Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Madam Hou's command was promptly followed by the introduction of the two young girls. Apparently, due to the series of upheavals they had experienced, they were not only frail but also timid. Upon entering, they clung closely to Manager Rong, kneeling in silence. The only thing clearly visible on their faces were the scars left by a sharp blade.

Madam Hou's heart ached even more as she observed them. Understanding their fear, she didn't ask them to go into the inner room to distance themselves from Manager Rong. "Peppermint, I recall having a box of ointment prescribed by the Imperial Hospital. It's highly effective for scar reduction. Give it to them. For young girls, disfigurement would be devastating."

Manager Rong accepted it, saying, "Thank you, Elder Madam."

The two girls instinctively drew even closer to him, demonstrating their reliance on him.

Madame Hou's heart sank even more. "Go ahead." She turned to Meng Die. "You should go too."

Meng Die glanced at the concerned Madame Hou. "Then I'll be on my way first."

As soon as Meng Die returned to her courtyard, Manager Rong promptly reported, "I wish to request a favor from Second Madam. My benefactor's family wishes to work under your guidance."

Meng Die paused. "You mentioned before that your benefactor and his eldest son were both government brokers, which means they have some skills. Although it might be difficult for them in the capital now, once they recover their health, they should be able to find work at a brokerage firm." It was better than serving as servants under her.

Manager Rong sighed. "To be honest with Second Madam, while my benefactor and Brother Yang's physical ailments can be treated, their mental wounds are far more challenging. My benefactor is already quite elderly, otherwise he wouldn't have passed on his legacy to Brother Yang. As for Brother Yang, he was assaulted several times during confrontations with people from gambling dens and brothels. His vitality and spirit are not what they used to be. Especially his wife, who was once skilled in socializing and hospitality, now trembles at the sight of strangers."

Meng Die understood; it was a psychological shadow, akin to being afraid of ropes for a decade after being bitten by a snake once. "That's true. After such a tremendous upheaval, one's character would inevitably change. Alright, once both he and his father have fully recovered, if they still wish to serve under me, I'll agree to it."

Shopkeeper Rong hastily replied, "Thank you, Second Aunt Meng."

Meng Die smiled. "Go back and rest well for two days. Then, you'll have more work to attend to."

Shopkeeper Rong pondered. "The recipe?"

Meng Die nodded.

Proprietor Rong's laughter grew even louder. "Then I'm in for a real treat."

Meng Die also chuckled. "Let me indulge in a few more meals with them. At the very least, I need to regain the weight I lost during my trip to Yangzhou."

Proprietor Rong bowed respectfully. "Your humble servant will surely live up to Second Madam's expectations."

"Haha…" This time, everyone in the house and courtyard erupted in laughter.

Meng Die's cakes were so popular that even without knowing the exact cost of each dessert, everyone could tell that they would be incredibly profitable – very, very profitable.

If one wasn't in the trade, they wouldn't understand the urgency of merchants. Especially the thirteen merchants who had purchased Meng Die's bread recipe. They had been contacting Manager Rong since before the New Year. At first, he claimed to be busy, but later went out to socialize twice without outright refusing them. Just when the thirteen merchants thought there was hope, Manager Rong burst into tears and rushed to Yangzhou.

It was only with the covert assistance of a prominent merchant in Yangzhou that Manager Rong could locate Yang Fei and the others, who were hiding in a dilapidated temple, so swiftly. Otherwise, being unfamiliar with the place, how could he have found them in such a large city? He might have had to seek help from the Yangzhou Prefect right from the start.

Now that Manager Rong was back, the thirteen merchants eagerly awaited their turn, giving him two days to rest before inviting him to the Gathering Pavilion today and the Drunken Charm Tavern tomorrow. Day by day, as they feasted and drank together, Manager Rong regained the weight he had lost in Yangzhou, and their camaraderie deepened.

Master Yang, being the oldest among them and the organizer of today's gathering, led the conversation: "Ah, just the thought of leaving the capital to return to Suzhou brings a pang of reluctance. I've never felt this way before."

One of the merchants was an uncle from the Wen family, who relied on his connection with Wen Shi. Although his business couldn't compete with some others, he often spoke second in this group. He chimed in, "Are you reluctant to leave the capital or the sweets?"

Proprietor Liu chuckled. "I suppose it's still the desserts that you can't bear to part with. If not for Manager Rong repeatedly saying we shouldn't indulge in them daily, I'd want to have them at every meal."

Proprietor Yue also laughed. "Before these desserts came along, I never imagined there could be such a delightful texture and sweet taste in this world. They truly cater to all ages."

Proprietor Yang said, "Manager Rong, let's be straightforward with each other. These cakes and desserts are so delicious. Isn't it a bit of a waste for Second Madam to sell them only in the capital? If she were to open shops all over our kingdom, it would bring benefits to the people across the land, and it would also be advantageous for Second Madam!"

Manager Rong waved his hands repeatedly. "What status does Second Madam hold? How could she possibly open shops all over our kingdom? There will only be this one shop in the capital, and definitely no second one."

Proprietor Wen chimed in, "Has Second Madam ever thought of selling the recipes, just like how bread is sold? If she continues her business in the capital, those who buy the recipes won't open shops in the capital."

Proprietor Rong paused, "I must be honest with you all, I haven't actually consulted Second Aunt about this matter. When we first introduced these cakes and desserts last year, it was already the busy season, and as you know, subsequent events kept me occupied. I've only been back for a few days, so there's still much to settle."

"However, I did have the chance to meet Miss Xing Huang a couple of days ago. She's still actively exploring new recipes. Casually chatting at home, I asked how she found the energy for such research. Miss Xing Huang replied that having more recipes means more silver to sell. It seems Miss Xing Huang has considered selling her recipes. As for Second Aunt's specific thoughts on this, I'm not aware."

Boss Liu's eyes lit up, "Miss Xing Huang truly has skillful hands. Ah, how should I put it? Not only is she skilled, but she also possesses remarkable creativity. Our bread-making instructor, despite learning from an old craft, can't seem to come up with new innovations."

Boss Feng chuckled, "You should consider who Miss Xing Huang is close to – Second Aunt is adept at nurturing people's talents."

The group praised Meng Die further, and in the end, Proprietor Rong agreed to first seek Miss Xing Huang's opinion and then approach Meng Die. This dinner gathering ended on a note of shared satisfaction.

Proprietor Rong was aware that Meng Die intended to sell her recipe. After negotiating with the other merchants, he made his way to Marquis Yongyi's residence the following day. Upon hearing the news, Xing Huang hurried back from the manor to await developments.

Meng Die had already prepared herself and promptly instructed, "They wish to purchase the recipe, but there are three conditions. Firstly, it cannot be sold in the capital city or the cities of Lishui and Jiujiang. Secondly, the prices of all pastries must not be lower than thirty percent of the capital's prices, nor higher than that limit. As for the price..."

Xing Huang interjected, "We should ask for something in the range of five to sixty thousand."

Meng Die was grateful she was seated; otherwise, she would have stumbled. "When did you become so greedy? You're asking for five to sixty thousand? Aren't you afraid of scaring them away?"

Xing Huang refused to acknowledge this. "How am I greedy? The bread recipe sold for ten thousand. Cream cakes are more expensive than bread, so what's wrong with asking for five to sixty thousand? It's not like we're asking for an exorbitant amount."

Meng Die found the situation both amusing and exasperating. If not for her understanding of the intricacies involved, she might have agreed with Xing Huang's logic: "That's not how it works. How much does a loaf of bread cost? No more than a hundred or so copper coins. Forget setting up a bakery in the county seat; even in bustling market towns, it would be feasible. We could simply cut the loaves into four pieces, making them appear larger than osmanthus cakes. Selling each piece for twenty to thirty coins wouldn't be an issue, and we'd still make a profit in a year."

Xing Huang blinked. "What about the price of these cream cakes? I recall you setting the price almost unreasonably high. In the entire Great Yi Dynasty, only a tiny fraction of the population would care about such expenses. Nowadays, most people in the capital buy them only for special occasions like festivals or birthdays. At this rate, let alone opening a shop in a town, if you dared to set up a cream cake bakery in the county seat, it would surely fail."

Meng Die replied, "Absolutely not. The reason I priced them so high is due to the scarcity of raw materials, like milk. For instance, no matter what, we can only produce ten cream cakes a day, and they'll definitely sell out. Would you sell each one for two taels of silver or twenty?"

Xing Huang finally grasped the point: "Second Aunt, you're targeting those who are willing to pay a premium! One customer at a time!"

Meng Die: "Ahem."

The surrounding crowd held back their laughter.

Xing Huang stuck out her tongue. "Can't we just raise more cows and sheep?"

Meng Die waved her hand dismissively. "Off with you. You've been cooped up in the estate too long. Livestock aren't that easy to rear. If common folk can't even afford to regularly consume chicken or pork, how could they possibly have enough to spare for dairy? In many villages, it's a rarity to find more than five plow oxen, let alone an abundance for milk production. That's only in dreams."

Xing Huang hung her head in disappointment. "I thought we could ask for half a million or so."

Meng Die ignored her and continued to speak with Manager Rong, "In the Great Yi Dynasty, we currently have 126 prefectures, but no more than fifty of them are truly prosperous. I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, so my bottom line for this deal is between twenty thousand to forty thousand silver taels. The final selling price will depend on your negotiations with them."

Manager Rong hesitated, "Twenty thousand to forty thousand? Isn't that a bit too low? In recent years, the world has been at peace, and the coastal regions are extremely wealthy. There's a strong trend of competition and showing off. Our cream cake is a novelty; it will certainly be in high demand for celebrations and New Year festivities."

Meng Die chuckled, "This isn't a one-time transaction. The silver I'm asking for is an annual payment for the next fifteen years. After that, they're free to use the recipe as they wish, and I won't ask for any more money or sell the recipe. However, I might pass it on to close friends and family, but only under certain conditions. They, too, could potentially share the recipe with others, and I won't intervene."

Manager Rong's eyes widened in understanding.

Meng Die continued, "I've roughly calculated it. With thirteen merchant houses across over a hundred prefectures, each should be able to open around ten shops. A shop in a bustling area should earn around three thousand silver taels annually, while those in less prosperous areas would make a few hundred to a thousand. The range I'm asking for—twenty thousand to forty thousand silver taels—would essentially take all their profits."

Xing Huang couldn't resist interjecting, "Oh? Will they still buy the recipes?"

Meng Die replied, "They will. Apart from the cream cakes, aren't there many other small desserts like puddings? These require less cream and aren't too expensive. They can absolutely make a profit from them. However, they're simple to make, so the recipes could be easily cracked by others."

Looking at Manager Rong, Meng Die continued, "When you sell them the recipe, tell them that we only sell the cream cake recipe exclusively, and the other small desserts are just add-ons. Any new creations in the future will also be shared with them."

Manager Rong nodded repeatedly. "I understand Second Madam's intention."

Meng Die said, "This business involves a span of fifteen years, so give them seven days to consider."

Proprietor Rong swiftly did the mental calculations. "Second Aunt asking for such a modest price, there's no need for a seven-day consideration period. They'll definitely agree as soon as I mention it."

Meng Die smiled. "If there's any leakage of the formula within these fifteen years, the responsibility lies with me, and I won't seek more silver from them. If it's their fault, whoever is responsible will compensate everyone's losses."

Proprietor Rong nodded. "Understood."

That night, Meng Die was happily perusing the account books sent over from the cake shop when Meihong burst in, flustered. "Second Aunt, something terrible has happened!"

Meng Die set down the ledger. "What's the matter?"

Meihong stamped her foot in anger. "I went home today, and my brother told me about Mei'er's family. Ever since Mei'er stopped visiting them, her brother has been calling her an ungrateful wolf. Her mother cries to anyone she meets, and her father tells everyone he encounters that he was blind, as if he's not to blame for his daughter's resentment. Disgusting! I've truly never met such a despicable man."

Lu Wei and Xing Huang entered, drawing the curtains aside, and listened in.

Meihong continued, "The people in the mansion are quite perceptive. Seeing Second Grandma favoring Mei'er, they didn't side with her family. Instead, they subtly mocked Qian Xi for truly being blind, which made Qian Xi so furious that he constantly berated You Shi and Xiaozhu. Their household is in chaos, and the whole mansion is watching their spectacle."

"Haha..." Xing Huang chuckled. "They deserve it!"

Meng Die didn't laugh. She sat there, her expression grave.

Meihong's expression also turned grim, and Xing Huang suppressed her smile. "What's the matter?"

Meihong whispered, "It seems they've divulged what happened that night when Jia Yi entered Mei'er's chamber and even locked them inside together. Now, the manor is abuzz with gossip, and they're saying the most horrid things."

"Aah?" Xing Huang's anger flared. "I said from the start we should have expelled their entire family, but Second Grandma was too softhearted."

Lu Wei shot a sharp glance at Xing Huang before turning to Meng Die. Meng Die sat by the table, where a candle flickered, casting an eerie glow on her emotionless face.

Lu Wei felt a sudden chill and softly approached Meng Die. "Second Grandma, it's not worth sullying your hands over such petty people."

Meng Die cast a glance at Lu Wei and chuckled. "What are you thinking? I would never engage in any illegal activities. Tomorrow, arrange for someone to deliver a letter to Elder Brother on my behalf. You should also go back to the estate for a couple of days to comfort Mei'er. Make sure she doesn't fall into despair. Most importantly, keep an eye on her."

"Alright."

Exiting the room, Lu Wei tapped Xing Huang's head with her index finger. "You have such a quick tongue."

Xing Huang pouted. "I just can't understand it. With Second Aunt's usual temperament, she should have sent them all packing long ago."

Lu Wei glanced at Xing Huang and noticed that Mei Hong and Hulu also looked in agreement. "Would chasing them away really stop their gossip? Second Aunt values Mei'er and plans to entrust her with managing affairs outside the household. It's not like she only lives within these walls. If they were expelled back then, the entire capital would know now about Jia Yi and Mei'er being locked together, instead of just everyone in our household."

Xing Huang: "W-Well..."

Lu Wei: "What well, what? Back in the Meng residence, you were always fond of cooking and eating from a young age. The gossipy maids would call you a gluttonous girl, predicting you'd never find a husband. You would cry into your blankets at night, remembering those words. Haven't you forgotten how society has strict expectations for a woman's chastity? With such rumors surrounding her, what is Mei'er supposed to do? Throughout history, many have taken their own lives due to slander." Lu Wei didn't voice the latter part.

The room fell silent.

Xing Huang shrunk her shoulders. "I-I understand the fear of public opinion. But now, what should we do? We can't just chase them away."

Frustration etched on Lu Wei's face as she rubbed her forehead. "Second Grandma initially thought that Xiaozhu was the one who deceived Mei'er to open the door and then locked it. She didn't expel them, not pushing them to despair. That family should keep quiet about it, considering that if they spoke out, it wouldn't just ruin Mei'er's reputation, but Xiaozhu's too. Their entire family would be ridiculed. After some time, when this matter has completely subsided, Second Grandma would find an excuse to get rid of those who truly can't make it in this household. Then, she would seize the opportunity to send that family far away as well. Who could have known! They're truly beasts!"

Meihong: "Why can't we sell them off from afar right now?"

Lu Wei: "Our household hasn't sold anyone in years. Suddenly selling someone would surely catch the attention of those with ulterior motives. How many have been envious and resentful of Second Aunt's wealth over the years? If they were to be sold all at once, any one of them could lead an intermediary to potential buyers. When their entire family is gathered, it might provoke even greater troubles. Second Aunt isn't afraid of these consequences, but she doesn't want Mei'er's matter to resurface."

Meihong also grew agitated: "Oh, we can't do this, we can't do that – are we just going to let them run rampant in the household?"

Lu Wei lowered her gaze: "That certainly cannot be allowed. Tomorrow morning, I suspect Second Aunt will send that family away."

Xing Huang: "Isn't it said that..."

Lu Wei shook her head slightly.

Hulu's eyes suddenly widened. "Second Auntie wouldn't dare to..." She gestured as if slitting her own throat, implying that only the dead could keep silent.

Xing Huang's pupils trembled. "That can't be done! This... This is against the law!" Even though servants were of a lower status, their masters couldn't just kill them at will. Though the master wouldn't lose their life, they would still face punishment, such as being flogged and fined, leaving a blemish on their reputation.

Lu Wei responded, "If Second Auntie says she won't, then she won't. Perhaps she has thought of another way."

The next morning, before Meng Die could give any orders, Mei'er's family was sent away. The lady of the house, upon rising early, overheard some maids in her chamber gossiping about how Mei'er's younger sister, Xiaozhu, had aspirations higher than her station but a life more fragile than a piece of paper.

Madame Hou was the least tolerant of such idle gossip, especially when it implicated Jia Yi, which made her even more irritated. She immediately ordered that the entire family spreading rumors be expelled.

Nanny Xia was somewhat worried. Madame Hou had instructed to send out the family spreading rumors, but Mei'er's sister-in-law hadn't been involved in gossip, and Mei'er's young niece was only three years old and couldn't possibly have done so either.

"Please, Nanny Xia, my child and I have never spread any rumors. My child and I will return to my natal home and have no further dealings with this family. Can you please let me stay?" Mei'er's sister-in-law pleaded desperately, holding her daughter.

One of the matrons accompanying Nanny Xia whispered discreetly, "Should we ask Second Lady for her opinion?"

Nanny Xia pondered for a moment. "Second Lady is always occupied with major affairs; she wouldn't spare them a second glance. You should secretly visit and see if Miss Lu Wei has any leisure time. If she does, you can ask her about it."

"Alright."

At that moment, Lu Wei had just finished getting ready and was about to head to the manor. Upon hearing the servant's report, she promptly said, "Since her sister-in-law didn't spread any rumors, it's best to let it be. Who knows how much hardship she would have to endure if she were really sent away to live with such a family." Mei'er's escape back then was largely thanks to her sister-in-law, which showed that the woman wasn't entirely bad.

The servant, having received permission, promptly replied, "Miss Lu Wei truly has a kind heart. I'll go back and convey the message immediately."

Lu Wei gave the servant a silver tael as a reward, leaving her beaming with joy.

Nanny Xia, upon receiving Lu Wei's instructions, promptly expelled Mei'er's parents, brother, and sister from the residence. If Lady Hou were to inquire later, it seemed that Second Aunt would have her own explanation. After so long in the household, Nanny Xia had seen through them all. Both First and Second Aunts were responsible individuals, not those who would selfishly keep benefits for themselves while pushing blame onto others when things went wrong.

In a hurry, Lu Wei rushed to the manor to inform Mei'er of the situation, so she wouldn't be affected by any malicious gossip she might hear.

Mei'er was stunned. She never imagined that her parents would disregard even the slightest affection and reveal Jia Yi's embrace. It was clear they were trying to force her into a corner, and she broke down in Lu Wei's arms, weeping bitterly.

Lu Wei shed tears alongside her, unable to comprehend how there could be such parents in the world. Mei'er wasn't an un filial daughter.

After a while, Mei'er managed to calm her sorrow. Her eyes, washed by tears, shimmered brightly: "Sister Lu Wei, Second Aunt said she doesn't rely on her reputation for food. So why should she care about it? Now, I don't rely on my reputation either. What can those gossipy mouths do if they call me a fallen woman or impure? I don't care. Moreover, I've done nothing wrong, and I am upright in my actions. It's not my choice to have such parents."

Lu Wei nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes, you're right. No matter how much others talk, it won't take a piece of flesh from you. The more you care about their words, the more they'll provoke you. But if you remain dignified and unconcerned, they'll eventually stop."

Mei'er wiped away her tears completely. "I must live well, better than those who gossip."

Lu Wei replied, "Exactly. And don't worry, Second Grandma will make sure they won't have an easy time."

Mei'er was urgent. "Second Grandma mustn't dirty her hands with them. I no longer care if they thrive or suffer. From now on, I'll just pretend they no longer exist in my life."

Lu Wei assured, "As long as you can let go and not care, Second Grandma will have no weakness to exploit. Dealing with them will be a piece of cake."

Mei'er's tears turned into a smile.