Chapter 79: But What Can We Do?
Madam He had not yet spoken when Lin Feng added, “Yes, of course it is.”
It was obvious that Madam He disdained to explain. Seeing Jiang Ruanxi’s faint smile, she felt extremely uncomfortable and turned to leave.
Arrogant and haughty, as if someone owed her.
“My wife is not feeling well, so her mood is not good. Mother and Second Brother’s Wife, please don’t mind.” Lin Feng also felt embarrassed but still patiently explained. Before the two could speak, he chased after her.
Jiang Ruanxi was not angry. She just glanced at Madam Zhou, “They all say a grown daughter is not kept at home, but I see raising a son is not necessarily useful either. Elder Brother has a wife and has forgotten his mother.”
After saying that, her objective achieved, she left directly.
Madam Zhou felt as if ten thousand arrows pierced her heart. Her eldest son was like this—no need to mention Jiang Ruanxi not tolerating it; even she herself could not stand it.
But what could be done?
Lin Ningkun was a bit better and could still listen to her words, but Lin Feng was a scoundrel who would not listen at all.
Looking at Jiang Ruanxi’s back, Madam Zhou’s heart grew even more hateful. She could not deal with Madam He, but when Lin Ningkun returned, she would see how she dealt with Jiang Ruanxi.
Wait and see, she would definitely make Jiang Ruanxi suffer.
As soon as Jiang Ruanxi returned to the room, Hong Ye said worriedly, “Madam, a letter from Yongyi Marquis Manor asks you to return to the Jiang Family tomorrow.”
Jiang Ruanxi became interested, “I’m afraid it’s nothing good.”
Jiang Changjun was still in prison, Jiang Xuerou had died, and they were grief-stricken now. They were probably asking her to go just to vent their anger.
Hong Ye deeply agreed, “Madam, should we go?”
“Go, of course we should go.” Jiang Ruanxi said, “Such a big matter has happened at my maternal home; naturally I must go back and see.”
One could dodge the first but not the fifteenth.
She also wanted to go and see what they would say and how they would deal with her.
However, whether to go that day would depend on her mood.
She would not go back just because the Jiang Family called her that day.
Thinking of something, Jiang Ruanxi said, “Right, go and call He Kui.”
In the evening, He Kui came.
Jiang Ruanxi pushed a stack of silver money in front of him.
“Here is one hundred thousand taels of silver money. Tomorrow you go south and must exchange all this money into grain before next summer. The more the better. If it’s not enough, send me a letter.”
He Kui looked at the money in front of him and did not dare to take it, “Madam, I…”
“Take it. This matter is very important and must be handled properly.”
Jiang Ruanxi stuffed it directly into his arms.
He Kui held the money, feeling it weighed a thousand pounds.
“Madam, I’m afraid my abilities are not up to it and I will waste your money?”
“It’s only one hundred thousand taels. This money was originally a reward from the Crown Prince; it wasn’t mine to begin with. If it’s lost, so be it. Just go ahead boldly.”
Jiang Ruanxi did not care at all; anyway, this silver money was all given by the Crown Prince.
He Kui was stunned. He did not expect Jiang Ruanxi to say this. He felt moved in his heart but also a bit uneasy.
“But in the Qin Kingdom, there are laws. Even Imperial Merchants hoarding grain beyond a certain amount must report to the yamen.”
He Kui knew very well that Jiang Ruanxi did these things and did not want others to know.
Jiang Ruanxi put down the teacup and said seriously, “I believe you have the ability to exchange these one hundred thousand taels of silver money into grain and also the capability to conceal it from the yamen.”
He Kui was stunned. Moments later, he lowered his head, “Madam, you are really thinking too highly of me.”
“Suspect not those you use, use not those you suspect. I have never questioned your loyalty to me, nor will I suspect you.”
He Kui was very moved; this was unconditional trust in him!
He hurriedly guaranteed, “Madam, rest assured. This subordinate will definitely do his utmost to handle this matter well.”
After He Kui left, Hong Ye’s eyes were full of worry.
“Madam, one hundred thousand taels in banknotes, and you just gave it to He Kui like that. Aren’t you afraid he will take the silver money and run away?”
“He won’t.” Jiang Ruanxi was completely confident.
“Why?”
“His mother and sister are both in our hands, and he is filial. No matter what, he will not mess up the matter.”
“But the difficulty of this matter is not something that can be handled just by He Kui being loyal.”
Hong Ye was still not reassured.
Jiang Ruanxi thought Hong Ye was a bit cute. She knew she was doing it for her own good and did not feel uncomfortable. Instead, she smiled and asked rhetorically, “Do you know what He Kui’s ancestors did?”
Hong Ye did not know why Jiang Ruanxi asked this but honestly shook her head.
She had grown up with Jiang Ruanxi since childhood, so why did it seem like Jiang Ruanxi knew?
But Jiang Ruanxi had always been more knowledgeable than her. Hong Ye was very curious and could not help urging, “Madam, do you know? What exactly were his ancestors that makes you so reassured to entrust such an important matter to him at this time.”
Jiang Ruanxi fiddled with the teacup lid and slowly said, “He Kui’s ancestors produced several cabinet scholars.”
Hong Ye’s mouth opened slightly in shock, her face stunned.
“Then why is He Kui so down and out now?”
“No great family is smooth sailing; they all have ups and downs. Half of the Qin Kingdom’s laws come from the cabinet. He Kui was just able to state the Qin Kingdom’s laws so clearly, so most likely his family once produced someone who drafted those laws.”
With Jiang Ruanxi saying this, Hong Ye suddenly understood.
She had thought that He Kui spoke so knowledgeably earlier because he had read a lot of books.
“But even knowing that doesn’t solve any problems?” Hong Ye was still puzzled.
Jiang Ruanxi said gently, “When walking, if you clearly know there is a pit ahead, would you still continue walking forward?”
Hong Ye answered without thinking.
“Of course not. This servant is not a fool. Knowing there is a pit ahead, she would definitely go around it.”
“What if it can’t be avoided and you must pass through here?”
Hong Ye touched her head, “Then she would definitely fill it up before walking.”
Jiang Ruanxi’s eyes flashed, and Hong Ye suddenly understood. She excitedly said, “Madam, I understand what you mean. He Kui is familiar with the Qin Kingdom’s laws, so when handling matters, he will definitely avoid those laws. Even if the court knows we are hoarding grain, they will have no way to deal with us.”
“Mm, not too stupid.” Jiang Ruanxi said with a smile.
“Madam, the Marquis is here.”
Suddenly, a voice came from outside, and the smile at the corner of Jiang Ruanxi’s mouth immediately disappeared.
Before she could speak, Lin Ningkun stormed in angrily.
However, he did not say anything and just sat silently in Jiang Ruanxi’s room.
Hong Ye saw this and quickly poured a cup of hot tea, “Marquis, drink tea.”
Lin Ningkun did not stand on ceremony and quickly took a sip of tea to calm down. Hong Ye tactfully left.
“This girl of yours is quite clever.” Lin Ningkun looked at her back and said.
“Hong Ye has been with me for so many years; she has this much eyesight. I just don’t know why the Marquis has come to my room at this time. Is there a matter?”
The smile on Lin Ningkun’s face immediately disappeared, “If I have no matter, does that mean I cannot come to your room to sit for a while?”
