Chapter 78

Chapter 78

At the height of the afternoon, the Meng family's entourage finally entered the city gates. Servants hurriedly delivered messages to Meng Die and Meng Xiao, who promptly rushed to greet them at the entrance, patiently awaiting their arrival.

As they caught sight of the lengthy procession, both Meng Die and Meng Xiao's eyes misted with tears. Meng Xiao could perhaps contain herself, but for Meng Die, who had been separated from her family for years after accompanying them to Ganzhou, this was a long-awaited reunion.

"Matriarch," Meng Die approached Hu Shi's carriage.

Hu Shi, unable to contain her emotions, stepped down from the carriage and embraced Meng Die tightly. "My dear Die'er." Tears cascaded down her cheeks. "These years have been hard on you."

Meng Die felt a sting in her nose. She wanted to say that she wasn't struggling or finding it hard, but she couldn't even manage a complete sentence: "Grandmother..." Looking up, she saw Meng Tingyi, with a few more strands of white hair at his temples: "Grandfather..."

Meng Tingyi's eyes glistened with emotion as he chuckled at Meng Die. "Today is a joyous reunion day, why are you crying?"

Meng Die leaned against Hu Shi. "Who knows? Maybe my tears had their own thoughts and decided to come out for a stroll because the weather is just too beautiful today."

Everyone burst into laughter. Hu Shi couldn't help but gently smack Meng Die's hand. "You're being silly again. How old are you now? You still speak in such whimsical ways."

Meng Die chuckled softly.

The family entered the main hall together. Meng Tingyi and Madam Hu were filled with emotion as they gazed at the familiar tables and chairs – they had finally returned home.

Meng Die paid her respects to her grandparents. Then, it was Meng Xiao and Yang Huai'an's turn. Madam Hu couldn't bear to let go of her great-granddaughter.

Meng Tingyi gave Meng Die a subtle nod, and the pair of them retreated to an adjacent parlor where Meng Yuan was already waiting. "Have you mentioned the beet matter?" he asked.

Meng Die replied, "Yes, I figured Grandfather would be attending to your new post at the Ministry of Punishments today, and the Emperor might inquire about it tomorrow." With a smile, she added, "Perhaps even today, Grandfather."

Meng Tingyi pondered, "It's possible."

Meng Yuan promptly responded, "I'll retrieve the record books just in case."

Meng Die added, "Grandfather, I've already instructed the servants to prepare hot water. Why don't you freshen up first? It will not only wash away the travel dust but also ensure you're ready if the palace summons you immediately."

Meng Tingyi didn't decline; it was indeed practical advice.

As Meng Die had anticipated, after Meng Tingyi attended to his appearance and the family enjoyed a midday meal together, a eunuch was dispatched from the palace to deliver an imperial edict. It was evident that the emperor had timed the summons deliberately, reflecting his urgency.

Meng Tingyi, with the items he had prepared in advance, stepped onto the carriage, and Lin Chu, who was tasked with delivering the imperial decree, sat alongside him.

Lin Chu appraised Meng Tingyi from head to toe, her eyebrows curved in a warm smile. "After several years apart, Lord Meng appears no different from before, still as vibrant and energetic as ever."

Meng Tingyi chuckled. "It seems Eunuch Lin's vitality remains unwavering as always."

After exchanging a few lighthearted remarks, Lin Chu had been by the Emperor's side since childhood, their bond naturally being unique. The fact that the Emperor sent him to deliver the edict was a sign of great importance placed upon it. Ahem, the Duke Cheng'en's residence was indeed an exceptional case.

Stepping into the imperial palace, Meng Tingyi gazed upon the solemn and majestic entrance of the Qinzhen Hall before him, and he took a deep breath. At last, he had completely shaken off the Meng clan and Meng Deyi for good.

Upon entering the hall and paying their respects, the emperor immediately rose to greet them with a warm expression, inquiring about the journey and whether they had been weary. He offered a seat, signaling the start of the main discussion.

The Emperor said, "Minister Meng, how is the beetroot growing in Ganzhou?"

Meng Tingyi replied, "Your Majesty, as my granddaughter summarized, the beetroot thrives much better in Ganzhou than in the capital. This crop prefers cooler climates and ample sunlight."

The Emperor asked, "What is the expected yield per acre?"

This was what the emperor was most concerned about, and it was also where Meng Tingyi felt most confident. "Your Majesty, the beetroot planted this year has not yet reached harvest season, so the exact yield is unknown. However, I have consulted skilled farmers who estimate, based on its current growth, that a superior-quality acre could conservatively yield three thousand five hundred to four thousand pounds," Meng Tingyi answered.

Deputy Prime Minister Ren Qinghua took a deep breath. "So much?"

Meng Tingyi chuckled. "At first, I also found it hard to believe. But after digging up a couple and examining them, even tasting them, I realized they bear a striking resemblance to sugar cane. They're incredibly watery and weigh a lot."

The emperor asked, "Can they only be grown in prime fields? Are they edible?"

Meng Tingyi's expression turned serious. "To answer Your Majesty, although this plant prefers fertile soil, it can actually tolerate barren land as well. There are many uncultivated lands in Ganzhou. I ordered some of them to be cultivated, and the sweet beet grew successfully. A rough estimate suggests that we can yield a thousand catties per mu without any issues."

The emperor's eyes immediately lit up.

Ran Pengfei's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Prime land is typically used for grain crops. If this beetroot can yield such results even on newly cultivated thin soil, it truly deserves to be called a divine plant. Can it be rotated with other crops?"

Meng Tingyi chuckled. "It's only my first year growing beetroot, but my granddaughter mentioned that there isn't much difference in the first two years. However, the yield decreases slightly if you continue planting it in the third year. It seems rotation with other crops for one or two years is necessary. Besides, this beetroot is excellent for fertilizing the soil. Perhaps due to its high sugar content, its stems and leaves break down effectively, making it an exceptional fertilizer."

Qiao Wanming's beard twitched with delight. "So, every part of this beetroot is valuable, without any waste."

Meng Tingyi agreed. "That's precisely what I think. Speaking of fertilizing the land, Your Majesty, another item comes to mind."

The emperor inquired, "What is it?"

Meng Tingyi: "Yam, but in Ganzhou, it's commonly referred to as the potato. This plant is similar in size to a taro, tolerates drought, yields delicious and abundant crops without causing bloating. It's an excellent food source."

The emperor was taken aback. "Ran, I recall that not many in our kingdom cultivate potatoes, right? Why hasn't the Ministry of Revenue promoted this wonderful crop, and why don't the people cultivate it more?"

Ran Pengfei, being no novice as the Minister of Revenue, replied, "Taro typically thrives in regions with ample water resources, where the soil is moist and loose, allowing it to grow without much care from the people. Potatoes, on the other hand, prefer the northern climate, but the land there tends to be hard and dry. Since they grow from underground tubers, they require looser soil to develop properly. To loosen the soil, farmers would need to invest more time and effort, which is why this crop hasn't been widely adopted in the north."

It wasn't that the potato was of poor quality; it was just too challenging to increase its yield. The cost-to-benefit ratio wasn't high enough for people to bother with it.

The emperor nodded. "Minister Meng mentioned fertile fields earlier. Can potatoes also contribute to soil fertility?"

Meng Tingyi: "Indeed, using the inedible stalks and leaves, after fermentation, they prove exceptionally effective as fertilizer for the fields. In the Ganzhou region, I experimented with it. For superior grade fields, there is a minimum increase of ten percent yield, and for inferior fields, at least a fifteen percent boost."

The emperor's eyes widened more and more. Initially, he hadn't taken it seriously, but as he listened, his delight grew exponentially. "It can increase the yield that much?"

Meng Tingyi: "Yes, when my granddaughter first told me about it, I was skeptical too. But this year, I tried it myself, and indeed, it holds true."

The emperor laughed heartily. "Another invention from your granddaughter?"

Meng Tingyi, somewhat helplessly, replied, "She has always had a fascination for these unusual and peculiar inventions since she was young."

The emperor smiled at the Minister of Works, "I recall that you have a younger son who also enjoys delving into peculiar inventions. There's no need to hold him back too much. You see, when utilized correctly, such knowledge can be more useful than mere bookish learning."

Minister of Works Su Yuquan glanced at Meng Tingyi, "If my son could attain half the abilities of Minister Meng's granddaughter, I would rest assured."

Amidst laughter...

The emperor extended an invitation for a meal, and Meng Tingyi contributed several succulent sweet vegetables. The imperial kitchen prepared a few dishes following the provided recipes for the emperor and the elder officials to savor. Everyone was highly satisfied, not necessarily because the food was exceptionally delicious, but rather because the mere thought of what these dishes represented filled them with pleasure.

Meng Tingyi re-entered the central government and effortlessly regained his footing in the court.

The Meng family also reestablished themselves in the capital, with Meng Xiao and his wife moving from Meng Die's estate to the Meng residence. Meng Die was welcomed back into the family fold and invited to stay for a few days.

Madam Ning also exhorted her to stay as long as she pleased, without worrying about the marquis manor. Meng Die was deeply grateful. In such times, it was improper for a married woman to linger too long in her father's house.

Only, outsiders presumed that Meng Die's return to the Meng residence was for familial reunion, but in reality, it wasn't so simple. At this moment, siblings Meng Yuan and Meng Die were engaged in a heated exchange in Meng Die's courtyard.

Despite being the top scholar, Meng Yuan still had to wait for the Ministry of Personnel to assign him an official position in the autumn. Currently, he was on vacation, enjoying a rare period of leisure.

Gazing at the small stove and then at the pile of flawed glass pieces he had retrieved from the table, Meng Yuan was perplexed. "Didn't you previously manage to create a thermometer? Why are you doing this again? Did you break it?"

Meng Die: "What's wrong? How could I possibly break it? I've already made two, and they're not enough!"

Meng Yuan: "Not enough? What do you plan to do with them?"

Meng Die lifted her chin. "Sell them for money, of course."

"Sell them?" Meng Yuan examined the glassy object in his hand. "Your thermometer is indeed quite novel, but are you sure you can sell it for a profit?"

Meng Die beamed with pride. "You underestimate me. Let me tell you, if I succeed in this, I'll sell each thermometer for at least a hundred thousand silver taels."

Thud! Ouch!

Meng Die watched, speechless, as Meng Yuan stumbled and fell to the ground, clearly unsteady on his feet. "It's not even New Year yet; there's no need for such extravagant respect."

Meng Yuan...

Repeating to himself that this was his sister, his sister, whom he couldn't harm, Meng Yuan took a deep breath and suddenly lashed out, fiercely pinching Meng Die's cheeks.

Meng Die promptly jumped up and darted away. Meng Yuan swiftly pursued her. In the room, Lu Wei and the others laughed uncontrollably, enjoying the sibling rivalry unfolding before them.

In the end, two more smudges of gray appeared on Meng Die's face. Only then did the siblings put their differences aside and come together warmly to whisper in each other's ears.

Meng Yuan asked, "Can this thing really fetch a million or two? Is there someone, umm, willing to pay that much?"

Meng Die whispered, "Do you remember the estate I bought with a large river running through it? I've been having people experiment with fish farming there, and we're starting to see progress."

"Fishing?" Meng Yuan paused. He didn't believe it was just about raising fish. His eyes rolled as he widened them, "Spawning?"

Meng Die felt relieved, "Good, your mind hasn't rusted yet."

Meng Yuan dismissed Meng Die's teasing with disinterest. "Can they really lay eggs in the pond?"

Meng Die nodded. "They say that this year should be the time for egg-laying, as there have been many more fry appearing. Next year, if we see actual eggs, then it'll confirm that my method has succeeded."

Meng Yuan sat motionless, then suddenly broke into a silly grin. "Our Great Yi Dynasty spans vast territories; there are countless places suitable for fish farming. If your technique works, won't everyone in the land be able to enjoy fish?"

Meng Die smiled modestly. "They can already eat fish now."

Meng Yuan scoffed. "Don't even try! For those in inland regions, being able to eat fish as big as one's palm is already a stroke of luck. How many can actually afford large fish? If, in the future, fish can be raised without needing to catch fry, that would truly mean fish for all, every year."

Meng Die: "So, do you think this thermometer could sell for a million or two taels of silver?"

Meng Yuan pondered: "Are you suggesting we bundle the technology with the sale of the thermometers?"

Meng Die and Meng Yuan exchanged a glance, both chuckling mischievously like two little foxes.

For several days, the siblings worked tirelessly, successfully crafting a hundred thermometers. When Meng Die felt they had enough, she ceased production. Before leaving, she reminded Meng Yuan, "Brother, if you have time, try to locate a glass mine."

Meng Yuan was astonished: "Isn't that too little?"

Meng Die: "A thermometer is fine, but I was hoping for something more. If only we could acquire a mine and smelt our own glass, that would be ideal."

Meng Yuan pulled at the corner of his mouth. "Hold on, enough. Look outside, the sun is still shining. It's not yet time to dream at night."

Meng Die shot him a disdainful glance. "Daydreaming? Haven't you heard that day is the best time for dreams?"

Meng Yuan...

Meng Yuan: "Although glass isn't a strategic resource, the imperial court still regulates it strictly. It's expensive as well. Our dynasty currently has six glass mines, four of which are under the royal family's control. The other two belong to different entities – one to the Huizhou Merchants' Guild, situated within the Huizhou province, and the other in Guangdong Province, owned by a local chieftain with intricate ties to the border military."

Meng Die felt somewhat discouraged. "What if we search for the mineral veins and mine them ourselves?"

Meng Yuan paused. "If you can locate them, you can indeed apply to the imperial court for permission to excavate."

Meng Die's spirits instantly rallied. "Since that's possible, I'll work hard to find the mineral veins. Then, I'll establish my own Glasswork Atelier."

Meng Yuan couldn't bear to dash Meng Die's enthusiasm, but he knew it wasn't that simple. Mineral veins weren't so easy to discover. If they were, the imperial court wouldn't have only four mines.

Upon returning to the Marquis residence from the Meng family, Meng Die dove into her study. After several busy days, she finally completed all the drawings. Summoning Nurse Fan, she placed some of the sketches into a small box and handed them over. "These, find a glass workshop and instruct them to create the corresponding vessels according to the designs on these diagrams."

Meng Die carefully placed another set of drawings into a separate small chest: "Find a blacksmith here to craft the tools according to what's depicted on these drawings."

She then placed the remaining diagrams into the small chest as well: "Have these crafted at a porcelain workshop. In addition, order a thousand square vases from a porcelain factory, about the width of two palms. They should be glazed both inside and out, with lids that are also glazed on both sides."

Auntie Fan meticulously stored the three boxes away: "When will you need these items?"

Meng Die pondered for a moment: "Try to make the items from the drawings as quickly as possible. The vases can wait – autumn would be fine if they're ready by then. Even if they can't all be produced at once, feel free to send them in batches. I don't require speed or excessive beauty, but the glazing must be uniform and delicate."

"Ahh," Auntie Fan hesitated, as if she wanted to say more.

Meng Die smiled. "Auntie Fan, feel free to speak your mind."

Auntie Fan also chuckled. "It's not about me. A few days ago, when I was at the manor, I overheard Head Wang muttering about how there might not be enough food for everyone with so many people. He seems quite worried now."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "Alright, tell Head Wang and Manager Rong to come and see me when they have time. It's been a while since I've seen them. Meeting them will also give me a chance to ask about their individual situations."

Auntie Fan replied, "Very well, I'll inform them right away."

Indeed, it seemed that there was an urgency to the matter. The day after Meng Die instructed Auntie Fan to pass the message, Head Wang and Manager Rong arrived together on the third day. After paying their respects to Meng Die, they stood orderly in the courtyard.

Meng Die held up her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. "It's such a scorching day; don't get sunburned. You can speak to me under the arcade."

"Yes," the two replied, and they stepped into the arcade. Xing Huang instructed Tao'er and Ying'er to serve each of them a bowl of chilled mung bean soup.

Observing them finish their drinks, Meng Die inquired, "Headman Wang, I've heard from the nanny that there have been many incidents at the manor lately?"

Headman Wang replied, "In response to Second Madam, this year has been plagued by severe drought. Many famine-stricken people have fled to the capital. Perhaps because our manor has gained an especially good reputation in recent years, numerous women and children are willing to indenture themselves to us. As per Second Madam's instructions, I've taken them in. However, with so many women and children at the manor and an influx of refugees, I'm worried about safety. The neighboring manors have already assigned male laborers for round-the-clock patrols."

Meng Die was deeply alarmed. She had been preoccupied with household matters and hadn't paid much attention to the drought. It never occurred to her that the situation had become so dire. "Don't we have enough able-bodied men in our manor?"

Headman Wang appeared hesitant, "If the men are on patrol, they won't be able to tend to the tasks around the manor."

Meng Die chuckled, "When can't work be done? Safety should always come first. Organize the manpower and have them start patrolling to ensure the manor's security."

Only then did Headman Wang make up his mind, "Understood. There's another matter. We've recently taken in many women, most of whom are pale and emaciated. It would trouble my conscience to make them do strenuous labor. But letting them idle is also not an option. I thought perhaps we could let them gather more wild vegetables from the mountains."

"However, with the current heat, soups and vegetable dishes aren't selling well. We can't consume all the wild vegetables ourselves, and not all varieties are suitable for drying. So, I was wondering if we could set up a stall outside the manor specifically to sell these wild greens."

Meng Die nodded, "Certainly, your consideration is commendable. They're fortunate to have a headman like you."

Wang Zhuang's face flushed. "It's all thanks to Second Madam's kindness for willing to take them in."

Shopkeeper Rong interjected, "Second Madam, if you ask me, why not sell the wild vegetables at my shop? My business deals with cosmetics and powders, and most of my customers are women. This would also spare Wang Zhuang the trouble of arranging for someone to peddle them."

Meng Die looked at Wang Zhuang, who's eyes lit up. "If that's the case, I'll arrange for someone to deliver the wild vegetables to your shop daily."

Shopkeeper Rong nodded eagerly. "Excellent."

Meng Die continued, "With so many additional people in the village, is there enough food supply?"

Wang Zhuangtou: "Indeed, the grain supply is running low. But I've already instructed people to plant pumpkins in the unused lands. They're now yielding fruits gradually, and mixed with our meals, it should be enough."

Meng Die chuckled. "We can't rely solely on pumpkins for sustenance. Why don't you inquire at the neighboring villages? If anyone has surplus rice or grain, we can purchase some."

Wang Zhuangtou: "Second Lady, I understand your kindness, but how could we buy food when we're not starving? Being able to have full meals is already a blessing. No one would complain, so why waste money on this?"

Meng Die: "Pumpkins are fine occasionally, but they won't sustain us in the long term."

Wang Zhuangtou was quite resolute: "In a few days, I'll organize them to harvest some lotus roots. We can grind them into lotus root powder to distribute. It's the most nourishing. And as for mushrooms, those of lesser quality, I'll also share with them. Second Lady, please rest assured. This matter will be taken care of." He clearly didn't want to discuss further.

Meng Die found the situation both amusing and exasperating. She knew Wang Zhuang was looking out for her and didn't press the issue further. She would find another way to nourish those workers later. Changing the subject, she asked, "Have you been dealing with the wild trees on the mountain recently? Are there any mulberry trees on our land?"

Wang Zhuang's urgency to buy grain faded when she didn't insist. "Yes, there are plenty of mulberry trees, growing in vast patches. Since they don't prick or cause much inconvenience, their leaves can be used as padding when steaming buns, which enhances the flavor. That's why I left them untouched."

Meng Die responded, "That's perfect. Do you know about the mulberry silkworms? They're different from the ones in the south."

Wang Zhuang looked puzzled, but Manager Rong interjected, "I'm familiar with them. However, the silk from the mulberry silkworm is not comparable to that of the southern silk variety. It's too coarse, resulting in fabrics with less luster and inferior texture."

Meng Die nodded. "I'm aware. This is precisely why southern silk has gained such fame, while northern silk remains largely unknown, or perhaps, simply not produced at all."

Clerk Yong: "Indeed."

Meng Die said, "We shall embark on this endeavor, but first, we must rear silkworms. Since you are already aware of this, you should coordinate with Steward Wang to introduce silk farming within the manor."

Clerk Yong: "Release the silkworms?"

Meng Die: "Yes, there are vast stands of mulberry trees in the Zhaoyang Estate, aren't there? We can raise silkworms and then release them into those woods. Every day, we'll assign people to keep an eye on the birds. Whatever silk they spin and cocoon, we'll consider it a gift from fate. The key is to embrace serendipity."

Proprietor Yong and Head Wang exchanged glances, both astounded. "Second Lady, how can you say that?"

Wang Zhuangtou: "Second Madam, why don't we build a few sericulture houses? Simple thatched cottages would suffice; it wouldn't require much effort."

Meng Die: "Isn't it also troublesome to pick mulberry leaves from the mountains every day?"

Wang Zhuangtou was left speechless.

Lu Wei chuckled. "Wang Zhuangtou, didn't you mention there are several mulberry groves? For those areas where transporting leaves is difficult, let's follow Second Madam's suggestion and rear the silkworms freely. We'll leave it to luck as to how much we can harvest. As for those places with easier transportation, we can simply build a few cottages right next to the mulberry groves. Let's adopt a two-pronged approach."

Wang Zhuangtou: "Yes, yes, Miss Lu Wei's idea is excellent. Second Madam, let's proceed with this plan."

Meng Die smiled and said, "Very well, let's proceed with that. You handle the arrangements as you see fit. If you need silver, go to Manager Rong for an advance. Don't hesitate to spend it."

"Alright."