Chapter 37 The Madam is Truly Capable
The doors and windows of the house were wide open, and outside the windows was a small, quiet bamboo grove. On this leisurely afternoon, the chirping of insects drifted in from outside, becoming the only sound inside.
When Nalan Zhi first heard Dai Li say "Mr. Nalan, see you later," he had a vague premonition.
See you later, they will meet again.
At the time, I just felt that I really had to meet them. They had so much to talk about, and I was still eager to see them again. How could I only meet them once?
But after hearing Mo Yanyun tell him about Lady Daili's background in private, Nalan Zhi thought to himself that she was more than just "extraordinary"; her bold behavior was probably one in a million.
Despite his shock, Nalan Zhi still admired Dai Li. Now, hearing her say she wanted to join the strategist group, he only showed surprise, without any contempt or arrogance.
After a moment of silence, Nalan Zhi spoke, “Madam Dai, we share the same interests, so I will speak frankly to you. Unlike many powerful rulers who have three thousand retainers and advisors, our lord is quite strict. In the early years, those who came to join him were not employed if he deemed them to be mediocre. Later, he even set up strict examiners, rejecting many who did not meet his standards, showing a strong sense of 'better to have none than to have bad ones.'”
Dai Li smiled gently, “Mr. Nalan treated me with sincerity, and I will tell you the truth. In fact, I already mentioned this matter to Lord Jun yesterday. The most important reason he rejected me at that time was because I am a young lady. He said that young ladies are only suitable for admiring flowers in the mansion, and dealing with intrigues and schemes is a man’s business.”
As she continued, Dai Li lowered her eyelids, because she was so angry that looking directly at Nalan Zhi would easily expose her true feelings.
Dai Li's tone gradually became calmer, "In my humble opinion, Your Excellency is mistaken. As the saying goes, a black fox or a white fox, a fox that can catch mice is a good fox. If one person can provide a continuous source of revenue for the Xuanxiao Cavalry, and even the entire Northern Region, why can't she be the precedent?"
Nalan Zhi was stunned.
Will it bring fiscal revenue to the Xuanxiao Cavalry and even the entire Northern Lands?
What arrogant and overbearing words!
If Nalan Zhi's words were merely out of helplessness, his suspicions were now obvious: "Where does the endless stream of revenue that Lady Dai speaks of come from?"
Dai Li only said two words, "Refined salt".
There was no refined salt in this era, because in the pre-Qin period, which is not too far from now, the use of salt was still in a relatively primitive stage.
The Qin and Han dynasties marked the beginning, but it wasn't until the Tang dynasty that the salt industry entered a completely new phase.
Dai Li knew very well that she was walking a tightrope over a cliff, and if she wasn't careful, she would be doomed.
Salt taxes existed as early as the Zhou Dynasty. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Qi, under the leadership of Guan Zhong, reorganized the salt industry and created huge profits through a system of "official collection and sale".
Whether it was the emperors of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, or Huang Chao, who later directly invaded Chang'an, or even Li Zan, who previously occupied Ying County and made Qin Shaozong, the ruler of the north, feel threatened and uneasy, they all started by selling smuggled salt.
Those in power were well aware of the profits in the salt trade, so they controlled it very tightly, often resorting to extreme measures like "Eliminating Nine Clans" (a form of online gambling).
This is something that absolutely cannot be discussed directly with Qin Shaozong. Judging from the way that man dealt with Jiang Chonghai and Li Zan, he is definitely a ruthless and ambitious man.
To say that this kind of person's rules and morals are flexible is an understatement.
Nalan Zhi's expression changed drastically, "Refined salt?"
The word "shrewd" was enough to make Nalan Zhi lose his composure. He had considered the possibility that Dai Li was talking nonsense, but he dismissed the idea after only a moment.
No need.
Salt is no small matter; countless people throughout history have lost their lives over it. She had no reason to make such a potentially life-threatening joke.
“Madam Dai, do you know what those two words of yours represent?” Nalan Zhi asked her.
Dai Li looked at the white-haired man with a long beard in front of her. He was over fifty years old, and the vicissitudes of life on his face were much heavier than those of ordinary people. Most of his hair was white, which suggested that he had a very difficult life in his early years. The dark mark on his face was like a stubborn insect, and a timid child might be frightened to tears if he saw it.
But Nalan Zhi's eyes were clear. Even though the lines of time covered his eyes and his face bore the marks of a sinner, he remained gentle, like a clear stream in the mountains, or like the spring breeze that brushed against the open book on the desk.
There was no shouting, no harsh rebuke of her absurdity, and no order to have the guards torture her to see how much they could get out of her.
He was confirming what she had just said and giving her a friendly reminder. He was reminding her that some things shouldn't be said carelessly, and if she denied it now, he wouldn't tell anyone else, and it could be pretended that nothing had happened.
Dai Li thought to herself that Qin Shaozong was not a very good person, but his judgment of people was impeccable.
"I know." Dai Li understood what she was doing. Some things, though dangerous, were the only way.
"Today's salt comes from three main sources: boiling seawater, digging salt wells, and extracting rock salt from mountains. The first type is often impure because the water contains impurities such as mud, sand, and shells. The latter two are difficult to extract and are limited in quantity, hence the saying 'boiling seawater is easy, but digging wells is difficult.'"
At this point, Dai Li smiled and said, "Most natural salt springs and salt wells are located in the southwest. I think there are almost no salt wells in this area that can be used by you, my lord."
With each word she spoke, Nalan Zhi grew more serious, eventually sitting upright in a solemn posture: "Indeed, 'boiling the sea is easy, boiling the well is difficult.' In your opinion, how can salt today be transformed into the refined salt you speak of?"
If Qin Shaozong had asked this question, Dai Li would have definitely dodged the question.
She and Qin Shaozong were practically engaged in a transaction with a clear price tag. She exchanged the dragon bone waterwheel for information about the Qin family's collateral branch, and then used some unspeakable bargaining chips to get his collateral branch to find her son and safely return him to her side.
"Don't release the hawk until you see the rabbit." If Qin Shaozong were sitting opposite her, Dai Li wouldn't have mentioned the word "refined salt," let alone what would happen next.
At this moment, the servant Musen brought in the boiled water. Daili saw a tea table and cups on the table, so she simply took over the task of boiling tea and let Musen continue to tidy up the boxes that had not been sorted out before.
After the other party left, Dai Li said, “There are many methods. One method is to plant salt on high embankments where the tide does not submerge the land. Each household should have its own designated area and boundaries, without encroaching on each other's plots. If it does not rain tomorrow, then today spread rice and wheat straw ash and reed ash about an inch thick on the ground and press it down evenly. Tomorrow morning, when the dew rises, the salt reeds will sprout vigorously. When the sun shines at midday, sweep up the ash and salt together and boil them.”①
...
Nianxia and Bibo came with Daili, but did not enter the house with her. The two women knew that this courtyard was for distinguished guests and dared not disturb them. So they waited outside the courtyard gate after Daili went inside.
They thought Dai Li wouldn't stay long, but an hour passed and she showed no sign of coming out. Much later, the sun had almost set below the horizon, and their legs were numb from standing, but the lady still hadn't appeared.
Finally unable to stand any longer, the two women sat down against the wall.
So when Qin Shaozong returned from his study, he saw from afar that there were two low posts at the gate of Nalan Zhi's courtyard.
Qin Shaozong had seen them in the back garden before and knew that these two women were Dai Li's personal attendants. Now he saw them appear outside Nalan Zhi's courtyard, and in this sitting position...
He couldn't help but suspect that a fox had been infiltrating one of the courtyards for over an hour. Could it be that she had built a fox den there in such a long time?
"My Lord".
"My Lord".
When the two women saw Qin Shaozong arrive, they quickly stood up and bowed.
Qin Shaozong didn't even bother to ask if Dai Li was among them, and directly asked, "How long has Madam been here?"
Nianxia: "Madam arrived at noon."
Qin Shaozong did some mental calculations.
Well, she's been inside for almost two hours now. I imagine she's already dug out several fox dens.
Qin Shaozong stepped inside. Before he even entered the room, he could see the two chatting happily from a distance. Nalan Zhi was even smiling as he poured tea for the girl opposite him.
If the two seemed to hit it off immediately in the back garden, judging from their current demeanor, they have become close friends despite their age difference.
Stepping inside, Qin Shaozong raised an eyebrow slightly. "What interesting things are Wugong and Madam talking about? Don't be stingy, tell me about them too."
Dai Li paused for a moment, then turned her head to follow the sound.
Before we knew it, dusk had fallen.
The orange-yellow sunlight painted the sky with a magnificent hue, and also draped the man in the courtyard in a golden veil. However, the man's aura was truly terrifying; even under the warm sunset, he still exuded a sharp and dangerous aura, as if a weapon was about to be drawn.
Dai Li's smile faded slightly, but thinking of her conversation with Nalan Zhi, she smiled again. "Of course I can tell you, but I'm afraid some things might upset you."
She and Nalan Zhi sat facing each other at opposite ends of a square table, while Qin Shaozong sat down to their side.
Without needing anyone to serve him, he reached into the wooden box beside him and took a cup, saying slowly, "Have I not heard enough of Madam's unpleasant words?"
Dai Li looked at Nalan Zhi opposite her, who gave her an inquiring look. She smiled and nodded slightly, her left hand, which was resting on her knee, slowly curling into a fist.
There's no time like the present, let's seize the moment and put the bite stopper on this vicious tiger in one go.
Qin Shaozong glanced casually to the side, taking in the expressions of the two men. His narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a dark aura settling in them.
“Those in positions of authority should recognize and promote exceptional talents regardless of their social status; those in positions of authority should recommend virtuous individuals regardless of personal relationships or enmities. My lord, today I wish to recommend a remarkable talent for you.” Nalan Zhi rose and bowed to Qin Shaozong.
Qin Shaozong didn't speak immediately, but turned to look at Dai Li. The two sat side by side, only an arm's length apart, able to touch each other with a wave of their hands. He clearly saw that after Nalan Zhi stood up, her eyes curved slightly, and her long, straight feathers curled into a small fan-like arc.
Well, in just one afternoon, she really did turn her into a den of thieves.
The stage was already set up, and Qin Shaozong could only offer a perfunctory helping to Nalan Zhi up. "No need for such formalities if you have no merit. Just tell me, which extraordinary person is worthy of your utmost respect?"
Nalan Zhi straightened up and said solemnly, "It is Madam Dai. Many people praise me for being outstanding and exceptional, and say that I am learned and extraordinary. But today I feel ashamed. I am unworthy of the title 'learned and extraordinary' in front of Madam Dai."
Qin Shaozong guessed that Nalan Zhi would introduce Dai Li, but he did not expect him to be so humble.
Nalan Zhi was never the kind of person to flatter others. If he had been willing to bow and scrape before the powerful and wealthy in Chang'an in his early years, all the reform proposals he submitted would not have been rejected, and the Nalan family would not have been framed by villains, causing him to suffer the indelible tattooing punishment and his entire family to be exiled thousands of miles away to Youzhou.
He has remained true to his original aspirations and unyielding integrity all these years.
Such a person would never use themselves as a stepping stone for others to climb up, out of pity or any other reason.
"Why are you so humble when you have accomplished nothing?" Qin Shaozong asked, puzzled.
Nalan Zhi smiled and shook his head. "My lord, it's not modesty, it's the truth. To be honest, even if I lived another sixty years, or even longer, I still wouldn't be able to figure out how to perfectly purify the salt we have now."
Those brown pupils suddenly narrowed, and Qin Shaozong subconsciously turned to look at Dai Li beside him. He saw her smiling politely, with little surprise on her face, as if all his reactions were within her expectations.
"Salt purification? How do you purify it?" Qin Shaozong pressed.
Dai Li did not answer his question. Instead, she picked up the earthenware pot on the table and poured him water, tentatively asking, "My lord, may I now address you as my master?"
Qin Shaozong's temples twitched.
The air seemed to freeze, and the steam rising from the hot water in the cup blurred Qin Shaozong's gloomy face.
Nalan Zhi spoke up at the opportune moment, "My lord, in ancient times there was the saying 'a thousand pieces of gold to buy a horse's bones,' and 'a golden platform to recruit talents from all over the world.' You did not look down on me, a person who had been branded and was a criminal, back then. Why do you turn me away today simply because Lady Dai is a woman?"
The teacup was right next to Qin Shaozong's hand. The veins on the back of his hand bulged, and the tip of his index finger subconsciously lifted towards the teacup, only to be forcibly put down again.
He stared at the steaming cup in front of him with a fierce look, not as if he were looking at an ordinary cup, but as if he were looking at a piece of delicious meat that could only be held to his lips but could never be bitten.
"Please consider the bigger picture, my lord," Nalan Zhi spoke again.
The large, dark hand finally moved, taking a foot forward and grasping the teacup. Qin Shaozong turned to look at Dai Li, his eyes filled with a terrifying darkness, and said with a forced smile, "Madam, you are quite capable. I am eager to see how the salt purification will go, and I hope you will not disappoint me."
Dai Li could tell he was angry; his eyes were fierce, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
But now that she has been promoted to a staff officer and has a pardon from death, Dai Li is not flustered at all. She even deliberately calls him "Lord" again and then says, "You shall see."
A soft "crunch" sounded.
A small crack appeared in the ceramic teacup in Qin Shaozong's hand, and tiny water droplets slowly oozed out from inside.
*
Yangzhou.
The Qin family was extremely powerful in the north, and the shockwaves spread far and wide, leaving a terrifying aftereffect.
The Qin family, rooted in the bustling city of Yangzhou, was always surrounded by visitors. One day the Wang family would come to visit, the next day the Zhang family would bring gifts, and the day after that the Zhao family would extend a warm invitation.
It is thriving and full of flowers, truly living up to its name, "Prosperous Flower County".
The current head of the Qin family in Yangzhou is named Qin Ran, who is just over forty years old. His father, Qin Chong, was the one who made the decision to move the family south in their early years.
The main gate of wealthy families is usually not opened unless a distinguished guest arrives or the host is hosting a banquet. In such cases, the main gate will be opened in advance to show respect.
The side door is always open and is guarded by a gatekeeper.
The doorman was used to the frequent visitors, so he wasn't surprised at all when someone came today. His gaze swept over the group, and his expression became even more casual.
The group was dressed in black, with no valuable accessories around their waists; it would be an exaggeration to say they were very frugal.
Servants represent the face of their masters. If servants who come to visit and deliver visiting cards are dressed so poorly, how noble can their masters be?
However, the next moment, the gatekeeper heard the visitor introduce himself: "I am a member of the Northern Xuanxiao Cavalry. I have come to pay my respects to Qin Ran on the orders of the Lord. I hope you will inform me of my arrival."
The Northern Xuanxiao Cavalry, an elite force that once helped Qin Shaozong subdue the northern barbarians, was renowned far and wide. Their fame was known not only in Yangzhou, but even in Jiaozhou in the south.
The Northern Black Cavalry, Your Majesty...
They are that person's people!
The doorman was startled, so shocked that he couldn't utter a word. His face turned red as he quickly opened the door and bowed respectfully.
The group quickly entered.
Qin Ran had just dressed and was about to leave the manor for the banquet. The governor of Fan Hua County was holding a 100-day celebration for his grandson and had invited many relatives and friends to attend.
His two sons held sinecure positions in the government office. Officials and merchants are closely connected. Today, that Lord Song is hosting a banquet, and it is only right and proper for him to go and pay his respects.
The clothes were appropriate, and the gifts were prepared.
Just as Qin Ran was about to leave with his son in the carriage, a servant rushed over in a panic.
The servant said urgently, "My lord, the Xuanxiao cavalry from the north have come, saying they have come to pay their respects on the orders of the Lord."
Qin Ran was stunned, then gasped, "How many people came? Were they treated well?"
By order of the Lord? There is only one Lord in the North, who is both the Marquis of Wu'an and the patriarch of the Qin clan.
The fact that they sent the Xuanxiao Cavalry is definitely no small matter.
Servant: "A total of five people came, and they were all served good tea in the main hall."
Qin Ran turned to his two sons beside him and said, "I won't go to Lord Song's banquet. You two can go. If Lord Song asks why I'm absent, just say that I caught a cold last night. Children are weak and shouldn't be exposed to illness."
The two sons responded.
After instructing his son, Qin Ran hurriedly went to the main hall.
As the servant had said, there were five people in total. Qin Ran calmly sized them up; they were all dressed in black, each with a strong physique, and were all formidable fighters.
Judging by its sharp, knife-like aura, it truly lives up to the reputation of the Xuanxiao Cavalry.
Hu Bao, who was in the lead, was also observing Qin Ran. Seeing that he was dressed in fine clothes and that his appearance and age matched, he knew that he was undoubtedly the head of the Qin family in Yangzhou.
Author's Note: Here I am, please give me some nutrient solution! [Orange Heart]
①: Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
