Chapter 88

Chapter 88

The Ministry of Revenue officials were exposed and reprimanded by Meng Die, and under the supervision of the Great Princess, this autumn's supply of provisions for the border regions was also carried out without any errors. Marquis Yongwei's men made a cursory check before rushing to Li Ai's residence in a swarm.

Everyone knew that Li Ai's wife was wealthy, so they had to see what she had prepared this time. If they could also get some nice food or useful items, that would be even better.

Manager Zheng still led the introductions, and as he finished, Fan Hong began his own introduction. The group of soldiers eagerly surrounded them, but before they could all find their places, Marquis Yongwei and his entourage arrived, making the crowd even more congested.

Marquis Yongwei was also anxious, but he still had some dignity and didn't push his way through the crowd. Instead, he stretched his neck to catch a glimpse.

"A scent of wine?"

"Are your nostrils malfunctioning? How could there be a smell of wine?"

"I can smell it too. It's definitely the aroma of alcohol."

Some had particularly keen noses, and they followed the scent straight to the carriage carrying the wine. Fan Hong quickly stepped in to intercept them, "Oh dear, this won't do."

Li Ai was quite astonished, "It's really wine?"

Fan Hong wore a pained expression. "Second Master, Second Lady read in a book that using high-proof alcohol can reduce the likelihood of infection when cleaning wounds. That's why she specially distilled this potent liquor. It's so strong that it could burn your throat if you drink it straight."

Li Ai kicked a few people who were pushing to the front. "Did you hear that? This alcohol isn't for drinking; it's for cleaning wounds."

Someone persisted. "What if we dilute it with water or low-alcohol wine?"

Li Ai scolded with a smile. "Scram. This alcohol will be moved to my quarters soon. Apart from the military doctors, none of you will get a drop from me."

A chorus of mournful cries rose up.

Fan Hong wiped his brow and said, "Second Master, there's been another drought in the capital this year. The sweet potatoes that grew well need to be reserved for seed, so there won't be as much white sugar as last year."

Li Ai replied, "This amount is already sufficient."

Fan Hong then pointed to another carriage. "Second Madam read Second Master's letter, mentioning that the nights here can be bitterly cold. Fortunately, we have many sheep on the estate, and these are well-cured sheepskins. They'll provide excellent insulation for Second Master, whether he uses them for bedding or makes a fur vest."

Marquis Yongwei's eyes lit up. "With so many hides, everyone will sleep warmer at night."

Li Ai huffed through her nose.

Marquis Yongwei pretended not to have heard.

"Oh, what's in these little boxes over here? Why do they have words on them? What do they say?"

"Chief Steward Fan, what exactly is inside these containers?"

Fan Hong chuckled. "When Miss Lu Wei was here last time, didn't some people request their preferred dishes for Miss Xing Huang? These are the ones Miss Xing Huang prepared herself. The names on them are for each person to claim their respective dishes when the time comes."

"Holy cow! Your treatment is that good? You can even order your own food?"

"How fortunate these young lads are! Best to distribute it quickly."

"Distribute it indeed."

The soldiers from the other camps looked on enviously, their eyes turning red with desire. Even those under Marquis Yongwei could not hide their admiration, their words tinged with envy.

Not only did Li Ai suffer from this plundering, but the delicacies prepared by Xing Huang for his own troops were also completely depleted.

This time, Meng Die's delivery contained fewer items than usual, but each one was exceptionally practical and abundant. It was clear that they were not solely for Li Ai's consumption, but rather for him to distribute as gifts to others.

Marquis Yongwei couldn't help but exclaim again, "This ancestral tomb must be smoking with divine favor. Otherwise, how could this little rascal have married such an excellent wife?"

Li Ai remained silent, but his smile alone was enough to provoke the other officers into giving him a sound beating. Marquis Yongwei didn't join in, though; he was cheering them on.

While Li Ai suffered a beating after being mocked, Meng Die received praise from her servants for the bread. Neither the masters nor the servants could resist the cream cake or custard pudding.

Madam Ning visited the residence of the Grand Princess, where these treats also won the Grand Princess's admiration. She praised Meng Die's dexterity. Meanwhile, Li Lang's marriage was finally arranged, and it was to none other than the eldest grandson of the Grand Princess, the legitimate heir of the current Commander-in-Chief of the three armies, Marquis Yongwei, Prince Hua Kang'an.

Madam Ning was extremely pleased and even thrilled with the prospect of Li Lang marrying into the prestigious Marquis Yongwei household. In this union, Li Lang was undeniably marrying up.

The Marquis Yongwei and the Marquis Yongyi both started from the same point, as their titles suggest, but this only applied to the first generation, Li Erzhu. The second generation of the Marquis Yongyi was an average talent, who married the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Rong's household, a marriage that could be considered equal. On the other hand, the second generation of the Marquis Yongwei was a brilliant military strategist, which is why Emperor Taizu entrusted his beloved only daughter to him, making him a prince consort.

This prince consort was not some pampered pretty boy of previous dynasties; he held genuine power and possessed remarkable abilities. He frequently led troops into battle, earning countless victories.

In the Great Yi Dynasty, as per custom, titles were usually inherited for three generations. For example, in the Marquis Yongyi's household, Li Erzhu himself was a marquis, his son Li Bao succeeded him as the Marquis Yongyi, and Li Kuo, Li Bao's eldest legitimate grandson, would become the next Marquis Yongyi (the current heir apparent). However, Li Mao, being the fourth generation, had no title to inherit. Upon Li Kuo and Lady Ning's passing, the marquisate would revert to the imperial court.

The Marquis Yongwei's situation was different. With the prince consort's numerous military accomplishments, the previous emperor naturally could not treat him poorly. Thus, his family's title could be passed down for two additional generations.

As a result, Li Mao, as the fourth generation, had no title to inherit, whereas Hua Kang'an, also in the fourth generation, was the heir apparent. Not only did he have a title, but his future eldest legitimate son would also inherit one. This was all thanks to the foundation laid by the second generation of the Marquis Yongwei. When his father, the current Marquis Yongwei, returns victorious from battle, he may even receive further accolades.

It was no wonder that Li Lang's marriage was considered a high one. Though both were titled as marquisates on the surface, the prospects within them were vastly different. Luck had truly favored Li Lang; in an era where a woman's worth was measured by her father and brothers before marriage, her own father lacked prowess, yet her elder brother had, at the very age when her marital alliances were being discussed, achieved remarkable military feats and thus garnered real power. This greatly enhanced her standing.

She was competent and resilient, which eventually led her to marry into a genuine family of power and wealth, ensuring a life of prosperity and honor. Besides, the Marquis Yongwei's household was renowned for its impeccable reputation; how could Madam Ning not be delighted? In this era, people like Meng Tingyi, who prioritize their granddaughter's happiness, were rare gems. Most families believed that as long as their daughter could live without worries and the groom's family had a good standing, it was considered a fortunate match.

With this marriage settled, not only was Lady Ning's primary branch delighted, but the other branches were equally overjoyed. Currently, they all resided under one roof. If Li Lang could secure a good match through Li Ai's influence, the same could be possible for the other siblings and cousins. After all, with Li Ai as their elder brother, his younger brothers and sisters, as well as their cousins, would undoubtedly receive more favorable consideration in their matrimonial arrangements.

Meng Die was equally delighted. With all sorts of cream cakes now available, she promptly instructed Manager Rong to clear out the stock. She declared that all the cosmetics in the rouge shop should be sold at discounted prices. Whatever remained unsold by the end of the month would be sent to the manor for the people there to use. The shop would then undergo renovations according to the blueprint she had drawn. The goal was to reopen its doors to customers in December, but this time not as a rouge shop, but as a confectionery.

Upon receiving the instructions, Manager Rong immediately set into action with great enthusiasm and vigor.

Ying'er skips in with a grin. "Second Lady, Chief Steward Fan is back."

Lu Wei and the others instantly light up with excitement, not for any other reason but because Second Master's letters are always so intriguing.

Fan Hong continues his report beneath the veranda. "Second Lady, everything is well with Second Master. Here is his handwritten letter, and he has also prepared some small tokens for you."

Meng Die and the group of maids, who were eagerly anticipating the letter, are taken aback. Meng Die asks, "Small tokens? What kind of tokens?"

Fan Hong first hands the letter to Nurse Fan and then gestures towards the yard. Four young attendants promptly enter, one carrying a black box and the other three bearing a wooden box in its natural color.

Meng Die estimated the space and pointed at an empty spot in the hall. "Place the one with the natural wood color there, and put the black one on the table."

The wooden box landed with a dull thud on the ground, piquing not only the curiosity of the maidservants but also Meng Die herself. Could this really be a small item?

Fan Hong explained, "The black box contains dried flowers that have a calming effect. When placed in a soft pillow, it helps to ensure a more restful sleep at night."

Calming, flowers. Meng Die's heart stirred. She lifted the lid of the box, and a distinctive fragrance wafted out. Inside were indeed purplish-blue petals.

Fan Hong continued, "Second Master mentioned that these flowers are called lavender, harvested from Princess Yuanyou's Lavender Garden in the south."

Meng Die's gaze inadvertently fell upon Lu Wei.

Lu Wei spoke candidly, "Back in the spring, when I visited, I did mention that Second Madam wasn't sleeping soundly once summer arrived. Second Master has been thoughtful."

The other maids couldn't help but giggle softly.

Meng Die's face flushed, and she pointed at the wooden box, asking, "What's inside this?"

Fan Hong replied, "These are flower seeds. They're quite unique; they're preserved in a bulb-like form, similar to garlic, and need to be buried in sandy soil to grow."

Xing Huang couldn't resist asking, "What kind of flower is this? Is it beautiful?"

Fan Hong replied, gently patting his head, "Oh dear, what was its name again...?"

Meng Die suggested, "Tulip?"

Fan Hong sighed in relief, "Yes, yes, that's the name! Second Madam truly has broad knowledge. This flower has the ability to dispel moisture and purify the air. Its blooms are vivid and elegant, with a variety of colors."

The group of maidservants erupted into another round of giggles.

Meng Die's gaze drifted back to Lu Wei once more.

Lu Wei spoke with conviction, "Second Aunt can't eat properly in autumn. The doctor said her spleen and stomach have some dampness. Wouldn't this flower help alleviate that condition?"

Meng Die sighed, resting her hand on her forehead. Didn't she just say she liked the vibrant and colorful chrysanthemums?

Fan Hong glanced at his wife, noticing that even Nurse Fan was giggling behind her hand. He felt pleased, "Second Master treasured the beetroot and watermelon seeds so much. He personally chose two excellent plots of land in the city, planning to plant them next spring according to Second Aunt's instructions."

In front of the many maidservants' gazes, Meng Die maintained her composure. It was understandable for Li Ai to attach great importance to the beetroot seeds considering their rarity. Everyone would do the same; it had nothing to do with who gave them, not even a copper coin's worth of difference, "Your journey must have been tiring. Take a few extra days off to rest when you return."

"Madam Xie, the second matriarch."

Fan Hong accompanied Nurse Fan away. Meng Die opened the sealed letter to reveal three separate sheets of paper. She randomly picked one up and found instructions for cultivating tulips.

In this era without thermometers, Li Ai couldn't specify exact temperatures. Instead, she had converted the temperatures between Aksu and the capital city, presenting the information in a meticulous and easily understandable manner.

Meng Die finished reading and passed the letter to Lu Wei.

Lu Wei examined it and commented, "Madam Xie is always worried about the cold. We have both a heated pit and charcoal stoves in our quarters. The temperature feels no lower than when apricot flowers bloom; it's perfect for cultivating tulips."

Meng Die: "Tulips are poisonous, including their fragrance. They're not suitable for indoor cultivation."

Lu Wei paused. Xue Qing chuckled. "No wonder they say that all medicine has a bit of poison – it seems to be true."

Xing Huang added, "Often, medicines with a slight toxicity are more potent. Perhaps it's about using poison to counteract poison?"

Meihong, Hulu, and Mei'er couldn't help but giggle.

Meng Die couldn't resist placing her hand on her forehead again. Her maidens had completely switched sides.

Unfolding the second stack of letters, Meng Die burst into laughter before passing it on to Lu Wei and the others. After they finished reading, they too erupted in giggles.

Xing Huang commented, "How did they even manage that? How could someone fall into a hole?"

Meihong explained, "I know about this. At night, the glowing spots are actually water-filled pits, while the dark areas are the actual solid ground. Those not familiar with the terrain would easily stumble into them."

Tao'er added, "Not just that, I suspect some of them might have had night blindness. I used to have it too, but for some reason, it's gotten better over the past couple of years."

Mei'er rubbed her face, laughing, "That's hilarious! Oh, what a joke, hahaha."

Xing Huang: "Yes, yes, yes, I saw it too. Wei Jiuyou said something like 'what a hammer,' and Tu Dusi actually thought there was a good hammer among the weapons they sent. He went through them all in search, ha ha..."

Hulu: "You're right. If Second Master hadn't made a note, I would've also assumed he meant 'a good hammer.' It wasn't until I read the footnote that I learned in Sichuan it's a somewhat disdainful expression."

Meihong: "In the past, when someone mentioned not understanding another dialect, I used to feel indignant, thinking it was just talking, how could it be hard to understand? Now, I've learned my lesson. If I were to converse with someone like that, I'd likely make even more mistakes."

Listening to their laughter, Meng Die opened the third stack of letters. To her great surprise, she found a geomancy map drawn by Li Ai himself.

With this map, combined with the letter Lu Wei had brought during early summer and Li Ai's explanations in his current letter, Meng Die finally grasped the situation at the frontlines and why the conflict had dragged on for so long.

The Great Yi Dynasty's eastern border was mostly coastline, and its navy was formidable – there's no need to elaborate on that. To the south, a significant portion was separated by the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, while the neighboring countries in the remaining areas were relatively weak. Moreover, the climate was hot, resources abundant, and most people were well-fed, leading to a lack of warfare.

For both the Great Yi Dynasty and the preceding dynasty, the crucial borders were to the north and west. The north was Mongolia, which had seen almost continuous warfare during the previous reign. However, this situation underwent a complete transformation under the Great Yi Dynasty.

Emperor Taizu of the Great Yi Dynasty, as well as the current emperor, were both highly capable individuals. They never confined themselves within their own borders nor harbored inexplicable feelings of superiority, such as when conducting business with the Mongols.

Despite trading with the Mongols, the previous dynasty's court would contemptuously refer to them as Huns or barbarians, claiming they were uncivilized. As a result, none of the Mongol tribes wanted to engage in commerce with them. Whenever they needed tea or iron tools, they would raid the borderlands and retreat swiftly, causing casualties on both sides and mutual losses.

The current dynasty, especially under the present emperor, was different. It respected the Mongols' customs and habits, ensuring the quality and quantity of the tea and iron they desired. With such an example set, the officials at the Board of Rites dared not look down on others. They treated envoys warmly and negotiated fair exchanges. Thus, the northern border became peaceful and even flourished increasingly.

However, the various Mongol tribes were not a united front. Due to their small numbers, they would only engage in battles as a last resort. This didn't mean they had a common heart. Some preferred peaceful trade with the Yi Dynasty and sought stability, while others were war mongers, longing for effortless gains.

They couldn't afford to wage war against the Yi Dynasty because of their friendly relations with other tribes. If they fought in the north, the Yi Dynasty would surely cease all trades with them. The peace-loving tribes would then likely aid the Yi Dynasty in attacking them. Thus, they had to seek other avenues of invasion.

To the west of the Yi Dynasty, there were larger nations with less abundant resources. They had long coveted the riches within the Yi Dynasty's borders. When they launched an assault, the remaining warlike Mongol tribes would naturally align with them, forming a joint military force.

As for Aksu, due to its natural climate, it was sparsely populated. In terms of investment and return, it was a financial loss. Tax revenues wouldn't cover the costs, and a significant number of soldiers had to be stationed there for defense.

Nonetheless, its strategic importance was undeniable. If an enemy were to penetrate through Aksu, they could directly invade the heartland of China. Aksu was the Yi Dynasty's western gateway, a position that could not be lost under any circumstances.

Aside from this issue, AkSu had another advantage. While the capital was home to millions, AkSu's population barely reached ten thousand, mostly consisting of military dependents.

Once hostilities began, non-combatants in AkSu could evacuate to other cities within just three or four days, barely disrupting daily life. Furthermore, due to its sparse population and harsh climate, there were few cultivated fields surrounding AkSu; mostly barren land. This meant that battles on these lands would cause minimal damage.

Li Ai meticulously documented everything, even revealing how he gained prominence in the military. When the city fell that year, it was the auxiliary city that was breached. As the vanguard of AkSu, it served solely as a battleground.

The sudden alliance of several nations led to a massive army encircling the auxiliary city, turning it into an isolated fortress. Li Ai and a few close comrades, who had bonded in the military, risked their lives to break out and send a message to AkSu. Thanks to their timely warning, Marquis Yongwei was able to mobilize troops from various regions and send an urgent appeal for aid back to the capital.

However, the auxiliary city did fall. In that brutal war, only a handful of soldiers, including Li Ai himself, survived from his original group of over a dozen comrades.

Meng Die studied the letter and the map, her eyes inevitably misting over. "A general's triumph comes at the cost of countless lives," she thought. In the past, this poem had seemed melancholic, but now Meng Die realized that the sorrow was merely theoretical. The true color behind the words was the endless pain endured by the living. The dead turned to bones, while the agony belonged to the multitude still breathing. How brutal war was, and how fortunate were those born in peaceful times.

Before going to bed that night, Meng Die asked Lu Wei, "When you were at the frontlines, did many soldiers suffer from night blindness, like what happened to you?"

Without hesitation, Lu Wei replied, "Yes, not just ordinary soldiers, but even some of Second Master's personal guards and officers had it. Some said it was from staring too much at the snow, damaging their eyes, others blamed the extreme cold for it. There were also those who claimed that the nights there were exceptionally dark, so it was normal not to see clearly. It wasn't just our side; when they talked about the enemy, they mentioned the same issue. That's why large-scale battles rarely occurred at night, with most actions limited to small-scale ambushes."

Meng Die nodded, lying down on the bed and gazing at the canopy lowered by Lu Wei. Even though it wasn't a full moon, the moonlight, filtered through the window and the canopy, left the room dimly lit. She could still make out some details, for she didn't suffer from night blindness.

Of course, she had grown up with luxurious provisions; how could she lack vitamin A? Nowadays, cases of night blindness were seldom due to congenital causes; more often than not, it resulted from vitamin A deficiency.

Meng Die turned over in her bed. She recalled that animal livers were rich in vitamin A. If most of Li Ai's soldiers no longer suffered from night blindness, wouldn't the chances of successfully ambushing their enemy's army significantly increase?

The next morning, Lu Wei helped Meng Die get out of bed and glanced at the slightly indented pillow. "Did Second Lady have a good sleep last night?"

Meng Die was a bit speechless. "What if I say I didn't?"

Lu Wei immediately retorted, "That's impossible. Second Lady woke up fifteen minutes earlier than usual today, and you seem full of energy. It's clear that you had a deep and restful sleep last night."

Meng Die replied, "If you already knew, why ask?"

Lu Wei giggled uncontrollably. "Seems like lavender indeed aids in sleep."

Meng Die ignored Lu Wei and, after freshening up, sat down in front of the dressing table. "Xing Huang, you mentioned before that the skill to make these cream cakes should be passed on to someone suitable. Who do you think would be appropriate?"

Xing Huang replied, "Aren't you originally planning to have me manage the shop for a while first, Lady Second, and then gradually choose the right person?"

Meng Die said, "I've changed my mind."

Xing Huang continued, "Making cream cakes isn't complicated. Anyone who is deft-handed and has experience with making pastries would do. I do know someone, but Lady Second might be worried that she could be lured away by others."

Meng Die gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a piece procured by Madam Ning from a maritime trader. The one-foot-wide round mirror had cost no less than two hundred taels, even after a discount. "You're referring to Moon Lotus, the daughter of Nurse Fan?"

Xing Huang replied, "Indeed, she's efficient and meticulous in her work, skilled in preparing food as well. Being Nurse Fan's daughter, her loyalty is undoubtedly assured. However, Second Lady mentioned that she might be naive, easily deceived by others."

Meng Die chuckled. "She wouldn't discern hidden implications nor keep secrets that are subtly implied. But for straightforward formulas, there's no need to worry. She can surely maintain confidentiality. Teach her, and let her take charge at the shop."

Xing Huang's face lit up with joy. "Ah, I'll send Tao'er to visit Nurse Fan's house right away." With that, she hurried out of the room.