Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Meng Die and Li Ai stood side by side on the waterfront, as a magnificent vessel docked at the pier. Servants bustled back and forth, systematically loading bolts of silk and rolls of tapestries onto the ship.

Xing Huang directed Tu Ying to carry the several trunks of spices she had prepared onto the boat, while Hulu led the maidservants in carefully transferring Meng Die's clothing and personal items to her chambers aboard the vessel.

The sea breeze brushed past, carrying with it a briny scent.

Li Ai smiled, "Despite my ancestral roots being in Tianjin, this is actually my first time seeing the ocean."

Meng Die had beheld the ocean in her dreamscapes, but this was her first time witnessing its grandeur in the realm of the Great Yi Dynasty. "It's quite a spectacle, isn't it?" she mused.

Li Ai: "A spectacle never before seen. Humans truly are insignificant. You are right—there are always mountains beyond mountains, and people beyond people."

Meng Die tilted her head slightly. From the moment she first laid eyes on Li Ai, she knew he was striking. It was almost as if her perception had heightened, for lately, he seemed even more pleasing to the eye. Meng Die blinked, realizing that the inexplicable ache in her heart was the bittersweet taste of parting.

A soft chuckle escaped as she lowered her eyes.

Li Ai looked at Meng Die with a puzzled expression.

Meeting Li Ai's questioning gaze, Meng Die's smile widened as she recalled the impulsive decision she made while packing her belongings yesterday. "Why, did you originally think I was talking nonsense? Disagree that there might be superior techniques overseas?"

Li Ai: "I don't think you're talking nonsense, nor do I doubt the existence of superior techniques. It's just that I believe the difference might not be as significant as you imply."

Meng Die comprehended, "The difference is indeed stark, but not in the way you perceive it." The Great Yi Dynasty and the overseas nations have diverged onto vastly different paths—one remains entrenched in agriculture, while the other stands on the cusp of industrialization.

"Second Lady, everything is in order. We can set sail immediately."

Li Ai turned sideways to look at Meng Die, "Take care."

Meng Die also turned sideways to face Li Ai directly. "Take care of yourself as well." With that, she turned decisively and strode up the deck with confident steps.

As Meng Die's red cloak billowed in the sea breeze, Li Ai felt his heart skip a beat. It was as if someone had grabbed it tightly, making all the distant horn blasts and work chants fade away. The vast blue ocean paled in comparison to that striking red hue.

Li Ai raised his arm and waved. "Come back soon."

Having safely reached the deck, Meng Die turned around and waved back.

Not until the magnificent ship vanished into the endless sea did Li Ai finally withdraw his gaze. Turning around, he saw Hulu's tear-streaked face and Fan Hong among others. "Let's go," he said.

"Indeed."

Li Ai's departure did not mean he immediately returned to the capital. The emperor had granted him a three-day leave, during which he planned to visit his own residence and his estate. He intended to pay a visit to his paternal aunt and uncle the following day. Such an itinerary perfectly avoided the storm-like public opinion in the capital.

The news of Meng Die's voyage to the sea swiftly enveloped every corner of the capital city's streets and alleys.

The factory's female workers were anxious, but then Lu Wei addressed them. She not only assured them that Meng Die would eventually return but also promised that after her own departure, the factory wouldn't be entrusted to just anyone. Instead, it would be under Ruixue's management. The workers' apprehension vanished, and they all sent well wishes to Meng Die and Lu Wei for a safe journey and an early return.

The factory folk saw it that way, whereas many ignorant onlookers deemed Meng Die mentally troubled, squandering her good days for no reason other than pure indulgence in troublemaking.

Yet, the most discourse centered around the inner courtyard. Ever since Li Ai returned with a multitude of military accolades, he ascended to the top of the capital's list of most desirable grooms. Unfortunately, Meng Die stood as an immovable obstacle; people dared not act rashly because of her. However, the allure of wealth and status often blinds reason, and many remained relentless in their pursuits. Some even used Yao Hongyan's situation as a pretext to probe the Marquis's residence and gauge Meng Die's stance, only to find themselves on the receiving end of a scathing rebuke, their efforts amounting to nothing but wasted breath.

Just as the people of the capital had given up all hope on Li Ai as the ideal son-in-law, there was a loud bang—Meng Die set sail for the seas. The once-dead hopes were suddenly rekindled, and they all began eagerly preparing for marriage proposals. Be it becoming a secondary wife, a favored concubine, or even a noble concubine, anything was acceptable as long as they could bear a son before Meng Die's return. With Li Ai's noble title, untold riches could be within reach.

Action speaks louder than words. Before Li Ai could return from Tianjin to the capital, the Marquis Yongyi's residence, taking advantage of their familial ties, welcomed several young ladies of marriageable age to visit and be guests at the Marquis Yongyi's residence.

Madam Ning received so many invitations that they formed a stack a foot high within a single day. Even Wen Shi and Yao Hongyan were showered with a considerable number of these cards, causing all three women – mother-in-law and daughters-in-law alike – to wear grim expressions.

All these details were unknown to Li Ai. After visiting his aunt and uncle, as well as bonding with his cousins, he didn't spend any extra moment in Tianjin. Instead, he immediately set off for the capital with Fan Hong and Hulu.

By the time Li Ai returned to the Western Xia Courtyard, the moon had already ascended above the willow branches. After a simple ablution, he began his dinner. For the first time, he realized how tasteless eating alone could be.

"Nanny Zheng!"

"Shh!" Nurse Zheng slipped into the room as if she were a thief, "Second Master, Madam has asked me to inform you that several young ladies from the extended family are visiting our Marquisate. It may be inconvenient for you to be home alone under these circumstances. It would be best if you were to reside at the Chang'an Marquisate for the time being."

By Lake Green's side, her face darkened instantly.

Li Ai picked up a pair of vegetables with his chopsticks, slowly savoring them before swallowing. "I won't be visiting the Chang'an Marquis Manor."

Hulu's complexion turned as serene as her name suggested.

Li Ai said, "Hulu, pack me a few extra sets of clothing. I'll bring them with me when I enter the palace later."

Hulu was taken aback for a moment before promptly responding, "Yes, sir."

Li Ai was the vice commander of the Imperial City troops. Although the title was secondary, in reality, Commander Gu Shuzhi had already stepped down from his position. Li Ai was currently in the process of taking over his duties, and within a year or two, he would fully assume the role. Under these circumstances, Li Ai had his own quarters within the palace grounds.

After the meal, Hulu had finished packing. "Second Master, the weather is getting warmer each day. I've only included a slightly heavier outfit for rainy or windy days. The rest of the clothes are lighter."

Li Ai glanced at the large bundle prepared, "Pack my usual pillow as well." Ever since he had slept on Meng Die's soft pillow, he could no longer tolerate a hard one.

Hulu paused, then casually said, "Second Master's pillow was packed by Meihong." It was Meihong who had packed Li Ai's pillow when he secretly took it from Meng Die's quarters in the military camp.

Li Ai was taken aback, but he quickly tried to suppress the curve of his lips, only to fail. Giving up, he burst into a warm smile, "Just find a soft pillow to put in its place." He had always believed that the main reason he wanted to marry Meng Die as true spouses was their compatibility. Of course, there was also some affection involved. He even thought that Meng Die held similar feelings. Li Ai had thought their marriage would remain like this, not reaching the harmony of a musical duet, but still able to maintain mutual respect.

But when did things change? Li Ai tried hard to recall, but couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. Perhaps it was during their first meeting, when Meng Die's composure captivated him, or maybe it was through their countless letters, where his admiration had transformed into something deeper.

No wonder back then, when he went to the emperor to request a delay in the imperial edict, the commander had said he was deeply infatuated with Meng Die. Unfortunately, at that time, he was convinced that his connection with Meng Die was based solely on compatibility, not love. Thankfully, though his thoughts were slow to catch up, his actions were quick to respond.

Li Ai was now filled with immense relief. Recalling the removed pillows, he felt even happier. It seemed he wasn't the only one playing a one-man show; someone else shared his slow-wittedness but had a quicker response in action.

"Second Master, I've packed two soft cushions and prepared two pillowcases."

Li Ai regained his composure and eagerly grasped the bundles. He then produced a waist badge. "Stay here and keep an eye on the courtyard. If anything happens, let Fan Hong enter the palace with this badge to find me."

"Ai."

By the next morning, news of Li Ai spending the night in the palace quarters had spread throughout the city. Some men criticized him for being too weak and afraid of his wife, while other women envied Meng Die, wishing they could also find a devoted husband someday... Amidst the chatter and speculation, Li Ai was somewhat detached from it all—well, not entirely disconnected, to be precise.

The emperor, along with several key advisors, took turns to gauge his sentiments.

The emperor and several of his chief councilors, including the Grand Councilor Qiao Wanming, all disapproved of Meng Die's voyage across the seas. Naturally, they did not believe that Meng Die, being human and not a deity, was infallible; after all, even the most skilled may err, and horses may stumble. They contended that Meng Die had erred in her judgment, insisting that the lands beyond the seas held no technological marvels vastly superior to those of the Great Yi Dynasty. They deemed this journey a futile endeavor, a wild goose chase.

Unbeknownst to many, a betting pool had emerged in the capital, with people wagering on when Meng Die would return. The consensus was that she would come back when the autumn sea merchants sailed home. Ahem, they would never admit that they were, in fact, somewhat longing for Meng Die's return. They just were... they just were!

How wonderful it was when Meng Die was around, constantly introducing new elements to keep everyone intrigued, instead of the current stagnant atmosphere that has settled over the entire capital. So, when exactly will Meng Die return?

This matter was of concern not only to every corner of the capital but also to the very heart of the Censorate, which had suffered her sharp tongue. Though Meng Die's words could be deadly, they were far more entertaining than any opera performance when they were not directed at oneself, especially when she targeted her fellow officials.

Amidst this universal anticipation, autumn arrived stealthily, painting the leaves golden. Farmers' faces blossomed with smiles, and merchants in the capital busied themselves in preparation. As the great ships drew near the harbor, more and more people in the city craned their necks in excitement.

The merchants of the sea were all somewhat astonished. In the past two years of the Great Yi Dynasty, including the newly opened Liaogang last year, there were three more major ports compared to the time of the Founding Emperor. The number of incoming and outgoing ships had increased beyond count. At present, maritime merchants and their exotic goods were no longer novelties to people from all walks of life in the Great Yi Dynasty. The era when sea merchants were held in high esteem by everyone had long since passed.

However, the merchants experienced once again the thrill of being sought after from their past days. The moment they stepped off the ship, they were swarmed with an endless barrage of questions... Wait, what kind of questions are you asking?

"Have you come across Lady Meng from County Meng while abroad?"

"Have you encountered Second Aunt while you were abroad?"

As an experienced translator of both Chinese and English novels, I am currently engaged in rendering an ancient Chinese palace intrigue romance novel, replete with the intricacies of royal court life. Please provide the text you would like me to translate, and I shall elegantly and accurately transpose it into English.

In the end, it was all in vain! Alas!

Amidst the chaos, a tall figure in a flowing robe descended from the sea vessel. Apparently suffering from seasickness, he appeared visibly unwell to onlookers.

A dockworker approached, "Sir, is there any luggage to be moved?" He spoke deliberately, enunciating each word clearly, a pace well-suited for those not quite fluent in the tongue of the Great Yi Dynasty.

The man's eyes lit up, and he nodded. "Indeed, there is."

The laborers were pleased. With a wave of his hand, three more robust men emerged from the crowd. The four of them followed the tall man into the cabin to carry his belongings.

There were three trunks, not too large nor too small. The wooden frames appeared delicately crafted and sturdy. As they lifted them, the strong men were taken aback; they were surprisingly light. Each man could carry one trunk alone, which was entirely different from their expectation of needing two or even four people to lift them.

After moving the trunks out of the cabin, the laborer looked at the tall foreign man and asked, "Sir, is there someone here to meet you? Or where are you headed? Do you need us to help you carry your trunks?"

Another worker, perceptive, brought over a bowl of tea, brewed with tea dregs. "It's not high-quality tea, but the flavor is strong. It can help settle an upset stomach."

The man thanked him and didn't show any disdain. He took a large gulp, seemingly finding it effective as his complexion relaxed significantly. He returned the bowl to the laborer. "No one is meeting me. I'm looking for Second Lady."

The porters were taken aback. This was the Tianjin Harbor, and unlike the people of Beijing who often referred to her as Second Lady, those outside the capital were more accustomed to addressing her as Lady Meng. Hence, when the man mentioned "Second Lady," the four porters were momentarily stunned.

Their confusion didn't extend to others, though. The harbor bustled with activity as sea merchants returned, and numerous managers from Beijing's trading houses were there to greet them, accompanied by their servants.

The mention of "Second Lady" was like a thunderclap in everyone's ears. A servant of one of the foreign men, upon hearing this, immediately dropped his load and rushed to stand before the foreigner, asking, "Second Lady? You're looking for Second Lady? You must be sent by her, right?"

The foreign man looked puzzled. In quick succession, a few more individuals pushed their way to him, shoving the still-dazed porters aside. "Did Second Lady send you back?"

"Is your cargo hers?"

As an elegant and reasonable translation of the given text, which seems to be a request for a snippet from an ancient Chinese palace intrigue romance novel, we would need the actual content to translate. Please provide the specific passage you would like me to translate.

Amidst the cacophony of voices, the confusion in the foreign men's eyes seemed to solidify into tangible substance.

At last, someone shouted, "Are you headed for Marquis Yongyi's residence?"

The foreign man's eyes instantly illuminated with a dazzling light, and he promptly seized the young servant. "The Marquis Yongyi Manor," he demanded.

Ah! He's confessed without being prompted – this person is indeed an envoy sent by Second Aunt! In an instant, all eyes were drawn to the three wooden chests. These must be the items that Second Aunt had instructed to be brought back. What could they possibly contain?

Nas, the missionary hailing from overseas, was utterly delighted. That woman named Meng Die had told him to make his way to Marquis Yongyi's residence. If he ever lost his path or found himself utterly clueless, all he needed to do was shout for "Second Lady," she had said. Initially, he had thought it an absurd suggestion, but now, he marveled at the wisdom of that woman; she had been entirely correct in her guidance.

Ever since he had uttered the title "Second Lady," everything was taken care of for him without any need for personal intervention. Along the way, assistants saw to his every need. Now, with three large trunks in tow, he arrived at the gates of Marquis Yongyi's residence, where even the task of negotiating with the doorkeeper, a young servant, was handled on his behalf.

Today, it was Li Ai's turn to be on duty, but as the leader, after assigning tasks to everyone, he only needed to patrol around without standing guard. As he strolled, a soldier suddenly dashed in front of him, moving so swiftly that a trail of dust was kicked up behind him.

"Leader, Second Lady has returned."

Li Ai's eyes widened instantly. She, she's back? His heartbeat began to race uncontrollably...

Ah! No, no, it's Second Lady who has sent someone back.

With a thud, Li Ai's heart skipped a beat. He narrowed his eyes, his face shrouded in a dark cloud of concern. "What on earth is going on?" The words seemed to be forced out between his teeth, each syllable tightly squeezed.

The soldier gulped, finally realizing the root of the issue: "Y-yes, it's Second Lady who sent people back. They're at Marquis Yongyi's residence now."

Li Ai took a deep breath. "Go, arrange for two people to bring him here."

"Yes." In fact, someone had already been sent to summon her.

Back in his quarters, Li Ai waited with an utterly blank expression. Meng Die had sent someone back—whom exactly? Most importantly, how was she faring overseas?

Nas was promptly ushered in, his mind abuzz with curiosity. The Marquis's residence was opulent and exquisite, yet he sensed nothing out of the ordinary. Through conversations with the maidservants of the Second Lady, he had learned that she held a prominent position in the Great Yi Dynasty. To him, it seemed only natural for someone of such stature to dwell in such finery.

And why would the man, allegedly Second Lady's husband, reside in such humble quarters? Could it be that she didn't come to meet her husband but one of her many lovers? It seems that Second Lady might not treat her lovers kindly, or perhaps she is not favorably attended to herself?

In truth, Li Ai's dwelling was not unsatisfactory; it was merely somewhat bleak in comparison to the opulence of the Marquis's residence. After all, it was but a dormitory within the palace walls.

Li Ai appraised the man who had been escorted in. He was tall, with fair skin, golden hair, and blue eyes—a typical foreigner's appearance. Though he appeared to be in his forties, Li Ai dared not confirm it; she had always found it difficult to gauge the age of foreigners. "Hello, are you Nas?" she inquired politely.

Nas nodded, "I am Nas, a missionary. Li Ai?"

Li Ai's gaze softened for an instant. "Yes."

Nas happily pulled out two letters from his chest pocket. "These are the letters entrusted to me by Second Aunt for you, along with some items. I've brought them all."

Li Ai's hands trembled slightly as she took the letters. "Is she doing well overseas?"

Nas replied, "Second Aunt is in excellent health. The dishes prepared by Xing Huang are incredibly delicious." He even gave a thumbs up as he spoke.

"Haha…" Li Ai chuckled, indeed, the pursuit of food and beauty was innate in all people, regardless of where they came from.

There were two letters, one for Meng Tingyi and one for him. Eagerly, he opened the letter addressed to himself. The elegant handwriting reassured him; she was safe. After hastily scanning the contents, Li Ai carefully refolded the letter and placed it back into its envelope, tucking it securely into his chest: "Mr. Nas has had a long journey. Allow me to arrange for someone to show you to your quarters to rest."

Nas consented.

Just as Li Ai had seen Nas off and was about to read the letter again, Lin Chu approached with a broad smile on her face, accompanied by two young eunuchs. "My Lord, His Majesty has heard that County Master Meng has sent something back."

Li Ai...

Li Ai arrived at the Thousand Autumns Pavilion in the Imperial Garden with three wooden chests, accompanied by Lin Chu. To his surprise, not only was the Emperor present, but also the four regents, Meng Tingyi, Fu Yanxiu, Gu Shuzhi, as well as Princess Qing Yi.

The Emperor behaved as if he were one of the family: "Changfeng, I've heard that Meng Die has sent a letter? What does it say? She's even brought something back. Quickly open it and have a look."

Li Ai's face turned expressionless.

The Empress couldn't help but cover her mouth with her handkerchief, giggling softly. The regents also chuckled lightly.

Li Ai first presented a letter: "Grandfather, this is from Meng Die for you."

Meng Tingyi gently took the letter and, with great care, tucked it safely into his bosom.

Li Ai began unpacking three large trunks with a few junior eunuchs. "This box contains a telescope, it's said to be similar to a perspectoscope, but supposedly superior to it."

Upon hearing this, the crowd was somewhat disappointed. The telescope, an import from distant lands, had indeed been a novelty when it first arrived. The generals of the Great Yi Dynasty even incorporated its use into military strategy, equipping scouts with telescopes when they ventured out to investigate enemy positions. However, its utility was limited; despite its name, the telescope could not peer a thousand miles afar.

Upon unwrapping the wooden crates and removing the cotton padding that safeguarded its contents, everyone was taken aback. The telescope was simply a cylindrical tube, and this particular one was – a tube mounted on a stand. However, its distinct appearance piqued their curiosity once more.

Recalling the letter, Meng Die's instructions were indeed crystal clear. She had expressed her concern that they might not adapt properly, so this must be the adjusted version, ready for immediate use.

In the harem, he, of course, couldn't cast his gaze around indiscriminately. Contemplating the layout of the entire imperial palace, Li Ai directed his telescope towards the west. The capital was structured as Eastern nobility, Southern wealth, Western simplicity, and Northern humility, where simple folk predominantly resided. From this vantage point, he wouldn't be able to see any concubines' quarters and thus avoid witnessing anything he shouldn't.

With an air of grandeur, Li Ai slightly stooped his tall figure; upon his eyes meeting the small circular hole, they immediately widened in astonishment.

Beside the pristine street, a robust man dressed in a simple garment effortlessly lifted the lid of a steamer with a diameter of one meter, revealing the plump, white buns inside. Li Ai could even see the white steam wafting from the buns.

A woman retrieved six copper coins from her purse, and the proprietress happily filled two large steamed buns for her. The woman passed them to the child she was leading, who eagerly took a big bite, revealing to Li Ai that the buns were filled with meat!

"Meng Tingyi inquired, unable to restrain his curiosity."

Li Ai straightened his posture, looking somewhat dazed. "Grandfather, just take a look and you'll understand."

Meng Tingyi rose to his feet and mimicked Li Ai's action, observing the scene. This time, it was a young boy who purchased the buns, buying twenty large ones in one go without paying before bolting away. Yet, the shopkeeper and his wife wore broad smiles on their faces, clearly recognizing the child.

Meng Tingyi stood up, similarly dazed. Was this reality? How could such clarity persist from the palace to the streets outside, and he could even discern a scar on the little boy's hand, likely a result of his mischief.

The successive bewilderment of the two piqued everyone's curiosity. Fu Yanxiu approached as the third, still at the same bun shop, but this time, the empty steamer had been removed by the owner, and the bun buyers were now two scholars...

The emperor was about to inquire about the outcome when he saw his usually composed cousin also struck dumb. The emperor was utterly confused. Wait, what exactly was going on here?

The Crown Prince, taking advantage of his youthful agility, managed to surpass several elder statesmen and became the fourth to observe through the instrument. Fortunately, he didn't go insane after viewing it, though he was certainly not quite himself: "A divine artifact, this is undoubtedly a divine artifact." He seemed slightly eccentric.

The Emperor could no longer contain his curiosity. Upon standing up, he noticed that several prime ministers had already rushed to the telescope.

...