Beast Gold Charcoal

The capital city.

It snowed heavily last night, and when I woke up this morning, the yard was covered in a blanket of white, with a thin layer of snow covering the flowerbeds and the flagstone ground.

My aunt was awakened in the morning by a burst of silvery laughter.

She instinctively nudged her husband beside her, only to find that he had already gotten up and gone to work.

Auntie frowned her delicate brows, sat up in the warm quilt, and stretched her waist. The charcoal fire in the room was blazing, and the maid sleeping in the bedroom would add some animal-gold charcoal every hour.

This charcoal doesn't produce any smoke when burned; instead, it has the fresh scent of pine branches.

This winter was exceptionally cold. Princess Chang, showing her compassion for Xu Xinnian, a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy, specially ordered someone to send him thirty catties of imperial charcoal. Princess Lin'an, also showing her appreciation for Xu Xinnian's diligent and meritorious service, specially ordered someone to send him thirty catties of charcoal as well.

So my aunt started using these luxuries that only royalty could enjoy.

The aunt was very happy and praised Xu Erlang during the meal, saying that his ten years of hard study had finally paid off, and that he had not only won the appreciation of the prime minister, but also received such attention from the two princesses.

Second Uncle Xu laughed at his aunt, saying she was still too young. He explained that when a princess bestows gifts upon someone for the emperor, it was important to have a legitimate reason for it, Xu Household only had one Erlang was worthy of such a title.

Erlang was merely a tool used by the two princesses to protect the Xu Household.

Of course, Second Uncle Xu wouldn't tell Aunt these things.

"Noisy and disruptive."

The beautiful woman wore only a thin undergarment, her dark hair was disheveled, and with her dazed expression, she had a touch of girlish innocence.

Auntie pushed open the door with a bang, and a cold wind rushed in. She shivered, and her last bit of sleepiness vanished instantly.

However, the scene before her made her forget even the cold.

In the courtyard, two girls, one big and one small, were rolling around on the ground, leaving tracks in the snow.

Lina said, "This is snow. It's the first time I've ever seen snow in my life."

Xu Lingyin said, "This is the many times I've seen snow in my life."

The two were covered in snowflakes, looking like two snowmen.

"Xu Lingyin!"

Auntie screamed.

Anyone who dares to do this in this freezing weather is either a fool or courting death.

The little boy was startled, raised his head, glanced at his aunt, and shouted:

"Oh no, Mother has spotted us! We'd better get out of here!"

Lina quickly replied, "Okay."

Then the two of them rolled away.

Xu Lingyue woke up naturally and had already heard her silly younger sister and her silly master making a fuss outside, but she just ignored it.

I'm going to the Prince's mansion today and need to deal with the ladies there, so I need to dress up nicely.

"Young Miss, what clothes should we wear to the Wang family today?" The maid tilted her head, pretending to think.

"Dress simply. The Wang family is used to being wealthy. If we dress up in fancy clothes, they might secretly laugh at us for being from a humble family and just showing off."

Xu Lingyue doing her makeup in front of the mirror. In the bronze mirror, the young girl had an oval face, big eyes, and very three-dimensional features. She was both delicate and beautiful.

She wore a light blue jacket, a fluffy silk skirt, and a brocade cape with fur trim. On her jade-like feet were a pair of sheepskin boots embroidered with gold cloud patterns.

It doesn't appear gaudy, yet it exudes the elegance of a well-bred lady.

"Take my things with you."

"Okay," the maid replied crisply.

She immediately left the room with her maid and had breakfast in the inner hall. By this time, Xu Lingyin had changed into clean clothes and taken a hot bath.

The little one still had her usual topknot, looking like two little buns, but now that she was wearing a pretty little dress, she looked quite like a lady.

Standing next to her elegant and refined older sister, she could only be described as cute, albeit barely.

Auntie glanced at the water drain in the living room and urged:

"It's time to set off, Erlang. Remember to take good care of your sisters. Lingyue, don't always act like you can be bullied by anyone. You're not just representing yourself now, you're representing the Xu Household."

"Lingyin, when you get to the Wang family, don't be greedy for food, and don't cause trouble, understand?"

Today is a day off, Xu Erlang is going to the Wang family to discuss matters with Chief Minister Wang, accompanied by his sisters.

The three siblings put down their bowls and chopsticks, rinsed their mouths with salt water, left the Xu Residence, and boarded their carriage.

The driver carefully and slowly made his way along the wet, icy streets.

It takes about 15 minutes to get from the Xu Household to the Wang family's house, but because the road was slippery and difficult to travel, it took half an hour to arrive.

Xu Erlang jumped down from the carriage, turned around and helped Xu Lingyue down, while Xu Lingyin had already jumped down from the other end.

Led by the steward, the three siblings went straight into the depths of the Prince's mansion.

In the bedroom, Chief Minister Wang stood by the screen, while his wife and maids helped him change his clothes.

"I remember Simu saying that the Xu Household lady is not someone to be trifled with. The eldest son's wife is snobbish, and the second son's wife is petty. When you meet her later, keep an eye on things and make sure nothing unpleasant happens."

The chief minister said.

"They're not so easily fooled; they know how to handle things," Madam Wang said with a smile.

She was somewhat surprised that the old man cared about such trivial matters.

"Master, Lord Xu has arrived," a servant announced loudly from outside the door.

"Please ask him to go to the study."

The Grand Secretary glanced at himself in the bronze mirror, smoothed the folds in his robes, and looked at Madam Wang, asking, "Have the gifts been prepared?"

Madam Wang nodded with a smile.

Inside the hall, Wang Simu held a teacup, savoring the fragrant tea while listening to his two sisters-in-law's incessant chatter.

My sister-in-law's name is Li Xianghan. Her father is a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue. He is not a high-ranking official, but he is involved with money, so he is somewhat snobbish.

The second sister-in-law's name is Zhao Yurong. Her father's official position is even lower; he is only the registrar of the Dali Temple.

Logically speaking, someone with such a family background shouldn't be able to associate with the Wang family, even though the second brother is a businessman with a low social standing.

There are two related stories behind this. Wang Zhenwen's official career was full of ups and downs. Before he rose to prominence, he experienced several low points, one of which was when he was framed by his political enemies and imprisoned.

Zhao Yurong's father was working at the Dali Temple at the time and had a good relationship with Wang Zhenwen. He spent money to bribe officials and smooth things over, and they eventually made it through.

Li Xianghan's father, the eldest sister-in-law, also showed Wang Zhenwen similar kindness.

Therefore, after Wang Zhenwen rose to prominence, his two sisters-in-law married into the Wang family.

Sister-in-law Li Xianghan said:

"Simu, when you went to the Xu Residence last time, did the matriarch of the Xu Household set any rules for you?"

Wang Simu shook his head.

Second sister-in-law Zhao Yurong glanced at her and smiled:

"I suppose so. Didn't you say that the matriarch of the Xu Household is very capable? Simu, don't be shy about saying it. When a new daughter-in-law enters the family, the mother-in-law always has to set rules."

"When my sister-in-law and I entered the family, we were also scolded by our mother-in-law. But you are different from us. You are the daughter of the Wang family. If you marry Xu Erlang, it will be a marriage down from your station."

"Xu Erlang's meteoric rise is all thanks to our Wang family. Once you join the Xu Household, you'll be able to do whatever you want. This time, we need to set some rules for Miss Xu Household and let her know the difference between the Xu Household and Wang families."

"It's not even certain who sets the rules for whom yet. You guys think you can compete with that girl Xu Lingyue?" Wang Simu muttered to himself, shaking his head.

"There's no need for that. Lingyue is very clever; there's no need to provoke her."

Sister-in-law Li Xianghan, speaking with the air of someone who's been through it all, revealed a smug smile:

"Simu is inexperienced. Before the wedding, the women of both families visit each other to build relationships, but more importantly, it's a way for them to test each other. As the mother-in-law, didn't you have such thoughts in your mind?"

"We'll take everything that Xu Household saw and heard here today back to Xu Household. We'll give her a little warning, so that Xu Household won't bully you in the future."

The relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law has always been characterized by "open and covert struggles."

What they were fighting for was the power of the steward.

The more wealthy the family, the fiercer the struggle for control over finances and household affairs.

"This... isn't that inappropriate?"

Wang Simu suppressed the urge to raise the corners of his mouth and frowned.

The eldest sister-in-law laughed and said, "Don't worry, we sisters-in-law know what we're doing."

Wang Simu said helplessly, "Fine, since it's a customary rule, let's go along with what my two sisters-in-law think."

As she spoke, she picked up her teacup, mimicking a drinking gesture to conceal the slight upturn of her lips.

Regardless of the feelings between the two families, there is always a "game" between them when the two families arrange a marriage.

The mother-in-law sets rules for her future daughter-in-law, while the daughter-in-law's family demonstrates a profound sense of tradition, "warning" the husband's family to treat their daughter well.

That's just human nature.

Seeing how enthusiastic her two sisters-in-law were, Wang Simu was immediately relieved.

Last time I visited the Xu Household, that brat Xu Lingyue caused a lot of trouble. She did one thing, and Wang Simu did another.

As they were talking, a pair of sisters walked in from outside the hall. The younger sister was not even as tall as the older sister's waist. She was being led by the hand and was a rather naive little girl.

As for the older sister, she caught the eyes of her two sisters-in-law. She was wearing a brocade cloak with fur trim, sheepskin boots, and her neatly trimmed bangs made her small face look pretty and charming.

She gives the impression of being delicate, gentle, and a girl from a modest family.

The moment the two sisters-in-law of the Wang family saw Xu Lingyue, they knew they had her cornered. This kind of sheltered young lady from a poor family who had never seen the world would probably be trembling with fear and at a loss if they showed the slightest displeasure.

If you ask her a slightly tricky question, she'll pout and fidget with her little hands.

It's really boring to bully a little girl like that.

As for the simple-minded child, he was naturally ignored by his two sisters-in-law.

"Lingyue is here."

Wang Simu stood up to greet them, introducing, "This is my eldest sister-in-law, and this is my second sister-in-law. Lingyue, please address her as I would."

Xu Lingyue said softly, "Lingyue greets both of you sisters-in-law."

Sister-in-law Li Xianghan laughed and said, "What a beautiful girl! I wonder which young master will be able to marry our Lingyue in the future."

Xu Lingyue smiled demurely, lowered her head, and said, "Lingyin, quickly call her sister-in-law."

Xu Lingyin raised her head, her two light eyebrows furrowing. "Why are they also sisters-in-law? Are they also going to marry Second Brother?"

The four women's faces suddenly froze.

Second sister-in-law Zhao Yurong immediately looked at Xu Lingyue, and seeing that her face was flushed, she forgot to scold her younger sister, and could only laugh awkwardly:

"Children speak without restraint, children speak without restraint."

Wang Simu glanced at Xu Lingyue and smiled calmly:

"Mother should be up by now, let's go and pay our respects to her."

This is to take the Xu Household sisters to see the old lady.

Led by Wang Simu, the group walked deeper into the palace, passing through corridors and courtyards, until they arrived at a large room.

Inside the room were two soft couches covered with fluffy, warm wool blankets. On the couches were small square tables, on which were dried fruits, jerky, candied fruit, pastries, and other snacks.

On the soft couch to the left sat Wang Zhenwen's first wife, Madam Wang.

Although Mrs. Wang is over fifty, she is very well-maintained. She is neither too fat nor too thin, Qi and Blood, and the fine crow's feet at the corners of her eyes add to her charm accumulated over the years.

"Mother!"

"Mother-in-law!"

"Madam!"

The women all bowed, but Xu Lingyin was somewhat reserved; she wasn't used to this atmosphere.

The little one grew up in a carefree environment, without many rules or constraints.

Madam Wang nodded kindly, her gaze falling on the faces of the Xu Household sisters.

"Is this Xu Household?"

Lady Wang recalled Xu Erlang's unparalleled handsome appearance, then looked at Xu Lingyue's elegant and charming appearance, pondered for a moment, and smiled, "The two sisters each have their own merits."

After saying that, he gestured for them to sit down.

Sister-in-law Li Xianghan took a sip of hot tea, sighed, and started a conversation:

"This damn weather! At this time last year, I felt suffocated even with the charcoal fire burning all night. Now, if it doesn't burn all night, I'll freeze to death."

Second sister-in-law Zhao Yurong chimed in, "Who says otherwise?"

At that moment, she noticed the little boy staring blankly at the half-person-high charcoal stove, which was burning smokeless animal-gold charcoal.

This child has probably never seen this kind of smokeless charcoal before. Sister-in-law Er's heart stirred, and she smiled:

"That's why His Majesty bestowed ten catties of beast-shaped charcoal upon our palace. This kind of charcoal has no smoke smell and even has a pleasant fragrance when burned."

The second sister-in-law glanced at Xu Lingyue with a sense of superiority, only to find that she was smiling and had no reaction.

Perhaps they don't know what beast-gold charcoal is? The second sister-in-law added, "It's something for imperial use."

Holding a candied fruit in her hand, Xu Lingyin said loudly, "We have some at home too."

In the study.

The Grand Secretary sat behind his desk, holding a teacup in his hands, the lid gently tapping the rim of the cup, listening to his future son-in-law's report.

"Your Excellency, this winter will surely be difficult for the people, especially those in areas that have suffered from drought and floods. How will the local people survive this winter?"

Xu Xinnian passionately declared, "I submitted a memorial to Your Majesty requesting an investigation of granaries across the country to prepare for disaster relief funding in advance. Why did you withhold my memorial?"

The Grand Secretary listened patiently, took a sip of tea, and said:

" To Cijiu, an official who aspires to great things must first broaden his horizons and see the big picture in order to plan ahead. You only see the hardships the people are going through this winter, but you fail to see the difficulties the court is facing."

He put down his teacup and pushed a stack of memorials in front of Xu Xinnian. "Take a look, these are memorials from the Ministry of Revenue."

Xu Xinnian unfolded the document, read it quickly, and his expression changed drastically.

The Grand Secretary sighed, "The imperial court is out of money."

Xu Xinnian murmured, "How could this be?"

"The late emperor spent twenty years wreaking havoc, leaving the national treasury empty. Beneath the glitz and glamour, the foundation of the Great Feng Dynasty was already crumbling. Several months ago, 120,000 troops were sent to support the Yao barbarians, Wei Yuan led 100,000 troops to capture Jingshan City."

"Although it was a great victory, the supplies of provisions, warhorses, and equipment all consumed a lot of money. With such a weak nation, the cost of supporting a war of that scale was unimaginable."

The Grand Secretary Wang stretched out his hands, brought them close to the charcoal stove, and while warming his cold hands, said:

"We could have managed to hold on and get through this year. We thought we could stabilize things by next autumn's harvest. But man proposes, God disposes. In all my decades of life, I have never experienced such a harsh winter."

The court was plagued by deep-seated problems, natural disasters were frequent, and the national treasury was empty. Xu Xinnian mess, asked, "Is there any way to save the situation?"

The chief minister stared at the stove, remaining silent for a long time.

"Time," he said.

After a long silence, Chief Minister Wang continued, "If cooking fish is too troublesome, it will fall apart; if governing the people is too troublesome, they will scatter. If you know how to cook fish, you know how to govern the people. If there are no external threats, time can heal all wounds."

Xu Xinnian whispered, "What if there's external trouble?"

The Grand Chancellor of the Great Feng of Dafeng then asked, "Is there any news about him?"

Xu Xinnian knew who Chief Minister Wang was referring to, and shook his head. "So far, my elder brother has not sent any letter back to his residence."

P. S.: I'll be writing the next chapter after midnight.