Chapter 91

Chapter 91

In accordance with the arrangement, Wen returned to her maiden home before Little New Year. Upon her return, her face was shrouded in gloom, indicating that the meeting did not go well. Meng Die promptly wrote a letter and instructed Tao'er to ask Nurse Fan to fetch a few cream cakes and other desserts from the confectionery shop, to be delivered to her elder brother, Meng Yuan.

Meng Yuan was currently serving at the Hanlin Academy, enjoying a relatively leisurely life with punctual working hours. The moment he finished his work for the day, he was intercepted by Nurse Fan.

Opening the letter, Meng Yuan understood the situation. He sent a servant home to inform his family that he would be visiting his in-laws first and then instructed another servant to carry the sweets to the Hui residence.

The Hui family had a small presence in the capital. Grandfather Hui was serving as a provincial governor in Zhejiang, while Father Hui, Meng Yuan's father-in-law, had taken up a position as a prefectural governor in Guangdong and Guangxi upon the advice of the Meng family. Eldest son was not fond of studying and managed the family lands back home. In the capital, only the second branch of the family, along with Meng Yuan's younger brother-in-law, remained. The latter was studying in the city, and thus it was him, Hui Siheng, who greeted Meng Yuan upon his arrival.

Hui Sihang had yet to pass the imperial examination for jinshi, but his brother-in-law had arrived. He was delighted, as this presented an excellent opportunity to seek advice and engage in scholarly discourse with him.

Meng Yuan presented the dessert and began by explaining his purpose. Hui Sihe readily agreed, "That's simple. I'll write a letter to my grandfather and send it through the fastest courier. Grandfather should receive it in no time."

The matter was settled as such. Meng Yuan dined there, then reviewed several essays for Hui Siheng. It was only when night fell that he returned to the Meng residence, instructing a servant to deliver a message to Meng Die.

Meng Die received the news with a relieved smile. It was the holiday season, and there was a flurry of communication between the capital and Zhi Jiang. The letter should reach Governor Hui around the third or fourth day of the new year. For now, all she needed to do was enjoy the festivities.

As the year drew to a close, the entire Marquis's residence bustled with increasing festivity, the aura of the approaching New Year growing ever more pronounced. On the day of Little New Year, the residence hosted another banquet. Meng Die ensured that each table was graced with an array of cakes and desserts. She also saw to it that a selection was sent to the distant ancestral hall, as a gesture of respect for the venerable ancestors.

Madam Zhou savored her milk pudding. "Dian'er's dessert is truly delectable, albeit a bit expensive. If not for her filial piety, I would never indulge in it."

Madam Fang's eyes crinkled in a smile. "Anyway, with Dian'er being so filial, we'll never lack such delicacies."

Madam Wu chimed in, "Those outsiders claim this isn't made with cream; they're just trying to create confusion."

Madam Ning chuckled. "They probably want to indirectly uncover the recipe."

Madam Wu nodded. "I think so too. It's Dian'er's prerogative to call her ingredients as she wishes. These people are just envious."

Meng Die raised an eyebrow. "Sister-in-law, that's your second one, isn't it?"

Jin Shi gasped and reluctantly put down the Snow Pea Flower she was holding. "Second Sister-in-law, can't I really have just a little more?"

Meng Die replied, "Absolutely not. You should eat more mushrooms or fish instead."

Jin Shi pouted but had no choice but to sample other dishes.

Madam Ning chuckled. "You're going to be a mother soon, yet you're still so childlike."

Lady Jin chuckled. "The childish one isn't me, but the one in my belly. He seems to have a sweet tooth too."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Li Hui and Lady Jin had been married for over three months. Two days ago, it was discovered that Lady Jin was pregnant. Upon learning this, Meng Die immediately restricted her consumption of sweets, as excessive indulgence could lead to diabetes, a condition similar to the one in her previous world.

In Meng Die's dream world, some women could develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If not managed properly, they might end up with chronic diabetes after giving birth. Since there was no way to check blood sugar levels here, Meng Die had to take preventative measures by limiting Lady Jin's intake of sugar.

After the banquet, Meng Die returned to her Qixia Courtyard. Upon entering, she found Nurse Zheng waiting in the outer room with an apologetic smile on her face. "Second Lady."

Meng Die smiled. "I was just wondering why I didn't see Nanny Zheng with Mother today. Is there something you need to discuss?"

A flush of red appeared on Nanny Zheng's face. "Didn't four maidservants arrive a few days ago? Three of them have matters in their families that require their attention, and they wish to return home."

Meng Die's smile grew warmer. "I thought it was something more serious. If they have family matters, they should go back. But Nanny, you'll have to find me a few more people to fill the gaps. I really do need more help here."

Nanny Zheng readily agreed. "Don't worry, Second Lady. This time, I'll definitely select a few diligent, trustworthy, and capable servants for you."

Meng Die continued, "Lu Wei, they've served me for a while, and they have legitimate family matters. Give each of them two taels of silver as a token of our gratitude for their service."

Lu Wei replied with a gentle smile.

Nanny Zheng felt even more awkward. "Oh my, they've received so many rewards in just a few days. It's really too good for them."

Meng Die commented, "Well, at least they were our servants for a while."

After sending Nanny Zheng off, Lu Wei returned to her room and chuckled. "I was wondering how long they could hold out yesterday, but I didn't expect them to give up so soon. Lady Second, can you imagine how unreliable they are?"

Meng Die raised an eyebrow.

Lu Wei: "They actually thought of using money to bribe Aunt Zhao and Aunt Wang to carry water for them. Thankfully, I had given them a heads-up beforehand. I wonder how they've been coddled in their daily lives. Our courtyard only has small buckets; a full one doesn't even weigh ten pounds, and yet they complain— one says her arm is about to give out, the other claims she's got blisters on her feet."

Meng Die couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Lu Wei: "The last one is quite decent. She's been working quietly and efficiently these few days. When we get new girls, I'll let Liu-er and the others join in. They've been cooped up and bored lately too."

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

To Lu Wei's surprise, one of the three girls, the following morning before dawn, was already waiting at the entrance of Qixia Courtyard with two taels of silver in hand.

Nanny Zhao was startled when she opened the door. "Wan'er, why are you here?"

Wan'er hesitated for a moment. "I wanted to find Sister Lu Wei. There's no longer any issue at home. I don't want the silver Grand Aunt Two gave me. I want to come back."

Nanny Zhao looked at her. "You really want to come back? Life here isn't easy."

This time, Wan'er's determination solidified. "Yes, I really do. I want to work hard in Grand Aunt Two's courtyard and serve well. Even if I don't have a bright future, learning more characters would be beneficial."

Nanny Zhao replied, "I recall your father was one of the supervisors of the storeroom."

Wan'er's complexion appeared somewhat wan as she sniffled, "Auntie Zhao, please don't laugh at me. I have older siblings and younger ones too. Being in the middle, I'm neither favored nor cherished. I didn't share in their glory when they prospered, and now that they've fallen, no one cares about me."

Auntie Zhao fell silent for a moment. Eventually, she allowed Wan'er to enter the courtyard. Auntie Zhao herself was also a middle child and a girl; she understood all too well the predicament Wan'er found herself in.

In the morning, Lu Wei watched Wan'er return the silver, her heart aching. Though she was young when she was sold, she still had memories of her family. She was the middle child with an elder sister and a younger one – it was she who had been sold. "Are you sure? Don't talk about finishing matters at home. We all understand the situation."

Wan'er nodded firmly. "I'm sure." With that, she presented the small silver ingot.

Lu Wei smiled. "Keep the silver, dear."

Wan'er also laughed. "Sister Lu Wei, you should keep it. Otherwise, Mu Qing won't have any, and that wouldn't be right. As long as I fulfill my duties well, I believe there will be more opportunities for Sister Lu Wei to give me this silver in the future."

Lu Wei accepted the silver. "I like to hear that. Auntie Zhao, go to Mother Zheng's place and tell her Wan'er is back. Ask her to send over two servants."

"Okay."

Upon receiving the news, Mother Zheng promptly selected two servants during the morning selection. This time, she would not be swayed by anyone; she carefully assessed them, ensuring they were capable and diligent.

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve. Early in the morning, Meng Die led a few maids to gather mushrooms. The mushrooms used in the palace were still cultivated in her own quarters. When Xing Huang returned, she brought along several talented maids to select melons.

After harvesting the melons and mushrooms, Xing Huang promptly led the maids in the courtyard to start cooking. The mushrooms were for hot dishes that needed to be timed just right; preparing them too early would only make them cold. At the moment, she was engaged in making dumplings with the white flesh of the melon and minced meat.

In the afternoon, the palace sent over some food, and the Marquis Yongyi's residence also delivered their homemade delicacies to the imperial palace.

For the past couple of years, the Marquis Yongyi's household had consistently impressed with their culinary creations. Today, as soon as the emperor tasted the dishes at the royal banquet, Prince Qi couldn't wait to grab a dumpling. Upon tasting it, he was astounded. "What kind of filling is this? It has a distinct fruity aroma. Could there be fruit inside?"

His comment prompted the emperor and others to quickly try a dumpling as well. The Empress Dowager also wore a look of surprise. "It truly has an incomparably fresh scent. There's clearly meat in it, yet not a hint of greasiness. What on earth is the filling?"

Lin Chu chuckled. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this filling is extraordinary. No one could have guessed. It's made by combining the white flesh of the melon with minced meat, thus giving it that fruity fragrance."

The Empress Dowager chuckled, and Prince Qi followed suit. "It must have been Lady Meng's idea."

The Emperor nodded. "I doubt anyone else would have thought of it. In the autumn, Marquis Yongyi's manor sent a few watermelons to the palace. I noticed that only slightly more than half of the flesh was red, while the rest was white and had to be discarded. At the time, I felt it was quite a waste. Now, she has found a new way to enjoy them. And the key is that they taste good. It's a creative use of leftovers."

Princess Taichang said, "Speaking of watermelons, I had a couple of bites before the banquet began, and they seemed even better than last year's."

The Empress replied, "Aunt, you share the same impression. To me, they taste better than last year's as well."

Lin Chu said, "Your Highness, Your Majesty, they should indeed taste better. Last year, about half of the watermelons were white-fleshed. The ones delivered in autumn had a bit more red flesh. Now, with this delivery, almost two-thirds of each melon is red. The more red flesh there is, the sweeter and more delicious the heart of the melon becomes."

The emperor inquired, "So much red soil now?"

Lin Chu replied, "Yes, Lady Meng has been constantly improving the melons. Lady Hou even said that Lady Meng is quite greedy, aiming to make the white rind only half an inch thick."

The emperor laughed heartily, "Such greediness is acceptable in this case."

Prince Qi also nodded repeatedly, "If this melon can be improved to such a degree, our Yi Dynasty will indeed be blessed. This melon is undoubtedly an excellent remedy for cooling and soothing dryness."

The melon-filled dumplings pleased the emperor and the others greatly, further enhancing their impression of Meng Die.

On the first day of the New Year, Meng Die donned her imperial edict attire early in the morning. Today was the annual conferment ceremony, and she had to receive the imperial decree. Afterward, she would need to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

This time, there were two imperial decrees for the harem, and they were not delivered by Lin Chu but by the Grand Eunuch from the Empress's side. He, too, wore a pleasant expression as he first read out the edict granting Meng Die her reward.

Acknowledging her contribution to the discovery of sugar production from sweet potatoes, the Emperor bestowed upon Meng Die the title of a County Princess. This was not just an honorary title that came with an imperial edict and some jewelry, as in previous dynasties. Meng Die's title was genuine, entitling her to a personal retinue and an annual stipend that exceeded even that of Marquis Yongyi. In the Great Yi Dynasty, except for the Crown Prince who had fiefs, no other noble titles held territorial rights. However, the Emperor could grant grand manors.

On this occasion, the Emperor bestowed upon Meng Die a vast manor on the outskirts of the capital, covering around four thousand acres of fertile land with ample water sources. It was an exquisite manor that anyone would envy.

"Your subjects thank Your Majesty for your gracious favor," Meng Die responded, addressing herself as a subject. Even though she was now an Imperial Edict Lady, previously known as a Subject's Wife, her title derived from her husband. The title of County Princess was hers alone, making her a subject of the Emperor in her own right.

Upon the conclusion of this imperial edict, the next one would be the customary rewards for the consorts and ladies of the marquis household. Meng Die was also included in these accolades.

Paying respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress during the New Year's greetings, Meng Die found herself significantly closer to the forefront. With the Grand Princess there, the Empress Dowager praised Meng Die for her wit and even commended the delicious dumplings she had made. This attracted envious gazes from the crowd.

Upon Meng Die's return from the palace, the maidservants and matrons in the courtyard gathered to greet her with New Year's wishes. Meng Die generously rewarded them with substantial tips, especially to Liu'er and her three companions who had been diligently taking care of the watermelon and mushroom patches.

On the second day of the second lunar month, after four years of slumber, Meng Die finally had the rightful opportunity to visit her natal home on this very same day in the fifth year.

The Meng estate was bustling with preparation early in the morning for Meng Die's arrival. Lady Hu's family was from an outer province, while Meng Die's parents and her second uncle's family were still serving as officials in Ganzhou. As for her third uncle's side, Auntie Ci had long severed ties with her own family. Moreover, the Cui family was entangled in a case that was yet to be judged, and they were all currently imprisoned.

Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt had already arranged to return to her natal family on the third day of the new year. Meng Yuan and his wife also planned to return to the Hui Mansion on that same day.

Currently, the only married women in the Meng family were Meng Die and Meng Xiao. Since Meng Xiao accompanied her husband on his official assignment, only Meng Die was present today. Nevertheless, the Meng family still opened their main gate to welcome her, with smiles on every face.

Meng Die paid her respects to Lady Hu and the others. Afterward, the family gathered to chat. Lady Hu took the initiative to ask, "Did you receive the imperial edict yesterday?"

Meng Die shot a glance at Meng Yuan. "Yes, I did. Big Brother really should have informed me beforehand. I was so bewildered when receiving the edict."

Meng Yuan chuckled. "I wanted to surprise you!" He worked in the Hanlin Academy, where these edicts were initially drafted.

Meng Die chuckled in agreement. "Indeed, it's quite a pleasant surprise. How about at home? Did Grandmother receive her official title this time?"

Hu Shi beamed with joy. "Yes, not only did she receive the title, but His Majesty also granted our family a large manor in the outskirts of the capital."

Meng Die's eyes lit up. "His Majesty is wise."

Everyone chuckled. It was already remarkable for a civil servant to receive a mansion as a reward, and it was usually difficult to obtain a manor. However, since the Emperor had issued such an edict, it indicated that even the regent ministers approved of the gift. From this, one could easily deduce the importance the court placed on beet sugar production.

As they chatted casually, Hu Shi remembered something. "Yuan'er, when will your Uncle Da Zhuang be arriving?"

Meng Yuan replied, "I estimate it will arrive around the fifteenth or when I am seventeen or eighteen."

Hu frowned. "You're not going to celebrate the fifteenth at home?"

Meng Yuan shrugged. "The Ding family is quite persistent. On the fifteenth of the first month, there's a lantern festival where the entire city gathers. Auntie is worried that the Ding family might engineer another chance encounter or something similar, like a staged fall. It's better to avoid it altogether."

Madam Hu harrumphed, "What sort of family is this!"

Meng Die inquired curiously, "Eldest Brother, what's going on?"

Meng Yuan: "You know Uncle Da Zhuang, right?"

Meng Die nodded. It was her help in critiquing essays that had allowed Third Uncle Zhuang to pass the imperial examinations. She was quite familiar with the Zhuang family. But wasn't Uncle Da Zhuang's eldest son already managing the family business? Wasn't he occupied with trade?

Meng Yuan spoke with indignation, "Uncle Da Zhuang's eldest son, our cousin, had an arranged marriage long ago. They were waiting for both of them to come of age before getting married. But when our family ran into trouble, the girl's side not only quickly called off the engagement but also promptly remarried her to someone else. We could have accepted that as fate. But last year, Grandfather returned to the capital as the Minister of Punishments, and that family suddenly had the audacity to renew their interest in the marriage."

Meng Die's jaw dropped. "Didn't the girl already get married?"

Meng Yuan's face conveyed a myriad of emotions. "The girl has a younger sister by the same father. The Ding family seems to think she can take her sister's place and fulfill the marriage."

Meng Die: ...

Meng Die: "I've never seen someone so shameless."

Meng Yuan nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, Uncle Da couldn't possibly agree, nor would our Cousin be pleased. But the Ding family wouldn't let up; they even accompanied Aunt Da to pray at the temple, hoping for a chance encounter with our Cousin."

"Aunt Da was annoyed beyond measure, and Grandmother was equally troubled, fearing any mishaps. This old lady from the Ding family is actually our great-grandfather's own sister. So, after the New Year, they sent Uncle Da's family to the capital as soon as possible."

Now Meng Die understood the connections. No wonder they were betrothed from a young age. The old lady of the Ding family was originally a daughter of the Zhuang family who had married out. It was only natural for her to marry her granddaughter back into the Zhuang family – many would do the same to strengthen family ties!

Meng Yuan continued, "Uncle's family is coming to the capital for several reasons. They'll pay a visit to Third Uncle on their way, assess potential business opportunities, and also because Cousin plans to stay with us—he has recently passed the provincial civil service examination."

Meng Die raised an eyebrow. "Cousin has already passed the provincial examinations? Impressive aptitude."

Meng Yuan smiled. "Grand Aunt often says he reminds her of Grandfather. Third Cousin also wrote, remarking that he surpasses his nephew in many ways."

Amidst the mirth, Madam Hu thought of something and said, "Deyue, what do you plan to do with that large estate of yours? I'm at a loss and can't offer any useful advice. Perhaps you could consult more with your husband's family."

Meng Die responded with a gentle smile, "Grandmother is right. I was pondering about it last night as well and, finding myself at a loss, decided to seek advice from Elder Sister-in-Law when I return to the Marquis's residence."

Madame Hu's brows relaxed. "You're fortunate to have such a sister-in-law."

Meng Die chuckled. "I think so too."

Amidst laughter and chatter, time flew by swiftly. As previously arranged, Meng Die did not return to the Marquis Yongyi's residence that night. It wasn't until the fourth day of the lunar month in the afternoon that she returned. First, she paid her respects and reported to Lady Hou and Madam Ning. When Meng Die arrived at her small courtyard, she immediately sensed something amiss.

She was not strict with her servants, and there wasn't much work in the courtyard. Normally, these young maids would often gather and laugh merrily. But now, they seemed to carry an air of concern.

Meng Die gave Lu Wei a subtle glance, and Lu Wei, having noticed the problem as well, had originally intended to find a chance to inquire about it.

Attending to Meng Die as she changed her attire and finished dinner, Lu Wei turned to Hulu. "What's going on? Why does everyone seem preoccupied?"

Hulu heaved a sigh and began to recount the situation.

During the New Year celebrations, Xue Qing and the others had also returned from their country estates. On the second day of the lunar new year, Meng Die paid a visit to her parents' home, naturally taking her personal maid servants along. With the mistress away, the servants were given leave, but someone still needed to be present in the household. Ying'er and Tao'er volunteered to take turns going home, ensuring that the gate was always guarded. Four sturdy maids were assigned to rotate their absences as well, while Mei'er, Liu'er, and the newer young maids were not required to come in – they could celebrate the new year at their own homes.

It should have been a joyous occasion. Yet, on the second evening, Mei'er came back in a huff.

Mei'er had entered this courtyard at the age of twelve to serve Meng Die. Now, several years later, she was seventeen – in the prime of her youth. In the estate, as the masters were preparing for weddings and betrothals, so too were the servants looking to marry and give their daughters away.

This time when Mei'er returned home, her mother, Lady You, said to her, "Mei'er, the other day someone came to propose a match for you. It's the younger son of Nurse Jia. You know Nurse Jia, right? She was the old lady's maid at the time of her marriage, and now her whole family serves as managers in our estate. They're asking for your hand in marriage – I couldn't have dreamed of this."

Mei'er's expression darkened. "Nurse Jia's younger son? That would be Jia Yi, right? I don't agree."

The smile on Lady You's face froze. "Are you mad or delirious? He's a manager, with a monthly stipend of five taels of silver, plus various rewards during holidays. If you marry him, you'll become a manager's wife. Just take on a simple task in the estate, and you'll earn another three taels a month. Then you'll live a life of luxury."

Mei'er raised an eyebrow. "A life of luxury? Don't think I'm unaware. Jia Yi is entangled with that widow from the Wang family, not to mention his usual habits of drinking and gambling. How much silver can he squander? Luxury, indeed – more like living off thin air!"

Lady You chuckled. "Look how you put it. How much could such indulgences cost? His own mother was the old lady's maid; how much silver does she earn in a year?"

Mei'er scoffed. "How much can he spend? Gambling is a bottomless pit. Forget that his parents are mere servants; even if the master had accumulated mountains of gold and silver for him, he could still squander it all away."

Her younger sister Xiaozhu chimed in with persuasion. "Grandma Jia was rewarded by Madam again the other day – with two bolts of cloud silk! How much silver would that fetch? Besides, no matter how much Brother Jia squanders, can he possibly exhaust all their wealth? He has an official post that brings in monthly income. Sister, I truly believe that their family is excellent. Their proposal to marry you is a tremendous blessing."

Looking at her sister, Mei'er said, "A blessing? Would I not pick up money lying on the ground if I saw it? If you think it's such a great deal, why don't you marry him?"

You Shi interjected, "They're not looking down on you! You've made quite a name for yourself these past few years serving in Second Madam's courtyard, and everyone sees it. Now that you've been promoted to second-class maid after helping out at the estate, your status has only risen. They value your position as well. I've thought about it – once you're married into their family, you'll leave Second Madam's service. That will create an opening, and you can recommend your sister to take your place. Who knows, your sister might find a good match through this opportunity."

Mei'er's face darkened with anger. "So you've planned everything without even consulting me. Let me tell you, I do not consent to this marriage."

Madam You's expression darkened dramatically. "Whose marriage isn't arranged by their parents? Let me tell you, whether you like it or not, this match is settled. Your father has already agreed."

"Y'all..." Mei'er was so furious that she saw stars. "I won't agree, I swear I won't, even if it means death!"

Hulu let out a long sigh. "On the second day of the lunar month, Mei'er didn't even have a warm meal at home before she stormed back in anger."

Lu Wei suddenly understood. "I wondered why all of you looked so troubled."

Hulu's face flushed as she stammered out the reason. They were all around the same age, and while Mei'er was vexed by her marriage arrangements, they too were plagued by similar concerns.

Lu Wei chuckled. "What's there to worry about? Just refuse if you're not willing. Even if it's our parents, can they really go against our master?"

Hulu's eyes gleamed. "Sister Lu Wei, I understand now." With that, she dashed out like a bird taking flight, eager to share this delightful news with Mei'er. With Sister Lu Wei speaking like this, it was clear that Second Grandma would stand up for them. As long as they were unwilling, no one could force them into marriage.

Upon hearing this news, Mei'er and the others beamed with joy, their previous worries vanishing in an instant.