Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Meng Die: "How is that selfish? Have you been struggling with this in your heart for a long time?"

Xing Huang nods: "I have been hesitant for a long time. I can't bear to part with Second Grandma, nor can I bear to leave Sister Lu Wei, Xue Qing, Meihong, Hulu, and everyone else. I..."

Meng Die interrupts Xing Huang forcefully: "To have a hobby you adore and find someone who shares the same passion, how rare is that? It's almost a gift from heaven. I don't know if you'll regret turning it down, but I know for sure that I will regret it."

Xing Huang: "Second Grandma..."

Meng Die: "If you feel guilty towards me, how about I give you a task?"

Xing Huang: "What kind of task?"

Meng Die: "This time when you go out, you'll be improving your culinary skills. Surely you'll learn many more cooking techniques. Write them all down and send them to me through the postal service. That way, I can enjoy new dishes regularly."

Xing Huang straightened her posture: "Rest assured, Second Lady, I will definitely jot everything down."

Meng Die began to envision the future: "With so many techniques and recipes, perhaps one day I could compile another cookbook based on what you've written."

Xing Huang: "The Culinary Classic?"

Meng Die nodded and countered, "There are agricultural classics and poetic scriptures. Why can't there be a culinary scripture?"

Xing Huang also indulged in the fantasy, "Then I could very well compile it into a book myself."

Meng Die's eyes sparkled. "That's a splendid idea indeed. Who knows, your culinary compendium, spanning the length and breadth of the Great Yi Dynasty and even encompassing foreign cuisines, might endure through the ages. You would then be revered as the God of Cuisine, with restaurateurs, cooks, and food stall owners alike offering incense to you centuries hence, praying for their dishes to waft fragrance for miles and attract patrons in droves."

Xing Huang's face flushed instantly, "Oh dear, Second Aunt."

After a lengthy exchange of miscellaneous chatter, they finally turned to the more serious matters at hand.

Meng Die asked, "After you're released, do you intend to establish your own household or stay with Ruixue?"

Xing Huang pondered for a moment, "There's no need to establish a separate household. For now, it's better to stay with Sister Ruixue." After her marriage, her registry would be combined with Tu Ying's, "Second Aunt, I'd like to wait for Xue Qing to return, and then be married from the workshop area."

Meng Die paused, as she had originally intended to arrange for Xing Huang's wedding to take place at the Chang'an Marquis Manor. "Very well, I shall adhere to your wishes."

Xing Huang continued, "Among the girls in our courtyard, Little Yu has decent skills. I'm planning to take her under my wing during the upcoming New Year celebrations."

Meng Die: "Indeed, she seems quite agreeable."

With all matters settled, Xing Huang glanced at the sky and said, "Second Lady, it's getting late. You should retire for the night."

"Very well, you should also return early to rest. Knowing that you would come back today, Hulu has scented your room with jasmines."

Xing Huang's face lit up instantly. "Oh my, then I'm sure to have a sweet dream tonight."

Watching Xing Huang depart, Meng Die leaned back into her recliner once more.

Li Ai observed from outside the window for a while before entering the study with a sprightly stride, forcing his way beside Meng Die.

Meng Die was speechless. "Thankfully, this chair is sturdy."

Li Ai beamed with pride. "I had it made from ironwood back then."

Meng Die glanced at Li Ai's smug expression with a sideways look and chuckled mockingly. "Weren't you eavesdropping outside the window, crouching like a cat?"

The smug smile froze on Li Ai's face. He cautiously looked at Meng Die. "Aren't you angry anymore?"

Meng Die: "Why would you think I'd be angry?"

Li Ai: "I'm not guessing you'd be angry; I know you must feel reluctant to part with Xing Huang. When someone's in a bad mood, they... can easily take it out on others." Especially since he was the one who lent Xing Huang away, and it was his fellow officer who ended up leading her astray. In this situation, he couldn't escape blame.

Meng Die's expression softened. "You're not afraid of my anger now?"

Li Ai's eyebrows curved upward. "You're incredibly happy right now."

Meng Die couldn't maintain her stern facade any longer. The corners of her lips gradually turned up, just as Li Ai had said. Indeed, she was bursting with joy, more delighted than ever.

Li Ai asked, "Why are you so happy?"

Meng Die tilted her head, gazing at the stars through the floor-to-ceiling window. "I've always believed that everyone is unique, and each of us is the protagonist of our own life story. No one is born to play a supporting role."

Li Ai took Meng Die's hand, their fingers interlacing. "You're happy because Xing Huang has become the heroine of her own life."

Meng Die didn't respond verbally, but her gentle, contented smile spoke volumes. It softened the sadness that usually accompanied parting.

The next morning, while Xing Huang was out preparing the meal, Meng Die whispered to Hulu, "Your sister Xing Huang is getting married. Help me prepare a dowry for her."

Hulu's eyes widened in surprise, "Sister Xing Huang..."

Meng Die: "They're from the military camp. There's no need to rush. She said she'll wait for Xue Qing to return before she gets married."

"Well,"

Meng Die, having given her instructions, proceeded to the Ning Cui Pavilion. Being the end of the year, it was a particularly busy time, and Lady Wen would spend her entire day overseeing matters there. Meng Die and Yao Hongyan likewise hurried over after breakfast. Fortunately, though the Marquis's residence now bustled with many inhabitants, harmony generally prevailed, and the servants were well aware that the three ladies were not easily deceived. Consequently, while there were plenty of tasks to attend to, vexing issues were mercifully few.

However, today was the twenty-ninth, and many matters had come to a temporary close. The matriarch had excused everyone from their morning and evening greetings, so just after noon, Meng Die returned to Qixia Courtyard. Li Ai helped massage her sore neck, and Meng Die let out a contented sigh.

"Nanny Fan," came the greeting from outside the door.

Meng Die looked toward the entrance, and Nanny Fan entered, lifting the curtain. "Second Lady, please take a look at this script."

Meng Die took the script and glanced at it. The cover read 'Distinguishing Truth from Fiction.' It seemed that was the title of the play. Meng Die pondered for a moment; it wasn't a bad choice.

Nanny Fan urged, "Second Lady, quickly open it and have a look."

Looking at Nanny Fan's eager expression, Meng Die wondered if Nanny Fan had had someone read it to her beforehand. Curious, Meng Die opened the script, and Li Ai joined her to read it together.

Merely glancing at the first page and its sparse lines, Meng Die could discern that the author of this tale possessed exceptional skill. With just a few succinct phrases, the writer established the background of the Mu family's heritage and the reasons behind the emperor's conscription of soldiers.

The narrative's opening scene revolves around the Machiavellian scheming of the Mu family's two elder brothers. They each plot to have their wives confront the Mu family's elders in a fit of rage. According to the imperial decree, households with two adult sons are subject to conscription into military service. With four adult males in the Mu family, one is bound to be called upon. Traditionally, it would be the one who has fathered offspring, ensuring the continuation of the family line, who would be chosen for this duty.

But due to the schemes of Mu Laoda and Mu Laoer, coupled with the antics of their wives, Mu Laosan, who had only been married for a few months, was conscripted into military service.

Meng Die's lips curled up slightly. "This angle is brilliant." This detail was never mentioned in the courtroom, but the person writing the script dug it out based on imperial decrees and the Mu family's reputation, demonstrating how meticulous they were.

The second segment unfolds with scenes of warfare in the military camp, where Mu Laosan fearlessly charges into battle against enemy forces. Under the moon's gentle glow at night, he finds himself deeply missing his newlywed wife. In the same luminous moonlight, Lady Rong, with her swollen belly, diligently works on sewing a small garment for their impending child. Alas, the lack of fine cotton troubles her somewhat.

Next came Mu Laosan's meritorious act of delivering a letter back home, which filled Rongshi with ecstatic joy. The following year, she not only received a sum of silver but also a toy handmade by Mu Laosan for their daughter. The silver was used, apart from showing filial piety to her in-laws, to purchase a substantial amount of brand new cotton, thus echoing the beginning of the second part of the tale.

Following this, Mu Laosan would send letters and money home every year. While Hongzhi always received the letters, the silver never reached her. Both she and Little Huagui grew increasingly frail, their lives characterized by unpredictable meals. Little Huagui had never owned a new garment in all her years.

In the third act, the news of Mu Laosan's death in battle reaches the family. Rong Shi is overwhelmed with grief and becomes a figure of tears. Here, the narrative focuses on the Mu family donning new cotton-padded clothes, and then the family sets up a simple mourning tent to hold a funeral for Mu Laosan. Amidst the pale surroundings, Rong Shi, dressed in two thin garments, holds Xiao Guihua, who is still in her old clothes, and weeps repeatedly. Eventually, she makes the decision to marry soon, to save food for the Mu family and also to alter all her clothes for Xiao Guihua to wear.

In the fourth chapter, Ning Qiang visits to deliver a legacy, and Lady Rong recounts her recent dreams to him. Alarmed by the mention of a severed arm, Ning Qiang decides to take Lady Rong and Little Osmanthus to the capital, intending to seek the Commander's judgment. Ultimately, with the assistance of Miss Meng, they lodge their case before the Metropolitan Governor of the capital city.

The fifth scene depicted the court proceedings vividly. The personalities of the Mu family members were portrayed with great detail. When Old Lady Mu knelt, I added an inner monologue to her character: "As your senior, I am kneeling before you; if you don't forgive me, the blame would be on you. Soon, the criticism will overwhelm you like a flood of spittle."

"Ahaha..." Li Ai burst into laughter.

Meng Die also chuckled, amused. The author of the drama script had cleverly emphasized Meng Die's insult, comparing her to a stubborn stake with even a toad unable to match her obstinacy.

Meng Die glanced at Nurse Fan and lifted the script in her hand. "Nurse, where did you find this scholar?"

Li Ai chimed in, "Truly an amusing character."

Nurse Fan covered her mouth, giggling. "Second Master and Second Lady, why don't you try guessing? You might actually know this person."

"Know each other?" Li Ai looked at Meng Die, confused.

Meng Die blinked and smiled. "Was it written by Vice Minister Dong or Prefect Tang?"

Nanny Fan was taken aback. "Oh my Second Lady, you're truly remarkable. These stories were co-written by Lord Dong and Lord Tang."

Meng Die's interest piqued. "What exactly happened?"

Nanny Fan's smile widened. "Yesterday, I went with Old Fan to request an audience with Lord Tang. We presented all six storybooks. When Lord Tang saw them, his expression darkened. He asked me where these storybooks came from, so I recounted everything Second Lady had instructed me to do. Lord Tang then told me to go back and said there was no need to find more people to write storybooks. He'll provide one himself when the time comes."

Meng Die chuckled. "So that's how it was. I said it myself, an ordinary person wouldn't have guessed that Eldest and Second Mu were plotting to send Third Mu to join the military. Only their long-term experience in solving cases allowed them to unravel this intricate web and reconstruct the events as they unfolded."

Li Ai nodded. Rong had mentioned the incident of the two sisters-in-law causing a scene in the military camp, but she hadn't disclosed it in court. This meant that Dong Hongjie and Tang Muyan were unaware of it. However, they had deduced the conspiracy between Eldest and Second Mu based on the outcome of the case and the imperial laws.

Looking at Nurse Fan, Meng Die continued, "This version is excellent. Find a few reliable theater troupes and have them rehearse it as an opera. After listening, if I approve, I'll sponsor them for three years. During this time, each troupe will perform in a designated area, singing this play throughout the streets and alleys."

Nurse Fan's laughter grew even brighter. "There won't be any unreliable theater troupes now."

Raising an eyebrow, Meng Die asked, "Why is that?"

Nanny Fan said, "Lord Tang distributed those six storybooks to several storytellers. Since last night, the main teahouses and taverns in the capital have started recounting their contents."

Meihong panicked. "Th-this... The content of those six storybooks is..."

Nanny Fan chuckled, interrupting her. "Why are you in such a hurry? Does Lord Tang not know what's happening? He instructed those storytellers to comment on each segment, question the narrative, and expose every malicious intention in the stories. My informants reported this morning that all six scholars' homes have been surrounded by rotten vegetable leaves."

"Hmph! They deserve it! It feels so satisfying," Hulu said with a laugh. "Let them twist black into white!"

Meng Die was also in high spirits. Some people truly deserved the hardships they encountered.

Nanny Fan: "And that County Magistrate Wen who assisted Zhang Ershuan – we've investigated. When he was initially appointed to his post, he offended the former Right Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. That's why he was assigned to govern a remote and impoverished county. After the Right Vice-Minister retired, he has been seeking a transfer, but unfortunately, all attempts have been in vain."

Li Ai: "I have a recollection of this person; he could be said to have helped us vent our grievances."

Meng Die had rather neutral feelings about him: "Old Zhang had already reported to the authorities long ago, yet he didn't bother to look into the case. It was only when Zhang Liang intervened that he lent a hand. Clearly, he had no initial intention of thoroughly investigating the matter to assist Zhang Ershuan."

Li Ai paused.

Meng Die: "But you're right. It does give us a sense of relief. Not responding to an action would be impolite." Meng Die turned to Mother Fan. "I suppose the regular postal service at the relay station is no longer functioning, isn't it?"

Nanny Fan: "Yes, we shall resume on the sixth day of the month."

Meng Die said, "You shall come to collect the letter on the sixth day of next month and then forward it to Second Sister's residence." Noticing Li Ai's bafflement, Meng Die elaborated, "Your brother-in-law's county encompasses mountainous terrain, suitable for the cultivation of oak trees, which are essential for silk carpet production, particularly in the dyeing process. On the other hand, Magistrate Wen's county lacks such terrain but is favorable for growing madder and the like. I intend to facilitate a connection between them, enabling your brother-in-law to procure dyeing materials from Magistrate Wen. This would constitute a notable achievement for Magistrate Wen in terms of governance. As for how far this collaboration will take him, it rests upon his own capabilities."

Li Ai understood now, "So it is like this, settling the favor, with neither side owing the other?"

Meng Die nodded her head gracefully.

In the blink of an eye, it was the thirtieth day of the lunar calendar. This year, the residence of the Marquis Yongyi was exceptionally lively. During the family reunion dinner, the Marquis and his wife beamed with joy, unable to close their mouths as they looked at their many children and grandchildren gathered around. In their happiness, they ordered the servants to scatter a generous amount of copper coins outside. The Marquis Yongyi's mansion was indeed wealthy!

On the second day of the lunar new year, Meng Die returned to her natal home, and Li Ai, her husband, finally officially set foot in the Meng residence for the first time. Given it was his maiden visit, he had prepared an abundance of gifts, and the Meng family opened their gates to welcome him. Li Ai and Meng Die stayed with her family until the fourth day before returning to their own home.

Leisurely days always pass swiftly. After celebrating the God of Wealth on the fifth day, Meng Die felt that the moment had blinked by, and it was already the fifteenth day of the first month.

Today was the traditional Lantern Festival, coinciding with Li Ai's birthday. Early in the morning, Li Ai donned a vibrant red robe - truly red, from his pants, sash, to his outer garment, even his hair band was crimson. He looked more festive than a newlywed groom.

Meng Die couldn't help but giggle at Li Ai, who was virtually dressed up like a giant red envelope. Fortunately, Li Ai's good looks carried the look; had it been someone with less posture or less fair skin, such attire would have been a catastrophe.

Xiao Yu lifted the curtain, announcing, "Second Master and Second Mistress, the banquet is ready in the main house. It will commence shortly."

Li Ai and Meng Die rushed to the main chamber together. Upon their appearance, Li Mao led the greeting, "Here comes the birthday celebrant." The others, being of the same generation, followed suit with the same cheer.

Lady Hou waved at Li Ai, "Have your longevity noodles first, then we'll proceed with the banquet."

Qianceng approached with a bowl of noodles in hand. Lady Hou continued, "Your mother got up early this morning to cook these especially for you."

Li Ai turned to Madam Ning, "Thank you, Mother."

Madam Ning beamed with joy, "I usually wouldn't dare to cook noodles, but this morning I consulted Xing Huang, and then I felt confident enough to give it a try."

After savoring the bowl of longevity noodles, the feast began. On the makeshift stage on the other side, actors and actresses emerged one after another, performing popular tunes from the past two years, wishing for prosperity and good fortune.

Madam Hou's face lit up with joy as she listened, "Dai-er's ideas are always excellent. Isn't this much better than those tales of talented scholars and beautiful maidens?"

Madam Ning agreed, "Exactly. Back then, we were always selective when listening to operas; stories of talented scholars and maidens made up a significant portion."

Madam Hou nodded, "You're fortunate. In my younger days, most performances were like that. With so many children at home, I eventually stopped attending operas altogether."

...

Meng Die listened attentively to the conversation between Madam Hou and Madam Ning, all the while absorbing the lyrics being sung on stage. Suddenly, she lifted her head in surprise. No, why had the tune suddenly changed? Had she just heard lines from "Distinguishing Truth from Falsehood"?

"Truly, even a toad isn't as cunning as you."

Madam Hou burst into laughter. "Die-er, I found the court scene in 'Distinguishing Truth from Falsehood' particularly captivating, so I asked them to perform just that part. What do you think?"

Madam Ning, Lady Zhou, and others echoed, "Mother is right. I also find this section of the aria most impressive."

Recalling the embarrassed expression on Mu Zhu's face, Meng Die nodded in agreement. "I concur." She made no attempt to hide her admiration.

The others erupted into hearty laughter.

As dusk settled, the Marquis Yongyi's mansion was illuminated by a series of red lanterns being lit one by one. Meng Die and Li Ai, having changed into more comfortable attire, swiftly made their way to the rear entrance of the mansion. There, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Li Peng and Yao, who were stealthily approaching from the other side.

Meng Die couldn't help but laugh, "Very well, we're on the same wavelength."

Li Peng / Yao Hongyan: "Second brother, second sister-in-law, are you also interested in going to see the lanterns?"

Li Ai dismissed them, as if shooing away flies. "Off with you, off with you."

After bidding farewell to Li Peng and Yao Hongyan, Li Ai and Meng Die seemed to have an unspoken understanding and did not head straight to the lantern-lit street. Instead, they casually chose a street and strolled leisurely along it.

The array of aromas from the food stalls along the roadside was a medley of sweet, spicy, and on occasion, the pungent fragrance of stinky tofu, a peculiar yet invigorating presence that certainly awakened one's senses.

Amidst the chaos, some passed by with devastated expressions, while others joyfully indulged in their meal, noses wrinkled but faces beaming. Then there were those like Meng Die and Li Ai, observing the diverse spectrum of human nature with wide smiles on their faces.

Another firework burst in the sky, illuminating half of the heavens and casting its glow upon everything around it. Such is the fleeting beauty of mortal life.

On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Li Ai resumed his duties after his holiday, arriving early at the palace to take his turn on duty.

Meng Die had retired late the previous night, and thus arose tardily this morning, not stirring from her kang until the late morning hours. After a leisurely wash and freshen up, she sat down to breakfast while listening to Mama Fan's report.

Nanny Fan: "Madam Second, the academy is now fully completed. We can choose an auspicious date to officially open and commence classes."

Meihong: "It's finally finished. I was initially hoping it could be completed before the new year."

Nanny Fan: "Indeed, who would've thought the walls need to be left to settle? They did let them dry when they built the workshops, but since there were so many structures and work was ongoing elsewhere, I didn't pay attention. Now, I'm at a loss." After grumbling, Nanny Fan turned to Meng Die. "Second Lady, the feng shui master has chosen two dates – the eighteenth day of the first lunar month and the twenty-sixth. Which one do you prefer?"

Meng Die swallowed the food in her mouth, smiling. "Of course, the sooner, the better."

Nanny Fan also laughed, saying, "I suspected as much too."

Meng Die asked, "Have all the spots for the school been filled?"

At this, Nanny Fan's smile broadened. "They're all taken. Just the workers from our factory have filled the quota. Initially, I was worried we wouldn't be able to fill all the spots, but I never expected such enthusiasm from everyone."

Xing Huang commented, "If given the chance to learn how to read, I'd jump at it too. How could they not fill the spots?"

Nanny Fan waved her hands repeatedly. "You don't understand. Our school is for children between six and ten years old. Though they haven't reached adulthood, they're old enough to help out around the house when their parents are working. Ordinary families would hardly allow their children to go to school. It's only in the households of our female workers, who have earned money at our factory and improved their living conditions, that they're willing to let their kids attend school."

Meng Die put down her chopsticks. "Are there many girls among those who have registered?"

Aunt Fan immediately chuckled. "At the beginning, there weren't many girls – perhaps around an eighth of the total compared to boys."

Meng Die felt a bit discouraged. Only an eighth? She had specifically asked Aunt Fan to spread the word that the school would also teach silk reeling and weaving. Wait—Meng Die suddenly looked at Aunt Fan. "At the beginning? Does that mean it's changed now?"

Aunt Fan replied, "Yes, it has. Now, it's probably about a sixty-forty split."

Meng Die was astonished. She had initially hoped for a thirty-seventy ratio. "That's not a small percentage. Are all the later applicants girls, then?"

Nanny Fan shook her head. "I closed registration for the first batch on the twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month, and there were only about thirty spots left. The ratio of boys to girls was eight to two."

Xing Huang spoke quickly. "That doesn't make sense! Even if all the thirty-odd people who registered after the New Year were girls, the ratio couldn't have reached six to four, right? I heard when I was in the military camp that our school was initially going to admit three thousand students—wasn't that the case?"

Nanny Fan nodded. "Yes, it was three thousand. The ratio became six to four because not only were all the remaining spots after the New Year filled by girls, but some boys who had already registered were withdrawn and replaced with girls. Most of the withdrawn boys were around six or seven, while the girls who took their place were mostly eight or nine, with a few nearly ten years old. Perhaps they feared I wouldn't accept them, so they deliberately underestimated their ages. I chose to turn a blind eye."

Hulu interjected, "They changed their minds after the lawsuit involving the Rong family, didn't they?"

Nanny Fan nodded once more. "Exactly that. During the New Year festivities, Lord Tang didn't stop the storyteller from continuing his tale, and they even had someone narrate the book he and Lord Dong co-wrote. With everyone enjoying a leisurely break during the holiday, many teahouses were packed every day, and the storytellers continued their performances. Since these stories actually happened, those who witnessed them firsthand shared their accounts too. Soon, the whole capital knew about it."

"At first, in our district, women could simply register for the apprenticeship, without any restrictions on their relatives. Hence, many boys at the start were actually their nephews. But now, people realize that nephews are outsiders, while daughters are true flesh and blood. How could they still give the spots to their nephews? Some also believe that if their sons are too young, since their daughters are not outsiders but their legitimate offspring, it's better to let their daughters learn first. Their sons can learn after their sisters finish their training—it's the same."

Brainwashing indeed works, Meng Die mused happily.

Nanny Fan asked, "Second Lady, what were you saying?"

Uh, Meng Die paused. She had unintentionally spoken her thoughts aloud. "Nothing much, just that people in our capital city seem to be changing their mindset rather quickly."

Nanny Fan replied, "It's not that they're changing quickly. Anyone who witnessed that scene would admit that nephews are indeed outsiders. In the past, many thought that daughters would eventually marry into another family and were therefore seen as liabilities. Nowadays, fewer people use such derogatory terms for their daughters."

Meihong inquired, "How did you know, Nurse Fan?"

Nurse Fan replied, "I have a few informants under my wing, and they shared this information with me. They mentioned that in previous years, the period right after the New Year, when resources were scarce, was the peak time for selling girls into brothels. But this year, it hasn't been the case. In the capital's brothels, apart from a few grand establishments that can afford higher prices, the smaller ones haven't managed to acquire any new girls. This could be related to their poor business performance."

Meng Die's brows relaxed, and her smile broadened. This was the outcome she had hoped for!