Chарtеr 12: Еаrly Preраrations
Uрon heаring thаt his dаughtеr intеndеd to trаvеl, Оld Мaster Ji grеw concernеd. Аfter finishing his ехtеrnаl аffairs, hе hurriеd bаck to thе mаnor tо inquire.
“Yue’er.”
Ji Ruуue hаd anticipаted his visit аnd was аlrеady thinking оf how to eхрlаin. “Fаther, plеаsе sit.”
Оld Mastеr Ji toоk a seаt by the smаll couсh, his eyes fillеd with соnfusion. “Аndоng Town is neаrly а hundrеd li from Jizhou Сity. What businеss do уоu hаve thеre?”
“Fathеr, I have sоmеthing tо discuss with you. Tomorrow, I wish to visit thе Мedicine Mаnоr.”
“What?”
Old Mаstеr Ji had noticed that since the incident at the Marriage Proclamation Stage, his daughter’s temperament had changed considerably.
Though she had always been intelligent, she had previously been devoted to music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Now, she was actively involving herself in commercial affairs.
It wasn’t that Old Master Ji was unwilling, but he couldn’t bear the thought of her enduring such hardships.
In the world’s professions, merchants had always been regarded as the lowest class. He would rather his future son-in-law shoulder such responsibilities than see his own daughter endure the toil…
“Father, our Medicine Manor in Andong Town has thousands of acres of medicinal fields and five medicinal mountains. Who is in charge there?”
Hearing her question, Old Master Ji thought hard for a moment. “Manager Zhao.”
Ji Ruyue had no recollection of this person.
“Could Father bring me the account books from that location?”
“Of course.”
Considering her father’s worries, Ji Ruyue decided to be forthright. “Father, in early spring…”
She paused mid-sentence, lowering her voice further. “Jizhou will be struck by an epidemic disease. My trip is to prepare for this. Two specific herbs are of utmost importance…”
Old Master Ji’s expression turned to surprise, but he did not interrupt.
With sincere eyes, Ji Ruyue retrieved a letter from her right side. “There are also many matters in the city that require early preparation. I have listed the necessary items and hope Father will take them seriously. Additionally, the manor should hire more guards. The Ji family’s reputation is prominent, and once turmoil arises in the surroundings, we may suffer losses.”
Old Master Ji’s eyes flickered. “Where did you obtain this news? Could it be… Mr. Wang told you? Prince Rui, he…”
Ji Ruyue remained silent, offering no answer.
Old Master Ji mistakenly believed he had guessed correctly. Anxiously, he stood up and paced, then hastily opened the letter. “These are just daily necessities, but… stockpiling such a large amount of grain—is it truly safe?”
“Yes. When the time comes, grain will become extremely valuable. Many people in the city will go hungry. I know Father is kind-hearted and will surely find it unbearable.”
Ji Ruyue sighed. Others might perform acts of charity occasionally, but her father had been doing so for decades, unwavering!
Perhaps this was for the best. Through these actions, she could also help Prince Rui win the people’s hearts.
Seeing that he had listened but still harbored doubts, Ji Ruyue explained more clearly. “This epidemic originates from poultry. Chickens, ducks, and such should cease to be consumed as soon as possible. The supplies I ask Father to stockpile must be properly stored. Father must not underestimate this matter. Jizhou City will be isolated for over two months, and many surrounding villages will be left nearly empty…”
Old Master Ji slumped into his seat, now fully convinced. “How could something so dreadful happen! If Prince Rui already knows of this, why hasn’t he taken preventive measures earlier?”
Ji Ruyue shook her head helplessly. “How could he prevent it? For many village households, poultry is essential for survival. Who would willingly abandon them without cause?”
Ji Ruyue poured a cup of tea for Old Master Ji. “I will depart for Andong Town tomorrow. Father need not worry.”
Old Master Ji now understood the gravity of the situation—not a single detail could be neglected.
“Shall I accompany you?””No need. The New Year’s festivities are nearly over, and the day after tomorrow is when the merchant guild sets its itinerary. Father must be too busy to leave.” Ji Ruyue softly declined.
Old Master Ji frowned and agreed, “Alright, then I’ll arrange more guards for you.”
“Very well, I’ll listen to Father.”