At the end of February, the grass is green and the birds are singing in the south of the Yangtze River, but the northwest is still windy and snowy.
Jiang Yushu was sitting in the hall of the county government office. The county magistrate was also present. The two of them took time out of their busy schedules to meet with the son of a wealthy businessman from Qinzhou.
Jiang Yushu said with a kind face, "It's already a great honor for you to be able to return to Tuning. Don't worry, they won't blame you."
Mei Tianfu had been exiled for nearly three years. He redeemed his crimes during the general amnesty and no longer wore the dusty and dirty soldier's uniform. Instead, he wore gorgeous clothes, a golden crown on his head, and several gold and jade rings on his ten fingers. He looked fat and rich.
At that moment, he sat dejectedly, his sobs trembling as he spoke dejectedly, "But I feel bad, really bad. When I left, I told Captain Guo and the other brothers in person that I would join the army. But when I got home, my parents, my father-in-law, my mother-in-law, and many relatives and friends took turns trying to persuade me. My father and father-in-law scolded me all day long, and my mother, my mother-in-law, and my wife cried all day long. Oh, it was such a commotion and a mess, and not a single one agreed!"
"Finally, two of my elders fell ill, and everyone accused me of being 'unfilial'. I had no choice but to give up the idea of joining the army to avoid angering my elders to death. Alas, I have let down the captain's cultivation, and I feel really guilty and ashamed to face my brothers." After he finished speaking, he covered his eyes with a handkerchief and sobbed sadly.
Mei's wife, adorned in jewels and jade, perfectly matched her husband's appearance. She patiently comforted him, "Don't be sad, we're all doing this for your own good." Then, with a beaming smile, she respectfully explained, "Sir, Tianfu's physique isn't suited to military service, so he'll have to follow in his footsteps. My parents and my parents-in-law have each given him a sum of money to explore business opportunities. Tianfu has decided to come to Tuning to explore opportunities, and the whole family agrees!"
"From now on, we will make a living in Tuning. If anything goes wrong, I dare to ask for your tolerance."
Jiang Yushu looked at the son of a wealthy businessman with tears and snot streaming down his face, and a sentence suddenly popped up in her mind: Rich second generation, lots of money, but people - cough.
She calmed herself down and said seriously, "Tunning is in need of development and has unlimited business opportunities. The government welcomes law-abiding citizens. If you conduct business honestly, you will be repaying the kindness that saved your life."
"Where?" Mei Tianfu sobbed, lost in frustration, unable to extricate himself. He revealed, "The captain's great kindness is something I will never be able to repay in this lifetime!"
"You, you don't know, but when I first joined the Tuning Guard, I was constantly bullied. I was often mocked, insulted, and had my steamed buns snatched away. I went hungry and had to do the dirtiest and most tiring work. Humph, we were all convicts, with no grudges against each other, but there were a few scoundrels with vicious hearts who found all sorts of ways to torture the weaker. Luckily, I happened to run an errand for the captain, and he praised me for being 'literate and eloquent,' and promoted me, which allowed me to escape the bullying."
"If it weren't for your care, I would have died in the camp long ago." Mei Tianfu was grateful and cried, "I know that I can't follow the captain into battle. I originally planned to go back and continue to help him make tea and grind ink, but now I can't do anything. I, I am incompetent, and I have become a businessman who is 'fat-headed and smells of money' in the eyes of the gangsters!" After speaking, he raised his face, grinned, and cried breathlessly.
Jiang Yushu's face tightened as she said sternly, "As long as you're an upright person, what's wrong with being a businessman? Merchants are also subjects under the rule of the emperor, so why belittle yourself?"
Huang Yichun also tightened his face and said gently, "Yes, you don't have to belittle yourself."
"That's right!" Mei's wife took out her handkerchief and handed it to her husband. "Don't cry, cheer up, and talk about business first."
Mei Tianfu took the clean handkerchief, wiped his tears and nose, and said in despair, "You guys talk, I'll listen."
Mei's wife was overjoyed that her husband had given up joining the army. She nodded as if it was normal, then got straight to the point and asked respectfully, "Sir, I heard that Tu Ning is interested in trying mulberry planting and silkworm breeding, is that correct?"
Jiang Yushu replied, "That's true. Currently, the Wen family, the imperial merchant of Xicang, has responded and received a permit for a textile workshop."
"So, there are two left?"
Jiang Yushu nodded. "Why? Are you interested too?"
"Yes!" Mei's wife said without hesitation. "Before we set off, we already got the approval of our elders. This year, we'll come to Tuning and plant a few hectares of potatoes and mulberry trees. We'll also build a workshop. We'll be able to report back when we return home at the end of the year."
Huang Yichun secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled happily.
Jiang Yushu was unhurried and smiled as she instructed, "The county government has tentatively approved three workshops. Fortunately, you came early. If you had come later, I'm afraid they wouldn't have been available. Regarding the matters concerning the military farms and workshops, please go to the relevant clerks and get the paperwork done as soon as possible. A year's plan begins in spring, so be careful not to waste the farming season."
"I understand. Thank you for your guidance." Mei's wife smiled politely the whole time and took the opportunity to inquire about the news of the mulberry silk industry, completely different from her previous aggressive behavior of rolling around and throwing a tantrum.
A quarter of an hour later, Mei Tianfu and his wife said goodbye and hurried to find the clerk to handle the relevant paperwork.
After the guests left, the officials continued to discuss official business.
As Cuimei poured the tea, she couldn't help but sigh, "Oh, Shopkeeper Mei and his wife are truly wealthy and generous! Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, their generosity is even more generous than that of Shopkeeper Wen of the Imperial Merchants."
Huang Yichun was not surprised. "The Wen family has been imperial merchants for generations, so they are definitely richer than the Mei family. However, the Wen family is huge, and the head of the family has many wives and concubines, as well as many children. If Wen Yizhai wants to use the money, he needs to ask permission from various levels. But the Mei family is different. Mei Tianfu is very favored. He is the legitimate son of the richest man in Qinzhou, and his Yue family is also in business. With some money from the elders, he has enough money. The couple can spend it however they like. They are free and not restricted."
Jiang Yushu nodded in agreement. "That's right. Don't just look at the family's wealth; the key lies in the personal wealth."
"That's true," Cuimei said cheerfully. "That's great! The Wen and Mei families are taking the lead. They're working with the government to try growing mulberry trees and raising silkworms. In two years, more merchants will likely follow suit. By then, Tuning Mountain will be covered in mulberry trees. Just imagine how spectacular it will be."
Huang Yichun is full of anticipation, "I hope so, let's wait and see!"
"Alas," Jiang Yushu sighed and said calmly, "That's for the future. The most pressing matter is the 'Li Qifan rape case.' There's no legal basis for this, and the county government can't make a decision. I've already reported it to the prefectural government, but there's been no response yet."
Huang Yichun suppressed his smile. "Maybe we'll get a response in a couple of days. The government office must be having a headache. Defining 'civil unrest' is a big deal. Once a precedent is set, it will be used as a reference for similar cases in the future. We can't make any mistakes."
Jiang Yushu perked up, "I understand. Until the government office approves this case, let's put it on hold and urge the spring plowing first. By the way, how much silver have you raised?"
"More than two thousand one hundred taels."
Jiang Yushu smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for your hard work." She instructed, "Tell the workshop to submit the blueprints as soon as possible. Build the main structure first. For the rest, continue raising funds and gradually complete it. This will prevent Instructor Jing from constantly asking about it, fearing I'll use the money to build workshops or repair the city wall."
"Hahaha~" Huang Yichun clapped his hands and laughed out loud, a rare moment. "Finally, a magistrate has arrived who can control Mr. Jing! Back when Magistrate Sun was in office, he suffered a lot from the censor."
Cuimei curled her lips. "The teacher was disrespectful at first, relying on his seniority to bully others—well, fortunately our wife is kind and generous, and didn't bother to argue with him. Otherwise, he would have lost his position."
Jiang Yushu pounded her lower back. "Since he's dedicated to public service and diligent, I'm willing to tolerate him. But three times the limit is a sure thing. So, he's more disciplined now and doesn't dare to yell about 'a hen crowing at dawn' anymore."
"Your Excellency is magnanimous and generous, and I admire you." Huang Yichun respected the county magistrate more and more.
In a blink of an eye, it’s March.
The north wind blew and gradually changed direction. The southeast wind became stronger and stronger, and spring came again at the border.
at night
Yongzhou City Pei Mansion
Pei Wenfeng sat behind the desk, wearing his casual brocade robe, which was neither new nor old. He picked up his pen, dipped it in ink, and began to write.
The next moment, there were two "knock knock" sounds, and a soft voice came from outside the half-open door, asking, "Are you not done yet?"
Pei Wenfeng looked up and said, "It's almost time." He asked with concern, "It's very late, Madam, why don't you go and rest? You are pregnant, please don't work too hard."
Ji Yingyue, with her six-month pregnant belly and chubby cheeks, was supported by maids on both sides, and another maid followed with a food box. She slowly walked into the study and explained, "I slept a little longer during the day, and now I'm very awake and can't fall asleep. My husband is always busy until late at night, so he should take better care of himself. I asked the kitchen to make some snacks, would you like to try them?"
"Okay." Pei Wenfeng happily put down his pen, stood up and helped his wife sit down. After the maid quickly placed the food on the table, she tactfully left.
Soon after they got married, the husband became gentle and elegant, and the wife was gentle and virtuous. They treated each other with respect on a daily basis. The wife became pregnant, and the relationship between the couple became more and more harmonious, which made the elders on both sides feel very gratified.
Ji Yingyue held her chin with one hand and stared at her husband with love in her eyes. "How does it taste?"
"It's not as delicious as yours." Pei Wenfeng has always been satisfied with his wife's cooking skills.
Ji Yingyue said without hesitation, "Tomorrow——"
"No." Pei Wenfeng raised his hand to interrupt, and warned: "Don't cook before the baby is born, just in case. If the elders knew that you made cakes for me while you were pregnant, I would be scolded."
Ji Yingyue smiled with her eyes curved, and replied softly: "Well, I'll listen to you."
"Would you like to try it too?"
"No, I'm not hungry."
After a long busy day, Pei Wenfeng was indeed hungry and ate three cakes in one breath. Ji Yingyue brought him tea and water. He rinsed his mouth, wiped it, drank the tea, and urged him, "Go back to your room and rest first. I'll be done soon."
Ji Yingyue nodded, and when she stood up, she glanced at the desk and accidentally found the address on the letter:
"cousin--"
cousin?
Jiang Yushu? Writing to Sister Shu again?
In an instant, Ji Yingyue lost control of herself and her smile disappeared instantly. She wanted to take a closer look, but felt that she shouldn't peek, so she turned her face away hastily.
Pei Wenfeng had been in charge of arresting thieves, patrolling, and judging cases since he entered the government. He was incredibly meticulous and noticed immediately. Following his wife's gaze, he didn't need to think about the reason. He took the letter and handed it to her, explaining, "I'm writing to Yushu about an important official matter."
"Oh?" Ji Yingyue subconsciously reached out her hand, then retracted it, forcing a smile and saying, "Official business. I, I don't understand it, so I'd better not read it."
Pei Wenfeng forced himself on the subject, "You can read it if it's not confidential."
"...Okay." Ji Yingyue took the letter and read it word by word with a scrutinizing gaze. Finally, she breathed a sigh of relief and thought to herself: Oh, it's indeed about discussing official business!
Pei Wenfeng lowered his head and looked down at his wife. "What do you think of this case, Madam?"
Ji Yingyue greatly enjoyed hearing her husband call her "Madam," and quickly replied, "Distant cousin, of course he's a relative! What a despicable beast, to rape his own cousin. That girl must be humiliated and desperate. If a criminal escapes punishment during a general amnesty, where is justice? Moreover, the criminal once escaped from prison during the war, which is an even greater crime and unforgivable."
"Well, that's what the government said. The Ministry of Justice has approved it. This criminal will be sentenced to death and will not be pardoned."
"He deserves it!" A woman would never show mercy to a rapist.
Pei Wenfeng smiled, took back the letter, sat down, and dipped his pen in ink. "I'll add another paragraph, and write in more detail. Yushu lacks experience in handling cases, and Tu Ning has a lot of case files. I'm afraid she's busy and exhausted."
Ji Yingyue stood beside the table, feeling a strange mixture of emotions. She whispered, "Of course not! Even my father praised her for being as capable as any man. She'll definitely be able to handle this."
Pei Wenfeng didn't even look up. "It's hard to say. After all, a new official, no matter how capable he is, has to spend time to understand the situation of the entire county."
"She doesn't understand, please remind her." Ji Yingyue spoke softly and in a normal tone, but her eyes were fixed on the candlelight, her thoughts wandering.
"Alas, I have a lot on my plate, and she's so overwhelmed that I don't know where to start. I can't help her. She has to figure it all out on her own."
Ji Yingyue hesitated, thinking wistfully: He still cared about her, probably forever. When they first got married, he'd gotten drunk at a social gathering and muttered in his sleep, calling her "Sister Shu" instead of "Madam"...
After a while, Pei Wenfeng finished writing the letter, put down his pen, stood up and said, "Okay, I'm done!" He supported his wife and said, "Let's go back to the room and rest."
Ji Yingyue woke up from a dream, thought for a moment, and said virtuously, "The 25th of this month is Sister Shu's birthday. I've prepared a gift. Can I send it to Tu Ning with your letter?"
"Birthday?" Pei Wenfeng paused, remaining silent for a moment before coming to his senses. "Look at me, I completely forgot. Madam, you have a good memory."
Ji Yingyue's frustration quickly dissipated upon hearing this. "My husband is so busy with official duties that he forgets to eat and sleep. Housework should be taken care of by me."
The couple walked out of the study side by side. Pei Wenfeng said unhappily, "In my opinion, forget it. Humph, she's even forgotten my birthday these past few years. Not to mention a gift, she didn't even send a greeting. The older she gets, the less polite she becomes."
Ji Yingyue couldn't help but feel cheerful and said with a smile, "Sister Shu definitely didn't mean it. She's the County Magistrate, and she's probably busier than you are on a weekday, so how could she remember such trivial matters? After she knew I was pregnant, she specially sent me the finest leather. So, I dare not be disrespectful on her birthday."
"You make the decision. Only women know what gifts are appropriate."
"Yeah." Ji Yingyue pursed her lips and smiled with two dimples.
Maids and old women, holding lanterns, surrounded the loving couple and walked along the corridor towards the bedroom.
The dim light from the lantern illuminated Pei Wenfeng's narrow eyes, which were sometimes bright and sometimes dark. He walked steadily, but something in his heart moved him. He sighed silently and thought to himself:
March 25th is my sister Shu’s birthday, I will never forget it.
When I was young, I accidentally forgot something once. The little girl was so angry that she started crying and making a fuss. She didn’t look at me in a good mood for a whole half month.
The past is like smoke, and we can never go back to it.
Now, I still remember it, but I have to pretend that I have forgotten it completely; and she has never mentioned it in all these years. I wonder if she really forgot it or is she just pretending to forget it?
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