Mo Sang – CH 268

Chapter 268. Must Do Our Best

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a guard rushed in to report: a high-ranking official had arrived and wished to see the young mistress.

Shi Acai, not daring to be presumptuous, hurriedly went out to greet him.

Qing-Feng, dressed as an ordinary eunuch, saw Shi Acai and quickly bowed, smiling, “This must be Lady Shi. I am Qing-Feng, a junior attendant serving His Majesty.

By order of His Majesty, I have come to inquire whether Lady Shi is free today. If so, His Majesty would like to meet with Lady Shi and the two Masters Yang after court.”

“Yes, shall we leave now?” Shi Acai was apprehensive at Qing-Feng’s overly polite words.

“Court will be over in a while. His Majesty instructed me to come first to inform Lady Shi so that she may be prepared.

In half an hour to an hour, a eunuch will come to bring Lady Shi and the two Masters Yang into the palace,” Qing-Feng said hurriedly with a smile.

“Yes, thank you very much, sir.” Shi Acai thanked him solemnly, then asked, “May I ask, sir, what preparations should this mistress and my two younger brothers make?”

“We just need to see Madam and the two Master Yangs first. The audience will be arranged separately. Madam and the two Master Yangs, please make yourselves at home,” Qing-Feng said with a smile.

“Yes, thank you very much, sir.” Shi Acai thanked him again.

“You flatter me, Lady Shi; you are too kind. I will take my leave.” Qing-Feng took a step back and turned to leave.

Shi Acai hurriedly followed behind, escorting Qing-Feng to the side entrance of the inn. Watching Qing-Feng exit through the side door and get into the carriage, she quickly turned back and urgently ordered that the Third and Fourth Masters be summoned.

Shi Acai carefully considered Qing-Feng’s attitude and words. It seemed that this trip to the palace, even if not done discreetly, should not be carried out with great fanfare. She, Yang Zhian, and Yang Zhining each chose a very formal, casual outfit, dressed neatly, and had someone bring out the audience petition, household registers, tax registers, and the seals of the previous dynasty held by the Yang family ancestors. These were wrapped in a brocade pouch and carried by Yang Zhian. The three of them sat quietly waiting.

Shortly, a eunuch came and led the three of them out of the side gate of the inn.

Two large carriages with indigo silk curtains were parked outside the side gate. Shi Acai got into the first one, while the brothers Yang Zhian and Yang Zhining got into the second.

The carriages moved at a leisurely pace.

Shi Acai quietly peeked out from behind a crack in the carriage curtain.

Turning the corner of the side gate, they saw the Shunfeng headquarters across the street.

This street was the closest to the imperial city. Every so often, one could see officials leaving court, all on horseback, followed by one, two, or at most three attendants, squeezed into the bustling crowds. If it were not for their court robes, it would be almost impossible to distinguish officials from commoners.

Shi Acai even saw an official on horseback, happily munching on a meat pie.

The distance from the inn to Donghua Gate was short. Once the carriage entered Donghua Gate, the straight east-west street was filled with officials and clerks.

The carriage stopped outside Xuanyou Gate. Shi Acai alighted, followed by Yang Zhian and Yang Zhining.

Yang Zhian, clutching the brocade pouch, rushed to Shi Acai, following a eunuch inside, and whispered, “Sister-in-law! We should have gotten off outside Donghua Gate!”

Shi Acai paused, then clenched her fist and pounded her forehead in frustration.

She was too nervous!

“The carriage did not stop,” Yang Zhining said, sticking his head out from behind.

“When we see the Emperor, we will apologize first,” Shi Acai said, then sighed with regret.

The eunuch walked ahead without looking to either side, leading the three directly to the front of Qingning Palace.

The eunuch standing at the entrance of Qingning Palace saw the three and quickly announced their arrival.

Shi Acai, her heart pounding, stepped over the high threshold, her eyes lowered and meek, but she still subconsciously glanced around.

The palace was brightly lit. In one corner stood a clump of beautifully shaped bamboo, and on another sat a pot of hanging spider plants.

Shi Acai glanced around, then quickly composed herself, focusing intently on the eunuch’s steps.

The eunuch stopped and stepped aside. Shi Acai immediately stopped and knelt on the ground, and Yang Zhian and Yang Zhining followed behind. Together, the three of them performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows.

“Rise and sit down,” Gu Jin said with a smile, watching the three women finish their greetings.

“Yes,” Shi Acai replied, but did not stand up. She bowed again. “This humble woman begs forgiveness. I came in by carriage and should have disembarked outside Donghua Gate, but…”

“It was my order. From Donghua Gate to Xuanyou Gate, there are too many people around. Rise, sit down,” Gu Jin said with a smile.

“Yes,” Shi Acai secretly breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and sat down on the brocade stool closest to her, still keeping her eyes lowered.

“Was your journey smooth?” Gu Jin looked the three over.

“Smoothly, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty,” Shi Acai replied with a slight bow.

“No need to be so formal. At breakfast just now, Ninghe and Ah Yujing were talking to me about your Ayan and Ale,” Gu Jin said, smiling.

“Yes,” Shi Acai looked up at Gu Jin, slightly taken aback.

The powerful ruler before her, about to unify the world, wore his hair in a jade hairpin and a long, moon-white silk robe. He was exceptionally young and handsome; were it not for his deep, bright eyes, which seemed to see through everything, he would have been a refined young man.

“We will soon be discussing matters, so I will not stand on ceremony.

What are your plans for coming here, Lady Shi?” Gu Jin asked directly.

“Before I departed, my mother instructed me: The Yang family’s garrison in Jiuxi Shidong originated from my great-great-grandfather’s appointment by the previous dynasty, and then my great-grandfather. After that, the world was in chaos until today, when the world is finally unified again, with a common ruler.

My mother and husband instructed me to present the seal of office bestowed upon my great-great-grandfather to Your Majesty.

The Yang family received its mandate from the previous dynasty over a hundred years ago, and fortunately, we have fulfilled our mission. Now we return it to Your Majesty.

These are the reports from my great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, and grandfather of the Yang family. My father passed away suddenly, and his report was drafted by my husband.”

Yang Zhian stood up and held up the brocade package he had been carrying. Qing-Feng quickly stepped forward to take it and placed it on the table in front of Gu Jin.

Gu Jin looked at Shi Acai, then at the brocade package, then back at Shi Acai. After a moment, he bowed slightly and said, “The Yang family is loyal and brave, truly admirable.

The Yang family has protected the Jiuxi Shidong for over a hundred years, and now, in accordance with Heaven’s will and the times, they have given their all. The Yang family has not failed the Emperor’s grace, and I will certainly not fail the Yang family.”

Gu Jin bowed slightly again and smiled, “It is said that the women of the Yang family are no less than the men; indeed, this is well-deserved.”

“Your Majesty flatters me.” Shi Acai quickly bowed.

“You may return now. If you need anything, or if you have anything to say, or if you require anything, go to Shunfeng headquarters and find Lu Hepeng, or you can speak with Ninghe,” Gu Jin said with a smile.

Shi Acai quickly stood up, bid farewell to Yang Zhian and Yang Zhining, and left.

Gu Jin watched the three of them leave the main hall, then placed his hand on the brocade pouch. After a moment, he untied it, picked up the seal on top, slowly turned it over, and examined it for a while, and instructed, “Please, ministers.”

Prime Minister Wu and the others arrived quickly.

Gu Jin gestured for them to sit down, pointed to the brocade pouch on the table, and slowly recounted Shi Acai’s words, sighing, “I did not expect the Yang family to be so open and generous.”

“The Yang family lives up to its reputation.” Prime Minister Wu bowed slightly, echoing his sentiment.

“When doing things, one should remain still; but when one does act, one must exert all one’s strength. The same applies to being a person.

These are the words of the late Empress Zhang, who instructed this old minister. Now that Lady Yang has submitted, she has given without reservation, which reminds this old minister of Empress Zhang’s teachings,” said Privy Councilor Pang, bowing slightly.

“Hmm, Lady Yang, and the Jiuxi Shidong, how should we arrange things? Let’s discuss it,” Gu Jin said, pressing his hand on the brocade pouch with a smile.

………………………………

In Yangzhou City.

Li Sangrou, along with Madam Meng and Aunt Wu, made their third trip to the construction site near the Daxiangguo Temple, finally finding Hui’an and Abbot Yuande.

Abbot Yuande had become much darker, but his complexion and overall health were noticeably better than when Li Sangrou had last seen him.

Hui’an had changed drastically.

When Li Sangrou found them, Hui’an was squatting in front of the earthen stove, one hand pumping the bellows, the other stuffing straw into the pot; his skill in tending the fire was remarkable.

Li Sangrou stood beside Hui’an, hands behind her back, bent over, staring intently at his practiced movements, then at his rough hands and dark, calloused face.

“He’s fine,” Abbot Yuande said with a smile, shoveling the porridge in the pot with a long ladle, glancing at the wide-eyed Li Sangrou.

“Has he been back to Jianle City looking like this?” Li Sangrou straightened up, looking at Abbot Yuande, and asked.

“What are you worried about, Boss?” Hui’an looked up at Li Sangrou.

“It’s not that I am worried. Seeing you like this, I think I can ask your Elder Brother for credit,” Li Sangrou looked at Hui’an earnestly.

“Who is his Elder Brother?” Madam Meng raised an eyebrow and asked.

“The Emperor,” Li Sangrou answered without turning her head.

“Hmm, who?” Madam Meng asked in surprise.

“When was the last time you went to Jianle City? How is Elder Brother?” Hui’an asked.

“A year ago. With the war going on like this, your Elder Brother must be fine, and the Shizi is fine too. You are all doing well.” Li Sangrou found a small stool, sat down next to Hui’an, and scrutinized him again.

Madam Meng gasped and immediately pushed Aunt Wu back.

Their conversation was not something they should overhear.

“I heard it was you who put a bounty on Zhang Zheng in Jiangdu City?” Hui’an asked, looking at Li Sangrou.

“I did offer a bounty, but the person who killed Zhang Zheng was not because of that bounty.

He killed Zhang Zheng because Zhang Zheng was too tyrannical. He did it to save those whom Zhang Zheng was about to kill and also to save Zhang Zheng himself,” Li Sangrou explained earnestly and carefully.

“The remains outside the city have not been collected yet; it has been over two years,” Hui’an sighed.

“Hmm.” After a moment of silence, Li Sangrou turned to Abbot Yuande. “I’ve come twice, both times saying you went to beg for alms. Were you going to beg for money to repair this Daxiangguo Temple?”

“Did the head monk not cover the cost of repairing the temple?” Abbot Yuande chuckled as he ladled porridge into a bowl. “Hui’an and I went to beg for money to collect the remains.”

“I remember your wish was to build a school to spread Buddhism. Why do we not build it here? I’ve already found a benefactor for you; here she is.”

Li Sangrou turned around and pointed at Madam Meng.

“However, monks do not engage in production, so it is really not advisable to have too many. If your Buddhism is truly spread throughout the world, the next step will not be the creation of a Buddhist kingdom, but the destruction of the Dharma.

Buddhism is a path of transcending the world, severing emotions and desires, and abandoning everything. This goes against worldly customs, and I do not like it either.” Li Sangrou looked at Abbot Yuande and continued.

“What does the Boss mean?” Abbot Yuande sat down next to Li Sangrou, eating porridge as he asked.

“Build a free school, take in poor children from the surrounding areas to learn to read and write, and have the monks in your temple teach them. Just cultivate a sense of goodness and sow a seed of wisdom.

If there truly is a Western Paradise, not everyone will be a monk or nun; everyone should have good intentions, and everyone should be a truly human being,” Li Sangrou said, sighing.

“Good.” Abbot Yuande simply said “good” straightforwardly.

“That was originally the Master’s plan.” Hui’an looked up from the large bowl of porridge and glanced at Li Sangrou.

“Hui’an is right, that’s what I was planning, but we still have not secured this large sum of money,” said Abbot Yuande with a smile.

Li Sangrou raised an eyebrow and, after a moment, pointed at Madam Meng and laughed, “I will show you a way to make money. Whatever you need in the future, just look for this lady; she has plenty of money.”

“Thank you, Boss,” Abbot Yuande said earnestly.

“Master Zhou is here. After the abbot finishes his meal, let’s look around and find a place for your school,” Li Sangrou said to Abbot Yuande, noticing Zhou Shen’an hurrying over.

Abbot Yuande followed Li Sangrou’s gaze, squinted, and examined him carefully for a moment before laughing, “Boss has good eyesight; I really cannot see him clearly.”

“I cannot see him clearly either, but judging from his gait, he’s in a hurry; it must be him.” “Li Sangrou smiled.

“I’ve learned a lot.” Abbot Yuande bowed slightly to Li Sangrou.

“Abbot, you are overthinking things.” Li Sangrou stood up and beckoned to Madam Meng, who was in the distance.

After Abbot Yuande and Hui’an finished their meal, Li Sangrou, Madam Meng, Aunt Wu, and Zhou Shen’an’s group, referring to the plans and regulations shown by the servant, inspected the site of the Daxiangguo Temple, which consisted of only small foundations, piece by piece. They also surveyed the area next door where a school would be built.

Abbot Yuande kept rambling on, making demands: “Since we are building it, the walls should be thicker, warm in winter and cool in summer. There needs to be a large kitchen, at least thirty or forty stoves, so the children can cook. They need to learn how to manage a household; they cannot just go to school and expect to be waited on hand and foot. That will not do. Knowing a few characters is not enough; few can pass the imperial examinations and enter officialdom…”

Hui’an listened intently to Abbot Yuande’s rambling, as if every word he uttered was sacred wisdom.

Madam Meng rolled her eyes. Even though he was Hui’an’s master and Hui’an was the Emperor’s younger brother, she could not help but chuckle awkwardly, “The Great Monk is truly thoughtful and compassionate.

However, we are only here today to get a general idea of ​​the area and see if it is suitable. As for the details, the Great Monk can just discuss them with Master Zhou later.

I will only provide the money; I will not meddle.”

“Merciful Benefactor Meng,” the Great Monk Yuande said with a smile, bowing with his hands clasped.

Hui’an glared at Madam Meng.

“Madam Meng is right. She’s already contributed money; we cannot let her contribute any more. Let Master Zhou take care of the construction.” Li Sangrou poked Hui’an’s shoulder with a finger.

“You just go ahead and do the construction; do not be shy about the money.” When Hui’an turned to glare at Li Sangrou, Li Sangrou had already turned to look at Abbot Yuande.

“Thank you, Benefactor Meng, thank you, Benefactor Li,” Abbot Yuande said with a smile, thanking Madam Meng first, then Li Sangrou.

“Study hard with your master. You are much better than before, but still far from perfect,” Li Sangrou said, poking Hui’an’s shoulder with her finger.

This time, Hui’an ignored Li Sangrou. Abbot Yuande bowed and smiled. “The Boss’s words are well-deserved.”

After looking around, Zhou Shen’an followed behind Li Sangrou, asking her again, “Are you free today? Are you free tomorrow? And the day after tomorrow? I definitely have to see you the day after tomorrow; you have so many things to do! Every single one is important!”

After bidding farewell to Abbot Yuande and Hui’an and seeing Zhou Shen’an off, Li Sangrou boarded Madam Meng’s boat. Sitting in the open cabin, she accepted the tea offered by Aunt Wu, took a sip, and sighed contentedly.

Finally, she could rest for a while.

“There are two princes in total,” Madam Meng sighed, sitting next to Li Sangrou.

“Mind your own business,” Li Sangrou retorted, rocking back and forth in her rocking chair.

“You want a shipyard? Are you planning to get involved in canal transport?” Madam Meng paused for a moment, then looked at Li Sangrou and asked seriously.

If she were to take charge of the canal transport, controlling all the waterways of the land, she feared it would attract jealousy.

“You only see those few small rivers and streams?” Li Sangrou chuckled, waving her hand forward. “You need to broaden your horizons, look ahead, look up—to the sea, to the sky.”

“You want to do business overseas?” Madam Meng ignored Li Sangrou’s talk of the sea and sky, asking directly.

“Yes! Under the rule of Southern Liang, Guangdong and Fujian have become too powerful to control, and the imperial decrees cannot be effectively implemented.

Those two local tyrants in Guangdong and Fujian, their fathers and sons were alright, but their grandsons and great-grandsons have become increasingly despicable. In the last twenty or thirty years, the coast has been teeming with pirates.

The imperial court—I mean the court of the Great Qi—after unifying the world, will definitely clean up the coastal bandits. I plan to go ahead and scout out some decent ones, recruiting them.

What’s the point of robbing your own people on your doorstep? If you are going to rob, rob somewhere else! Make it big!” Li Sangrou chuckled happily.

Madam Meng raised her eyebrows, then turned to Wu Yiniang. “Quickly send someone to the Huang family to tell Master Huang that we are taking over his fleet. Send Old Wu! Go now!”

“It’s still early, what’s the rush!” Li Sangrou looked at Madam Meng speechlessly.

“Early? It is too late! You should have said so sooner!” Madam Meng watched as Aunt Wu gave the orders, then sighed in relief and leaned back in her chair.

“What do you need so much money for?” Li Sangrou glanced at Madam Meng.

“This hand earns it, and this hand lets it go; there’s real fun in that.” Madam Meng waved her right hand, then her left.

Li Sangrou chuckled.

“A little private matter.” The two stood silently facing the clear river for a moment. Madam Meng bowed slightly, looking at Li Sangrou.

“Hmm, go ahead.” Li Sangrou tossed a sunflower seed shell into the river.

“What kind of person are you planning to marry? Your subordinates, Da Chang and Hei Ma, are they not all getting on in years?” Madam Meng asked cautiously.

Li Sangrou slowly finished her sunflower seeds and clapped her hands. “My foundation in this world is the sword in my hand.

This sword is sharp because neither I nor it is bound by anything.

As for Da Chang and the others, if they feel it is time to settle down, then they should. I am genuinely happy for them. But after settling down, they can no longer be by my side.

They will live their lives—with relatives and friends, wives and parents, supporting their families. From then on, my relationship with them will be like yours—good friends; we can see each other often, chat, and be confidants, but no longer partners.”

Madam Meng was silent for a moment, then sighed.

“It’s alright. There’s no perfect solution in this world.

This world has countless beautiful things, but you can only choose one. Hold onto what you like most, care about most, and cannot bear to part with. As for the rest, just look at them and appreciate them,” Li Sangrou said leisurely.