Madam Qian was half-doubtful, and hastily had Nanny Zheng go inquire.
Soon, Nanny Zheng returned to report to her, "It is as the nun said, Young Master Zeng absconded with the five thousand taels of silver intended as Miss Tao’s dowry and eloped with a courtesan. The Song Family and the Zeng Family had a confrontation, turning in-laws into enemies. Now, the big and small streets of Liang County are buzzing with the news. Everyone is discussing this matter."
"How could this happen?" Madam Qian was very anxious, "What will Song Tao do in the future!"
Meanwhile, the sympathized Song Tao was hiding in her room, eavesdropping as Song Daliang berated Madam Wang, "You fool, I told you to stir trouble for the Zeng Family, why did you drag me into this? Now look, I’ve been beaten by the Zeng Family, the news of Song Tao’s broken engagement has also spread, and the five thousand taels of silver are gone. Are you satisfied now? Are you happy?"
Madam Wang kept her head down, not daring to say a word.
Song Daliang, still unsatisfied, continued to scold, "I left such a big house in your care, and this is how you manage it for me? When other families have troubles with their daughters’ marriages, they would hide it away, not letting even a whisper escape. Only you, this useless thing, act as though you’re afraid that others won’t know, crying and yelling about it, causing a spectacle that drew half the street to watch and blabber nonsense."
"I think the reason why I haven’t gotten rich over all these years, and why my life has gotten worse, is because I married you, a broom that sweeps away good fortune. If I had known it would be like this, I should have married Madam Qian back then ..."
Song Tao swiftly let down the curtain, shutting out those muddled words from the room.
Ding Xiang, standing by her side, called out pale-faced, "Miss," then hesitated to speak further.
Song Tao comforted her, "It’s okay! Those jade stone penjing are just gathering dust in the storeroom; father will not find out that we sold them."
Song Tao helped Song Daliang build a kiln factory just like her previous life, yet she was neither valued nor trusted by him. And because Song Daliang had the chance to run the kiln factory again in this life, he faced financial difficulties earlier, and her marriage with Zeng Wenxing was moved up by two years.
In her previous life, she had listened to Madam Wang, thinking that Zeng Wenxing, being the youngest in his family, spoiled by his elders, would understand his responsibilities and care for his family after getting married and becoming a father, especially since the Zeng Family was willing to give a thousand taels of silver as a dowry, which she didn’t even have to bring to her husband’s family, showing her respect. With these hopes, she happily married Zeng Wenxing.
Zeng Wenxing was always cold towards her.
Only after she bore her second son did she realize Zeng Wenxing had a "close female friend" outside. He not only supported this "close female friend" outside, but he also composed music and wrote lyrics for her, helping her to gain fame far and wide, and eventually, dissatisfied with staying in Liang County, he abandoned his wife and child to go to Hangzhou, never to return.
She became not only the laughing stock of Liang County but also, for the sake of livelihood, she was forced to seek help from Song Jiyun who sent her to work in a kiln factory.
Thinking this, the scorching heat of the kiln fire seemed to be burning her skin again.
Song Tao shivered and forced herself not to think about the past anymore.
She spoke softly to Ding Xiang, "Have you found out what I asked you to inquire about?"
Ding Xiang hesitated and said, "I found out. But the person who helped me inquire asked for two taels of silver as reward money. I was afraid of complications, so I gave it to him."
Song Tao nodded, saying, "The two jade stone penjing were sold for three thousand taels of silver, after giving two thousand taels to the courtesan and spending fifty taels to spread the news of the broken engagement, the remaining silver should suffice us for some time. You can make decisions regarding these minor matters on your own!"
This lifetime, she had succeeded!
With just a little trickery, secretly selling the jade stone penjing that Song Daliang treasured, paying the courtesan, she had incited the courtesan to persuade Zeng Wenxing to elope with her.
Song Tao took a deep breath and asked Ding Xiang softly, "How is the kiln factory now?"
Ding Xiang looked at Song Tao admiringly and said, "As you predicted. Everyone regrets coming to our kiln, but after you demonstrated your competence last time, they became convinced by you, and have stayed peacefully, just waiting for you to settle your family affairs before leading them to carve a path through the kiln factory."
Song Tao nodded in satisfaction.
She knew what was to come, including all that Song Jiyun had done in her previous life. As if standing on Song Jiyun’s shoulders, she was certain she could do even better. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
In a soft voice, she instructed Ding Xiang, "Find a way to go to the Kiln Factory later and tell Master Chang that I will soon sort out the family affairs and that the Kiln Factory will be freed from its troubles soon."
Ding Xiang nodded repeatedly, clearly convinced.
Master Chang, a pillar master sincerely poached by the young lady, would only listen to her. The master couldn’t order him around at all, let alone get him to help with porcelain firing.
Even though the master was the owner of the Kiln Factory, without the young lady, he couldn’t keep it either.
Song Tao continued thoughtfully, "As for other matters... come closer, and I will tell you quietly."
*
Meanwhile, Song Jiyun was at the Wensi Building attending a trade meeting hosted by Mr. Wen.
Hong Xi was also present.
Song Jiyun was quite surprised. When Hong Xi looked her way, she nodded slightly at him and sat next to Old Master Yan.
Although a ceremony for the Kiln God was held every year, this year marked the first year of Magistrate Jiang’s tenure, and he was entrusted with hosting it, making the event especially lively and grand.
This also meant that a considerable amount of silver was needed.
He sent an invitation to Song Jiyun.
Song Jiyun felt it was merely to have her share the expenses of the Kiln God ceremony.
With the grand celebration at hand, she was bound to participate.
But how much the Song Family would pay, and how it would be divided, could not be as vague as in previous years—when money was paid but their name ended up listed last on the memorial stone.
She had remained silent while everyone discussed these matters earlier.
When it came to discussing how much silver each family should specifically contribute, she still did not speak. Mr. Wen could not restrain himself any longer. After taking several deep breaths, he said, "This sum of money is but a drop in the ocean for Owner Song. Owner Song has no objections, right?"
"Indeed, this sum is nothing significant for the Song Family," Song Jiyun smiled. "However, people contend over trifles and Buddhas over incense. Since Mr. Wen holds us in such regard, asking the Song Family to contribute more, how then shall the merit stone be inscribed? Is it by surname order, or funding amount? What about the inscriptions—will everyone be included, or just the family who pays the most?"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wen cursed inwardly.
This girl, Song Youliang, and that tigress mother of hers, there’s not much difference; whatever you say, she knows it all, and whenever she speaks up, she can corner you completely!
After much back and forth, it was finally agreed that the Song Family, along with Li Zixiu, Old Master Yan, and three other families would share the expenses for this ceremony. The ranking would be by the number of strokes in the surnames, with the Song Family at the top. Not only would the Song Family be listed first on the merit stone, but a separate stone would also be erected for them alone in the Temple of the Wind God.
Song Jiyun was very satisfied, while Mr. Wen felt choked up and did not want to say another word.
Upon seeing this, Li Zixiu could not help but gloat, finally asking Song Jiyun, "Miss Song, your cousin was sent back by her husband’s family. Have you heard?"
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