Chapter 52

Chapter 52

The Marquis Yongyi's residence once again captured everyone's attention, to be precise, it was Meng Die, the second lady of the household, who drew their interest. Unfortunately, there was no movement from Meng Die, and thus the public's focus shifted to her capable subordinates.

More lamentable still, not only did Lu Wei securely remain in the Marquis's residence, even Wang Zhuangtou, the head of the royal estate, ceased to pay attention to the selection of seeds. Instead, he spent his days tending to those two so-called experimental fields.

Nanny Fan's whole family moved outright to the country estate, claiming that the weather was hot and it would be cooler there. To this, the people of the capital could only respond with a sarcastic 'oh, please' in their minds, thinking, Who are you trying to fool? You didn't go to the estate to escape the summer heat, but now you're going in autumn. Do you think this is the south, where it's mild all year round?

In any case, Meng Die maintained her pretense of being dead, and no one could do anything to her. Just as the attention of the crowd was beginning to shift away from her, Tamu and Li Teer, along with their wives, arrived in the capital. These were the very individuals who had been duped into buying the sea fish, and thus all eyes were once again drawn to Meng Die, with everyone secretly watching the drama unfold.

Even gambling dens had opened bets: one side wagered that Tamu and Li Teer, having been swindled, would seek revenge on Meng Die this time; the other side bet that they would have profited and would continue collaborating with her.

A great number of people participated in these bets, with the majority favoring the first scenario, believing that Tamu and Li Teer had indeed been duped. Among them, two factions emerged. One believed that, having been deceived, Tamu and Li Teer would go to great lengths to humiliate Meng Die.

The opposing faction, however, held the view that commoners should not provoke officials, as the Marquis Yongyi's household was no pushover. Despite the current Marquis not wielding actual military power, his father was a founding hero, buried in the imperial mausoleum – his family's influence remained formidable.

The two factions bickered fiercely, heating up the atmosphere. The casino, taking advantage of the situation, opened another betting pool: one side bet on Tamu and Li Teer seeking confrontation, while the other side wagered on their silence.

Both sides attracted roughly equal numbers of bettors, causing the commotion to spread throughout the capital. In contrast, the alternative from the initial bet – that Tamu and Li Teer had made money – received no attention.

"How utterly outrageous!" Lu Wei's face was contorted with anger.

Aunt Fan let out a sigh, concerned that Meng Die might become upset. She had tactfully chosen her words, but nowadays, it seemed like no one in the capital wasn't discussing it. The number of bets placed had repeatedly broken the gambling dens' records.

Xing Huang was furious. "They dare to use Second Lady as a betting item? We must report this to the authorities and have the casino shut down."

Meihong agreed. "That's right. Our Second Lady conducts herself with propriety, yet they use her for their amusement."

Meng Die glanced at the giggling maids in the room. "Calm down, all of you. Those who can operate a casino in the capital aren't so easily taken down by a mere report to the officials."

"As for entertainment, it's not like it's something disgraceful. It doesn't matter, even the Emperor and common folk would have their opinions. It won't make a difference," Meng Die said nonchalantly.

"Second Aunt!" Lu Wei grew anxious. "I know you've always been broad-minded and tolerant, but they've really gone too far. How can they use this as a wager?"

Meng Die smiled slyly. "If they want to do it, let them. Who knows, we might even profit from it."

"Huh?"

"Aren't you just saying that few people are betting on Tamu and Li Teer to win? The fewer the bettors, the higher the odds." Meng Die looked around at all the maids in the room. "Don't blame Second Aunt if I didn't warn you. Fortune favors the bold, and the timid starve. It's up to you whether or not to place your bets."

Ah~ This! Instead of being angered, Meng Die encouraged those around her to join in the betting.

Xue Qing was the first to react. "Nanny Fan, I still have some silver. Please place a bet for me."

Lu Wei raised her delicate eyebrows. "Nanny, I also have some silver. Please place a bet for me as well. Hmph, they dare to amuse themselves at our expense. Let's see who will have the last laugh."

"I like that attitude," Meng Die approved. "The one who laughs last truly laughs. Nanny Fan, tell Manager Rong to stake two thousand taels for me too."

Nanny Fan responded, "Second Lady is staking two thousand?"

Meng Die: "Indeed, since we're betting, we might as well bet big. When you place the bets, try to hire some unfamiliar faces. Otherwise, with your recognizable presence, our money will go to waste."

Mama Fan, no longer upset, nodded repeatedly. "Yes, I understand. I'll find some beggars and groom them so that no one will recognize that they were sent by us."

Seeing Lu Wei, Xing Huang, Xue Qing, and Mei'er all had silver, Hulu and Meihong, despite not having much, also contributed. Even Mei'er and the four young maids, along with the four servants and maids outside, offered some copper coins for Mama Fan to place their bets.

Lan Xuan Courtyard was adjacent to Qi Xia Courtyard, and Meng Die usually had a good relationship with Madam Wen. So Mama Fan decided to make another trip there to ask if they wanted to participate.

Upon learning of this, Madam Wen not only allowed her own servants to bet but also contributed a sum herself. Fortunately, Mama Fan's urgency in collecting the money prevented the news from spreading. Otherwise, who knew how many others in the household would have joined in the betting spree.

However, if more people become aware, it's more likely that the secret will be exposed. The more people who know, the higher the chance of information leaking. Once outsiders catch wind of this, the gambling den will undoubtedly adjust their odds.

Having made the necessary arrangements with Aunt Fan and placed their bets in various gambling houses, the attention of the entire capital shifted from that matter to another.

In fact, it was also related to this matter. During Tamu and Li Teer's trip to the capital this time, each of them had brought along a precious treasure.

In Tamu's possession was a vibrant red coral, standing at over a foot and nearly two feet tall. Its vivid crimson hue was breathtakingly magnificent. A single piece like this would hold its own among the treasures in the emperor's private vault.

What Li Teer presented was a set of weiqi, or the game of Go. The board was exquisitely carved from golden-hued Huanghuali wood, while the white pieces were crafted from creamy yangzhi white jade and the black pieces from lustrous ink jade. This exquisite set of weiqi, with its understated elegance, held its own against the stunning beauty of the foot-tall crimson coral.

Both items are invaluable treasures, sought after yet unavailable in the market. Once these two objects appeared, the attention of everyone in the capital was fixated on them. Owning either one and using it to curry favor at crucial moments could certainly accomplish great feats.

The excitement in the capital grew even more intense.

However, before the atmosphere could become more heated, Tamu and Li Teer doused the feverish crowd with a basin of icy water. They declared decisively that they had no intention of selling these items; they were meant as gifts for someone.

A gift? For whom? Without giving anyone time to speculate, Tamu and Li Teer made their intentions clear through action.

They dispatched messengers to deliver an invitation to Marquis Yongyi. Of course, the visit was not from them but from their wives, who wished to pay respects to Meng Die.

How many family heads slammed their tables in regret, wondering how they could have been so foolish as to overlook the fact that Tamu and Li Teer had brought their wives along on this trip.

These kinds of merchants usually traveled with their favored concubines or simply indulged in fleeting pleasures during their journeys. When had they ever brought their wives? The wives were supposed to stay at home and hold down the fort. But when it came to Meng Die, things were different.

Meng Die was the wife of a marquis, living a reclusive life. Sending out a personal maid to handle affairs was already pushing it. For Tamu and Li Teer, two outsiders, to hope for a meeting with her was nothing but a pipe dream.

Could they meet a concubine? That wasn't a visit; it was courting enmity. She was the legitimate madam of the household, and they, mere concubines, dared to pay respects? More likely, they'd end up with broken legs.

Their wives, however, were another story. Presenting their visiting cards and gifts, they expressed gratitude for Second Lady's assistance. If Meng Die consented, a meeting might be possible.

Excellent, both treasures have found their homes, and the wager has reached its conclusion. Upon receiving this news, the gambling house promptly sealed off the betting board. This happened precisely half an hour after Nurse Fan placed her bet.

Even after the transaction was sealed, there were still those in the capital who refused to believe that Tamu and Li Teer, who had spent two million taels on a sea fish, could possibly turn a profit. It wasn't until Tamu and Li Teer's wives entered the Marquis's mansion, carrying the two treasures, that the skies above the entire capital echoed with wails of dismay.

Human joys and sorrows seldom resonate, yet Fan Hong held the gambling ticket from the casino, his eyes glowing with delight amidst the shimmering silver. Thanks to Meng Die, many were acquainted with Fan Hong, the wet nurse. Now, as they witnessed him counting the coins, they realized that Meng Die and her companions had also placed their bets.

The managers of all the gambling dens were heartbroken. They had lost all the profits they made from another bet to Meng Die and her group in the first gambling den. Their efforts in the casino had been in vain.

The gamblers gnashed their teeth in frustration. Back then, the shrewd ones had thought that those around Meng Die must have some insider knowledge. They planned to observe if they placed bets or not, and then follow suit. How had Fan Hong and Nurse Fan appeared at that time? They seemed completely clueless and even cursed the gambling den. And now, look at the outcome! Oh, the agony! Ahhhhh!!!

Meng Die: I didn't even take the lead role, and yet you aren't thanking me?

Both Su Mu and Li Shan possess exotic features, and upon entering the Marquis Manor, the servant girls and matrons couldn't help but secretly observe them, whispering amongst themselves.

Su Mu and Li Shan followed Ama Fan's pace closely, both feeling rather apprehensive. Their family wasn't lacking in wealth, nor were they unfamiliar with these intricately carved beams and painted rafters of grand architecture. Yet, on any other day, they would have remained composed. Somehow, the mere thought of meeting the legendary Second Lady stirred up unexplained tension within them.

Meng Die sat in the small flower parlor, soon hearing footsteps approaching from outside. In no time, Nurse Fan led Su Mu and Li Shan in from outdoors, with their maidservants waiting respectfully outside the room.

Upon entering the room, Su Mu and Li Shan caught sight of Meng Die sitting composedly. They dared not scrutinize her and promptly bowed in respect, "Greetings to Second Lady."

Meng Die: "Hurry and help them up."

Xue Qing and Xing Huang were right by the door; they couldn't possibly let the two ladies truly kneel. Without waiting for Meng Die to speak, they had already assisted them.

Meng Die: "Ladies, you're too formal. Please have a seat. Lu Wei, serve the tea."

Xue Qing and Xing Huang fetched two chairs and left the room, standing guard outside. The two then performed a slight bow according to the customs of the Yi Dynasty, expressed their gratitude for being seated, and sat down properly. After receiving the tea offered by Lu Wei, they both rose slightly from their seats and said, "Thank you, Miss Lu Wei."

Meng Die: "It's our first encounter. May I ask how you two ladies prefer to be addressed?"

Li Shan replied with a bright smile, "My husband is Li Teer, and I, following the trend, have adopted an Eastern Yi Dynasty name, which is Li Shan."

In the Eastern Yi Dynasty, married women hardly mentioned their own names. It was a custom more prevalent in foreign lands. Meng Die felt a tinge of envy. "So you are Lady Li."

Su Mu chimed in, "I too have taken an Eastern Yi Dynasty name, Su Mu, after the trend. My husband is Tamu."

She had adopted a name similar to her husband's but didn't take his family name, a unique touch in its own right.

"Madam Su," Meng Die greeted warmly, then continued with politeness, "Both of you must have had a tiring journey by carriage. It was quite an effort."

Su Mu shook her head candidly. "Not at all, we didn't feel the exhaustion. Along the way, we saw many landscapes that are unique to your country. The Yi Dynasty is truly magnificent."

Despite the length of her response, Su Mu's accent was only slight, indicating her excellent command of the official language. Meng Die raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed by the linguistic abilities of these seasoned merchants.

"Our Yi Dynasty has vast territories, indeed, with countless sights to explore, each with its distinct charm," Meng Die smoothly steered the conversation elsewhere. "Is everything well back home?"

A glimmer appeared in Su Mu's eyes. "Everything is excellent, thank you for asking. Thanks to Second Aunt's blessings, our household is thriving, and everyone is doing well. I wonder, does Second Aunt still have any seafood?"

"Allow me to be honest with you both, the abundance of seafood last time was sheer luck; such catches aren't easily come by," Meng Die said, noticing the disappointment on Su Mu and Li Shan's faces. She then changed the subject, "But I can share with you that regardless of size, all marine fish possess some efficacy."

Both Su Mu and Li Shan's eyes lit up.

Meng Die continued, "It's not just fish, in fact, many things in the sea have similar benefits, though their effectiveness varies. For instance, the clam meat left over after making conpoy is also effective and has a rather good outcome."

"However, when it comes to the most effective, it would be seaweeds like kelp, laver, and wakame. But these are rare and costly, not as readily available as dried clams or smaller varieties of seafood."

"Thank you, Second Lady, for your kind information," they both expressed their gratitude.

Su Mu's expression turned uneasy. "In the past, our business ventures involved fur, porcelain, and silk, but we've never dealt with seafood before. Does Second Madam have any connections in this field?"

Meng Die chuckled. "I might not have any leads on other matters, but you've certainly come to the right person for seafood. My eldest sister-in-law's family deals in salt, and as part of her dowry, she has a stretch of tidal flats. They have an abundance of seafood. I'll send someone to inquire on your behalf."

"Many thanks, Second Madam."

"Think nothing of it." Meng Die glanced at Lu Wei. "Go next door and see if Eldest Lady has returned from the Jingcu Hall. Let me know when you find out."

"Alright."

Lu Wei turned away.

With a slightly awkward accent, Li Shan asked, "Second Lady, may I inquire if you have any extra soap?"

Meng Die smiled, not directly answering the question but instead diverting the conversation: "My maternal grandfather is the Governor of Ganzhou. Will your journey back pass through that region?"

Disappointment flickered across Li Shan's face, while Su Mu's eyes lit up. "Indeed, we will certainly pass by there. Does Second Lady have a letter for your family to deliver?"

Meng Die nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, I have a handwritten letter here. I would be grateful if both of you could help me deliver it to my grandmother and mother when the time comes."

Su Mu: "It's just a matter of convenience, absolutely no problem at all. Leave it to us."

Li Shan observed Su Mu's expression, savoring the implications, and finally understood.

Meng Die: "There's one more thing. I wonder if the two ladies are familiar with watermelons? They're green-skinned fruits that grow in deserts."

Su Mu looked somewhat bewildered, while Li Shan enunciated slowly, "Are you referring to the kind that grow on vines, with red flesh inside?"

Meng Die: "Yes, precisely that. The seeds inside are black."

Li Shan nods. "I see."

Meng Die asks, "Do you think it's possible to acquire some seeds?"

Li Shan is taken aback. "Second Aunt wants to cultivate them? They're difficult to grow, as they originate from the desert."

Meng Die replies, "I'm aware of the challenges, but I still wish to allocate a small plot for experimentation. I want to attempt some improvements."

"Improvements?"

"Indeed." Meng Die spoke with a hint of pride. "Our Great Yi Dynasty boasts a multitude of delectable foods. Many vegetables and fruits weren't originally that tasty; they've been improved through generations of effort to become what they are today. Although this watermelon has more seeds than flesh, its refreshing flavor is quite pleasant. I'd like to explore the possibility of improving it."

Li Shan gave her a thumbs up. "Don't worry, Second Grandma. We'll definitely bring you the seeds next year."

Meng Die replied, "Thank you very much. It would be best if the watermelon seeds come from different regions."

Perplexed but still obliging, Li Shan nodded. "No problem at all."

Meng Die glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. Ladies, please stay for dinner."

"Well..." Both of them hesitated. Although Meng Die appeared amiable with a constant smile on her face, they couldn't help feeling nervous and even a tinge of fear for some reason. This woman's presence was overpowering.

Meng Die persuaded them further, "Stay for now. It's a coincidence that I've been idle in the manor recently and decided to try my hand at cultivating mushrooms. Heaven must have taken pity on me, as I've actually succeeded. You can give them a taste. Besides, Lu Wei hasn't returned yet. There's no rush for you to leave before you hear any news about her."

"Better to comply than to show respect, we'll disturb Second Lady for a while then."

Meng Die replied, "Xing Huang, set the table."

In the outer room, Xing Huang responded crisply, "Yes, ma'am."

The meal was a delightful affair, and by the time they finished, Lu Wei had returned.

Meng Die asked, "What did Lady Elder say?"

Lu Wei replied, "Lady Elder mentioned that most of her family's coastal land is used for salt production, so there aren't many seafood resources. However, there are many fishermen living nearby, which would make it convenient for them to acquire the catch."

Su Mu quickly chimed in, "If there are people knowledgeable about the trade doing the purchasing, wouldn't that be perfect?"

Lu Wei smiled. "I expressed the same sentiment. Lady Elder has sent a messenger to the Wen residence. They've replied that Eldest Master will have time two days from now. If you wish to discuss this matter, that would be an appropriate time."

Su Mu: "Very well, may I ask Miss Lu Wei, what is the given name of Lord Wen from the Wen estate?"

Lu Wei: "His name is Yang Hao, with 'vast and open' as the first character, and 'to set sail' as the second."

"Many thanks to Second Madam, many thanks to Miss Lu Wei."

With everything settled, Su Mu and Li Shan left the marquis residence contentedly, clutching their letters and the gifts presented by Meng Die.

Tamu and Li Teer were waiting outside. Upon seeing their wives emerge with radiant expressions, accompanied by maids carrying various gift boxes, they were relieved, assuming that the conversation had gone exceedingly well.

Upon returning home, the two couples promptly held a meeting. Su Mu shared all the details, and both Tamu and Li Teer's faces lit up with joy.

Tamu laughed heartily, "It seems that Second Aunt's family also possesses a substantial amount of soap. We should set aside some money to purchase soap instead of solely relying on sea products."

"Easy for you to say as if you can just buy as much as you want," Li Teer replied with half-closed eyes. "The Wen family has always had a good reputation; they are quite trustworthy in business dealings. It would be proper to acquire our sea products from them."

Su Mu became Meng Die's number one admirer, "With what you said, if Second Aunt is such a reliable person, how could the Wen family, who are also reputable, arrange a match without being equally reliable?"

Tamu agreed, "You have a point there. Let's pay a visit to the head of the Wen family the day after tomorrow. We'll write a letter of tribute today."

Wen Haoyang attached great importance to this matter. With both the Hu and maritime merchants in the capital, how could the eldest son of a salt merchant family possibly have a spare moment? He must have deliberately set aside the time.

Receiving the calling cards from Tamu and Li Teer, Wen Haoyang heaved a sigh of relief. He had initially been worried that these two foreign merchants might not pay a visit. After all, someone like him, a mere shrimp by the seaside, held no real value.

In our dynasty, the sea is not restricted, and our navy is exceptionally strong, ensuring great security across the entire maritime domain. Fishermen are free to venture out to sea whenever they desire. Even if one is not a fisherman, so long as one is not afraid of shipwreck or death at sea, one could take a boat and fish on one's own initiative.

Those living by the coast were never in short supply of seafood. The cost of transporting them was exorbitant, and in this world without plastic bags, the seafood would easily become damp during transit. Once damp, the seafood would spoil quickly. Even if they managed to dry it promptly, the taste would be far from desirable. Such goods would hardly fetch a decent price.

Now, someone had informed Wen Haoyang that even those insignificant minions, the small clams picked over after the abalone had been taken, the broken seaweed and miscellaneous ocean algae—these were all in demand. This was indeed an intriguing prospect.

Tamu and Li Teer arrived, and the servants treated them with great respect. Unlike an aristocratic household, a salt merchant's residence, after all, didn't hold the same prestige.

To show his esteem, Wen Haoyang received them in the main hall of his residence.

After seating themselves according to protocol, Wen Haoyang initiated the conversation, "Gentlemen, your reputations precede you. It is a great honor to finally meet you in person."

"The Grand Vizier Wen, overseeing the transportation of grain and salt, is a name known to every corner of the land."

The pair exchanged compliments, each acknowledging the other's prowess, over a few sips of tea before they delved into the main purpose of their meeting.

Wen Haoyang: "I understand your intentions, but do you want all seafood that can be consumed, or just the smaller varieties? To be frank, the price of small fish is relatively higher compared to other items."

With Meng Die's assurance, Tamu and Li Teer felt reassured. Li Teer promptly replied, "We want everything that can be eaten, regardless of taste. However, there's one exception — we don't want seafood that has been re-dried after becoming damp. It tends to spoil easily."

Wen Haoyang was relieved by their straightforwardness: "Please rest assured on that point; there will definitely be no dampened seafood. Do you need the items to be sorted into different categories?"

Tamu and Li Teer had already discussed this matter privately: "Fish, regardless of size, have bones. We'll separate the fish from the boneless seafood."

Wen Haoyang: "If that's the case, the acquisition process will be much easier, more convenient, and require fewer people."

Having settled on the desired goods, the trio began to negotiate the price.

For Tamu and Li Teer, the purpose of these sea creatures was medicinal rather than culinary. As long as they could cure illnesses, they were willing to pay any price. For instance, even after spending two million on the fish from Meng Die, they still managed to sell it for an even higher price, amassing considerable profits. This was a business with a guaranteed return on investment.

For Wen Haoyang, owning salt flats and having access to fishermen, the items Tamu and Li Teer sought were those unwanted by others along the coast. All he needed was to allocate a storage space and assign two people to purchase them from local fishermen. It was a risk-free and time-saving endeavor, another surefire profit-making opportunity.

Wen Haoyang promptly offered a reasonable price, which turned out to be even lower than what Tamu and Li Teer had anticipated. They didn't attempt to haggle.

Overjoyed, Wen Haoyang calculated that with this price, his family could earn at least ten thousand taels of silver in a year. In the context of the Wen family's annual revenue, ten thousand taels was relatively insignificant.

In our dynasty, the salt trading system is in place. To become a salt merchant, one must first possess their own salt flats. Then, with the land deed of the salt flats and a substantial sum of silver, one must seek certification from the Ministry of Household. The silver serves as a deposit, refundable when one decides to cease salt trading. The land deed needs the ministry's seal to prevent double usage.

Upon acquiring the certification, the salt merchant is required to transport grain to the border regions for sale at a fair price. The amount of grain transported will determine the equivalent quantity of salt permits issued. With these permits, the merchant can sell salt in designated areas to make a profit.

This process involves numerous steps and requires a significant amount of time and labor, inevitably leading to high expenses. Take the Wen estate as an example; their annual revenue from grain transportation and salt trading amounts to around 400-500 thousand taels of silver. However, this is merely the turnover. After deducting labor costs, tribute payments, and other expenses, the Wens would be fortunate to retain 40-50 thousand taels a year.

As Madam Wen aptly put it, the appearance of substantial wealth is far from the reality. With a large family to support, the Wen family, as well as all salt merchants, are not nearly as wealthy as the common folk perceive them to be.

Ahem, if they were truly that rich, the emperor wouldn't be pleased, and eventually, he would take action against them.

With a profit of ten thousand silver taels in sight, how could Wen Hao Yang be anything but delighted? He promptly signed a contract with Tamu and Li Teer on the spot, received their deposit, and treated them to a meal. After a friendly exchange of brotherly sentiments, he personally saw the two gentlemen off.

Tamu and Li Teer were well-known figures in the capital. Even before they had presented their calling cards to the Wen residence, the city's merchants were already aware of their intentions. Now, seeing them leave the Wen household content from a hearty meal, it was clear that the deal had been sealed.

The news of the Wen family's successful business collaboration with Tamu and Li Teer instantly boosted the popularity of the Wen women. Matchmakers came knocking one after another.

Everyone who had been keeping an eye on this matter knew the score. Brokerage between merchants had always been a tricky game, with little reward and potential trouble. What kind of person was Meng Die? She was cunning and astute. If she was willing to mediate between the Hu merchant and the Wen family, it must be for the sake of the Wens! It was evident without much thought that Wen Shi must have treated her exceptionally well, fostering a deep bond between the sisters-in-law, which motivated Meng Die to offer her assistance.

To earn the approval of someone as shrewd as eight hundred people in one body speaks volumes of Wen's sincerity. If she is that kind and virtuous, her sister can't be far off. Which family wouldn't want a daughter-in-law who treats others with genuine warmth? And which family wishes for constant bickering and chaos between sisters-in-law?

In this era where one person's mistake can doom the entire family, likewise, one's good deeds bring honor to their kin as well.

For now, however, Meng Die is unaware of these nuances. Her current concern lies in when Tamu and Li Teer, having set off on their journey home, will reach Ganzhou.