Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Meng Die: "And there are the manors, especially those near the capital. If we were to manage them ourselves, we would inevitably need to cultivate various crops. That would require many hands to oversee. With more minor managers, there would be more conflicts. If we don't establish an estate there, we could simply plant wheat and rice. Once harvested, we could sell them just as I do with my current manor."

Li Ai recalled carefully. He had only visited the family's manors for leisure and had never managed them. However, he was aware of the numerous smaller managers there; indeed, where there were more people, there were more troubles.

Meng Die: "Do you have enough manpower for your two larger manors if you want to farm? Will you need to hire more people?"

Li Ai's expression turned solemn. "Not for now. Do you still remember when I mentioned that some soldiers, after becoming disabled, didn't wish to remain in the military?"

Meng Die nodded. "I remember."

Li Ai let out a long sigh. "Those like him are considered fortunate. Despite their disabilities after gaining some military merit, they at least received ample silver rewards and could transfer their military achievements to others. Some less fortunate ones were disabled right on the battlefield. Without any military accomplishments, their rewards were meager. Over the years, as they returned home, their lives have been very difficult."

Meng Die fell silent.

Li Ai continued, "The general discussed with us that these soldiers would struggle to make ends meet after returning home. So, we've offered them the chance to work on our estates, cultivating the land. This way, they can support each other and somehow manage to survive. For those whose situations are truly dire, they can bring their families along too."

Meng Die calculated. "How many can you accommodate? Will your estates be able to handle it?"

Li Ai: "The manor in the capital would certainly not accommodate so many people. His Majesty has bestowed ten manors in my ancestral home in Tianjin. With these, we should be able to make arrangements."

Meng Die pondered, "If they're willing to bring their families to seek refuge with you, it must mean they're in dire straits. The journey from their homes to the capital would incur significant expenses. Some might desire to come but lack the means. It'd be better for you to settle some of them and send assistance to meet them in various provincial capitals, rather than leaving them to fend for themselves in the capital."

Li Ai struck his palm with a fist, "Exactly, how could I have overlooked this? I'll return to the military camp immediately, inform everyone, and dispatch people to receive them in the capital."

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

Just as Li Ai left, Lu Wei returned with a small box in her hands, "Second Lady, this is a note from Grandfather."

Meng Die took the note and glanced at it. Meng Tingyi's message was concise: for now, there was no need to pay a visit in person. Li Ai's military accomplishments had yet to be settled; though their visit would be justified, it might still invite criticism. Meng Tingyi suggested that Li Ai and Meng Die wait until New Year to return.

Holding the note close to the candle flame, Meng Die lowered her gaze. Apparently, her grandfather was aware of the military merit trade as well. This matter seemed to be known throughout the hierarchy, tacitly condoned by the emperor himself.

After burning the note, Meng Die refocused on Lu Wei.

Lu Wei opened the small box in her hand. "This is the silver note from the Hai family – they've doubled the payment. I didn't refuse, but since it was beyond my authority, I came back promptly."

Meihong joined them. "Our silk carpets are usually sold to them for twelve taels each. Are they paying twenty-four taels per carpet now?"

Lu Wei nodded. "They were sent by Star Gazer. She mentioned that during their usual voyages, they had to grease the palms of officials for both departure and return. This time, since everyone knew the cargo belonged to Second Aunt, no one dared to extort them, and they even received assistance in many ways, saving them a great deal of money and effort. Hence, they offered extra as gratitude. After much deliberation, I believe they spoke the truth, so I didn't insist on refusing."

Meng Die replied, "That makes sense. In that case, accept it. How many silk rugs have we woven this time?"

Lu Wei answered, "I roughly counted yesterday, and we've surpassed a hundred thousand. We also have a lot more designs compared to last year. There's one more thing, Star Gazer privately told me today that Boss Hai didn't mention it yesterday when Second Master was around. Our silk rug technique has been learned by foreigners, and they're starting to sell them too."

"Ahh?" Meihong and Hulu were both shocked.

Meng Die chuckled. "What's there to be surprised about? Mulberry trees are easy to cultivate and even hardier than mulberry trees; they can grow in many places, not just in our Great Yi Dynasty. For example, Mu Kesu, the country we're at war with, also has them. Isn't it easy for them to rear silkworms with mulberry trees available?"

Meihong grew anxious. "What should we do then?"

Meng Die replied, "There's nothing much to do but to compete normally. From colors to patterns, from prices to production, if you excel in every aspect, why would they choose others over your products? There can't possibly be that many exclusive deals. Besides, haven't I already asked Xue Qing to start researching curtains?"

Lu Wei smiled. "Both of you are too hasty. The Hais also mentioned that silk carpets sold by other countries have simpler colors and patterns, which cannot compare to our diverse selection."

Meihong and Hulu nodded in agreement.

Lu Wei continued, "One more thing, Manager Fan said he received a message from the Ministry of Finance. They now have nearly 250,000 silk carpets in stock. The Emperor has also issued an edict to transport one hundred thousand bolts of silk woven in Jinling to Tianjin Port."

It seems the Emperor is growing impatient. Meng Die chuckled and instructed, "Return and tell Xue Qing to make her preparations. She mentioned last time that she wished to accompany us on this voyage. It would also be a good opportunity for the Hai family to transport their goods. I suspect it won't be long before His Majesty commands Hai Guanxing to set sail."

As Meng Die had anticipated, the emperor promptly summoned Hai Cheng, confirming that their family's ships were indeed always at the ready. Delighted, the imperial heart commanded the Ministry of Revenue to have all the silk carpets in the capital transported to Tianjin Port. Furthermore, skilled sailors, previously selected from the navy, were also dispatched to accompany the cargo.

Hai Guanxing, on the other hand, ascended to the position of the first Captain in the maritime trade of the Great Yi Dynasty. The Emperor bestowed upon him a banner intricately embroidered with the character 'Yi' on both sides, signifying that Hai Guanxing's voyage was an official endeavor representing the Great Yi Dynasty.

This act fueled countless envious glances from maritime merchants, and many others grumbled sourly, "What good is having a brood of sons when they can't compete with Hai Cheng's accomplished daughter in bringing honor to the family?"

Hai Guanxing was unaware of these dynamics. With palpable excitement, she received the flag with both hands and hoisted it onto the mast. Gazing at the numerous sailors, all prepared and the ship's guards armed with shimmering blades, she raised her arm and gave the signal: "Hoist the sails—set sail!"

The whir of turbines and rush of water filled the air as the magnificent vessel departed the harbor, swiftly disappearing into the vast expanse of the sea.

Lin Chu, tasked with conveying the imperial edict and flag, let out a sigh of relief. After a brief respite in Tianjin, she hastened back to the capital without pause to deliver the emperor's message.

The common folk were unaware of the significance of this voyage; all they knew was that women could now be conscripted for labor, earning wages in the process. This news had only reached the outskirts of the capital, while those further away remained uninformed.

The emperor and his ministers, however, were calculating the potential returns from this maritime venture: how much silver, iron, and grain they could acquire, and how they should divide the spoils – ahem, profits.

Meng Die was summoned to the Diligent Governance Hall. Confused, she wondered what connection this had to her and why she was called. This was an internal affair of the court! Besides, it would take Hai Guanxing until after the new year to bring back any wealth; wasn't it premature to discuss distribution now?

Regrettably, she had no authority to decline. Even after the news spread, the way everyone in the court looked at her and Li Ai shifted. One was a general with military power, the other a county princess involved in domestic affairs – their union would undoubtedly be a game-changing ace. This couple was not to be trifled with.

In truth, the Qinding Hall was not overly crowded. It held the emperor, the empress, the crown prince, the four regents, the Minister of Revenue, and Meng Die. In any dynasty, such an assembly would have drawn the attention of all.

The Emperor declared, "This time, I've granted Hai Guanxing two hundred thousand silk rugs and one hundred thousand bolts of silk. According to the current market price, both silk rugs and silk are valued at forty taels each. However, this is just an estimation. In my heart, I believe they're worth thirty taels. The Nanjing Textile Manufacturing has fallen into its proper rhythm, so we won't account for that. The main focus lies in these silk rugs."

Meng Die pondered the emperor's words. The thirty taels were what the emperor intended to keep, while the remainder would go to the Hai family to pay the sailors and purchase iron and grain. As for why the emperor was already contemplating the division of funds, Meng Die cast a glance at the four regents and understood.

Which local official wouldn't have connections to learn the specifics of the silk rug affair? They must be arguing fiercely about how to divide the money, leaving the emperor helpless. That's likely why he plans to settle the matter swiftly by establishing the distribution procedure now.

Indeed, wealth can sway people's hearts! Meng Die sighed inwardly.

The Minister of Revenue spoke first, "Your Majesty, should taxes be imposed on mountainous lands?"

The Emperor replied, "I haven't made up my mind yet. Today, feel free to express your thoughts openly."

As the Emperor finished his words, Chief Minister Qiao Wanming, the Minister of Revenue, as well as the Emperor and Empress, all turned their gazes upon Meng Die.

A question mark formed slowly in Meng Die's mind. Wait, why are you all looking at me? What does this have to do with me?

Perhaps it was because Meng Die's sarcastic aura was too strong that the others guiltily averted their gaze. The Deputy Prime Minister, Ren Qinghua, stepped forward to propose an idea, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, there's no need to impose separate taxes on the mountain lands. Should the tax be based on the area of the mulberry trees or the total area of the mountains? If it's based on the trees, we would have to measure annually, inevitably consuming much labor."

"If we tax according to the land, the people might think they're being taxed unnecessarily for other areas. They might then resort to burning the mountains and planting mulberry trees, which could easily lead to soil erosion. If the silk carpet business falters, the mountains will be ruined, and it would truly be counterproductive."

Meng Die inwardly approved. It wasn't easy to consider the long-term consequences.

Tanzheng, a military man, didn't quite understand, "Aren't mulberry trees still trees?"

Ren Qinghua replied, "Even in crop rotation, diversity is essential to maintain soil fertility. If there's only one type of tree on the mountains, the land will quickly become barren. Besides," he glanced at Meng Die, "I've heard that other countries have started producing silk carpets as well. Although we currently hold the advantage, we cannot predict how long this business will last. We must not put all our eggs in one basket with the mulberry trees."

Tan Zhengze nodded repeatedly, he understood the principle of not putting all eggs in one basket.

The emperor also nodded in agreement, "Prime Minister Ran is right, mountainous regions will not be burdened with extra taxes."

Ran Pengfei responded, "Your Majesty, this subject believes that the substitution of women for labor duties has been highly effective. It would be wise to adopt this practice in the future. In my opinion, all profits from the sale of silk carpets should be directed to the Ministry of Revenue. As for the areas where mulberry trees are cultivated, a corresponding reduction in taxes could be granted as compensation."

The emperor concurred, but the local officials had already caused an uproar. Not only were those in regions with mulberry trees arguing, but so were those without. What were they disputing? They believed the benefits shouldn't be exclusive to one area. Places with mulberry trees could focus on silk reeling and dyeing, while they could provide weavers.

In short, when it came to matters of profit, all the civil officials shed their veneer of refinement, rolling up their sleeves and engaging in heated debates. Fortunately, local officials were confined to their territories, or their encounters in the Diligent Governance Hall might have escalated into physical altercations.

Furthermore, their keenest focus was on the surplus funds, and in this aspect, they became exceptionally united. If the emperor and the Ministry of Finance attempted to reclaim it all, there would undoubtedly be unrest.

Pei Ji Huan straightforwardly asked, "If it's returned to the Ministry of Finance, how would it be distributed?"

Ran Pengfei replied, "This portion of money naturally cannot be mixed with other tax revenues. It should be allocated with seventy percent to the northern provinces and thirty percent to the southern provinces."

Pei Ji Huan countered, "That method is not appropriate. Currently, the majority of tax revenues come from the southern provinces. Shouldn't the distribution be seventy percent to the southern provinces and thirty percent to the northern provinces for taxation purposes?"

Ran Pengfei was left speechless, unable to counterargue.

Meng Die sighed inwardly but still spoke up. "Your Majesty, my perspective differs from Minister Ran's. The sale of silk rugs falls under commercial dealings. Why not allocate the profits entirely according to the principles of commerce?"

The emperor inquired, "The principles of commerce? Explain."

Meng Die gathered her thoughts. "In commerce, one typically subtracts the initial investment before considering the profit. For the sale of silk rugs, we could first calculate the necessary expenses, including the cost of raising silkworms, reeling silk, dyeing, weaving, charcoal and firewood, transportation, and these are recurring costs every year. Apart from that, there are also expenses for looms, workshops, and even shipbuilding."

Tanzheng Ze was somewhat surprised. "Shipbuilding?"

The emperor nodded. "Indeed, I have considered this. We can't rely on the Hai family's ships indefinitely. Moreover, with an increase in goods, their ship won't be sufficient to carry all our cargo."

As for collecting from other sea merchants, that would be extremely difficult. Apart from the Hai family and major trading firms dealing in silk, which possessed their own independent fleets, even those involved in tea and porcelain trades had to share vessels. Thus, when sea merchants returned, they did so in groups, as they sailed on the same ship.

Ran Pengfei's face fell. He had thought that selling silk rugs would bring in substantial profits, easing the burden on the Ministry of Finance. Alas, the money hadn't even had time to warm their coffers before it was spent again.

The emperor turned to Meng Die. "Include all these expenses in the initial investment?"

Meng Die replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. The melons in Ganzhou are also cultivated village by village. First, they calculate the land used for cultivation, then the number of people and the time spent planting. After harvest, the expenses for transporting them to the capital for sale, as well as the return journey, are all taken into account."

Ran Pengfei asked, "Transportation costs can be directly accounted for, but how do we calculate the land usage and labor?"

Meng Die responded matter-of-factly, "Based on the local land rental rates increased by twenty percent and labor costs for a strong worker per day raised by fifteen to thirty percent, we can calculate that the cost of producing one melon would be around one tael of silver, including transportation fees. A fifth of the profit should be kept by the village head for emergencies, while the rest should be evenly distributed among the villagers."

The emperor pondered, "The village is small, and everyone knows each other. They won't slack off when working. If silk reeling and weaving aren't done on a piecework basis, some might try to cut corners."

Meng Die replied, "Your Majesty, piecework can still be implemented. Taking the capital's wages as an example, a strong laborer earns about a hundred copper coins a day. With a twenty percent increase, that's one hundred and twenty coins daily. A woman with average speed could weave about seven inches of silk rug in four hours. In this case, setting the payment at seventeen coins for every inch woven would suffice."

The emperor glanced at Meng Die, and the queen also turned her attention to her.

Meng Die put on an innocent act. So what if her tactics were underhanded? As long as they worked, that was all that mattered.

The emperor remained silent, nodding slightly.

Tan Zhengze could no longer hold back. "Lady Meng, you mentioned just now that the cost of the melons in Ganzhou is...?"

Uh-oh! Meng Die flusteredly waved her hands. She had spoken too hastily and let the truth slip. "Who in business doesn't aim to make some silver?" She spoke confidently, despite knowing she was in the wrong.

Ren Qinghua countered, "Is Lady Meng merely making some silver? A tael of silver already covers the land rent and labor costs." How could she have the audacity to sell them for two taels each?

Meng Die chuckled. "One is for the investment, two is for breaking even, and three is for profit. I'm being quite generous already."

Qiao Wanming suddenly asked casually, "How does County Lady Meng price her cream cakes?"

Meng Die remained silent.

Tan Zhengze covered his chest. His wife adored those small cream cakes. All the private money he had saved, all those silver coins, had been spent on the dessert shop. If the cakes were truly worth that much, it would be acceptable. But seeing Meng Die's reaction... It pained him!

Ran Pengfei was even more straightforward. "County Lady, you're darker than charcoal here."

Meng Die held her ground. " rarity increases value."

Usurper! The term echoed uniformly in everyone's minds within the Diligent Governance Hall.

The emperor cleared his throat. "Not all regions in the North have mountainous terrain. Where it is unsuitable for mulberry trees, the court could forbid their cultivation. Instead, we could entrust them with silk threads as well. This way, the local people would earn more."

Meng Die replied, "Your Majesty, transporting silk threads back and forth might incur additional costs. In my humble opinion, why not let these areas plant other crops like madder and purple grass instead? These plants are commonly used for dyeing, and they don't require much fertile land. They can easily be cultivated on poor fields or in remote corners without hindering crop growth."

The emperor's eyes sparkled, and others agreed that it was an excellent suggestion.

Meng Die sighed in relief. She had finally managed to divert attention away from the issue of the unscrupulous merchants.

Upon returning from the Diligent Governance Hall, Meng Die pondered deeply and realized that cream cakes indeed seemed too extravagant. "Hulu, arrange for someone to send a message to Yue Lian. Ask her to make five six-inch cream cakes and accompany them with some petite desserts. Deliver these to the residences of the four Regent Ministers and the Minister of Revenue."

Lowering the price was out of the question; sending them some desserts was Meng Die's greatest compromise.

While Meng Die resumed her leisurely days as if nothing had happened, Lady Ning could no longer sit still.

Observing Meng Die's inaction, during the morning greetings in the main chamber one day, Lady Ning couldn't help but ask again, "Dear Butterfly, how is your arrangement coming along?"

Meng Die glanced at the other women in the room. "Mother seems to be displeased with me, finding ways to chase me away."

Madam Ning lightly poked Meng Die in jest, "You still speak so imprudently."

Amidst suppressed laughter from the others in the room, Meng Die chuckled and replied, "Mother, we've discussed it, and we've decided not to separate and live apart. We'll just stick around here."

A look of surprise first flashed across Madam Ning's face, quickly replaced by brightening eyes, "You two... aren't going to move out?"

Meng Die: "We're both lazy and don't wish to establish our own households."

Lady Hou was the first to respond, "Very well then, it's good that you're staying. It will be livelier."

Meng Die sat beside Lady Marquis, beaming with joy. Meng Die and Li Ai still residing in the Marquis Yongyi's residence would certainly enhance the family's prestige. Not to mention, it would likely make the marriage arrangements for the unmarried young masters and misses of the household smoother.

When they were ready to leave, Madam Ning pulled Meng Die aside. After they entered a room and sat down, Madam Ning promptly spoke, "There's an old saying that goes, 'Even close brothers keep their accounts clear.' It's great that you and Second Brother have decided to stay, but your salaries should be separate. When you were granted the title of County Princess, that salary was meant for you. By giving it to the household, you've already done them a huge favor. Now, you and Second Brother's salaries must not be combined with the household funds."

Both Meng Die and Li Ai had substantial salaries. Meng Die's rank as a County Princess equaled that of a first-class marquis, which was the same as Li Erzhu's original salary. As the current Marquis Yongyi had inherited a lower rank, he received a second-class marquis' allowance. Li Ai, on the other hand, was bestowed the title of Chang'an Marquis, also a first-class marquis. He would also receive a Chang'an Marquis Consort's salary. The sum of these three salaries would easily sustain three marquis households. It was no wonder Madam Ning felt the need to address this matter separately.

Meng Die had indeed forgotten about this matter until Madam Ning brought it up. "Mother, what do you think about this? Since we're still living in the household, it might not sound good if we don't contribute any salary at all. We'll keep the salary from our titles, but the income from our official positions can go to the household."

Not only was Li Ai the Marquis of Chang'an, but he was now also a Second Rank General in the Western Expedition, and Meng Die was a Second Rank General's Lady. This stipend was already substantial. Once the military rewards were distributed, with Li Ai's capabilities, he would certainly receive an actual position, one with no small rank or modest remuneration.

Madam Ning quickly grasped the situation and beamed with delight. "You've thought of everything. Let's do it that way. Oh, by the way, the Duke Cheng'en's heir's wife is hosting a flower viewing banquet the day after tomorrow. She has invited many ladies from prominent families in the capital. Our manor has received several invitations as well. The three of you sisters-in-law should take Rui'er, Luo'er, and Zan'er along."

"Got it."

Exiting Madam Ning's courtyard, Meng Die instructed Hulu, "Go visit Eldest Sister-in-law and ask if she's available. If she is, I'll come over for a chat later."

Hulu promptly hurried off to inquire.

Meng Die strolled back leisurely, and Hulu was waiting for her on the other side of the courtyard. "Second Aunt, Lady First says she has some free time right now."

Without returning to her own quarters, Meng Die went straight to find Wen Shi. Wen Shi had just laid out the meal, and Meng Die didn't eat alone; the two sisters-in-law shared the meal together.