Tian Tian helped Xu Mu sit in the main seat and quickly instructed Xianglan, “Go and prepare some sobering soup.”

“Yes, Madam,” Xianglan replied, bowing as she left the room.

Xu Mu gently held Tian Tian’s hand, smiling warmly. “You’re so thoughtful, my wife.”

Tian Tian blushed slightly. “It’s just my duty as your wife.” Preparing a bowl of sobering soup wasn’t anything special.

Xianglan returned promptly with a steaming bowl of soup, and Tian Tian carefully helped Xu Mu drink it.

“Husband, it’s still early. If you’re not feeling well, you should rest in the bedroom for a while,” she suggested. Since it was still morning, and there wasn’t much to do until the New Year’s Eve dinner, there was plenty of time for him to rest.

“Alright.” Xu Mu was indeed exhausted. If it hadn’t been for the fact that today was New Year’s Eve, he would still be resting at this hour.

Tian Tian personally helped him to the inner room and saw him settle in to rest.

The entire manor was already decorated with bright red couplets and lucky symbols, the festive red hue creating a cheerful atmosphere. Tian Tian, accompanied by Xianglan and a group of maids, went around the Rose Courtyard handing out red envelopes. Every servant in the household received a small reward.

This year, the amount wasn’t much, as it had been a year of disasters, and most of Tian Tian’s funds had been donated. Each red envelope contained only ten coins, and she kindly explained the situation to the servants, hoping they would understand.

Though the servants worked in the Xu family manor, they were aware of the hardships around them. Receiving a red envelope was a blessing in itself. At the Zhang household nearby, not only were there no red envelopes, but the master had even sold off several servants.

In such uncertain times, the Xu family’s servants were grateful to still have stable lives and even receive a small bonus.

Xu Mu woke up by noon, feeling refreshed. Seeing how his young wife had managed the household so efficiently brought a sense of satisfaction to his heart.

“Husband, why are you up? Shouldn’t you rest a bit longer?” Tian Tian asked.

Sitting in the main seat, Xu Mu took a sip of tea and smiled. “It’s New Year’s Eve, no time to rest.” He had been busy for so long without spending time with his wife, so now that he was finally home, he wanted to enjoy her company.

After lunch, the couple spent the afternoon together. Xu Mu read an ancient text while Tian Tian eagerly arranged plum blossoms.

Time flew by, and as dusk approached, Tian Tian could faintly hear the sounds of firecrackers popping outside.

Xianglan entered the room and bowed. “Master, Madam, the New Year’s Eve dinner is ready.”

Xu Mu closed his book and responded, “Alright, tell them to start setting off the firecrackers.”

“Yes, sir,” Xianglan said as she exited.

“Husband, the dinner is ready. Shall we go?” Xu Mu stood up and looked at Tian Tian, waiting for her.

Tian Tian put down what she was doing. “Alright.” The couple walked to the dining room together.

Just as they stepped out of the bedroom, the loud, crackling sounds of firecrackers filled the air. The strong smell of gunpowder wafted through the air, and thick white smoke made it hard to see. Xu Mu instinctively moved in front of Tian Tian, shielding her from the firecracker debris, which fell onto his large robe instead.

Tian Tian covered her ears tightly, but her eyes kept peeking around Xu Mu’s broad back to catch glimpses of the courtyard.

After a short while, the firecrackers finished, leaving the courtyard littered with red confetti-like debris. The scene looked festive and celebratory.

Xu Mu took Tian Tian’s hand and led her inside, where firecrackers from another part of the estate soon began to go off.

As they sat at the dining table, Tian Tian couldn’t help but ask, “Husband, how many strings of firecrackers are we setting off?”

“About ten or so,” Xu Mu replied casually. He hadn’t bothered to count, but the firecrackers had gone off for quite some time. “Now, let’s eat.”

On the table, there were only ten dishes—a much simpler spread compared to before. Yet Tian Tian’s appetite was strong, as the meal consisted of all her favorite dishes.

The couple ate happily, but as the meal progressed, Tian Tian began to feel something was off.

Xu Mu… was staring at her the entire time, his gaze burning with intensity. The way he looked at her made her heart race.

Tian Tian’s mind flashed back to what Xu Mu had hinted at earlier that morning when she sent him off. This time when he returned, he was going to stay the night…

Thinking about it, her breath grew unsteady, and her cheeks turned red, glowing more vibrantly than the carefully arranged red plum blossoms on the table. Xu Mu’s gaze grew even more heated.

“Husband, please… focus on your meal,” Tian Tian stammered, feeling flustered. Although she had mentally prepared herself, being stared at so intensely by a man left her feeling extremely self-conscious. It felt like her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

Seeing his young wife’s nervousness, Xu Mu chuckled softly. “Alright,” he said, continuing to eat. He knew he had been a bit too bold just now, but it was difficult to remain indifferent when his thoughts constantly drifted to her.

He wasn’t a perfect gentleman, nor was he a mild scholar. Xu Mu had seen too much of the darkness in the officialdom, and he had played his share of games in the political arena. But when it came to his young wife, he didn’t want to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

After dinner, it was time to stay up and keep vigil for the New Year. Tradition dictated that they had to stay awake until dawn, without sleeping—a custom for the holiday.

“Husband, it’s getting late. Let’s rest,” Xu Mu said.

Tian Tian was taken aback. “Husband, we’re supposed to stay up tonight. It’s the New Year vigil.”

“I know,” Xu Mu replied with a grin. “But it’s cold outside. Let’s keep vigil in a more comfortable place. As long as we don’t fall asleep, it still counts.”

The implication in his words was crystal clear. Tian Tian’s ears turned red with embarrassment, but she had no reason to refuse. Nor did she want to refuse. It was going to happen sooner or later, so what difference did it make whether it was now or later?

“Alright,” Tian Tian whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito.

Xu Mu, hearing her response, felt a wave of satisfaction. Especially with his wife’s gentle, shy demeanor, he found it all the more endearing. “Let’s go then.”

“Husband, I’ll take a bath first.”

“Alright.”

In the side chamber.

After her bath, Xianglan helped Tian Tian get ready, applying fragrant balm and brushing her long hair.

The thought of what was about to happen made Tian Tian nervous beyond measure. She kept tugging at her clothing, her hands fidgeting restlessly.

Xianglan couldn’t help but offer some comfort. “Madam, there’s nothing to fear. All women go through this. Once it’s over, it’ll be fine.” These were words that Concubine Liu had told her to say, just in case Madam became too anxious before the wedding night.

“I know,” Tian Tian replied, but she still couldn’t shake the nervousness. She had never even been in a relationship before, and now she was about to take such an intimate step—it was impossible not to feel tense.

“Madam, you’re all ready. Shall I help you over?”

“Let’s go,” Tian Tian said, taking a deep breath as she looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She was dressed in snow-white inner garments, her skin as smooth as jade, her eyes shimmering with a hint of spring warmth, and her cheeks flushed. Her long, dark hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back. She looked pure, beautiful, and captivating.

Xianglan draped a white cloak over Tian Tian to keep her warm.

When Xu Mu saw Tian Tian enter the room, freshly bathed, he watched as Xianglan removed the cloak, revealing her in her inner garments. She approached him quietly. “Wait for me a moment, I’ll take a bath and be right back,” Xu Mu said, standing up.

Tian Tian nodded as Xu Mu smiled and left the room quickly.

Xianglan also bowed and exited, leaving Tian Tian alone.

She lifted the blanket and lay down, obediently waiting for Xu Mu to return.

Xu Mu didn’t take long. Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps approached, and Tian Tian knew it was Xu Mu coming back. Feeling anxious, she didn’t know what to do, so she just gripped the blanket tightly with both hands.

Xu Mu reached the bedside and saw his young wife with her eyes tightly shut, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. She was clearly nervous.

He sat by the bed and gently stroked her forehead. “Wife, are you nervous?”

Tian Tian opened her eyes and softly murmured, “Yes.”

“I’ll be gentle. If you feel uncomfortable, just tell me,” Xu Mu reassured her.

She nodded again.

Xu Mu smiled, drew the bed curtains, and slipped off his shoes as he climbed in beside her.

Before Tian Tian could react, his warm lips were already pressing against hers.

The normally gentle Xu Mu transformed into a man starved of affection, with Tian Tian like a refreshing spring he couldn’t get enough of. He kissed her deeply, with an intensity that startled her.

Tian Tian was overwhelmed. This Xu Mu was so different from the one she knew—usually polite and patient. But now, he was like a ravenous wolf, his hunger for her insatiable.

Later that night, in a dazed, teary voice, Tian Tian murmured, “Husband, I’m so tired. I don’t want to stay up for the vigil anymore.”

Xu Mu chuckled, kissing her forehead gently. “Go to sleep, my wife. I’ll keep vigil for both of us.”

Unable to resist any longer, Tian Tian drifted into a deep sleep.

She didn’t wake up until the afternoon of the first day of the New Year, just as dusk was falling.

Her whole body ached, as though her bones had been taken apart and put back together.

Feeling warmth beside her, she turned her head and was surprised to find Xu Mu still asleep next to her.

Tian Tian couldn’t help but stare at him. He truly was handsome, so pleasing to the eye. The more she looked, the more she admired his features. How could someone with such a face be a corrupt official?

Xu Mu, always alert, sensed her gaze and opened his eyes. Their eyes met, and Tian Tian’s face flushed.

After a night of intimacy, her face had softened with a new kind of charm, more alluring and mature.

Xu Mu looked satisfied. “Wife, you’re awake?”

Hearing his deep voice, Tian Tian’s mind raced back to the night before, remembering how he had whispered sweet words to her, soothing her nerves. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Xu Mu smiled as he took her hand. “When you blush like that, my dear wife, it only makes me love you more.”

Tian Tian, too shy to respond, lightly punched his chest. “Since we’re both awake, we should get up.”

The sun was already setting—it would be embarrassing if the servants found out they hadn’t gotten up yet.

“I don’t want to get up,” Xu Mu teased, clearly enjoying their rare free time together.

“Well, I’m getting up,” Tian Tian said, trying to get out of bed. But as soon as she moved, a sharp pain shot through her waist, and she couldn’t help but hiss in discomfort.

Xu Mu immediately reached out to support her. “Are you alright?”

Tian Tian shot him a glare, her frustration evident. “I’m fine.”

Xu Mu, seeing her mix of shyness and annoyance, couldn’t help but laugh. He had been a bit indulgent the night before, and his delicate wife had paid the price.

Deciding not to laze in bed anymore, Xu Mu got up and helped Tian Tian dress, attending to her every need with great care and consideration.

Tian Tian’s irritation finally began to ease.

Xianglan, hearing movement inside the room, quickly entered with the other maids to assist.

While Tian Tian was being dressed and groomed, Xu Mu began dressing himself. He couldn’t help but glance at the red stain on the bed, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that his wife was now truly his.

For several days after that, Xu Mu didn’t return to the county office, spending all his time with his wife in a blissful honeymoon state. It seemed like he never wanted to leave.

One evening during dinner, Tian Tian noticed Xu Mu’s intense gaze fixed on her again. She couldn’t take it anymore. Every time he looked at her like that, she ended up suffering.

“Husband, it’s been five days already. Shouldn’t you check in at the county office?”

Xu Mu was like a wolf that couldn’t be satisfied, and if she didn’t find a way to distract him, she feared for her own endurance.

“It’s the New Year. There’s no urgent business at the county office. It doesn’t matter whether I go or not,” Xu Mu replied, completely absorbed in his time with Tian Tian. With no pressing matters to attend to, he had spent all his time with her in the Rose Courtyard.

“Do you really want me to leave?” Xu Mu asked, slightly displeased.

Tian Tian nodded, her face flushed. “Husband, you should focus on your work. I really can’t keep up.”

Xu Mu burst into laughter. “It’s normal for newlyweds to indulge in each other’s company. I simply can’t help myself with you.” Before he married her, Xu Mu had never been with a woman. Now that he had experienced life with his wife, he found himself constantly thinking about her.

After some more playful conversation, Xu Mu eventually got his way, and Tian Tian could only endure.

A few days later, however, the increasing number of refugees forced Xu Mu back to the county office to handle the situation.

The moment he left, Tian Tian finally felt some relief. But her peace didn’t last long—soon she heard about the surge of refugees in the city and couldn’t resist going out to see for herself.

The number of refugees on the streets had more than doubled since before the New Year. The porridge stations the steward had set up were completely inadequate, and many people couldn’t get food at all.

The steward was frantic with worry. Seeing Tian Tian arrive, he quickly greeted her with a bow. “Madam, how can I assist you?”

Tian Tian looked at the refugees sitting all around, unable to hold back her concern. “What’s going on? Why are there so many more refugees all of a sudden?”

She remembered that before the New Year, there hadn’t been this many. Yet in less than ten days, the number had exploded. Everywhere she looked, there were refugees with empty bowls, gaunt and weak, some leaning against walls, others lying on the ground to rest. The smell in the air was overwhelming, and the streets were filled with the desperate and destitute.

Changping County looked like a refugee camp.

The steward sighed and explained, “Madam, these new refugees are families who have run out of food and had no choice but to come here for help. In this year of disaster, after paying their taxes, most families didn’t have enough to survive. These new refugees held on for longer because they were slightly better off than the previous ones. But now even they’ve reached their limit. Unfortunately, the porridge stations we set up can only serve a portion of the refugees, and for the rest, I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do.”

Tian Tian frowned deeply. “So you’re saying that from now on, more refugees will be arriving every day? Is there no one who can hold out until the spring planting season?”

The steward shook his head and sighed. “Apart from the wealthy, almost no one can manage. The imperial taxes were already high, and the magistrate added another twenty percent on top of that. It’s made things even more difficult for the people, leading to the current situation.”

Tian Tian realized the severity of the situation. “Does the magistrate know about this?”

The steward nodded. “Yes, the magistrate is aware.”

“What did he say? Has he proposed any solutions?” Tian Tian asked anxiously.

The steward shook his head. “The magistrate hasn’t come up with a solution yet.”

“I’m going to the county office to speak with him,” Tian Tian said, turning to board the carriage.

The steward bowed as he watched her leave, hoping she could persuade the magistrate to find a solution. He had spent many days at the porridge stations and witnessed the terrible plight of the refugees.

When Tian Tian arrived at the county office, Zhou Nan escorted her directly to the study. Tian Tian was already feeling anxious, and upon seeing Xu Mu leisurely drinking tea inside, she grew even more frustrated.

Xu Mu smiled at her. “Wife, what brings you to the county office today? You’re in for a treat. I just brewed some tea with snowmelt water. Come and have a taste.”

Tian Tian’s anger flared. With so many refugees suffering outside, how could he be so carefree, sipping tea? “Husband, are you aware that the number of refugees has drastically increased?” she asked.

Xu Mu nodded, still calmly brewing tea with graceful movements, each action flowing smoothly. “I’m aware.”

Tian Tian grew even more frustrated. “If you know, how can you still sit here drinking tea? Have you already come up with a solution?”

Xu Mu was momentarily annoyed by his wife’s direct questioning, but he hid it well, placing the teapot back on the small stove and looking at her. “Wife, did you come here today just to question your husband?”

“I’m concerned about the lives of tens of thousands of refugees,” Tian Tian replied, explaining what she had seen and heard. “I hope you can quickly come up with a comprehensive plan to save the people from this disaster.”

Xu Mu calmly poured himself a cup of tea and another for Tian Tian. “Have some tea, wife.”

Tian Tian was too angry to drink. “I don’t want tea.”

Unbothered, Xu Mu took a sip of his tea, savoring the taste. His eyes closed slightly as he enjoyed its flavor.

“There’s no solution to this matter. It’s better for you to go back to the manor and focus on your flower arrangements,” Xu Mu said calmly.

Tian Tian couldn’t accept his indifference. He was the magistrate of this county—how could he ignore the suffering of the people?

“Husband, as a county magistrate, how can you say something so irresponsible?” Tian Tian’s eyes were filled with disappointment.

Xu Mu felt stung by her disappointment. “Then tell me, wife, what should I do?”

“Write a memorial to the emperor, requesting relief funds to aid the disaster victims,” Tian Tian suggested.

Xu Mu didn’t hesitate in his response. “I already reported the disaster to the imperial court at the beginning of last year. The emperor did indeed issue orders to reduce taxes and provide disaster relief funds. But to curry favor with higher officials, the taxes remained unchanged, and even increased. All the money was converted into silver, and the tens of thousands of taels for disaster relief ended up in the pockets of officials at every level. Do you think if I write another memorial now, it will even reach the emperor? The moment I submit that report, I’ll likely lose my official position before it even reaches the emperor’s hands.”

Submitting such a memorial would expose the corruption of the officials at every level, and he would offend them all. Forget about promotion—he wouldn’t even be able to keep his life and position.

Tian Tian was at a loss for words. The corruption in the officialdom was overwhelming, and it was always the common people who suffered. If even Xu Mu, as a county magistrate, lived in such luxury, she couldn’t imagine how extravagant the higher officials were—it was likely ten or even a hundred times worse.

Xu Mu tried to console her. “Wife, don’t worry too much. In a year of disaster, it’s normal for some people to die. It’s not just Changping—there are places far worse off than here. There’s no need to be so troubled. If you don’t want to see it, just stay in the manor. You have everything you need here, and if there’s anything you’re lacking, just tell me, and I’ll make sure you get it.”

While Xu Mu’s intentions were kind, his words struck Tian Tian as deeply insensitive.

“Husband, those refugees are your people! Can you really remain indifferent and watch them die? How can you be so heartless?”

Xu Mu’s temper flared. “What do you expect me to do? I’ve already done everything I can. At least I used some of my savings to provide porridge for the people. Many other officials aren’t doing anything at all—they’re still squeezing the people dry even now. I’ve done my part, and I have a clear conscience.” He softened his tone, trying to reason with her. “Wife, when spring arrives and the wild grass grows, the refugees will have something to eat. Things will slowly get better. There’s no need to keep arguing with me over this.”

His words were pragmatic. Eating wild grass might be painful, but when it grew, it would at least keep people alive for a while.

Plus, their relationship was strong, and he didn’t want their marriage to be strained by this issue. He cherished her deeply.

Tian Tian laughed bitterly at his response. “Wait until spring? How will they survive until then, when they don’t even have food to last through the winter?”

Xu Mu couldn’t tolerate her sarcasm any longer and snapped back. “That’s their problem. Eating Guanyin soil, gnawing on tree bark, even selling their children—that’s how people survive in a disaster year. It’s fate. No one can defy fate.”

Tian Tian was devastated by his words. Tears welled up in her eyes, filled with disappointment and hopelessness. She nearly shouted, “I thought you had changed. I was even secretly pleased by it. Now I see that you’ve always been the same—greedy, immoral, and selfish.”

She had believed he’d changed, but he was still the same corrupt official, always motivated by profit.

She no longer held any hope of changing him.

Xu Mu, equally provoked, burned with anger. “Wang Yueling, don’t forget that I’m your husband, your master. How dare you speak to me like this? I could divorce you on the spot.”

“Then do it! Staying with a corrupt official like you makes me sick every second.”

Xu Mu’s face flushed with fury, and the veins on his forehead bulged. “Wang Yueling, you’re testing my patience! Don’t think I won’t divorce you!”

Tian Tian didn’t care anymore.

Despite his rage, Xu Mu couldn’t bring himself to go through with it. His words were just empty threats, and silence fell over the room.

Tian Tian spoke again. “Are you really not going to help? If you use some of your personal wealth, you could at least sustain the refugees for a while.”

Realizing what she was asking, Xu Mu answered without hesitation. “No, I won’t help, and I can’t help. There are tens of thousands of people in Changping. Even if I had endless riches, it wouldn’t be enough—it’s a bottomless pit. And my money doesn’t grow on trees, Wang Yueling.”

“I’ve already broken my usual rules by using some of my savings to help the refugees, just to please you. I hope you won’t entertain any more unrealistic thoughts.”

“Don’t think that just because I cherish and treasure you, you can contradict me without consequence. I am your husband, your sky, and your lifelong support. Reflect on your behavior,” Xu Mu said sternly.

The silver he had saved over the years was meant to grease the wheels of his superiors, securing a brighter future for himself. He had no intention of using it for what he considered a futile cause.

Tian Tian, now filled with despair, spoke with finality, “Fine. If you won’t help, then I will. Even if I have to sell all my dowry, I will save them.” Completing her mission wasn’t as important to her as preventing the refugees from suffering. She couldn’t bear to watch them starve—it was more than she could handle. These were human lives at stake.

She threw these words over her shoulder and stormed out, leaving Xu Mu standing there. He neither stopped her nor tried to follow.

Both were filled with anger, and the divide between them was now unmistakable.

Xianglan, who had been waiting outside the study, had overheard some of the argument. Seeing Tian Tian emerge in tears, she rushed to comfort her. “Madam, are you alright?”

Tian Tian shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Xianglan, looking conflicted, couldn’t help but advise, “Madam, you shouldn’t have argued with the master.” As a simple maid, she didn’t understand the larger implications, only that it was dangerous for a wife to openly challenge her husband in this world. It would never end well.

Tian Tian let out a bitter laugh but said nothing more. She was completely disillusioned with Xu Mu.

On the way back to the manor, Tian Tian quickly gathered her thoughts, her mind now clear. She gave Xianglan firm instructions. “When we return, I want you to sell off all the dowry I brought from Yuzhou. Do it as quickly as possible, even if we take a loss. I need the silver to help the refugees.”

She had no better options left. Although Xu Mu had bluntly told her about the corruption among the officials, she had no evidence to act on. There was no one she could turn to for help. Even if she reported it, the officials would protect each other, and she wouldn’t stand a chance.

As for appealing to the emperor, that was out of the question. In her memory, Xu Mu would only die after becoming a prefect, so this disaster would certainly be suppressed by those in power. Besides, her mission was to reform Xu Mu, not get him killed. Reporting him would just speed up his demise.

Xianglan was horrified. “Madam, you absolutely cannot! Your dowry is your lifelong support!” In this era, a woman’s dowry was her security. Without it, she would have nothing to fall back on. Selling it would leave her vulnerable in the future.

But Tian Tian had already made up her mind. “Do as I say.”

Xianglan wanted to protest further, but Tian Tian cut her off. “Compared to the lives of the people, my possessions are insignificant. Xianglan, I hope you understand that.”

“Yes, Madam.” Seeing that Tian Tian was resolute, Xianglan could only comply with her wishes.

When they returned to the manor, Tian Tian immediately instructed the maids to inventory her dowry. She sat down with the account book and carefully checked each item to ensure nothing was missing.

Although the original Tian Tian had been a concubine’s daughter, her father, the prefect, had been relatively generous with her dowry. On top of that, Concubine Liu had given Tian Tian almost all her savings. In total, her dowry amounted to over ten thousand taels of silver.

The owner of the pawnshop personally came to the Xu manor to handle the transaction. Since Tian Tian was the magistrate’s wife, he didn’t dare to overcharge her. He barely made any profit and quickly pawned her dowry.

“Madam, here are twelve thousand taels of silver notes. Please take them,” the pawnshop owner said respectfully as he handed her the notes.

Tian Tian accepted them solemnly and smiled. “Thank you, sir. I’ll be sure to come to you for business in the future.”

The pawnshop owner smiled back. “It’s my honor, Madam. I thank you in advance.”

Once the pawnshop owner left with the items, Tian Tian handed the silver to Xianglan. “Take these to the steward. Make sure the money is used to help the refugees. Ensure they survive.”

Xianglan received the silver with a heavy heart. “Understood, Madam,” she said, bowing before leaving to carry out her task.

As Tian Tian stood in her now nearly empty room, she felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She could only hope the twelve thousand taels would be enough to alleviate the immediate crisis.

But she knew it wouldn’t last. Soon, she would need to find more money, or the situation would become unsustainable.

After much contemplation, Tian Tian decided to turn to the wealthy wives of Changping’s prominent families. They controlled the finances in their households and could probably contribute some silver. If they made donations, the refugees would be better off.

Tian Tian immediately asked the steward to draw up a list of the wealthiest families in Changping. Then, she sent servants to invite their wives to a gathering at the Xu manor.

As the magistrate’s wife, Tian Tian didn’t have personal relationships with these women, but none of them dared refuse her invitation.

At the dinner, Tian Tian asserted her authority as the magistrate’s wife, and the wealthy wives didn’t dare underestimate her. She openly discussed the refugee crisis, explaining that she had already donated twelve thousand taels but that it wasn’t enough. She hoped they would generously contribute.

Although the wealthy wives were reluctant to part with their money, they knew that the magistrate’s wife held considerable influence. They feared that if they didn’t donate enough, Tian Tian might speak ill of them to the magistrate, which could lead to trouble for their husbands.

Around ten wealthy wives attended, and each one contributed at least one thousand taels of silver. None dared donate less, especially since Tian Tian herself had given more than twelve thousand.

In total, Tian Tian raised nearly fifteen thousand taels that evening. Overjoyed, she immediately had Xianglan take the silver to help settle the refugees.

In the days that followed, Tian Tian continued to raise funds in both Changping County and the surrounding towns. This time, she didn’t force anyone to donate, as the entire region was suffering from the disaster. The wealthy were few, and those who could donate did so willingly. She understood that some people simply couldn’t afford to give.

As for raising funds outside the county, Tian Tian had considered it but quickly dismissed the idea. The entire Yuzhou region was affected by the disaster, and the situation there was far worse than in Changping.

Meanwhile, Xu Mu had been keeping a close eye on his wife. Despite their argument, it was impossible not to notice her efforts. Her actions were impossible to ignore.

Xu Mu couldn’t help but be impressed by her abilities. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought she was a noblewoman from the capital. Her fundraising efforts and leadership skills were far beyond what he’d expect from a mere magistrate’s daughter.

All of Yuzhou praised the Wang family’s three daughters. The eldest was known for her grace and knowledge, the second for her lively and fiery spirit, and the third for her pure beauty. While everyone admired Tian Tian’s appearance, Xu Mu knew that her intellect and refinement far surpassed even the eldest sister.

Although he was still upset over their argument, he had to admit that he had married a rare gem.

Two weeks passed, and the money Tian Tian had raised was running out. She grew anxious again.

In reality, the twenty thousand taels had lasted for half a month, which was remarkable considering the sheer number of refugees in Changping. Much of the credit went to the steward, who meticulously documented each refugee and ensured that only those in dire need received aid. Anyone found to be hoarding food or taking advantage of the situation was publicly punished and cut off from further assistance.

Despite the large number of refugees, everything in Changping was running smoothly.

“Xianglan, go call the pawnshop owner,” Tian Tian said, her worry evident.

Xianglan was shocked. “Madam, your dowry has already been pawned. There’s nothing left to sell.”

Tian Tian glanced around at her dressing table and wardrobe. “I still have a lot of jewelry and fine clothes that can be pawned.” Most of these items had been gifts from Xu Mu, and though she had been reluctant to part with them before, she now had no other choice.

When it came to the lives of the refugees, these possessions were trivial.

Xianglan couldn’t help but cry. “Madam, you’ve lived a life of luxury since childhood. How can you bear such hardships now? What will you wear if you pawn these things?”

Tian Tian smiled faintly and said, “It’s fine. I can wear simple clothes just the same.”

Xianglan burst into tears.

Tian Tian couldn’t help but laugh. “Xianglan, what’s the matter with you? Stop crying.”

“Madam, you’ve lived in luxury all your life. How could you endure such hardships now? I just feel it’s so unfair!” Xianglan replied, like a wife grieving over her husband’s misfortunes.

Tian Tian’s heart warmed at her loyal maid’s affection. Having someone by her side who truly cared about her during such a difficult time felt like a blessing.

“Stop crying. As long as we can help the people survive, these clothes and jewelry mean nothing. Now go call the pawnshop owner. Let’s not waste any time.”

Xianglan, still weeping, reluctantly went to carry out the task.

The jewelry and clothes Xu Mu had gifted her fetched another ten thousand taels of silver, which surprised Tian Tian.

The pawnshop owner commented, “Your husband truly spoils you, Madam. These gold and silver pieces are all of the highest quality, and those fabrics are each worth tens or even hundreds of taels. Such generosity is simply awe-inspiring.” Even though he had served many wealthy families, he had never seen a husband gift such expensive items to his wife. Compared to the magistrate, other men seemed worlds apart.

Tian Tian felt a wave of sadness. Xu Mu really had been good to her, after all.

Thinking of this, a deep sorrow welled up in her heart. It was such a pity… he was still a corrupt official, and they were bound to stand on opposite sides in the end.

Xianglan sighed too. In all her years in the prefect’s household, she had never seen such lavishness from the prefect himself.

“Xianglan, take the silver and use it to help the people,” Tian Tian said, handing the silver notes to her.

Xianglan accepted the money with a heavy heart, looking at her mistress, now dressed in simple coarse clothes. “I’ll go immediately, Madam.”

Meanwhile, Xu Mu had been staying at the county office. When he heard from Zhou Nan that Tian Tian had pawned her jewelry and clothing, he was livid.

Xu Mu was furious. He couldn’t understand what was going through her mind. She knew there were too many refugees to save, yet she still pawned her belongings without hesitation. It was absurd!

Zhou Nan couldn’t help but ask, “Master, Madam is now wearing plain clothes, even pawning her favorite snow-white fox fur cloak. In this bitter cold, how will she survive without proper clothing?”

“She pawned them herself. Who’s to blame for that? If she wants to freeze, let her! It’s none of my concern,” Xu Mu snapped.

“I understand,” Zhou Nan replied, bowing and retreating cautiously. Ever since the master and madam’s argument, Xu Mu’s temper had grown increasingly volatile. Everyone at the county office was walking on eggshells, unsure when things would return to normal.

Xu Mu stood at his desk, attempting to focus on his painting. But the more he painted, the more agitated he became, frustrated by her defiance and by the fact that she had pawned everything, yet still feeling a twinge of concern for her.

What if she really caught a cold? What if she fell seriously ill?

Unable to ignore his worry, Xu Mu called Zhou Nan back and ordered him to hurry to town and buy new clothes for Tian Tian.

“Make sure to get the best ones. Madam’s health is delicate. She can’t afford to fall ill.”

“Understood,” Zhou Nan said, bowing.

“And be quick about it! If you’re too late and she catches cold, you’ll pay for it.”

“Yes, sir,” Zhou Nan replied, quickly leaving to carry out the order.

Two days later, a carriage full of new clothes and jewelry arrived at Tian Tian’s door.

Zhou Nan made sure to speak on Xu Mu’s behalf. “Madam, these are all from the master. He heard you pawned your clothes and was worried you might catch cold, so he ordered me to hurry day and night to bring these to you.”

Tian Tian looked at the beautiful garments, her expression indifferent.

Xianglan, on the other hand, was deeply touched. “Madam, the master truly cares for you! Even after your argument, he’s still thinking about you. It’s so rare to see such devotion.”

Tian Tian sighed. “Please thank the master for me,” she said to Zhou Nan.

“Of course,” Zhou Nan replied, bowing before taking his leave.

The moment Zhou Nan left, Tian Tian turned to Xianglan. “Take all these clothes and jewelry to the pawnshop.”

Xianglan was shocked. “But Madam, these were gifts from the master! You can’t—”

“Just do as I say.”

Unable to argue with her mistress, Xianglan had no choice but to obey.

This time, Tian Tian received another five thousand taels for the items.

Just as she was pocketing the silver, Xu Mu heard the news of her actions and flew into a rage. The sound of things being smashed echoed from his study.

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