Chapter 167: Charitable and Philanthropic
Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Charitable and Philanthropic
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"The truly capable do not contend; the truly eloquent do not debate."
Chancellor Cao sighed with emotion as he was leaving.
A woman so aware of the bigger picture, who knew when to advance and retreat, and even concerned herself with the war and the people’s livelihood—how could Chancellor Cao not see her in a special light?
Leaving the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Liang Wan tightened her cloak. She watched the snowflakes melt the moment they touched the ground, her lips curling into a soft, dismissive smile.
’Everyone is just after their own interests, that’s all.’
The war had been at a stalemate for half a year, dragging on from late autumn to the dead of winter, and from winter into early spring.
Supplies were scarce at the front, and the epidemic outside the city walls raged on.
Donations of funds and goods came in wave after wave, but the war was like a bottomless pit that could never be filled. Over time, it wasn’t just the common people who were grumbling; even high officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants were full of complaints and resentment.
Gu Yu glanced at the clothes and valuables that had been packed for donation and couldn’t help but sigh.
"It’s so hard just waiting in the city every day. I really don’t know how the Master and the others are enduring it."
Liang Wan set down her teacup and looked at her with a smile.
Gu Yu continued, "Even though Jinye City still has enough supplies, it’s nothing like it used to be. And then there’s Lu Yang... they were already short on food and clothing. One can only imagine how miserable it is there."
After finishing her count, Bai Lu also sighed. "In the end, it’s all to defend Daqi and protect their families. Otherwise, who would be willing to die on the battlefield?"
Liang Wan remained silent.
’Not everyone sees it that way.’
’It’s understandable for the common people to complain. After all, their perspectives and aspirations are different. Besides, to them, it doesn’t make much of a difference who sits on the throne.’
’But for the Imperial Family, the powerful, and the aristocratic families to be so dissatisfied is truly improper. They enjoy so many privileges, yet...’
Liang Wan stood up and glanced at her maids. "Let’s go. Lady Cao is probably already waiting at the gate."
Gu Yu and Bai Lu exchanged a look.
Liang Wan took a few steps, but the two of them didn’t move.
"Liang Ji," Gu Yu began hesitantly, "isn’t Lady Cao a guest? Why are we letting her meddle in the mansion’s affairs?"
Without turning around, Liang Wan said with a faint smile, "Isn’t it better to have an extra person helping with miscellaneous tasks?"
But at this, Bai Lu also spoke up. "The way I see it, this is no longer just ’helping’."
Liang Wan turned to face them. "Has the Grandmaster tried to stop her behavior?"
Gu Yu shook her head.
Bai Lu paused, then sighed.
Liang Wan smiled. "Let’s go."
’This is the Master’s Mansion, a place where the Lu Family calls the shots. I am nothing more than an outsider.’
’If Lu Xiu hadn’t insisted, what difference would one more or one less woman make to them?’
’For prominent and powerful clans, interests have always been paramount.’
’The Grandmaster may not have any other sons, but doesn’t he still have several concubines?’
As expected, by the time Liang Wan reached the front courtyard, Cao Luyun had already ordered people to load the donated goods onto the carriages.
She turned around and stood at the entrance, poised and noble, a smile in her eyes. "We were just waiting for you."
It was just like the day she and Lu Xiu had returned to the mansion after their recovery—she was acting just like the lady of the house.
Liang Wan met her gaze and walked forward. "You’ve always been so charitable."
Cao Luyun was indeed passionate about philanthropy and good deeds.
Just as Liang Wan was about to leave with her, Gu Yu stepped forward. "Liang Ji, perhaps it would be best if you didn’t go out for the next few days."
The moment she finished speaking, everyone was taken aback.
Bai Lu, standing behind her, secretly tugged at the corner of her sleeve.
Liang Wan tilted her head and asked with a smile, "Why is that?"
Gu Yu took a step forward, subtly avoiding Bai Lu’s hand. Her expression was respectful, but her voice was full of confidence.
"There are rumors spreading through the city recently. The Master specifically mentioned in his letter that they could be disadvantageous to you, Liang Ji. He said it would be best not to go out if you can avoid it and that you needn’t worry about empty fame."
After speaking, she lowered her gaze.
But the atmosphere turned cold for a moment.
Cao Luyun looked as if she had just been slapped in public. She stood stunned for a long moment, her body rigid, her expression even more so.
Liang Wan raised an eyebrow, looking only at Gu Yu. "I had no idea."
Gu Yu didn’t dare to look up. She had to write and send a letter to the Master at the front lines every so often.
She hadn’t intended to let Liang Ji know about this, but she truly couldn’t stand seeing this woman from the Cao Family acting so arrogant and overstepping her bounds.
’It was impulsive, yes. At worst, I’ll be punished by Liang Ji, but the Master definitely won’t punish me.’
Gu Yu stated simply, "The Master is worried about you, Liang Ji."
Bai Lu glanced at Cao Luyun, then at the neither servile nor overbearing Gu Yu, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
Liang Wan lowered her eyes and sighed inwardly.
Cao Luyun slowly composed herself and put on a gentle smile again. "The Grand Commandant may be in Lu Yang, but his heart is in Jinye."
Liang Wan’s pupils contracted, and the sideways glance she cast was ice-cold.
When she looked up again, she offered a faint smile. "But of course. If not for the Emperor and for Jinye, why would he need to go to battle and kill the enemy? Wouldn’t it be better to stay here and enjoy a life of comfort?"
With that, she turned to Gu Yu and said, "Let’s go."
She didn’t spare another glance for anyone else.
Cao Luyun was left standing there, her smile strained.
In the carriage, Liang Wan remained silent, in no mood to deal with the person staring at her from across the way.
’The rumors about that "jinx" have been spreading through Jinye City again lately. For Lu Xiu to know about them all the way in Lu Yang... it’s possible Gu Yu reported it, but if not, then the rumors must be circulating at the front lines as well.’
’Lady Yurui, the Great General’s concubine, is a jinx who has brought natural disasters and calamities upon the Qi Country... It’s hard to imagine how morale and military discipline would not be affected at the battlefront and in the camps. What kind of consequences would that lead to?’
Liang Wan’s gaze slowly shifted to the window, the scenery outside falling far behind.
’Others only see the lulls in the fighting, but they have no idea how much he has to scheme behind the scenes.’
’And then there’s the Empress Dowager. It’s impossible to describe the feeling... his mother’s clan killed his father, and even had him executed by being torn apart by five horses...’
’She remembered asking him about his birth mother once. He had said she was dead.’
Liang Wan’s mind felt chaotic, and a heavy tightness constricted her chest.
"Liang Ji?"
A soft voice suddenly sounded by her ear.
Liang Wan turned her head to see Gu Yu blinking her almond-shaped eyes at her in confusion, while Cao Luyun, beside her, was staring at her, deep in thought.
Gu Yu whispered, "We’re here."
Liang Wan gave a slight nod, composed her thoughts, and stepped out of the carriage.
Besides the fundraising points set up by the government, there was also "Futian Square," which was organized by the monasteries.
They hadn’t arrived particularly early, but there still weren’t many people around.
At first, with nothing better to do, the ladies of the great houses would compete with one another, each trying to out-donate the last. But gradually, they grew lazy and neglectful. After all, these donation drives were held extremely frequently, and they required giving up real wealth, so in the end, they became reluctant and half-hearted participants.
Cao Luyun was passionate about this matter, so she was the one who took the lead in registering the items donated by the Master’s Mansion. Liang Wan simply found a quiet spot to wait.
On a donation day, it seemed perfectly reasonable for the Great General’s Wife to be bustling about.
"Tsk, look at her. Every time she comes, she just has to stand right there, as if she’s afraid no one will see her."
The person next to her covered their mouth and snickered. "She’s not here to donate, she’s clearly here to show off!"
"Well, she has to show off, doesn’t she? Think about it, who are we all working so hard to donate for? Isn’t it all for her man?"
"True, true—"
"Speaking of which, you have to praise the lady from the Cao Family. You have to admire her from the bottom of your heart. She is the Prime Minister’s daughter, after all. So magnanimous and poised. Not only does she tolerate a favored concubine who eclipses the main wife, but she still does what needs to be done, and can even smile at her."
The other person scoffed. "You can say that again. If it were me, I’d have that concubine flogged until her skin split open!"
...
Gu Yu glanced at Cao Luyun’s departing back, then at the group of women nearby who thought they were whispering discreetly. She lowered her head and said, "Liang Ji, perhaps you should wait in the carriage."
An unconscious smile touched Liang Wan’s lips, and she shook her head.