By the end of the year, although the shop had closed, Meng Zhao was far from idle, because social obligations were always a troublesome matter.
Gu Chongshan, the headmaster of Mingde Academy, would occasionally send her some books. Meng Zhao knew that it was because when they met before, her lack of literary skills had made the headmaster crave more knowledge, so he specially sent her some classics to study carefully. Although she found it a bit funny, she was also grateful for the old man's good intentions and would flip through them in her spare time to broaden her knowledge.
It was only later, when Shen Qinghe saw it, that Meng Zhao realized that many of the books sent by Dean Gu were unique copies. Even some of them were handwritten copies, all handwritten by Dean Gu himself, with his own notes and annotations. Whether it was the value of the books themselves or the added value given by Dean Gu's status, these books would probably be more precious than gold of the same weight on the market.
Meng Zhao then realized that the things she had casually accepted were actually quite valuable. She had been thinking about how to reciprocate, but Dean Gu was known for his integrity, and gold and silver would seem vulgar, so she hadn't decided on a gift yet.
On the same day she met Qiao Yanhe, she suddenly remembered this matter and asked her to select a top-quality wild ginseng from Liaodong. She originally thought she would not receive it until after the New Year, but Qiao Yanhe sent it over the next day. Meng Zhao also added some vegetables and mushrooms from Quyang and sent them to Mingde Academy together.
Although the vegetables were ordinary ingredients, they were rare seasonal delicacies in winter, making them a thoughtful gift. In addition, the wild ginseng of excellent quality also made the gift seem less cheap.
Later, Meng Zhao thanked Qiao Yanhe and told her that Dean Gu was very satisfied with the ginseng. This brought Meng Zhao and Qiao Yanhe's relationship a step further, and they were no longer just casual acquaintances who knew each other through Xiao Youzhi.
After Song Wanyin and Wang Xian settled in, Meng Zhao made a special trip to the Wang residence. One reason was to thank Wang Xian for his help with the fertilizer issue, and the other was to check on Song Wanyin's situation. The last time they met, she saw the worry in Song Wanyin's eyes, and she couldn't help but feel uneasy about it.
As expected, Song Wanyin's eyes lit up upon seeing Meng Zhao. The two chatted intimately for a while. Before leaving, Manman started crying because she hadn't been held by her mother for so long. Song Wanyin asked Wang Xian to see Meng Zhao off. Once outside the inner courtyard, the usually composed and reserved Lord Wang seemed somewhat hesitant: "Madam Meng, thank you so much for coming today."
Meng Zhao asked with concern, "Lord Wang, what's wrong with Sister Wanyin? Since returning to the capital, I've noticed a hint of sorrow in her eyes."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xian sighed deeply, his brows furrowed with self-reproach: "It's all my fault. After I was promoted to prefect, I was busy with official duties and had less and less time to spend with her. At first, she could still write stories to relieve her stress, but later, when she was pregnant with Manman, she suffered from severe morning sickness and simply didn't have the energy to write. After giving birth to Manman, she devoted all her attention to the child."
At this point, Wang Xian's voice lowered even further: "By the time I realized it, she had already been silently depressed for a long time. That's why I was so anxious to return to the capital to take up my post, hoping that she could see her old friends again and cheer up. But these years have passed, and things have changed. Her close friends from back then have all married and moved to different places, making it difficult to gather them all together. Now, only when you, Madam Meng, come can she see her put aside Manman and have a hearty chat."
Meng Zhao understood immediately. This was basically what she had guessed. Song Wanyin must have experienced too many changes in her life after childbirth, and her emotions had not been soothed in time, so she was suffering from postpartum depression. Previously, she had secretly speculated that Wang Xian might have changed his mind and betrayed her, but today, seeing that Wang Xian was still as considerate to Song Wanyin as before, and that he was willing to take Manman from Meng Zhao and leave them some space when they were talking, he did not seem like he was unfaithful.
Actually, as long as there are no problems here, Song Wanyin's matter will not be difficult to resolve. Meng Zhao said, "Lord Wang, there is no need to worry too much. Now that Sister Wanyin has returned to the capital, I will often invite her out for visits. After the New Year, when Mingxianglou reopens, there will be many ladies gathering there, including some of Sister Wanyin's old friends. We can enjoy tea, chat, and laugh, which will naturally make her feel relaxed and relieve her depression."
Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in Wang Xian's eyes: "Then thank you very much, Madam Meng. I heard that the plum blossoms in the west of the city are in full bloom. I will take my wife and daughter to admire the plum blossoms in the next few days."
Meng Zhao pursed his lips, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Lord Wang, you don't actually need to keep Manman with you all the time. At times like this, it's better for Wanyin to be alone with her."
Wang Xian frowned slightly: "But if Wanyin leaves Manman for even a moment, she will feel uneasy, always worried that Manman has been wronged in places she can't see."
Meng Zhao gently shook her head, then coaxed, "I heard Sister Wanyin mention that Lord Song and Madam Song are very happy to see Manman, and they never let go of her whenever they see her. If you're going out, why not send Manman to the Song residence? With her own parents looking after her, Sister Wanyin should feel at ease, right?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Xian was taken aback, then suddenly realized, "This...this is a good idea!" Seeing that he was willing to listen, Meng Zhao gave him a few more pointers before leaving the Song residence.
***
On New Year's Eve, the entire Shen family gathered at the Meng residence as usual. Although Meng Zhao was unwilling, he could not refuse Shen Qinghe entry alone, so he had no choice but to let him enter together.
Before the meal even began, Shen Qingze and Shen Qingyu, the siblings, were happily eating golden oranges. Seeing this, Madam Gu picked up an orange in surprise and examined it closely: "In the dead of winter, you still have such fresh oranges? Zhaozhao, are they another rare treat grown in your greenhouse?"
Meng Zhao smiled and shook his head: "It takes at least three to five years for an orange tree to bear fruit. If it's grown in a greenhouse, the cost of charcoal alone would be enormous. Besides, oranges are very particular about soil and water; if you plant them in a different place, they won't produce such delicious fruit."
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