LGSLAW : Chapter 71 -Standing In

In a capital city inn:

 

“… How could this happen!?”

 

Xu Huan’s face was extremely grim as he looked at the box that should have been heavily guarded, now missing the most important item. He had already called in everyone who had been in contact with the carriage and meticulously screened them. Despite all his precautions, he had not guarded against the bodyguard who had been with him for many years.

 

The missing item was the Yu Guang mountain summer tea he had painstakingly selected after a long search.

 

In recent years, the Xu family’s royal merchant status, which appeared to be infinitely glorious on the surface, was actually precarious. A few years ago, Xu Xun, the head of the Xu family and Xu Huan’s father, passed away. His two uncles then fought fiercely, leaving both sides badly hurt. This prompted their grandmother to speak up and let Xu Huan, a younger generation member, take over the family business.

 

However, upon taking over, Xu Huan discovered that the family had failed to successfully contribute tributes for over two years. If they failed for three consecutive years, their right to contribute would be revoked. For a royal merchant, losing this privilege would mean having only a hollow title without real benefits, and their various advantages would plummet.

 

If they could successfully contribute this year, the pressure on Xu Huan would be greatly reduced, and his control and influence within the family would significantly increase. But despite his utmost secrecy and protection, the summer tea, which was loaded into the carriage at the last moment, was still taken right before departure.

 

Even Xu Huan, who was usually mild-tempered, couldn’t help but slam the table in anger. “After all these years, it turns out he’s a traitor! This is truly detestable! Investigate thoroughly and find out who is behind this. Even if we miss this opportunity, we must gain something from this investigation.”

 

His second-in-command, Steward Ming, responded gravely, but had to remind him, “Young Master, we have already reported this contribution to the inspector. What should we do now? Once reported, we must provide the items. Otherwise, no one can bear the charge of deceiving an official.”

 

Xu Huan sighed heavily, “We must deliver the goods. Can we delay for a few days? It’s not far from Suzhou. Send someone back to fetch the items from my room. We can find something suitable to replace it.”

 

Steward Ming hesitated before saying, “I won’t hide it from you, Young Master. When dealing with Inspector Chen earlier, he seemed hostile towards our Xu family, subtly making things difficult. I’m afraid he won’t agree to a postponement. You should prepare a backup plan.”

 

There were many merchants vying for the right to contribute, and removing one meant another would take its place. Such bribery was not uncommon. Xu Huan’s face darkened further, and he pounded the table again. At this moment, his gaze fell on the boxes in the corner of the room.

 

They were the beautifully packaged fruit gift boxes from Yang Dalang’s family. Xu Huan had specifically taken a few boxes to give as gifts, thinking they would be useful. He didn’t buy more because Yang Dalang needed them to be distributed in Suzhou. According to them, these were promotional samples.

 

Xu Huan paused and pointed at the boxes. “Bring that box of fruit here. Let me take a look.”

 

Steward Ming, understanding Xu Huan’s thought process, complied. He hesitated, “Young Master, are you planning to offer these fruits? Fruits are rarely chosen as tributes because of their varying quality. Even if they pass the inspector’s scrutiny, maintaining the same quality in large batches later is difficult, and a failure will be noted.”

 

Xu Huan sighed, “Do you have a better idea? If we go out and find something to replace it now, everyone will know the Xu family’s tribute is in trouble by tomorrow.”

 

Steward Ming could only sigh heavily in response.

 

However, when they opened the box and saw the fresh, vibrant fruits—three peaches, three persimmons, and three pears, in a nine-grid exquisite packaging, emitting a delightful fragrance—they realized it didn’t look like a last-minute replacement at all.

 

“Very well. We’ll send these.”

 

***

 

While Xu Huan faced his predicament in the capital, his wife Xiang Zhen back in Miao Village was holding her ground well.

 

Thanks to Xiang Zhen working at Miao He’s place daily, and Miao He refusing to hire single women, Xu Wan had no choice but to spend her time in the town or nearby counties, waiting for the busy period to end. Miao Duan’er clung to Xu Wan, becoming a good companion since she was familiar with the area.

 

Xu Wan’s luxurious dresses and pearl ornaments dazzled Miao Duan’er, who eagerly anticipated outings every day. Her attire became more flamboyant and gaudy. Although Xu Wan looked down on this country girl who wore her heart on her sleeve, Miao Duan’er’s flattery and constant praise pleased Xu Wan, making her more willing to take her out.

 

One day, they visited the most famous Yangshui Teahouse in town. Miao Duan’er, now accustomed to leading the way, arrogantly ordered upon entering, “Give us a top-notch private room. We’ll dine here.”

 

Miao Duan’er wasn’t a maid, but her manner of speaking made it seem like she was. She didn’t realize this, thinking that being respected wherever she went was how her life should be.

 

After giving her order, she turned to Xu Wan, speaking with some expertise, “The food here is expensive, but not as innovative as Dahe Restaurant. The decor is also old-fashioned, not as festive and lively. I hear it’s popular because the owner has connections in the county. Wan’er Sister, you’ll have to make do today.”

 

While waiting to be seated, Xu Wan looked around critically, thinking this place was more elegant than Dahe Restaurant, but was interrupted by Miao Duan’er’s sudden sharp voice, “You, you! What are you doing here!?”

 

Miao Duan’er’s face turned pale as she pointed at her ex-sister-in-law, Min Chun, who was dressed neatly in a light tea-colored silk robe. Remembering that these fine clothes were bought with money taken from her family, her words became harsh.

 

“You, an unruly ge’er who was divorced, still shamelessly showing your face everywhere!?”

 

Min Chun smiled coldly. Among the Miao family members, Miao Duan’er was the most foolish and held a grudge against him. “If you can be here, why can’t I? At least I’m spending my own money. What about you? Acting like a maid suits you.”

 

“You!” Miao Duan’er’s face turned red, but Xu Wan, surprised, addressed the gentleman beside Min Chun, “Young Master Luo? What brings you here?”

 

The gentleman, Luo Zijun, with his refined features, tall and lean figure, dressed in a moon-white robe with jade ornaments, greeted Xu Wan with a smile, “Nice to see you, Miss Xu. It’s quite a coincidence.”

 

Xu Wan’s eyes gleamed with understanding. Her brother had mentioned the competition for the tribute rights, and Luo’s family was behind it. She figured this Young Master Luo was here to investigate any secrets her cousin might be hiding in this rural area.

 

Perfect. She was getting bored. She warmly invited, “How about we dine together? How long have you been here? I might have some news you’re interested in.”

 

Luo Zijun laughed and nodded, “Of course. I’m new here and could use some guidance.” Then he turned to Min Chun, “Why don’t you join us too?”

 

Miao Duan’er, who had been sharp earlier, now nervously warned Luo Zijun, “Young Master, I advise you to stay away from this ge’er. He has a bad reputation in our hometown and has been divorced. Associating with him might harm your reputation.”

 

Min Chun seemed confident and glanced at her. Luo Zijun smiled and said, “Everyone has a past. I see him as a friend. It’s no problem.”

 

Exactly, a sensible person. Min Chun nodded approvingly. He had just negotiated a deal for a vermicelli workshop with Luo Zijun, who saw the financial potential. Why bother with reputations when there’s money to be made? Besides, Luo Zijun met his criteria, and he intended to form a closer “relationship” with him.

 

Xu Wan observed Min Chun with a discerning look and smiled, “Young Master Luo is right. My new friend here just speaks her mind. Please forgive her.”

 

Min Chun gave this wealthy lady a second glance. Indeed, people from higher social standings were more insightful.

 

Miao Duan’er, feeling wronged, wanted to speak again but was gently pacified by Xu Wan.

 

Let’s see how this plays out.

 

***

 

Back at Miao He’s house, the chaos of the past few days had finally settled into a routine.

 

Ever since the first messenger returned with orders, every three days, Yang Dalang sent another with new orders. Sometimes for fifty boxes, sometimes forty. Though not large quantities, it showed that things were going well. Miao He felt somewhat relieved. The slow initial pace allowed everyone to get accustomed to the process.

 

However, the production was still outpacing sales, and the cellar was getting full. They had to move other items stored in the cellar to another long house. Miao He was considering converting another long house into a cold storage area when a new letter arrived.

 

This time, as soon as the door opened, Mantou and Wotou, playing on the floor, turned their little heads toward the door. During the day, they had a cute little girl to play with, but they missed their father who had been away for several days. 

 

They would frequently look around with wide eyes, searching for their father, the one who would always hold and comfort them. Miao He’s heart ached seeing this and decided to have a good talk with Yang Dalang when he returned.

 

Seeing another letter, Miao He eagerly took it and opened it.

 

After rubbing his eyes, he read it again.

 

“Two hundred boxes of each, cold transport to the capital, as fresh as possible!?”

 

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