Donating grain and fodder
"The Great Learning teaches us to manifest our bright virtue, to love the people, and to abide in perfect goodness..."
Sunlight filtered through the thin bamboo blinds, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor of the study. Nianci sat upright behind her desk, eyes closed, reciting her lessons with a swaying head.
She recited it fluently, from "Knowing where to stop leads to stability" to "Investigating things leads to the attainment of knowledge," without a single mistake.
The cicadas outside the window seemed to have wisely quieted down as well.
After the case was heard, Zheng Youning listened attentively, nodding occasionally. When the last sentence, "A nation does not consider profit as its own, but righteousness as its own," was uttered, she nodded and said, "Our memory of Nianci is indeed good."
Nianci felt a slight joy in her heart and straightened her back even more.
"Now, your teacher asks you..." Zheng Youning changed the subject: "'In loving the people,' Zheng Xuan commented that 'loving means loving,' and Kong Yingda explained that it means 'loving and caring for the people.' But if it is just about loving and caring for the people, does it contradict the purpose of 'creating new people' in the Book of Documents?"
Nianci paused, then hesitated and said, "Perhaps, being close to the people is the same as educating them..."
"Is that so?" Zheng Youning remained noncommittal: "'Knowing when to stop leads to stability.' Does this 'stop' mean that people should be complacent and self-satisfied? If everyone knew when to stop, why did Emperor Taizong of our dynasty strive so hard to create a prosperous era at the beginning of the dynasty?"
Upon hearing this, Nianci's forehead broke out in a light sweat.
Since receiving the assignment from the teacher, she had been memorizing these sentences day and night, refusing to sleep until she could recite them. However, the teacher's question still caught her off guard.
She lowered her head and said in a low voice, "This student is dull-witted, please guide me, teacher."
Zheng Youning did not reprimand him, but simply unfolded the copy of "The Correct Meaning of the Book of Rites" on his desk.
“Come here.” She gestured for Nianci to come closer: “Zheng Kangcheng taught ‘love’ with ‘kinship’, which is fundamental. However, you must know that this ‘love’ is not indulgent love, but love that is ‘like protecting an infant’.”
As she spoke, she looked up at the fledglings playing in the courtyard: "A mother bird feeds her chicks, providing warmth and protection, and also teaching them to spread their wings and fly high. The way to govern a country is to nurture the people with benevolence and love, and to educate them with rites and music, so that the people can improve their virtues every day. This is the true meaning of 'making new people' in the Kang Gao."
Nianci gazed at the fledglings eagerly taking flight outside the window, as if she had gained some insight.
Zheng Youning then turned to the chapter on "Knowing When to Stop": "This word 'stop' is not about confining oneself to a self-imposed prison... Look at the mountain trails of Zhongnan Mountain, aren't every resting platform meant to allow people to accumulate strength to climb to higher places?"
"The artisan who makes inkstones must first understand the perfect form of the inkstone, and then every cut must adhere to that principle. To govern a country and bring peace to the world, one must first understand where the 'perfect good' lies, so that one can remain steadfast. If Emperor Taizong did not understand the way of 'stopping at the perfect good,' how could he have created a prosperous era?"
Zheng Youning's thorough understanding of the scriptures made Nianci feel as if those passages, which she knew by heart but did not understand, had been brought to life by her teacher's words.
The study was quiet for a moment, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window.
Seeing that Nianci's eyes were gradually becoming clear, Zheng Youning knew that she had gained some understanding, so he closed the scripture: "I will not talk about any new chapters today. You should carefully contemplate what I just said and come back to me tomorrow."
"Yes, the student understands."
"Okay, that's enough for today."
Although Nianci was studious, she was still just a child, and her nature was playful. Upon hearing this, she cheered, put down her book, and ran to the yard to tease Tuanzi and Maomao.
Under the careful care of everyone in the shop, the two puppies have grown up healthy, beautiful, lively and adorable.
While Nianci was reading, they were already waiting eagerly outside. Now that they saw Nianci come out in a flurry, they were overjoyed and wagged their tails to greet her, offering their fluffy little heads to Nianci's hands.
Nianci squatted down, one in each hand, and scratched their chins, muttering, "Tuanzi, Tuanzi, Mao Mao Mao Mao, have you eaten yet? Have you been drinking your goat milk properly..."
Zheng Youning stood under the eaves, smiling as he looked at the little girl.
"Madam Zheng".
Hearing someone call her name, she looked in the direction of the voice and saw Pei Qingwu and Jinniang approaching gracefully. She quickly curtsied and clasped her hands, saying, "Master Pei."
“Oh, why are you being so formal, Madam Zheng? You are Nianci’s teacher; we should be the ones paying our respects to you.” Pei Qingwu quickly stepped forward to stop Zheng Youning.
"Yes, if it weren't for Madam Zheng visiting every day, my girl would be useless no matter what she learns," Jinniang said with a smile.
"Not at all, Nianci is very intelligent. I only gave her a little guidance. Besides, Master Pei also paid me tuition." Zheng Youning smiled slightly.
It was the end of summer, and the weather was still hot and dry. Standing outside for a while, one would feel sweating profusely. Pei Qingwu quickly ushered Zheng Youning inside and opened the food box in Jinniang's hand.
"You've been teaching for so long, my wife, you must be tired. I've personally made some Lanxue Anti-Heat Powder, please don't find it offensive."
This drink was a replica made by Pei Qingwu from his memory of "Yinshan Zhengyao" written by Hu Sihui in the Yuan Dynasty.
Made with orchid, mint, licorice, and other herbs, it has a refreshing taste and is perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.
After politely declining, Zheng Youning picked up the bowl and took a sip. He felt his mouth water and the coolness of the food seep into his lungs. In this kind of weather, a bowl of this was incredibly refreshing. He said sincerely, "As expected of Master Pei's craftsmanship, it is refreshing and palatable. After drinking it, I feel refreshed and all the summer heat is gone. It is truly ingenious."
"As long as Madam Zheng is happy."
In the courtyard, Nianci was playing wildly with two puppies, sweating profusely and oblivious to her disheveled braids.
Jinniang gazed at her daughter with loving eyes, recalling the sound of reading she had heard earlier. Although she was illiterate, she had heard it before—the *Great Learning*, a text used only by men taking the imperial examinations. A question arose in her mind: "Madam Zheng, you said I was just a woman and knew nothing, but Nianci is my daughter after all, and there are some things I want to ask..."
Pei Qingwu and Zheng Youning exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly.
"Please speak, Madam Cai."
“My Nianci is, after all, a girl. Most women in this world can only marry and have children. My wife should teach her the Book of Rites, shouldn’t she…”
When Nianci overheard this, she immediately became unhappy. Holding Tuanzi, she shouted loudly, "I won't get married! Who says girls can only get married? Sister Dongjia hasn't remarried!"
"Alright, now that you know our Nianci aspire to travel far and wide, go have fun on your own," Pei Qingwu said with a smile.
Zheng Youning said, "Teaching her those books was a joint decision between me and Master Pei."
Jinniang glanced at Pei Qingwu subconsciously, and the latter nodded at her, but she was even more confused: "This..."
“Jinniang, Nianci’s studies of those Confucian books may prevent her from taking the imperial examinations, but knowledge is not just for passing exams.” Pei Qingwu smiled and said, “Nianci’s studies are for the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong and for cultivating a character for living in the world.”
"Although the world may impose constraints on women, the world in books is vast, which will allow her to face whatever life she chooses in the future with a clearer perspective and a more composed mindset."
Zheng Youning nodded slightly, deeply agreeing.
Jinniang still didn't quite understand, but she knew that both the master and Zheng Youning knew more than she did, so she nodded in agreement.
A few days later, as the weather turned cool and dusk began to fall, Pei Qingwu was directing Gu Heng and Shi Dayong to pack up the door panels when the sound of horses' hooves came from afar.
"Is Mr. Pei from Sushan Market here?"
The man on horseback shouted loudly and was dressed in the clothes of a military commander, so Pei Qingwu knew that he was an official.
She hurriedly went out to greet him, saying, "This humble servant is here."
The Martial Marquis dismounted and handed the invitation to Pei Qingwu: "Master Pei, tomorrow, Magistrate Zhao will be hosting a banquet at his residence and has invited you. You must attend."
Unfolding the document, one indeed finds the above-mentioned letter—
"I have long heard of the exquisite cuisine of Sushan Xiaoji, and that Madam Pei is skilled in cooking. Now that autumn is here, I have chosen an auspicious day to host a banquet at my home. I extend my sincere invitation to you, and I look forward to your kind invitation. I hope you will prepare a few seasonal delicacies to share with our distinguished guest. I hope you will grace us with your presence tomorrow at the hour of Shen (3-5 PM). I would be honored if you could not refuse."
The words were very polite, but Pei Qingwu secretly began to ponder them.
In ancient times, people divided people into "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants," with merchants having the lowest status. Even though she found Zhao Jue to be easygoing and upright after getting to know him, given her deep-seated prejudices, it was unlikely that he would formally invite her to a banquet, especially at his residence, even if he appreciated her.
Could it be that you have other intentions?
Thinking of this, Pei Qingwu turned to look at Gu Heng.
Gu Heng immediately understood, took some coins and handed them to Wu Hou: "Brother Wu Hou, you've worked hard. This money is from our boss, treating you to wine. Please don't think it's too little."
"He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding," Wu Hou smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master Pei. He's not some high-ranking official. The magistrate has invited all the famous merchants in Qinzhou City. Master Pei, just enjoy the banquet."
Having said that, he spurred his horse and rode away.
Gu Heng immediately looked at Pei Qingwu: "Master..."
Pei Qingwu's delicate eyebrows furrowed: "Aheng, what do you think is the purpose of Magistrate Zhao's invitation to us?"
"Huh? Me?" Gu Heng seemed surprised that she would ask for his opinion, and then said, "Could it be, for military rations?"
The military rations had been delayed in reaching the Longyou army, and given Zhao Jue's character, how could he possibly ignore them?
Pei Qingwu nodded approvingly and joked, "Yes, our Aheng is really smart."
Gu Heng blushed slightly: "Boss, please don't make fun of me."
A few days ago, Yu Yi took leave to visit relatives, and when she returned, she was frowning.
Upon inquiry, they were told that there hadn't been much rain this year, resulting in a poor harvest and a potential food shortage.
In an agrarian society, people depended on the weather for their livelihood.
Pei Qingwu thought about this matter and realized that if Zhao Jue wanted to intervene, the harvest in Qin Prefecture this year was not good. As the local official, he had to plan ahead and could not easily touch the grain stored in the official treasury.
That means the merchants who usually make a lot of money will have to bleed out.
The next day at Shenshi (3-5 PM), Pei Qingwu and Gu Heng arrived at the banquet on time.
Inside the flower hall of the Zhao residence, glass cups reflected the candlelight, and fresh fruits were displayed on the table.
Several well-known merchants from Qinzhou City sat on either side. Pei Qingwu, the only woman at the table, knelt quietly on a prayer mat at the end of the table, while Gu Heng stood behind her with his hands at his sides.
After several rounds of drinks, a variety of delicacies were served.
Zhao Jue sat in the main seat, raised his cup and said with a smile: "I invited you all here today for two reasons, firstly to enjoy the autumn scenery together, and secondly to express my gratitude for your support of the state affairs. The prosperity of Qinzhou's commerce is largely due to your efforts."
Everyone said they dared not accept such a toast and raised their glasses in response.
After another round of drinks, Zhao Jue put down his wine cup, his tone turning somber: "Recently, the transport of military provisions in Longyou has been somewhat delayed, as I'm sure you've all heard. This year, the rainfall in our prefecture has been insufficient, and the autumn harvest may not be as good as in previous years. The grain stored in the official granaries must first ensure the stability of the people's livelihood within our borders, so we dare not move it lightly. However, the soldiers on the border are hungry and cold, and it is truly unsettling for us to sit comfortably in the rear..."
He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
The flower hall fell silent instantly.
The merchants, who had been laughing and chatting just moments before, were now either bowing their heads to straighten their sleeves or staring intently at the patterns on the lacquerware on the table, and no one responded to their words.
A silk merchant surnamed Liu chuckled twice and spoke first: "We admire Your Excellency's concern for the country and its people. However, the matter of grain supplies is a matter of national importance, and we, with our small businesses, are truly unable to manage it."
“Yes, yes,” someone immediately chimed in, “Business is bad this year, and shops are struggling too…”
Words of refusal began to emerge, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.
Pei Qingwu listened quietly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on Zhao Jue. His expression remained calm, but a hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes.
She gently set down the wine cup, the porcelain making a crisp sound as it touched the wooden table.
Everyone couldn't help but look at the person at the end of the table.
Pei Qingwu rose, curtsied, and spoke in a clear, melodious voice, breaking the silence of the room: "Your Excellency, please allow me to speak."
In an instant, all eyes were on her.
Pei Qingwu, neither humble nor arrogant, slowly said, "The soldiers of the border army have fought and bled to defend our land, so that we merchants can travel in peace and trade in all directions. Now that the army's food supplies are tight, how can we, who are enjoying peace, sit idly by? I am not talented, but I am willing to donate five hundred strings of cash to purchase five hundred bushels of millet to supplement the army's supplies, to do my part."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room was astonished.
Five hundred bushels of millet is no small amount; it is enough to solve a temporary problem.
The merchants who had just been complaining looked at each other, some with shame, others secretly plotting.
A hint of surprise and admiration flashed in Zhao Jue's eyes. He gave Pei Qingwu a deep look, raised his cup, and said, "Master Pei is very righteous. On behalf of the soldiers at the front, I thank you!"
With Pei Qingwu taking the lead and Zhao Jue personally offering a toast, the atmosphere at the table changed once again.
Although the other merchants were unwilling, they had no choice but to express their gratitude in some way.
After the banquet ended, Pei Qingwu and Gu Heng were about to leave when a servant hurried over and whispered, "Master Pei, please wait. The magistrate requests that you come to the side hall for a chat."
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