Stone remembered very clearly what happened after Ba Liang was arrested, because it was the first time he had ever seen a eunuch, and this eunuch was the one who had almost poisoned his foal.
He eagerly answered, "Why wouldn't he want to? When Ba Liang heard that Master was willing to take him along, he almost cried on the spot. He was so afraid of Jia Ren that he didn't even dare to call out Jia Ren's name. He turned pale with fright when he heard Master call out Jia Ren's name!"
Hearing this, Pei Han roughly understood. It seemed that this Ba Liang was not Jia Ren's confidant, but an ordinary eunuch in the palace who was just unlucky enough to be assigned such a heinous task by Jia Ren.
Pei Han silently made a mental note of this matter; he would have to meet this Ba Liang when he got back.
The group stayed there leisurely until the sun was almost setting before embarking on their return journey. Upon arriving at the potato field, Min Yueqing dismounted and inspected the field, confirming that the potatoes had been planted according to her methods and requirements before she was completely relieved.
Pei Han followed Min Yueqing on a careful inspection. Although he had never planted potatoes before and had never seen any related records, his memory was far superior to that of ordinary people. Therefore, after Min Yueqing explained the planting methods and precautions, he was able to explain them to the jailer word for word.
Because Pei Ji had marked out a large area, after planting the potato chunks, there was still a large open space left. Min Yueqing pointed to the open space in front of her and said to Pei Han, "It's a pity to leave this land empty. Why don't we take the remaining seeds and plant some vegetables here?"
Pei Han immediately beckoned the jailer over, gave him instructions, and added, "These potatoes grow quickly, so leave plenty for them. You can fertilize them about two weeks after they sprout. Don't forget."
The jailer quickly replied, "Yes, sir. I've remembered these two things, and I certainly won't forget them!"
With things mostly arranged, Min Yueqing didn't linger any longer, and the group quickly returned to the courtyard.
Upon returning to the courtyard, Pei Han ordered his servant to fetch Ba Liang.
Upon hearing the servant's message, Ba Liang asked in surprise, "Is it your master who is looking for me, not the madam?"
The servant said impatiently, "How could there be a mistake? Our master personally ordered us to come over, so hurry up and follow us!"
Eight ounces of nervousness, but in the end, he dared not disobey his master's orders and followed the servant.
Upon arriving at the main hall, Ba Liang was even more uneasy, wondering why Pei Han had suddenly summoned him, or if he was dissatisfied with his presence and wanted to punish him.
Ba Liang tentatively glanced at Pei Han, only to be met with Pei Han's cold and sharp eyes. Ba Liang was immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat. He reflexively lowered his head and almost buried it in his chest.
Pei Han asked directly, "What is your relationship with Jia Ren?"
Ba Liang stammered, “I have no relation to Eunuch Jia. I’m just a lowly eunuch. Eunuch Jia rarely speaks to me. But one day, someone reported on your household’s situation, and I happened to be wiping the table when Eunuch Jia casually asked me to help him with his business.”
Pei Han kept a close eye on Ba Liang. Seeing that although he was trembling with fear, his expression didn't seem fake, so he began to believe him to some extent. Then he couldn't help but ask why Jia Ren had only sent him, and Ba Liang answered truthfully.
Min Yueqing also asked this question, and Ba Liang gave the same answer.
Pei Han was more familiar with the affairs of the court and the palace than Min Yueqing, so he asked more detailed questions about the new concubines who had gained the emperor's favor. As long as Ba Liang knew the answer, Ba Liang answered truthfully.
Ba Liang had already decided that the Pei family would be the place where he would settle down and make a living in the future. Naturally, he hoped to show his face in front of Pei Han and Min Yueqing more often to prove his value. Therefore, he answered their questions without reservation.
From Ba Liang's answer, Pei Han could roughly guess the current situation in the palace, and he couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Pei Han used to think that the reason why the current emperor paid less attention to court affairs was because he had been deceived by people like Jia Ren. But now it seems that this cannot be attributed to external factors alone.
The current emperor was taught by famous scholars and Confucian masters from a young age, learning the art of governing the country and benefiting the people. Unexpectedly, after studying for so many years, he has no interest in the country or the people, and only thinks about having fun.
If things continue like this, who knows what the Great Gan Dynasty will become...
Pei Han was filled with worries, but he was already far from the center of power. He could only comfort himself that the Grand Secretaries must also be aware of this situation and were probably trying to guide the Emperor back to the right path.
As for him, he can only try his best to take care of the people during his term.
One month later
Wu Shiliu sent a message to the main house through a servant early in the morning, saying that all the furniture in the courtyard had been completed.
Upon hearing A-Zhu's words, Min Yueqing immediately said, "The master and his apprentices have been here for quite some time and haven't been home for a long time. Go and check on them. If there are no problems, settle their wages and let them go home."
A-Zhu immediately agreed and went with the servant.
Not long after, Azhu returned to the main room and reported to Min Yueqing: "Miss, the furniture and furnishings in the courtyard have been arranged as requested on the day of the incident. There is nothing missing. However, Wu Shiliu has a favor to ask of you."
Min Yueqing asked suspiciously, "What is it?"
"The three of them, Wu Shiliu, did not want any money, saying that they could not use money here. They wanted to ask Miss to exchange their wages for grain, cloth or salt."
When Azhu heard Wu Shiliu's explanation, she was initially taken aback, as it was the first time she had ever seen someone unwilling to accept money. However, after thinking about the route they had taken and how long it had taken, she gradually understood.
Upon hearing the request, Min Yueqing agreed without hesitation, "Ask them what they want, give them goods in kind in exchange for their wages, it doesn't matter if you give them a little more, and send a carriage to take them back."
Ah Zhu had anticipated this outcome and agreed with a smile.
Wu Shiliu and the other two were waiting at the entrance of the inner courtyard. As soon as Azhu came out of the door, she walked straight toward them.
Upon seeing Azhu emerge, Wu Shiliu and his two apprentices all wore broad smiles. Wu Shiliu asked somewhat shyly, "Miss Azhu, what did Madam say?"
A-Zhu said, "Madam agreed and asked what you wanted."
Wu Shiliu and his two apprentices exchanged glances, then replied with a sheepish smile, "Thank you so much, Madam! We'd like to exchange some fabric, not necessarily the finest. The fabric used for the clothes you made for us is too good; we're so careful when we work with it, afraid of wearing it out. If possible, it would be even better if we could exchange some grain and salt as well, coarse grains will do."
Ah Zhu understood what they meant. She would rather not have the best quality food than have a large quantity of food, probably because there were many people in her family who needed to eat and use it.
A-Zhu smiled and said, "Wait here for a while, I'll go and make the preparations. Don't worry, Madam has already said that she will arrange a carriage to take you back."
Wu Shiliu quickly waved his hand, "How could we accept this? We can go back ourselves. It won't take long to walk back. Besides, Lord Pei has arrested all the bandits, so no one will dare to steal our things."
A-Zhu said, "One thing at a time. This is Madam's wish, so you shouldn't refuse."
Wu Shiliu and his two apprentices bowed deeply in gratitude towards the inner courtyard.
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