Chen En was emotionally stirred; he feared death more than anyone else.
Naturally, with power and wealth, he wished to live a few more years.
Gao Zhan hurried to the Lixiang Courtyard to invite the ancestors.
Chen Jiao planned to experiment with five jars of pickled mustard greens collected by the household slaves and attempt to grow Penicillium mold.
The cellar in the public kitchen was warm in winter and cool in summer, perfect for the growth of mold.
The five jars of mustard greens had been stored for about two years, but they had not spoiled and were still edible.
Chen Jiao was very frugal, only scooping a small amount of the mother culture into the five jars of mustard greens, sealing them, and instructing someone to take them to the public kitchen for storage.
After finishing this, Miao, from the eighth branch, personally came to ask for some mustard green brine.
Chen Jiao gave her a small amount and repeatedly reminded her of the proper method of consumption.
Miao was extremely grateful, as though she were holding a magical elixir to save her child.
The main branch’s Zheng family could not bring themselves to ask for the medicine, so they sent Yue from the third branch to ask instead.
Chen Jiao’s research on mustard green brine was originally for Chen Xianle, and she had let go of past grievances by giving them some.
Xu, seeing her generosity, was distressed and privately complained, saying: “My daughter is kind-hearted. The medicine you gave away, how much silver could that be worth?”
“Usually, they look down on others, but now they’re all trying to flatter us. If it were me, I wouldn’t even bother with them.”
Chen Jiao blinked slyly and said, “Mother, look at the bigger picture. What I want is not just these small gains.”
Xu was taken aback.
At that moment, a maid came to report that Gao Zhan had come seeking her.
Chen Jiao learned that Prince Huai’an had fallen ill, with early symptoms, so she personally took some mustard green brine to visit him.
Prince Huai’an, shivering with alternating chills and fever, was overjoyed to see his daughter, as though he were meeting an immortal.
He completely dropped his usual demeanor, happily saying, “My child, your father owes his life to you!”
Chen Jiao reassured him, “Don’t worry, father. By tomorrow at the latest, your condition will improve.”
She then instructed Gao Zhan to bring the mustard green brine, saying, “Father, try a little first, and take three spoonfuls later.”
Gao Zhan asked curiously, “Why take it later?”
Chen Jiao replied, “The mustard green brine may not be suitable for everyone.”
Chen En had a strong will to survive, so whatever she said, he would follow.
Even if the brine was too salty, he could endure it by pinching his nose.
While he waited to take more, Chen Jiao sat on a square stool and spoke earnestly: “I believe that the plague is a national crisis, and Chen’s pickled mustard greens are not some secret formula.
The people of Huizhou have been under Father’s protection. If the recipe for the pickled mustard greens is made public and saves countless lives, it would be a great act of merit.
The people will surely remember Father’s benevolence and virtue. Not only would this help effectively control the spread of the plague, but it would also win the hearts of the people for the Prince of Huai’an’s household.”
“Father, what do you think?”
Hearing this, Chen En fell silent.
Gao Zhan could not help but exclaim, “The young lady truly has a grand vision.”
Afterward, he looked at Chen En and also praised her, saying, “Master, I think what the young lady said is very reasonable. The urgent matter is for the provincial governor’s office to control the plague and prevent it from spreading further, causing more deaths.
If we make the formula to control the plague public, the people will find ways to save themselves, and the government offices will also face less pressure.”
Chen En stroked his beard and weighed the proposal from Chen Jiao.
At that moment, a maid suddenly reported that Zheng Zhang from the Ministry of Affairs had come to discuss business.
Chen En impatiently waved his hand, saying, “Let him wait.”
The maid left.
Outside, Zheng Zhang stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
In his early fifties, he had a round face similar to the Zheng family’s, wearing a jade crown and a dark blue robe, exuding authority.
The maid came out to deliver the message.
Zheng Zhang’s face showed some displeasure, asking, “You said the master is meeting with Lady Chen Jiao?”
The maid nodded and made a gesture of invitation, saying, “Please wait a moment, Lord Zheng. At the moment, Ninth Lady is discussing matters with the master.”
Zheng Zhang was full of complaints but didn’t ask further.
He followed the maid to the side room to wait.
Inside the study, Chen Jiao had many thoughts about the ongoing epidemic.
She believed this was a great opportunity for the Prince of Huai’an’s residence to win public favor.
In the long run, making the secret recipe for Chen’s Pickled Mustard publicly available would bring more benefits than drawbacks.
Chen En was not ignorant either.
He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back and said,
“My daughter speaks wisely. Let’s do as you suggest and release the recipe for Chen’s Pickled Mustard to save the people of Huizhou from their suffering.”
Chen Jiao felt gratified and flattered him, saying,
“Father’s wisdom is a blessing to all people.”
Chen En waved his hand dismissively, though he was clearly in a good mood, and praised,
“It is thanks to my brilliant daughter. If Chen’s Pickled Mustard can cure lung infections, you are truly the Bodhisattva of Huizhou.”
Seeing how highly he regarded her, Chen Jiao took the opportunity to push further.
She wanted to use this recipe’s release to free herself from the constraints of the inner courtyard and proactively offered to participate in the process.
“I have thought carefully about this, Father. A pandemic is a national crisis. To prevent ill-intentioned people from profiting off the disaster, the authorities must strictly regulate it.
If someone uses Chen’s Pickled Mustard to make illicit profits, it would go against your kind intentions. If the government takes action, it could effectively prevent people from exploiting loopholes.”
Chen En approved of this idea.
Being a businessman himself, he was well aware of the greedy nature of merchants.
If the recipe for Chen’s Pickled Mustard fell into the wrong hands, they could make an immense fortune, which would contradict the original intent of saving lives.
Since Chen Jiao was the one who discovered the medicinal properties of the pickled mustard, it was only reasonable for her to be involved in its public release.
Chen En respected her wishes and allowed her to proceed.
After finalizing the discussion with her father, Chen Jiao returned to Lixiang Courtyard.
As she left the study, she encountered Zheng Zhang.
She performed a formal bow, to which Zheng Zhang responded with a nod.
Had Chen Xianle not made a mistake, it would have been Chen Jiao who was married off to Jiaozhou.
Zheng Zhang was in a foul mood and harbored some hostility toward Chen Jiao.
After leaving Bihua Hall, Chen Jiao discreetly asked Dingxiang about that man’s identity.
Dingxiang was originally sent over by the main family, so she naturally recognized Zheng Zhang and replied,
“That is Lord Zheng, the prince’s elder brother.”
Chen Jiao raised her eyebrows.
Given her recent conflicts with the main family, that man was surely an opponent.
Upon returning to Lixiang Courtyard, Chen Jiao ordered her maid to prepare ink and paper—she intended to personally write down the recipe for Chen’s Pickled Mustard.
Madam Xu noticed her return and came over to check on her, saying,
“Our jar of pickled mustard is in high demand. People keep coming to ask for it, one after another.”
Chen Jiao looked up and said,
“Mother, you must save some for yourself.”
Madam Xu reassured her, “Don’t worry. I’ve set aside half a jar—no one can take it from me.”
Chen Jiao smiled.
She was still young, and having endured hardships in the past, she was more resilient than the pampered ladies of the inner court.
For now, she had not contracted the illness, but it was always wise to have a backup plan.
Her original self had received some education before the age of ten, so it made sense that she could read and write.
With great focus, Chen Jiao carefully documented the appearance, effects, and usage of Chen’s Pickled Mustard.
Her writing was concise and to the point, conveying all necessary information in just a few words.
Madam Xu looked at her with admiration, feeling that her daughter was truly remarkable.
Noticing her mother’s lingering gaze, Chen Jiao put down her brush and curiously asked, “Mother, what are you looking at?”
Madam Xu chuckled, “When you went to Bihua Hall, did you receive any rewards?”
Chen Jiao shook her head. “No.”
Madam Xu pursed her lips and muttered bluntly, “That old miser. He deserves to cough himself to death.”
Chen Jiao chuckled, her eyes filled with cunning.
“Although Father didn’t reward me, he granted me permission to participate in handling the epidemic.”
Madam Xu was momentarily stunned and asked in surprise, “So no reward, and you still have to work hard for free?”
Chen Jiao laughed again.
“Working hard isn’t so bad.”
Madam Xu was displeased.
“You’re a young lady—how can you work alongside a bunch of men? It’s improper!”
Chen Jiao wagged her finger and spoke slowly, “Mother, let me ask you, aside from marriage, what other value do I have in this household?”
Madam Xu was taken aback and couldn’t answer.
Chen Jiao continued seriously, “See? Even you don’t have an answer.”
Madam Xu frowned.
“But we women—aside from managing the household and raising children—what else can we do?”
Chen Jiao patiently asked, “Mother, do you think Father is reliable?”
Madam Xu shook her head without hesitation.
Chen Jiao’s gaze was deep and calculating.
“If we want Father to be reliable, we must show him our value so that he’ll consider his options carefully. This marriage swap was proof of that.
If I want to secure my place in this household, I must make Father look at me differently—only then will I have a chance to gain his protection.”
Madam Xu immediately understood her point and sighed, “But, Ah Ying, you’re a girl. How can you compete for a future like a man?”
Chen Jiao didn’t answer directly but countered, “And why not?”
She paused and added, “I was the one who discovered that Chen’s Pickled Mustard could treat lung infections. How am I any less capable than a man?”
Madam Xu fell silent.
Chen Jiao patiently continued, “Mother, you’re under the thumb of eight other wives and concubines. As long as we stay in the inner courtyard, we’ll never see the light of day.
If I fight my way out like a man, I can protect you. And Chen’s Pickled Mustard is my first step in breaking free—I won’t miss this opportunity.”
Seeing her daughter’s firm expression, Madam Xu was deeply moved and quickly said, “Alright, alright, I know you have your own ideas. But you’re all alone—how can you possibly make a breakthrough in the prince’s household?”
Chen Jiao lowered her voice and said, “I can form an alliance with Cui Jue.”
Madam Xu was shocked, her face filled with fear.
“Dancing with wolves—do you not care for your own life?”
Chen Jiao smirked. “Mother, you can teach me how to charm men.”
Madam Xu: “…”
Chen Jiao added, “Don’t be so nervous.”
She paused and then chuckled lightly, “After all, I’m not exactly a good person.”
Madam Xu: “…”
If shamelessness were an art, her daughter was a master.
The next day, the Prince of Huai’an indeed recovered from his fever, and his condition greatly improved.
Chen Jiao submitted the recipe, and Gao Zhan personally delivered it to the local authorities.
The clerks hurriedly copied dozens of copies and posted them at the yamen and throughout the streets.
As soon as the recipe for Chen’s Pickled Mustard was made public, it caused an uproar.
The people suffering from the epidemic were desperate for a cure and rushed to inquire about the remedy.
When they heard that moldy pickled mustard could treat lung infections, they were incredulous.
Discussions erupted everywhere.
The government officials explained that the recipe had been discovered by Ninth Lady Chen of the Prince of Huai’an’s residence.
Even the prince himself had taken it and confirmed its effectiveness before releasing the recipe to save lives.
Overnight, the people of Zhangling County began searching for moldy pickled mustard.
Shortly after, the authorities issued a series of regulations prohibiting the profiteering of Chen’s Pickled Mustard during the crisis.
Anyone caught selling it at exorbitant prices would be severely punished.
Upon hearing this, the people applauded and praised the Prince of Huai’an for genuinely caring about their lives.
In no time, both Ninth Lady Chen and the Prince of Huai’an became the center of public attention.
Chen Jiao officially stepped into the public eye, and her name spread far and wide.
Meanwhile, the envoy from Jiaozhou, who had been suffering from lung infections, was given the remedy provided by the prince’s household.
His condition improved significantly.
Due to the epidemic, the envoy and his men had been stranded in Huizhou beyond the New Year, unable to complete their mission.
Now, their minds were buzzing with new possibilities.
Since the Prince of Huai’an was already set on a political marriage, and they heard that Ninth Lady Chen had come of age but was still unbetrothed, an idea took root.
A woman of such value—why not propose a marriage alliance with her instead?
Governor Zhang of Jiaozhou was old, but that didn’t matter—he had three sons.
Even though they were already married, they could always divorce their wives… or, well, wait for them to die.
The Prince of Huai’an never expected these cunning schemers to be so shameless as to come after his precious treasure!