Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Ruixue stormed out of the main chamber and into the annex, scolding Amber. "I've always told you to mind your tongue and avoid idle chatter, and now look at the mess you've caused."

Amber stiffened her neck. "Even if Grandma sends me to the manor, I'll still speak up. It's obvious that Lady is showing favoritism, yet no one is allowed to talk about it. Sister Ruixue, Grandma is a gentle soul. If we don't stand up for her, how will she have any standing in this household in the future?"

Ruixue clutched her chest in anger. "You fool, you don't even realize you've been used. When has Lady ever shown favoritism? Who has been filling your head with nonsense?"

Amber retorted, "Who needs to hear it from others? Can't everyone see it with their own eyes? On Mid-Autumn Festival, Lady gave such a huge ruby to our neighbor. But what did our Grandma get? Nothing!"

Ruixue waved her hand dismissively. "Forget it. You really should be sent to the manor. It's a waste of my concern for you. How can you be so foolish?"

Amber protested, "What did I say wrong?"

Ruixue replied, "Everything was wrong. Weren't you aware of the mushroom scandal that caused such a commotion recently? Do you honestly think those who fled to Second Aunt's manor would be the ones to leak the recipe?"

"Not when it was Madam's fourth uncle who sold some servants to them. Later, those servants were redeemed, and you tell me, who could have leaked the recipe? Why did Second Aunt buy those servants in the first place? It was all for Madam's sake, wasn't it? Madam was worried and upset about this matter for days, but you had no idea, right?"

"Our grandmother also played a part. Back then, Second Aunt was busy reading articles and had no clue about this. Seeing Madam distressed about her brother's family, our grandmother mentioned the issue to Second Aunt. Since Second Aunt needed more servants, she ended up purchasing quite a number of them."

Amber's eyes widened in shock.

Ruixue glared at her. "How could the recipe for growing mushrooms be so insignificant? Not only did you give it away, but Second Aunt was also implicated in the process. Tell me, was giving her a large ruby as compensation too much? It wouldn't have been too much even if it were ten rubies, let alone from Lady. Even our Grandmother still feels awkward about it. Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Second Aunt, yet she ended up suffering the most."

Amber dared not meet Ruixue's gaze. "I... I was mistaken."

Ruixue wasn't convinced. "Mistaken? You think you're capable of being mistaken? If you truly had such scheming thoughts, I would admire you. Speak, who whispered these notions into your ear?"

Amber's face was filled with guilt. "N-No one in particular."

Ruixue: "If you still have feelings for Lady Senior, then speak your mind today. Think about it, if that person is stirring up trouble in front of you now, saying that Madam favors one over the other, who knows where she might sow discord next? When chaos erupts, won't it ultimately hurt our own Lady?"

Amber grabbed Ruixue's arm urgently. "Dear sister, I'll tell you everything. A few days ago, when I went to the kitchen to fetch egg custard for our young lady, I overheard something on my way back. Tao'er's mother was chatting with a few stewardesses."

"During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Second Aunt received a new noble title. As custom dictates, she rewarded those who serve in her courtyard. No doubt she bestowed generous gifts. That's when Tao'er's mother started boasting, praising Second Aunt for her generosity and prowess."

"Wang Xici's wife commented that Second Master is also capable, and in the future, he will be the one to uphold the family's reputation. Zhou Shunchai's wife agreed, saying that Madam also understands which son can truly bring honor to the family. She even mentioned that Second Aunt comes from an esteemed background, a true lady of noble birth, worthy of that magnificent ruby."

Amber lowered her head. "I...I got angry then. I couldn't help but complain to everyone about Madam's favoritism. Dear sister, I admit I acted impulsively. What they said was unpleasant, but they didn't actually incite me against anyone."

Ruixue: "Calling you foolish is indeed justified. They said that for your ears only. You aren't on your way to the kitchen now, and they have no way of knowing your every move."

Amber was taken aback.

Ruixue: "Since you've already delivered the message to the kitchen, it's obvious you'll return for the egg custard. There's only one well-trodden path from the kitchen to our courtyard. It wouldn't be hard for them to intercept you. Fool, you're truly helping count the money while being sold!"

Amber stumbled, now genuinely regretting her actions. How could she have been so foolish?

Ruixue: "Go stay at the manor for a few days. When Lady Elder's anger subsides, I'll find an opportunity to intercede on your behalf."

Amber, disheartened, said, "Sister, I suppose I'm just too foolish. Maybe I should stay on the estate."

Ruixue replied, "Stop talking nonsense. Just wait patiently for now."

Amber shook her head.

After seeing Amber off, Ruixue returned to the room and said, "Matriarch, I've inquired. It was Wang Xici and Zhou Shunchai's wives who were gossiping." She then repeated what Amber had told her: "Madam clearly set a rule that these managers' wives should leave the mansion after reporting. It's tiresome how they keep gathering to stir up trouble. The rule worked well at first, but it hasn't been long since they fell back into their old habits."

"These women's gossiping must be addressed, Matriarch. If not, the atmosphere of the mansion will be spoiled by their behavior."

After a moment of contemplation, Wen shook her head and said, "There's a grand celebration coming up in the mansion, let's focus on that for now before we discuss anything else."

The grand event that Wen Shi was referring to was the marriage of Li Zhuan, the second branch's son, to the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Britain's household. This lady was an ideal match for Li Hui in every respect.

Miss's grandfather is the Duke of England, while Li Hui's grandfather is Marquis Yongyi. Miss's own father is the Duke of England's legitimate third son, and Li Hui's father is the legitimate second son of Marquis Yongyi. Miss is not the eldest daughter in their generation, but she is the eldest daughter in her family. Similarly, Li Hui is not the eldest son in their generation, yet he is the eldest son of their second branch. One could say that their statuses match each other perfectly.

The third day of the ninth lunar month, favorable for weddings.

The entire Marquis Yongyi residence bustled with activity early in the morning. Meihong attended to Meng Die's hair, carefully styling it, while Xue Qing presented the newly crafted gown she had prepared especially for this occasion. With both women diligently working together, Meng Die was soon transformed and ready for the day.

Meng Die finished her preparations and, accompanied by Lu Wei, joined Lady Wen to begin the assignments at the Jingcui Pavilion. In reality, everything had already been meticulously arranged; they were only concerned about any unforeseen circumstances that might arise.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly. At the harmonious moment of heaven and earth, they paid respects to the heavens and earth, and the bride, Jin Yang'an, was escorted to her bridal chamber. Compared to Meng Die's quiet wedding night, this one was bustling with activity. Especially after Li Hui lifted the veil from Jin Yang'an's face.

Curious, Meng Die observed the bride. As the legitimate daughter of the Duke's residence, she faced the same challenges as other legitimate daughters in terms of appearance. However, she was still a lady of noble birth, having grown up in luxury, and her looks were merely not as outstanding as those of the exceptionally beautiful concubine-born girls. It was evident from Li Hui's expression that Jin Yang'an was a perfect match for him.

The joyful matchmaker cut their hair together and served them the unity wine. Jin Yang'an took the cup gracefully and drank it with Li Hui, her actions displaying poise and confidence.

Meng Die whispered to Lady Wen, "I see shades of Second Aunt's demeanor in her actions."

Madam Wen chuckled. "You feel the same way? I do too."

Both Meng Die and Madam Wen had favorable impressions of this new sister-in-law.

The following morning, everyone in the Marquis Yongyi's residence gathered once more in the main hall. Meng Die felt a wave of nostalgia. She had entered that very hall alone to pay her respects to her elders years ago, and she had assumed that the memory would have faded over time. Now, she realized it was still vivid in her mind, as if it had happened just yesterday.

Next to Madam Jin was Li Hui. The young couple first served tea to their grandparents, then to Li Zhuan and his wife, who had taken three days off work for their eldest son's marriage. After that came the uncles, aunts, and cousins. This time, Meng Die presented gifts to her peers. Madam Wen's children, Xi-ge and Can-jie, received small presents from their aunt.

Returning from the main hall, Meng Die let out a sigh of relief. The major event was over, and everyone could finally relax and enjoy themselves.

"Nanny Fan," the woman entered the room by lifting the curtain, "the item you requested last time is ready."

Meng Die swallowed, "The oven is finished?"

Nanny Fan found the situation amusing, "Oh my Second Lady, how could such a large iron piece be done so quickly? I'm referring to the three box designs you provided previously. Besides that, a hundred porcelain boxes are also completed. The rest will be ready in a few days."

Meng Die felt a mix of disappointment and joy, "They're done already? That was quick. Have someone bring these items to the courtyard of the second compound. Then, buy me some firewood and wine."

Nanny Fan was puzzled, "Wine? Second Lady, there's been a drought for two years, and the government has strictly forbidden brewing alcohol with grain. Wine is quite expensive nowadays."

Meng Die: "In that case! We still need to buy some, but you can opt for lower quality wines, the more, the better."

"Understood."

Meng Die: "There's one more thing. Didn't Lord Wang's manor collect some fruits this year? There should be some that are still tart and unripe, right? Ask him to send a variety of those over, regardless of their sourness, as long as they're not rotten. Also, have him deliver two boxes of refined white sugar."

"Aye."

What Meng Die had instructed was for equipment used in distilling high-proof alcohol. In his last letter, Li Ai had thanked her for the generous amount of sugar she sent. He mentioned that some soldiers, after suffering from infected wounds and high fevers, couldn't bear to eat anything. It was only by sipping sugar water that they managed to cling to life. Her sugar had saved many lives.

With the wound infected, Meng Die couldn't produce antibiotics just yet. However, she could attempt to create high-purity alcohol. Distilled spirits were indeed available outside, but due to technological limitations, their alcohol content wasn't high enough for effective wound disinfection.

"Meng Die called out, "Xing Huang, go to Nurse Zheng and ask for four servants. Then, with Mei'er and the others, divide them into two shifts to distill the wine that Nurse Fan purchased."

Xing Huang asked, "Is the distillation method the same as making rose water?"

Meng Die replied, "More or less, it's similar. You'll understand when I explain it later."

After delegating the task to Xing Huang, Meng Die began to make canned preserves using tart fruits. Canning was a technique documented in the ancient book, "Qi Min Yao Shu," with detailed instructions. It mentioned that canned goods could be preserved from autumn through winter and spring, lasting almost a year. However, most of the fruit preserves recorded in the text involved salted fruits, which Meng Die didn't prefer. She still favored the sugary syrup-filled canned fruits from her dreams.

Especially the peach and hawthorn preserves were simply unparalleled delicacies.

Meng Die swiftly concocted various fruit preserves, adding sugar to eliminate any tartness from the fruits. After each household tasted them, they all praised their deliciousness. Meng Die was not surprised by this; instead, she pondered how to best seal the porcelain jars for optimal preservation, allowing her to enjoy the preserves throughout the year.

But for now, she needed to step out. Two days later, Meng Die accompanied Lu Wei and Xue Qing back to the Meng family residence. Today was Madam Hu's birthday, but as it wasn't a significant milestone, the Meng household did not hold an extravagant celebration. They simply arranged a few tables for a family gathering.

The Meng family had a small population and few strict rules, so there was no taboo against talking during meals.

Meng Xiao shared, "Eldest Sister, my husband's transfer order has arrived. He will be serving as the county magistrate of Zhangbei County in Wucheng. We'll set off in a couple of days."

Meng Die's face lit up with joy. "Our efforts have not been in vain. The Prefect of Wucheng is Second Master from the Marquis House. With him as your superior, we don't need to beg for his favor; we just need him not to suppress you. Then your position as an official will be much more comfortable. I've already investigated the climate there, which is suitable for growing sugar beets. When I return home, I'll send someone to bring you the seeds, and also select two experienced farmhands who have worked with sugar beets before to assist you and help with the cultivation."

Meng Xiao nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Eldest Sister." He then changed the subject. "Eldest Sister, this is my husband's first time serving as an official, and he's unsure of where to focus. What do you think he should prioritize?"

Meng Die replied, "The livelihood of the people. Ignore those outsiders who blabber about building something grand to leave a lasting legacy. That's all nonsense. If not done properly, such projects can burden the people and lead to criticism. Unless you plan on being corrupt – corruption is easily bred within these construction projects, but if someone reports you, it'll stick. And don't say you won't be corrupt – how can you ensure that everyone beneath you won't be? If you engage in it, you'll be tainted for life."

"And don't listen when they talk about educating the citizens, claiming that having more candidates for the provincial exams is an achievement. Is passing the provincial exams that easy? How can one study for exams when they're hungry? People learn manners and respect when their granaries are full and their bellies are satisfied. When I'm hungry, if anyone dares to lecture me about virtues like propriety, I'd surely give them a good slap, and they'd deserve it."

Meng Xiao chuckled, followed by laughter from the other female family members.

Meng Die: "I'm speaking the plain truth. When people's stomachs are full, they're warm, and they have some extra money, that's when you can talk to them about morality, education, and the importance of passing the imperial exams. But can all those candidates really pass the highest level of the exam and become loyal to you in the court? And if something serious happens, can you rely on your so-called achievements in moral governance to persuade others?"

"You'll be in a different position if you govern a region successfully. The people will always remember you, and you'll have the authority to speak in the court. People will instinctively listen to what you say. Why? Because you have proof. Your successful governance in one place means that when you say something should be done, like how it was once done in a certain area, people will be more inclined to trust you. Even if they doubt, they'll still consider your words carefully. But without such accomplishments, mere words, unsupported by facts, who would take your words as gospel? If someone calls you an armchair strategist, you wouldn't even know how to refute them."

"In short, improving the livelihood of the people and making the region prosperous is the foundation for your standing in the court throughout your life."

Hu: "Die'er speaks wisely. Think of your grandfather. He was praised for his governance of Huzhou back then. Even when he later took charge of case investigations at the Supreme Court, didn't he participate in every discussion about policies affecting the people? Didn't the emperor and the high officials always seek his opinion?"

Meng Xiao nodded: "I understand now. Grandfather also advised my husband to focus on improving the people's livelihood, but he didn't explain the reasons in detail. My husband couldn't figure it out on his own."

Amidst laughter, the group returned to their gossip after discussing the main matter.

Lady Hu asked, "Die, how is your new sister-in-law? Is she easy to get along with? Does she have a pleasant disposition?"

Meng Die replied with a smile, "Grandmother, please rest assured. Although my new sister-in-law isn't overly gentle, she is refreshingly straightforward. She speaks her mind and isn't one of those narrow-minded and petty individuals."

Lady Liang, Meng Die's fourth aunt, chimed in, "I recall your eldest sister-in-law having an exceptionally gentle temperament."

Meng Die nodded. "Aunt Four hasn't forgotten. My eldest sister-in-law's character is so exceptional that describing her as one in a hundred would be an understatement. In a thousand, you might not find another like her. Truly, she has a wonderful disposition. What's remarkable is that her gentleness doesn't equate to weakness; she's capable of shouldering the significant responsibility of being the head of the family."

Madam Hu sighed, "When Marquis Yongyi married the daughter of a salt merchant as his eldest son's wife, it was quite an unexpected move in the capital. Now that you say this, I can see there might have been some wisdom behind their choice."

Meng Die chuckled, "Indeed, the Marquis's family had genuine foresight in selecting this daughter-in-law."

Meng Xiao asked eagerly, "In what way?"

Madam Liang, Meng Yuan's wife Madam Hui, and a few young misses all looked eagerly at Meng Die, their curiosity barely concealed.

Meng Die continued, "People outside only see the splendor and prosperity of noble households, imagining them to be like fields of flowers and treasures. But in reality, every family has a large population with substantial expenses. If the offspring are successful, it's tolerable. The worry comes when they don't achieve much but are accustomed to luxury, unable to withstand any hardship. Without a wife skilled in managing finances, how would their lives turn out?"

"The lives of collateral branches might suffer with less impact, but for the legitimate main branch, the head of the family, if they fare poorly, even with some inheritance, disputes over uneven distribution or scarcity would truly be the root of familial chaos."

Lady Liang sighed, "Indeed, once the legitimate branch fails to utilize the ancestral wealth to support the entire clan, it becomes incredibly difficult for the family to regain its prosperity."

Lady Hu commented, "From this perspective, the Marquis household truly has foresight. By marrying a salt merchant's daughter, regardless of other matters, the management of their family's enterprises will surely be orderly."

Meng Die agreed, "Yes, most ladies born into affluent households do not possess such capable management skills."

After the meal and drinks, the remnants were cleared away. As Lady Hu was not fond of opera, she didn't invite a troupe. Everyone engaged in some gossip before retiring to their respective chambers. As Meng Die loosened her outer garment, she heard Xue Qing say, "Third Madam."

"Is Miss Meng in her chambers? Has she retired for the night?"

Meng Die hurriedly responded, "Auntie Three, I haven't slept yet." As she spoke, she draped herself with an outer garment.

Cui Shi entered the room and glanced at Lu Wei, who was attending to them. Sensing the situation, Lu Wei politely bowed and retreated, thoughtfully closing the door behind her and standing guard outside.

Tears welled up in Cui Shi's eyes before she could speak. She grasped Meng Die's hand tightly, "Die-er, tell me the truth, has that shameless maternal family of mine ever contemplated seizing your dowry shops?"

Meng Die paused, surprised that Cui Shi knew about this matter. It had been several years, and unless someone from the Cui family had brought it up, it shouldn't have come to light.

Lady Cui wiped away her tears, only to have more flow down: "Your silence confirms it, then. Don't even think about hiding it from me anymore; my sister has already told me everything. How could they... how could they engage in such disgraceful behavior?"

Meng Die picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped away Aunt Cui's tears. "Third Aunt, I wasn't wronged in this matter, and so much time has passed. Why bring it up again?"

Cui Shi exclaimed, "How can we not mention it! What's done is done, we cannot pretend it never happened. I simply cannot fathom their thoughts, how they could have the audacity to scheme for the dowry from the Meng family that was meant for you. It's as if they've been possessed by evil spirits, their hearts clouded by greed."

Meng Die: "Aunt Three, I understand that no amount of comforting can ease your pain, for it concerns your own family, your own mother. What has happened cannot be undone, but I believe we should always look forward. Knowing about this incident is enough; dwelling on it further serves no constructive purpose."

Cui Shi sighed, "I am aware that revealing this will serve no purpose. If I go and confront them, making a scene, it's one thing if they are ridiculed for their actions and lose face, but our Meng family's reputation might also be tarnished. If we are not careful, you might even be mocked in the Marquis's residence."

"It truly infuriates me. How can there be such a family? The moment their daughter's husband and his family encounter difficulties, they turn to oppress their married-out daughter. What kind of dark-heartedness must one possess to conceive such an idea?"

Meng Die: "Aunt San, what's done is done. Let's focus on the present."

"From now on?" Lady Cui declared fiercely, "Apart from sending a gift during festive occasions, I will never set foot in that ancestral home again."

Meng Die: "It's not about that."

Cui: "Ah?"

Meng Die: "Has Aunt Three never wondered why they're so interested in my shop? The store earns a steady income, and Grandmother gave it to me for that very reason."

Cui's frustration began to subside as she regained her composure: "Our Cui family has never been of high status or great wealth. My father was an upright official in his lifetime and didn't accumulate much property. Now that he's gone, one brother is still young, and the older one isn't exactly reliable. Their income must be limited."

Meng Die nodded in agreement. "I've observed the same. Yet, their expenses seem to have shown no sign of decreasing these past few years."

Cui was startled. "Could they be selling off our assets? How... how could they be so wasteful!"

Meng Die lowered her eyes, remaining silent.

Cui's expression turned even more terrifying. She understood Meng Die's meaning now – ruin was still a better outcome than the possibility that the Cui family had completely strayed from the righteous path.

If it were the previous Meng Die, she might not have thought this far. But after her family's involvement in cracking down on smuggling, her mind had broadened. She realized that some people would truly do anything for silver. Lives could be lost or spared, but money mattered most.

Cui also reached this realization, and her head buzzed as she saw little golden stars dancing before her eyes. Her mouth hung open, but she couldn't catch her breath.

Meng Die quickly supported her. "Aunt Cui, don't scare yourself. What if we guessed wrong? Even if they didn't take the right path, the guilt still comes in degrees. If it's just a small issue, we can cut it off promptly once discovered."

It took Cui a while to regain her composure. "I hope, as you say, that it's only a minor issue. Otherwise, Father's lifelong reputation might not be salvageable."

Meng Die fell silent.

Lady Cui grasped Meng Die's hand again, her voice earnest. "While I was away from the capital, I lost touch with the currents of news. If you have any channels on your end, help me inquire. On my part, I will strive to communicate more with my younger sister, urging her to keep a closer watch on our family affairs, searching for any weaknesses or cracks we can exploit."

Meng Die: "I'll send someone to inquire about it."

Lady Cui wiped away her tears, her expression turning stern. "I thought they were just shameless, so I could just pretend I never had a family and never have anything to do with them again. But if they really dare to commit an unforgivable crime, I will not hesitate to uphold justice by turning against my own kin. I must protect Father's reputation and my younger siblings at all costs."

Upon returning to the Marquis manor from the Meng residence, Meng Die promptly instructed Nurse Fan, "Discreetly hire some individuals from the pleasure districts or gambling dens to keep an eye on the Cui family."

Nanny Fan: "Second Lady, should we still involve those individuals?"

Meng Die raised an eyebrow nonchalantly. "I don't care who they are or where they come from, as long as they're useful."

Nanny Fan: "I'm worried it might tarnish Second Lady's reputation."

Meng Die chuckled. "Reputation? Do you really think I have such a thing?"

Nanny Fan was at a loss for words and could only carry out Meng Die's instructions to find the people needed.