Chapter 57

Chapter 57

As it turned out, Meng Die's speculation was spot on. Madam Zhou left too hastily to witness the subsequent melodrama in the room. Li Zi, on the other hand, arrived late and stumbled right into the midst of that chaotic scene.

Lady Li almost lost her composure; were it not for her upbringing reminding her that she was not in her own home but in the Duke Cheng'en's residence, she would have immediately ordered the concubine to be sold into servitude.

However, when she learned that those ordinary medicinal ingredients were sent by the Marquis Manor, all of Li Zhi's anger vanished. Only disbelief and astonishment remained when she realized that only Lady Zhou had come to visit Li Hui today.

Inquiring of Li Hui, she merely sat on the bed weeping. Chunni had been beaten by Lady Liu Ya, accompanied by other maid servants. At the moment, she was being attended to with medicinal ointment, and it wouldn't be proper for Li Zhi to summon her for questioning.

Li Zhi: "Where's Nurse Zhang?"

Li Hui cried even louder.

Li Zhi was irritated by Li Hui's weeping: "What good does crying do? Can you cry your child back to life or persuade your brother-in-law to dismiss that concubine? Where is Nurse Zhang?"

Li Hui: "She... she went to beg."

"Begged?" Li Zhi's tone rose. "She was your wet nurse. She didn't beg before you were married and even served as your companion. Why is she begging now? Don't try to fool me with the same tricks you use on outsiders."

Li Hui sniffled, "Madam Liu, who is Father's birth mother, had a nephew who wished to marry Ama Zhang's daughter. I thought it was a suitable match and agreed. Who knew that Ama Zhang's daughter already had someone she loved and refused, crying and protesting. I had already given my word, and it would be awkward to retract, so I couldn't help but say a few words. Ama Zhang got upset and insisted on leaving. I couldn't stop them, so I had no choice but to let the whole family depart."

Li Zi gazed at Li Hui, who was leaning against the head of the bed, one hand holding a handkerchief to continuously wipe her tears, while the other clutched the quilt tightly.

Li Zi said, "Let's put Ama Zhang's matter aside for now. What's going on with the Marquis household? What did you do to make Mother despise you like this?"

Li Hui replied, "Second Sister, you know me. What could I have possibly done? I truly didn't do anything."

Li Zi responded, "If you hadn't done anything, why would Mother ignore you? Li Hui, tell me the truth."

Li Hui: "I swear, Sister, I haven't done anything. Mother's anger seems to stem from something my husband did that offended Elder Brother and his wife. I'm not entirely sure of the details."

Feeling a nagging intuition, Li Zhi cast a glance at Li Hui. She noticed how her sharp jawline accentuated her gauntness, and the dark circles beneath her eyes contrasted starkly with her pale cheeks. Instantly, a wave of compassion surged within Li Zhi.

"I'll return to the Marquis Manor to plead your case," Li Zhi poured a cup of warm tea for Li Hui. "The Three Submissions and Four Virtues – a woman's honor and disgrace lie within these principles. If our husbands fare well, it doesn't guarantee our own prosperity, for they have other women besides us. If our sons do well, we can indeed enjoy prestige, but that takes time. And if our fathers fare well, it doesn't necessarily mean we will, for every family has its share of children. But fortunately, both you and I have been blessed with good fortune."

"A father's love for his daughter, and a mother who treats us as her own despite not having a biological daughter, is the foundation of our confidence for life," Li Zhi took the teacup that Li Hui had finished. "Your husband-to-be doesn't seem particularly commendable; your days with him might be challenging. Now, your family is the only support you can rely on. Any misunderstandings must be promptly clarified."

Li Hui's grip on the quilt intensified, but alas, it was concealed beneath the covers, unseen by Li Zhi.

Li Hui lamented, "Second Sister was luckier in life. How did I end up marrying someone like him?"

Li Zhi's heart soured instantly. "There's no such thing as a good or bad fate. Who wasn't headstrong in their youth? How many didn't sneak around for a taste of something forbidden? Have you forgotten when your sister and I had our arguments? Back then, for my sake, Father made a personal trip to Jiayuguan, and Mother visited the Liang family three times within half a year. I will remember for the rest of my life how she protected me back then."

Li Hui inquired, "Does Brother-in-law have moments when he is disheveled as well?"

Li Zi: "Really forgotten? How could there not be? In the early years, when my grandparents were still at the old home, my father-in-law was transferred to Jiayuguan, and naturally my mother-in-law had to follow. My brother-in-law and his wife, along with the whole family, had to be taken care of and couldn't attend to him. He became a horse without a bridle, unsupervised. Coupled with a few servants who were adept at flattery and constant instigation, he actually started to emulate others in keeping a concubine outside the marriage."

Li Ziyi waved her hand dismissively, "Forget it, no more talk. I'll return to the Marquis's residence at once. It is only right that I seek forgiveness from Mother and Elder Sister-in-law, regardless of what it takes. Otherwise, without the support of your natal family, every manner of demon and monster would dare to run amok around you."

Li Zi, oblivious to Li Hui's increasingly pale complexion, hastened out of Duke Cheng'en's residence and made a beeline for the Marquis's mansion.

Li Zhi is more astute than Li Hui. Upon noticing that Madam Hou didn't inquire about the specifics, she engaged her in casual conversation about domestic affairs for a while. Then, she politely excused herself, suggesting a stroll in the garden. Madam Hou, understanding her intention, naturally consented.

Li Zhi immediately sought out her elder sister-in-law, Lady Zhou, who resided in the Third Tract. Lady Zhou was not only her own sister-in-law but also the one who had visited Li Hui. She would certainly be aware of what had transpired. Li Zhi needed to confirm the situation before attempting to reconcile, for knowing one's enemy and oneself was the key to victory in a hundred battles.

Lady Zhou had also been informed beforehand and was prepared for Li Zui's visit. She had a liking for Li Zui.

The Liang family also had a military background, and Li Zhi's father-in-law currently held the position of Commander of the Vanguard in the capital. A direct grandson of her maternal grandmother, who was also Zhou's nephew, happened to serve in that very camp, receiving much favor and attention. Because of this, Zhou gained some prestige in front of her own maternal grandmother. As a result, Zhou returned the favor by showing great concern for Li Zhi.

Li Zhi: "Third Sister-in-law."

Zhou: "Second Sister, don't be hasty. Listen to me first."

Li Zhi: "I would be most grateful if Sister-in-law could help clarify my confusion."

Zhou: "This isn't really about solving your confusion. If you listen to your sister-in-law, return to the Liang family now and never go to Duke Cheng'en's residence again. Treat it as if you never had a younger sister."

Li Zhi was aghast, about to speak but was interrupted by Zhou shaking her head.

Lady Zhou let out a long sigh. "I know you've always been intelligent and sensible. The fact that you've come as a mediator means Li Hui must not have told you the real situation at all. She probably realizes that if you knew what truly happened, you would turn your back on her without hesitation."

Those few words sent shockwaves through Li Zi's heart. Too much was implied in these words. What did it mean that she would turn away? What exactly had Li Hui done?

Li Zi replied, "Third Sister-in-law, Hui'er clearly told me she didn't do anything."

Lady Zhou responded, "Indeed, she hasn't done anything – and that is precisely unforgivable."

Li Zi appeared dazed, unable to comprehend how doing nothing could be considered an unfathomable crime.

Lady Zhou said, "Did you know that her wet nurse has requested to leave?"

Li Zhi replied vaguely, "I did go to see her but didn't find her there."

Lady Zhou continued, "Let me tell you why. The birth mother of her husband has a nephew who wishes to marry Nurse Zhang's daughter. This would be unremarkable in itself, even considered a suitable match among servants."

Li Zhi agreed, "Yes, it does sound reasonable."

Lady Zhou responded, "Indeed, but here's the catch. That young man is utterly disgraceful. He indulges in drinking, gambling, and has a notorious reputation for womanizing. Not only that, he has already caused the death of one wife."

"AH!" Li Zhi's mouth gaped in astonishment.

Madame Zhou said, "The most ridiculous part is that Li Hui herself proposed this, all to curry favor with her husband and her own mother-in-law. Who wouldn't feel chilled to the bone if they were in their shoes? That's why Nurse Zhang's family requested to leave, and Li Hui even had the audacity to ask for a compensation fee."

"I'll tell you one more thing: regardless of whether this was my father's order."

Li Zhi didn't know how she managed to leave Marquis Yongyi's residence. Her feet felt as if they were stepping on cotton, and her legs were so weak that she could barely stand.

Emotionally, she couldn't believe that Li Hui would do such a thing. After all, Li Hui was her wet nurse's own daughter, someone who had grown up with her since childhood. How morally corrupt must Li Hui be to commit such an act?

Rationally, she was acutely aware that Madam Zhou had no reason to deceive her, nor did she have any need to do so.

Upon returning to Duke Cheng'en's residence and seeing Li Hui, Li Zhi's befuddled mind quickly regained clarity. This time, she didn't sit by Li Hui's bedside but instead sought out a chair in the room to sit down.

"I've just returned from the Marquis residence," Li Zhi fixated on Li Hui, observing even the slightest shift in her expression. "Mother isn't fully aware of the situation, but it was Father's order to cease any interference in your affairs."

Li Zhi paused, not missing the fleeting astonishment in Li Hui's eyes.

Li Zhi: "What exactly is going on? If you tell me, I'll have a better understanding and can approach my father with some insight. Otherwise, I wouldn't know where to begin."

Li Hui bit her lip. "Second Sister, I really don't know much. When Jin'er was married off, chaos erupted while her husband was resting in my chambers. He got a scratch on his face, and to this day, I have no idea who did it. I tried to inquire but ended up being scolded by him instead."

Li Zhi felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her: "Your boudoir is within the inner courtyard, he was resting in your chamber, why weren't you by his side?"

Li Hui's eyes shifted away, "I..."

Li Zhi didn't miss the flicker of panic in Li Hui's eyes. "Did you know all along that he had ill intentions and deliberately avoided him? It's no wonder Third Sister-in-Law said that you were beyond redemption without even lifting a finger. Li Hui, oh Li Hui, it's no wonder Father has washed his hands of you; you clearly hold the Marquis's residence in utter contempt."

Li Hui's tears fell like raindrops. "Second Sister, I truly don't know, I really didn't know at that time..."

Li Zi was so furious that he slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "He was in the inner quarters without you by his side. How do you explain that? He, a man from outside, was in the inner quarters filled with the ladies of the marquis's household. How many nieces are still unmarried? If you were not by his side, and he inadvertently bumped into them, what about the reputation of the nieces?"

"No wonder even Third Sister despises you to the core, and Lady concubine refuses to see me. Now I understand the reason. I am not worthy of having a sister like you. You can continue being the Seventh Lady of Duke Cheng'en's residence in peace."

Li Hui: "Second Sister, Second Sister, please listen to me. I, I really don't know, I know nothing about it."

Li Zhi came to a halt, turned around, and sneered. "Let me guess which lady your husband is trying to offend—it's probably Butterfly, right? Her talent for earning silver is envied by all in the capital. Could it be that you're unaware of your husband's intentions? I'd say you know better than anyone! With Butterfly's remarkable skills, you must secretly hope that your husband crosses paths with her, so he can gain control over her. Given her status, she would surely align with you in the future to help you contend against this flock of coquettish women in this house, am I right?"

Gazing at the terrified expression on Li Hui's face, Li Zhi knew she had guessed correctly. Her vision swam with dizziness, but she forcefully held it back. "You believed that this time, the Marquis Manor was ignoring you because Mother and Eldest Aunt instigated it, right? That's why you were so astonished when I said it was Father's order. So, in your heart, Mother and Eldest Sister-in-law are such people. From this perspective, I, Li Zhi, must not be a good elder sister in your eyes either."

"I wouldn't have believed Third Sister-in-law if she hadn't told me the real reason why Nurse Zhang asked to leave. How foolish of me! Li Zhi, you'd better take care of yourself!" With that, she stumbled and had to steady herself before finally staggering away.

"Madam, Madam," cried the maid who had accompanied Li Zhi. Seeing her mistress's ashen face and unsteady gait, she rushed forward to support her.

Li Zhi responded, "Go, let's leave this place. We'll never set foot in here again, lest we become the subject of others' ridicule and disdain."

Just then, Chunni, who had just finished applying medicine, returned and overheard Li Zhi's words. She promptly knelt before Li Zhi. "Madam, my lady was in a terrible state after her miscarriage and accidentally offended you. Please, for the sake of our sisterly bond, forgive her this once."

Li Zhi regained her composure and turned her gaze to Chunni, scanning the injuries on her face. "You're loyal, but consider why Nurse Zhang sought to depart. Think about your own future."

Chunni was taken aback. Didn't Nurse Zhang leave because her youngest son was preparing for the imperial examinations?

Li Zhi returned to the Liang family and didn't bother with the matter anymore. The Marquis Yongyi's residence had made their stance clear much earlier. The Duke Cheng'en's household sighed in relief. It was said that not long after the incident, the Duke Cheng'en's wife went to the Three Pure Ones Temple for meditation. She visited two or three times a year, so this time, it didn't attract much attention from the capital's residents.

Now that the merchants had arrived, whether it was those seeking profits or those wanting to buy exotic items, they were more focused on the merchants' activities. Of course, many people still couldn't help but keep an eye on Meng Die.

"Second Aunt, the sea merchants are back. Should we buy something?" Xing Huang tilted her head, smiling at Meng Die.

"Go, go, go." Meng Die tapped her head. "If you really have nothing to do, go check on the mushrooms."

Meihong put down her teacup. "What's wrong with the mushrooms? Aren't they fine?"

The mention of food immediately piqued Xing Huang's interest, and she grew serious. "Not quite right, actually. The mushrooms lately aren't as plump as they were in summer, and their juices aren't as abundant. They seem a bit dry when you eat them."

Meihong protested, "I think they're delicious. I didn't taste any dryness at all."

Hulu glanced at Meihong. "What is it that you find unappetizing?"

Meihong pouted. "Well, it's only because Sister Xing Huang's cooking is too good."

Hulu choked, utterly unable to refute.

Meng Die chuckled, dispelling much of her distress. "That's how seasonal produce goes. At least we can still get mushrooms now. I wonder what winter mushrooms would be like."

"Probably none from the west chamber," Lu Wei interjected. "But if they heat up the kang in the east chamber and maintain the temperature, it should work out fine."

Meng Die speculated, "The mushrooms aren't growing well now, I reckon it's due to the significant difference in day and night temperatures. If it doesn't work, shall we try heating the kang in the east chamber at night? Just a little, not too hot."

Lu Wei responded, "I'll arrange for two people to keep watch at night then."

"Very well." Meng Die felt a weight lifted off her mind but then another thought occurred to her. "Did Headman Wang manage to acquire any rare seeds? And did he get the sweet potato seeds too?"

"Don't even mention it," Lu Wei said with a chuckle. "That usually mild-mannered Headman Wang has been cursing every day recently."

Meng Die was taken aback. "Cursing every day?"

"Yes, every day," Lu Wei managed to stifle her laughter. "I wonder what could have possessed those people outside. Second Grandma instructed Headman Wang to gather various seeds, and they all started buying them blindly as well. With so many buyers, the seed prices naturally skyrocketed – to three times their original spring price!"

Meng Die was dumbfounded.

Disregarding the reactions of the capital's inhabitants, Meng Die, apart from paying respects and assigning tasks, once again threw herself into the mushroom shed. Initially, due to the high value of sugar cane, she had no intention of cultivating it on a large scale; her goal was merely to make her presence known to the emperor. Now that the most challenging issue—sugar cane—had been resolved, she was determined to comprehend every single step of the cultivation process with utmost clarity, especially the precautions for growing out-of-season in autumn and winter. She was bent on mastering all these details.

During Meng Die's enchantment with mushroom cultivation, a series of joyous events unfolded in the Marquis household. First, Lady Fang became pregnant once more, followed by Lady Wen who also received the joyful news. Li Hui, the eldest son of the second branch, became betrothed to a young lady from the House of the Duke of Britain. Then, Li Yan underwent her coming-of-age ceremony, and subsequently, Lady Wu was discovered to be with child.

In this era, the prosperity of descendants within a family was considered the utmost joy, and the news that three women in the Marquis's residence had become pregnant all at once filled everyone's hearts with unparalleled delight.

Meng Die's side was also doing well. After the temperature difference between day and night decreased, the mushrooms indeed regained their summer plumpness. In preparation for the imminent winter, Meng Die sent Lu Wei to request six more fire keepers from Nurse Zheng, specifically to tend the fires in the kilns and maintain the warmth within the rooms.

Busy days always seem to pass swiftly, and before she knew it, the end of the year was upon them. Meng Die was swamped with work; Wen Shi, being pregnant, was not suited for exertion. Madam Ning had been attending numerous banquets lately, which meant that the responsibility of managing the household affairs and assigning tasks fell entirely on Meng Die's shoulders.

On this day, Meng Die had her lunch at the Jingcu Hall. As soon as she finished, she resumed her duties. It was already the middle of the afternoon by the time she completed her tasks, and the room was empty. Without concern for her image, Meng Die stretched lazily and relaxed her back.

As Lu Wei straightened her clothing, she said, "Second Lady, Sister Qianceng from Lady Elder's quarters just passed by to say that Lady Elder has requested your presence when you're done."

Meng Die, accompanied by Lu Wei, swiftly arrived at the main residence. Usually, when people came to pay their respects, they would gather in the main hall due to the large crowd. But since it was winter and no one else was around, Madam Hou was resting with her eyes closed on a soft couch in the room with a kang (a traditional Chinese heated brick bed).

"Grandmother," Meng Die called softly.

Madam Hou opened her eyes and gestured for Meng Die to sit down. "Are you finished with your duties?"

Meng Die settled onto the embroidered stool. "Everything is taken care of."

Lady Hou: "How's the preparation for the New Year's items coming along?"

Meng Die: "All the necessities for our household are ready. As for the gifts and exchanges with others, I'm not very familiar with them, so I haven't prepared anything. But Eldest Sister-in-law has made some arrangements. Mother can finish the rest in just two or three days."

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you," Lady Hou sat up straight. "Our family's ancestors fought alongside the founding emperor to conquer the world. During those war times, they would all gather for New Year's Eve dinner together. After the empire was established, each family had their own households, and although they no longer shared the same table for the reunion feast, the palace would still send a few dishes every year at this time. Our family and others like us would also contribute a few dishes to the palace."

Meng Die: "I'm aware of that. It's quite a legendary tale, and even now, many opera troupes still perform scenes depicting the deep brotherly bond and shared moments of unity."

Lady Hou nodded. "Indeed, this tradition has been passed down since the establishment of the Great Yi Dynasty and is still observed annually."

Meng Die felt a surge of joy in her heart. All her efforts in mushroom cultivation were for this very purpose.

Lady Hou continued, "The same dishes every year can be rather monotonous. But it's fortunate that you've cultivated mushrooms this year. They're incredibly delicious and quite rare in the winter months. I was thinking, perhaps we could include a few mushroom-based dishes in our New Year's offerings. I just wonder how your mushrooms fare in the winter?"

Meng Die reassured her, "Grandmother, don't worry. My mushrooms are growing splendidly. I had planned to harvest them on time to add some variety to our family's New Year's feast. Now, it seems perfect."

Lady Hou was overjoyed. "Excellent, then it's settled. If you need anything else for this, feel free to purchase it without any concerns."

"Ai."

Assigned with this task, Lu Wei and the others became even more dedicated to the mushroom house. The women tending the fire were extra cautious, constantly monitoring the flames in the hearth to ensure they were neither too strong nor too weak, maintaining a comfortable temperature within the room.

After the Little New Year, Madam Ning no longer had social engagements to attend, which relieved Meng Die of some responsibilities. With more time on her hands, she could devote herself to nurturing the mushrooms.

The mushrooms did not disappoint.Tiny gray specks covered the substrate, indicating their growth. Following the habits of the shiitake mushrooms, they would reach their peak of tenderness and plumpness by the thirtieth day.