The next day, Aunt Xu meticulously finalized the arrangements for the trip to Qingxu Temple and reported back to Jiang Huaiyu.
"That was quick!" Jiang Huaiyu remarked, surprised.
"It's a good time to go," Aunt Xu explained. "For the next three days, the temple is hosting a grand Taoist ritual. Yesterday, it was packed with crowds, shoulder to shoulder. Today it's slightly better, but tomorrow, though still busy, should be just right for a visit."
"Fair enough. Is the carriage ready? Tomorrow, all three of you will join me—it's always good to seek a little extra blessing for everyone."
Jiang Huaiyu didn't truly believe in such rituals but welcomed the chance to get out of the house for a while. The lively atmosphere would be a pleasant distraction, and a walk in a scenic place wouldn't hurt. Since the occasion called for a more formal tone, she prepared a set of understated yet elegant clothes. For Tang Bao, she packed a small cloak, ensuring they'd be ready to go without any morning rush.
As she considered preparing snacks for the road—Huafeng Mountain wasn't far but still a bit of a journey—Xiaocao entered, curtseying respectfully.
"Madam," Xiaocao began, her voice curious yet hesitant.
Jiang Huaiyu looked up with a faint smile. "What is it?"
"Lord Marquis has requested eighty catties of mooncakes from us. Should we set them aside for him?"
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled lightly. "Set aside fifty catties. That's enough for him to enjoy and share with others." Then, tilting her head slightly, she asked with amusement, "What made you ask me about this?"
Xiaocao flushed slightly, embarrassed. "When Steward Lin mentioned it, I almost agreed right away. But then I remembered the stories you told me about scarcity creating value. Too much of anything makes it less cherished, so I thought it best to ask first."
"A single mooncake weighs about three taels, meaning eighty catties would be nearly four hundred mooncakes. He's likely planning to give many away, but as you said, excess leads to disregard. Fifty catties is generous while maintaining value," Jiang Huaiyu explained. "In business, you mustn't shy away from refusing requests if it's not in your best interest. Selling eighty catties to one person is less impactful than selling smaller amounts to dozens."
She left her reasoning somewhat vague, encouraging Xiaocao to draw her own conclusions.
Xiaocao nodded earnestly. "I understand now."
"Good. Finish your tasks today and rest early. We leave for Huafeng Mountain in the morning," Jiang Huaiyu added, reminding herself to pack food, just in case the temple didn't serve meals.
Huafeng Mountain, located near the capital, was renowned for its scenic beauty. Its lush greenery in spring and summer, cascading streams, and tranquil atmosphere made it a favored retreat. In autumn, the vibrant red foliage painted the landscape with fiery brilliance. Nestled amidst this natural splendor was Qingxu Temple, its simple elegance resembling white cranes perched gracefully in the forest.
The journey to Huafeng Mountain took about half an hour by carriage. Along the way, Jiang Huaiyu peeked through the carriage's curtains and noticed a growing number of ragged figures walking along the road. Their worn expressions alternated between envy at passing carriages and a haunting numbness.
"Why are there so many... refugees?" Jiang Huaiyu asked, searching for the right word.
Xiaocao glanced outside before replying, her voice tinged with pity. "Although we have generals guarding the borders, bandits still raid villages. Some are foreign invaders, but many are locals who've turned to robbery."
Aunt Xu sighed. "I've heard of villages burned to the ground by these bandits, leaving families no choice but to flee to the capital in hopes of pleading their case to officials. Unfortunately, most never make it inside the city gates and are left to wander, begging along the way."
The carriage grew quiet. Jiang Huaiyu stared out at the desperate figures, her expression unreadable. These were people who once earned their livelihoods with dignity but had been reduced to this state by man-made disasters.
"Truly, 'Behind gilded doors lie festering meat, while on the road, bones freeze in the cold,'" she murmured, her tone a mix of sarcasm and sorrow.
Moved by the sight, Xiaocao hesitated before speaking. "Madam, I've saved some silver. May I take a day off tomorrow to buy rice and distribute it to them?"
Jiang Huaiyu considered this before nodding. "Tomorrow, have Qi Jue provide you with thirty taels and hire some workers to deliver the rice to the next post station. But don't involve yourself directly—it's not safe for a young girl to interact with a desperate crowd."
"Thank you, Madam," Xiaocao replied, relieved.
Jiang Huaiyu sympathized with the refugees but knew her limitations. Even if she gave away all her wealth, it wouldn't change their plight. What they needed was long-term solutions. As her business grew, she vowed to find ways to create jobs for those in need, empowering them to rebuild their lives.
Arriving at the foot of Huafeng Mountain, the group's spirits lifted at the sight of the picturesque landscape.
"We're heading to Qingxu Temple. With the rituals today, it's a good time to pray for blessings," Jiang Huaiyu said, wrapping Tang Bao in a warm cloak as the autumn wind carried a slight chill.
"I'll pray for little master's health and success," Aunt Xu said with a kind smile. "And for my grandchildren to grow up capable and literate."
Xiaocao and Zhuzhu exchanged amused glances, carrying small food boxes as they walked together up the winding path. The steady stream of visitors—some descending with charms in hand, others ascending with offerings—added to the lively atmosphere.
Jiang Huaiyu joined in the cheerful chatter, joking about Tang Bao's growing mischievousness. "He's getting bigger every day. My wish is for him not to turn into a little rascal who tears up books at the academy!"
Aunt Xu laughed. "The young master is clever and well-behaved. How could he do such a thing?"
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled. "He's quiet now, but I used to worry he might be mute. These days, he listens to poetry recitals all afternoon without complaint and occasionally babbles to me. Yet lately, he's become as silent as a little monk."
By the time they reached Qingxu Temple, their faces were rosy from the exertion.
The temple, built into the mountainside, exuded a tranquil majesty. Its grandeur and serenity drew people from all walks of life, each hoping to find solace or blessings. The main hall was alive with the sound of Taoist priests chanting ancient scriptures, their robes embroidered with gold and silver threads depicting cranes, mountains, and mythical beasts.
Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained solemn and respectful. Jiang Huaiyu felt her mind quiet, the rhythmic chanting washing away her earlier unease. Even Tang Bao seemed entranced, his wide eyes fixed on the scene.
"Sometimes, a simple change of scenery does wonders," Jiang Huaiyu mused aloud, her voice soft.
As the ritual concluded and the chanting faded, the crowd began to disperse, low murmurs replacing the silence. Jiang Huaiyu turned to her companions.
"The ritual was beautiful. Let's find Aunt Xu and sit down for a meal. Oh, and don't forget to buy some talismans before we leave," she said with a light laugh.
While others clamored for a glimpse of the head priest, rumored to grant audiences to the worthy, Jiang Huaiyu remained unbothered. For her, the visit wasn't about divine intervention but a chance to find peace and clarity amidst life's chaos.