Glory

The Great Jin dynasty she had transmigrated into was a fictional era, roughly equivalent to the Song and Ming periods in her original timeline. The cultivation of tea plants, harvesting of leaves, and tea processing techniques were far behind modern advanced methods. She had numerous opinions to share about the Ye family's tea gardens.

However, haste makes waste. If someone who rarely visited tea mountains suddenly spoke knowledgeably about tea cultivation, the Ye family would surely think she was possessed by spirits.

Moreover, priorities must be set. Tea cultivation was a long-term matter, while Meng Chengwei's infiltration and influence over the Ye family was an immediate concern. Having appeared before Ye Chongming and Ye Jiaxing today, the impending disasters for the Ye family's eldest and fourth son were approaching rapidly. The current strategy should focus on resolving domestic affairs and overcoming this crisis first.

...

In White Vine County, at the Returning Home Inn, Meng Chengwei lazily rose from bed. Attended by his page, he washed up properly and seated himself at the table.

Since last night when the Ye family's Housekeeper had specially delivered Meng Chengwei to the inn, the innkeeper had been exceptionally warm upon learning Meng Chengwei had saved the young master of their establishment's owner.

Upon receiving word from his staff that Meng Chengwei had awakened, the innkeeper personally brought over an elaborate breakfast.

After Meng Chengwei's unsuccessful invitation for the innkeeper to join the meal, he asked while seated: "What interesting places do you have around here?"

The innkeeper listed local scenic spots, historical sites, teahouses, and opera theaters before modestly adding: "Our small town has little to offer. Unlike the capital where everything exists - these humble entertainments hardly deserve your attention."

Last night when the Housekeeper brought Meng Chengwei over, he had mentioned that Meng Chengwei's party came from the capital. The innkeeper's enthusiasm stemmed partly from showing respect to the Ye family, but more from reverence towards people from the imperial capital.

Meng Liang, a clansman of Meng Chengwei's born merely half a month later, came from vastly different circumstances - his family could barely afford basic sustenance. Being clever and silver-tongued, he excelled at flattery and had thoroughly won Meng Chengwei's approval. Meng Chengwei had brought him along to Jiangnan with the intention of cultivating him as a right-hand man.

After all, sometimes a clansman's status proved more convenient than a servant's when handling certain matters.

When encountering Ye Jiaxing yesterday, Meng Chengwei had hinted at his capital origins. Regarding specific status, he planned to reveal it gradually during meals with the Ye family. Unexpectedly, Old Master Ye had seen him off without even offering a meal, leaving no opportunity for disclosure. This left Meng Chengwei inwardly frustrated and depressed.

Seizing the moment, Meng Liang interjected: "Don't bother mentioning opera theaters to our master. Imperial Consort Min is our family aunt - our master has frequented the imperial palace since childhood and attended numerous palace operas. Provincial performances could never meet his standards."

"Brother Liang, mind your words," Meng Chengwei chided sternly, maintaining his carefully constructed persona. "Major cities have their grandeur, small towns their charm. The same applies to opera theaters - how can we rank them as superior or inferior?"

Meng Liang promptly stood to receive the admonition, responding respectfully: "You are absolutely correct, master."

Last night, when the Ye family Housekeeper delivered Meng Chengwei, he had relayed Ye Chongming's instruction for the innkeeper to investigate Meng Chengwei's background. Hearing Meng Liang's deliberate boasting arrived like offering a pillow to someone ready to sleep.The shopkeeper smiled obsequiously, "My apologies, my apologies. I never thought I would have the honor of meeting someone of imperial lineage in my lifetime. This is truly a rare privilege."

He then asked, "Where might Lord Meng be serving now? Coming to our humble town, could it be for official business?"

"It's nothing so grand, just handling some trade matters entrusted by the imperial family," Meng Chengwei replied with feigned humility.

The shopkeeper started in surprise and quickly cupped his hands respectfully, "Ah, my humble respects, my humble respects."

In the Great Jin Dynasty, Imperial merchants were those with imperial connections, appointed directly by the emperor to manage state-owned industries in an official capacity. The heads of more prominent Imperial merchant families even held official ranks of fifth grade or higher, with both their businesses and positions being hereditary.

Although the Great Jin Dynasty prioritized agriculture over commerce, the status of Imperial merchants was entirely different from that of ordinary merchants. Some major Imperial merchants wielded more power than regular officials. The shopkeeper's shock and deference were genuinely felt, not merely feigned.

Seeing the shopkeeper's reaction, Meng Chengwei felt as refreshed as if he had drunk ice water on a sweltering summer day—comforted from head to toe, his earlier gloom dissipating considerably.

This was more like it. How could such lowly commoners not show respect upon hearing the term "Imperial merchant"? The Ye family had treated him so poorly yesterday simply because they were unaware of his status.

Since this Returning Home Inn was run by Ye Jiaxing's maternal uncle's family, his identity as an Imperial merchant would surely reach the Ye family soon. He needed to do nothing but wait here.

By the afternoon at the latest, the Ye family would undoubtedly arrive with lavish gifts, offering the most humble and respectful apologies. Then, manipulating the Ye family would be as easy as a mere thought.

With this in mind, his mood improved even further.

After the shopkeeper withdrew and Meng Chengwei had nearly finished his meal, Meng Liang asked, "Sir, where shall we go today?"

Meng Chengwei finished the last spoonful of congee, took the handkerchief handed by his page, and leisurely wiped his mouth and hands. "No rush. Let's stay here for half a day or so."

Meng Liang was puzzled but dared not inquire further.

His clansman was notoriously temperamental. When in a good mood, he would answer any question, sometimes even cracking inappropriate jokes. But when displeased, he could turn hostile without regard for kinship.

Although Meng Chengwei's expression seemed less grim than when he had woken up, it was still wiser not to provoke him.

True to Meng Chengwei's expectations, the innkeeper promptly sent word to the owner, Tao Liyang, after leaving.

Tao Liyang was Ye Jiaxing's maternal uncle. Having learned of his nephew's injury the previous night—and that it had occurred at a mountain villa not far from Baiteng County—he had planned to visit today to check on him. Even if Ye Jiaxing had been sent back to Lin'an City, with Ye Chongming there, Tao Liyang, as a junior, ought to pay his respects.

He had delayed his departure, waiting for news from the shopkeeper.

Upon learning that Meng Chengwei was an Imperial merchant, Tao Liyang was equally startled. He immediately rode up the mountain to find Ye Chongming.

"An Imperial merchant?" Ye Chongming frowned upon hearing Meng Chengwei's identity but then waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. We didn't offend him last night."

He glanced at Tao Liyang. "This man has ill intentions and is not worth befriending. Just ensure he is well attended to and avoid offending him. Stay clear of any further involvement."

He worried that Tao Liyang, being young, might seek to befriend Meng Chengwei solely because of his Imperial merchant background.While building connections is important, one must be selective. Associating with those of poor character not only brings no benefit but may even bring disaster upon the family.

Tao Liyang expressed surprise: "How come I heard that Young Master Meng saved Jiaxing yesterday?"

If he's capable of saving someone, his character can't be all that bad, can it?