Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Not long after Meng Yuan left, Wen Shi paid an unexpected visit.

Meng Die found it peculiar. "Why are you here at this time? Is there something urgent?"

Wen Shi waved her hand. "It's not exactly an urgent matter, just something that's been bothering me."

Meng Die grew even more curious. "What has been bothering you?" How had she not caught wind of this at all?

Xing Huang served Wen Shi a cup of milk tea, to which she took a deep, comforting sip, and sighed contentedly, "Actually, it's Mother who is mostly troubled by this. These past few days, she's been so upset that she hasn't been eating or sleeping well."

My mother has a full younger brother, our Fourth Uncle. A few years ago, when our maternal grandfather passed away and the House of Marquis Yongsu divided its assets, he received a considerable share. Yet, somehow, he has managed to find himself in such straits that he's now resorting to selling off his servants.

Meng Die, on the other hand, was not the least bit surprised. "In my opinion, those servants should have been sold a long time ago. To maintain them for the sake of appearances when they don't contribute anything substantial is simply not worthwhile."

Wen Shi paused, then chuckled in amusement. "You have a clear understanding. Sometimes, pride really can be the death of us."

Meng Die was puzzled. "How does this concern Mother?"

Wen: "After all, he's our own flesh and blood. Selling servants to make ends meet just doesn't sound right. Mother wanted to buy those servants back herself since they were all veterans of the Heroic and Solemn Marquis House, and it would break her heart to see them separated in their old age."

Meng Die lowered her gaze.

Wen intensified her tone: "But who would have thought that instead of appreciating Mother's intentions, he demanded three times the market price. He even threatened that if Mother didn't buy them, he would let the whole capital know that he's selling servants for survival."

Meng Die laughed outright: "Let him do it. I don't believe he has the courage. If he does make a scene, we'll see who loses face more – whether it's this incompetent head of the family or Mother, the married daughter. There truly are all sorts of birds in a large forest."

Wen chuckled: "I agree. Although Mother was furious and said she wouldn't interfere anymore, I can tell she still wants to take care of it. After all, if word got out, it wouldn't reflect well on the Heroic and Solemn Marquis House."

Meng Die pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "This matter isn't easy to handle. If we give in to his wishes this time, who knows what excessive demands he might have next."

Wen Shi replied, "I agree. Having such a relative is truly a difficult situation to explain."

Meng Die continued, "For now, we can only hope that he has some sense of dignity and keeps the transaction discreet when selling the person. At that time, we'll directly purchase the individual through an intermediary broker, trying our best to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. In truth, even if others find out, it's not a big issue. There are plenty of families in this capital city struggling to make ends meet; who would be laughing at whom? Those who laugh today may well be laughed at tomorrow."

Wen Shi was taken aback. "Those who laugh today may be laughed at tomorrow? You're right, every family in this city has its poor relatives, even within the government. It applies to us as well."

Meng Die nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

Lady Wen exhaled deeply, "Speaking with you has relieved my heart significantly. Indeed, there are no troubles in the world, only those who create them for themselves."

After bidding farewell to Lady Wen, Meng Die instructed, "Lu Wei, tomorrow, discreetly share this matter with Nurse Fan and ask her to inquire about it through the intermediaries."

"Uh-huh," Lu Wei acknowledged. "Speaking of which, there was something that happened before the new year that I almost completely forgot." She then recounted the story Li'er had shared about Lady Wen's family.

Meng Die couldn't help but comment, "One can judge a master by their servants. It's no wonder their mistress would resort to threatening her own sister, given how cunning and deceitful these servants are."

Lu Wei agreed wholeheartedly.

The matter didn't directly involve Meng Die, so she didn't exert much effort to keep track of it. Now, Meng Die was more focused on the Apricot Rank. Intellectually, she knew Meng Yuan was fine, but emotionally, she couldn't help worrying.

On the day the results were announced, a group of women bearing good news rushed into the main chamber. "Congratulations, Second Madam, and felicitations! Your father-in-law has been ranked first in the scholarly examinations."

Meng Die's smile stretched wide across her face.

The senior maidservants in the room all gathered around. "Congratulations, Second Madam, and felicitations! Please hurry and distribute your rewards."

Wanting to pretend to be annoyed, Meng Die found that her mouth wouldn't obey. She laughed and scolded, "Oh, I see. You're only congratulating me to get your hands on my reward money."

Lan Cao: "Our congratulations are sincere; I'll keep this reward money close to my heart for the rest of my life."

Meng Die: "What, do you expect the money to multiply on its own?"

Wen Shi approached: "You're the sister of a scholarly genius, yet you don't understand. She's trying to gain some of that brilliance for herself. But in your words, it becomes something else entirely."

Meng Die laughed until her eyes narrowed into slits.

"Second Madam, Second Madam," the bearer of good news rushed in again, "Second Madam, Cousin Jing has achieved second place in the imperial examinations."

Madam Yue abruptly rose from her seat, losing her usual composure. "Is it truly second place?"

"It is. The news was delivered by one of our family's servants."

Madam Yue murmured, "May the heavens bless us." The heavy burden in her heart finally lifted. Her father was no longer young; he might retire within a year or two, at the latest three. None of her brothers possessed exceptional talents, and once her father stepped down, their family's decline would be inevitable. His retirement would be far from peaceful.

With Jingzhi achieving such an excellent rank, he would surely enter the Hanlin Academy. Their family would have a successor, and they could now cease worrying about their decline.

"Dear Butterfly, thank you so much," Madam Yue said, tightly grasping Meng Die's hand.

Before anyone could react, another servant rushed in, "Second Lady, Second Lady, Second Master Yang has been ranked fifty-third in the examinations."

The entire room erupted in excitement, with laughter and cheers filling the air.

Meng Die returned to her chambers, still unable to contain her smile. The maidservants and servants, being perceptive, gathered around to offer their congratulations, further boosting Meng Die's joy, turning her into a generous benefactor once again.

That evening, Meng Die massaged her face, which had frozen from smiling so much but remained energized. She recalled something else, "Mother mentioned that the broker's agency has conveyed news. He has placed many of the servants' indenture contracts with them."

Lu Wei smiled, "It seems Madam really didn't intervene, then."

Meng Die: "How could Mother not understand the concept of pushing one's luck? She didn't intervene, but she did express concern for those loyal servants who have served us for years. She asked if my sister-in-law and I might consider employing them if we need additional help. I thought that our estate could indeed use some diligent hands, so I planned to select a few reliable ones."

Lu Wei: "I doubt there will be any need for selection. Those cunning ones are likely already skilled at finding new opportunities; they've probably already secured their next positions without involving brokers." A smile tugged at Lu Wei's lips as she continued, "Yesterday, I overheard Li'er grumbling that her aunt's family has moved to Count Yongping's residence."

Meng Die smiled but remained silent. She enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.

During the daily greeting in the main chamber, Lady Yue unexpectedly announced, "Mother, I plan to make a trip back to Wu City these next couple of days."

Madam Hou was taken aback. "Didn't you say you would return after Hui-er's wedding?"

Madam Yue sighed with a tinge of helplessness. "That's precisely what I'm thinking. If I were to return now, it wouldn't be for any important matter; I'd merely be avoiding people. This entire situation can be blamed on my father."

Lady Hou: "Nonsense, how can a daughter speak of her father like that? You're about to become a married woman, yet you still behave so disrespectfully towards elders."

Madam Yue grew even more helpless. "Mother, he admits to this himself. Didn't Butterfly help my good-for-nothing nephew with his essays before the new year and after? Now, by some stroke of luck, he passed the exams with a decent rank. My father was unusually pleased. A few days ago, during his day off, he was drinking with friends and had a few extra cups."

"When others praised him for his teaching skills, he bluntly said he knew nothing of teaching. He credited Butterfly, saying that it was due to her guidance that Scholar Yang achieved such a rank."

Lady Hou: "Well, he's not wrong in what he said."

Madam Yue: "The truth is indeed convincing, but Mother, consider this – in the entire capital, which scholarly family doesn't have a son who's devoted to reading? Normally, they all go to great lengths to find renowned teachers and scholars."

"My nephew originally had a bit of a reputation in the city as a difficult student. Now that he's been disciplined, one can only imagine how these people feel. To be honest with you, Mother, the pile of invitation cards I've received in the past two days could reach a foot high. I was puzzled until my mother sent a messenger last night, revealing that Father let slip some information."

Lady Ning suddenly realized something. "No wonder."

Madam Hou looked at her.

Lady Ning couldn't help but laugh through her tears. "Mother, it's the same for me. Invitations have been pouring in like snowflakes. Last night, my husband even mentioned that he's received some inexplicable invitations recently. Yesterday, when he was returning from court, the Minister of Works even initiated a conversation with him, which startled him so much he almost thought he was seeing ghosts."

"Hahaha..." Laughter echoed throughout the room.

Madam Yue: "The Minister of Works has a late-born son who has been sharp-minded since childhood. Perhaps because he's a late-born child, or maybe due to his excessive cleverness, his ideas tend to be rather unconventional. Despite seeking the guidance of many renowned teachers, the Minister hasn't been able to properly educate him. He must have set his sights on Butterfly as a solution to this problem."

Madam Yue asked Lady Ning, "Eldest Sister, do you also wish to find a way to hide for a few days? And about Miss Butterfly, our households are interconnected, so there might be someone who would directly seek you out."

Madam Ning cast a glance at Madam Zhou and said, "It's no problem. In a few days, it will be Young Miss Yan's auspicious day. As an aunt, how could I have the time to socialize? Of course, I should be assisting my niece in making ample preparations."

Meng Die replied, "Recently, there's a joyous occasion in my maternal aunt's family. However, with my elder brother being in the capital, he can represent us. As for my second sister, she's expecting and wouldn't be able to pay her respects in person. If she doesn't go, neither will I."

Lady Yue pondered and nodded. After all, the relatives on the First Branch were all military officers. Those scholars would have to go through some detours to establish connections with them. The First Branch was indeed much easier to decline than her own, considering she came from a family of scholars, and most of her childhood friends and confidantes were also daughters of scholarly families. Although they didn't meet often these days, their correspondence through letters had never ceased. How could she possibly refuse their invitations?

Madam Wu waved her handkerchief. "These people, they used to preach every day about how boys and girls shouldn't sit together after the age of seven, how a maiden's writings should be kept private and not seen by men, lest their reputation is tarnished. Oh my, there were so many rules! But now, they've all suddenly forgotten them."

The room erupted in laughter once again.

Lady Hou leaned casually on her chair. "Rules? Rules are meant for others, not oneself. You must never let yourselves be confined by those so-called rules. Your well-being should always come first."

"Mother truly sees through it all."

"Mother's wisdom is boundless."

"Many thanks for Mother's guidance."

Exiting the main chamber, Lady Yue promptly packed her belongings and slipped away swiftly.

Meng Die returned to her courtyard with a cheerful smile, but it soon vanished.

As Ama Fan and Meihong helped Meng Die remove her jewelry, Ama Fan said, "Wang Lady from the manor has requested an audience."

Meng Die paused. For the wife of Head Wang to seek an audience with her, something significant must have occurred on the manor: "Let her in."

Aunt Fan led Lady Wang, who had been waiting in a side room, into the main hall: "Greetings, Second Lady."

"Sit down," Meng Die sipped her tea by the cushioned recliner. "What's the matter? Why did you come to see me personally?"

A hint of worry appeared on Lady Wang's face: "Second Lady, it's almost time for spring planting, but there hasn't been a single rain in the past two weeks. My husband has observed the heavens himself and consulted a few experienced farmers. They all say that this year might be another drought. We dare not make hasty decisions about what to cultivate on the manor. We would be grateful for your guidance, Second Lady."

Meng Die's heart sank: "Another drought? How certain are they?"

Lady Wang: "We have at least a seven to eight percent chance."

Seven to eight percent! Meng Die closed her eyes. When Headman Wang and the others said seven to eight percent, it practically meant ninety-nine percent. She was well-versed in the nuances of servants' speech.

Meng Die reopened her eyes. "Ask Headman Wang to calculate how much grain is needed for everyone in the estate to eat for a year and how much land needs to be cultivated. Plant the grain fields along the riverbank, so that irrigation will be easier even in drought conditions."

"Yes, my lady."

Meng Die continued, "Next to the grain fields, cultivate vegetables that are commonly consumed by all. Then, grow vegetables required for soup dishes, preferably drought-resistant varieties. Flavor is secondary. Do you understand the concept of planting in concentric circles?"

"I can."

Meng Die pondered, "As for the beetroot..."

Madame Wang said, "Beetroot is quite drought-resistant, actually."

Meng Die chuckled. "Let Lord Wang decide for himself which plots of land are suitable for cultivation and which aren't. Don't be greedy; otherwise, he might exhaust himself trying to water the fields during a severe drought, or feel heartbroken watching them wither without irrigation. One more thing, when you return, tell Manager Fan to inquire about skilled individuals who can construct waterwheels. There's a major river on my estate, and having a waterwheel would make irrigation much more convenient."

Madame Wang replied, "Yes, I'll remember all of it."

Nanny Fan led Lady Wang away. Meng Die gazed out the window, her eyes unfocused.

Lu Wei approached, "Is there still something troubling you? Why do you look so worried?"

Meng Die closed her eyes and sighed deeply, "It's not just the drought in the capital that worries me. I fear the provinces that suffered from drought last year will be hit again this year."

Lu Wei sat down beside Meng Die, "I know you have a compassionate heart, Second Lady. If there is another drought, we can do our utmost to distribute more rice porridge, help as many people as possible, and have a clear conscience."

Meng Die smiled and shook her head gently.

Lu Wei: "Are you not worried about this matter?"

Meng Die: "To some extent. After this year's Spring Festival, the Jianghuai and Zhongyuan regions experienced an unusually severe cold spell, with two icy rainfalls. The winter wheat crop is likely to see a significant decrease in yield."

Lu Wei: "That area is generally well-supplied with food. A single harvest failure shouldn't result in a large number of famine-stricken people, right?"

Meng Die let out a long sigh. "Indeed, it won't lead to a massive number of famine victims. But most of the grain and forage transported to the frontlines come from there. If they barely have enough for themselves, how could they possibly spare any extra for military provisions?"

Lu Wei understood the situation clearly.

It was uncertain whether to credit Meng Die with prescience or blame her for jinxing it—she had only mentioned the matter of military provisions to Lu Wei earlier in the day. Yet, as night fell and the curtains of darkness enveloped the city, Nurse Fan found herself hastening back into the Marquis's residence with an urgency that echoed in each hurried step.

By this time, the old crone guarding the gate had already secured the courtyard entrance. Hearing someone knock from outside, she hurried to the door and inquired, "Who is it? What business do you have? Lady Second has retired for the night."

"It's I, Nurse Fan."

Oh my! It's Wet Nurse Li from Second Aunt's household! The servant lady didn't dare to be negligent and quickly opened the courtyard gate. "Why has Nurse come at this hour? Is there something urgent?"

Nanny Fan nodded and hurriedly made her way inside the room.

Meng Die was not resting just yet, but she had removed her jewelry and outer garments, preparing to read for a while before going to bed.

In the outer room, Lu Wei, Xue Qing, and a few others were tidying up from the day's activities while chatting and laughing.

Xing Huang was about to fetch some food when she happened to bump into Nurse Fan: "Nurse Fan, why are you here at this hour?"

Nurse Fan glanced in the direction of the bedroom: "Has Second Lady gone to sleep?"

"Not yet," replied Xing Huang.

Nanny Fan strode right in.

Meng Die was startled by the mention of Nanny Fan outside. Just as she put down her book, Nanny Fan entered, lifting the curtain. "What happened?"

Nanny Fan leaned close to Meng Die and took out a small note from her bosom. "Someone threw this into our courtyard during dinner tonight. The head of the household went to investigate but didn't see anyone."

Meng Die unfolded the crumpled note and her expression changed instantly.

It read: "Several officials have jointly submitted a memorial to reduce the front-line provisions and military expenses."

Meng Die held the note up to the candlelight. The barely noticeable silver willow leaf at the bottom became clearly visible under the flame's glow.

She recognized the handwriting and that silver willow leaf even more so. It belonged to Meng Changsheng's friend Liu Qingxuan, a current Fourth Rank Associate Scholar of the Hanlin Academy – the same position Meng Changsheng had held before his dismissal.

Gently pinching the paper, Meng Die brought it closer to the candle. The flame danced upon the note, abruptly engulfing it in a blaze. In a blink, the paper turned to ashes. "Auntie Fan, you came tonight because you lost something important here during the day."

Auntie Fan replied, "I've found what I was looking for. I'll be on my way now, before the back gate gets locked."

Meng Die nodded. "Xue Qing, Meihong, help me with my hair and change my clothes. Just make sure I'm presentable."

Reattired in her outer garments and adorned with a couple of accessories, Meng Die led her maidservants straight to Madam Ning's courtyard in the eastern wing.

Upon receiving the report from a servant, Li Kuo, the crown prince, and Madam Ning, who were leisurely enjoying tea and conversation, responded in unison, "Who could it be?"

The servant repeated herself, "Second Lady requests an audience."

The couple exchanged glances, with Madam Ning growing anxious. "Hurry and let her in." She then turned to Li Kuo and said, "For her to come at this hour, it can't be something trivial or non-urgent."

Putting on his outer robe, Li Kuo shook his head. "I can't think of any major issue." Everything, both within and outside the estate, seemed to be in perfect order.

Meng Die hurried into the room, leaving Lu Wei and the others outside, entering alone to address her parents. "Greetings, Father and Mother."

Lady Hou: "What's the matter? Why are you in such a rush?"

Meng Die lowered her voice. "Father, Mother, I've just received news from my family's uncle that several officials have jointly submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting a reduction in military expenditure and provisions on the front lines."

Gurgle...

Li Kuo accidentally knocked over the teacup that was just on the table.

Madam Ning was taken aback, completely unprepared for such a situation and unsure of its implications. She could only turn to her husband in desperation.

Li Kuo understood that the matter was of great significance, though he wasn't privy to the specifics, having never been involved in central decision-making. "We should immediately inform Father at the main residence."

Madam Ning promptly responded, "Qianqiao, go to the main residence and let them know. The Prince and I will follow shortly."

"Alright."

Meng Die retreated from the room, allowing the Prince and Madam Ning time to compose themselves and attire appropriately. While Meng Die could be casual in her dress, they had to present themselves respectfully to their parents.

Li Kuo and Lady Ning did not don formal attire either; they simply tidied themselves up and promptly emerged from their quarters, accompanied by Meng Die and several maidservants, heading straight for the main residence.

The elderly tend to retire early, and thus both the Marquis and the Marchioness had already lain down. Upon hearing this news, their drowsiness vanished instantly.

By the time Meng Die and the others arrived, the Marquis and Marchioness had already donned their outer garments, awaiting them indoors. Upon seeing them, the Marchioness immediately inquired, "Has something major occurred?"

Meng Die noticed the absence of servants in the room upon entering. She promptly replied, "Several officials have jointly submitted a memorial requesting a reduction in military expenses and provisions on the front lines."

The Marchioness exploded with anger, "How could that be possible! Reducing military expenditure and supplies on the battlefield is a grave strategic error. The Emperor would never consent to such a proposal."

Meng Die: "I agree, but those officials wouldn't raise such concerns without reason. Hence, I speculate that the suggestion to cut back might just be a strategic diversion, aiming to lower our status."

Lady Hou fell silent.

Princely Heir Li Kuo chimed in, "Last year, several provinces already suffered severe drought. Just a few days ago, officials from the Jianghuai region reported that they have experienced frost disasters, resulting in a decrease in winter wheat production."

Meng Die added, "Today, the headwoman from my manor visited and mentioned that there might be another drought in the capital this year."

The room fell into a profound silence.

Marquis Yongyi stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Butterfly, what are your thoughts on this?"

Meng Die: "Grandfather, the widespread disasters across the imperial domains have led to a significant decrease in grain production. I believe it is imperative that we lower the grade of provisions; it's an unavoidable measure, primarily due to the genuine shortage of food supplies."

Marquis Yongyi nodded in agreement.

Meng Die: "What we need to guard against is the Ministry of Revenue."

Lady Hou gazed at Meng Die and inquired, "What does this have to do with the Ministry of Revenue? If His Majesty has issued an edict, can they refuse to allocate the grain? Or would they dare to shirk their responsibilities? This dynasty is not like the previous one; I doubt they would dare to act so boldly."

Meng Die: "But they will be preoccupied with balancing the accounts. Grandmother, during the annual transition of new and old grains in the Ministry of Finance, along with occasional unpaid taxes by the common folk and losses from pests and theft, their records never quite match up. Everyone, from top to bottom, is aware of this discrepancy."

"But each person has a different notion of the imbalance," Meng Die pointed upward. "For example, one might think the mismatch is around a hundred taels of silver, while the Minister of Finance imagines it to be a hundred and twenty taels, and the Vice-Minister believes it's a hundred and fifty taels..."

The other four people in the room were no fools; they quickly grasped the essence of her explanation. Though the emperor was aware of the imbalance, no one knew the exact amount. The higher the rank, the less they seemed to think the discrepancy mattered. They all believed it was manageable, but beneath the glamorous facade, no one knew how many maggots were lurking unseen.