Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

“Call Shuyao to bring twenty guards and follow me,” Lu Zijin said. Qianxue quickly ordered a servant to summon them.

In the end, Lu Zijin brought Qianxue, Meng Bai, Hang Shuyao, and twenty guards, and they all hurried to the dyeing workshop together.

This dyeing workshop was the third one under the Lu family’s control. It was not very large in scale, but an entire warehouse of cloth had been burned, which would still cause a significant loss.

However, to prevent such incidents, Lu Zijin had made preparations in advance. Most of the cloth intended for the imperial palace had been transported to the Lu Mansion’s warehouse, as the security at the Lu Mansion was quite thorough. Guards patrolled every hour of the twelve-hour day, and Lu Zijin had specifically assigned hidden guards to watch the mansion’s warehouse, forbidding anyone else from approaching.

Even so, some of the cloth meant for the palace was damaged, and the other cloth intended for sale in various places also suffered considerable losses.

“Miss, the warehouse is just ahead. We have already reported to the authorities, but the inside is burned beyond recognition, and we cannot find the cause of the fire,” the person in charge of the dyeing workshop said respectfully, sweating profusely and barely daring to meet Lu Zijin’s eyes.

“I reminded you all long ago that these cloths are of great importance and cannot tolerate the slightest mistake. The warehouse must be guarded at all times. How did you manage this? So much cloth has been burned, and even selling you all would not cover the loss,” Lu Zijin’s icy voice echoed in the courtyard. The workers in the courtyard knelt on the ground, fearing that Lu Zijin would dismiss them all with a single word.

“Shuyao, take some people to investigate and see if there are any overlooked clues,” Lu Zijin said as calmly as possible.

“Yes,” Hang Shuyao immediately accepted the order and led the guards into the warehouse, where even the roof had been burned away.

Lu Zijin frowned and asked, “What about the raw materials for dyeing? How much is left?”

“Master, almost everything was burned,” the man in charge said, nearly in tears.

Lu Zijin’s expression darkened completely. “Qianxue, go and take all the silver from the accounts here. Everyone at this dyeing workshop is dismissed.”

“Master, please spare us this once. We have elderly and young to care for. Please give us another chance,” the man in charge cried, and the other dyeing workers wept incessantly.

“I am a businesswoman, not a saint. An entire warehouse of cloth has been burned, causing the Lu Mansion to lose tens of thousands of taels of silver. Not pursuing this further is already my greatest mercy,” Lu Zijin said, waving her hand. Immediately, guards stepped forward to drive them out.

Lu Zijin knew in her heart that this was likely the work of someone intentional, but the person in charge and the workers of the dyeing workshop were also responsible. She had repeatedly instructed them to guard the warehouse, and this fire meant they had not followed her orders.

The guards ignored the crying and protests of the dyeing workshop workers and drove them all out.

Fortunately, only the warehouse at this dyeing workshop had been burned, and the other buildings remained intact. Lu Zijin thought for a moment and said, “Transfer people from the other dyeing workshops to continue the dyeing work here, but all the subsequent cloth must be stored in the warehouses of the other locations. As for the cloth for the court, have it all transported to the Lu Mansion. Also, inform all locations that the warehouses must be guarded at all twelve hours. If something like this happens again, I will not be as lenient as this time.”

“Yes, this servant will arrange it immediately,” Qianxue said hurriedly.

Lu Zijin nodded slightly. However, this meant that the cloth for distribution to various places would need to be purchased from other businesses. Lu Zijin thought for a moment and instructed someone to contact the other cloth-weaving and dyeing business owners in the city.

After handling these matters, Lu Zijin sat in a chair, a cold smile curling her lips. If anyone in Panyang City hated her the most, it was surely Chen Zhou. After the lesson from the Dacheng Gambling House last time, Chen Zhou had likely been more cautious in setting this fire, making it hard to find evidence to deal with him.

But Lu Zijin was not one to take a loss quietly. She beckoned Qianxue over and whispered a few instructions.

After listening, Qianxue quickly left the room. Soon after, Hang Shuyao returned.

She bowed respectfully to Lu Zijin and said, “Miss, the inside is burned clean. The culprit left nothing behind.”

Lu Zijin was not angry. She nodded, having anticipated this. She had warned all the dyeing workshops about such incidents, but the managers and those in charge had not taken it seriously, leading to today’s events. This fire would serve as a wake-up call for them.

“Good, have people help clean up the area nearby. We are returning to the mansion,” Lu Zijin said. She had many other matters to attend to, and the dyeing workshop was only a small part of the Lu Mansion’s businesses. She could not waste all her time here.

When Lu Zijin returned to the mansion, some of the business owners she had contacted in Panyang City were already waiting at the Lu Mansion.

Lu Zijin had one of the business owners brought to the study, where they discussed cloth prices in detail. The owner clearly wanted to do Lu Zijin a favor and offered a fair price. They even drafted a contract, and Lu Zijin paid a deposit.

Not long after the owner left, Chen Zhou came to the door.

He believed Lu Zijin’s losses were severe and that she would be unable to complete the court’s assigned tasks by the end of the next month. He had prepared the cloth needed by the court half a month in advance, just for this day. He aimed not only to secure half the quota but also to make Lu Zijin beg him to sell his cloth at a high price.

With this thought, a smile spread across Chen Zhou’s face. He adjusted his clothing and said to Su Er beside him, “Go knock on the door and say I have important matters to discuss. I have a batch of cloth that can help Lu Zijin overcome this crisis.”

“Yes, Young Master,” Su Er said, seeing Chen Zhou’s confidence. He walked to the Lu Mansion’s gate with his head held high.

But when he arrived, the guards at the Lu Mansion’s gate stood straight and ignored Su Er. The Lu Mansion had changed. In the past, they might have flattered Chen Zhou, thinking he could become the master of the Lu Mansion. But after the last time, when the young miss refused him entry, and now that everyone in the Lu Mansion knew the young miss favored her husband, living happily together, there was no chance of a sudden divorce. Thus, Chen Zhou had no place here.

Seeing no one paid attention to him, Su Er dropped his arrogance and smiled awkwardly. “Gentlemen, could you please pass a message? My young master has urgent matters to discuss with Miss Lu. He has a batch of cloth that could help the Lu Mansion through this crisis. Could you please relay the message?”

Hearing this, one guard finally went inside to report.

The guard hurried to Jingchen Courtyard and informed Qianxue, who then brought him to the study.

The guard bowed to Lu Zijin and said, “Miss, the young master’s cousin is here. His attendant says they have cloth that can help you through this crisis.”

Lu Zijin sneered and glanced at the guard. “Tell him to get lost. Crocodile tears and fake compassion. Also, tell the Chen family that the Lu Mansion is not a place they can come to whenever they please. If they have business next time, they should send an invitation in advance. They lack even basic manners, and I shouldn’t have to teach them.”

“Yes, Miss,” the guard said, noting Lu Zijin’s expression and understanding that she truly despised the Chen family. He knew how to deal with them later.

Soon, the guard returned to the gate, relayed instructions to the other guards, and resumed his post.

Chen Zhou, thinking he would be let in, smiled at Su Er. “See, when there’s trouble, they still have to beg me. No wonder they say Kunze is Kunze—trying to act tough but still needing my help. With that useless husband of hers, the Lu Mansion will fall sooner or later.”

“Young Master is absolutely right. Who doesn’t know you’re one of the top young talents in Panyang City? How could Wei Lan compare to you?” Su Er flattered quickly.

Chen Zhou felt pleased hearing this. He adjusted his clothes, intending to mock the Lu Mansion’s guards, still remembering being blocked at the gate last time.

With this in mind, Chen Zhou strode toward the Lu Mansion’s gate but was stopped by the guards.

The refined expression on Chen Zhou’s face nearly cracked. He gritted his teeth and said, “Get out of the way. I am your young miss’s honored guest.”

“Our young miss told you to get lost. Stop with the crocodile tears and fake compassion. Also, if you want to visit the Lu Mansion in the future, send an invitation first. No manners at all. Get lost, get lost,” the guard said.

The other guards at the Lu Mansion laughed, looking at Chen Zhou with clear mockery, giving him no face.

Chen Zhou’s refined expression completely shattered. The veins on his forehead bulged as he glared at the guards and gritted his teeth. “Are you out of your minds? You dare to block me?”

“The Lu Mansion has only two masters: our young miss and her husband. Who do you think you are? Our young miss told you to scram, yet you still stand here shamelessly. You really have thick skin,” one guard said.

“Exactly, shameless,” another added.

“Just leave. What a joke,” said another.

Chen Zhou, furious, pointed at the guards. “Fine, very well. You wait. You just wait!”

Chen Zhou turned to leave in anger, kicking Su Er as he went. He shouted, “I’ll make Lu Zijin come beg me herself, or I’ll never help her.”

The Lu Mansion’s guards looked at Chen Zhou as if he were a fool. They hadn’t thought so before, but now, the more they looked at him, the more despicable he seemed.

Chen Zhou, in a rage, kicked his carriage hard and yelled at the driver, “Get down! Can’t you see I’m getting in?”

The driver hurriedly got off, letting Chen Zhou board. Their young master seemed refined on the surface but was actually petty and not to be crossed.

Because of the sudden cloth issue, Lu Zijin had an especially busy day. Fortunately, everything was handled properly.

With so many matters, she worked late into the night and did not go to see Wei Lan.

Meanwhile, the largest cloth warehouse under the Chen family caught fire that night. Fortunately, it was an independent warehouse, or the surrounding buildings would have been affected.

Chen Zhou, still upset from being rebuffed, didn’t eat dinner and went to bed early. Half-asleep, he heard someone outside shouting that something was wrong.

Chen Zhou grabbed a teacup from the bedside table and threw it. “Get out! Don’t you see what time it is? You’re disturbing my rest.”

“No, Young Master, the warehouse of Chen’s Cloth Shop is on fire. It’s a huge fire, everything’s burning,” Su Er said, nearly crying. Just yesterday, they had secretly sent someone to burn the Lu Mansion’s dyeing workshop warehouse, and now it was their turn.

Chen Zhou jumped out of bed. “What? What are you all doing? Did you catch the person who started the fire?”

“No, no one. The fire is raging, and the cloth inside is probably beyond saving,” Su Er said cautiously.

Chen Zhou hurriedly dressed and rushed out. Unlike the Lu Mansion, the Chen family wasn’t as wealthy. A whole warehouse of cloth burned meant a loss of tens of thousands of taels, and failing to meet orders would mean paying penalties.

Chen Zhou rushed to the site in a carriage. By the time he arrived, the warehouse was reduced to ashes.

Looking at the burned-out warehouse, he cursed, “Lu Zijin, this must be Lu Zijin’s doing. I won’t let her off. Quick, send someone to report to the authorities.”

Soon, the servants reported to the authorities, but with no evidence, they couldn’t confirm who set the fire.

Chen Zhou wasn’t ready to let it go. Early the next morning, he visited the city lord’s mansion. Lu Feng, already annoyed from being woken by Chen’s people the previous night, showed him no kindness when he arrived.

“City Lord, this was definitely intentional. Someone set the fire on purpose. I suspect it was Lu Zijin. Her warehouse burned, so she took it out on mine!” Chen Zhou shouted angrily.

“Where’s the evidence? Without evidence, you’re slandering others. I, Lu Feng, am always fair. Everything requires proof. Miss Lu’s warehouse burned, and she didn’t go around accusing people like you. I’ve sent people to investigate, but your warehouse is burned to ashes. There’s no way to tell who set the fire or if your own people caused it accidentally. Please leave,” Lu Feng said, issuing an eviction.

Chen Zhou wanted to say more but held back, knowing that offending the city lord after losing a warehouse would be worse.

With no choice, Chen Zhou left the city lord’s mansion in disgrace and began meeting with business owners in Panyang City to buy cloth.

After much effort, he struck a deal with one owner, but the Chen family lost at least a hundred thousand taels. The thought made Chen Zhou’s teeth ache.

“Lu Zijin, fine, very well. I was going to marry you, but now I just want to ruin the Lu Mansion,” Chen Zhou said, the sound of shattering porcelain echoing in his room.

The Chen household spent the most on porcelain, as Chen Zhou often smashed bottles and jars when upset.

Meanwhile, Lu Zijin, eating breakfast, was in a much better mood. A year ago, she couldn’t control the situation and had to lie low, but now, no one in Panyang City could make her do so. Whoever attacked the Lu Mansion, she would strike back one by one.

~~

Wei Lan had heard about the incidents at the mansion but didn’t go to Lu Zijin, knowing Madam was busy and not wanting to disturb her.

These past few days, Wei Lan hadn’t been idle. She had finished carving a full set of twelve zodiac Hetian jade plaques. She carefully wrapped them in cloth and checked the time. Every mid-month, Xiao Nanyan would inspect Yuya Pavilion.

She planned to sell the jade plaques and ask Xiao Nanyan about the fox jade plaque. Though she was very comfortable with Madam, why didn’t Xiao Nanyan clarify to Madam that she had bought it?

Wei Lan packed a small bundle and, thinking it over, decided to bring Xi Ye along. With the recent unrest in Panyang City due to the imperial merchant issue, and since her disguise had already been revealed to Madam, bringing a guard was no issue.

Wei Lan called Xi Ye, who followed her silently. Despite her delicate appearance as a female Qianyuan, she carried a large ringed saber on her back, drawing many glances. Xi Ye ignored them, her gaze fixed on Wei Lan. Assigned to protect her, she wouldn’t let Wei Lan come to any harm.

Soon, they arrived at Yuya Pavilion.

“Manager Zhao, is Nanyan here today?” Wei Lan asked.

“The master just arrived and is resting in the study. I’ll take you there,” Zhao Chengye said with a smile. Seeing Xi Ye behind Wei Lan, he paused and asked, “And this is?”

“Oh, this is my personal guard. With two warehouses burned recently, the city’s not safe. My madam was worried and assigned a guard to protect me,” Wei Lan explained.

“I see. Please follow me,” Zhao Chengye said, smiling as he led the way.

After passing through a corridor, they reached the courtyard. Wei Lan saw Xiao Nanyan sitting at a desk, drinking tea.

Wei Lan said to Xi Ye, “Wait for me a bit. It’s safe here, no problem.”

“This young lady, come with me. There’s tea prepared up front,” Zhao Chengye said with a smile.

Xi Ye looked at Wei Lan, who nodded. “Go. I’ll find you when I’m done.”

“Yes,” Xi Ye said, following Zhao Chengye to a small tea room up front.

Wei Lan walked to Xiao Nanyan’s study. Xiao Nanyan’s smile didn’t fade upon seeing her. “Well, a rare guest! What brings you here today?”

“I’m here to sell jade. Also, what was with last time? You wore that fox jade plaque but didn’t explain to my madam?” Wei Lan said, pulling a chair and sitting across from Xiao Nanyan.

Xiao Nanyan smiled at her. “Your madam didn’t ask. I only said it was carved by Master Qing Lan. What’s wrong?”

“My madam already knows I’m Qing Lan. She thought the one you wore was a gift from me,” Wei Lan said, gritting her teeth. She had played the dog for Lu Zijin all night to calm her, though she enjoyed it herself.

Hearing this, Xiao Nanyan’s interest piqued. “What? She got jealous? Dealt with you? Who’d have thought Panyang City’s top carving master, Qing Lan, is afraid of his wife? Hahaha.”

Xiao Nanyan couldn’t hold back her laughter. Wei Lan was so different from typical Qianyuan, so amusing.

Wei Lan glared at her and retorted, “Afraid? I call it respect. I respect my madam. You wouldn’t understand since you’re not married. Hmph.”

“Fine, fine, I’m not married,” Xiao Nanyan said, amused by Wei Lan. And she still claimed not to be afraid of her wife?

“Stop laughing. If you keep laughing, I won’t sell you my jade plaques,” Wei Lan said, clutching her bundle as if to leave.

Xiao Nanyan quickly said, “Alright, alright, I won’t tease you. Show me what you’ve got this time.”

Wei Lan placed the bundle on the table and unwrapped it, revealing the jade wrapped in soft cloth. She opened them one by one.

Xiao Nanyan’s expression turned serious upon seeing the jade. She immediately recognized them. “These are zodiac jade plaques?”

“Hmm, the raw jade stones were good, and they look nice carved,” Wei Lan said.

Xiao Nanyan held a plaque, her eyes filled with admiration. Even ordinary animals were carved vividly by Wei Lan. “This craftsmanship is top-notch. How much are you selling them for?”

Wei Lan said, “Five thousand taels and up, since the last auction reached that price.”

Xiao Nanyan nodded. “That’s fair, but leave me some room to profit. How about six thousand taels each?”

Wei Lan thought it over. Six thousand taels each meant seventy-two thousand taels for twelve pieces, equivalent to over seven million in modern terms—a significant sum.

“I’m fine with that, but can you still make money at this price?” Wei Lan asked.

“Of course. I can add at least another thousand taels. Don’t worry, we’re friends, but I won’t lose money. I’m heading to Jiangnan City in a few days and can sell these there,” Xiao Nanyan said with a smile.

“Alright, six thousand taels each then,” Wei Lan said, smiling.

“Hmm, wait here. I’ll have someone fetch the silver notes,” Xiao Nanyan said, sending Qi Jin to get them.

Soon, seventy-two thousand taels in silver notes were brought.

Xiao Nanyan handed them to Wei Lan, smiling. “Your madam is lucky. She’s good at business herself, and now she has you, a money tree.”

“Of course, my madam has the best taste,” Wei Lan said happily, thrilled to have pocket money again.

After chatting with Xiao Nanyan for a while, Wei Lan left with Xi Ye, carrying the silver notes.

As they passed Chen’s Bookstore, it was bustling. Curious, Wei Lan wanted to check it out, knowing Chen’s businesses in Panyang City belonged to Chen Zhou.

“Xi Ye, follow me in,” Wei Lan said.

“Yes, Master,” Xi Ye replied, following Wei Lan as they squeezed inside.

Seeing many people crowded in one spot, Wei Lan asked, “What are you all buying?”

“Storybooks with great tales. If you don’t line up, they’ll sell out soon,” someone nearby said hurriedly.

“Oh, alright, I’ll buy a few to check out,” Wei Lan said, about to join the queue.

Xi Ye stopped her. “Master, let me handle it.”

Wei Lan looked at Xi Ye, thinking she was better at navigating crowds, and nodded. “Alright, here’s some silver. Buy me a few.”

Wei Lan gave Xi Ye ten taels of silver, and Xi Ye joined the queue.

Soon, the shop assistants brought out books, and people began frantically buying.

Despite her slender frame, Xi Ye was strong and managed to buy five books for Wei Lan. But the price was steep—one tael per book, equivalent to a thousand yuan in modern terms, quite expensive.

Wei Lan was curious why the books were so costly but then remembered this world had paper but no movable type printing. All books, including those in the Lu Mansion’s study, were handwritten, explaining the high price of these storybooks.

Wei Lan felt a spark of excitement but quickly suppressed it, eager to see what was written inside.

“Let’s go. I’ll read them back home,” Wei Lan said, in a great mood after earning money. Xi Ye followed, carrying the books.

Over the past few days at the Lu Mansion, Xi Ye had learned that Wei Lan rarely went out. Unlike other highborn masters who frequented taverns, she stayed in her room carving jade, only visiting the jade shop occasionally. This made Xi Ye’s job simple, so she spent her free time practicing martial arts or training in the courtyard.