Chapter 116

Chapter 116

While Meng Die was striving, Li Ai was doing the same.

It was either fate playing a trick or coincidence, but every time Fan Hong and Steward Zheng arrived in the past, Li Ai had been present. This time, however, with something special for her, Meng Die instructed Fan Hong to deliver it personally to Li Ai. Yet, when Fan Hong arrived, Li Ai was nowhere to be found.

The guards were already familiar with the routine. Even in Li Ai's absence, they jovially asked Steward Zheng what he had brought this time. Upon finding something of interest, they would unseal the packages and help themselves without any hesitation. They behaved as if they were one of their own, and Steward Zheng did not object, watching them with a smile as they took what they wanted.

When it came to Fan Hong's turn, these guards finally showed some restraint and decorum. They understood that these items were prepared by Meng Die, and there was a distinct difference between gifts from a wife and those from a mother.

However, their composure didn't last long before they revealed their true selves. Their eyes fixated on the carriages, and someone finally couldn't resist asking, "Supervisor Fan, what did Second Lady bring for the Chief this time?"

Fan Hong chuckled in response, "The main items are still sugar and sheepskin, both very practical."

As they gazed at the carriages stretching beyond the courtyard, they swallowed hard. "Supervisor Fan, is it all sugar and sheepskin?" Goodness gracious, how much sugar and sheepskin could that be?

The canned goods were packed in porcelain containers, which were more eye-catching and prone to damage during the bumpy journey. Fan Hong had wrapped these porcelain boxes with sheepskin, mixing them together so that they wouldn't draw attention while ensuring the maximum protection of the porcelain.

Fan Hong glanced at the sheepskin-laden carriage and ambiguously said, "There are also some other items."

"What's inside here?!"

"It's made of porcelain, isn't it? There must be something valuable inside."

"Oh, it's indeed porcelain! What could it possibly contain that requires such delicate ware?"

"Look at you all being so impressed. This isn't some exquisite porcelain; there aren't even any patterns on it."

"Well, it's still porcelain. Back in my hometown, we used to eat from earthenware bowls."

"Not bad, Tao's. I only have wooden bowls. My mother worries about my clumsiness, fearing I might drop and break them."

"Chief Eunuch Fan, what's inside these boxes? Can we open one to take a look?"

Perhaps due to the perceived value of porcelain, most of these soldiers, coming from humble backgrounds, didn't dare to open them without permission.

Hearing their inquiry, Fan Hong's previously heightened anxiety subsided slightly. "Those are special items prepared by Second Madam for Second Master. It's best to wait for his return before opening them."

Upon learning that the items were specially prepared by the man's wife, the soldiers carefully placed the porcelain boxes back in their original positions. They exchanged knowing glances, each one guessing the significance behind the contents.

Initially, everyone thought it was a thoughtful gift, but upon seeing Fan Hong eat his dinner outside the carriage without entering the house to sleep, they realized that the contents must be of utmost importance. Otherwise, Chief Steward Fan wouldn't be guarding it so closely.

The gifts from the Marquis Yongyi's residence always garnered the highest level of attention. Upon learning this news, Marquis Yongwei lowered his gaze and remained silent for a long while. After some time, he summoned his personal squad leader. "Take a few reliable men to assist in keeping an eye on the situation over there, but make sure not to arouse suspicion."

"Yes, sir."

After dismissing his subordinate, Marquis Yongwei tapped his fingers slowly on the table. The alcohol that Meng Die had sent previously had initially tempted him to sneak a taste when Li Ai was away fighting battles or attending to official duties. Cough, cough – of course, he never succeeded. Soon enough, everyone discovered that using alcohol to clean wounds was excruciatingly painful, yet it significantly reduced the likelihood of infection and pus formation. It was far more effective than the high-proof alcohol in the military camp. Back then, not only did no one dare to steal a drink, but they all instinctively treated the alcohol as if it were their most precious possession.

Now, with Fan Hong treating the item like the apple of his eye, Marquis Yongwei was almost certain that it contained vital strategic resources. Otherwise, considering Meng Die's generous nature, she wouldn't be so cautious.

One of Li Ai's personal guards, Yue He, approached Fan Hong: "Steward Fan, it's getting late. Our leader probably won't return tonight. You should go in and rest."

Fan Hong smiled. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm not tired yet. If I get weary, I'll take a break right here."

Yue He scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. "Steward Fan, don't worry. No one will sneak a look at what's inside. Just go back to sleep. If you're still anxious, you can sleep while I leave two others here to keep watch."

Fan Hong replied, "I know nobody would secretly come over. Grandmother Two repeatedly exhorted me before departure to ensure the item is delivered to Second Master. Having given my word, I must fulfill my duty."

With Meng Die's matter mentioned, Yue He didn't press further and turned back to his quarters.

Manager Zheng heard before his bedtime that Fan Hong and his men hadn't entered the house at all, but had remained by the carriage instead. "Old Fan, what did Second Lady prepare?"

Fan Hong continued to evade the question. "I'm not too sure either. She just instructed me to hand it over personally to Second Master, not allowing anyone else to touch it."

Manager Zheng rubbed his hands together. "It gets bitterly cold here at night. Spending the whole night outside like this would be unbearable. How about this – we switch shifts, each of us guarding for half the night."

Fan Hong shook his head immediately. "It's fine. I'll have someone fetch a few thick blankets shortly. I've also got quite a few sheepskins here; we can light a fire and stay warm."

Just then, Yue He, who had just entered the house, led several soldiers out with numerous leather tents, thick quilts, and large wooden planks. "It gets particularly chilly here at night. Chief Steward Fan, you should take care. I'll go heat up some water for you."

Fan Hong: "No rush. Someone has just kindly provided us with a pot." Not only for him, but also for everyone he brought along who was guarding the convoy. Seeing that they hadn't left the group, the soldiers took good care of them.

"Alright then, I'll make sure to fill another pot of hot water for you before I sleep," Yue He readily agreed.

Manager Zheng glanced at the carriages in the moonlight. "Why don't we choose a few trustworthy people to unload the items inside the house? It would make things easier for you."

Fan Hong hesitated but still shook his head. "We're unsure where Young Master Two plans to store these items. If we move them to the wrong place, what if it's not where he intended? They're made of porcelain and could easily break during transportation."

Manager Zheng realized the logic and turned to ask Yue He, "Where has our Young Master Two gone? Is it convenient to mention?"

Yue He grinned. "What's there not to say? Our entire military camp is abuzz with rumors that the allied forces from Mongolia have shown unusual movements. They've realized that they haven't gained any advantage after battling us for so many years. Moreover, seeing their kin prospering from trading with us, some are said to be considering retreating."

Manager Zheng and Fan Hong's eyes lit up simultaneously. They chorused, "They're planning to retreat?"

Yue He scratched his head. "That's what they're saying. Then, the son of a leader from Mongolia was killed, and they're blaming us for it."

The smiles on Manager Zheng and Fan Hong's faces froze. Manager Zheng huffed, "Such an incident occurs just as they want to retreat. It seems someone doesn't want the Mongols to withdraw their troops."

Yue He shrugged. "Probably. But the idea of retreating was just a rumor to begin with."

Fan Hong: "What about Second Master?"

Yue He: "Marquis Yongwei and the other commanders all agreed that we would own up to anything we've done. But we can't take the blame for something we didn't do. Regarding this matter, Second Master went as an envoy to the enemy camp to argue with them."

"Second Master went to the enemy camp?!" Manager Zheng's voice was so loud it echoed in people's ears.

Yue He: "Yes, he only took a few men with him."

Manager Zheng and Fan Hong: ... Earlier that day, they were already puzzled about why so many of Second Master's personal guards remained behind when he left for battle. Now they realized he had gone as an envoy.

Now that he didn't have to keep watch, Manager Zheng couldn't fall asleep. Though it was commonly said that envoys were not to be harmed during wartime between two countries, what if – just what if – something went wrong? He was venturing deep into enemy territory, much like entering the lair of a tiger. A flurry of golden sparks danced before Manager Zheng's eyes, and he felt utterly uneasy.

Fan Hong's mind was abuzz as well, recalling the time when Meng Die first married into the Marquis's residence. So many people had ridiculed her for essentially marrying a dead man, branding her a widow from the onset. The more he thought about it, the paler his face became.

Yue He regretted his decision to speak the truth upon witnessing their reactions. Perhaps he should have kept silent.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Fan Hong and Steward Zheng both sported dark circles under their eyes, looking utterly exhausted. They spent their days kneeling to the sky, muttering incoherently. Whenever a soldier happened upon them, they would be grilled with questions, leaving the soldiers so terrified that they avoided the duo, keeping a safe distance from the convoy.

Inadvertently, their actions created a vacuum in the procession, leaving the deeply concealed spies within the military camp helpless and unable to intervene. It was an unexpected stroke of luck, much like planting willows without intention and still reaping a lush shade.

On the fourth day of their arrival, in the midst of noon, cheers echoed from afar. The weary duo exchanged glances, both revealing confusion in their eyes. Manager Zheng said, "I think I heard laughter and merriment?"

No sooner had he finished his sentence when another overwhelming surge of cheers reverberated outside, seemingly closer this time, with the voices distinctly audible.

Manager Zheng's heart skipped a beat. "I'll go outside and check. Maybe Second Master has returned."

Fan Hong nodded repeatedly.

Before he could rush out, soldiers dashed in from outside, shouting as they ran, "Manager Zheng, Chief Manager Fan, Second Master has returned."

Manager Zheng halted in his tracks, his eyes widening in astonishment, his face contorted with a mix of surprise and joy. "Truly? Second Master has returned? Safely returned?"

The soldier nodded eagerly. "Yes, he's back, and unharmed. He's headed to the command tent now, should be back soon."

Manager Zheng turned around to see Fan Hong with a stern expression, addressing the guards overseeing the convoy. "Stay alert, everyone! Second Master is back. We can't afford any incidents at this moment. Just hold on a little longer, and we'll all have a peaceful night's rest tonight."

Manager Zheng glanced at Fan Hong and was thoroughly impressed. Overwhelmed by the news of Second Master's return, he had momentarily forgotten about the convoy. This was a chaotic time, and if someone were to take advantage of the situation, their efforts of the past few days would have been in vain.

Within the marquis's residence, most people were gathered outside. Inside the house, only Marquis Yongwei, Li Ai, and a select few high-ranking military officers were present.

Li Ai was in high spirits. Marquis Yongwei scrutinized him carefully, ensuring that he was unharmed, with all his limbs intact. Relieved, he said, "Well then?"

Li Ai smiled and replied, "Khan Zhuo Yan did not explicitly say he trusts us, but..." Pausing for a moment, Li Ai continued, "When I led the group back, there were ambushers from Musu. Khan Zhuo Yan sent men to escort us, claiming that in times of war, envoys should not be harmed. He wants to take revenge openly."

"Haha..." Marquis Yongwei laughed heartily. "Excellent, Changfeng. Well done."

The other generals also burst into laughter. It was clear that Khan Zhuo Yan had believed their narrative and learned the truth about his son's death. Now, all they needed to do in the Great Yi Dynasty was sit back and watch the conflict unfold like an observer on a hillside. Even if Khan Zhuo Yan did not turn against Musu, their alliance would surely crumble. Without the aid of the Mongols, Musu would soon be defeated by the Great Yi Dynasty, and Marquis Yongwei was confident in this.

After the laughter subsided, he lowered his voice and said, "Hurry back. Your niece has brought you something special."

Someone interjected, "Yes, Fan Hong was watching like his life depended on it."

Recalling the secret signal they shared during their last communication, Li Ai's face lit up with joy as he nodded eagerly, disregarding the curious onlookers. He strode away swiftly towards his residence.

Upon Li Ai's return, he was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome from the soldiers. They surrounded him, cheering and laughing loudly. After some lighthearted banter, Li Ai managed to break free from their circle and approached the convoy. The crowd then swarmed around the vehicles.

"Captain, Second Aunt specially prepared something for you. Quickly, take a look!"

"Chief Manager Fan has been guarding here for days. You should see what it is."

...

Fan Hong bowed to Li Ai and drew out Meng Die's letter from his chest. "Second Master, this is a personal letter from Second Lady."

By presenting the letter first, Fan Hong was indicating that Li Ai should read it. Li Ai understood and took the envelope, opening it with care.

Putting down the letter, Li Ai glanced around at the soldiers whose eyes were as round as copper bells, somewhat speechless. "Well, why do you all want to see everything? Do you even want to read the letter my wife sent me?" Without hesitation, he booted everyone away from him.

"Aww!" A chorus of jeers echoed.

Unfazed by the commotion, Li Ai even raised an eyebrow provocatively at the crowd, eliciting louder jeers and countless middle fingers.

Unfurling the letter, he recognized the handwriting and couldn't help but curve his lips in a smile. "Bai Shan, Yue He, Ling Fei, Wu Heng, you four lead your teams to carry all these items to the room next to mine – the one where we store the alcohol. This time, there's more alcohol, so move it all as well. If it doesn't fit, send it straight to my quarters."

"Yes, Sir."

With Li Ai's directive, the soldiers dispersed, clearing the area and restoring order promptly.

To conceal the true contents, Li Ai deliberately added, "These items are quite delicate and excellent for nourishing the body. Handle them with extra care, ensuring the lids don't get displaced. Once everything is moved, I'll treat you all to a taste as a reward."

The crowd instantly perked up, whistling in appreciation. "Thanks, boss!"

Li Ai chuckled and scolded, "You ungrateful lot!"

There were a total of five thousand two hundred porcelain boxes. Among them, five thousand contained chicken, pork, and sheep livers, while two hundred were filled with deceptive sweet syrup cans. Xing Huang had marked them all, and Meng Die had detailed everything in her letter.

After watching the soldiers carry them away, Li Ai picked out fifty of the syrup cans, carefully noting their marks. "The contents of these are delicious, especially for the wounded. Each of you can have a taste."

The soldiers eagerly swarmed forward, clumsily snatching away the fifty boxes. Li Ai had to yell again, "Be careful with them! We'll have to return those porcelain boxes next year. If any get damaged, you'll regret it."

"Got it, got it."

"Boss, you're even more naggy than my mother." With that, the fellow darted into the crowd.

Li Ai's nose almost twisted in anger, and she huffed indignantly.

Fan Hong and Manager Zheng held back their laughter, their faces turning crimson from the effort.

Li Ai glanced at them and said, "These vexing creatures, if you want to laugh, go ahead."

Fan Hong and Steward Zheng burst into laughter.

Li Ai was speechless. "Wait, you're actually laughing?"

At this, the two of them chuckled even more heartily.

Li Ai fetched another two cans of syrup from inside and clutched them in his arms as he rushed to the Marquis Yongwei's residence.

The Marquis Yongwei was eagerly awaiting him. Upon seeing Li Ai, his eyes lit up. "Sit down quickly. I've already sent away all the unnecessary personnel. What on earth did my niece's wife bring you this time?"

Li Ai placed the porcelain box on his desk and sat down on the chair beside him. "This contains a sweet syrup, just to deceive others." He then whispered, "The real item is said to cure night blindness."

Marquis Yongwei's eyes widened as he barely managed to keep his voice steady. "Cure night blindness?"

Li Ai nodded affirmatively.

Unable to contain his excitement, Marquis Yongwei stood up and paced around. "This... This night blindness has always been a mysterious ailment. Nobody knows if they'll be afflicted or not. Sometimes, one family member sees clearly at night while another doesn't. Isn't it commonly believed that this is a natural condition? Can it really be treated?"

Li Ai shrugged. "I'm not sure if it can be cured, but I trust her."

Marquis Yongwei gazed at Li Ai in silence for a moment, truly wanting to hand her a mirror to see her own expression. When she spoke of trust, the sharpness in his tiger-like eyes had transformed into shimmering starlight, turning him into a tame house cat.

Lost in thought for an instant, Marquis Yongwei cleared his throat lightly. "How is this supposed to be used?"

Speaking of which, Li Ai's gaze wandered slightly. "She instructed that it be made into something edible."

"Edible?" Marquis Yongwei was utterly speechless. What was there to ponder about? Regardless of whether it could cure illnesses or not, they might as well consume it.

Reading Marquis Yongwei's expression, Li Ai touched her nose. "Also, she mentioned in her letter that ordinary carrots can treat night blindness. She wasn't sure if the dried ones would still be effective, but she sent quite a number of them over as well."

Marquis Yongwei's eyes lit up with understanding. "Carrots can cure this? No wonder it varies among families; some have this issue while others don't."

In those days, commoners typically consumed rough rice, which was hard and lacked tooth-friendly elements. As a result, many people had poor dental health, leading to a preference for soft foods. Carrots were too hard to eat raw and required excessive firewood when cooked, explaining why they never became a staple vegetable in this land despite being introduced by Hu Shang from Zhao country.

Li Ai also chuckled. "I truly didn't expect that. No wonder this problem is less prevalent in wealthier households. She even sent some seeds, so we can cultivate them ourselves."

Marquis Yongwei nodded vigorously. "Your niece-in-law has thought of everything." He then couldn't resist asking, "Did you mention the spies in the military camp to her?"

Li Ai gazed at Marquis Yongwei pensively. "Don't you know what I write in my letters?"

Marquis Yongwei choked, realizing he had overlooked this crucial point. "My niece-in-law is well-versed indeed, her talents are remarkable."

Li Ai bared his teeth playfully. "I told you, she comes from an esteemed scholarly family. Her father was a top scholar; naturally, she possesses great knowledge and skills."

Marquis Yongwei waved his hands dismissively. "Off with you." He couldn't bear to look at the triumphant expression on Li Ai's face.

Li Ai's lips twitched. Could you please not hold onto both cans of sweet syrup as you tell me to leave!

Swiftly, Marquis Yongwei and Li Ai agreed on the plan outlined in the letter. They selected five thousand elite soldiers suffering from night blindness and provided them with porcelain boxes containing food for each meal. They also chose some to consume dried carrots. Li Ai personally picked a prime piece of land to cultivate carrots once the spring arrived next year.

Marquis Yongwei and Li Ai had made their arrangements, while Fan Hong and Manager Zheng were sound asleep, oblivious to the world. They rested for two full days before they regained their energy and bid farewell to Li Ai.

As usual, Li Ai gave each of them an envelope. The one for Manager Zheng contained letters for his grandparents and parents, while the one for Fan Hong was still meant solely for Meng Die.

By now, the grain supervisor had left, and Fan Hong and Manager Zheng were familiar with the route. Confident in their ability to travel alone, they even discussed detouring to some bustling provincial capitals like Yangzhou and Suzhou to see if there were any novelty items they could bring back for everyone's amusement. However, they agreed that it would be wise to send a letter to their master first to avoid causing any worry.

Upon receiving Fan Hong's letter about his plans to visit places like Yangzhou, Meng Die was not worried; she was actually quite pleased. Traveling around would broaden his horizons, which was better than being confined and unprogressive.

Little Jade entered, lifting the curtain, "Second Lady, Sister Xue Qing has sent over some handwritten notes on color coordination. I think they might reveal some secrets to creating harmonious palettes."

Meng Die took the pages and examined them. "Excellent."

In recent days, the fathers of Xing Huang, Xue Qing, Meihong, and Hulu had all submitted some handwritten manuscripts. Meng Die reviewed each one, broadening her horizons in the process. She realized that beneath the seemingly ordinary lives lay numerous hidden tricks.

Organizing these writings, Meng Die pondered how to compile them into a book. Then, she planned to seize an opportune moment to present her proposal for establishing a school...

"Second Lady, something's happened, something major!" Before Feng Nanny appeared, her voice echoed through the room.

Meng Die set aside the manuscripts and looked at Feng Nanny, who was panting with sweat. "What has happened?"

Nanny Fan moved closer to Meng Die and whispered, "Count Yongping's residence has been surrounded by troops sent by Lord Fu, the Inspector General of the Nine Gates."

"Ahh!" Meng Die sprang up. "What happened?"

Nanny Fan's voice sank even lower. "Yue Guan just delivered a message. It seems that Count Yongping's household was involved in smuggling, not just trading in semi-prohibited goods like tea, but actual contraband – weapons."

Meng Die sat back down in her chair. "This is sheer folly!"

Nanny Fan huffed. "Nothing is surprising when it comes to a gambling addict."

"Ah, why has Sister Thousand Layers come? Please, do come in."

Meng Die regained her composure as Nurse Fan wiped the sweat from her brow, returning to her usual demeanor.

Thousand Layers lifted the curtain and entered. "Second Lady, the Marquis Yongyi and the Dowager have requested your presence."

Meng Die acknowledged, "I understand. I'll be there right away."

Thousand Layers returned to relay the message. Meng Die tidied herself up, donning her Hulu green attire, and hurried to the main residence. It seemed that Marquis Yongyi had also received news.