Swords, spears, armor, horses, none could be dispensed with.
Yet, these were resources controlled solely by the court and the Ministry of War. Xiao Yan could not openly claim them for private use, and acquiring them through other means would require an astronomical sum of money.
But if they had an iron mine in their possession, one with substantial output, and established workshops for smelting and forging, they would no longer need to rely on others. From then on, they could be self-sufficient.
With this, her brother would have far greater confidence in facing future conflicts.
Tang Ning’s thoughts raced as she composed herself, her expression turning serious. “Madam Cui, you must understand the principle of not accepting rewards without merit.”
Madam Cui replied, “As I said, this is a gesture of atonement from my husband and me to Lord Xiao.”
Tang Ning fixed her gaze on her. “The Cui family has already paid its price, a sum sufficient to erase Cui Lin’s treachery that night. If we accept this as well, it would be sheer greed.”
As Madam Cui opened her mouth to respond, Tang Ning’s voice grew slightly heavier.
“Madam Cui, I admit this offer is tempting, and my brother would surely appreciate it. Had we known the Cui family was willing to part with such a thing, my brother might have forgone the compensation Master Liang arranged on your behalf. But since he has already accepted the Cui family’s gold, there is no justification for taking more.”
“Without trust, one cannot stand. If this is merely to atone for Cui Lin’s actions, you should take it back.”
Madam Cui observed Tang Ning’s earnest expression, realizing she was not jesting. If she couldn’t provide a compelling reason, no matter how enticing the iron mine’s benefits, the Princess of Xiangning would likely refuse it today.
After a moment’s hesitation, Madam Cui gritted her teeth and said, “You’re astute, Princess. You’re right, this iron mine isn’t just for atonement. I have a request for you and Lord Xiao.”
Tang Ning, unsurprised, said, “Speak.”
Madam Cui declared, “I want my husband to become the head of the Cui family.”
Tang Ning was momentarily stunned, then heard the young woman continue.
“My father is old and muddled, long having forgotten the honor of a noble family. His shameful dealings with the Xuan Qin clan show no remorse, dragging the entire Cui family’s reputation through the mud, leaving our sons and daughters unable to hold their heads high.”
“As long as he remains head of the family, this disgrace will be mentioned daily. Moreover, his vendetta against Lord Xiao drives him to scheme tirelessly, filling me with unease. I offer this iron mine as a token of gratitude, hoping Lord Xiao will help my husband take control of the Cui family as soon as possible.”
Tang Ning hadn’t expected this to be Madam Cui’s motive. She frowned. “Master Cui is the eldest legitimate son. The Cui family will naturally be his in time.”
“I know, but I don’t want to wait.”
Perhaps because Tang Ning’s earlier words made her realize that half-truths wouldn’t suffice, Madam Cui spoke gravely.
“My father lost his official post and lies ill, yet he clings to control of the Cui family. The Xuan family, exploiting his illicit ties with Xuan Qin, keeps hਸ
System: hounding us. Even when we were forced to agree to his release, he saw me as a thorn in his side.”
“Later, when the Xuan family came knocking and my son, in a fit of shame, called Xuan Qin shameless and blamed his grandfather for his dishonorable conduct, my father flew into a rage.”
Madam Cui’s face darkened as she recounted the incident with the family discipline.
“That punishment wasn’t aimed at my husband but at my son. If I hadn’t been there to pull my husband in front of him, that whip would have scarred my thirteen-year-old son’s face, ruining him for life.”
Her eyes burned with resentment and a hint of ruthlessness.
“You must know how the He family fell, Princess. Though our families made some reparations, do you think Lord Xiao will truly let it go?”
“My father keeps provoking him, unwilling to relent. If he continues to lead the Cui family, he’ll bring disaster upon us all. I don’t want my children or clan to pay for his and the Cui family’s downfall. I ask Lord Xiao to help my husband take over the Cui family soon and to ensure my son becomes the family’s young master.”
“I swear on my maternal clan’s name that, no matter what Lord Xiao does in the future, the Cui family will never oppose him. This iron mine is my sincerity.”
Tang Ning narrowed her eyes, studying Madam Cui for a long moment.
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
Madam Cui pushed the brocade box closer to Tang Ning. “With Lord Xiao’s vast influence, he need only send someone with this deed to Yanzhou to take control of the mine.”
“The mine hasn’t been operational for long. Though some ore has been extracted, it remains rich in resources. The indentured miners, skilled in their craft, can be transferred to Lord Xiao as well. As for the Cui family matter, we can discuss it after Lord Xiao verifies the mine. You can take the deed to him now. I trust you and Lord Xiao’s character.”
Tang Ning regarded her silently for a moment before closing the box. “Very well. I’ll deliver this to my brother and relay your words exactly. If he agrees, I’ll inform you. If not, I’ll have it returned.”
Madam Cui’s face lit up with delight. “Thank you, Princess.”
Tang Ning set the box aside. “You mentioned two matters earlier. This was one. What’s the other?”
Madam Cui glanced at Xue Ru. “I have a son, thirteen years old, with a proper appearance and a gentle disposition. His studies, while not exceptional, show intelligence and integrity. I’d like to propose a marriage on his behalf.”
“A marriage proposal?!” Tang Ning’s hand slipped, nearly knocking the box to the floor.
Xue Ru, who had been quietly listening, widened her eyes in shock. Was Madam Cui suggesting her son marry her sister?!
Seeing their stunned expressions, Madam Cui hurriedly clarified, “No, no, I’m not proposing for the Princess. I’m seeking Lady Xue’s hand for my son.”
“Me?!” Xue Ru’s eyes grew even wider.
Tang Ning, equally shocked, said, “You want to propose your son for Ah Ru?”
“Yes,” Madam Cui confirmed. “Lady Xue is refined and virtuous, and her age matches my son’s. I took a liking to her immediately upon meeting her today. Normally, such matters would be discussed with her parents, but the Song family…”
She paused, avoiding mention of the Song family’s troubles, and looked at the two sisters. “I know Lady Xue and the Princess share a deep sisterly bond, and as her elder sister, you’re like a mother to her. Her marriage is best discussed with you. Since Lady Xue is here today, I’ll be direct.”
“I wish to betroth Lady Xue to my son, to manage the Cui family’s household in the future. Would Lady Xue be willing?”===============
You can read ahead to chapterr 770 (100+ extra chapters) here
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