Chapter 27

Chapter 27

"The Lady of the Main House has arrived."

Meng Die paused, setting down her writing brush, and straightened her attire.

The curtains of the door swayed as Wen Shi entered from outside, her gaze sweeping over the disordered desk. "Are you occupied?"

"Just browsing through some texts," Meng Die replied, aware that Wen Shi was learning to manage the household affairs. "Why is Eldest Sister-in-law free today?"

Wen smiled and sat down on the kang with Meng Die, saying, "One can't be busy all the time. Even an ironclad body couldn't endure it. One needs proper rest from time to time."

For some reason, Meng Die felt that Wen was implying something.

After sipping her tea, Wen continued, "I didn't come here just to laze around today. There's a serious matter I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"Jin sister's coming-of-age ceremony is almost here. As elder sisters, what do you think would be a suitable gift for her?"

Meng Die was now certain that Madam Wen had come to stir up trouble: "Didn't Mother say that Sister Jin's birthday falls on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, and it would be inconvenient to hold a grand celebration then since it's close to New Year's? It was suggested to postpone her coming-of-age ceremony to the third day of the third lunar month during the Daughters' Festival next year. Today is near the end of winter; there are still three months until the third of March."

Madam Wen replied, "How can we afford that much time? Starting from the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, we'll be paying respects to our ancestors, hosting banquets, enjoying operas, and so on, all the way until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. In February, Grandfather's birthday will come, and the third of March next year falls after Qingming Festival. Then, right after that, it's Mother's birthday. With all these events, if you're busy, you might have to burn the midnight oil again."

Meng Die chuckled. "So that's why! You didn't come here to laze around, but to persuade me instead."

Madam Wen laughed as well. "Since I've been exposed, I won't beat around the bush." She looked at the messy desk with a serious expression. "I've heard from the maidservants that you've been burning the candle at both ends for several nights, even staying up all night once. I know you must be occupied with important matters, and I won't advise against that. However, no matter how busy you are, you need to take care of yourself. What if you damage your health?"

"That's true, Eldest Sister. I'll keep that in mind and promise not to stay up late anymore." Meng Die glanced at her submissive maids.

"That's good, that's good." Wen Shi let out a long sigh. "Actually, I did come here today with the intention of taking a break."

Meng Die replied, "Big Sister, why don't you have lunch with me today? Coincidentally, my manor sent over some fresh fish and mountain vegetables just this morning."

Wen Shi agreed, "In that case, I'll take you up on that offer."

Lu Wei promptly took Xue Qing and Xing Huang downstairs. Ruixue, accompanied by Coral and Luli, followed and stood guard outside the door.

Meng Die asked, "Is there something troubling you, Big Sister?"

Wen Si let out another sigh. "Perhaps it's not as difficult as I imagine, or maybe I'm just overthinking it."

"Hmm?"

Wen: "As you know, Mother is now instructing me in the art of managing the household. My primary focus now is on mastering the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. I need to remember which estates have familial ties with us and which are our old acquaintances, what kind of gifts are appropriate for younger generations, and what for the elders."

Meng Die nods in agreement. In this society rooted in personal connections, the exchange of favors within a family holds utmost significance. As the head of the household, mastering this art is imperative.

"Interpersonal exchanges, coming and going, inevitably require reciprocity," Wen's voice lowered a notch. "On the rare occasions I had time to reckon, the gifts sent out from the Marquis's residence were at least a quarter more than what was received in return."

Meng Die immediately straightened her posture, swiftly calculating in her mind. The Meng family's annual social expenses were approximately four to five thousand taels, and as a noble house, the Marquis's mansion would have significantly more social obligations compared to a civil official's household. The annual social expenses would easily amount to around fourteen to fifteen thousand taels. A reduction by a quarter would mean a saving of three to four thousand taels.

Wen Shi pretended to consider, "It could also be that there are aspects unknown to me, or perhaps I have miscalculated."

"Miscalculation?"

Meng Die: "I recall that Sister-in-law's family was involved in the salt trade, and their estate was renowned for its business acumen. It would be utterly impossible for her to miscalculate. Either she is still unfamiliar with certain aspects due to her recent entry into this world, or this is indeed the truth."

Both Wen Shi and Meng Die were well aware that their ignorance was merely an excuse; in reality, the situation unfolded just as Wen Shi had anticipated.

Both sisters-in-law wore expressions of unease for a moment. The dynamics of interpersonal relationships often revealed much about a family's status. By right, an aristocratic household like the Marquis Manor, being a noble and prestigious family, should receive tributes from others. Instead, they were now losing money. What did this signify? It meant that the male members of the family lacked authority and could not protect those beneath them, so naturally, no one would offer their respects or contributions.

"Meng Die," asked Meng Die vaguely, "what did she mean by that?"

"Wen Shi didn't ask directly, nor did Mother give a direct answer," paused Wen Shi. "Mother only mentioned that the Marquis Manor has numerous manors and fields which generate considerable annual income, requiring a large workforce to manage."

The two sisters-in-law exchanged glances, understanding Madam Ning's implied meaning. Although the Manor was losing in terms of interpersonal exchanges, it had ample properties and could recoup these losses elsewhere. Their finances were sufficient.

However, such a situation could not persist indefinitely. Meng Die lowered her gaze; no wonder Li Erlang had rushed to the frontlines as soon as he was old enough to travel independently.

Wen: "Oh, right. I was so engrossed in our conversation that I completely forgot an important matter."

Meng Die: "What else is there?"

Wen shakes her head. "It's not about me. A few days ago, I overheard my mother mention that next year is the year of reassessment and appointment for officials. Your uncle's family should return by winter at the latest. We don't know where he'll be assigned this time. I thought perhaps Mother might take the opportunity to ask you about it."

Meng Die smiles. "I understand. It's the year of the grand examination, where new scholars will fill any vacancies, allowing the older officials to step down, either for promotion or demotion." She adds, "Thank you for reminding me, but there's no need to be formal between us."

Lady Wen spent the afternoon with Meng Die, sharing a meal and engaging in lengthy conversation. Afterward, they jointly paid their respects at the main residence before bidding each other farewell.