Chapter Thirty-Two: Controlling the Salt Supply

"How could you blame Xiuxiu for this? It was my idea. Your sister has suffered for years away from home..." Mother Han's voice trembled with emotion.

The last time she saw her daughter, the traces of time had worn her face so much that her memory could barely recall it. Han Qing understood the depth of his mother's concern.

But to bring his sister back without any reason, if word got out, how could she stand tall in the Liu family in the future? His mother was acting out of anxiety; she had always been steady and prudent, but this time she was somewhat rash.

"What reason could I use to bring my sister here? Should I say her husband's family no longer wants her?"

Mother Han was struck by the reality.

"My son, I was foolish for a moment and nearly harmed her. Yet I can't bear to let your sister continue living in that misery. Tie Niu abuses her constantly; she endured for years, but she must not anymore."

Han Qing nodded. He already had a plan.

Now that Liu Tie Niu had exposed himself, frequenting gambling dens and associating with unsavory outsiders, his reputation was already tarnished. A little push would ruin him further. Even if his sister later wished to withdraw her request for divorce, she would not be blamed.

Especially in times like these, criticism against women was severe.

"Good, as long as you know what you're doing. The Han family will rely on you from now on!"

The old lady waved her hand, refusing to involve herself.

"Xiuxiu, keep your mother company. She's lonely, I suppose."

Jiang Xiuxiu nodded, nearly forgetting the important matter she had been planning.

She’d had a rough idea about refining coarse salt last time, but the process proved difficult, especially with the slander from the noble families. She needed a solution that would satisfy all sides.

Through her investigation, she found that ordinary people wishing to buy salt had to go through the Bai family. The second young master of the Bai family controlled the salt tax and distribution channels. This year’s harvest was meager, and the official salt supply was low. Most people struggled to fill their stomachs and lacked energy for work. Even if they had money, salt was rationed.

"In this sweltering heat, walking just a few steps is exhausting!" Master Zhu remarked unexpectedly.

He assumed the weather was to blame, and while that played a part, the main cause was the people's insufficient salt intake. The sun evaporated their sweat, and their bodies absorbed even less.

"Has your food been unsatisfactory lately?"

"There’s no shortage, but I hear the Bai family has tightened salt controls. My people bought half as much as last month," Master Zhu sighed.

It was unavoidable; the Bai family controlled the lifeblood of the entire Northern County’s economy.

"True, but I have a solution," Han Qing said, mysterious.

"What solution? Selling illicit salt is a crime, Han, you mustn't take risks," Master Zhu exclaimed, alarmed.

"I would never touch illegal dealings," Han Qing replied coldly, though he concealed his true intentions.

"I recall there's a Clearwater Lake outside our county?"

"Yes, the scenery there is beautiful. I once tasted the lake water when thirsty—it was rather bitter."

He answered honestly.

"That’s good."

Such vague words, none seemed to connect.

"I came to bring you someone. Remember Su Pei whom we spoke of days ago?"

Master Zhu had little interest in other matters, so he hurried to state his purpose.

"Bring him in then."

"He’s already gone to your storybook shop, probably meeting your manager."

"In that case, let them get acquainted."

He appeared unconcerned, which was odd. Only days ago he had been anxious, but now, with everything settled, he was calm.

"Are you sure your manager is reliable?"

"Though he seems idle, he's skilled at observing people."

That was why he valued Er Zhuang. Having lived on the streets, he’d seen all kinds, and could judge a person’s competence at a glance. Han Qing didn’t need to interfere at the shop; now, he needed to visit Clearwater Lake.

"I haven't seen much of Northern County’s scenery myself. Why not visit Clearwater Lake?"

Ah?

Had he really become so refined? Master Zhu was puzzled, but curiosity drove him to follow.

The place was tranquil, truly captivating.

Han Qing fetched a vessel and filled it with lake water.

"You’re not planning to use this water to nurture lotus flowers, are you?"

He was momentarily stunned. The lotuses in Tinglan Courtyard’s lake were famed far and wide—perhaps Clearwater Lake’s water would work wonders.

"Not exactly. I just want to solve a mystery."

Master Zhu couldn't fathom what use the lake water could have.

After returning home, Han Qing quickly began refining the water, drying and separating it. After three days, a large quantity of solid chunks appeared.

Xiuxiu saw the blocks outside the study and was puzzled, thinking they might have fallen from somewhere.

"Husband, did you mean to keep these blocks outside your study, or are they leftover rubbish from the roof?"

She asked, needing to clarify, lest the servants mistake them for waste and dispose of them.

"I’ve been studying these recently. Tell the servants to be careful."

Though she didn’t understand, she respected her husband’s actions.

"Alright."

Over the following week, Han Qing didn’t leave home and avoided all visitors. His mother assumed he was engrossed in his studies and wanted to advise him, but Jiang Xiuxiu stopped her.

"Mother, he is a man of principle. He must be working hard to solve something. Let’s not disturb him."

"You’re right. I was being narrow-minded."

Such a sensible wife truly saved him much unnecessary trouble.