Chapter 178 Good Mother-in-law
Jiang Yuzhu is a layman when it comes to warfare.
Xie Zhao took out a miniature map and patiently explained the benefits of transporting food and fodder.
"On the way to the northern border town, we passed a fork in the road. This place is a no-man's land by default. The surrounding mountains are full of vicious bandits."
The mountain bandits have been occupying the mountains and acting as kings for many years. The officials in charge of the three places once joined forces to encircle and suppress them, but someone leaked the news in the middle and the mountain was deserted.
After the incident passed, the bandits returned to their lair and continued committing crimes.
"Over the years, the court has sent people many times, but nothing has been achieved."
Those bandits even dared to rob the government silver for military supplies. There must be someone supporting them behind the scenes.
When traveling from the capital to the north, Sancha Road is the only way to go.
It was for this reason that Xie Zhao planned ahead and distributed food and military supplies to hundreds of merchant caravans for transportation.
Even if the bandits got the news, they would be in a panic even if they attacked from both sides.
"And the issue of loss raised by Madam is easier to answer."
The various cities of Da Qi maintained a very balanced state in terms of food and other supplies.
"Once we go to the northern regions to buy up food and fodder on a large scale, we can indeed minimize losses. However, the food shortage in the short term and profiteers who drive up food prices to make money from the war will definitely cause food prices to soar."
Food is the most important livelihood.
The soaring food prices and the successive price increases of various daily necessities are bound to cause turmoil in Da Qi.
Just as Xie Zhao was about to continue, Jiang Yuzhu had already understood: "The north only produces one season a year, and people have the habit of hoarding food and vegetables before winter. Once food prices soar, the people suffer the most. They are panicked and worried. They have already suffered from severe cold and war. They used to eat sweet potato rice, but now they can only count rice grains to get by. It's too difficult."
Jiang Yuzhu had read the travel notes bought by her mother Chen, and she also understood the defects in the transportation of goods due to limited conditions, which were inevitable in Da Qi.
"Yuanhe, I am willing to use my private money to buy a batch of food and other supplies in Jiangnan and transport them to the north."
There are special ration officers who are responsible for purchasing military supplies, and there are many complicated issues involved.
The prices of brown rice, japonica rice, old rice and moldy rice vary greatly.
Some unscrupulous merchants mix sesame seeds into rice to increase the weight.
If the grain and fodder officers loosened their grip, tens of thousands of taels of silver would easily go into their pockets, making money against their conscience.
When Jiang Fulu mentioned this matter, he was extremely indignant and cursed the grain and fodder officials for having no conscience.
At that time, Jiang Yuzhu suddenly realized that there was a chain of contempt among corrupt officials, and her father Jiang Fulu was at the top.
The couple discussed and decided to set off at any time.
Before leaving, Jiang Yuzhu became even busier.
The horses and carriages for travel must be modified according to the plan, and the clothes brought must be kept simple.
During this time, she also had to comfort her parents and relatives, say goodbye to her sisters, instruct the owner of the shop under her name, and ask the caravan to go to the south of the Yangtze River to buy food and fodder. She only slept two hours a day.
Xie Zhao was busy until late at night when he returned home. It was just when Jiang Yuzhu was drowsy. She was so tired that she was too lazy to even open her eyelids.
Before dawn the next day, Jiang Yuzhu's side was empty and the bedding had been turned over, proving that Xie Zhao had returned.
For breakfast, Shen asked the cook to cook bird's nest porridge and personally served it to her daughter-in-law.
Jiang Yuzhu was terrified and stood up quickly and said, "Mother, what are you doing? How can you serve your daughter-in-law?"
"Yuzhu, mother is leaving for Jiangnan today."
Shen did not conceal the truth on purpose. She had observed for a few days and found that Jiang Yuzhu stayed up too late. She did not want to distract her daughter-in-law with her own affairs.
"Mom, why are you in such a hurry?"
These days, Shen often went to stay at the farm for a while. Jiang Yuzhu thought her mother-in-law wanted to relax, so she didn't ask about it.
Shen smiled and replied, "Mother went to the farm to prepare some local specialties from the capital to send back to Jiangnan."
Since Jiang Yuzhu married into the Xie family, she has never given any gifts, and she can never get over the embarrassment.
The Xie family has many rules, and Shen didn't want her daughter-in-law to be criticized by the Xie family for such a trivial matter.
Shen knew the preferences of her clansmen, so she took the trouble to prepare for a few days. When the time comes, she will send it back under the name of Jiang Yuzhu, ensuring that no one will make any discordant sounds.
"Mother, I am not very polite. Thanks to you."
Jiang Yuzhu thanked him sincerely.
In Da Qi, it is natural for a married woman to serve her mother-in-law. Not only did Shen not need her to serve her, she also took care of her in every detail. Jiang Yuzhu even suspected that she was God's chosen daughter. This treatment was too good!
"And Lao Wu, he did not neglect the rules while studying at Qingzhu Academy. He collected the examination papers, writing brushes, inkstones, and other items from the capital, and sent them back to Jiangnan early in your name, Yuzhu."
Xie Xuan was more thoughtful and worked silently. If Shen had not received a letter from the clan thanking Jiang Yuzhu, she would not have known about this.
No wonder Jiang Yuzhu's status in the Xie family continues to rise. Those who have taken favors from others will remember her kindness.
Before leaving, Shen had a few more words of advice.
"Yuzhu, if this trip is dangerous, don't step out. We women are weak and should hide behind men."
"Go to the north and write a few letters to let you know you are safe. When you return to Beijing from the north, you might as well come directly to Jiangnan."
Shen meant that her son Xie Zhao didn't have to come back because he was busy, and that they had a good relationship as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, so it wasn't appropriate for them to be separated for too long.
"Mother, my daughter-in-law has not returned to the clan since she married Yuan He."
Jiang Yuzhu didn't hesitate and agreed quickly.
After sharing a lot of experiences on the road, Shen said, "Yuzhu, your waist and legs will ache after sitting in a carriage for a day, especially your neck will be stiff. Yuanhe has good strength, so ask him to give you a massage to relieve the pain."
"In addition to massage, Yuanhe is also a master at making tea."
"If you need to go to the toilet or wash up when you pass through the wilderness, just ask him to keep watch."
Shen saw that Jiang Yuzhu was independent and didn't want to trouble others, so she advised: "You are husband and wife, it is only natural for you to ask him for help. If you throw all the difficult problems that require your brain to him, what if you don't do it, what if it will benefit others?"
"Mom, I'll listen to you."
Jiang Yuzhu couldn't help but explain to Xie Zhao, "Mom, Yuanhe is not that kind of person."
Shen nodded. She also felt that her son was not that kind of person. However, women were in a weak position. If they divorced, the man could remarry at will, which would be fatal to the women.
"Look at Fendie, you have to be careful and be on guard against Yuanhe, and keep all his money in your hands."
Shen chattered for half an hour but still wasn't satisfied.
As Nanny Shen listened, she felt more and more that something was wrong. If she had not been by the side when the Madam gave birth, she would have really suspected that the young master was not the Madam's biological son!
It is very common to see biased mothers-in-law, but it is rare to see biased daughters-in-law who step on their sons.
Ever since my wife came to the capital and started dating Chen, her personality has changed drastically.
Although Madam Shen had become aggressive, had lost her previous etiquette and rules, and had become a little unreasonable, Nanny Shen noticed that her Madam was living a life that was more carefree and carefree than she had even before she got married.
After a period of time, Nanny Shen had gained experience and was able to remain calm and at ease when facing her wife's fierce words.
"Yuzhu, if you feel wronged, come and tell me. I will be the bad guy and punish Yuanhe. This will not affect the relationship between you and your wife."
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