Bab 37: Kunning Chapter 37: Fairy godmother
Upon hearing "You Yue" from Jiang Xuening, You Fangyin's initial reaction was surprise. She couldn't fathom how the second girl could guess so accurately. However, this surprise quickly morphed into panic.
The boss had already done so much for her, and she didn't want to burden her master any further. Especially not with her difficult sister, You Yue, who returned yesterday and uttered numerous unpleasant things.
Absolutely, she couldn't let the second girl find out!
She slowly and firmly withdrew her palm from Jiang Xuening's hand, stating, "No, my injury has nothing to do with my second sister. It's all my own carelessness. It's a minor injury; it'll be fine in a few days."
Jiang Xuening, leaning on the lead pillow, looked at her.
Her gaze, usually rare and sharp, scrutinized You Fangyin. She spoke slowly, "I merely asked if your second sister came back. I didn't imply that your injury was caused by her. Why are you so eager to defend her?"
Only then did You Fangyin realize she had hastily missed something. Being not skilled at lying, especially to her benefactor, she became embarrassed and murmured, "Because Fang Yin knows that the second girl treats me sincerely well. I'm afraid the second girl might misunderstand and cause discord with my second sister. After all, I heard that the second girl and my second sister are both companions for the princess in the palace. They should get along well. My second sister is quite influential…"
Influential?
The one she didn't dare to contradict a few words after being cornered by her into the fish tank?
Jiang Xuening genuinely smiled, her eyes shifting slightly. She suddenly asked, "Are you afraid that if I meddle in this matter and offend your sister, life in the palace will be difficult?"
You Fangyin was stunned for a moment, and after a while, she lowered her head and confessed, "Yes."
Jiang Xuening fell silent.
Worried that she might evoke anger or sadness, You Fangyin hastily explained, "My second sister is highly regarded by my father and aunt at home, and she has a temper. I heard that even Prince Yan and His Royal Highness Linzi attended the Double Ninth Banquet, and the painting she created was selected as the best by Her Royal Highness the Eldest Princess. She must be highly favored by the Eldest Princess. If there's a misunderstanding due to me, leading to a conflict between the second girl and my second sister, Fangyin truly couldn't bear to think about it and would feel apologetic…"
Jiang Xuening almost burst into laughter.
This girl seemed to misunderstand the situation entirely, viewing You Yue as the most formidable and influential person in her life. She appeared afraid that You Yue might bully her and begged for forgiveness, swallowing her pride.
A living doormat.
It might seem a bit exasperating.
However, deep down, she genuinely wanted to shield her. She would rather endure the injustice herself than let her discover You Yue's overbearing nature in the mansion, fearing it might drag her down.
Jiang Xuening and You Yue's animosity was undeniable. At this moment, she lightly rested her slender fingers on the desk's edge, slowly turning around, lost in thought.
The arched brows and eyes that were initially raised gradually lowered.
As if recalling something unbearable, she sighed softly, a bitter expression playing on the corner of her lips, "Indeed, your second sister is highly favored by Her Royal Highness the Eldest Princess. She's quite influential…"
You Fangyin, initially anxious, fearing that Jiang Xuening might offend You Yue, felt her heart skip a beat when she noticed the sudden downturn in her expression. She blurted out, "Did she bully the second girl?"
Jiang Xuening leaned on the desk, burying her head.
Yet, one hand slowly clenched within You Fangyin's view, and she said, "The night before last, while we were still in the palace, we had a pleasant conversation about a previous court official. I don't know which of my words offended her, but she summoned me to her side. As I approached, she unexpectedly attacked me, viciously, very viciously…"
She choked up a bit.
However, she couldn't disclose more.
No one could fathom that she hadn't feigned vulnerability for a long time; she nearly burst into laughter a moment ago.
Now, she simply lowered her head, concealing her expression from You Fangyin. Quickly, she raised her hand to wipe the corner of her eyes that didn't have a single tear.
Inside the room, Tang'er and Lian'er exchanged glances. Was there something amiss with their girl's delicate demeanor?
She left the sentence hanging, but the impact was even more profound.
It sparked endless speculation—
What had You Yue done to her?
You Fangyin's mind began to race with this question. Sometimes, she recalled the day she was rescued from dire circumstances in Youfu, and other times, she remembered that yesterday, while crying, Jiang Xuening gently embraced her. She also remembered the day when Jiang Xuening spoke.
That one sentence she dared not forget.
To save her, the second girl had forsaken her greatest support in this life.
Yet now, her second sister wasn't merely bullying her but also the second girl!
The fingers concealed within the sleeves clenched silently!
You Fangyin's eyes reddened all of a sudden.
Her body trembled slightly, but this trembling was distinct from the previous one. Before, it was due to fear, but now, although the fear lingered, it was accompanied by a surge of irrational anger.
Jiang Xuening lifted her head, casting her gaze on You Fangyin once more. She curved the corners of her lips into a smile, radiant but glaring in You Fangyin's eyes.
Jiang Xuening extended her hand again, urging her to sit down. Her eyes conveyed warmth, and she consoled her with a gentle tone, "Oh, it's all my fault. Why bring up such unpleasant matters? After all, someone like me, who isn't favored at home and lacks noble allies in the palace, naturally can't compare to your second sister. I must have unintentionally offended some taboo of hers. Is there anyone in the palace who hasn't suffered injustice? It's only for half a year."
You Fangyin took a seat, but her gaze remained lowered, and her body showed no signs of relaxation; if anything, it seemed even tenser than before.
Jiang Xuening dismissed Tang'er and Lian'er first, maintaining a pretense of ease as she spoke, "Look at me, so preoccupied with your injuries that I forgot to discuss the serious matters. You're quite well-off now, bordering on being a notable entrepreneur. I've heard talk about a certain Ren Weizhi, a salt farm owner from Sichuan, who has been actively seeking funds for returning home to further develop his salt farm. It's known that their salt farm has been producing salt for over a century, and with no brine left in the ground for a long time, even though Mr. Ren is willing to share the dividends proportionally with the investors, people have been reluctant to invest. However, Mr. Ren claims to have devised a new tool capable of drilling deeper into the salt well…"
Dagan Dynasty's renowned salt fields are primarily situated in the south, but Sichuan stands as an exception with its artesian wells.
It could be regarded as the most extensive salt field besides those by the seaside.
People drill wells from specific locations, and brine emerges. However, the underground in Sichuan contains significant inflammation. After drawing brine from the ground, it's suitable to set up a pot and place it near the salt well for burning, drying the brine, filtering it, and finally boiling it into salt.
This method yields what's known as "well salt."
Sichuan's well salt is famous across the nation. In the Ziliujing region, there are numerous salt farms, big and small, producing private salt beyond the imperial court's control.
Ren Weizhi had overseen the saltworks for three generations, and it was the fourth generation that he inherited.
However, how could a well endure centuries of exploitation?
The salt wells in Sichuan are all "large shallow wells." A well can only be drilled to a certain depth, and at most, it can be slightly widened to extract more brine. As the brine is drawn, its level gradually diminishes, eventually falling below the well's depth, rendering it impossible to extract more brine.
The salt well then becomes an "abandoned well."
The salt pans also decline.
Ren Weizhi inherited a saltworks on the brink of decay. Long-serving workers had scattered, and the vast family business was on the verge of collapse at any moment.
Facing such immense pressure suddenly was challenging for anyone.
Over the next two years, he squandered gold and silver, sought solace in drink, and sat in the deserted salt field, with nothing but an abandoned well, weeping.
Then, one day, he accidentally knocked over a wine jar.
It landed without much thought.
The ground was compacted soil, and as he pressed down with his palm, the broken shards of the wine jar slowly sank into the earth.
In that moment, amidst the various challenges and darkness, he had a sudden revelation!
Ren Weizhi abruptly stopped drinking, rarely leaving his home. He spent his days studying and drawing complex diagrams from various construction books he purchased, investing three full months in this endeavor.
However, at this point, he had no funds.
Few people around him were willing to lend him money.
Ren Weizhi found himself with no option but to travel to Beijing personally and seek assistance from a friend of his father's. Unexpectedly, upon hearing of his arrival, the friend offered hospitality and was willing to lend him a small sum, although it amounted to several thousand taels. However, the friend evaded the request in every possible manner.
After two months of study in Beijing, Ren Weizhi grew disheartened. Concerned about his home salt farm, he reluctantly spread the word that he had developed a new tool for mining "abandoned wells" to other salt merchants in central Beijing. His hope was to raise funds in exchange for future dividends from the salt farm, allowing him to hasten back home and implement his plan.
This novel tool was the renowned "Zhuo Tsutsui" in later generations.
In a past life, Jiang Xuening had learned this story in the palace during Shen Jie's summoning of the Shu ministers. Ren Weizhi had met a tragic end, having been hanged in his saltworks three years later.
He did manage to raise some money to go back.
Upon returning to Sichuan, he created the "Zhuo Tsutsui," but misfortune struck. On the first night of trying the tool, it ignited flames deeper in the salt well. The flames surged, catching the open fire outside, and the entire saltworks were engulfed in a destructive fire. The initial bamboo-made Zhuo Tsutsui also collapsed in the inferno. Additionally, several long-term workers sustained injuries during the fire.
The merchants who had lent him money quickly demanded repayment.
Ren Weizhi's ambition dwindled.
With the saltworks destroyed and the Zhuotong well gone, he had to compensate the long-term worker for burns and repay the principal invested by the merchants according to the original agreement. On the day all debts were settled, he hung himself on a hemp rope from the ruined Zhuotong well in the salt field, concluding his tumultuous life.
Three months posthumously, the drawings left in the box were discovered.
Four months later, the second Zhuotong well was constructed, successfully drilling a deep well over 20 feet underground. This well drew brine from the "abandoned well" at a depth never encountered before.
One year after his death, Zhuotong Well became an indispensable tool for brine mining in the "Xiaokou Deep Well" of the Ziliujing Salt Field.
Three years after his death, wherever there was a saltworks in Ziliujing, Ren Weizhi's portrait was enshrined.
In essence, Ren Weizhi's invention of the Zhuotong well could extract deep within the formation. Unfortunately, his own misfortune prevented him from surviving the most challenging times.
Jiang Xuening recalled that in the previous life, when You Fangyin spoke to her about her self-made experiences, she lamented missing this great opportunity because she was unaware that Ren Weizhi was raising funds in Beijing. She also mentioned terms like "drilling technology" and "natural gas," which Jiang Xuening found perplexing.
Nevertheless, she comprehended the crux of Jiang Xuening's narrative, knowing the intricacies involved and the hurdles one might encounter.
"It's not easy to embark on something worthwhile. You might face numerous setbacks along the way, but if you persevere, you'll find success eventually," Jiang Xuening remarked, gazing meaningfully at You Fangyin. "Since Ren Weizhi dared to borrow such a substantial sum, claiming he could mine an 'abandoned well,' there must be potential in using this 'Zhuotong well.' If you seize the opportunity, purchase the 'abandoned well' unused by other salt fields, and utilize the 'Zhuotong well' to extract brine, the results could be a significant achievement."
Jiang Xuening observed that You Fangyin had grasped the essential details, her gaze shifting slightly. Concerned about You Yue's potential reaction, Jiang Xuening warned You Fangyin with a worried expression, "You should know that obtaining this information was quite challenging this time. It's not something you should casually share. This situation is different from the last one. Selling silk was relatively straightforward, but this venture might involve complex challenges. If an issue arises midway, there's a risk of losing all the invested money. This is a long-term undertaking, and the hardships in the process are not meant for the faint-hearted. If someone impatient hears about it and invests impulsively, they might end up losing everything. Do you want to cause harm by revealing this?"
You Fangyin kept her fist clenched and, upon hearing Jiang Xuening's words, a wild idea suddenly flashed through her mind. However, she refrained from expressing it, appearing deep in thought. Eventually, she nodded slowly, replying, "I'll remember."
Jiang Xuening said, "I've addressed everything that needed to be discussed. You've been away for a while, and with a formidable sister at home, I won't detain you any longer. I'll see you off."
You Fangyin stood up and saluted.
Jiang Xuening rose and walked gracefully in her embroidered shoes, accompanying You Fangyin to the door. Before parting ways, she handed a medicine bottle to You Fangyin, saying, "This medicine is for you. Apply it to the wound properly, and it should heal soon."
You Fangyin was on the verge of tears, expressing gratitude, "You've been so kind to me."
Jiang Xuening chuckled inwardly at her apparent naivety but affectionately patted her head, remarking, "If you acknowledge my kindness, be kinder to yourself. Also, you made a significant profit last time, but don't let your second sister find out. I'm uncertain how she would react upon learning about your 'money-making method.' She bullies me, and I can endure it in the palace. However, you're in the mansion, and I fear something might happen to you under her hands. I understand your desire to protect me, but try to avoid conflicts with her…"
Tang'er and Lian'er, who were standing outside, found these words eerily familiar. Wasn't this exactly what You Fangyin had said earlier? The second girl essentially moved here almost unchanged!
Unaware of this, You Fangyin trembled at Jiang Xuening's words. Her eyes reddened, and she buried her head a bit deeper, responding softly, "Yes."
Only then did Jiang Xuening feel reassured, arranging for someone to escort You Fangyin out of the house.
Exiting through a side door, You Fangyin found the carriage waiting outside.
The coachman had dozed off while waiting, startled upon seeing her. He hurriedly inquired, "Miss, where are you heading now?"
Holding the small medicine bottle, You Fangyin stood on the steps, examining it for a long time. Her face remained expressionless.
A surge of anger welled up within her, and she tightened her grip on the medicine bottle. Uttering each word deliberately, she declared, "Go to Uncle Qingyuan's mansion."
As You Fangyin walked away, Jiang Xuening's prior vulnerability, which had evoked pity, vanished instantly.
She snorted lightly and clapped her hands.
Tang'er and Lian'er were baffled by the swift change in demeanor.
It wasn't easy for someone of a mild disposition to correct themselves.
But it wasn't impossible.
In her past life, Jiang Xuening had a knack for charming men, and now she used the same approach to charm women, achieving instantaneous results.
While she intended to teach You Fangyin how to conduct business and earn more money, the dire situation in the uncle's residence posed a significant hindrance. She couldn't focus on these matters with peace of mind. To contend with the external world, internal stability was essential. Until the issues in the back house were resolved, business ventures would remain unsettled.
Given You Yue's narrow-minded and malicious nature, Jiang Xuening wondered if the naive You Fangyin would spring another surprise on her.
Lian'er hadn't fully comprehended the recent events and felt somewhat dizzy, asking, "Miss, she… just now, you…"
Jiang Xuening chose not to explain and simply said, "It's getting late. Check if the carriage is ready; we should set off."
Lian'er refrained from asking any further questions. On one side, someone was dispatched to inspect the carriage. Simultaneously, a servant from the mansion hurried over holding a basket of fresh pears, his face radiating joy. He exclaimed, "Second Miss! This is a gift from Master Zhou of the Zhou Mansion Jin Yiwei in Xiejie Hutong. It's the recently transported Dangshan crispy pears from Anhui Kuaima, freshly rewarded and specially sent for you to taste."
The basket contained a dozen or so pears, all appearing soft yellow, plump, and tender.
Upon seeing Jiang Xuening and hearing the servant's announcement, her expression subtly changed.
Rewards from above.
It seemed that Zhou Yinzhi had secured the Qianhu position.
If that were the case…
There might be a chance that Yan Lin wouldn't come this evening.
Observing her silence, Tang'er cautiously inquired, "Miss?"
Jiang Xuening snapped out of her thoughts and replied, "It's just a basket of pears. Put it down."
After her brief response, she cast her eyes downward, re-entered the room, and sat in silence.
A little later, Lian'er returned and remarked, "The carriage is ready. But, Second Miss, you don't seem very comfortable. Are you still planning to visit the tower today?"
Jiang Xuening blinked and affirmed, "Yes."
What if?
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