Mo Sang – CH 299

Chapter 299. Accumulation

Inside the main courtyard of the Pan residence.

Prime Minister Pan sat in a bamboo rocking chair on the veranda, basking in the sun, leisurely swaying as he reviewed the summaries of the examination halls from Tanzhou, Hongzhou, Shezhou, and Muzhou, submitted before the New Year. He calmly calculated the number of scholars from each region, deciding which examination halls urgently needed repair and which could be postponed.

Alas, the stalemate between the army and the remnants of Southern Liang was costly every day; the imperial court was impoverished despite the vast sums of money.

Only during the New Year holidays could he leisurely review official documents and calmly consider these urgent and important matters.

Prime Minister Pan’s leisurely contemplation brought on a hint of drowsiness. Just as he opened his mouth to yawn, he saw Old Lady Jiang turn past the screen under the hanging flower gate and enter the courtyard.

Minister Pan put down the dossier in his hand, straightened up, and looked at Old Lady Jiang in surprise, smiling, “Were you not supposed to visit two families today and not return until after dinner? Why are you back so soon?”

“The Boss went to the Wei family’s New Year’s feast,” Old Lady Jiang said with a smile as she walked over and sat down in the gooseneck chair opposite Minister Pan.

Minister Pan was even more surprised, looking at Old Lady Jiang, waiting for her to continue.

“The Boss said that the Wei family is a truly distinguished family, a family with over a hundred members who have passed down their literary traditions. She went to the Wei family to learn the etiquette and customs of the New Year’s feast,” Old Lady Jiang said slowly with a smile.

“Learn the etiquette and customs of the New Year’s feast? Which family’s New Year’s feast is worth the Boss’s great attention?” Minister Pan asked in one sentence and then said, “Prince Changsha’s Mansion?”

This year in Jianle City, the only newly added prestigious residence was Prince Changsha’s Mansion.

“Hmm, after hearing that, I also thought it was Prince Changsha’s Mansion. But we cannot just think about it; we have to find out for sure.

Fortunately, the Wei family has connections, so I quietly asked the Wei family’s Eldest Madam, and she confirmed it was the Prince Changsha’s Mansion.

The Boss did not stay long before leaving. I noticed that the Wei family’s Eldest Madam immediately relayed messages to the families she could speak to.

I was thinking that the Boss went to the Imperial Academy yesterday with our Little Seventh.

There’s something else going on about the Imperial Academy. This morning, Ah Tian came over and said that the Boss took her little fat dog with her when she went to the Imperial Academy.

Ah Tian said that Little Seventh said the Boss’s fat dog was wearing a brocade robe and a red-gold dog tag, looking very well-dressed.

They say the dog tag had the character ‘fat’ written on it, and that Scholar Wang recognized it immediately—it was the Emperor’s calligraphy! Scholar Wang asked the Boss, who said that the dog tag, the leash, and even the fat dog’s clothes were all from the palace.”

“Why did you not tell me about this?” Upon hearing ‘from the palace,’ Prime Minister Pan straightened up abruptly.

“Look at you, so eager!” Old Lady Jiang glared at Prime Minister Pan. “With your composure, you are not fit for the position of prime minister!

This happened last night. Little Seventh came back yesterday and had already eaten dinner. You know, Little Seventh, he never knows what’s important. When he came to pay his respects to me, he did not mention the dog tag or leash at all.

Ah Tian is very observant; she must have been asking Little Seventh about this and that, and that’s how the conversation got to him.

Ah Tian must have heard this very late, and I always go to bed early, so we can only talk about it this morning, right?

This morning, my daughter and I had to rush out for the New Year’s feast. How could we possibly have made it in time?

Besides, no matter how urgent this matter is, it is not something to rush into. It is the New Year; everyone’s staying home, so why are you in such a hurry?

Look, I saw the Boss at the Wei family’s house, and I rushed back as soon as possible.

I am not unaware of the importance of things. Look at you. Why are you in such a rush? Listen to what you are saying! Why did I not tell you? Why did I not tell you? “

“I am an impatient person. Luckily, you’ve kept an eye on me these past few years, and I’ve cultivated my temper. I am fine outside, but in front of you, I sometimes get impatient. Please do not take it to heart,” Minister Pan quickly explained with a smile.

“Even if I had rushed to tell you this morning that there was no Wei family matter, what could you possibly understand about this dog tag thing? Even if you did, nine times out of ten, you’d be thinking the wrong thing.

Haste makes waste. Look at you, so old. Why are you still so impatient?” Old Lady Jiang glared at Prime Minister Pan again.

“Madam’s admonition is very true. I will copy down a Heart Sutra later to calm my mind,” Prime Minister Pan said with a forced smile and a slight bow.

“In the Prince Changsha’s Mansion, there’s only the Princess Consort in charge now. Her two children are very young, so there’s no need to worry about them for now. There are also two princes, both studying at the Imperial Academy.

For their annual banquet, most of the ladies from various families have arrived. A few more people from the Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy will be enough. You heads of households, officials and ministers, do not need to go. If you go, the mansion will not even have anyone to entertain you.

This matter, no matter how important, is not your concern. No matter how anxious you are, it is not your problem. Why are you in such a hurry?”

“Yes, yes, Madam’s admonition is very true,” Prime Minister Pan replied obsequiously.

“After hearing from Madam Wei that the Boss meant something, I immediately told my second son’s wife to take Ah Tian to the Qian family’s New Year’s feast. She could apologize to Old Madam Qian on my behalf and also convey a message to the Qian family. After the feast, she could stop by her parents’ home to deliver a message as well.

I rushed back because, firstly, this is no small matter, and I had to tell you whether you went or not.

Secondly, I need to discuss with you which families to visit and offer my regards.

Tell me, which aspect have I not considered?” Old Lady Jiang glared at Prime Minister Pan again.

“Madam’s considerations are extremely thorough. Indeed, we need to discuss carefully which families to visit.” Prime Minister Pan subtly changed the subject.

“It would be best to visit Prime Minister Du’s residence. We do not need to concern ourselves with Prime Minister Wu’s residence; they are related to the Wei family by marriage. As for Prime Minister Du’s residence, regardless of whether the Wei family makes an offer or not, we cannot skip this visit.”

Old Lady Jiang nodded. “That’s what I thought too. We also need to speak to the Dai family and the Pang family. As for Minister Shi’s family, I will have my second son’s wife send someone to speak to them; they are related by marriage. We will do her a favor.

Think again. Which other families need to be contacted?

The Boss went to the Imperial Academy yesterday, and Little Seventh accompanied her. We cannot afford to be careless,” Old Lady Jiang pondered.

“The Boss brought Pang’er to the Imperial Academy; the meaning is clear: this matter concerning the Prince of Changsha’s residence is initially the Emperor’s intention,” Minister Pan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The sudden allegiance of the Jiuxi Shidong—what exactly happened? Besides the Jiuxi Shidong themselves, probably only the Emperor and the Boss truly know.

“The Boss is such a prudent person. She always keeps a low profile. Going to the Imperial Academy and holding that chubby little dog—her meaning is so clear.

By the way, Little Seventh also said that the Boss said that the melon seeds she ate were a gift from the Emperor.

Ah Tian said she asked Little Seventh several times whether it was a gift or a reward. He must not have misheard. Little Seventh said it was a gift. He definitely could not distinguish between ‘gift’ and ‘reward.'” Old Lady Jiang clicked her tongue.

“Prime Minister Wu, Prime Minister Du, and I have all heard the Emperor say that he treats the Boss as a friend; naturally, it is a gift,” Minister Pan said with a smile.

“Such dignity.” Old Lady Jiang clicked her tongue.

“I cannot help but envy her. The Boss is no ordinary person.

I used to think Little Seventh was completely useless, but now I see, his good fortune is truly rare,” Minister Pan said with a smile.

“Even without this good fortune, Little Seventh is not useless! This child is never confused on important matters; that’s rare!” Old Lady Jiang was displeased with Minister Pan’s comment that her youngest son was useless.

“Besides being clear-headed on important matters, he’s also very obedient, which is also commendable. When I say he’s useless, I am just saying that, not that I truly mean it,” Minister Pan explained with a smile.

“Take another look and see which other families we need to send someone to greet. Prince Changsha’s New Year’s banquet is tomorrow; any later and it will be too late.

Also, a few other families are hosting New Year’s banquets tomorrow; it would be best to send someone over to each of them to let everyone know so everyone is aware,” Old Lady Jiang continued, getting down to business.

“I will go get paper and pen; let’s make a list and look at it carefully.” Minister Pan stood up, went inside to fetch paper, brush, and inkstone, ground the ink, and discussed the matter with Old Lady Jiang, writing and sketching.

After discussing for about half an hour, they finalized the list of families to be notified. Old Lady Jiang called in several experienced and reliable housekeepers, carefully instructing them to go and deliver the messages to each family.

………………………………

At the Wei Family.

After seeing off the guests from the New Year’s feast, Old Lady Qiu, the matriarch of the Wei family, gestured to her eldest daughter-in-law, the Eldest Madam of the Wei family, and said, “Have Ninth Brother’s wife oversee the preparations. You come with me.”

The Eldest Madam of the Wei family hurriedly stepped forward, took Old Lady Qiu’s arm from a maid, and supported her as they walked to the small warm pavilion.

The Eldest Madam helped Old Lady Qiu sit on the couch in the warm pavilion, served her tea, and then sat down in the armchair in front of the couch.

“Boss has come all this way, and there was that matter at the Imperial Academy yesterday. What do you think?” Old Lady Qiu looked at her eldest daughter-in-law and said slowly.

“These two things are one thing?” The Eldest Madam hesitated briefly before asking this question.

Old Lady Qiu nodded slowly. “I think so too.”

“Yesterday, it was about the Emperor’s favor; today, is it to speak on behalf of the Prince Changsha’s Mansion?” The Eldest Madam’s question trailed off slightly, lacking much ambiguity.

“Yes.” Old Lady Qiu nodded again.

“When Old Lady Jiang was talking to her second mistress, she did not really hide it from anyone. Lady Wu was serving nearby. Lady Wu said that Old Lady Jiang asked her second mistress to apologize to Old Madam Qian on her behalf and also to inform the Qian family about the Prince Changsha’s Mansion’s New Year’s banquet. She will go back and make arrangements,” the Eldest Madam of the Wei family continued.

“Yes.” Old Lady Qiu listened attentively and nodded.

“Why did the Boss choose our family? It cannot just be that the timing was perfect, can it?” Madam Wei frowned.

“The Boss is a person of exceptional talent; even if she does not scheme, her mind is still incredibly complex,” said Old Lady Qiu slowly. “She came to our family because, no matter how long our family has been passed down through generations or how many scholars we have, right now, we do not have anyone of any standing in the court. It is most suitable for her to ask us to relay her message and offer assistance.

Alas,” sighed Old Lady Qiu. “Of the four Grand Secretaries of Yunlang Pavilion, two are surnamed Wei, and none of them are from our Wei family.”

“Fortunately, we have Ninth Brother’s wife,” Madam Wei quickly added with a smile. “Besides, our Wei family’s daughters are highly sought after these days.”

“Indeed, it is a good thing,” Old Lady Qiu laughed. “Our family, no matter how scholarly, is not considered noble. Our every move is unlike those of the other gentlemen, who are involved in politics and government. I think that’s probably why she came to our family.”

Old Lady Qiu paused slightly, then continued, “Also, she has some connection with Ninth Brother’s wife and our Wei family. This is a favor, an opportunity, that she’s presented to our Wei family.”

Madam Wei raised an eyebrow, looking at Old Lady Qiu.

“The Boss said she came to our Wei family to learn the etiquette and customs of the New Year’s banquet.

The Boss may not be unfamiliar with the etiquette and customs of the Jianle City New Year’s banquet, but the Prince Changsha’s Mansion may not be,” Old Lady Qiu said with a smile.

The Eldest Madam of the Wei family raised an eyebrow.

“Pack your things and go to Prince Changsha’s Mansion in a little while. Be discreet. When you meet Princess Shi, do not bother with formalities. Just say it is the Boss’s intention to talk to Princess Shi about the customs and traditions of our Jianle City New Year’s banquet.

Princess Shi must be someone who speaks directly to catch the Boss’s eye.

After you get there, you decide what to do. If you need to stay, you can stay at Prince Changsha’s Mansion tonight and help with welcoming and entertaining guests tomorrow; it is all fine.

If you cannot handle it all by yourself, then send someone back. We must help the Prince Changsha’s Mansion make tomorrow’s New Year’s banquet a grand and lively affair.”

“Alright,” the Eldest Madam of the Wei family nodded repeatedly.

“Sigh,” Old Lady Qiu sighed, a hint of relief in her voice, “I’ve been so worried for over a year. My second son’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture this year, but his current position is neither high nor low.

This opportunity to establish a new dynasty only comes once. If we do not seize it, who knows what will become of our Wei family?

Now’s the time! This opportunity has arrived. If the second son can go to Jiuxi Shidong for his next term, with the Yang family’s support, he’s bound to excel. It is such a tough place anyway. When he returns after one or two terms, it will coincide with the major reshuffling of officials in Jiangnan. A high-ranking official position will be practically guaranteed. Even if the second son’s promotion ends here, our family will have a strong backer. With our resources, things will be easier from now on.”

The Eldest Madam of the Wei family listened intently and gave a soft “hmm.”

“The eldest son’s term as county magistrate ends next year, just in time for the talent recruitment in Jiangnan. If he can be selected for a position there, he will have room for advancement after another term.

If the second son does well, once the eldest son reaches the fourth or fifth rank, the second son will be able to support him. Then there will be a succession, and things will be much better from now on,” Old Lady Qiu said, a smile spreading across her face.

“Yes, and the third son, the seventh son, and the ninth son’s wife said that the ninth son’s studies have improved a lot, and he’s sure to pass the imperial examination this autumn.”

The Eldest Madam of the Wei family did not finish her sentence before laughing, “There’s another joke; the ninth son said that last night at the Imperial Academy’s literary gathering, when the topic of the autumn examination came up, he said that his wife always said, ‘What’s so difficult about it?’

The seventh son of Prime Minister Pan said, ‘Your wife makes it sound so easy; she thinks it is not difficult, so let her take the exam!'”

Old Lady Qiu chuckled, “That seventh son of Prime Minister Pan’s household, he’s really a carefree child.”

“Change your clothes, and hurry up and go.”

The Eldest Madam of the Wei family smiled and agreed, calling a maid in to serve her, and quickly went back to change her clothes, then got a carriage, and headed to Prince Changsha’s Mansion.