The daily struggles of divorced women in ancient times

As the year draws closer, the weather in the capital becomes colder and colder. Except for those who go south to the south of the Yangtze River, most of the people fleeing famine gather around the capital.

Pei Yanxu had not returned home early for many days because of the resettlement of refugees, and the rumor that the prince was a disaster star was becoming more and more mysterious among the people.

Fortunately, the prince had resolved his problem and knew that it was mostly evil people who were causing trouble, so he didn't take it too seriously.

Although Xia Mianwan had made preparations early, there were too many people in the workshop. The food prepared by Xiaowu had been almost eaten up after going back and forth.

Xiao Wu said worriedly, "Sister Xia, what should we do? The grain from Jiangnan cannot be delivered right now, and our grain reserves are running out. The grain price in Beijing has increased more than five times."

Xia Mianwan had a feeling that something was wrong. "Xiao Wu, no matter what, our stored food should not be consumed so quickly. It shouldn't be at this time that it runs out. I'll take the silver first, and you can buy from the grain store in Beijing as usual. Then secretly send someone to check the account book. The grain consumed by the bookstore and Manyue Tower is not a lot. The main expenditure is still in the workshop."

Xiao Wu was a little worried. He also felt that there was something wrong with the number, so he asked someone to check it secretly. The account was filled out very balanced. If he didn't sit down and check it carefully, it would be difficult to find the loophole.

He was afraid of alerting the enemy and was in a dilemma for a moment.

Xia Mianwan thought for a moment and said, "The academy and the workshop are the two biggest expenses. I'll let Qinghe help you. Qinghe has her own way of checking accounts over the years."

Xiaowu's brows finally brightened up. Qinghe was indeed a rare expert in checking accounts around Xia Mianwan.

"Are your brothers and sisters adapting to the capital?" Xia Mianwan asked.

Since Xiaowu took over Manyue Workshop, his brothers and sisters in Yanzhou all followed him to Beijing. Xiaowu bought a two-entry courtyard next to Zhou Niangzi's house, and everyone lived together happily again.

Now, these former beggars all work in Manyue Workshop, and some have even become small managers.

"Everything is fine at home. Godmother is now taking care of Chuntao's child." Xiaowu said with a smile.

Chuntao was the first beggar to get married. She married the eldest brother of a worker in the workshop.

Xia Mianwan was very happy to hear this. She asked Hongling to take a longevity lock made of pure gold to Xiaowu. "I have been very busy these days and have not taken care of these things. Next time there is a happy event, you must let me know. You will always be my brothers and sisters. Give this longevity lock to Chuntao and tell her that this is a gift from my heart."

Xiao Wu did not refuse and said with a smile: "I will ask them to kowtow to you during the New Year."

After Xiaowu left, Xia Mianwan asked Hengwu again, "Hengwu, how is the second young lady these days?"

Heng Wu has been back to serve for a while, but Xia Mianwan instructed Heng Wu to check on Pei Yanqi every five days.

"The second young lady is doing well. She listened to my advice and saved some food. Now she is living a comfortable life on her own." Heng Wu reported.

"Has the second young lady had any contact with anyone else?" Xia Mianwan continued to ask.

Heng Wu felt that his young mistress seemed to have eyes. "Madam, it is true that there is a new family in the workshop who often visits the second young lady."

Xia Mianwan frowned, "Heng Wu, put aside the work in the mansion for the next few days and keep an eye on the second young lady. Also, keep an eye on the other people in the workshop. If anything seems wrong, remember to report to me."

"Yes, young madam." Heng Wu replied and went out.

Xia Mianwan walked to the window wearing a cloak. It was the end of November, and the capital was so cold this year, but not a single snowflake fell. People often say that auspicious snow means a good harvest, but it seems... it is not a good sign.

……

When Xia Mianwan woke up, Pei Yanxu was still sleeping beside her. She rubbed her eyes and got up. Pei Yanxu sensed Xia Mianwan's movement and woke up too.

"Sorry to have woken you up, husband." Xia Mianwan said softly.

Pei Yanxu shook his head and took Xia Mianwan's hand and said, "I won't go out today. Stay with me and sleep for a while."

Xia Mianwan then lay down again, resting her head on Pei Yanxu's hand and asked, "Is the situation very difficult?"

"There are some clues. The ones spreading the rumors are the Zhao family, the mother's family of the Third Prince, and the old rival, Duke Xu's Mansion." Pei Yanxu closed his eyes and spoke in a lazy voice. It really took him some time to investigate these things.

"The Zhao family?" The third prince is not much older than the crown prince, and they have always been well-behaved. The third prince's mother rose to the position of concubine based on her seniority, but Concubine Xu snatched the position of noble concubine away from her based on her family background.

"Yes, I was also surprised. I thought the prince's opponent was the Xu family, which had always been restless. However, I never thought that I was wrong. There was also the matter of the Zhao family involved." Pei Yanxu said.

"But... Lord Zhao's official position is only fifth rank. How can he stir up trouble?" Xia Mianwan was very puzzled. If one wanted to become an opponent at any time, the strength must be equal. Lord Zhao's strength was indeed too weak.

Pei Yanxu said with a headache: "I haven't found out anything yet, which makes me very strange, but... the strength displayed on the surface seems to be that of the Zhao family is greater than that of the Xu family."

Xia Mianwan was secretly surprised. If the family was bigger than the Xu family, then the Zhao family must have been lying dormant before.

"The prince's path is so difficult..." Xia Mianwan sighed.

Pei Yanxu patted Xia Mianwan's shoulder and said, "One general's success is based on the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers. It has always been like this since ancient times."

The two of them didn't say anything else, and suddenly Pei Yanxu asked, "What has Sister Yu been doing recently?"

"Why did you mention Sister Yu out of the blue?" Xia Mianwan had a feeling that something was wrong.

Pei Yanxu was silent for a while and said, "I just feel that... the prince treats Sister Yu a little differently."

Xia Mianwan's heart trembled. Sister Yu also had some special feelings for the prince. "Sister Yu and the prince are still young, so it should be... not possible."

Pei Yanxu said: "Although the prince has a good character and I watched him grow up, his knowledge, personality and ability are impeccable, but... I think you can't bear to part with Sister Yu."

Xia Mianwan said calmly: "It's not that I'm reluctant, it's that I don't agree."

Pei Yanxu nodded and said, "Since you don't agree, you should have told Sister Yu earlier. The children are so close now. If something happens, it will only cause more trouble."

Xia Mianwan was a little at a loss, "But if I call Sister Yu now, Sister Yu originally didn't have that intention, but now that I've said that, she seems to be interested. What should I do?"

The two of them stared at each other, at a loss for a moment.

My daughter is growing up, and there are more things to worry about...