In the pavilion, the cool evening breeze took away the fatigue of the day, and the aroma of tea filled the air.
Madam Liu turned to look at Su Huaiyue, her eyes revealing sincere expectations: "Miss Su, your designs really open my eyes, especially the bag with the lotus pattern, it's really unique."
Su Huaiyue smiled slightly and took the teacup handed to her by Madam Liu: "As long as Madam likes it, then I will be relieved. In fact, these inspirations all come from the beautiful scenery in the mansion."
"Haha, it's fate."
Madam Liu laughed out loud. "My master and I have always hoped to meet a skilled craftsman like you to add to my collection. I never thought we would meet such a distinguished person today."
"No, ma'am, you are too kind."
Su Huaiyue shook her head slightly, but she was indeed pleased to be appreciated.
This design was not in vain. She also hoped to take this opportunity to meet Mr. Liu, whom she had always heard of but never met. Perhaps it would open up some paths for her future development.
Seeing some hesitation on Su Huaiyue's face, Madam Liu hurriedly comforted her, "Just stay here tonight. I'll introduce you to each other when Master Liu comes back."
Su Huaiyue replied somewhat awkwardly, "Then I'll obey your command. I really don't know how to express my gratitude for your care today, Madam."
Mrs. Liu chuckled softly and said, "Our meeting is fate. There's no need to thank me. I just hope your design can be realized soon. I can't wait to show it off to my friends."
The two smiled at each other, feeling a rare tacit understanding in their hearts.
In the evening, when the meal was served, there was a hurried knock on the door of Liu's house.
Su Huaiyue put down the chopsticks in her hand and looked towards the door with some anticipation.
Not long after, Mr. Liu walked in, looking exhausted, and the tiredness on his face was hard to hide.
"Master, thank you for your hard work."
Mrs. Liu immediately stood up to greet him, her tone full of concern.
"Madam, who are these friends who have come?"
Mr. Liu noticed Su Huaiyue sitting next to him, and spoke in a polite but somewhat questioning tone.
Su Huaiyue quickly stood up and bowed slightly. "Master Liu, I have long heard of your great name. I am Su Huaiyue, and I am willing to stay here for one night, thanks to your kindness. The others are all my friends, traveling with me."
Mr. Liu nodded, exchanged a few simple greetings, and then sat down to eat.
However, his brows were furrowed, as if something was lingering on his mind.
The atmosphere at the dinner table seemed a little solemn.
Mrs. Liu, who was watching carefully, couldn't help but ask softly, "Master, did something happen today? You seem worried since you came in."
Master Liu sighed softly, put down his chopsticks, shook his head slightly, and said, "Madam, you don't know. There's been a severe food shortage recently, and the state has put tremendous pressure on me to distribute all my stored grain to the county governments. But just think about it, the grain I worked so hard to store is now in their hands and being sold at exorbitant prices!"
Madam Liu's brow furrowed as she pondered, "So, not only can the famine not be resolved, it might even get worse?"
Hearing this, Su Huaiyue felt a trace of sympathy in her heart and asked softly, "Has Master Liu considered any solution to this situation?"
Master Liu sighed and said, "I have thought of a solution, but it involves so many things that it's difficult to implement. This is also what has been bothering me."
Master Liu took a deep breath and whispered, "If I agree to their request, I'm afraid I'll be too embarrassed to face my fellow villagers again. But if I don't agree, the state government won't budge."
Su Huaiyue glanced at Wei Che beside him and said slowly, "Master Liu, perhaps we can try to join forces with other affected businesses and come up with a win-win solution? This will not only reduce the pressure on each individual, but perhaps we can also find an opportunity to solve the problem together."
Mr. Liu couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile: "Although the idea is good, it is difficult for us small merchants to shake the power of that government office."
"Is it possible to let more people know the truth by telling this story publicly?"
Su Huaiyue continued to ask tentatively. She knew that in this era, many people would rather believe what they heard than explore the facts.
At this time, Madam Liu interrupted, her voice filled with worry: "If more people knew the truth, it would only put Mr. Liu in even greater embarrassment. People's lives are difficult, and I'm afraid they won't easily believe our explanation."
The atmosphere was a little heavy for a moment, and everyone fell into a brief silence.
Suddenly, Su Huaiyue thought of Lord Li and then looked at Master Liu: "If I can find some connections in the court, can I try to help Master Liu coordinate?"
Master Liu looked up at Su Huaiyue, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes: "This..."
He was speechless for a moment, then immediately became hesitant. "Miss Su, I am very grateful for your help. However, this kind of matter involves a lot of things, so how can I bother you so easily?"
"It's just a suggestion. If it can help Master Liu, it's our responsibility." Seeing that Master Liu's concerns had not disappeared, Su Huaiyue added firmly, "This concerns the people. Only by doing something can we feel at peace with ourselves."
Wei Che also agreed with Su Huaiyue's words.
Seeing this, Madam Liu placed her hand on the back of Master Liu's hand and whispered, "Master, perhaps Miss Su can indeed be a way out. Why not give it a try?"
Master Liu pondered for a moment, and finally a look of relief appeared on his face: "Thank you very much, Miss Su. No matter what the result is, I will always remember it in my heart."
After the meal, several people said goodbye and returned to their rooms. Su Huaiyue and Wei Che felt heavy in their hearts and could not rest, so they went for a walk in the yard.
A bright moon hangs in the sky, and its silver light fills the courtyard.
A breeze blew by, the shadows of the bamboos around swayed, and the sounds of insects rose and fell.
Su Huaiyue whispered, "Wei Che, we have to help Mr. Liu. If we don't help a conscientious businessman like him, he will definitely fall into the quagmire."
Wei Che nodded slightly, casually broke off a bamboo leaf and played with it in his hand.
"Indeed, if this continues, the only ones who will suffer are the common people. Moreover, this matter itself stems from the manipulation of the Dongzhou Governor."
Although his tone seemed calm, Su Huaiyue could feel the anxiety and uneasiness in his heart.
"How about we send a letter to Lord Li immediately to let him know about this?"
Su Huaiyue suggested.
Wei Che stopped and looked at her with a deep and firm gaze.
"Okay, but this matter needs to be dealt with quickly. If Lord Li can intervene, there might be room for maneuver."
The two returned to their room, and Wei Che wrote a long letter, detailing Mr. Liu's predicament.
The content of the letter included various illegal acts of the Dongzhou governor.
With the final stroke of the pen, he sealed the letter and passed it to Lord Li.
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