FBC – Chapter 344 Shameless

Madam Li was like an ant on a hot pan, having gone several days without proper sleep. Finally, she made up her mind. Early in the morning, she deliberately dressed up in her most elaborate ruqun, preparing to visit Gu Hua in Juzhou.

Whether or not they were willing to provide silver to help Bazhou, she at least needed to probe the situation—otherwise, how could she report back to her husband?

But she had no gift worthy of presenting. After a moment’s thought, she instructed, “Let’s go to Jixiang Zhai first.”

The food from Jixiang Zhai was the most famous in Bazhou, especially the air-dried sausages and preserved meats—loved by the people of southern Jiang to the point that one or two pieces were included in every meal, and even the steamers carried the aroma of meat.

Moreover, Jixiang Zhai’s offerings were not ordinary; only noble families could afford them.

Though such a gift might make Princess Yong shiver slightly, it was considered special and a gesture of goodwill.

The carriage stopped in front of Jixiang Zhai, and the maid got out to make the purchase.

By the end of July, the weather was starting to heat up.

Madam Li lifted the carriage curtain to get some air and noticed a neighboring teahouse bustling with activity, a storyteller narrating tales inside.

The storyteller spoke brilliantly, eliciting rounds of cheers and, soon after, waves of jeers.

Curious, Madam Li leaned closer to listen.

It turned out to be stories of the southern frontier wars, recounting how the Mu family army had defended the southern regions for decades. Without the Mu army, how could Bazhou or Gongzhou have had peaceful lives?

The stories also included tales of several brave generals who had died heroically, among them the old Duke and several of his sons.

In the end, the Mu family line had only Mu Junyan left, prompting sighs from those listening.

Suddenly, a group of beggars came hopping and playing, singing their own ballads:

“Soldiers die on the battlefield, while Bianjing indulges in wine and meat.
No trace of relief is found, while wives and children weep long.
When the War God, Prince Yong, descends, the heavens protect the four corners.”

Madam Li held her round fan still, reflecting on the past decades. Juzhou had truly suffered the most.

Neighboring Luzhou and Gongzhou, and further east Bazhou and Tongzhou, had hardly been affected. Yet these states had offered little assistance; it seemed the Mu army bore all the burdens, allowing the others to live in peace.

Madam Li suddenly felt that asking the Mu army to provide silver for Bazhou’s taxes… was truly impossible.

But if she didn’t go, what else could she do?

With these worries weighing on her, Madam Li arrived at the Yong Prince’s residence.

She handed over the visiting card, and the gatekeepers posed no trouble, immediately ushering her inside. Someone went to notify the household, while a maid brought fine tea.

Madam Li felt slightly relieved.

It seemed the people of the residence were still very polite.

Within a quarter of an hour, a maid came out to invite her to the Lotus Hall.

Gu Hua was already waiting there. Seeing her enter, she warmly gestured toward a chair.

“Sister Li, you’ve come! Forgive my lack of a proper welcome. Come, have a seat.”

Hearing herself addressed as “Sister” by Gu Hua, Madam Li felt a sudden warmth in her eyes; it was a sign of closeness.

She hurried forward and bowed. “Your Highness, I pay my respects.”

“Please, no need for formalities. I just happen to have some good tea—please try it.”

“I have nothing worthy of presentation, but these are Bazhou specialties. I brought some for you to try.”

Madam Li signaled for her maid to present the food box.

Gu Hua smiled. “Sister Li, coming to chat with me is more than enough—you needn’t be so formal.”

Yun’er took the food box, while Sui’er, seated nearby, prepared tea and soon presented a cup to Madam Li.

Gu Hua said with a smile, “I’m unable to drink tea right now; Sister Li, please taste it on my behalf.”

Madam Li took a sip and her eyes brightened. “Exquisite tea. This is top-grade imperial tribute Maojian. It’s been so long since I’ve had it.”

“Yes, Sister Li, you’ve always lived well before—this kind of tribute tea is not something ordinary people can drink,” Gu Hua said, striking at the very heart of Madam Li’s feelings.

Back when her mother was alive, she had been pampered like a precious jewel, with no less comfort than her elder sister who had entered the palace as a consort. Thinking of it brought a pang of sadness.

Gu Hua took in her melancholy expression but feigned ignorance, warmly saying, “Yesterday I inquired—those silk embroidery panels for the Queen Mother’s birthday will take another half month. But they’ll surely be ready in time for your mother’s birthday. The embroidered dress for you is being tailored to your measurements and will be delivered to your residence once done.”

Madam Li didn’t know what to say, finding it hard to speak.

Seeing her hesitating, Gu Hua asked gently, “Sister Li, do you have something on your mind? We’re neighbors now and should help each other. Whatever it is, speak freely—I’ll see if I can help.”

Madam Li seized the cue. “I… heard my husband mention the matter of taxes. Your Highness, have you heard of this?”

Gu Hua tilted her head thoughtfully. “I’ve never meddled in state affairs. All taxation under the Prince’s jurisdiction is managed by the Juzhou prefecture; there have been no changes. Has Bazhou’s tax collection encountered issues?”

Madam Li inwardly rejoiced—Gu Hua had spoken first. She dared to open her mouth.

“I truly have a request. It’s not easy to say, but my husband worries day and night over this. I wish to share his burden.”

Gu Hua pursed her lips with a smile. “Please, go ahead.”

Madam Li coughed twice. “The court plans to restore taxes, and Bazhou must pay half of the ten-year relief they had received. The people cannot possibly provide this; my husband, as prefect, has turned white with worry.”

Gu Hua waited, eyes fixed on her.

Madam Li steeled herself. “I dare to ask if Your Highness might speak to the Prince about lending silver to Bazhou to pay the taxes?”

Gu Hua smiled politely, without a hint of change, though inwardly she wanted to kick the woman to wake her up. She truly thought this woman was quite foolish.

Seeing Gu Hua remain silent, Madam Li didn’t know what to do next.

After a moment, Gu Hua asked slowly, “How much silver would be needed?”

Madam Li beamed. “Roughly three million taels.”

Gu Hua’s face displayed shock. “That much?”

She sneered inwardly. Fortunately, Mu Junyan had calculated—Bazhou owed 2.5 million taels. Madam Li asking for three million? Was she trying to skim a bit extra for herself? She might know how to curry favor with her husband, but would that bribe buy her any debt forgiveness?

Madam Li hesitated. “A smaller sum would be fine—two million taels, allowing Bazhou to repay slowly, perhaps?”

Her eyes reddened. “Though Bazhou has had no wars, the people have suffered greatly due to the southern frontier battles. Prince and Princess, you surely cannot bear to see them go hungry or shiver, can you?”

Gu Hua stifled a laugh.

She deeply regretted sending the woman the expensive embroidered dress and panels—it was simply… indescribable.

Seeing Gu Hua’s expression change and a strange smile appear, Madam Li felt a chill and quickly fell silent.

Gu Hua lowered her gaze, fingering her armor and inhaling deeply to suppress her anger.

She needed to discuss this with Mu Junyan first; she could not act on impulse.

Two breaths later, Gu Hua composed herself and lifted her head, resuming a gentle expression. “We cannot spare such a large sum in Juzhou. Moreover, after years of war, our people have suffered the most. Now that they can finally rebuild their lives, where would we find the silver to help other prefectures?”

Madam Li instantly felt disappointed.

“However, I understand your difficulty. For the sake of Lord Li, I will think of a way to help.”

Madam Li’s face brightened again. “I was indeed being forward.”

Gu Hua waved her hand. “Let me discuss this with my husband first and then inform you, alright?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I shall not disturb you further, and will take my leave.”

“Sui’er, please see Madam Li out.”

“Yes.”

Sui’er gestured politely, and Madam Li lowered her head and left as if escaping.

Gu Hua’s smile vanished, her gaze on Madam Li’s retreating figure cold as ice.

Truly shameless!