Chapter 66

Chapter 66

After bidding farewell to Head Wang, Meng Die let out a deep sigh of relief. Her tense mood relaxed, making her feel lethargic.

"Big Sister Su Jin, why are you here? Is there something important? Please come inside."

Meng Die lay on her rocking chair, gazing outside.

"There's nothing," Su Jin smiled as she followed Mei'er into the outer room. "Xue Qing, why haven't you been going to the garden for your embroidery work lately? Everyone says they miss you after not seeing you for a few days."

Xue Qing spoke with a languid tone. "Perhaps it's the drowsiness of spring and weariness of autumn. Lately, I've been feeling incredibly tired, always wanting to take a nap, so I won't be going out."

Meihong echoed, "I've been feeling extremely sleepy as well."

Su Jin chuckled. "I was starting to worry that there was something wrong with me. But hearing you both, I now understand. Lately, I haven't been getting enough sleep either; I seem to be inseparable from my bed."

"Ha ha ha..."

After sharing a few more jests with the group and sipping another cup of tea, Su Jin bid them farewell. Leaving Qixia Courtyard, she didn't return to her residence in the third courtyard but instead found an empty spot in the garden to sit down. She casually plucked a few leaves from a nearby tree.

"I knew I'd find you here," Yun Jin hurried over and sat down beside Su Jin. "What's the matter? You look so impatient."

Su Jin tore the leaf into strips. "Do I need to ask? It's like a toad dreaming of eating swan meat. Does she think it's easy to climb up to high branches without falling? She should be more cautious about not getting hurt herself."

Yun Jin sighed in agreement. "Indeed. I wonder what Madam is thinking."

Su Jin threw away the leaf in her hand. "Madam is even creating opportunities. Just now, she sent me to ask Xue Qing why she hasn't been coming out lately. What else could it be? She's avoiding Hongming. Now, Xue Qing is just hiding, but if things escalate, she might offend Second Lady for no reason."

As Su Jin continued, her anger grew. "I thought about talking to Madam, but Nurse Zhao is Madam's personal maid and is usually the one she relies on the most. If I were to speak up, Madam might not believe me, and I would likely offend Nurse Zhao. Furthermore, Master is not at home. Yesterday, when I tried to probe, Madam said he was dispatched to arrange for grain supplies and won't return for at least ten days or half a month. Yun Jin, what should we do?"

Yun Jin pondered for a moment. "Why don't we discuss this with Miss? She's always resourceful and would surely be able to persuade Lady. Besides, she wouldn't dare offend Nurse Zhao."

The worry on Su Jin's face vanished. "That's a good idea. We also need to find a way to distance ourselves from this. Nurse Zhao is not forgiving. If she finds out it was us who leaked the information, she won't hesitate to make things difficult for us."

Yun Jin reassured, "Don't worry, Miss has her plans, and she won't implicate us."

Determined, Yun Jin and Su Jin split up to put their plan into action, each finding a way to inform Li Yan of the situation.

Xing Huang yawned as she watched Yun Jin depart, then turned to seek Meng Die in the study. "Second Madam, the miscellaneous fish and various seafood that First Madam helped collect have arrived. I took a look, and there's quite a large quantity. The kitchen can manage small portions occasionally, but handling such a volume there seems inconvenient. I thought it might be better if I stay at the manor for a few days to deal with it more efficiently."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "That works too. It'll be convenient to send someone to purchase any missing materials needed there."

"Second Aunt," Xue Qing lifted the curtain and entered, "I'll come along too. On one hand, I need to stretch these idle muscles that have grown lately, and on the other hand, I can lend a hand to Xing Huang."

Meng Die understood perfectly well: "Very well, then go ahead and join them. There's no need to rush back. You can stay and enjoy yourself for a few more days. I have nothing pressing here anyway."

"Well,"

Xing Huang and Xue Qing's eyebrows curved into smiles, and they promptly returned to their chambers to begin packing their belongings. The next morning, they slipped out of the Marquis's residence unnoticed, heading straight for the country estate.

One evening, as the family gathered in the main residence for their evening greetings, Madam Zhou inquired, "Die, lately I've noticed you're only accompanied by Hulu and Meihong. Where's Xue Qing?"

Meng Die replied, "Eldest Sister-in-law has been helping me collect various small seafood delicacies. While they're delicious, preparing them is quite laborious, and the smell can be strong. Xing Huang suggested it would be easier to cook them at the manor. Xue Qing is assisting her. I sent them both there together. They can take a few days off and have some fun while they're done with their tasks."

Madam Zhou commented, "You do care for them."

Meng Die smiled in response.

Madam Wen added, "I've heard those small seafood dishes are delightful. Save me a few, please. Xi Ge hasn't had much of an appetite lately, but he still enjoys seafood."

Meng Die readily agreed, "Sure, I'll pass the message along when I return. If Xing Huang manages to complete the dish, it can be delivered early tomorrow morning."

"Excellent."

Madam Ning furrowed her brows. "Why doesn't Xi Ge enjoy his meals? Has he seen a physician?"

Wen Shi replied, "Yes, he has. The doctor said that due to the excessively hot weather and overconsumption of cold foods, his spleen and stomach have become weak, making it difficult for him to digest food. He recommended a lighter diet."

Meng Die quickly suggested, "In that case, the small fish dish might not be suitable. Xing Huang uses strong seasonings in that one. I think it would be better to prepare a shrimp and seaweed soup. It's both delicious and light."

Wen Shi sighed helplessly. "It's difficult to control the cooking time for that. The kitchen might not be able to handle it well."

Meng Die teased Little Xi. "I'll just have Xing Huang make a trip back. It's a good opportunity to fetch some fresh clothes."

"That sounds good."

Amidst laughter and chatter, they timed their departure from the main residence of Madam Hou.

Madam Zhou suddenly spoke up. "Miss Butterfly, I'd like to visit you for a while. There's something I want to discuss with you."

"Mother," Li Yan smiled as he intercepted her. "I have an urgent matter to attend to. Is your business with Second Sister-in-law urgent?"

Madam Zhou was taken aback. "My matter with her isn't urgent. What is it that you have on your hands?"

Li Yan chuckled. "Let's discuss it in the room."

Upon returning to the third wife's courtyard, Li Yan's expression turned solemn. After entering the house with Madam Zhou, he instructed the servants, "You may all withdraw."

After the maidservants and matrons bowed, they left one after another.

Madam Zhou gazed at Li Yan and asked, "What's the matter with you? Why are you suddenly sulking? Did one of the servants treat you disrespectfully?"

Li Yan took a deep breath. "Mother, why did you look for Second Aunt today? Was there something specific?"

Madam Zhou looked puzzled. "Is everything all right on your end?"

Li Yan huffed softly. "There aren't any troublemakers in my household, so how could there be any issues?"

Madam Zhou frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"Why did Mother specifically call Second Aunt today?" Li Yan redirected the conversation. "Was it about match-making for Hongming and Nurse Zhao's family?"

"You know about it too?" Zhou smiled brightly. "I see that Hongming and Xue Qing are of similar age. Not only is Xue Qing beautiful, she's skilled in embroidery as well. She'd be a perfect match for Hongming. Moreover, Xue Qing was Second Aunt's personal maid, so if they were to marry, our branch would become even closer with theirs."

Li Yan laughed through her anger. "Closer? I'd say it's more like creating enmity."

Zhou's temper flared. "What manners and upbringing have you learned? To speak to your mother like this?"

Li Yan was furious. "What rules and upbringing matter now? You're almost causing a grave offense. What status does Xue Qing hold, and what about Hongming? It's like a toad dreaming of eating swan meat without considering their own worthiness. Do they even deserve such a match?"

Madam Zhou was furious as well. "Both I and Butterfly are wives of the marquis household. They were bridesmaids; how can they not be a match?"

Li Yan retorted, "Aunt and Mother are also wives of the marquis household. Are they the same?"

Madam Zhou's eyes reddened with anger. "You..."

Li Yan interrupted her. "I thought Mother would understand this from my marriage arrangements, but it seems not. Jinjie and I are both daughters of the marquis household. She could marry into the Chen family, relatives of an imperial prince, but can I aspire to such a high status?"

Madam Zhou's newly ignited anger dissipated instantly, replaced by a flood of disappointment from past setbacks in arranging Li Yan's marriage.

Li Yan itemized his analysis for Madam Zhou: "What status does Xue Qing hold? She's literate and discerning. Once she's redeemed from servitude, she could marry an educated scholar. At best, she might become the wife of a provincial scholar. With Second Aunt's strategic planning, securing a minor official position for her would be no issue. Then, Xue Qing would be a legitimate official's wife."

"Not marrying a scholarly man, she could still wait for Second Cousin to return from the frontlines. He'll surely have his own personal soldiers. Whichever one Xue Qing chooses to marry, she'll still be a legitimate official's wife. What right does Hongming have to harbor such aspirations for her?"

"Let alone Xue Qing, Mother, open your eyes and look around. Who in our household now dares to casually propose to Meihong or Hulu's families? Isn't it because they all know they're not worthy? Otherwise, their attempts might lead to enmity instead."

Madam Zhou sat silently on her chair.

Li Yan sighed with emotion: "Xue Qing is wise. Upon sensing our intentions, she immediately distanced herself and tactfully declined. Haven't you considered when she stopped going to the garden for embroidery work?"

Madam Zhou opened her mouth, then, after a moment of recollection, decided to remain silent.

Li Yan said angrily, "Two years ago, I already warned Mother about Aunt Zhao's arrogance, but you never believed me. Now, guess how I found out about this incident."

Madam Zhou looked at Li Yan intently.

With a darkened expression, Li Yan continued, "Xue Qing managed to avoid her, yet she sought out Mu Fu, the kitchen helper from the Fu family, to spread gossip and even pressured Second Aunt into complying."

Madam Zhou's face paled with shock. "Are you telling the truth?"

Li Yan scoffed. "Could I possibly deceive my own mother? Mu You is a sensible one; he directly refuted her. Yet, she still had the audacity to argue with him in public. She must have truly consumed the courage of a bear and leopard. Grandmother detests gossip the most. If this matter escalates and comes to Grandmother's attention, not only would she be in trouble, but Mother would also suffer the consequences."

Madam Zhou was genuinely panicked now. "How oblivious you are! Gossip can spread even from idle chatter!"

"Mother, I am to be married," Li Yan said, her eyes turning red. "Do remember this, Mother, even though we reside under the same Marquis's estate, our fates are ultimately divergent."

Madam Zhou's eyes also reddened. "I, I knew it, but I just didn't think of all those possibilities for a moment."

With a steely resolve, Li Yan said, "Auntie Zhao is already advanced in years. Mother should make arrangements for her comfortable retirement sooner rather than later. It would also be wise to secure a future for her entire family."

Lady Zhou let out a long sigh and eventually softly agreed.

Back in Qiuxia Courtyard, Meng Die returned with a smile, sharing with Lu Wei, "Younger Sister Yan is indeed clever."

Lu Wei replied with a smile, "That Nurse Zhao is truly impudent."

Meihong curled her lips. "She even dared to quarrel with someone from the Mu Youfu family. She really doesn't know her own weight."

Hulu chuckled. "People can act like that when they're in a hurry or agitated."

"Is he in a panic?" Meng Die was taken aback.

Hulu replied, "My sister-in-law's family has a cousin who doesn't work much but loves drinking and gambling. My sister-in-law mentioned that Hongming lost a considerable amount of silver in the gambling dens this year. It seems to be from Third Aunt's land rent. He must be desperate to fill the hole."

Meng Die paused in her tracks. "Are you sure about this news?"

Hulu was solemn. "Absolutely sure. My sister-in-law's mother heard it herself. She told my sister-in-law, who then relayed it to our family. We all know about this matter."

Meng Die frowned. "That doesn't add up! I remember that Third Aunt's land also suffered from drought this year. Not long ago, I heard her say that she waived the rent entirely and even lent a substantial amount of food and money to the tenants to help them through the hard times."

Lu Wei was astonished. "Could it be that Hongming never distributed the money and grain at all? How will those tenants survive?"

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "I'm afraid he might have not only kept the provisions but also collected rent from them."

Lu Wei gasped. "Wouldn't that push those tenants to the brink of desperation?"

Meng Die huffed. "Lu Wei, hurry and visit Sister Yan. Tell her about this. If the money and grain weren't distributed, it's already bad enough, but if they've indeed collected rent, we must deal with it promptly. It'll be too late once lives are lost."

"Alright." Lu Wei rushed to find Li Yan.

Even though Lu Wei returned to inform Meng Die that she had conveyed the message to Li Yan, Meng Die was still somewhat worried about the matter, not for Madam Zhou, but because she now deeply understood how crucial it was to rely on trustworthy servants. Fortunately, she didn't have many subordinates, making them easier to manage. However, she vowed to remember that rewards should be given when deserved, but indulgence must never be allowed.

Two days later, Li Yan brought news to Meng Die. As expected, the unscrupulous Hongming acted as she had anticipated – not only did he fail to distribute the money and grain, but he also collected rent. Had it not been discovered in time, some tenants might have been driven to desperation.

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou fainted from anger. Li Yan took matters into her own hands and expelled Nurse Zhao and her family without involving the authorities or demanding compensation. Who could say she wasn't generous?

Nurse Zhao knelt before Li Yan, "Miss, Qingxing has grown up with you and is the most loyal. Please show mercy and don't send her away."

Qingxing also knelt at Li Yan's feet, weeping bitterly.

Li Yan took a deep breath. "Now you're concerned about your daughter? Why didn't you think about her when you were instigating my mother?"

Nanny Zhao wept bitterly. "Miss, my heart was blinded by lard. This servant truly knows she was wrong, so very wrong. Please give Qingxing a chance to live."

Li Yan looked at Qingxing, whose eyes were swollen from crying. "Qingxing, you truly had no knowledge of this matter. I am also considering our past bond. If you wish to stay, there is one condition."

Qingxing quickly lifted her head and grabbed hold of Li Yan's skirt. "Please, Miss, speak. I'll fulfill even ten tasks if you ask."

Li Yan said, "From this day forward, you must sever all ties with your family. If I catch you meeting them or giving them silver, I will dismiss you without hesitation. Can you do that?"

A glint flickered in Nurse Zhao's eyes, and Qing Xing promptly agreed, "Of course, I'm a servant, and my life belongs to the lady. I'll follow your every word."

After dismissing Nurse Zhao's family, Li Yan arranged for some money and grain to be sent to the tenants to help them through their hardship. Those who had been deceived into paying rent were reimbursed according to what they had contributed, thus putting an end to the matter.

By the time Lady Hou learned of the situation, the tenants had already begun praising Third Madam for her kindness. Overjoyed, Lady Hou's face lit up with a broad smile as she held Li Yan's hand and praised, "Well done, dear. You handled this beautifully. Jihong, fetch a few bolts of silk later to send to Yan'er."

"Alright."

Due to the incident, Zhou Shi had lost much of her appetite and had been gloomy all day. Now, seeing her daughter being praised, a hint of a smile finally appeared on her face.

The grain convoy destined for Aksu was delayed by a full month and a half. Meng Die had long been prepared, and before their departure, Fan Hong meticulously inspected everything to ensure no errors. Only then were the boxes sealed.

The supervising granary official was still Lord Yang. He was delighted to see the Marquis Yongyi's carriages, as with Fan Zongguan around, they could anticipate culinary delights on this journey.

Despite these treats, Lord Yang arrived in Aksu much thinner than before. The delay of the provisions had put pressure on Marquis Yongwei, and Lord Yang dared not waste time. He led his group on an arduous, non-stop journey, causing everyone to shed significant weight.

As evening fell, they finally reached Aksu. Upon seeing the city walls, Lord Yang nearly tumbled from his horse in relief. It had been an incredibly challenging journey, but they had made it.

The city guards were new, but the procedures remained the same. They first verified Lord Yang's travel permit, then inspected the grain supplies. After admitting Lord Yang into the city, they instructed others to check the accompanying family caravans.

When the inspection reached Marquis Yongyi's residence, gasps echoed as they rubbed their eyes, barely comprehending what they had just witnessed before allowing the carts to proceed.

Watching the Marquis Yongyi's procession enter the city, one of the soldiers who had just conducted the search couldn't help but remark, "Squad leader, Marquis Yongyi's second lady is truly wealthy."

"Isn't that obvious? Who doesn't know she made two million silver coins in one transaction dealing with sea fish? That's almost equal to our annual military budget!"

"But squad leader, I used to just listen casually. It's different now," the soldier said, his eyes wide. "Guess what I just saw?"

"Stop beating around the bush! You're not a woman, tell us what you saw already!"

The soldier looked at his superior, "I saw sugar, pure white sugar."

The minor leader glanced at him disdainfully, "Look at your good-for-nothing expression, doesn't every household send sugar?"

The soldier's eyes widened, "But I've never seen so much before. Those wagons carrying large barrels, the barrels were filled with sugar, all of them!"

The minor leader's mouth gaped open in astonishment, the straw stick he was chewing on fell out, "What did you say? The barrels were all filled with sugar?"

"Aye, all of it. I reckon there must be at least several thousand pounds."

The subordinate leader stumbled, his legs weak, and fell to the ground.

"Ouch, Chief!"

Manager Zheng and Fan Hong had visited here last year and were familiar with Li Ai's residence. This time, they didn't need anyone to guide them as they headed straight for Li Ai's place.

One of the gate guards was from last year and recognized Manager Zheng and Fan Hong. Upon seeing the convoy, he joyfully cried out, "Manager Zheng, Chief Steward Fan."

His cry immediately summoned all the guards training within the estate. They rushed out in a swarm, showing immense enthusiasm, with smiles blooming on each of their faces, especially when they faced Fan Hong.

Indeed, this year they had heard their fair share of gossip. Ever since Meng Die's reputation as a shrew spread among the soldiers transporting supplies, everyone in the entire camp, whenever they had the chance to communicate with their families, secretly or openly inquired about Meng Die's latest exploits.

Then they learned that Meng Die had turned a profit of 100,000 silver taels from trading furs. The way they looked at Li Ai immediately changed. Before they could fully digest this information, another rumor emerged: Meng Die had made two million silver taels from reselling seafood.

Not only the ordinary soldiers, even the Commander himself, Marquis Yongwei, now viewed Li Ai differently. It seemed he hadn't just married a wife; he had married a fortune-bringer.

Now the entire camp knew that Li Ai's wife was wealthy, and all were eagerly awaiting to see what she would send this time. The taste of those dried fish was too delicious, and many were already rubbing their hands in anticipation, ready to snatch some from Li Ai.

Looking at his subordinates' eager faces, Marquis Yongwei felt a slight flush of embarrassment. "Look at you all, as if you've never tasted fish before in your lives. Can't you show a little ambition?"

The soldiers and generals below immediately challenged, "Marquis, if you think we're embarrassing, then don't eat!"

"Exactly, if you've got the guts, don't touch it."

Marquis Yongwei felt a shortness of breath. He really wanted to say that he wouldn't eat, but the thought of the delicious dried fish made his resolve waver. He promptly changed the subject and looked at Lord Yang, "Has there been anything interesting happening in the capital lately?"

The reason they didn't rush to Li Ai for the dried fish right away was that their curiosity surpassed their desire for food. Even with such delectable treats tempting them, it couldn't quell their burning gossip-hungry hearts.

Lord Yang immediately smiled, "Speaking of the capital, there has indeed been a major event recently that everyone knows about." Seeing the attentive ears of the group opposite him, Lord Yang recounted in detail how Censor Zhang impeached Meng Die, only to be scolded by her until he fainted in the imperial court.

In the end, he lamented, "The classics of sages have fallen into the stomachs of dogs—this saying is now known throughout the capital."

"Ha ha ha ha..." The officers and soldiers laughed uncontrollably, staggering about.

"That was truly an exquisite insult. Minister Yang, how is that censor doing now?"

Minister Yang was also a military official, so he was quite pleased to see a civil servant being humiliated. "Censor Zhang hasn't dared to step out of his house for half a month. Even now, he only goes out when absolutely necessary, keeping a low profile."

"Ha ha ha..." Everyone burst into laughter once more. Satisfied with the gossip, they slung their arms around each other's shoulders and made their way to Li Ai's residence.

Marquis Yongwei hesitated for a moment, only to be pulled along by his personal guard. "My Lord, please stop pretending, you've mentioned those dried fish several times already."

Marquis Yongwei pretended to cough and promptly followed the main group, for if he lagged behind, those precious dried fish would vanish like a mirage.

On Li Ai's side, his guards were also inspecting the carriages. This time, there were more than ten additional carriages compared to the previous half-year's visit. The thought that all these belonged to their leader filled the soldiers with a joy akin to that of the Lunar New Year.