Lu Mu knew his daughter’s habit of constantly comparing herself to Mian Tang. He naturally ignored such childish remarks, letting his daughter speak her mind.
What truly worried Lu Mu was that recently, Mian Tang had cut most of the retirement funds for the Lu family elders. In truth, these people weren’t just taking money for themselves. Many of them had benefited from the Lu family’s resources while also preparing a separate tribute for the second son of the Lu family.
For instance, Old Cao, who ran a shipping business, had received Lu Mu’s tacit approval to start his enterprise. Every year-end and festival, Lu Mu would receive a hefty sum from him. Now, Cao’s shipping business had been squeezed to near collapse by Liu Mian Tang, and Lu Mu had lost a significant source of income.
Lu Mu didn’t consider himself greedy. The real issue was his father’s outdated thinking, forbidding the brothers to separate their households and insisting on controlling all distributions and arrangements himself. With a large family came many burdens. Seeing the Lu family’s grand ship sailing slowly, Lu Mu thought, wouldn’t it be easier if he could manage his affairs separately?
In terms of intellect, he believed himself to be a hundred times sharper than his elder brother. However, being limited by his brother’s future inheritance of the family business, he always fell short in comparison. Before his marriage, Lu Mu had been of one mind with his family. After marrying the Quan family’s daughter, influenced by his wife’s whispers, his already active mind began to entertain different ideas.
This was why when the escort agency’s structure collapsed so quickly, Lu Mu’s embezzlement and secret transfer of assets played a significant role. However, he maintained good relationships with the agency’s elders, who were willing to cover for him in front of the old master in exchange for benefits.
But now that Mian Tang was managing the retirement accounts, she had slashed expenses for countless people with a single stroke. These disgruntled individuals naturally came to Lu Mu for solutions. What could Lu Mu do? He certainly couldn’t dip into his pocket to fatten their wallets.
So, Lu Mu could only advise them to find an opportunity to confront Mian Tang. After all, as an outsider and a young woman, she couldn’t afford to offend so many uncles and elders. Perhaps if they made enough fuss, the old master would intervene and make Mian Tang relent!
However, just as they had planned this, Mian Tang left on an extended trip. They had to wait for a long time before hearing news of the Liu family girl returning with the fleet.
Led by the Cao family, a group of elders set a date to intercept Mian Tang at the archery field in Xizhou during her outing. After all, Old Cao had been scolded by the old master last time and knew of his protective love for his granddaughter. They had to pressure her behind the old master’s back.
Mian Tang had come to the archery field today to practice her long-neglected archery skills. Cui Xingzhou had given her a small bow, specially made with strong springs so that even children with little strength could use it. Previously, Mian Tang’s hand tendons were too weak to even lift it, but now that her hands had improved, she came to try it out.
Fan Hu and his group, now demoted by Cui Xingzhou to work as attendants in Mian Tang’s escort agency, silently set up targets and arranged bows and arrows. The reason the prince kept them around was related to Liu Mian Tang’s cunning. The Prince of Huaiyang had realized that Mian Tang had too many tricks up her sleeve, and if he replaced them with unfamiliar guards, they might fall for her schemes. It was better to keep Fan Hu and his group, who had learned their lesson the hard way, believing they would never again accept food from Mian Tang’s hands.
Of course, while Fan Hu and the others were demoted to attendants, Cui Xingzhou had assigned another group of unfamiliar guards to protect Mian Tang in secret. These new faces wouldn’t fall for Mian Tang’s tricks to shake them off.
Mian Tang felt somewhat guilty towards Guard Fan and showed concern for their well-being. Unfortunately, Fan Hu and his group seemed to have agreed among themselves not to speak to Miss Liu unless necessary, to avoid falling for the young lady’s tricks again.
Today, Mian Tang wore a black hunting outfit. A wide leather belt cinched her waist, accentuating her full chest and curved hips. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, swinging in an arc behind her head. High leather boots reached up to her calves, emphasizing her straight legs that caught the eye.
When the group of elders arrived at the archery field, they saw Mian Tang firing consecutive shots at a target a hundred meters away with a small bow barely two palms wide. The tiny bow looked like a toy, seemingly meant for women’s and children’s amusement.
These men, who had traveled far and wide, couldn’t help but curl their lips in disdain.
Old Cao took the lead, calling out, “Little Liu, you’re certainly a busy person! It’s been quite a task for us old fellows to find you!”
Mian Tang didn’t even glance at them, focusing intently on aiming at the distant vase.
Dissatisfied with her dismissive attitude, Old Cao spoke harshly, “I’m not here for myself today but for the sake of my brothers. What right do you have, a mere slip of a girl, to cut off the retirement money the Lu family owes us? If you don’t give us a satisfactory answer today, you’re not going anywhere!”
Instead of Mian Tang responding, a dark-faced old woman suddenly appeared, looking Old Cao up and down with a stern expression. “May I ask, sir, what relation are you to our young miss that you address her so casually?”
Startled by the sudden appearance of the old woman, Old Cao glared and said, “I was her maternal grandfather’s escort. Years ago, when the old escort leader was in danger if it wasn’t for me…”
Upon hearing this, Mama Li’s eyebrows shot up in anger. “So you were just an attendant under Old Master Lu? You attendants certainly have grand airs, daring to address the old master’s great-granddaughter so rudely! Is she some servant girl in your household? Look at you all with your graying beards, showing no respect for hierarchy. Stand back! Don’t let the stench of your decaying bodies offend our young miss!”
To be honest, these old escorts, relying on their years of meritorious service, had always been presumptuous, not just in front of Mian Tang, but even in front of the Lu family’s eldest and second sons.
But now, to be scolded so harshly by an old woman – it was infuriating!
Old Cao finally took a good look at the woman before him.
The old woman truly had an extraordinary bearing. Her flat bun was immaculately neat, her back straight, and her posture exuded an arrogance that looked down on all beings. When she looked at Old Cao, her eyes held the disgust one might have when seeing dog excrement.
Though advanced in years, the old woman was meticulously groomed. The earrings on her ears and the bracelet on her wrist were a matching set of high-quality jade. Her clothes and shoes appeared simple, but the fabric was of considerable value.
Even Old Cao’s wife didn’t look as dignified and put-together as this old woman.
For a moment, the group of old men was struck speechless by the old woman’s imposing presence.
However, Old Cao quickly regained his composure and glared, saying, “You’re just a servant! How dare you speak to me like this?”
Mama Li, a high-ranking servant of the royal household with generations of accumulated wealth and sons who ran shops, was arguably more well-off than Old Cao. Thus, when facing these crude escorts, Mama Li’s every gesture exuded contempt. She snorted coldly and said, “Who do you think you are? Even if the magistrate of Xizhou, Li Guangcai, were here, I’d speak to him the same way.”
Old Cao felt a shiver run down his spine at Mama Li’s words. This month, Xizhou had changed magistrates, but the appointment letter hadn’t yet reached Xizhou. Old Cao only knew the new magistrate’s name was Li Guangcai from private information leaked by the outgoing magistrate.
The fact that Liu Mian Tang’s servant could casually mention such confidential information demonstrated Liu Mian Tang’s capabilities and connections in official circles.
However, the other elders were unaware of these inner workings. Hearing the old woman casually mention a magistrate who wasn’t from their county, they burst into laughter, thinking she was just putting on airs to scare them.
These elders, with their martial arts background, weren’t particularly mindful of etiquette. Having their income cut off had angered them, and underestimating Mian Tang, they only wanted to cause a scene to intimidate her.
As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. When the eldest son of the Lu family had tried to reduce their pay before, they had managed to disrupt his plans with similar tactics.
Now faced with a mere slip of a girl, they thought they could frighten her, then go cry at the Lu family’s doorstep, and surely this attempt would also fall apart.
But before they could approach, Mian Tang suddenly released an arrow. With a loud crash, the large vase a hundred meters away shattered into pieces.
While everyone was still stunned, Mian Tang had already turned her bow and released another arrow. This one pierced through the gauze hat of the old man leading the commotion. The small bow’s power was astonishing, knocking him backward and pinning his hat to a nearby tree trunk.
The old man’s face turned as white as paper. Only he knew that the arrow had grazed his scalp as it passed. If it had been even a hair’s breadth higher, his skull would have been shattered like the vase.
Mian Tang shook her hand, seemingly dissatisfied with her shot, then swept her gaze over the group of elders who had come to make trouble. “As the saying goes, ‘A peck of rice breeds gratitude, a load of rice breeds resentment.’ How true indeed. The Lu family’s silver has bred a pack of ungrateful wretches who know no satisfaction. I clearly explained in my letters to you all why your monthly allowances were reduced, yet you still have the gall to come and make a scene! Since you refuse to save face, don’t blame me for writing out in detail how you’ve all embezzled from the Lu family. We’ll take it to the magistrate’s office and let the people of Xizhou judge whether the Lu family should continue paying you!”
Several elders rushed forward, clumsily trying to pull down the one pinned to the tree. Upon closer inspection of the arrow, they saw it had specially designed barbs on the arrowhead. If shot into a person, removing it would tear out a chunk of flesh.
Seeing this, they became even more frightened and angrily accused Mian Tang, “You… how dare you harm people?”
Mian Tang deliberately furrowed her brow, feigning timidity, “As a frail woman, how could I not be scared when surrounded by such rough men? You were all shouting so loudly, I was frightened and my hands shook, causing the arrow to fly out. If you make any more noise, I might shoot a few more arrows. Who knows where they might land? I wonder who will come to collect money from the Lu family for you then!”
With that, she nocked another arrow and aimed at them again, her slender wrists visibly shaking. Several arrows flew out erratically, many of them just barely grazing faces as they passed.
These men had heard about Mian Tang’s injured hands but didn’t know she had improved significantly. Seeing her aim so unsteadily, they were terrified and kept dodging.
Meanwhile, Mian Tang kept talking, “Uncle Li, is your fourth concubine short on spending money? If you catch an arrow, that fourth madam of yours might strike it rich. She might even have enough for a dowry if she remarries… Oh, Uncle Zhao, don’t dodge! Isn’t your brother-in-law drowning in gambling debts? If you get hit, I’ll be sure to pay off his debts for you…”
And so it went on, until the once-united group seeking payment scattered in disarray. The old men fled, cursing under their breath about the “little madwoman.”
As Old Cao left, he couldn’t help but shout back nervously, “We’ll see you in court then! Just wait until your second uncle’s scandals are exposed. Let’s see if your second branch of the family will let you off lightly, you rebellious little wretch!”
After the crowd dispersed, Mama Li quickly ordered Fangxie to bring ice packs to cool Mian Tang’s arms, saying, “The doctor strictly forbade the young miss from overusing her wrists. Even though this bow is light, it still strains the hands. Let’s call it a day.”
Mian Tang sat on the mat, allowing the maids to fuss over her, her face beaming with irrepressible joy. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt such a sense of mastery and exhilaration. The feeling of her hands gradually regaining strength was more exciting than earning ten thousand taels of gold.
Seeing her smile like a child, Mama Li couldn’t help but smile along and asked, “Young miss, is there anything special you’d like to eat tonight?”
Mian Tang replied cheerfully, “I’d love to have Mama Li’s eggplant and lamb stew, and some lotus shrimp balls.”
Mama Li’s old habit surfaced, and she was about to lecture Mian Tang about the proper pairing of dishes. Combining lamb with seafood might result in an overpowering flavor without proper balance – a nouveau riche way of ordering dishes.
On second thought, Mama Li realized it was rare for the young miss to be in such high spirits, so she should eat whatever she liked! Thus, she smiled and agreed, mentally planning side dishes that could balance the flavors.
However, Mian Tang asked Mama Li how she knew about Xizhou’s new magistrate. Mama Li quickly replied, “This magistrate was arranged by the Prince for the Xizhou government. Since your home is now in Xizhou, the Prince naturally wants to appoint a considerate official to take care of you in all matters…”
Mian Tang’s smile dimmed slightly.
She used to think her husband was perfect in every way. Now she realized she must have been blinded. Only after some separation did she discover that the man who looked like a banished immortal had many flaws. How had she never noticed his domineering, controlling nature before?
Come dinnertime, Quan Shi and her daughter Lu Qingying arrived just as the meal was being served.
Mian Tang politely invited her second aunt and cousin to join the meal.
Lu Qingying was shocked by the small table full of dishes, hardly believing it was all for Mian Tang alone. In her view, even the Lu family’s full gatherings didn’t have such elaborate meals!
The presentation was exquisite. A plate of shrimp balls was adorned with shrimp tails and radish-carved lotus flowers. A fragrant clay pot simmered over high-quality bamboo charcoal. The side dishes, though small in portion, looked like delicate embroidery with their elegant color combinations and clear, glossy appearance. Even the best restaurants in Xizhou couldn’t match this level of presentation.
Quan Shi was also stunned, and said acidly, “Since taking charge of the Lu family’s external accounts on the old master’s orders, Liu girl, your style has certainly changed… At first glance, I thought we’d entered some grand restaurant!”
The implication was that Mian Tang was profiting greatly from the Lu family’s finances.
Mian Tang inwardly sighed. She hadn’t expected Mama Li to prepare such an elaborate meal.
Just as Mian Tang couldn’t shoot arrows for a long time due to her hand injury, Mama Li’s great talents had been suppressed by having to pretend to be a simple housekeeper in a merchant family.
In her younger days, Mama Li had witnessed imperial banquets when she entered the palace with the Imperial Concubine. Combined with her keen mind, she could recreate almost anything new she saw. Her culinary skills could rival those of any royal household.
Now, freed from the burden of hiding her identity, Mama Li’s talents were on full display. Even with ordinary vegetables, meats, and seafood, her skillful preparation transformed them into a feast fit for royalty.
Mian Tang knew that despite its appearance, this meal hadn’t cost much. However, its outstanding presentation was bound to invite envy.
Seeing Quan Shi’s sour remarks, Mian Tang smiled slightly and said, “It’s nothing special. I just insisted on proper plating. All these dishes are made from the meat and vegetables allocated from the common stores. Since I set up my small kitchen, the cost of building the stove and firewood comes from my pocket. If my second aunt thinks I’m not being frugal enough with the allocated food, I can pay for my groceries from now on.”
Hearing this, Quan Shi’s expression softened. She smiled and said, “I’ve noticed you don’t like the food from the main kitchen. You’ve been looking thinner lately… It’s good if you want to set up your kitchen and choose your ingredients. It’ll be more convenient for you to eat what you like.”
Quan Shi was pleased with the idea of Mian Tang buying her food, as it would save money for the household.
Mian Tang smiled faintly and continued, “In that case, I’ll have Fangxie go to aunt’s room tomorrow to check the accounts. We can see how much is left from the money I paid for vegetables and coal. Aunt can give the remainder to her then.”
Quan Shi’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected Liu Mian Tang to be so meticulous, even asking for a refund on food expenses already paid.
Liu Mian Tang looked back at her graciously. She didn’t want to be so calculative, but that required someone who understood and appreciated her gestures.
However, her second aunt was too shallow-minded and not a kind-hearted person.
Mian Tang had given her second aunt a hundred-tael silver note earlier. That would have been enough to eat a whole lamb every day, let alone a few jin of lamb meat.
Yet her aunt still made sour comments, insinuating that Mian Tang was embezzling from the Lu family’s external accounts. So Mian Tang felt compelled to settle accounts with her face-to-face.
Quan Shi’s face tightened with anger. Lu Qingying quickly tried to mediate, saying, “Cousin, how can you say that? We’re family, how can we eat separately? If you’ve hired your cook, that’s fine, but how can the food be any different? Why not continue buying groceries together? If you want something specific, just tell Old Mrs. Feng who does the shopping.”
She then nudged her mother, reminding her of the purpose of their visit.
Quan Shi had been flustered, causing her to lose her composure and diplomatic touch. Her daughter’s reminder brought her back to the reason for their visit.
She softened her expression and said, “Your cousin is right. We’re family, how can we speak of two households… It’s just that those old retainers outside, although they’ve served our Lu family for a lifetime, don’t bear the Lu name. If you speak disrespectfully to them, they’ll blame your grandfather for not raising his granddaughter well. I heard from your second uncle today that you frightened them with a bow and arrow… If this spreads, people will say our family is unfilial.”
Mian Tang had Bicao serve her a bowl of steaming eggplant and lamb stew. She took a sip of the rich broth, ate a shrimp ball, then took another sip of soup. Only after her stomach felt comfortably warm did she speak: “I thought they would complain to my eldest uncle, or at least cry to my grandfather. I didn’t expect them to complain to my second uncle… They must be quite close to him.”
Quan Shi knew Mian Tang was cunning and trying to fish for information. So she immediately glared and said, “In the whole Lu family, only your second uncle meddles in everything, so they went to him. What’s good or bad about that… But your second uncle’s opinion is that it’s better to resolve conflicts than to create them. Originally, these people were grateful to the Lu family. If you cause trouble without considering relationships, it might damage the Lu family’s reputation.”
Mian Tang understood her second aunt’s meaning.
Someone must have told her second uncle about her threat to report to the authorities. That’s why he urgently sent his wife and daughter to test the waters and gauge Mian Tang’s attitude.
Mian Tang knew that the parting words of the elders earlier that day were loaded with implications. When the escort agency fell apart, her uncle’s dealings weren’t entirely clean.
That’s why while the whole Lu family was struggling, only the second branch was living comfortably. Yet they claimed their wealth came from Quan Shi’s dowry, brazenly refusing to contribute to the family’s expenses…
If her grandfather found out, who knows how angry he’d be… Her eldest uncle probably already knew but was covering for his brother out of familial loyalty.
No wonder people say it’s hard for an upright official to settle family disputes. The weight of “relationships” is too heavy. Even those who are decisive in public affairs must tread carefully at home, unable to cut through the knots cleanly.
But her second uncle was now too bold, unaware of his wrongdoing. If she indulged him as her eldest uncle did, it would eventually breed disaster for the Lu family.
Thinking this, Mian Tang didn’t immediately relent. Instead, she said to Quan Shi: “Tell the second uncle not to plead for these ungrateful wretches. The escort agency is my grandfather’s life’s work. We can’t let a bunch of heartless rats eat it bare. Whatever they’ve taken before, no matter who they are, they’d better spit it out. Then I might turn a blind eye. But if they insist on being greedy and insatiable… don’t come to me claiming relationships as uncles or elders… I recognize principles, not people!”
Mian Tang’s words were loaded with meaning. As she spoke, she stared coldly at Quan Shi.
Quan Shi felt as if she was being stared down by a snake, momentarily paralyzed by Mian Tang’s aura.
In the end, she left hurriedly with her daughter Lu Qingying without eating a bite.
Mian Tang wasn’t sure if her second uncle would understand her message. But a warning should at least make him more cautious.
The next day, Mian Tang woke up late and lazed in bed for a while before deciding to visit the shipyard.
She had recently bought two new ships, and today was their water trial. She needed to be there personally to cut the red silk tied to the ship’s anchor and perform the launching ceremony.
So after getting up, Mian Tang first practiced a set of martial arts in her small courtyard. This was a set of small grappling techniques she had seen Cui Xingzhou practice in the small courtyard on North Street.
She had watched it many times and memorized the routines. However, when she tried to perform it, she discovered that this seemingly simple technique required a lot of strength. If done properly, it quickly led to sore limbs and profuse sweating.
After washing up and eating breakfast, she collapsed into her sedan chair. When she arrived at her destination and got out, she appeared weak and needed support.
This delicate and pitiful appearance was observed by someone who had just disembarked from a passenger ship.
The Prince of Sui smiled deeply, feeling that he and this Lu Wen were truly fated. How else could he have seen her as soon as he arrived in Xizhou?