Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 193 - 191: Banquet at Hongmen

Chapter 193: Chapter 191: Banquet at Hongmen

After having dinner with Madam Lai, Xiao’er returned to the inn and swiftly wrote two letters, releasing two homing pigeons.

She then entered her space. Bai Tian had returned the night before she set off to Prefecture City, which only then informed her of his absence. She had no idea what animals he brought back this time.

Entering the space, Xiao’er found a new forest in the ranch area.

Well, her space was now fully equipped.

Xiao’er finally saw the animals she longed for, tigers, white tigers, leopards, roe deers, goats, all kinds of deer and foxes, wild horses... even pandas, the variety was immense.

Once these animals have their offspring, she might consider opening a zoo to educate the children of the dynasty about the animal kingdom.

"Weren’t you supposed to bring back only the sick and dying animals? They all seem to be frolicking around, very lively and adorable!"

"Lively and adorable, right? I fed them each an Ashoka fruit!" Bai Tian raised his goose head, waiting for praise.

Upon hearing this, Xiao’er had a bad feeling. She looked up at the Ashoka tree, and sure enough! Half of the Ashoka fruits were gone!

Oh no! She hadn’t seen this Ashoka tree bear fruit in over a year she had this space, and she didn’t know when it would fruit next. Now half of its fruit was gone, it broke her heart.

Each eaten Ashoka fruit was one less on the tree! These fruits were meant to save lives. Xiao’er felt like she had shot herself in the foot.

"Bai Tian, you cannot pick and eat Ashoka fruit without my permission, understand?" Xiao’er stroked Bai Tian’s goose head. It was a bit hard on Bai Tian this time, after all, animal lives mattered too.

Bai Tian didn’t notice when he was picking the fruits, but now he also realized there were too few Ashoka fruits on the tree. Ashoka fruit only grows once every ten years in the outside world.

"Master, I understand." Bai Tian hung his goose head low.

"Okay, we still have a lot left, we just need to save them." Xiao’er comforted Bai Tian.

"Master is not angry with me?"

"No, I’m not!" Xiao’er shook her head.

Hearing this, Bai Tian happily ran off to play.

Accepting the reality, Xiao’er began her routine duties in the space.

The next day, Xiao’er applied light makeup on Mrs. Liu, and the whole family boarded the carriage to the magistrate’s mansion.

The magistrate’s wife invited many people to this plum viewing party. There were many wealthy merchants’ wives and daughters from the city.

As soon as Xiao’er and her family were shown in and seated, Mrs. Lai and Lai Ruoqing arrived.

Lai Ruoqing had been to Xiao’er’s new home when they moved, so she immediately came over with enthusiasm when she saw Xiao’er and Liu Jingshu.

Mrs. Lai was surprised to see the family of the increasingly famous Marquis Shengping for the first time.

Even the magistrate’s wife could not compare to their distinguished presence.

The rumors that came from the Imperial Capital seemed to be true.

She had some doubts when she heard that the Lady of Rui’an County was a young paragon of talent and beauty.

Looking at her now, she must barely be ten years old. Her appearance, demeanor, and etiquette were all impeccable. It was a pity she was so young. She wanted to have grandchildren soon. Otherwise, she would have been a good match for Wei’er.

Mrs. Lai was so eager for a daughter-in-law that she had started considering young girls too.

Once all the invited guests had arrived, the magistrate’s wife led all the ladies and young ladies to the courtyard to admire the plum blossoms.

"The reason I bought this mansion was because I liked these plum groves. Every time the plum blossoms bloom, the floral scent is intoxicating. It feels like these plum blossoms are worth enduring the harsh winters for," said the Magistrate’s wife as she walked.

"Indeed. These plum blossoms bloom their best in the frigid cold, and I, who enjoy beautiful things but am unafraid of the cold, look forward to being invited by you to admire them every year."

"These plum blossoms are proud even in the snow. If they weren’t cold, they wouldn’t have their spirit! When it’s cold, I just put on a cloak and carry a hand stove."

"Isn’t that the truth? I’ve had the pleasure of living in luxury from a young age. I don’t need to worry about food or clothing, and have the luxury to admire plum blossoms in the biting cold of winter, thinking nothing of it. However, the poor common folk, some of whom don’t even possess a blanket or a padded jacket, probably wouldn’t dare step outside in this weather."

Upon hearing this, the ladies in the courtyard felt a sudden sense of dread, a dreadful anticipation settling in their hearts.

The Magistrate’s wife continued to speak her mind unhurried, considering everyone’s silence to be assent.

"I’ve been thinking, I have plenty of clothes that I purchase each year. Many garments from last year won’t be worn again this year. Rather than leaving them unused, wouldn’t it be a good thing to donate them to the common folk, allowing them to enjoy a warm, full year?"

"The Magistrate’s wife indeed has a heart of gold," complimented some of the ladies present.

Next year would be a time for officials from all over to evaluate their political achievements.

So this was a ploy by the Magistrate to encourage everyone here to make a financial contribution, to bolster his reputation as an official.

"As a public servant, my husband sees the common people as his own children, and I have been influenced by his behavior. It fills me with joy to help the common people. I apologize if my sentiments seem laughable." She led everyone to a pavilion, inviting them to sit.

"Not at all. Your kindness is commendable. We should all aspire to learn from you," added several other ladies.

"Yes, I too have many old clothes at home. I’ll sort them out immediately when I get back."

"Same here, I also have old clothes to donate."

"I’m glad to have the opportunity to do something for the common folks."

"The magistrate’s wife is indeed thoughtful. I’ve been wanting to do something for the common people, but couldn’t think of a way. This is a great idea."

...

"I’ve always considered myself generous. Sorting through my old clothes, I felt it wasn’t quite enough, so I added a few more items. Here, tell me what you think. Is there anything else that I should add?" Having received a list from her maid, the Magistrate’s wife passed it to Mrs. Lai. After Mrs. Lai read it, she passed it to another lady.

After reading the list, many of the ladies present felt as though a murder of crows had descended upon them.

"What do you think, should I add more?"

"No, no need, you’ve thought of everything," said a wealthy merchant’s wife, cursing under her breath.

"The commoners ought to be thankful to have such a thoughtful official as the Magistrate," said many ladies, smiling outwardly but bearing heavy hearts inwardly.

...

What the hell, ten thousand padded jackets, two thousand blankets, 10,000 pounds of grain, and 1,000 taels of silver. Can this still be called a donation of old clothes?

This was comparable to what many officials donated for the relief of Qinghe County after the earthquake.

No disasters have been reported in the entire prefecture!

Besides, the drought is already over, isn’t it too late to donate now?

The Magistrate was inspired by the flooding relief event in Qinghe County. It’s not easy for a local official to make political achievements. Whatever one does requires money, right?

This time he planned to follow the same pattern to raise funds, and then improve the standard of living for some of the commoners under his jurisdiction. It could be seen as a significant deed for the commoners.

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