Chapter 131

Chapter 131

The entire military camp was bustling with excitement, akin to the atmosphere during the Chinese New Year. When Xing Huang's carriage arrived, the soldiers ran around joyfully, spreading the news that the master chef had come, and they would finally have better food.

Of course, it was impossible for Xing Huang to cook for the thousands of soldiers all by herself. She prepared a few dishes for the commander and the officers, while guiding the cooks on how to prepare meals for the ordinary soldiers. She also instructed the cooks on how to make some braised meats, arranging for them to braise pig heads, chicken heads, and chicken feet overnight, which would be perfect for consumption the next morning.

The cooks felt a bit awkward. "Miss Xing Huang, you're just telling me the recipe like this? And there are so many people around here with curious eyes. Wouldn't it be better if you went into the tent to prepare the ingredients yourself?"

Understanding their intentions, Xing Huang smiled. "This is just a common recipe for braised meat, nothing too special. Not only you, but anyone who wants to learn can feel free to do so. After the war, whether you open a food stall or cook for your family, this skill will come in handy."

"Oh my, Miss Xing Huang, how could we accept such generosity?"

"In our hometown, your recipe would be worth a fortune, perhaps even several hundred taels of silver."

"Several hundred taels? You must be dreaming. In our village, this recipe would be cherished as a family heirloom, ensuring generations never have to worry about food and drink."

Xing Huang giggled. "You're exaggerating. It's just a common braised meat recipe. First, you boil it vigorously, then switch to a gentle fire. Before you sleep at night, remove the firewood and let it simmer. In the morning, it'll be ready to eat."

"Ah, I see."

By midnight, the entire military camp was enveloped in the delectable aroma of braised meat, stirring the drowsy soldiers from their slumber. "How fragrant!" Following the scent, they rushed to the kitchen... only to be chased away by the cooks wielding giant ladles for two miles, deterring any further attempts at stealing food.

For the first time, the soldiers eagerly wished for night to pass swiftly. The smell was irresistible; it seemed to awaken every craving within them.

Unaware of this new amusement in the camp, Xing Huang continued her daily routine of preparing dishes for the officers each morning and imparting cooking tips to the camp cooks. As a result, the cooks' culinary skills soared, dampening the soldiers' anticipation for the upcoming feast that rewarded the entire army.

Despite the diminished expectations, three days after the troops returned, the grand feast took place as scheduled, with an unprecedented twist. Usually, only the commanders would enter the palace to attend the banquet. This time, the emperor issued a special decree stating that he and the empress would both be in attendance, and the wives of the commanders, if they were in the capital, were also invited. The reason behind this rule was quite transparent.

Upon hearing the imperial edict, many couldn't help but marvel at home. Meng Die truly was a remarkable woman. No wonder such sayings had emerged in the capital: "A wife like a shrew, what more could a husband desire?" Now, the term "shrew" was almost a compliment.

On the grand day, the palace dispatched numerous servants early on to deliver an abundance of meats to the military camp. The chefs sent from the Imperial Kitchen swiftly led their apprentices to work diligently at the large stoves.

The generals, dressed in their finest attire, were escorted by palace attendants into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where they took their designated seats. The emperor and empress arrived punctually at the auspicious hour. All rose to pay their respects.

The emperor's face radiated with health: "My beloved ministers, you may be seated."

Everyone sat down again as the emperor raised his cup: "This first toast is to the enduring prosperity of our Great Yi Dynasty, may it last for thousands upon thousands of years."

In unison, they held their cups aloft and echoed, "To the enduring prosperity of our Great Yi Dynasty, may it last for thousands upon thousands of years."

Next came the second cup, offered by the Emperor in honor of the fallen spirits who perished in battle. The third cup was a tribute to the bravery of the soldiers whose unwavering determination led to the defeat of their foes and the attainment of peaceful times.

After the third cup, the Emperor picked up his chopsticks, signaling for everyone to begin their meal. They took a few modest bites to stave off hunger, and then the Emperor excused himself, leaving the main event to the numerous generals.

With the Emperor and Empress gone, the atmosphere relaxed among those remaining, who started engaging in conversation with their closer acquaintances. However, they were still mindful of being within the palace walls, so their discussions remained restrained. Most eyes, however, lingered curiously on Meng Die.

Unfazed by the attention, Meng Die maintained her composure. In life, one must never neglect good food. She couldn't help but commend the imperial chef – their culinary skills were truly remarkable. And she decided that in the next couple of days, she would find an opportunity to speak with Li Ai about certain matters that could be delayed no longer.

Satiated from the exquisite feast, the guests orderly exited under the guidance of the palace attendants. Upon entering her carriage, Meng Die exhaled deeply. The food had been delicious, but the rules were plentiful. To her, adhering to the protocols of the palace was akin to undergoing torture – oh, yes, cruel and unusual punishment indeed.

By the time they arrived at Marquis Yongyi's residence, it was already dusk, and Hulu supported Meng Die as they alighted from the carriage. On the other side, Li Ai dismounted his horse with a similar grace. Observing Li Ai's descent, Meng Die finally realized that something was amiss with him. No, she had actually noticed his unusual behavior back in the palace, but she had attributed it to his upbringing. Now, outside the palace walls, she was certain that it was more than just a matter of manners.

No one is so impeccable in their manners at home that not a single gesture goes amiss; often, such flawless behavior itself becomes the most telling giveaway. Meng Die stepped before Li Ai and met his gaze directly.

Li Ai: "Is there something you need to discuss?"

The tone was neither too high nor too low, the pace unhurried and composed. Well, Meng Die was now certain, somewhat disbelievingly. "Are you drunk?" Seated at the same table, she had seen clearly that apart from the three cups he shared with the emperor at the beginning, Li Ai hadn't touched another drop of alcohol. So, you're drunk after just three cups?

Li Ai's gaze was sharp and unwavering. "I am not drunk."

Meng Die fell silent, uttering the classic response. Meeting that piercing gaze head-on, she detected a hint of hidden disarray buried deep within. She let out a soft sigh and ventured a question, "Back to Qixia Courtyard?"

Li Ai paused for a few seconds before replying, "Mm." He lifted his leg and started walking towards the second gate.

Observing his unhurried and composed steps, Meng Die marveled anew. If he were to claim he was sober with this demeanor, most people would undoubtedly be fooled.

Upon returning to Qixia Courtyard, Meng Die left Li Ai on the kang, the winter sleeping platform, while she hastily removed her formal attire and changed into something much more comfortable. As for her jewelry, off it came—tink, tink, tink...

"Bang—"

Meng Die paused in her act of removing the bracelet. "What was that sound?"

Yang Wanying entered, lifting the curtain. "Second Lady, someone is setting off fireworks outside."

Swiftly, Meng Die finished taking off the remaining jewelry and eagerly ventured outdoors. Just as she did, a massive firework burst open in the sky. Her eyes curved into a smile. "It's not even a festive season. Why would someone be setting off fireworks?"

Meihong speculated, "Perhaps it's for a wedding celebration. But no matter the occasion, it's a treat for our eyes."

Meng Die chuckled. "Well said."

Bang! Another enormous firework exploded in the sky, but this time, it wasn't the conventional orange; instead, it was an exceptionally rare purple. Immediately after, another one bloomed, this time in green...

"Are you all watching the fireworks?"

Meng Die turned around to find Li Ai, whom she had left inside the house, had somehow come out without her noticing. "You're not asleep?"

Li Ai rubbed his nose. "No, I'm not drunk either, really. I'm just a bit slow on the uptake."

Meng Die chuckled. "I believe you're sober right now."

Li Ai: ...

Swiftly changing the subject, Li Ai said, "I know a place with an even better view. Would you like to go there?"

A better view? Meng Die's curiosity was piqued.

Glancing down at the tiles beneath them, Meng Die's face turned wooden. She really had fallen for Li Ai's trick, believing him when he said he knew a spot with an expansive view. Huh, could there be a better vantage point than the rooftop?

Li Ai defended his suggestion earnestly, "Isn't it even more beautiful from this angle?"

Meng Die remained silent, for she couldn't refute the fact that the fireworks did appear more breathtaking from this vantage point due to the panoramic view. Li Ai hadn't exactly lied to her.

Giant blossoms of fireworks burst open against the dark night sky, their vibrant hues fading into a gentle sprinkle of gold, resembling a mesmerizing starry rain.

Meng Die curled her legs and propped her cheeks on her hands, completely absorbed in the enchanting spectacle.

As if on cue, the fireworks transformed anew. From being single-hued, a multi-colored firework suddenly lit up the sky, its array of colors a stunning sight to behold.

One after another, each one unique, Meng Die turned her head abruptly, catching Li Ai's gaze that he hadn't managed to conceal in time. "When you were in the military camp, did you find it tough?"

Perhaps taken aback by Meng Die's sudden question, Li Ai paused before breaking into a laugh. "I wouldn't say it was bitter, but the food was initially quite unbearable. It was especially torturous."

Recalling Li Ai's special trip to borrow Xing Huang, Meng Die became intrigued. "Is the food prepared by the cooks in the military camp really that unpalatable?"

A twisted expression flashed across Li Ai's face. "One could say it's just tolerable enough not to kill you. Back then, I dreamed about home-cooked meals every night."

Meng Die chuckled. "Like what?"

Li Ai seemed to be reminiscing, a smile appearing on his face. "One night, I dreamt of my mother's braised pork with rock sugar."

Meng Die: "And then?"

A smile broadened on Li Ai's face. "I was awakened by a shrill scream."

"Ahh?"

Li Ai: "I was gnawing on my bunkmate's arm."

"Haha..." Meng Die burst into laughter. Her admiration for Li Ai grew even more. For someone who had never experienced luxury, enduring hardship might not seem like much. But for those accustomed to a life of comfort, giving up riches and fame to endure hardships at the frontlines was a rare feat. They were truly remarkable individuals.

As the eastern sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, the dazzling display of fireworks finally came to an end. Meng Die stretched her legs, which had been still for a long time, and launched another surprise attack: "You ordered them to be set off, didn't you?"

"Aah?" Li Ai's gaze shifted away slightly.

With Li Ai's reaction confirming her suspicions, Meng Die spoke with unwavering certainty this time: "You instructed someone to launch those fireworks."

The discomfort on Li Ai's face vanished, replaced by a self-righteous air: "I wasn't being extravagant. I was repaying a debt on behalf of my elder brother and sister-in-law. Yes, repaying their debt!"

"Aah?" Now it was Meng Die's turn to be confused. What were you talking about?

Li Ai: "Big Sister mentioned that she once promised to set off fireworks for you all night."

Meng Die laughed silently, never expecting that a lighthearted remark from years ago would be recalled by Li Ai at this moment.

Descending from the rooftop, Li Ai returned directly to the military camp. After washing up and having breakfast, Meng Die lay on her bed, feeling her still-rapid heartbeat. She closed her eyes, and in her dream, fireworks appeared again. The corners of her lips curled up slowly while she slept. Everyone knew she loved watching fireworks and assumed it was due to their beauty. In reality, she cherished the symbolism they represented.

Only in times of great prosperity and peace could such brilliant displays exist. Thus, she loved even more those who could bring about such peaceful years.

Her sleep was incredibly blissful, and when she awoke, it was already afternoon. Stretching lazily in bed and yawning, Meng Die prepared to take a nap. Just as she closed her eyes, the sensation of hunger in her stomach reminded her of her existence.

Well, there goes my nap! Rising from the bed, she draped a garment around herself before stepping onto the floor.

Hulu entered, lifting the curtain. "Second Lady truly is awake. It turns out Meihong's ears are sharp. I thought she was mistaken when she said she heard footsteps."

Meng Die stretched without concern for her appearance. "What time is it?"

Hulu replied, "It's almost noon."

Meng Die realized, "No wonder I'm feeling hungry."

Hulu: "Second Madam, are you hungry? It's not advisable to eat too much at this hour; it might spoil your appetite for dinner later. Let's have some porridge and light dishes in a while."

Meng Die nodded, then after freshening up, she had her meal. Soon, Meihong led the Yang sisters in, each holding a small chest in their arms.

Meihong: "Second Madam, these were sent by Second Master."

Meng Die opened the box, her eyes sparkling with delight. Inside were two exquisite miniatures, one of a waterwheel and the other of a conveyor belt. Every component of the models was scaled down proportionally. When she pressed the force-applying end of the conveyor belt with her index finger, the tiny belt started operating. Meng Die placed an empty teacup on it, and it steadily moved from one end to the other.

Receiving the teacup, Meng Die lowered her gaze. "Hulu, ask around and inquire when your Second Master will be free in the next day or two. I need to discuss something with him."

"Hulu," the maid replied with a soft murmur. "Oh yes, Miss Xue Qing mentioned that she would pay us a visit within the next couple of days."

Meng Die's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Could it be that the curtains are finished?"

Hulu nodded. "Indeed, Madam, you designed a few curtain patterns earlier, and Miss Xue Qing made some adjustments. As of now, three of them have been woven."

Just as they were conversing, a voice echoed from outside. "Miss Xue Qing is back?"

Xue Qing, carrying a large bundle on her back, greeted everyone with a smile as she lifted the curtain and entered the room. "Madam, I've returned."

Hulu hastily took the large bundle from her, while Meihong poured her a cup of tea. Xue Qing drank it in one go: "This autumn sure is arid."

Meng Die advised, "Still, don't consume too much cold stuff; you might hurt your spleen. Hulu mentioned she's finished three curtains already? That's quick!"

Xue Qing sat down: "The female workers at the factory are all skilled now; they don't need Tao'er and Ying'er. The two of them helped me weave them – how could it not be fast? Second Aunt, would you care to have a look?"

Hulu unfolded the bundle and, together with Meihong, held up a corner of one curtain.

The curtain was primarily a deep burgundy. The left and bottom edges were conventionally hemmed, while the right side was woven into ripples. On top, Meng Die's special request for a grand valance was executed with pleats, and beneath it hung tassels in the same color scheme.

The design of these dreamlike curtains might still be considered simple, but the lustrous sheen of the silk outshone most fabrics in the world. They were truly exquisite.

Meng Die expressed her contentment. "What do the other two look like?"

Hulu and Meihong unfolded the remaining pairs. One was similar to the burgundy one, with a slightly smaller canopy. The other was entirely different. Xue Qing had taken a bold approach with a deep blue shade, intricately woven with golden threads to create beautiful patterns. Even the canopy was layered with the same deep blue, ending with a golden thread border. The overall effect was both dignified and splendid.

Meng Die's satisfaction grew. "Beautiful. I'll keep these three sets for now. Tomorrow, I'll arrange for them to be delivered to the palace for the Empress's inspection."

Xue Qing inquired, "Does Second Aunt plan to have curtains woven for the northern provinces as well?"

Meng Die: "It's hard to say for now. Anyway, continue your research. When the time comes for stargazing and sea voyages, let her take a few sets of curtains with her to see if they're well-received. Then you can make a decision."

"Okay."

Meng Die wrote a petition. "Hulu, arrange for someone to deliver the curtains to the palace tomorrow."

"Alright."

The next morning, upon returning from paying her respects, Meng Die saw Li Ai standing in the courtyard, lost in thought by the apricot tree. She teased with a smile, "What is it? Are you wondering if it could be made into a fine bow?"

Li Ai regained his composure. "Such a waste would weigh heavily on my conscience; I fear divine retribution. Aunt Zhao mentioned just now that the apricots from this tree are exceptionally delicious – you know how much you enjoy them."

Meng Die's smile broadened. "They are indeed, very tasty. Have you had breakfast yet?"

Walking together, Li Ai replied, "Not yet. With Xing Huang around lately, every meal becomes a contest. This morning, I hesitated for just a moment, and all the dishes were snatched up."

Meng Die chuckled. "Well, then let's dine together."

After finishing their meal, Meng Die rose first. "Come, let's discuss matters in the study."

Li Ai agreed with delight.

Upon reaching the study, Meng Die realized it was not such a good idea. Although there were indeed desks and chairs, there was only one regular chair and a rocking chair. If both she and Li Ai entered together, one would have to sit while the other lounged. How could they discuss matters in such a position?

"Hulu," the head stewardess entered with a tray of fresh fruits, "you and Lord Second have just finished your meal. You haven't had your after-dinner fruits yet." She placed the fruit on the table, and Mu Qing, who accompanied her, moved a chair next to it.

Meng Die's eyes sparkled; indeed, in crucial moments, Hulu, the head stewardess, could always be relied upon.

Hulu and Mu Qing withdrew, leaving Meng Die and Li Ai to take their seats separately. Meng Die leisurely ate a piece of green apple, skewered on a toothpick, while Li Ai also consumed a piece of fruit without speaking, his expression showing no sign of discomfort.

Meng Die lowered her gaze, not surprised by the strategist's patience. She decided to be straightforward. "You've probably guessed my thoughts. Why don't we discuss today how we can proceed?"

Li Ai swallowed the food in her mouth. Her clear black and white eyes met Meng Die's directly. "I have an idea of what you're thinking, but I have questions."

Meng Die encouraged, "Go on."

Li Ai's eyes dropped, casting a shadow with her long eyelashes, giving her an inexplicable air of vulnerability and a touch of pitifulness.

Meng Die felt as if she was losing her mind. How could a renowned young general be vulnerable and pitiful?

Li Ai: "I understand your desire to leave me. But now, I've already requested an imperial edict for your noble title. We can't divorce. If I were to take another wife or concubine at this point, even though my military achievements protect me from any substantial harm, my reputation would certainly be ruined. Not to mention being remembered in history as a faithless man, the label of 'jilt' would stick to me for sure."

Meng Die: ...She couldn't refute this argument. Perhaps in a world with the internet, Li Ai might indeed make it onto lists of infamous jilts in ancient times. He might even become the epitome of the term.

Li Ai continued, "The issue remains the same – we can't divorce. You will always be my legitimate wife. If I were to bring another woman into our home, she could only be a secondary wife or a concubine. You and I both know what's between us. Even if I were to tell her everything, would she believe it? And if she did, what if you changed your mind one day? Legally and morally, she wouldn't have any advantage. Wouldn't her life be filled with constant anxiety? It wouldn't be fair to that innocent woman who gets caught up in this. What do you think?"

In my opinion, it'd be easier to strangle you! Meng Die gritted her teeth. No wonder he was a victorious general on the frontlines; he knew how to strategize, first showing weakness to provoke guilt, then using morality to trap her in that emotion.

What infuriated her most was that she was actually falling for it. Putting aside Li Ai's reputation, dragging an innocent woman into this was not her usual way of handling situations. "What do you want?"

Li Ai finally revealed his true intentions: "Why can't we take another path? I know the inner courtyard cannot confine you, nor do I intend to. You can do as you please; I won't stand in your way. Perhaps achieving perfect harmony like a musical duet is unattainable for us, but treating each other with respect and courtesy is definitely achievable."

Meng Die paused, beginning to seriously consider the feasibility of this proposition. Unaware of Li Ai's subtle smile and the determination that flickered in his eyes, she lowered her gaze. Raising her eyelids to look at him, she saw his composed posture.

To claim that she had no affection for Li Ai at all would be overly sentimental. As for how much she liked him, Meng Die's face remained expressionless. It was too exaggerated to say she felt an ocean-deep affection after only a few encounters – that would be infatuation, lusting after his body. At present, her admiration for Li Ai far outweighed any fondness.

Li Ai's hand, gripping the armrest of his chair, shifted nervously. With a faint click, the sound pierced the air, and Li Ai's body tensed. Oh no, he had unintentionally damaged the armrest from excessive anxiety!

Meng Die slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

Li Ai's heart leapt to her throat, but she maintained an air of nonchalance, hearing only the thudding of her own heartbeat in her ears.

Meng Die spoke, "A husband is acceptable, but I don't wish to waste my time in mutual probing and guessing games. Nor do I have the energy or the time to search for another if this doesn't work out. Once I make up my mind, I prefer not to keep oscillating."

Li Ai's eyes shimmered with sudden understanding. Translated, Meng Die's words meant she wanted to grow old with her!

Looking at Li Ai, Meng Die continued, "After all, it's a matter that spans a lifetime. I have expectations for my partner."

Li Ai replied, "Please share them."

Meng Die: "The world perceives me as generous, never hesitating to spend silver. That's because I believe money is merely a transient exchange; if lost, it can be earned again. But in truth, I can be quite possessive in certain matters. What's mine is mine, and I won't share it, not even a fraction, especially with my husband."

"If we were to become genuine spouses, for any reason, you mustn't take concubines. Don't try to quibble over semantics, saying you didn't take a concubine but married a secondary wife or kept a concubine-like companion. If that were the case, I wouldn't mind our Great Yi Dynasty having one more ex-official eunuch."

Meng Die paused, observing Li Ai's reaction. Noticing his remarkable composure, she continued, "Of course, life is long. Both of us are merely in our early twenties, with decades yet to unfold. Should your heart change, communicate it openly. Let's discuss how to part ways amicably, so that when we meet again, we might still be able to consider each other friends. How do you feel about this request?"