Chapter 3: Baiteng County

The alternate Great Jin Dynasty she transmigrated into was equivalent to the Song and Ming periods in her original timeline. The cultivation, planting, picking, and processing of tea trees were far behind the advanced modern techniques. She had many opinions about the Ye family’s tea garden.

However, haste makes waste. If someone who rarely visited the tea mountains suddenly started talking about tea tree cultivation in detail, the Ye family would surely think she was possessed.

Moreover, there are priorities. Tea tree cultivation is a long-term matter, but Meng Chengwei’s infiltration and influence on the Ye family are immediate. He appeared before Ye Chongming and Ye Jiaxing today, and the calamities of the Ye family’s eldest and fourth sons are imminent. For now, it’s best to handle the family’s affairs and get through this crisis first.

…

In Baiteng County, at the Rugu Inn, Meng Chengwei lazily got up, washed up with the help of a servant, and sat at the table.

Since the Ye family’s steward specially sent Meng Chengwei over last night, knowing that he had saved the owner’s nephew, the innkeeper had been very enthusiastic towards him.

Upon hearing from the staff that Meng Chengwei had gotten up, the innkeeper personally brought a sumptuous breakfast.

Meng Chengwei invited him to join for breakfast, but the innkeeper declined. Meng Chengwei then asked, “What interesting places are there around here?”

The innkeeper listed the local attractions, tea houses, and theaters, then humbly said, “Our small place doesn’t have much to offer. It’s not like the capital, which has everything. These really can’t compare to what you have in the capital.”

When the steward sent Meng Chengwei over last night, he mentioned that Meng Chengwei and his party were from the capital.

The innkeeper’s enthusiasm was partly due to giving face to the Ye family and partly out of respect for someone from the capital.

Meng Liang, a relative of Meng Chengwei, was only half a month younger than him. Although they were from the same clan, their family situations differed vastly. Meng Liang’s family could barely make ends meet. He was clever and good at flattering people, making Meng Chengwei very fond of him. This time, Meng Chengwei brought him to Jiangnan, intending to groom him as his right-hand man.

After all, sometimes a relative’s status is more convenient than a servant’s for handling matters.

When Meng Chengwei met Ye Jiaxing yesterday, he mentioned that he was from the capital. As for his identity, he didn’t say, planning to reveal it gradually during a meal at the Ye family. However, Old Master Ye sent him away without even offering a meal, leaving Meng Chengwei frustrated.

Seizing the opportunity, Meng Liang said, “Don’t mention the local theater to our master. Our family’s aunt is Consort Min, and our master has been in and out of the palace since he was a child, having heard many palace performances. The local theater can’t compare.”

“Liang, you shouldn’t speak like that,” Meng Chengwei said sternly, trying to establish his image. “Big places have their own charm, and small places have their own interests. Theaters are the same, regardless of status!”

Meng Liang quickly stood up and listened respectfully, “Yes, master.”

Last night, the Ye family’s steward had also conveyed Old Master Ye’s order to the innkeeper, asking him to inquire about Meng Chengwei’s background.

Hearing Meng Liang’s boast, the innkeeper felt like he had found a pillow when he was sleepy.

Smiling, the innkeeper flattered, “I apologize for my ignorance. It’s a great honor to meet a royal family member.”

He then asked, “Where are you currently employed, Master Meng? Are you here on official business?”

“It’s nothing special, just handling some business on behalf of the royal family,” Meng Chengwei said modestly.

The innkeeper was shocked and quickly bowed, “Ah, my apologies.”

In the Great Jin Dynasty, royal merchants had royal backgrounds; they appointed by the emperor, managing state-owned industries with official status. Some high-ranking royal merchants even held official titles of fifth rank or higher, and their businesses and positions could be inherited.

Although the Great Jin Dynasty valued agriculture over commerce, the status of royal merchants differed entirely from that of ordinary merchants. Some royal merchants were even more powerful than regular officials. The innkeeper’s shock and respect were genuine.

Seeing the innkeeper’s reaction, Meng Chengwei felt as if he had drunk ice water on a hot summer day, feeling refreshed from head to toe, and his frustration dissipated.

This was how it should be. How could these lowly commoners not show respect upon hearing the term “royal merchant”? The Ye family’s treatment of him yesterday was simply because they didn’t know his identity.

Since the Rugu Inn was run by Ye Jiaxing’s uncle, his identity as a royal merchant would soon reach the Ye family’s ears. He didn’t need to do anything but wait here.

By the latest, the Ye family would come with generous gifts, humbly and respectfully apologizing to him. At that time, he could manipulate the Ye family as he pleased.

Thinking this, his mood improved even more.

After the innkeeper left, Meng Chengwei finished his meal. Meng Liang asked, “Master, where are we going today?”

Meng Chengwei finished his last sip of porridge, took the handkerchief handed by the servant, and slowly wiped his mouth and hands. “No rush, let’s stay here for half a day or a day.”

Meng Liang didn’t understand but didn’t dare to ask more.

His cousin’s temperament was the most unpredictable. You could ask him anything when he was in a good mood, and he might even joke with you. But when he was in a bad mood, he would turn against you without hesitation. Although his expression wasn’t as bad as it was in the morning, it was still best not to provoke him.

The innkeeper didn’t disappoint Meng Chengwei. After leaving, he sent a message to the owner, Tao Liyang.

Tao Liyang, Ye Jiaxing’s uncle, had planned to visit his injured nephew today. Even if his nephew had been sent back to Lin’an City, he should still pay his respects to Old Master Ye. He hadn’t left yet, waiting for news from the innkeeper.

Upon learning that Meng Chengwei was a royal merchant, he was shocked and immediately rode up the mountain to find Old Master Ye.

“Royal merchant?” Old Master Ye frowned upon hearing Meng Chengwei’s identity, then waved his hand, “No matter, we didn’t offend him last night.”

He looked at Tao Liyang, “This person is not trustworthy. Don’t get too close. Just treat him well and don’t offend him. Don’t get involved in anything else.”

He was worried that Tao Liyang, being young, would want to associate with Meng Chengwei because of his royal merchant status.

Building connections was important, but it depended on the person. Associating with someone of poor character could bring disaster to the family.

Tao Liyang was puzzled, “I heard that Young Master Meng saved Jiaxing yesterday?”

If he could save someone, his character shouldn’t be too bad, right?