Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Upon Meng Die's return that day, Xing Huang informed her, "Madam, Nurse Fan just paid us a visit. She says the maritime merchants have been arriving in the capital one after another, making the city particularly bustling recently."

Meng Die responded, "All the merchants have returned? What goods did they bring?"

Xing Huang answered, "Mainly jewels and spices, as well as some intricate items. Oh, there's a type of cloth, I heard, with patterns not embroidered but printed on them. It's said to be quite different from what we have here and very appealing."

Meng Die nodded. "Lu Wei, you go stay at the manor for a couple of days. Instruct someone to inquire if the merchants have brought anything unusual this time."

"Yes."

Meng Die said, "The days are growing increasingly warmer. Xing Huang, find some time in the next few days to make some milk tea, both chilled and at room temperature, and distribute them to each quarters."

"Alright."

With the arrival of the merchants from the sea, Madam Ning was finally relieved from rushing from one social engagement to another. Apart from weddings and funerals, as well as gatherings for flower appreciation and listening to operas, all the families in the capital tacitly ceased such activities, preferring instead to purchase goods from the seafaring traders.

Madam Ning also partook in the shopping spree. Li Jin was set to marry next year, and she intended to prepare an ample dowry for her.

Lu Wei, upon gathering various pieces of information, returned to the manor one day and said, "Second Lady, I've inquired about everything. Most of what the sea merchants brought back are still fragrances, precious jewels, coral, and intricate items. Oh, there's something particularly novel called a glass mirror. It reflects a person's features with incredible clarity, even more so than a freshly polished copper mirror."

"However, it's very fragile. A mere fall to the ground would shatter it into pieces, and even slight vibrations could cause it to break. It's difficult to transport, and a glass mirror the size of a copper one now costs at least two or three hundred taels, yet it's still in high demand."

"Besides that, there's another story. They specialize in fragrances, but unfortunately, they encountered severe storms during their voyage. Their ship was damaged, allowing water to seep in, and they lost all their goods. Later, they drifted to an uninhabited island, where most barely survived. A few, however, were not as fortunate and didn't make it back."

Meng Die paused in her tea-drinking. "Sea merchants do earn a lot, but it's truly a life-risking endeavor."

"Yes, indeed," Lu Wei nodded. "They managed to repair the ship on that uninhabited island and discovered a wealth of fish in the surrounding waters. Since they had lost all their cargo, they figured returning empty-handed would incur even greater losses. So, they caught many fish and are now selling them in the capital. Their tale has become quite well-known among the people."

"Sea bream," Meng Die pondered for a moment. "What do the merchants they collaborate with have to say about this?"

Lu Wei replied, "I've heard that the collaborating merchants lent them some silver to tide them over, but there's not much else they can do. The sea bream they catch are only as big as a palm, which isn't appealing to wealthy households, and the poor can't afford them either. On the first day, they managed to sell a hundred or so pounds, but I heard yesterday they only sold around thirty. Today, it's uncertain if they'll make any sales at all."

Meng Die's heart stirred. "How many pounds of sea bream did they catch in total?"

Lu Wei answered, "They must have caught at least two thousand five hundred pounds, and no more than two thousand eight hundred. Any more, and their boats wouldn't be able to hold them."

Meng Die nodded. "How much are they selling these sea bream per pound?"

Lu Wei was speechless. "Five taels per catty, that's daylight robbery. People in the capital nowadays joke that they've been at sea too long and their brains have become waterlogged."

Meng Die replied, "Well, they are seafood. Considering that, the price isn't overly extravagant."

Lu Wei argued, "How is it not expensive? I've heard they have fewer bones, but so what? It's just a palm-sized fish. After removing the head and tail, how much flesh is left? If you fry them, they're still too big. Tiny fish, skinned and battered, taste much better."

Meng Die chuckled. "They say only a nitpicker is a true buyer, but it seems that adage doesn't apply to you."

Lu Wei corrected, "No, it does apply. But I'm just being practical."

Meng Die: "Hm?"

Lu Wei: "I noticed Second Aunt was quite taken with this sea fish and wanted to purchase it."

Meng Die burst into laughter. "Lu Wei truly knows me."

Lu Wei was perplexed. "Second Aunt, are you really planning to buy it? What can one even do with this fish?"

Meng Die: "What else can one do with a fish but eat it?"

Lu Wei: "Oh my, Second Aunt, you know very well that's not what I meant."

Meng Die playfully teased, "You'll find out in time."

Instead of objecting, Lu Wei enthusiastically asked, "Then how many catties should we buy? At what price?"

"Buy it all. If they try to hold back a few hundred catties because you're involved, we won't proceed with the purchase. As for the price, since we're buying the entire stock, they should give us a discount, right?" Meng Die paused before continuing, "I'll offer a total of one hundred thousand taels of silver."

Lu Wei's eyes widened in astonishment. "One hundred thousand taels?"

Meng Die teased, "Are you worried I won't be able to afford you and will sell you instead?"

Lu Wei replied with a hint of hesitation, "If I could fetch ten thousand taels, I wouldn't need Second Aunt to suggest it—I'd sell myself willingly." She then added, "Second Aunt, do you really plan on buying all the fish, roughly two thousand five hundred catties?"

Meng Die's smile curved her eyes into crescents, revealing a playful hint of her canine teeth. "The second rule of a cunning merchant: monopolize! If we're buying, we'll buy it all. Remember, if they don't sell everything, we won't buy a single catty."

Lu Wei smiled, "They should be grateful that Second Aunt is willing to buy it all. How could they not sell? Besides, if they don't sell to us, who else would buy?"

Meng Die pursed her lips in a knowing smile. "That remains to be seen. You'll know for sure if you talk to them tomorrow."

Lu Wei: "I simply refuse to believe it."

The next morning, Lu Wei rose early to commence her preparations. During her previous visit to the court, she had dressed in modest cotton attire befitting a servant's status, refraining from adorning herself in silk and brocade. Now, for this business negotiation, it was imperative that she exuded an air of elegance and confidence.

Having attended to her appearance, Lu Wei then departed the marquis's residence. At the back gate, a carriage awaited her, prearranged by Mama Fan, along with an elderly matron assigned to accompany her. Lu Wei boarded the carriage, and the driver whisked them away to Qiao's General Store in a flurry.

Qiao's Department Store dealt in all sorts of sundries from the southern and northern regions, a rather renowned establishment in the capital city. The proprietor behind it was none other than the Qiao Trading House, which had business ties with the sea merchants.

The maritime merchant suffered a great calamity, wherein the backing tycoon not only lent a substantial sum of silver to the rival for operational capital, but also carved out a portion of Qiao's establishment, tasking the maritime merchant specifically with the sale of ocean fish.

Presently, a shop assistant was manning the stall. Presumably due to slow business and the scorching heat, the lad dozed off, his head nodding gently. Occasionally, he would jerk awake, causing the palm-leaf fan in his hand to sway along.

The coachman approached the assistant. "Young man, I'd like to make a purchase."

"Ah? Ah!" Startled from his slumber, the assistant apologized, "A purchase? Of course, my apologies, it's just too hot, I dozed off for a moment."

The coachman agreed, "It is indeed hot."

The assistant glanced at the lavishly decorated carriage and smiled warmly. "May I ask how much your patron intends to spend?"

Groom: "I'm not sure how many to buy either. Did you see the carriage? The one seated inside belongs to Marquis Yongyi's residence. Could you please ask your steward to come out?"

"Marquis Yongyi's residence?" The attendant's eyes rolled. "Someone from Second Lady's entourage?"

The coachman was taken aback. "You're quite perceptive, young man."

The attendant's smile grew more sincere. "You flatter me, sir. Please, have a seat. I'll fetch our manager right away. I'll be back in a moment, just a moment."

"Daqiang, bring a cup of tea for this gentleman outside," the attendant called out to someone else in the house before dashing to the back. "Head Steward, Head Steward..."

"What's with the frantic shouting? Can't you be serious for once?" Chief Manager Zhao was already in a foul mood, having lost heavily on their recent sea voyage. He had hoped that the fish would help recoup some losses, but that hope had been in vain.

Shop Assistant: "Chief Manager, guess who's here? I promise you'll jump for joy when I tell you."

Chief Manager Zhao: "Off with you! What difference does it make if even the Heavenly King himself arrives? If you're not selling fish, what are you doing inside?"

The shop assistant rolled his eyes in exasperation and decided to cut to the chase. "There's a carriage outside, and I inquired. The person inside is from Marquis Yongyi's residence, Second Lady's entourage."

"Who is it?" Chief Manager Zhao grabbed the shop assistant by the collar, his face contorted with a mix of surprise and delight.

Bartender: "Someone from Marquis Yongyi's second madam is here... I mean..."

Head Steward Zhao leaped with joy, dashing out in a flash.

The bartender swallowed the rest of his words. As expected, he knew that the head steward would be ecstatic once he found out who had arrived.

Head Steward Zhao strode into the outer shop and immediately spotted the carriage parked beside it. He also noticed the coachman resting on a stool.

The bartender hurried out and approached the coachman. "This gentleman, this is our Head Steward Zhao."

The coachman hastily rose to his feet. "Supervisor Zhao."

Supervisor Zhao slowed his pace, regaining his usual composed demeanor. "Brother, you've worked hard. May I ask, is the person in the carriage sent by Lady Second of Marquis Yongyi's residence?"

The coachman was exceptionally honest. "Yes, it's Miss Lu Wei from our estate."

A hint of delight flickered in Supervisor Zhao's eyes. "Please follow me."

The coachman drove the carriage, following Supervisor Zhao into the inner courtyard. After parking the carriage, he whispered, "Miss Lu Wei, we've arrived."

As the carriage's curtains were lifted, the matron stepped out first, alighting from the vehicle using the placed footrest. Lu Wei followed suit.

Once Lu Wei had firmly planted her feet on the ground, Chief Eunuch Zhao took the initiative to greet her, "Miss Lu Wei, I am Zhao."

Lu Wei responded, "Chief Eunuch Zhao."

Zhao replied, "Please, Miss Lu Wei, follow me inside."

"Stay here and wait for me," Lu Wei instructed her attendants before she followed Chief Eunuch Zhao into the reception hall.

Seated, Lu Wei immediately said, "I should have sent a visitation card, but here I am uninvited. I hope Chief Eunuch Zhao won't find my rude intrusion offensive."

Chief Eunuch Zhao replied, "Miss Lu Wei, you're too formal. We're in the business of welcoming guests; how could there be undesirable visitors? All who come are like our lifeblood."

Lu Wei smiled. "Today, I won't beat around the bush with Chief Eunuch. I've heard that your establishment has an array of seafood, and our Second Lady immediately sent me to take a look."

Chief Eunuch Zhao inquired, "Second Lady is…?"

Lu Wei continued, "Our Second Lady has a fondness for fish. The retired Elder Minister from the Ministry of Rites, his estate was purchased by our Second Lady—solely because it had a large river running through it." Lu Wei chuckled. "Chief Eunuch, how many varieties of sea fish do you have here?"

The chief eunuch hesitated, "We've encountered a school of fish, hence the variety isn't extensive."

Lu Wei remained composed, "May I have a look?"

Eunuch Zhao replied, "Of course, Miss Lu Wei, please."

Circling around the main hall, they arrived at a spacious area behind the row of buildings. To the east, near the wall, stood a shade shelter, while the west was filled with boxes. A gentle breeze carried a faint fishy scent.

Lu Wei narrowed her eyes slightly, swiftly counting the number of boxes in her mind.

The Chief Eunuch Zhao introduced with enthusiasm, "Miss Lu Wei, the dried seafood is all over here. These fish have been sun-dried by us personally, so you can be assured of their dryness."

Lu Wei looked at the boxes filled with dried seafood.

The attendant in charge promptly and gently opened one of the fish slightly to reveal its flesh inside.

Lu Wei nodded, indeed, the dryness was quite good. Unlike some seemingly dry goods that were actually moist inside, not only would they weigh more, but if not stored properly, they could easily spoil. "Do you have any larger fish?"

The Chief Eunuch's smile froze for a moment before he continued, "This box here contains slightly bigger ones, and this other box has smaller fish, but once coated and fried, they are the most delectable."

Lu Wei glanced at the box filled with the large fish. Indeed, they were substantial, measuring over a foot in length, with thick flesh that would be highly sought after. Unfortunately, the pile of fish boxes resembled a small mountain, and there was only one containing such big fish. "How much does this particular box weigh?"

Head Steward Zhao replied, "Our boxes here have a fixed weight, each containing twenty pounds."

Excellent! Lu Wei deliberately wore an expression of surprise. "With so many boxes, how much would that amount to in total?"

Head Steward Zhao answered, "A total of two thousand five hundred and sixty pounds."

Perfect – it matched her calculations exactly. The sincerity in Lu Wei's smile deepened.

The Chief Eunuch approached cautiously, "Miss Lu Wei, what do you think of all these?"

Lu Wei replied, "They all look good to me."

A hint of delight crept into the Chief Eunuch's eyes. Since she said they were all good, she must be planning to buy some of the palm-sized fish.

"Chief Eunuch," Lu Wei smiled, "We'll take all of these marine fish."

"A-ah? Ah!" The Chief Eunuch's mouth gaped wide, momentarily questioning his own hearing. "M-Miss Lu Wei, all of them? Every single one of the over two thousand five hundred pounds of fish?"

Lu Wei: "Yes, that's right. I'll take the remaining two thousand five hundred and sixty catties."

The Grand Steward gasped, feeling his heart thump wildly with excitement. After a brief moment of dizziness, his wealth of experience helped him regain his composure. His businessman's instinct detected something unusual: "Miss Lu Wei, I must be frank with you, several hundred catties of this sea fish have already been reserved."

Lu Wei: ...Is Second Aunt a clairvoyant?

Lu Wei: "Isn't the fish still here? That means they haven't actually struck a deal with the Grand Steward. In that case, wouldn't it make no difference to the Grand Steward which buyer he sells to?"

Grand Steward Zhao looked troubled: "Of course, selling to any buyer would be the same. But we often do business in the capital, and if we break our promise now, it will damage our reputation. It might make future dealings difficult."

"The Chief Eunuch speaks the truth, indeed," Lu Wei acknowledged, then shifted the conversation. "It's just that our Second Lady has never been one to share when it comes to her purchases. Since several hundred pounds have already been reserved here, I'll consider today's visit a leisurely stroll."

The Chief Eunuch's heart skipped a beat, and his smile nearly wavered. "Miss Lu Wei, I won't beat around the bush. Although we've sold a few hundred pounds, we still have over a thousand left. Even if the Second Lady enjoys it, it would last her a decade."

"Furthermore, next year I plan on venturing overseas. If the Second Lady has a preference for a certain type of fish, feel free to ask, and I assure you, it will be taken care of properly."

Lu Wei replied, "Our Second Lady has her particularities when shopping. As a servant, how could I make decisions on her behalf?"

Chief Steward Zhao said, "Miss Lu Wei, you're too modest. Not long ago, in the public court, you questioned an educated man for reprimanding a commoner – that was known throughout the entire capital! It's not flattery when I say your courage and ability surpass many, not just servants, but even women managing households or men of high rank."

Lu Wei offered a demure smile. "Chief Eunuch, you're too kind. Allow me to be frank with you – our Second Lady is prepared to offer a price of one hundred thousand taels for these marine fishes."

"Whether you wish to sell it all to our Second Grandmama for a trouble-free transaction, or prefer to distribute it in parts, the decision rests entirely with the Chief Steward."

Supervisor Zhao hesitated for a moment but eventually allowed Lu Wei to board the carriage without obstruction.

Upon returning to the Marquis residence, Lu Wei's composed demeanor instantly dissipated.

Glimmering with amusement at Lu Wei's disgruntled expression, Meng Die chuckled. "Well, did the negotiations fall through today?"

Lu Wei: "When did Second Aunt learn the art of the I Ching divination? Could you teach me as well?"

Meng Die burst into laughter. "Divination? Why bother with that? Can't you just calmly analyze why they're behaving this way and if there's some hidden scheme at play?"

"How can one analyze something like this? It's preposterous," Lu Wei grumbled, feeling frustrated. "They're so eager to sell their seafood, yet when we offer to buy it all, they try to hold back, mentioning that hundreds of pounds are already reserved. If they genuinely had orders for hundreds of pounds, would they still be so anxious now?"

Meng Die: "You've only analyzed the incident itself, not the whole picture."

Lu Wei: "The whole picture? Do you mean my performance in court last time? They think we won't be bullied easily?"

Meng Die sipped her plum vinegar soup and slowly fanned herself. "They're not interested in how you performed in the court. What they're intrigued by is how I turned that flawed fur rug into a fortune, from twenty thousand to one hundred thousand. Tell me, when you visited them today, how did they treat you?"

"Extremely warmly," Lu Wei hesitated. "Could it be that they're so enthusiastic because they know we want to buy sea fish?"

"It's both yes and no. If someone else were there, would their chief manager be as warm?" Meng Die cut to the chase. "That chief manager probably thinks that if I want to buy this sea fish, there must be something peculiar about it, just like the fur rug that fetched an exorbitant price."

Xing Huang leaned in all of a sudden. "Second Aunt, they now believe this sea fish is a treasure."

Meng Die nodded. "Exactly. It's not just the fish merchant's chief manager. Trust me, many businesses in the capital are now eyeing the sea fish, all hoping to get their hands on some and share in the profits when the time comes."

"Well!" Xing Huang crossed her arms in anger. "These despicable people are too horrid! If they have no talent, why mimic us? Oh my, Sister Lu Wei, why didn't you just buy the seafood back today?"

Meng Die shook her head helplessly. "Your impulsive nature."

Xing Huang: "Aunt Two, aren't you worried that they won't sell it anymore?"

"Not at all," Meng Die remained calm. "No one else but me would buy it. They have no choice but to sell to me."

Xing Huang scratched her head.

Lu Wei finally understood: "They have no idea how to sell those sea fish at exorbitant prices. If Second Lady Meng doesn't purchase them, who would dare? What if they end up stuck with them?"

Meng Die nodded in agreement. "That's right. As long as I don't make a move, they're just like autumn grasshoppers, hopping around excitedly but unable to bring anything substantial to the table."

As Meng Die had predicted, once Lu Wei left Qiao's Department Store, news of her intention to buy the sea fish spread like wildfire in the capital. All the major merchants rushed to see the fish at Manager Zhao's residence.

Manager Zhao, not daring to conceal such a significant matter, informed the main shareholder, a man named Hai Cheng. Given his occupation as a sea trader and coincidental surname, he was commonly referred to as Lord Hai.

Upon receiving the news, Lord Hai pondered for quite some time before instructing Manager Zhao to notify the other shareholders. He also invited the owner of Qiao's Department Store, with whom they collaborated, to attend a meeting.

Partner Jo's boss, Jo Mu, initiated the conversation: "The second lady of the Marquis Yongyi's residence is undoubtedly a formidable figure. Since she said she wants to buy them all, there must be some hidden use for these sea fish."

Hai Ye squinted his eyes. "I was still at sea last year, so I don't know much about her. Is she really that skilled?"

Jo Mu replied, "She truly is. You might not know this, but the story of how she turned 20,000 silver into 100,000 in a single transaction last year went viral in the capital."

A minor shareholder chimed in, "I've heard about that too. She did make a profit, but it seemed more like good luck to me. Who could have predicted the sudden cold snap?"

Jo Mu shook his head. "Weather is indeed unpredictable. But I'm referring to what followed. As the temperature dropped, people immediately started looking for fur blankets. When she acted then, she also made a profit. Ordinary women would have seized the opportunity and sold immediately, but she calmly set a fixed price, especially a price that was ingeniously set."

"Should we ask for more, those merchants dealing with greenhouse vegetables would never agree, as it would be more feasible to purchase additional firewood and employ more laborers. She tactfully set the price at the very threshold that merchants could tolerate, and that is what makes her strategy so terrifying."

Everyone in the room gasped collectively. As merchants themselves, they fully understood the significance of this.

Both selling the same product, you might earn thirty while they could earn three hundred. Knowing when to sell and at what price is a profound art, not merely a matter of luck – it is a genuine skill.

Another shareholder spoke up, "Mr. Hai, given this situation, we should at least retain a thousand or eight hundred catties of these sea fish."

Qiao Mu glanced at Mr. Hai, who returned the look. Neither of them said a word.

This matter is delicate. They wish to acquire everything, but how can they retain the sea fish? Shall they keep them all? They have no knowledge of how to sell them. If they end up holding onto them and cannot dispose of them, that would be a disastrous loss.

The meeting concluded without any concrete outcome. Not just their faction, numerous merchants across the capital city spent a sleepless night, all contemplating making their move on the sea fish trade.

At the Marquis Yongyi's residence, numerous eyes were fixed upon them. The household managers were frequently invited for drinks by acquaintances from other manors, all in an effort to glean more information and anticipate Meng Die's next move.

Alas, Meng Die possessed remarkable composure. Amidst the frenzy in the capital over the rare sea fish, she steadfastly remained in her marquis's residence. Each day followed an unyielding routine: morning greetings, after which she would share breakfast and then attend to household affairs with Wen Shi Li Jin at the Ning Cui Pavilion. After a midday rest, she would busy herself with family matters if there were any, or else devote her afternoons to reading. Evenings would once again be marked by her ritual greetings.

The lives of all the ladies in the capital's grand mansions were not so much different as to be utterly distinct, more like identical replicas, as if the notion of purchasing seafood was a collective illusion.

It was Lord Hai's camp that lost their composure first.

Manager Zhao accompanied Lord Hai on another inspection of the fish. "Lord Hai, perhaps we should sell all the sea fish to Second Madam. Many people have come to view them these days, and quite a few have shown genuine interest. But when it comes to actually paying in cold hard cash, not a single one has stepped forward."

Lord Hai remained silent, his eyes fixed on the fish. "Apart from eating, what other uses do these sea fish have?"

Manager Zhao replied, "How would I know? If I did, would we be at the mercy of a woman?"

Lord Hai let out a long sigh. "Yes, we're being manipulated by this woman. Very well, go find Miss Lu Wei and sell all the sea fish to her. I want to see what tricks she has up her sleeve and how much she can fetch for these palm-sized fish."

After receiving his assignment, Head Eunuch Zhao realized that as an outsider, he wouldn't even have the chance to meet Second Lady of the Marquis House, let alone Lu Wei. How was he supposed to establish contact?

"Head Eunuch, how could you forget? Second Lady has a manor in the outskirts of the capital. I think Manager Wang is quite favored there. We can pass our message through him; the marquis household won't remain ignorant, will they?"

Head Eunuch Zhao slapped his forehead. "Right, you're quite clever. You go make the trip and bring a gift for Manager Wang."

"Very well."

Upon receiving the news, Manager Wang promptly dispatched someone to send a message to the Marquis House.

Xing Huang was ecstatic. "Second Lady, Head Wang just sent word that the sea merchants have invited Sister Lu Wei for a meeting tomorrow to discuss the trade of seafood."

Lu Wei's eyes curved into a warm smile. "Second Lady, your wit is as sharp as ever."

Meng Die chuckled. "When you purchase the seafood tomorrow, head straight to the Board of Rites to register it. There's one extra matter you should inquire about. Since this seafood tastes salty, you must ask if an additional salt tax is required. If not, have them issue a document confirming its exemption."

Lu Wei was puzzled. "If no tax is needed, why would we need a certificate?"

Meng Die explained, "Verbal agreements mean little compared to written proof with an official seal. In the past, some people used this seafood to smuggle salt. We cannot be careless with such matters."

Lu Wei nods gravely.

Xing Huang looks puzzled. "Second Aunt, why is it the Board of Rites again? I thought Manager Rong mentioned the Ministry of Finance during the New Year?"

Meng Die explains, "In the previous dynasty, the sea was banned. When the founding emperor wanted to reopen trade, many people were skeptical. Later, he issued an order to open part of the sea and allowed foreign merchants, including those from the Hu region, to enter our dynasty. The taxes on their goods were assigned to the Board of Rites, which oversaw foreign envoys. Eventually, even the taxes on Hu merchants were placed under its jurisdiction."

"However, even though both maritime traders and Hu merchants fell under the Board of Rites, they were managed separately. Traditional taxes on grain and commercial activities remained under the authority of the Ministry of Finance."

Meng Die pauses. "Speaking of this, it reminds me – tomorrow, you should first inquire at the Board of Rites if they impose any additional salt tax. If not, obtain their certification before proceeding to the Ministry of Finance. If there is a tax, we'll cover it as long as it's below five hundred taels. You can draw more silver from Manager Rong's funds."

With Meng Die's instructions, Lu Wei carried out her tasks meticulously.

Chief Eunuch Zhao was quite pleased. Lu Wei followed through with every word she had said; indeed, it was exactly ten thousand taels, without any pretense. "There are too many sea fish. Miss Lu Wei, please wait a moment. I'll go to the Department of Rites to invite the officials over as witnesses."

Lu Wei replied, "I'll come along as well, to inquire about something."

"Very well, Miss Lu Wei, please proceed."

At the Department of Rites, there were separate positions for Maritime Trade Accountant and Foreign Merchant Accountant. Chief Eunuch Zhao belonged to the Maritime Trade side and had a good relationship with the accountant. "Lord Yin, I trouble you to make the trip. This time, we have a large quantity of goods with a strong odor. It would be inconvenient to bring them to the office."

Accountant Yin chuckled. "Think nothing of it, it's all part of my duties."

"Lady Lu Wei, at your service," Lu Wei bowed respectfully.

"There's no need for such formalities, Lady Lu Wei," Accountant Yin said curiously. "Are you the buyer this time?"

"Yes," Lu Wei smiled. "I have a matter I wish to inquire about, Minister Yin."

Minister Yin was quite amiable. "What is it? Please feel free to ask."

Lu Wei: "The fish we purchased this time in our household has a salty taste akin to salt. Should we pay salt tax on it?"

Accountant Yin paused, secretly applauding Meng Die in his heart. This Second Lady of the Marquis residence truly was an extraordinary person, meticulous in her actions.

Head Steward Zhao was taken aback. When he looked at Lu Wei again, there was clearly an extra layer of caution in his eyes.

Lord Yin: "Yes, you need to pay a certain amount. This is called the salt substitute tax. However, since sea fish is inherently more expensive than salt, the tax levied is much lower. For every hundred catties of sea fish, ten taels of silver are due. If it's less than a hundred catties, no tax is required."

"Thank you, Your Excellency, now I understand." Lu Wei turned to Head Steward Zhao. "Let me take care of this tax payment. There's no need to split it fifty-fifty."

Chief Eunuch Zhao: "Miss is quite formidable."

Accountant Yin selected two clerks to join them as they returned to the Qiao's Shop.

As they counted the seafood, Chief Eunuch Zhao and Lu Wei swiftly concluded their transaction. Lu Wei handed him a banknote worth one hundred thousand taels, and Head Wang led his men to start loading the fish.

Lu Wei: "Second Lady mentioned that these seafood might not be sold off soon. Please choose a few reliable individuals to manage them properly."

Head Wang: "Very well, Second Lady can rest assured. I will take good care of it here."

As the goods were unloaded, over at the Board of Rites, Chief Eunuch Zhao, Lu Wei, and the clerk were back to pay their taxes.

The sea fish weighed in at two thousand five hundred and sixty catties in total. According to the salt tax regulations, Lu Wei paid two hundred and fifty taels of silver.

Meng Die listened to Lu Wei's report in silence for a while before muttering to herself after a long pause, "So I'm actually a fool."

"Second Lady?"

Meng Die shook her head.

Ever since Meng Die acquired the exotic sea fish, all of Beijing had been watching eagerly, waiting to see how she would sell them and to whom. But as they waited through the Dragon Boat Festival and beyond the 15th day of July, there was no sign of any action from the Marquis household.

If not for Meng Die's composed demeanor, unchanged from before, everyone would have assumed that she had made a misjudgment in her purchase.

After a night of gentle drizzle, autumn winds began to blow, gradually lowering the temperatures. The city welcomed its most pleasant days, and households started hosting various banquets. Waves of foreign merchants, like Hu Shang, entered the capital, injecting new life into the bustling metropolis.

Nanny Fan reported, "Second Lady, the merchant who sold us fur blankets last year arrived yesterday."

Meng Die replied, "Ask Manager Fan to contact them and gauge their attitude. If they are agreeable, let Manager Fan prepare a few banquet tables to welcome them. Serve them some of those large sea fish as a treat."

A twinkle lit up in Nurse Fan's eyes. "Does Second Lady wish to sell the sea fish to them?"

Meng Die nodded.

Nurse Fan assured her, "Rest assured, Second Lady. I'll take care of it properly."

Upon receiving Fan Hong's message, Tamu was taken aback. For a moment, he couldn't quite describe his feelings. Meng Die had earned 80,000 silver coins using his fur blanket; it was impossible for him not to feel envious. He truly envied Meng Die.

But he was a businessman. With Fan Hong's visiting card in hand, he sensed an opportunity. Recalling the connections and profits brought by the four hundred bars of soap, and considering that he hadn't suffered any loss with the fur blanket, Tamu ultimately decided to meet Fan Hong.

After some deliberation, Fan Hong decided to host a banquet for Tamu and his entourage at the estate of Zhuangzi. Being keen on business opportunities, Tamu naturally didn't decline the invitation.

Amidst the merriment of the feast, Lu Wei arrived.

Wang Zhuangtou, the host, promptly stood up to greet her, "Miss Lu Wei."

Tamu also hurriedly acknowledged her presence, "Miss Lu Wei, it's been a long time."

Lu Wei responded, "Mr. Tamu, it has indeed been a while. Second Grandma has instructed me to add a dish to your feast."

Tamu chuckled. "Please convey my gratitude to Second Aunt."

Lu Wei waved her hand towards the entrance, and a young maid promptly brought in a platter of freshly cooked seafood. "Please enjoy at your leisure." With that, she turned and left, instructing another servant to add the seafood to the attendants' feast.

Throughout the banquet, Fan Hong made no mention of any business matters. Tamu was puzzled until he noticed Headman Wang presenting him with numerous gifts, particularly a chest filled with sea fish that caught his eye.

Tamu inquired, "This is...?"

Fan Hong laughed heartily. "Brother Tamu, in our Yi Dynasty, fish is considered an excellent tonic for the body. It's highly beneficial, especially for those who aren't in the best of health. These sea fish are for you, Mr. Tamu. Consuming a little each day will help nourish your body."

Tamu: "Oh? In that case, I shall greatly appreciate your help, Brother Fan."

A meal was enjoyed by all, fostering a delightful camaraderie between host and guests.

Within the Marquis's residence, Lu Wei could not help but inquire, "Second Mistress, can that seawater fish truly cure goiter?"

Meng Die replied, "Of course, it's clearly stated in the 'Wai Tai Mi Yao,' Volume 23, which cites the 'Jiuhou Fang.' If you place seaweed in a silk pouch and soak it in wine, it can be used to treat goiters."

Lu Wei grew anxious. "That's seaweed, not a sea fish."

Meng Die reassured, "Rest assured, the effects of sea fish are absolutely remarkable. In just a matter of ten days or so, those with mild symptoms will recover."

Lu Wei let out a long sigh. For the first time, she felt that her master was somewhat unreliable. Seaweed was a plant, while sea fish were animals – how could their effects be the same?

Meng Die retorted, "It doesn't matter if it's a plant or an animal; as long as it's rich in iodine, it can treat iodine deficiency-induced hyperthyroidism."

The outcome surpassed Meng Die's expectations. Goiter was prevalent in Tamu's country, especially among women. In some severely affected regions, it had become abnormal not to have the disease.

Among Tamu's group was a thirteen-year-old boy named Koke, a distant nephew of his. After his mother passed away, his father remarried and took several beautiful concubines who bore him numerous children, causing him, the eldest son, to be increasingly neglected by his father.

Kok was astute; he realized that remaining in that household would yield him nothing. Thus, he approached Tamu on his own initiative, requesting to join the trading caravan and asking Tamu to provide for him. Given their familial ties, Tamu, moved by Kok's plight, consented to his request.