Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Listening to Hai Guanxing's account, Li Ai was most concerned about something the other had not mentioned: "Did she suffer from seasickness?" It was said that the experience of seasickness was akin to living in hell.

Hai Guanxing's upturned lips froze, and he shook his head. "Second Madam didn't mention it, nor did anyone else. Presumably, she either didn't get seasick or it wasn't severe. They all privately mentioned that during the voyage, Second Madam mastered the language of Shadow Country with Mr. Zhao, the interpreter, and even picked up some colloquial French. She has an exceptional aptitude for learning."

Relieved somewhat, Li Ai noticed Hai Guanxing's teasing gaze and coughed lightly before asking, "Did she lose weight?"

Hai Guanxing's brows curved once more. "How could one not lose weight on a sea voyage? But from what I saw, Second Madam seemed in high spirits." Observing Li Ai's hesitant expression, he added, "Second Madam also asked about you, Lord. I told her that you've slimmed down a bit."

Li Ai's cheeks flushed slightly.

Hai Guanxing said, "Second Aunt mentioned that nothing outside compares to the comfort of home, not even the imperial chef."

The corners of Li Ai's lips lifted and didn't fall again. He quickly changed the subject. "Did she achieve her purpose with that entrance?"

Hai Guanxing immediately chuckled. "Oh, is there anything Second Aunt can't accomplish? It's a shame I didn't get to witness the scene of the streets deserted that day. The nobles were instantly deeply impressed by Second Aunt, and even the local commoners still talk about it from time to time. They say that on that day, Second Aunt radiated light all over her body."

Li Ai laughed even more heartily. "She's not a deity."

Hai Guanxing: "Not necessarily. Back in the capital, Second Aunt was known as the God of Wealth." Hai Guanxing paused. "Seems like people from all lands have keen eyesight."

Li Ai agreed wholeheartedly.

Hai Guanxing continued, "The day after Second Aunt arrived, Qiu Ji sent out numerous invitations to the nobles and merchants of Shadow Kingdom for a welcome banquet he was hosting in her honor."

Li Ai: "Merchants?"

Hai Guanxing: "Their customs differ from ours. Over there, it's not uncommon for nobles to engage in commerce, and many even take pride in it. Conversely, merchants can acquire noble titles."

Li Ai nodded, indicating his understanding.

Hai Guanxing said, "The outcome of this banquet was satisfactory as well. Second Madam successfully made acquaintances with someone from the Brown family."

Li Ai asked, "The Browns?"

Hai Guanxing replied, "That's the family known for creating large glass items. Second Madam mentioned that she was interested in their glasswork to them."

Li Ai nodded. Meng Die had briefly mentioned this to him before her departure. It would be impossible to admit the true purpose of seeking advanced firearms technology when they arrived. They needed a convincing cover story to avoid arousing suspicion among the Shadow Kingdom's nobles.

As it turned out, Meng Die's decision was spot on. She visited Qiu Ji's residence in the morning, and by the evening, when the couple entertained her, Lina couldn't help but ask directly.

Meng Die replied with great composure: "The main reason for my visit this time is to inspect the glass manufacturing factory, and I also wish to establish a factory within the territory of the Great Yi Dynasty. Additionally, I intend to walk around and see if there are any other suitable projects. If there are, I will invest some more silver to give it a try; if not, I will simply consider it as a leisurely outing to experience different local customs and cultures."

Glass is currently highly sought after, not just by merchants, but even common folk can see its promising future. Many aspire to have a share in this lucrative market. Meng Die's response indeed convinced both Lina and Qiu Ji.

Qiu Ji: "Madam Second, the glass industry is currently thriving. It's not easy to get a foothold in it."

Meng Die had learned some things from Hai Guanxing, but at this moment, she feigned ignorance. "Why? Our trading ships from the Great Yi Dynasty have ventured to many places in recent years, and Guanxing mentioned that numerous countries and regions possess glassworks."

Lina shook her head. "Don't be deceived by the abundance of glass factories. Most of them actually belong to the Brown family, and the few that don't have ties through marriage. They tightly hold the secret of manufacturing large sheets of glass in their grasp."

Meng Die lowered her gaze, revealing a hint of familial sophistication. "Will you be inviting the Brown family to the banquet held in my honor this time?"

Qiu Ji nodded, "Yes, but it's uncertain who will be coming."

Meng Die instantly grasped the subtle implication of Lina's words. For instance, attending a banquet at the Marquis Yongyi's residence, the significance represented by Meng Die and Li Ai's presence was entirely different from that of Li Peng and Yao Hongyan's attendance.

Lina remarked, "Second Mistress should exercise caution if she intends to establish a glass factory in the Great Yi Dynasty."

Meng Die: "How so?"

Qiu Ji remarked, "The Brown family is quite overbearing. All the glass factories within the borders of our Shadow Kingdom belong to them. However, they do give way overseas, thanks to that saying from the Great Yi Dynasty about dragons and snakes contending..."

Meng Die: "A mighty dragon does not suppress the local snake."

Qiu Ji: "Yes, yes, yes. They compromised by setting up glass factories abroad, but they only contribute more taxes to the host country. When hiring local workers, they offer very low wages. That's tolerable. But to produce glass, they mine minerals wherever it's easy to extract. Once a site is exhausted, they immediately dismiss all the workers and move on to the next location, completely indifferent to the workers' livelihoods."

Meng Die: "Do the kings of those nations not intervene?"

Lina scoffed, "The Brown family pays ample taxes. How could they possibly care about the common folk's well-being?"

Meng Die replied, "Those workers earn a decent wage at their factories. Even if the factories were to close, they could always return to their previous livelihoods. They'd still have some savings."

Qiu Ji shook his head repeatedly. "I know of Lady Second's factory in the capital, and I've heard people speak of it. They all say Lady Second is kind and treats her workers exceptionally well. But there aren't many merchants as benevolent as her in this world, especially not the Browns. Not only do they wreak havoc on the local landscape while mining, but there's also slag produced from glassmaking. They dispose of these waste materials haphazardly. Once the factories leave, the farmers can no longer cultivate their land."

Meng Die nodded grimly. "Thank you for enlightening me on these matters. I'll reconsider establishing a factory."

Qiu Ji said, "Lady Second is a benefactor to our entire family. Helping you is helping ourselves."

After the evening banquet, Lu Wei returned to her chambers and remarked, "I didn't expect Qiu Ji and Lina to hold the common people in such high regard."

Meng Die replied, "You're overthinking it."

Just then, Mr. Zhao sought an audience. Meng Die allowed him entry and promptly asked, "Well? Did you manage to gather any intel?"

Mr. Zhao replied, "In response to Second Lady, I haven't uncovered any substantial information. All I know is that the Brown family's oppressive actions have aroused resentment from merchants across various nations. Apart from their glass trade, some merchants are already deliberately avoiding business with them."

Meng Die said, "We arrived this morning, and it's only been a day. It's impressive that you've learned this much. Mr. Zhao, please take some time to rest and conserve your energy. In a couple of days, at the upcoming banquet, I'll need you to sit inconspicuously and record everything that's said."

Mr. Zhao: "It's simply part of my duty."

Lu Wei sees Mr. Zhao off: "Second Aunt, how could I have overthought this?"

Meng Die smiles: "When they were discussing the workers, they seemed enraged, but if you observe closely, it's more accurate to say they're discontent with the Brown family rather than empathetic towards the laborers."

"Making glass is a highly profitable business; no merchant could resist the temptation to get involved. If I'm not mistaken, Qiu Ji and the other merchants probably intend to use the people's plight to pressure the Brown family into conceding some of their profits. They speak of these matters in front of me knowing that I value the welfare of the common folk, hoping I'll confront the Brown family. Then, they can step in as mediators and reap benefits from both sides."

Lu Wei's expression changes several times before settling into a scowl: "Pah! I thought they were well-intentioned, but their schemes run deep."

Meng Die chuckled instead. "Not to mention that many brothers and friends have turned against each other for the sake of profit. You might as well ask Xing Huang how things are going over there."

"Hmm."

To firmly establish herself in Yin Country and even among neighboring nations, a grand entrance alone was insufficient. Meng Die needed to present something that would impress the nobility, proving her uniqueness and enabling her to truly infiltrate their inner circle.

A multi-layered cream cake seemed like a good choice. Meng Die instructed Xing Huang to create a four-tier cream cake for the banquet the following day. In addition, she also asked Xing Huang to prepare smaller cream cakes as gifts for the guests.

Lu Wei entered, lifting the curtain. "Second Lady, everything is going smoothly with Xing Huang. There will be no issue with tomorrow's banquet. She has also prepared plenty of ingredients for small desserts, which she plans to make during the meal. That way, people can enjoy some after-dinner sweets when they finish eating."

Meng Die nodded satisfactorily. "She does think more thoroughly. Have you prepared the accessories I asked for?"

Lu Wei replied, "Yes, they're ready. Lina sent me a list, with nineteen gentlemen in total. I've chosen boutonnieres as instructed by Second Aunt. For the twelve ladies, I've prepared earrings. The boxes are made of small-leaf purple sandalwood."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "The Qiu family probably doesn't have any small-leaf purple sandalwood in their decor, so it's best we change to silver boxes with gilded edges. They might bring companions, so prepare a smaller gift as well, just in case."

Lu Wei responded, "Bring companions? Lina didn't mention that."

Meng Die said, "Prepare for it anyway. It's always better to be prepared."

Lu Wei: "Hmm."

Hai Guanxing couldn't help but comment, "Second Madam's consideration was spot on. Those people wouldn't receive any gifts if their partners attended banquets elsewhere. But here, not only did they receive presents, they were valuable ones at that. Who wouldn't be delighted? I bet they've been praising Second Madam behind her back."

Li Ai paused, "Praising her?!"

Seeing Li Ai's expression, Hai Guanxing understood, "Does Second Master think those nobles' partners are too shallow-minded?"

Li Ai nodded, acknowledging that he wouldn't let his own benefit influence Meng Die's thoughts.

Hai Guanxing couldn't help but chuckle. "Second Master, those so-called partners aren't necessarily each other's true spouses; they're merely lovers."

Li Ai's eyes widened, his expression resembling one struck by lightning, "Concubine?"

Hai Guanxing shook his head. "There's no such title for concubines over there, and those women aren't concubines either."

"What is that?"

Hai Guanxing fell silent, realizing that Li Ai was staring directly at her, leaving no chance for her to deceive her way out of the question. Mustering up her courage, she stumbled over her words, "If I must draw a comparison, they are akin to performers on our side who entertain but do not sell themselves. Whenever feasts are held there, it is customary for guests to be accompanied by such a companion."

As for whether they sell their art without selling themselves, that's a matter of individual perception and wisdom.

Li Ai's face contorted!