to figure out when he had offended such a person.

Xu Jinrong approached Zhang Xiaoqi and slowly asked, "Where did you get that green peony from?"

Zhang Xiaoqi's mind went blank. He had thought that the Flower Maiden, a widow and orphan, was kind and quiet, and that losing a flower would at most be considered bad luck, and wouldn't lead to any official complaint. He hadn't expected the authorities to find him so quickly. He dared not hide anything any longer and immediately burst into tears, saying, "It's all my fault for being so foolish. This flower really isn't mine; I stole it from the Flower Maiden's garden to sell. I have elderly parents to support; please, sir, forgive me. I promise I'll never do it again."

"Lady Flower... who is she?"

“She’s a widow with a son,” Zhang Xiaoqi said, wiping his nose as he quickly added, seeing the man’s apparent interest. “She only moved to the village a few years ago. She doesn’t talk much and doesn’t interact with many people. She has a maid named Xiqing, but she’s a real shrew. She once tried to hit me with a hoe, but luckily I ran away quickly…”

Xu Jinrong suddenly grabbed Zhang Xiaoqi's shoulder and lifted him up.

"What did you just say? Say it again!"

Zhang Xiaoqi's shoulders ached as if they were about to break. Seeing the man's eyes wide open, looking like he wanted to devour her, she didn't know what she had said wrong and stammered, "I said... that Xiqing is a shrew..."

Xu Jinrong slammed Zhang Xiaoqi to the ground, suppressing the turmoil surging in his heart, and said coldly, "Take me there now. If you find the right person, you will be richly rewarded."

Zhang Xiaoqi's buttocks were so badly bruised that they felt like they were about to split in two. But upon hearing those last four words, all the pain vanished. He scrambled to his feet and hurriedly nodded in agreement.

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Yang Huan kicked Zhang Xiaoqi in the butt and cursed, "You got off easy, you little bastard!" Then he turned to Xu Jinrong and said with a grin, "I won't go with you. If you really consider her your sister-in-law, you'll owe me a huge favor. You'd better think carefully about how to repay it in the future."