Chapter 268 Perennial Hidden Dangers
Song Zhimian and her two companions immediately accepted the invitation from the matriarch of the Ye family.
It must be quite a complicated matter for an old lady who has seen countless things to invite them to visit her farm.
Perhaps the old lady of the Ye family wanted to remind them of something by taking the three of them to the farm!
...
Song Zhimian and the other two had dinner at the Ye family's old residence before returning to the accommodations arranged by the prefectural government.
All three of them shared the same feeling: the old lady of the Ye family was truly a remarkable person. Not only was she shrewd in her speech, but she also did things in a way that left no room for criticism.
Even though they are merchants in the eyes of others, everyone in the Ye family, whether masters or servants, is impeccable.
"Song Zhimian, what do you think Old Madam Ye wants us to see the day after tomorrow?"
"Could there be some problem with the land in Jiangnan?" Princess Shou Kang was still puzzled.
Song Zhimian shrugged.
"I don't know either. Let's go and see the day after tomorrow! Maybe the old lady of the Ye family just wants us to see the scenery of the Suzhou estate!"
Princess Yongxin shared the same idea.
What can you tell from the land? There are no disasters or hardships now, and aren't the crops growing quite well?
...
In the Ye family's old house, the old lady of the Ye family, who had changed into casual clothes, was lying on her side on the chaise longue with her eyes half-closed.
A maid was carefully massaging the calves of the old lady of the Ye family with a beauty hammer.
Madam Ye tiptoed over.
"Mother, the snacks and fruits have been sent to the prefectural government office. The people there said they have been handed over to the eunuchs who serve the nobles," Madam Ye said softly.
The old lady of the Ye family nodded.
“It is a matter of etiquette. Although His Majesty has not changed back to the royal surname, there is still a distinction between ruler and subject, and the Ye family must still fulfill the proper etiquette.”
After saying that, the old lady of the Ye family waved her hand, and the maid who was massaging her legs quickly put down the massage and carefully helped the old lady of the Ye family sit up.
After sitting up straight on the chaise lounge, Old Madam Ye glanced at the servants in the room.
"You all go out! I want to have a private chat with Madam Ye!" said Old Madam Ye.
The maids and servants quickly withdrew.
Upon hearing this, Madam Ye quickly stood up as well.
"Come here!" The old lady of the Ye family raised her left arm toward the eldest wife of the Ye family.
Madam Ye quickly came over and helped the old lady of the Ye family to her feet.
With the help of the First Madam, the old lady of the Ye family walked to the window and looked at the bitter orange flowers in the courtyard outside the window, which were already turning green.
"Is there something you want to ask me?" asked the old lady of the Ye family.
Madam Ye gave a slight curtsy.
“Mother, why did you invite those three distinguished guests to the estate? Are you trying to give them a heads-up?”
Actually... we could have just sent the servants away during the banquet today.
Although it's warmer now, your health has been declining these past two years..." Madam Ye's eyes were full of worry.
The old lady of the Ye family gently patted the hand of the eldest madam that was supporting her left arm.
"I know you are filial and don't want me to travel back and forth."
But this matter... cannot be brought up by me, nor can it be said by me.
We need to let those three important people come up with it themselves and bring it up.
All I can do is make them think about those things," the old lady of the Ye family said with a smile.
"But... as you know, none of these three esteemed individuals are skilled in business matters, and they are even less likely to be knowledgeable about taxation."
"Perhaps when we go to the estate the day after tomorrow, we won't be able to see anything!" Madam Ye was still a little worried.
The old lady of the Ye family chuckled softly.
"Madam, you're overthinking it!"
You don't actually think that our Empress just sent those three to inspect the charity and Chun Bu Wan, do you?
Everyone knows that charitable organizations in Jiangnan are the least likely to uncover problems.
Last year, when His Majesty was still the Minister of the Censorate, he came to Jiangnan to handle a case, and he also took the opportunity to investigate the charitable institutions.
His Majesty's true intentions lie elsewhere!
That Lady Song is His Majesty's personal lady-in-waiting; her presence here signifies His Majesty's will.
The Imperial Household Department has set quotas and rules for purchasing goods from Jiangnan. There's nothing major happening in the capital right now, so why would they need someone to come and make purchases all of a sudden?
Even if it were a procurement effort, it should have been handled by the Bureau of Commerce, not by His Majesty's personal female official.
Therefore, the main reason for the three distinguished guests' visit to Jiangnan this time was that of Lady Song.
"His Majesty sent Lady Song to Jiangnan, most likely for the sake of Jiangnan's tax revenue," the old lady of the Ye family said with a smile.
Madam Ye sighed.
"Mother, if the Ye family were to break through this barrier..."
"No! It couldn't be the Ye family who broke the silence."
I understand what you mean. If the Ye family is the one who broke through this barrier, then the Ye family will not only be a thorn in the side of the noble families of Jiangnan, but also a thorn in the side of all the noble families of Dayu.
So, what I mean is to let that Lady Song discover these things herself.
In that case, the three noblemen can return to the palace to report their mission.
After hearing what the three noblemen have to say, His Majesty will understand the Ye family's situation.
As for what His Majesty will do in the end... that depends on His Majesty's courage." The old lady of the Ye family said softly.
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Ye family looked even more worried.
"Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and as a woman, she has become the Empress. Many officials in the court are dissatisfied, but under the strong suppression of the Emperor Emeritus, they can only lower their heads."
If His Majesty is truly determined to do this this time...
"That would offend all the officials in the court, and His Majesty would be under immense pressure." Madam Ye sighed softly.
The old lady of the Ye family didn't think anything of it.
She waved her hand gently, then patted the hand of the eldest wife of the Ye family.
"You are good at everything, a great housekeeper and manager, but you worry too much."
Do you think we, the Ye family, don't know what kind of person His Majesty is?
She has been in the Censorate for seventeen years. She entered the Censorate at the age of fifteen and took control of it in just two years.
In terms of experience dealing with officials, even Prime Minister Lin might not be as qualified as His Majesty!
If she wants to resolve this matter, then she must have found a way to do so.
While we may appear to be going against the court officials, His Majesty surely has better ideas in mind.
The shady dealings with taxes in Jiangnan started last year. Before His Majesty ascended the throne last year, she knew it wasn't the right time to address the issue, so she chose to remain silent.
She only began investigating the matter after she ascended the throne.
Since His Majesty is determined to investigate, it means he has made up his mind. We don't need to worry about her.
Madam Ye thought for a moment, recalling that last year, when His Majesty, then the Minister of the Censorate, came to Jiangnan to handle a case, he stayed in the Ye family's courtyard...
Your Majesty is intelligent, wise, calm, and decisive...
"Mother, I was overthinking it!" Madam Ye smiled as well.
The old lady of the Ye family nodded.
"Alright, it's good that you've come to your senses! Send people to the estate tomorrow to prepare! Do a good job of cleaning what needs to be cleaned, and choose good servants."
"Yes!" Madam Ye gave a slight curtsy.
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