Chapter 115

Chapter 115

When crate after crate of goods was carried out from Meng Die's workshop, many people could no longer remain calm.

Given the number of workers Meng Die had hired, it was impossible to keep her use of oak silkworm silk to create silk carpets a secret. Many families with existing silk businesses, upon hearing the news, promptly instructed their subordinates to experiment. The results were favorable – one didn't need to weave an entire carpet to understand that oak silkworm silk was perfect for this purpose. A mere sample was enough for experienced silk handlers to recognize its potential.

Almost instantaneously, these people went wild. It was common knowledge across the Great Yi Dynasty how scarce silk had become. These silk carpets, being another silk product, would essentially be a second silk trade once exported – a guaranteed, lucrative business with minimal risk.

In that moment, the hearts of all household heads raced, blood rushing to their heads, making them feel weightless as if floating on clouds. Whoever came up with the idea of weaving oak silkworm silk into carpets was truly a genius! This Meng... this Die! It was like a bucket of cold water had been poured over their heads, instantly freezing their previously fervent hearts.

If not for the scandal involving the cream cake recipe that led to two Censors being dismissed from their posts, men would have viewed Meng Die merely as a shrew with some skill in profiteering. But after that incident, no one dared to underestimate her as an ordinary household woman, especially considering the recent affair involving Shi Huanli.

Almost instantly, the astute ones connected the widespread rumors in the capital to Meng Die's cunning trap for Shi Huanli. Her subtle and stealthy machinations were by no means inferior to those of high-ranking officials or even her own Grand Secretary grandfather.

She was a formidable opponent, and gaining an advantage over her would be no easy task. In a blink of an eye, all the heads of households reached this consensus.

Would they give up just because it was difficult? Absolutely not. In the face of significant profit, they would attempt to challenge her, even if she seemed unyielding. If they couldn't topple her entirely, they would settle for a slice of her lucrative pie.

Initially, they had planned to exploit the mixing of male and female workers in her factory to pressure her into halting production. However, Meng Die's meticulous management separated the genders clearly, leaving them without a viable pretext for their scheme. Thus, they could only wait for any weakness to exploit and seize their chance.

What they didn't expect was that despite Lu Wei being just a maid, she lived up to her reputation as someone capable of litigating and interrogating scholars. She managed the vast factory with an iron grip, and the thousands of female workers were unexpectedly united. Occasionally, when a few disobedient ones emerged, they were exposed almost instantly, rendering their mischief ineffective.

They waited and waited, but no loophole appeared. Instead, they learned of Meng Die's shipment and the Hai family's preparations for overseas trade. These individuals became as restless as ants on a hot pan and started visiting friends and relatives, quickly forming alliances.

The morning after Meng Die's goods were dispatched, an inspector from the Censorate impeached Meng Die. Perhaps due to Meng Die's impressive track record, especially the previous two inspectors who were removed from their posts, the current inspector was not foolish enough to directly confront her.

He adopted a cunning approach, mimicking his department's leader: "Your Majesty, County Princess Meng has constructed a vast compound in the northwest of the capital, recruiting numerous women for work. Initially, it could be dismissed as a temporary endeavor, but now it seems long-term. This humble servant wonders how much she pays these women. If the wages are too low, might there be suspicions of exploiting the people and competing with them for profit?"

The emperor waved his hand dismissively. "It's of no concern. Before Meng Die embarked on this project, she submitted a memorial to the Empress. That place is merely an experimental site."

The censor choked on his words, not daring to provoke the emperor further. It was clear that the emperor's decision could not be swayed, leaving them no choice but to seek alternative means.

With the household members' somber expressions, they connected the dots to the recent imperial decree forbidding the sale or lease of mountain lands. It was almost certain that the emperor intended to intervene in the silk carpet matter as well.

Realizing the emperor's intentions, some individuals accepted their inferiority and abandoned their ambitions, while others, despite knowing the emperor's involvement, remained determined to snatch a share of the profit. However, they shifted their actions to the shadows, avoiding any overt displays.

Upon hearing that an imperial censor had reported her, Meng Die smiled slightly, unfazed by the news.

Ah Xue said, "Second Lady, Manager Fan requests an audience."

Meng Die calculated the dates and realized it was almost time to transport the military provisions. Fan Hong must have received some news. "Let him in."

Fan Hong entered and bowed. "Second Lady, the Ministry of Finance has informed us that this year's harvest is bountiful. The grains were collected early, so it's highly likely that the grain transport will be expedited. We estimate that we'll set off in about five days."

Meng Die nodded. "I understand." She turned to Xing Huang. "Begin preparing the canned goods. Once they're ready, load them directly onto the carts. Also, ask Headman Wang to pack the dried carrots from this summer. They should be delivered to the border along with the rest."

"Okay."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "Do we have enough manpower? When it comes to food items, we must be extra cautious with who we employ."

Xing Huang: "Enough, enough. Now that the oak leaves have withered completely, they're starting to fall in colder regions. The silk farmers are free from their duties."

Meng Die heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good. Most of them are loyal. I'll feel more at ease knowing you're supervising them as they prepare the food. But still, keep a close eye on everyone."

Xing Huang: "Second Lady, don't worry. I'll have Madam Wang personally oversee each step of their work."

Meng Die nodded in approval.

As Xing Huang finished making the various liver preserves, the grain transport team was about to depart. Meng Die handed Fan Hong a letter she had written herself. "You saw those canned goods Xing Huang made, right? Make sure you deliver them personally to your Second Master. Don't allow anyone else to open or tamper with them."

Fan Hong tucked the letter safely into his chest. "Second Aunt, rest assured. I will deliver this letter personally to Second Master."

Meng Die nodded in approval.

After seeing Fan Hong off, Meng Die felt a weight lifted from her heart. She reclined on her soft couch, lost in thought – or perhaps daydreaming.

The success of the silk rug would enable women to step out of their homes and contribute financially, seemingly elevating their status. However, it was only seemingly so. Silk had existed for ages, with the Silk Road as evidence, and it had always brought great wealth to the dynasties. Yet, the plight of young girls and infants had not improved. They were frequently abandoned, and the situation worsened with each passing year. In the previous dynasty, laws had even stripped women of their inheritance rights, giving rise to the term "eating one's way through the family fortune."

Meng Die exhaled deeply. Earning money was certainly beneficial, but true standing depended on more than just financial gain. The root issue behind the vulnerability of young girls and infants lay in the structure of society itself.

In the age of cold steel, could wealth protect a woman? In the heat of real battles, men held an overwhelming advantage. Women might be skilled at making money but were powerless to keep it safe, and their abilities could even make them targets of exploitation.

Now, in this agrarian society, money was merely a means to improve one's living conditions. The most crucial element was food that ensured survival, along with the few, yet essential farming tools. Strength played a significant role in these times.

Farming and warfare were both vital for sustenance, and in these domains, men held a decisive edge. Thus, how could women expect to rise above such circumstances? Even if a female emperor had once ruled in a past dynasty, women's status only slightly improved. After all, without altering the societal structure, the root problem would persist. In times of war and chaos, everything would revert to the beginning, or perhaps even worsen.

Meng Die rubbed her temples, got up from her cushioned seat, and headed to her study. She picked up a pen and began drafting a plan. Changing the societal structure wasn't something that could happen overnight; she could take her time, perhaps even never witness it in her lifetime.

But – in this relatively peaceful era, women who could earn more could indeed transform their living conditions and lifestyles. She could take that first step.

Page after page... In the blink of an eye, Meng Die had written more than ten pages of plans, each filled with neat and meticulous script, occasionally corrected here and there, revealing the writer's dedication.

Only when she finally paused did Meng Die realize her wrist was aching, and her fingertips were numb from the cold.

Xing Huang timely brought a cup of tea. "Quickly, have a warm cup to warm yourself up."

Meng Die took it and drank it all in one go. The warm liquid flowed into her stomach, soothing her limbs and bones, invigorating her entire being.

Looking out the window, Xing Huang said, "It's getting colder. Madam, please let us know before you come to the study next time, so we can light a charcoal brazier beforehand."

Meng Die also looked out the window. It was late autumn, bordering on winter. The tulips in the courtyard had been dug up to be nurtured in sand, and the withered melon vines had been removed, leaving the ground bare. The fruit trees were now shedding their leaves, and a few servants had to sweep them periodically to prevent the leaves from scattering everywhere. Meng Die's lips curled into a smile.

Xing Huang was puzzled.

Meng Die explained, "After destruction comes renewal. I believe that after the cold winter, the fruit tree will bloom with abundant flowers next spring."

Xing Huang giggled, "That's for sure. Not only will our apricot tree burst with blossoms next year, but it will also bear delicious, tangy fruits."

Meng Die laughed heartily, "Xing Huang, send a message to Lu Wei to come back. And there's another task I want you to take care of."

Xing Huang: "What kind of work?"

Meng Die, accompanied by Xing Huang, returns to the bedroom and reclines on the soft couch once more. "Your cooking is delicious. One reason is your sensitive taste buds, and the other is because you've cooked so much, mastering many techniques, right?"

Xing Huang nods eagerly. "Indeed, there's a lot to it. Knowing the right heat for each dish, what seasonings to add, and how much – those are all intricate details."

Meng Die smiles. "You should write a book."

"Ahh!" Xing Huang is speechless. "Second Lady, please spare me. You're asking me to..."

Meng Die interrupted with a smile, "Calm down, listen to me first. I'll tell you how to write it. Start with the seasonings, like ginger to remove fish or meat odor, and star anise and bay leaves – those you're familiar with, right? It shouldn't be too difficult."

Xing Huang clamped her mouth shut.

Meng Die sighed and rubbed her forehead, "Alright, I know you don't enjoy writing. Yang Jia's two sisters and Mu Qing are currently learning to read and write, aren't they? You can dictate to them, and they can write it down."

Xing Huang's face lit up in delight.

Meng Die playfully glared at her, and Xing Huang giggled foolishly.

Meng Die continued, "Record where these spices are produced and what kind of climate they need for growth. If you don't know, leave a blank space. I'll have someone inquire about it later and fill it in. After the spices, write down recipes, but not those elaborate dishes. Just the everyday meals, and include any cooking tips you know. Also, mention where each dish originated, similar to how we note the origin of a particular plant."

Xing Huang became enthusiastic, "That's a great idea! I can jot down all my cooking secrets. This way, others won't need me to teach them step by step; they can simply learn from the book." As she spoke, her brow furrowed, "But wait, that's not right, Second Lady. Most women who cook don't know how to read. Even if I write this book for them, they won't be able to understand it!"

Meng Die replied, "That's my concern. You just focus on writing."

Xing Huang nodded, "Alright then."

Turning to Meihong, Meng Die asked, "Is your skill in repairing jewelry a unique technique? Are there any tricks involved?"

Xing Huang pointed to the space beside her, and Meihong sat down next to her. "My jewelry-making skills aren't any secret art; anyone can learn them by apprenticing at a silver shop. But I suppose Second Grandma wants these tricks so they can be passed on to ordinary folks?"

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

Meihong continued, "Think about it, Second Grandma. Ordinary women don't have much jewelry, and if they do, it's not intricate or made of high-quality materials. If it breaks, who would fix it?"

Meng Die put a hand to her forehead. "I did forget that." Having grown up with an abundance of fine clothes and jewelry, and with servants who also had some trinkets due to their status, she hadn't considered this. In the world of her dreams, it was even more so – in that world, cheap and sparkling hair clips and pretty hairpins could be bought for just a few dollars, affordable even to children.

Meihong pressed her point further. "I think it would be better to teach hair-styling instead. Every woman, and even men, need to comb their hair."

Meng Die waved her hand dismissively. "This is your means of livelihood; how could you teach it to others casually? Wouldn't that be like teaching a disciple to surpass the master?"

Meihong giggled. "Not at all. Just like Sister Xing Huang taught me cooking, holding my hand through every step. Although the dishes I make now taste better than before, they still can't compare to Sister Xing Huang's skills. The teacher can guide, but the practice and improvement lie with the individual. Even if everyone learns, the final outcome will still be different."

Xing Huang nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes."

Meng Die's brows relaxed into a smile. "I was too focused on appearances. You're right. The teacher can introduce the way, but the individual's cultivation is what truly matters. Gaining shortcuts can indeed enhance one's skills compared to before, and that's a good thing."

Xing Huang and Meihong burst into laughter together.

Hulu sighed dramatically. "Seems like I'm the only fool here, without any skills at all."

Xing Huang rose and moved closer to her. "Oh, oh, oh! Stop that. Without Sister Lu Wei here, the entire household of Second Grandma would be in chaos if not for you. Remember, Second Grandma once mentioned something about you – oh, what was it again?"

Meng Die chuckled at Xing Huang's pleading gaze. "She called you a versatile management genius. A rare find indeed."

Xing Huang nodded eagerly, like a garlic clove being pounded. "That's it!"

Meng Die turned to Hulu. "Your words just reminded me of something. Your father is a carpenter, right? Could there be similar tricks in his trade, perhaps? Something about the know-how for making everyday furniture for common folk?"

Hulu: "Indeed, there are plenty. Apart from the masters, there are numerous servants in the household. Furniture gets damaged quite often, and most of the time, they just ask my father to fix them before using them again."

Servants in the estate also had their hierarchical ranks, with only a few enjoying real respect. Most lived modest lives, cherishing every table and chair, unwilling to discard them unless absolutely necessary.

Meng Die was quite pleased: "Alright then, when you return home, ask your father and write down his methods. Xing Huang, fetch Hulu twenty taels of silver from the chest."

Hulu was startled: "Oh no, Second Lady, please don't. These aren't any secret techniques; how could I accept a reward for it?"

Meng Die: "Take it. Though not a unique skill, it's the result of years of practical experience, and that is invaluable."

Xing Huang pressed the silver ingot into Hulu's embrace, saying gently, "Just keep it."

Hulu accepted the silver coins, saying, "I shall first express my father's gratitude for Second Mistress's generosity."

Meng Die propped her chin in her hand, pondering further. "One of you should visit Nurse Fan and relay this matter to her. Ask her to find time to consult Master Mountain about the dyeing issue. We don't need formulas used by proper dye workshops; just something simple that common folk can use to dye their cloth black or blue on their own. Make sure to note the origin of any required ingredients."

Xing Huang offered eagerly, "I'll go. I'll also visit Sister Lu Wei. Don't worry, Second Grandmama, I'll make sure everything is clear."

Meng Die pondered further and decided that matters concerning the selection of colors and embroidery designs could be left to Xue Qing's expertise. However, she was aware that even Xue Qing wasn't versed in every stitching technique. With this in mind, Meng Die then instructed Hulu to consult with Su Jin, whose embroidery skills were renowned as being among the top three within the entire Marquis's residence.

Hulu accepted the task with delight. On paper, she was officially a second-class maid in the household, but in reality, everyone, from top to bottom, treated her as more than that. They all knew that when Lu Wei was absent, Hulu took charge of all matters in Meng Die's courtyard, and it was no secret that Meng Die secretly provided her with additional compensation, equal to what the first-class maids received. Now, when she ventured out to speak or handle affairs, people naturally treated her as a first-class maid.

Su Jin, upon hearing this, readily agreed. Being illiterate and unable to write, she would often visit Meng Die's quarters and dictate to Wan'er and the others. Their interactions were always harmonious.

That same evening, Lu Wei returned after receiving the message: "Second Lady, what's the matter?"

Meng Die replied, "It concerns the embroidery work. Currently, we have a rule that they work for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, with a break to return home at noon. This schedule suited the summer well, as the sun rises early and sets late, and the heat at noon makes a midday rest necessary. However, autumn and winter are different; the sun sets earlier, and if they take a noon break, they'll need to work under candlelight to complete their four-hour shift, or else they won't fulfill their quota."

Lu Wei nodded repeatedly. "Yes, I've been thinking about this too. In the initial agreement, we promised a minimum of four hours of work per day. Previously, I allowed them to work extra hours for extra pay. But with the days growing shorter, they're barely reaching four hours now, so I've stopped allowing overtime. Many have complained that their earnings this month will be reduced. If you hadn't brought it up today, I would have mentioned it in a couple of days. If needed, we can light candles to extend their working hours."

Meng Die dismissed the idea: "A candle's light can never rival the sun, and the smoke irritates the eyes, not to mention leaving an odor on the silk. Most importantly, with so many people, there would be great concerns about fire safety. Even a tiger dozes off sometimes; what if something happened?"

Lu Wei was speechless.

Meng Die proposed, "How about this? During the late autumn and winter months, we provide them with lunch at noon, so they don't need to go home for their afternoon rest. This way, they'll surely work for four full hours each day without needing candles. It's perfect, isn't it?"

Lu Wei hesitated, "Some women have the support of their mothers-in-law at home, but others don't. They usually wake up early to prepare meals, use their afternoon rest time to cook lunch, and finish dinner after work in the evening, barely affecting their household chores. If they don't have that afternoon break now..."

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Meng Die's lips, a hidden meaning in her eyes.

Lu Wei came to a complete halt, her eyes gradually widening. "Second Aunt did this on purpose!"

Meng Die lowered her voice. "Yes, I did it on purpose. It's reasonable for men to work outside and provide for the family, while women take care of the household chores like cooking and cleaning – that's the traditional division of roles."

Lu Wei interjected, "Nowadays, both men and women earn money to support the family. Why should only women be responsible for cooking? The workload should be shared equally."

Meng Die smiled, nodding. "We'll start implementing this rule from the beginning of next month. You go back and tell them about it first. We're not unreasonable; if anyone finds it too difficult to manage, they can leave by the end of the month. If they let us know now, we can start looking for replacements."

Lu Wei replied, "Hmm. I suppose we'll need to hire quite a few more people. Many men simply haven't cooked a meal before."

Meng Die held a different opinion: "Not necessarily. Those who genuinely quit cooking are extremely rare. Men don't usually cook; there are countless small eateries and food stalls in the capital, right? In the short term, they might settle for a quick lunch, but in the long run, it becomes too expensive, so they'll eventually consider cooking for themselves. Or if they have young daughters, they'll make their girls cook."

Lu Wei frowned. "So it's still women doing the cooking."

Meng Die shook her head. "A girl is a girl, but have you forgotten Shi Huanli's case? Many girls are abandoned, yet how many families put in their best effort to find them? And those who discard their daughters – isn't it because they see them as burdens? If these girls had proper tasks at home, do you think their parents would care? For many girls, working isn't a problem; what matters most is their right to survive. Only when they survive can they aspire for a better life. Otherwise, without the chance to live or being forced into a life of prostitution at a young age, how can they even talk about living well?"

Lu Wei nodded. "I understand now. For our public statement, let's stick to what Second Aunt initially suggested: candles aren't needed in the morning or evening, the midday sun is ample, and we provide an extra lunch. No one can criticize us for that."

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

Upon returning, Lu Wei promptly shared the new regulation with all the female workers. The workshop buzzed with activity and chatter as they discussed the recent rule change while engaged in their tasks.

Among the multitude of women laborers, there were indeed some, like Master Xia's husband and father-in-law, who were considerate enough to start preparing meals early for their wives. However, the majority were content to wait for their womenfolk to finish their daily chores before tending to their own meals. Work is an equitable matter; whoever does it bears the fatigue. Those willing to work diligently and endure exhaustion are but a minority, while the vast majority prefer to rest when they can.

There are also men who simply lack the notion altogether, following in their elders' footsteps, believing that cooking and doing laundry are inherently women's duties.

Lu Wei wandered through the rooms, eavesdropping on their conversations. A sense of relief washed over her; apart from the concern over cooking arrangements, there were very few genuine objections to her new regulations. Second Grandma had presented her arguments logically and convincingly – indeed, no one could offer a counterpoint.

As Meng Die had anticipated, the wages here were indeed too generous, an irresistible prospect for someone in poverty. In the end, she did not resign.

Amidst the women and their families, each demonstrated their skills. Of course, it was expected for the elders to involve their younger granddaughters in the chores. A simple lunch would suffice, especially now that times were better and everyone contributed to the work. In the past, people only had two meals a day.

Some men, who initially lacked domestic abilities, found their way when pressured into this situation. They readily accepted the responsibility of cooking. Poverty didn't allow for many etiquettes; earning money was the priority.

There were also the idle or those concerned with their reputation who began eating their lunches at roadside stalls and small taverns in the capital city. They would even buy extra food to take home for their children. Suddenly, business at these establishments in the western district boomed significantly.

Meng Die settled everyone's arrangements before diving back into her work. This time, she focused on writing pinyin. Grateful to the scholars of the dream world like Lu Zangzhang and Zhou Youguang, the invention of pinyin was, in Meng Die's eyes, another milestone in human civilization. It made learning characters much easier and facilitated standardized pronunciation – truly a divine innovation.

After writing down the pinyin, she separated the initial and final sounds and marked the tones. Taking advantage of her momentum, Meng Die composed a pinyin version of "Three Hundred Characters for Beginners," writing each stroke meticulously. If there were mass printings in the future, her edition would serve as a template.