Chapter 132

Chapter 132

Li Ai readily agreed, "Of course."

Meng Die smiled, "I believe that when you say 'yes' now, it's truly from your heart. But I'll still give you a few days to think about it. Don't tell me you don't need any time. How much do you know about my maternal grandfather?"

Li Ai was taken aback; he didn't actually know much about Meng Tingyi.

Meng Die ate a grape, "The entire Great Yi Dynasty knows what kind of person my grandfather's biological father was, so there's no need for me to repeat it. My grandfather suffered greatly under his harsh treatment since young, often lacking in clothing and food, while being bullied by wicked servants. It was thanks to his stepmother's care that he managed to grow up."

Li Ai knitted his brows. He was aware of the favoritism, but he never imagined it could be so absurd.

Meng Die continued, "My grandfather was diligent in his studies and became a scholar at a young age. He married my grandmother, who was from a merchant family. That small shop of mine originally belonged to her dowry. The Hu family, back then just a wealthy family in the county, didn't know that officials were not allowed to run businesses. They especially purchased a shop in the capital as a dowry, hoping to support my grandfather."

Meng Die smiled as she said, "Of course, their intentions were good. Later on, the ink and brushes my grandfather used for calligraphy, the money he spent on socializing – all these expenses were covered by my grandmother's dowry, especially the revenue from the small shop. My grandfather and grandmother supported each other through those dark times, truly becoming one as husband and wife, with mutual love and trust."

Noticing Li Ai's furrowed brow and slightly changed expression, Meng Die knew he was recalling something. "There is an elder aunt in the Meng family. My fourth uncle is a concubine's son."

Full of emotion, Meng Die shared, "Many times, when you do things differently from others, even if you're right, they won't commend you for your devotion to your spouse or your love without suspicion. Instead, they'll accuse you of seeking fame and avoiding a fierce wife. That would be tolerable, but once they assume you're different, they'll unite to suppress you, completely excluding you from their circle."

Li Ai froze, striving to recall Meng Tingyi's life story. Ever since he discovered that his wife was Meng Die, he had made an effort to learn about the Meng family, even while on the front lines. He at least knew the basics, especially about Meng Tingyi, the head of the Meng household.

Meng Tingyi was a young prodigy with exceptional talent. In his early twenties, he passed the imperial examinations with honors, ranking in the second tier of graduates known as "Chuan Lu," and was selected as a "Shu Ji Shi," a scholar of the Imperial Academy. After completing his studies, he remained in the Hanlin Academy for over a decade. He was then appointed as the prefect of Huzhou, where he successfully governed the region. Following the death of the founding emperor, his achievements in administration led to his recall to the capital as the junior vice minister of the Court of Judicial Review, known as the "Da Li Si Shao Qing." Later, he was promoted to an Academician of the Grand Secretariat, reaching the rank of "Cong Er Pin," which is the second-highest rank in the civil service hierarchy. Upon the ascension of the current emperor, he was appointed as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, known as "Da Li Si Qing," holding the prestigious rank of "Zheng Er Pin," firmly establishing himself as a person of real power and influence.

Upon initial hearing, Meng Tingyi's journey seems flawless, and even today, many scholarly officials who emulate his path could be said to have a smooth political career. However, upon closer scrutiny, it doesn't hold up. Ignoring why the previous emperor didn't favor Meng Tingyi, there is something amiss - something significant - right from the time of the Great Ancestor's reign.

When was the Taizu Dynasty? It was a time shortly after the founding of the nation, when the entire court faced numerous challenges and much rebuilding was needed; countless regions lacked even magistrates, and every department was severely understaffed. How could anyone believe that a distinguished graduate of the second tier, ranked fourth in the entire empire, would spend over a decade in the Hanlin Academy?

It was evident that Meng Tingyi had suffered greatly, terribly so, during his time in the Hanlin Academy.

Li Ai lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment. "I understand what you're implying, but my situation won't be the same as Grandfather's." He turned his gaze back to Meng Die, his eyes shining brightly. "Your father had no concubines, nor did my uncles. Their official careers have been smooth, aside from that one incident involving rebel involvement."

"At that time, Grandfather had neither accomplishments nor a supportive family behind him. That's why they could seize upon a weakness to gang up against him. With your father and my uncles having Grandfather's support, it would be natural for them to take concubines. If they didn't, it would be seen as a sign of a loving marriage and a virtuous family."

Meng Die was speechless. This man was incredibly astute; he hadn't fallen into her trap.

Li Ai smiled, revealing his small canines, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I come from an influential family and have military achievements. You hold a noble title and have accomplishments of your own. If I don't take concubines, people won't say I'm henpecked or that you're a shrew. Instead, they'll say we're truly a match made in heaven, deeply devoted to each other."

For the first time, Meng Die realized that the saying 'don't hit a smiling face' was just a facade. She found his smile utterly infuriating. She said with resentment, "You've agreed to my request. Do you have any demands of me?"

Li Ai pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I trust your judgment."

Meng Die's heart skipped a beat. Satisfied with his response, she replied candidly, "Alright then, it's settled."

Ah! She agreed. A mental display of vibrant fireworks exploded in Li Ai's mind, making him feel as if he were floating on air. In this moment, he felt that his life was complete.

Having reached an agreement with Meng Die, Li Ai wasted no time in requesting an audience with the emperor.

The emperor had just concluded a discussion with Marquis Yongwei regarding rewards for the soldiers. Upon hearing Li Ai's request for an audience, he promptly granted it. Curious about Li Ai's business, Marquis Yongwei decided to stay and eavesdrop on their conversation.

Li Ai's eyes shimmered with mirth, casting a radiant glow upon her entire being. As she bowed to pay her respects, the emperor and Marquis Yongwei both couldn't help but cast sidelong glances at her, intrigued by her apparent joy.

With curiosity stirring in his heart, the emperor asked directly, "Do you have some good news to share?"

Li Ai's eyes curved gently, "Your Majesty, I have a request."

Emperor: "What request do you have?"

Li Ai: "Your Majesty, could the edict conferring me as the Marquis of Chang'an be postponed until the Marquis of Chang'an's residence is fully restored? I would like to receive the decree with Meng Die in the main hall of our estate."

The emperor understood, but he didn't grasp the reason behind it. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I recall that Meng Die only joined your family after you left, right?"

Li Ai replied, "Yes, that's correct."

The emperor smiled in realization, "Shall we issue the imperial decree bestowing honors upon you and her in the newly restored Chang'an Marquis Mansion's main hall as a way to make up for the missed ceremony? If so, perhaps we should hold a new wedding ceremony. I can act as the matchmaker."

Li Ai pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "This servant has heard that a woman who wears her wedding dress twice and goes through the marriage ceremony twice might diminish her good fortune."

The emperor looked at Li Ai's earnest expression and chuckled, swallowing back the words that it was merely an unfounded superstition. "Very well, I will abide by your wishes."

Li Ai: "This subject humbly thanks Your Majesty."

Exiting the Diligent Governance Hall, Marquis Yongwei glanced at Li Ai. "After just a few days, your feelings for her have reached such depths?"

Li Ai pondered. "One might ask, what is love that it can make one forsake life for another? I don't quite grasp such emotions. As for my feelings towards her, I only know this: if I were to let her go, I would never encounter another Meng Die in this lifetime."

Marquis Yongwei paused. "Indeed, there's some truth in that."

Inside the Diligent Governance Hall, the Empress emerged from a side chamber, bowing and smiling. "I had intended to invite Your Majesty to view the newly woven curtains sent by Meng Die, but instead, I was treated to a profound display of marital affection."

The Emperor chuckled. "To be honest with you, when Changfeng first mentioned it, I didn't even realize his subtle intention."

The Empress sighed, "Receiving the edict together in their own estate openly proclaims to the world that he is the master of that residence, and Meng Die is the lady of the house."

Those in the capital who harbored resentment towards Meng Die often secretly criticized her behind her back, pointing out that she had not gone through the formal hair-binding ceremony and thus could not be considered a true spouse. They claimed her status as the legitimate wife was illegitimate and that even her official title could not conceal the fact that she was merely a bride brought in to ward off bad luck.

Emperor: "To guard against the people's mouths is more difficult than to guard against a flood; no amount of explanation can stop the endless gossip. By doing this, he sees who dares to wag their tongues anymore. However, his insistence on not holding another wedding ceremony also surprises me."

The Empress whispered, "I have affection for you and do not wish to see you burdened by gossip and rumors. I have affection for you and do not want you to be tainted by any ill fortune."

The Emperor recalled the grand ceremony of his Empress's coronation. Everyone had praised how the pink pearl earrings suited her the most, yet he had ultimately chosen the less glamorous and less costly ruby earrings over the pink pearls.

His concubine was dressed in pink, but his loyal and supportive wife, in such an important occasion, he didn't wish for her to leave even the slightest room for others to find fault or gossip about her.

The imperial edict arrived swiftly, though not in favor of Li Ai but for Marquis Yongwei. The marquis was elevated to the rank of duke, becoming the Duke of An Guo. His family's title was granted the privilege of two additional generations of inheritance.

Next came the rewards for military officers ranked Third Rank and above, yet Li Ai's name was notably absent from the list.

The folks didn't delve too deeply into it; the Ministry of Works had been commissioned to renovate a marquis's residence—a project of such magnitude that it was impossible for anyone not to notice. Moreover, the Emperor had informed the Minister of Works well in advance that this was for Li Ai's Chang'an Marquis Manor. If anyone had any thoughts or questions about it, they could simply ask Li Ai himself. With such an overt announcement, who would dare to make wild speculations!

In the morning at the Marquis residence, Madam Zhou, Madam Wu, and Madam Fang took turns to offer their congratulations to Lady Marquis and Lady Ning in subtle ways.

Madam Wu's face blossomed into a radiant smile. "I said before that Mother was blessed with great fortune, perhaps even receiving the honor of being ennobled by two countries. Now it has indeed come true."

Lady Marquis' eyes crinkled with amusement. "You all have good fortune as well, we all do."

Madam Wu echoed, "May your auspicious words bring us luck."

Lady Ning's smile curved her eyes delightfully. "Butterfly, His Majesty has bestowed a manor upon you. Once it's completed, you and Second Brother will reside there. You must start preparing for everything now."

"Aah?" Meng Die froze, completely forgetting about that matter.

Madam Ning was exasperated. "Look at her, she hasn't recalled anything at all, have you noticed?"

Meng Die chuckled, feigning innocence.

Madam Ning: "Second Lang used to be surrounded by his wet nurses and close companions, but they're no longer in the estate. You'll need to arrange for a few attendants to be with him, though there's no rush. He might already have some trustworthy company in the military camp. The main focus should be on the estate and the manor. Whether it's the head of the manor or the senior nanny in charge, you must make arrangements beforehand. Otherwise, how would the two of you even manage a warm meal when you get there?"

Meng Die was astonished. Upon careful reflection, she realized it was true. In the Marquis' residence, she claimed to be assigned duties daily at the Concentration Pavilion, but in reality, it was merely assisting with minor tasks. Moreover, the manor was well-staffed with an established system, so anyone taking over would quickly adapt. It was different there; everything had to start from scratch.

Upon returning from the main chamber, Meng Die was still sorting through her thoughts when she happened to see Li Ai placing a bundle on the table. "Why are you back? Weren't you supposed to be finalizing the rewards for the soldiers?"

Li Ai's gaze was somewhat guilty, and he avoided direct eye contact with Meng Die. However, his voice carried an unexpected air of righteousness. "The Minister of Works said it would be too troublesome to find me in the military camp. So, I thought it would be better to bring the military merit records back home and arrange the rewards here instead."

Meng Die scoffed unceremoniously. This excuse would only fool a fool. She glanced at Li Ai's appearance and figure indifferently; it didn't really matter to her either way.

"Wan'er," the servant girl lifted the curtain and entered, "Master Hai is back!"

Meng Die's eyes brightened. "He's back? That's early. Since your Second Master is home, pass along my message: invite their entire family to come and visit me tomorrow."

"Ai."

Li Ai's eyes also sparkled, feeling deeply that this Master Hai's return was right on time. He didn't feel the slightest bit annoyed at being used as a tool.

During lunch and dinner, he didn't notice anything. But when Meng Die finished her evening ablutions and saw the red bed curtains and bedding Hulu had changed, she couldn't help but twitch her lips. It wasn't necessary to go to such lengths.

After Li Ai finished his own grooming, he lingered before entering the bedroom. Finding the door unlocked, he let out a sigh of relief. Upon seeing the vibrant red bed curtains, his eyes lit up – this arrangement suited him perfectly.

Looking at Li Ai's glowing gaze fixed on the curtains, Meng Die said, "I think I should reconsider my position."

Li Ai's face paled in shock. "Why?"

Meng Die expressed disdain. "The probability of having different dreams while sharing the same bed is much too high."

Li Ai refuted confidently, "That's impossible."

With an air of certainty, Meng Die raised an eyebrow. "Why so?"

Li Ai beamed with pride. "My dreams will surely be filled with you, and yours would undoubtedly be centered around yourself."

Meng Die: ...

—————————————————— I am the separator ——————————————————

The next morning, as Meng Die was just getting up, a messenger from Madam Hou's residence informed her that she didn't need to pay respects for the next few days. Meng Die was delighted by the reprieve and instructed Hulu, "When the Hai family comes over today, tell Mother Zhao and the others in Eldest Sister's and Sister-in-law's quarters so they won't be disturbed."

Li Ai entered, drenched in sweat after his martial arts practice, "Are you expecting the silk carpet merchant, the Hai family, today?"

Meng Die: "Yes, precisely their family."

Li Ai prompted, "When should we pay a visit to your family's home?"

Meng Die paused, having forgotten this custom. According to tradition, a bride would return to her parents' home three days after the wedding, which was an opportune moment for the new groom to meet his wife's relatives. She and Li Ai had not only waited three days, but three years had passed. "I'll inquire with my family first."

"Alright." Li Ai went to freshen up and change clothes. "I'll head to the study first. Call me when they arrive."

"Mm."

Meihong exchanged a wordless glance with Hulu, who returned the look. Meng Die, admiring herself in the mirror, caught their silent exchange. "What is it with you two exchanging glances now? Can't you just speak openly?"

Meihong: "It's hard to say."

Meng Die: "Is it that you can't say or that it's not appropriate to say?"

Meihong: "It's that it's not appropriate to say. I've read in storybooks that newlyweds are reluctant to part ways in the morning, with some husbands even helping their wives draw their eyebrows. But for Second Master and Second Lady... Second Master gets up early to practice martial arts, and when Second Lady wakes up, her first concern is about meeting the Hai family. And just now, what they said... It just sounds like..."

Hulu: "It sounds so familiar, like how my parents are on an everyday basis."

"Haha..." Meng Die laughed heartily. She and Li Ai had skipped straight to the dynamics of an old married couple from the start of their marriage.

By late morning, at the hour of Chén, Hai Cheng, his wife, and their daughter arrived punctually at the second gate. Led by the servant, they entered the compound. Meng Die and Li Ai were awaiting them in the main hall.

Perhaps due to Li Ai's presence this time, both Hai Guanxing and Madam Jiang seemed more nervous than usual. Hai Cheng, on the other hand, was particularly apprehensive. If one were to weigh their experiences, Hai Cheng had met fewer dignitaries than his wife and daughter combined.

After the formal greetings and seating, Meng Die glanced at Li Ai, who was silently sipping tea, playing the role of a talisman with unwavering focus. She expressed her satisfaction: "Mr. Hai, your journey must have been arduous. Did everything proceed smoothly?"

Hai Cheng: "Thanks to Second Lady's blessings, all went well. On this return trip, I didn't bring anything else but grains. Oh, about these silver notes from the sale of silk carpets?"

Meng Die: "Find some time and deliver them to Lu Wei."

Hai Cheng: "Yes."

Meng Die: "But is there something else?"

Hai Cheng hesitated for a moment: "Second Lady, this time, thanks to the popularity of the silk carpets, I've made connections with several influential people. Well, they... they entertained me with their noble cuisine."

Meng Die chuckled: "They served mostly white bread, didn't they?"

Hai Cheng: "Oh, it seems Second Lady is well-informed. But to be honest, the white bread from the Thirteen Trading Houses tastes better to me."

Meng Die: "As trade deepens, this recipe will inevitably be exposed. But it's of no concern. To make this item, a specially crafted iron furnace is required. Ordinary folks wouldn't spend dozens of taels of silver just to build one for a single dish, when that amount could buy them countless loaves of bread. As long as they sell according to the prices I set, even if the recipe leaks, they'll still manage to sell."

Hai Cheng: "Madam Second has a wise perspective."

Meng Die: "You were there for quite some time. Did you come across any novel items?"

Hai Cheng: "Large sheets of glass are currently in vogue over there. I purchased some and have brought them along this time."

Meng Die's eyes lit up instantly. "Large sheets of glass? You have them with you today? I must take a look."

Hai Cheng: "They've arrived."

Meng Die hastily rose to her feet, and Li Ai promptly followed suit. The Hai family of three stood up together.

Eight junior servants carried a large sheet of glass into the courtyard. Hai Cheng explained, "Second Aunt, please have a look. This glass is two meters in both length and width."

Meng Die hurried over to the side of the glass and touched it with her hand. It was more than a centimeter thick, possibly due to its thickness or the fact that the craftsmanship wasn't yet refined. Its transparency was not as good as that of the glasses in her dream world, but it was still much better than the current daylight tiles.

Li Ai gently tapped the glass twice with her finger. "Can't we make this glass ourselves?"

Meng Die pondered for a moment. It would be challenging to explain to Li Ai the difference between lead-barium glass and sodium-calcium glass. Eventually, she carefully explained, "Although they are both glasses and appear similar, their properties actually vary due to the distinct manufacturing processes. Our glass is neither heat-resistant nor cold-resistant, limiting its use mainly to decorative items. Their glass, on the other hand, can withstand both extreme temperatures, making it suitable for practical applications in daily life."

Li Ai nodded repeatedly. "I see, so that's how it is."

Turning to Hai Cheng, Meng Die asked, "Given the size of these glass pieces, I imagine transporting them must have been quite troublesome. How did you manage it?"

Hai Cheng chuckled. "I concealed each piece among the wheat stalks. However, the journey was indeed long, and two pieces unfortunately broke along the way. Now, there are only eight intact pieces left, all of which I've brought today."

Meng Die grew even more satisfied. "Are there many workshops abroad producing such glass?"

Hai Cheng: "Not many at the moment, but I'd say within two or three years, there'll be countless pieces. The person I've connected with this time mentioned that their country and neighboring nations are already designating areas to establish glass-making workshops."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "Is it feasible to acquire the core technology of glass production?"

Hai Cheng shook his head. "This technology is held by a prominent family. It's not easy to obtain. I tried to inquire, but they implied that money alone won't cut it. Unless we have exceptional techniques of our own to exchange, it seems."

Meng Die nodded, increasingly impressed with Hai Cheng's perceptiveness.

After bidding farewell to the Hais, Li Ai abandoned all concern for his image, squatting down to examine the glass in the courtyard. Lost in thought, he suddenly burst into a chuckle. Meng Die rubbed her forehead, grateful that his appearance still held some charm, otherwise, he would resemble a foolish son from a wealthy landowning family.

Li Ai waved at Meng Die, "What if we replace the translucent tiles on the study's roof with glass? Wouldn't that improve the lighting inside?"

Meng Die replied, "Your idea is quite clever. With this substitution, the light will certainly be better. We could also change the study's windows to glass. It's quite resistant to wind. Not only will it enhance the lighting, but it's likely to make the room warmer as well."

Li Ai's eyes sparkled, "In that case, I'll contact the Ministry of Works tomorrow and ask them to install it for us right away."

Following Li Ai's gaze, Meng Die looked at the current study and remembered something, "Speaking of which, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Li Ai accompanied Meng Die into the room, "What is it?"

Meng Die: "His Majesty has granted you a mansion. According to propriety, even if our parents are still alive, we could legally separate and reside in that new estate. But I don't really want to part ways; I'd like to continue living here."

Li Ai smiled. "Coincidentally, I was also planning to discuss this with you. I don't wish to divide our households either." Li Ai paused. "It's better for our family if we stay here."

To outsiders, the significance of Li Ai and Meng Die living outside or remaining in the Marquis Yongyi's residence would be vastly different. Their willingness to stay in the Marquis' mansion solidifies their intimate connection with the household. If they were to truly separate, who could say for sure if it would truly be for the best?

Meng Die: "Not only is it better for our family, but it's also better for us as a couple."

Confusion flickered across Li Ai's face. "What benefits does that bring?"

Meng Die: "Separating our estate means establishing an independent household, and managing social etiquette will fall on me. My family background is in the scholarly bureaucracy, so our customs differ from those of military officials. Over the years, it's been Mother and Eldest Sister-in-law who have taken care of these matters, leaving me completely inexperienced. Even if I knew how to do it, I don't have the time. In recent years, Mother has been less involved, leaving everything to Eldest Sister-in-law, who spends roughly two months each year attending to these responsibilities."

Li Ai fell silent. Could they forgo the customary visits? Absolutely not. This was a society based on interpersonal relationships; such rituals had to be observed. They needed to find someone suitable to take charge.

Meng Die anticipated his concern: "I was thinking of having Hulu learn from Eldest Sister-in-law. What do you think? Or perhaps you know someone appropriate for the task?"

Li Ai: "Hulu is excellent. Let her take on the role."