Among the entire court, only Elder Cao dared to speak so boldly to Ye Siheng. The officials around them discreetly stepped aside, distancing themselves from Elder Cao, lest they be caught up in the tension.
Even Emperor Muwu’s expression darkened, and he subtly signaled Elder Cao, but Elder Cao deliberately turned his head, pretending not to see. Despite knowing that the Ninth Prince had mastered the art of teleportation, Elder Cao, committed to the people and standing firm in his principles, feared nothing.
Ye Siheng chuckled lightly, showing no sign of taking offense. "Alright, Elder Cao, since you even instruct my royal brother, I suppose a few words toward me are nothing."
Elder Cao’s expression softened, and he accepted the gesture. "Thank you, Your Highness. But regarding this matter of fundraising for disaster relief, it remains urgent."
"In that case, why don’t you speak with your students?" Ye Siheng replied. "After all, this snowstorm has affected many regions, and the funds from the merchants in the capital won’t be enough."
Elder Cao, unaware of his students’ financial situations, responded, "Your Highness, I wouldn’t expect much. They are humble officials, and living frugally, they don’t have much money to spare."
Ye Siheng narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Just tell them that this fundraising is at my request. Let them contribute whatever they can, but remind them not to be too secretive. If I have to step in, things might get ugly."
This statement caused a noticeable shift in the room. Elder Cao was enraged--was the prince insinuating that his students were corrupt and hiding money?
"What exactly do you mean by that, Your Highness?" Elder Cao demanded.
Ye Siheng leaned back lazily, not bothering to argue further. "It’s getting late. Everyone, go tend to your duties; let’s not waste more time."
On any other day, Elder Cao would have continued to argue, but with the snowstorm still raging and his concern for the people pressing, he bowed to Emperor Muwu and took his leave.
Outside, his carriage and servants awaited him at the palace gates. The snow had lessened slightly. Upon returning home, Elder Cao instructed a servant to send out invitations, then sat down to discuss the donation with his wife.
"Madam, we’ll contribute the entire 1,500 taels," Elder Cao announced.
Lady Cao blinked in surprise. "Husband, could we just give 500 taels? You know our son is about to arrange his betrothal, and I need to prepare a dowry."
"No!" Elder Cao’s face hardened. "I’ve already promised His Majesty and the Ninth Prince 1,500 taels. I can’t go back on my word! I’d lose all face! As for our son’s marriage, you’ll have to negotiate with the Su family and see if they’ll accept less."
Lady Cao looked at him, her expression hollow. "Husband, our son has feelings for the Su family girl, and they agreed to the match out of respect for you as a scholar. The bride price they’re asking for is only 800 taels. If we reduce it, how will that reflect on our family? The Su family might refuse the marriage entirely!"
Elder Cao responded, "Then let them refuse. I paid just three taels when I married you, and look at us now. I’m a senior minister, and you hold your head high among your kin. A good wife doesn’t come with a high price. If the Su family insists on 800 taels, their daughter might be too spoiled to be a proper wife."
Lady Cao smiled faintly, though her eyes showed no warmth. "So you’re saying you’ll call off the marriage and abandon our son?"
"It’s not abandoning him," Elder Cao replied. "I’ll find him a more suitable wife. The Su family would help him politically, but as a man, he must stand on his own two feet. People will gossip if they think we’re climbing the social ladder through a marriage alliance."
Elder Cao prided himself on his honesty and could not tolerate such accusations. Lady Cao’s smile grew more forced. "You really think we’re climbing social ranks with a mere 800 taels? The Su family only agreed because their daughter admires our son and because they respect his integrity."
Reluctantly, Elder Cao softened. "Very well, but speak to the Su family and see if they’ll lower the bride price. They should understand, given the current national crisis."
Lady Cao sighed. "What about 1,000 taels?"
"No, 1,500 is what I promised!" Elder Cao was firm.
Lady Cao, feeling utterly resigned, remained silent as her husband left to meet his students.
"Madam, just this once, listen to me. Next time, I’ll listen to you," Elder Cao said, though his wife knew better. There had never been a "next time" where her voice mattered.
Lady Cao watched his retreating figure with an emotionless face. "You never listen."
Once, they owned a modest farm and a small business. Though not wealthy, they had enough to live comfortably. Her parents had chosen this husband for her, accepting just three taels for the dowry, investing in his education for years. Now, she was a titled lady, someone to be proud of among her family. But no one knew she patched her own clothes and could hardly afford coal to keep warm.
At forty, she looked much older, worn down by years of struggle and deprivation, all while maintaining appearances.
She sat quietly as the cold seeped into her bones, though perhaps her heart had long since grown numb.
Her son soon entered the room, and Lady Cao, as always, put on a warm smile. "Is it cold outside?"
She poured him a cup of warm water. There was no tea--tea was a luxury they couldn’t afford for themselves.
"No, Mother, it’s not cold," Cao Bin said, reaching for the cup. Lady Cao noticed the chilblains on his hands.
His expression shifted as he tried to hide them, but she gently grabbed his hand, her eyes welling with tears. "How... how did this happen? Why are your hands covered in sores?"
Cao Bin explained softly, "I’ve been painting more lately. It’s cold, but once spring comes, they’ll heal. Don’t worry, Mother."
Lady Cao understood immediately. Her son was selling his paintings to help supplement the household income, unwilling to use coal in the frigid weather. She whispered, "I’ve wronged you."
Cao Bin shook his head. "Don’t say that, Mother. You’ve been working tirelessly to arrange my marriage. If I can earn a little to help with the dowry, then I’m happy."