BMN : Chapter 14

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and today the Jin residence is distributing bonuses and paying out the monthly allowances for the first month of the new year in advance.

Lu Fei and others received their silver but seemed unhappy, appearing somewhat worried.

Fu Ming was in the small study, organizing some notes he had written over the past few months. The small incense burner had been replaced with a larger one, steaming a piece of ice to humidify the room and prevent it from becoming too dry.

He vaguely heard the maids outside whispering angrily about something. He called Lu Fei and Wanlan to ask, “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and you just received your allowances, so why do you all look like you’re about to explode with anger?”

Wanlan replied, “Master, it’s like a duck in hand flew away.”

“What do you mean? Was the money less than expected?”

Lu Fei explained, “We’re not familiar with the exact amount since it’s our first year receiving this, but the other household staff mentioned that it was indeed much less. Even the monthly allowances were cut in half.”

“Did anyone explain the reason?”

Lu Fei answered, “They said it’s because of the ice disaster in Tanzhou. The Seventh Princess hosted a ‘Snowy Plum Blossom’ event at her residence, inviting many ladies and young mistresses to donate money and goods. Our Madame Wang wasn’t initially invited, but Miss Zhou brought her along. After returning, although Miss Renlan, who was formally invited, didn’t say much, Madame Wang was busy sending a lot of silver and clothes to the princess.”

Lu Fei, who had younger siblings and an elder sister yet to be married, was known for her frugality. The sudden deduction of a significant portion of their income left her frustrated, making her tone harsher than usual.

Wanlan, who spoke more directly, added, “If Madame Wang wants to make a good impression on the princess, she can use her own money. But she decided to take from us servants, confiscating our clothes and money. It’s the New Year, and we can’t even keep warm or eat well; it’s infuriating!”

Fu Ming asked, “Does the Old Madam know about this?”

Lu Fei replied, “She might not have known before, but by now, she certainly does.”

Fu Ming said, “Let’s see what the Old Madam says about it.”

As expected, the Old Madam only learned of the matter by midday. She called in Madame Wang, her tone harsh, and bluntly asked, “I temporarily entrusted you with the household affairs, and what have you done? You’ve used the household’s money to buy yourself face while shortchanging the servants. What do you have to say?”

Madame Wang quickly knelt and kowtowed in apology, her forehead reddening. She then defended herself, saying, “The Old Madam values me, and I would never dare to disappoint you. It was Miss Zhou who insisted on taking me to the princess’s event. You understand that once the princess invites you, it’s impossible to refuse. Moreover, the Seventh Princess is the Emperor’s favorite daughter. If we can do some good in her eyes, it benefits our household. We’ve always treated our servants generously, never stingy or harsh. They eat well, dress well, and have little work to do. Their monthly allowances are generous, and they receive additional rewards from the masters. Compared to the disaster-stricken people in Tanzhou, the servants here live a hundred times better. Someone must have been spreading rumors to make you misunderstand and get angry.”

Qingwu, standing beside the Old Madam, couldn’t hold back, her face red with anger. She interjected, “Madame Wang, you certainly make it sound like you’re sacrificing for the greater good, but you’re actually just being stingy!”

Madame Wang forced a smile, “I still have a few new jackets I haven’t worn. We are of similar size; I’ll give them to you.”

Before Qingwu could respond, the Old Madam rubbed her forehead and said, “No matter your intentions, wrong is wrong. Return the deducted money and the withheld items. Let everyone have a good New Year!”

Madame Wang received no kindness, and although she was reprimanded, she still felt somewhat fortunate. Her plan had been to act first and report later. Although the Old Madam was angry, she didn’t make things too difficult for her. Madame Wang secretly thought that the women in the household didn’t understand outside matters and didn’t grasp the bigger picture. When the master returned, she would have her say.

The household’s uproar gradually settled by the afternoon. The servants, having received their due compensation, resumed their work with renewed vigor, preparing for the New Year’s Eve worship, family banquet, and vigil.

Fu Ming carried the gift boxes prepared by Wanlan and took the remaining half of the silver he had received that morning. He left the residence and headed to the Orphan’s Bureau.

“Ming’er, you’re late this year!” Sun Cangyong greeted him cheerfully, disregarding formalities and distinctions in age, welcoming him in with a friendly arm around his shoulder.

Fu Ming explained, “There were some issues at home today.”

“All resolved?”

“Yes, everything is settled.”

Sun Cangyong stoked the fire and poured a cup of lamb wine from the warming pot for Fu Ming, saying, “Every year on this day, you, me, and Brother Fang would drink to our hearts’ content. This year, it’s just the two of us.”

Fu Ming asked, “Has Uncle Fang gone to Tanzhou?” He took a sip of the wine, immediately showing a delighted expression.

Sun Cangyong replied, “Indeed. With the ice disaster in Tanzhou, many of the elderly, weak, and women must be ill. Brother Fang went to provide medical aid!”

Fu Ming said, “Uncle Fang has a kind heart and helps those in need. If I could leave, I would certainly go with him to lend a hand.”

“Haha!” Sun Cangyong laughed heartily and continued, “Brother Fang said the same before he left. He lamented that you’re stuck in a noble household; otherwise, he’d drag you along as labor!”

Fu Ming recalled Jin Yi’s parting words, “I really can’t leave. When Uncle Fang returns, we’ll give him a warm welcome.”

The two drank and chatted for half an hour about the current situation at the Orphan’s Bureau. Noticing the late hour, Fu Ming excused himself to leave.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, a guest arrived. It was Jin Yi’s friend, Fan Zhi, who was now serving in the Ministry of Revenue. As the only male member present to receive guests, Fu Ming welcomed Fan Zhi in the capacity of the head of the household.

After exchanging pleasantries, Fu Ming asked, “Brother Wensu, is there something important you need?”

Fan Zhi looked hesitant but spoke smoothly and calmly, “To be honest, I have a favor to ask, and I hope you don’t mind.”

Fu Ming smiled and said, “Brother Wensu, you’re my husband’s close friend. Please, feel free to ask.”

Fan Zhi felt slightly relieved and explained, “The court commissioned me to purchase a batch of goods in Yuezhou to be sent to Western Xia as gifts for the New Year. However, due to the ice disaster in Tanzhou, the cart overturned on the mountain road, and most of the goods were damaged. If we act quickly, we can still purchase replacements.”

By this point, Fu Ming understood. The New Year was imminent, and the government offices were on holiday. Going through official channels would take too long. Fan Zhi, being from a humble background and known for his honesty and integrity, had little personal wealth and few wealthy connections, so he had no choice but to seek help from the Jin family.

Fu Ming then asked directly, “How much silver do you need, Brother Wensu?”

Fan Zhi was surprised that Fu Ming understood without needing to explain further. He replied frankly, “Thirty thousand taels.”

Fu Ming nodded, “Please wait a moment, Brother Wensu. I’ll go fetch the money.” Considering the large sum, he decided to personally ask Madame Wang for the money. He instructed the servants to take good care of Fan Zhi while he stepped out.

In the treasury, Madame Wang was shocked when she heard the request. “Thirty thousand taels? That’s a huge sum to lend out so easily?”

Fu Ming explained the situation again in detail, but Madame Wang sneered, “Does the young master think we have a mountain of gold or silver to give away like this? With the master not at home, you think you can just lend out such a large sum? What if it’s never returned? How will we feed the people in this household and manage social obligations?”

Fu Ming replied, “Brother Wensu is not the type to borrow without repayment.”

Madame Wang countered, “This Mr. Fan didn’t have much interaction with our master in the past. He didn’t even send a rabbit to the Jin family for the New Year. How much of a connection do we really have?”

Fu Ming said, “True friendship lies in the heart, not in material things. Brother Wensu is an honest man and has been a close friend of my husband’s for many years.”

“And how do you know that?”

“I’ve heard my husband mention it a few times.”

“Perhaps you’re mistaken? And besides, if he’s so honest, why does he need so much money?”

“I’ve explained the situation to you. If you’ve forgotten, I can repeat it.”

“There’s no need for that, but I’ll be frank: if it were just three hundred taels, we’d consider it a goodwill gesture. But thirty thousand taels? No.”

Despite further persuasion, Madame Wang became increasingly rude, even accusing Fu Ming of colluding with outsiders to swindle money. Furious and desperate,

Fu Ming left in frustration. He hurried back to the Peach Blossom Court to fetch his dowry silver from Lu Fei.

After explaining the situation, Lu Fei, seeing Fu Ming’s determined expression, reluctantly took out the silver notes from a box, almost giving him everything.

With the money in hand, Fu Ming quickly returned to the reception hall. Composing himself, he entered and handed the silver notes to Fan Zhi.

Fan Zhi insisted on writing a promissory note, and Fu Ming, knowing his character, accepted without hesitation.

Fan Zhi patted Fu Ming’s shoulder and said, “Master Jin is lucky.”

Fu Ming smiled, “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you for dinner.”

Fan Zhi indeed needed to leave quickly. “I’ll take my leave then. I’ll return the money and properly thank you once this matter is resolved.”

Fu Ming escorted him to the door.

Upon returning to the Peach Blossom Court, Wanlan complained, “Master, what’s the point of all this? Are we doing it for people? We’re still alone in an empty house. For money? Not only haven’t we earned anything, but our coffers are empty!”

Fu Ming chuckled, “Alright, I understand you’re all upset. As the saying goes, ‘Heaven creates a path for the talented; a thousand gold pieces dispersed will come back again.'”

“And did the person who said that get rich in the end?” Lu Fei asked.

Fu Ming was taken aback, “Hmm—this sage became renowned for centuries.”

“Who is it? Do we know them?”

“His surname is Li, with the courtesy name Tai Bai.”

Wanlan laughed, “I get it! That great poet who died in poverty! There’s no such thing as ‘a thousand gold pieces dispersed will come back again.’ It’s more like ‘a thousand gold pieces come and go!'”

Fu Ming asked seriously, “Do you really think what I did was wrong?”

Lu Fei and Wanlan exchanged glances. Lu Fei said, “Master, you have your own scale. We’re just shortsighted women. We’ll support whatever you decide. We’re just complaining because we’re worried you’ll be taken advantage of.”

Fu Ming smiled again, “Don’t worry. The person will return soon, and so will the money.”

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