Chapter 58

Chapter 58

In the capital, New Year's Eve dinner was typically held around the end of the afternoon (Weishi) and the beginning of the evening (Shen). In previous years, the palace would distribute dishes to the noble households at the height of Weishi, while these same households would reciprocate by sending their delicacies into the palace at the same time.

The term "reunion dinner" emphasized unity before the meal itself. For the royal family, who could not enjoy any food they desired on ordinary days, who would yearn for just another bite? Many consorts and imperial relatives relied on this dinner to remind the emperor of their presence.

This year, however, the reunion feast in the palace took a different turn. The Marquis Yongyi's residence sent over four dishes, a soup, and dumplings, all primarily made with mushrooms. The freshness was such that even the Empress Dowager, who usually lost her appetite in winter, indulged in several dumplings.

The third prince, who had always been in frail health and also disliked eating during winters, surprised everyone by finishing an entire bowl of mushroom soup. This gesture delighted Empress De to no end.

The Empress Dowager also sipped half a bowl of mushroom soup: "Who sent these mushrooms? I remember we don't have any in our palace."

"The Marquis Yongyi's residence delivered them," replied the servant.

The emperor was delighted to see both his mother and son enjoying their meal: "Their mushrooms are excellent. I wonder how they preserve them to keep them so fresh even in winter."

Lin Chu answered with a smile, "Your Majesty, these mushrooms are not preserved well; they are freshly picked. They were harvested early this morning."

"Are these not Pleurotus ostreatus?" asked the Empress, examining the mushrooms before her. "Is it possible to have fresh Pleurotus ostreatus at this time of the year?"

Empress Dowager: "I'm enjoying this mushroom as well."

Lin Chu: "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, Her Imperial Highness the Empress, this is called Pleurotus ostreatus, also known as fresh oyster mushrooms. Marquis Yongyi's granddaughter, Lady Meng, built a mushroom chamber in her courtyard and experimented with cultivating these mushrooms, similar to how they do it in the Zhi River region. She was successful, and it has added a delightful freshness to our winter meals."

The Empress Dowager laughed at once. "Lady Meng, isn't she the one who spoke about rectifying the improper customs, the granddaughter of Meng Tingyi?"

Lin Chu: "Your Majesty's memory is impeccable; it is indeed her."

Empress: "I've heard that the people of the capital praise the soups she prepares. It seems she takes great interest in the food served to the Emperor."

Empress Dowager: "What kind of soup dish?"

The Empress explained delicately, "It's a soup dish with a base of large bone broth, combined with various greens and pork rinds. I've heard that it's not difficult to prepare, but what's commendable is that she sells it at an incredibly affordable price while using generous ingredients. In the winter, laboring commoners often go for a bowl – it's warming and filling."

Prince Qi flashed a smile at the Empress Dowager, "Royal Sister-in-Law, even the soup dishes come in spicy and non-spicy varieties, especially the spicy ones – they warm you up from head to toe the moment you savour their fiery heat."

The Emperor looked at Prince Qi and said, "Uncle is also aware of this?"

Prince Qi rubbed his nose and chuckled. "Heh heh, when it first became popular in the capital, I had someone buy two bowls for me to try. They were indeed delicious, and the ingredients were indeed generous."

Princess Taichang chuckled. "Brother, you still haven't changed your habit of wanting to try every new delicacy."

Prince Qi chuckled in response, and everyone in the grand hall laughed along. For this year's reunion dinner, they finally remembered to focus on the food, creating a rare atmosphere of harmony.

On the first day of the new year, the palace, as usual, distributed rewards to the noble houses. At the Marquis Yongyi's residence, in addition to the regular gifts, Empress Dowager granted an extra bounty to Meng Die, praising her for her concern for agriculture and compassion for the poor. The gift consisted of two sets of exquisite hair ornaments and four bolts of imperial silk.

Meng Die's reputation in the capital soared once again, this time in a highly positive light.

Aside from the initial soup dishes three years ago, Meng Die's name had not been well-regarded. Her involvement in buying and selling goods, which many scholars and refined gentlemen disapproved of, combined with her gambling and outburst at the Chen family, regardless of the justification, had branded her as someone with terrible character in the eyes of most men.

If Li Ai had been present, she would have been under strict "supervision," and many men found it improper to directly scold a woman. Thus, she had escaped criticism until now.

The moment the mushrooms were cultivated, Meng Die's reputation underwent a significant transformation. Food was the foundation of people's lives, especially in this era of low productivity, where winter provisions were scarce. The introduction of a delicious winter dish could easily overshadow her past "indiscretions."

Meng Die: Sometimes, good fortune comes from unintended actions!

On the third day of the first lunar month, Li Zhi and Li Jin returned to their natal home. A messenger from Duke Cheng'en's residence informed Li Hui that Lady Seven was not in good health and should not travel. The marquis household made no inquiries, as if they barely acknowledged her existence.

In the marquis manor, all eyes were on Li Jin. She wore a vibrant red dress adorned with a hundred butterflies in bloom, complemented by an orange-yellow robe embroidered with peonies symbolizing wealth. On her head, she donned a golden hairpin with three scarlet phoenix tails encrusted with precious stones. Her luxurious and festive attire emphasized her already rosy, fair complexion.

Madam Ning scrutinized her from head to toe before she was fully reassured. "And how is Second Brother Chen now? Is he still behaving recklessly?"

Li Jin replied, "Mother, please rest assured. Last time he came to the mansion, he received a good scolding from Eldest Brother and Third Brother. Upon returning home, he was reprimanded by Grandfather. He has genuinely turned over a new leaf; he has completely severed ties with his former disreputable friends. Nowadays, he either shows filial piety in front of Grandfather or diligently practices martial arts under his tutor's guidance within the mansion. I've heard that his martial skills have greatly improved recently. According to Grandfather, he might be able to participate in the next martial examination and strive for the title of martial scholar."

Madam Ning sighed in relief. "Thank heavens! He's finally grown wiser. Your suffering has indeed led to a better outcome."

Lady Hou's eyes curved into a warm smile. "How is life at home?"

Li Hui responded, "Everything is well there too. Eldest Brother isn't meddlesome, and Eldest Sister-in-law is an understanding and generous person. When I returned this time, I prepared a special gift for Eldest Sister-in-law. She mentioned that I should express my sincere gratitude to her for lending us Ruixue."

Meng Die chuckled. "It's fortunate that only family can understand this inside joke. Outsiders would likely be baffled, wondering why an elder sister is preparing a gift for herself?"

"Haha..." Laughter echoed throughout the room.

Lady Hou cast a glance at Li Zhi's slightly protruding belly, her eyes filled with amusement. "Is she still obedient?"

Li Zhi gently placed her hand on her slight belly and said, "Believe me, I don't feel a thing. Everyone in the manor says it's an obedient child."

"It doesn't feel good, does it?" Fang interrupted herself, quickly popping a sour plum into her mouth to suppress the discomfort in her stomach.

Lady Wu pursed her lips and smiled softly. "There's a good chance it's quite a lively one."

Laughter erupted once more in the room.

"Madam, the old madam…" A servant woman rushed in, stumbling and crawling on the floor.

Lady Hou was displeased. "What is it? So flustered!"

The servant lady, having fallen, didn't bother to get up and instead laughed towards Lady Hou. "Second Master has sent a letter, Second Master has sent a letter."

"AH?" All those in the room stood up in astonishment.

Lady Marquis asked repeatedly, "What did you say? What did you just say? Could you please repeat that? Second Master? Which Second Master?"

"The Elder Lady, Second Master has sent a letter. It's from Amiable Second Master. The letter came from Aksu City and is currently with the Marquis's heir."

"My second son, my second son!" Madam Ning's tears fell instantly, but her face was beaming with joy.

"Madam, Madam." Marquis Yongyi rushed in, holding a letter in his hand. "Second Son has written home."

Meng Die stood there, dumbfounded, as Marquis Yongyi and the heir, along with others, rushed in. Her mind was a blank. Had Li Ai sent a letter? Had news finally arrived from her nominal husband?

"Congratulations to Lord and Lady Marquis, congratulations to Lady Heir, and congratulations to Second Lady," the maidservants and matrons bowed in unison, offering their felicitations.

Lady Marquis beamed with joy. "Excellent, excellent. We share in this happiness."

Li Jin approached Meng Die. "Is my second sister-in-law so overjoyed that she's lost her wits?"

Meng Die regained her composure, meeting Li Jin's teasing smile. "I... I am truly taken aback."

Upon returning to Qixia Courtyard in the evening, Meng Die remained in a daze, her movements robotic as she went through her ablutions. Only after Lu Wei helped her lie down on the bed did she snap back to reality.

Pulling aside the bed curtains, Meng Die threw on a robe and opened the window just a crack, peering outside. Today was the fifth day of the month, and red lanterns hung throughout the Marquis estate, their bright glow illuminating the night, casting the crescent moon in an even dimmer light.

Meng Die closed the window and, holding the candlestick, stepped into the outer chamber. Seeing Lu Wei stir groggily, she said, "Go back to sleep. I'll be going to the study for a while."

Without much resistance, Lu Wei returned to bed. Back at the Meng residence, Meng Die often couldn't sleep and would visit the study to read a book.

This time, however, Meng Die didn't go looking for a book. Instead, she placed the candle on a tall stand in the study and settled comfortably into the rocking chair, her gaze landing on the bookshelf.

The bookshelf before her now was vastly different from when she was first married. Back then, it was filled solely with military strategy books,occupying only a quarter of the northern shelf, while the western shelf stood barren. Now, the western shelf was brimming with various collections of poetry and travelogues, while the northern shelf, apart from military texts, held an abundance of agricultural books, mathematics, geography, and records of local customs – all belonging to her, Meng Die.

Meng Die's lips curved into a subtle smile as she slowly closed her eyes. During her three years in the Marquis household, whenever she had idle moments, she would recline in her rocking chair and read the military treatises left behind by Li Erlang. From his annotations, it was clear to her that he was a capable man, well aware of the weaknesses within his family and knowing precisely how to address them.

He had never been one for youthful impulsiveness; every move he made was the result of meticulous deliberation, each step carefully planned and calculated. Meng Die never doubted that such a strategic mind would return unscathed from any battlefield. However, she hadn't anticipated Li Ai's swift appearance.

At sixteen years of age, Meng Die, despite her disregard for the institution of marriage, had after all lived in the Great Yi Dynasty for sixteen years. From the time she began to babble, she was schooled in its teachings. Thus, she could envision accepting the role of a virtuous wife and loving mother, embracing marriage and childbirth, and living an unrestrained, carefree life within the Marquis's residence. However, by the time Meng Die turned nineteen, she found this life unattainable.

If one were to compare Meng Die at sixteen, whose upbringing was largely influenced by the grand Da Yi dynasty, to Meng Die at nineteen, whose beliefs leaned more towards the teachings of her dream world, there would be a stark contrast. She could not bring herself to concubinize for her husband, nor could she bear to watch her stepchildren and stepdaughters with a smile. Neither could she confine herself within the inner chambers, subservient to her husband. Marriage was no longer her sole option; the vast world was so magnificent—why should she wither away in the confines of the harem?

Meng Die let out a sigh. She had originally imagined that Li Erlang would reappear after a decade or eight years, still in the prime of his life and adorned with merits. What kind of prominent family's lady wouldn't he be able to marry then?

In the eyes of the world, a woman's bloom is fleeting. While a man of the same age may still be in his prime, she would be deemed past her prime, a withered pearl. Thus, she would be considered unworthy of Li Ai and unsuitable to bear his children.

Li Ai was willing to let her go, after all, they had been a nominal couple for ten years, and they could still interact like relatives. If he was unwilling, she was not afraid; having managed for a decade, Meng Die was confident that after repaying the favor of the Marquis's household, she could still carve out her own world, and then she could force Li Ai to agree.

And yet, Li Ai appeared just three years later, completely upending her plans!

The only solace now was that the border wars were still ongoing, keeping Li Ai stationed at the frontlines and temporarily away from the capital. Meng Die withdrew her gaze from the bookshelf, gazing out the window at the snowflakes that had begun to fall softly without her notice. Wise individuals knew how to act in their own best interest. Perhaps she could collaborate with Li Ai for mutual benefit.

Yawning, Meng Die slowly rose from her rocking chair. Ah, the study was comfortable in every way, except that it lacked a heated floor. During winter days, it was tolerable with a charcoal brazier for a while, but it was genuinely chilly at night.

Gently returning to her chamber, Meng Die fell asleep instantly. She had a dream where she saw a spirited young man lounging on her rocking chair, reading a book while nibbling on her favorite five-spice melon seeds. Meng Die was infuriated; this was her spot, so how could he just occupy it? The youth, however, claimed that the chair was rightfully his... When she woke up the next morning, she couldn't recall any details of the dream.

The arrival of Li Ai's letter filled the entire marquis's residence with an unparalleled joy, with smiles on everyone's faces and a spring in their steps.

Madame Ning, when attending social engagements, was repeatedly congratulated by all. How could they not offer their felicitations? In just three short years, Li Ai had risen from being a lowly foot soldier to the position of a defensive commander of the fourth rank within the vanguard battalion. His father, the heir apparent Li Tuo, held only a fourth rank position himself. Indeed, Li Ai had surpassed his own sire by a rank.

Moreover, it was the Vanguard Camp. The Vanguard Camp was the place where one could most easily earn military merits, but it was also the most perilous. 'Vanguard' literally meant being at the forefront, leading the charge. Without some skills, going there wouldn't be for achieving glory; it would be a suicidal mission.

To secure a position in the Vanguard Camp, one must possess exceptional military prowess, a string of battle victories, and a loyal band of soldiers willing to risk life and limb for their commander. This is a position of genuine power.

After the 15th day of the first lunar month, the emperor resumed official duties and finally promoted the heir of Marquis Yongyi, who had long awaited an elevation. He was appointed as a Fourth Rank Commander, putting him on equal footing with his son rank-wise.

No one in the capital was unaware of why Li Tuo had been promoted. Unlike those who advanced through nepotism, Li Tuo's rise was due to his son earning military merits. Not only did people not mock Li Tuo for riding on his son's coattails, but they instead envied his skill in raising a capable son. Many martial families, who once scorned the weakness of the male descendants in the Marquis Yongyi's household, now sought to establish connections with the marquis.

With the 16th day passed, social engagements subsided, allowing Madam Ning to catch her breath. She promptly dispatched Nurse Zheng to fetch Meng Die.

Meng Die arrived promptly with Lu Wei in tow. "Mother?"

Madam Ning: "In a while, the capital will be sending provisions to Aksu City. As family members, we can also send some items along. Do you have anything for Second Brother that you'd like to send?"

Meng Die: "Mother knows my family's situation. I have no understanding of what is needed at the border. I hope Mother could guide me."

Madam Ning chuckled. "Indeed. The frontier is an inhospitable place, and everything is in short supply there. Frivolous items would not be as practical as two pounds of meat or a warm cotton garment."

Madam Ning sighed deeply. "It's been three years since we've seen him. I wonder how much he's grown. There's no need to send clothes or footwear; instead, let's send more cotton and durable cloth."

Meng Die: "Mother, I read that during battles, their meals are prepared by the cooks in large pots. Perhaps we could send some long-lasting, flavorful foods that would be a nice change from their usual fare?"

Madame Ning nodded eagerly. "Indeed, indeed. These are what everyone on the front lines yearns for. The communal meals lack flavor; it's these items that improve their diet."

Meng Die replied, "Noted. Aside from these, is there anything else?"

Madame Ning said, "These two are essentials. The rest can be flexible, as long as they're practical. We can't send gifts directly to the front lines; they must go with the supply convoys. They plan to depart in early March, so we still have time. Take your time preparing."

"Aye."

Meng Die returned to the eastern courtyard and promptly instructed Lu Wei to start gathering supplies. Cotton and durable cotton cloth were necessities, as were dried meat and fruit preserves. After some thought, Meng Die also asked Lu Wei to prepare some tea leaves and dried small deep-sea fish, remembering that Aksu City was also an iodine-deficient area.

Lu Wei: "Second Aunt, why bother with these expensive dried small fish from the deep sea? They don't have much meat, and it would be more practical to send more beef jerky."

Meng Die glanced at Hulu and Meihong in the room. "Who wouldn't get tired of eating meat every day? Xing Huang's five-spice dried fish is delicious. Occasionally, taking two to chew on can help refresh the palate."

Lu Wei relented. "That's true."

Xing Huang: "Sister Lu Wei, my dried fish comes in two flavors - one is five-spice, and the other is spicy. You shouldn't mix them together; they should be stored separately."

Lu Wei: "Alright, I understand."

Lu Wei, having prepared the items, Meng Die arranged for Fan Hong to personally oversee the journey. The Marquis's wife and Madam Ning had also assembled numerous provisions, entrusting Manager Zheng with the task of overseeing the entire process.

Meng Die now understood that transporting supplies to the frontlines wasn't a matter of gathering everything in the capital and delivering it as one large shipment. Instead, the emperor requisitioned grain from various regions, which had to be delivered to designated locations by the appointed date.

These designated points were where the Censorate officials overseeing the grain transport would pass through. Consequently, when the Censorate official from the capital set out, they carried only a small portion of the supplies; the bulk of the provisions would be collected along the way.

The act of family members sending goods was also part of the Censorate official's responsibility. Before departure, an emissary from the esteemed Censorate official, Lord Yang, visited the Marquis Yongyi's residence to coordinate with Manager Zheng.

Not only did they inquire about the number of people accompanying the mission, but they also meticulously inventoried the items destined for the border. Every item destined for the frontier underwent strict scrutiny, for who would be held accountable if any issues arose?

With all preparations in order, on the eve of Meng Die's third-month birthday, the Censor of Grain led a grand convoy on its mission to supply provisions to the frontier troops.