PWDLAW Chapter 93: Ideas
Chapter 93: Ideas With the little silver she had living in the village was already more than sufficient and dreaming of buying a shop was beyond reach. Although she had been a high-ranking executive in her past life her expertise was primarily in business. In the current Great Chu Dynasty, officials' dependents were not prohibited from having private property. On the contrary, the dowry given to a woman upon marriage was considered her private property and neither the natal nor marital families had the right to embezzle it. This explained why the dowry of ancient women was so crucial. Ye Muyu found this aspect to be very humane. Women already had a lower status and the dowry at the very least, ensured their livelihood after marriage. Of course, in families with proper manners, people wouldn't think of embezzling their wife's dowry. However, there were cases of embezzlement such as the one recorded in the Chu Code. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, Liu, a minister of the Ministry of Personnel, embezzled his wife's dowry, mistreated his wife and after the case was exposed, Emperor Taizong was furious. Based on the embezzled silver, he imposed punishment. In the end, Minister Liu was demoted and sent back to his hometown, and his concubine, for plotting to gain wealth by harming his wife, was subjected to the death penalty. Usually, according to the Chu Code, only the official involved would be demoted and sent back, without affecting the family. However, in Minister Liu's case, his wife was from the renowned family of the founding general, the Lus, who had all died in battle. Emperor Taizong was deeply grieved and with this incident added, the Liu family became the target of the emperor's wrath. Not only was Minister Liu demoted and sent back but his family members were also implicated. This was quite severe because, according to the Chu Code, generally only the official would be demoted without affecting the family. However, the Liu family, due to this incident, suffered severe consequences. The case was even recorded in the Chu Code and would be read by scholars in the Great Chu Dynasty, serving as a mark of disgrace. The Liu family had a tough time. Now, during the reign of Emperor Mingzong, it was the ninth year of the Yuankang era. Ye Muyu was now relieved. With the current situation, she could do business. However, when she married Chu Heng, her dowry was almost non-existent. Besides some cloth and clothes, there were only five taels of silver. No land at all. But at that time, the original owner was fortunate. With those five taels of silver, she bought a piece of land in the village. Now, she didn't lack a dowry. All these dowry details were written in the original marriage contract. Ye Muyu thought that if she could produce something from her piece of land and sell it, she could consider it her natal family's private property. Chu Heng should not be someone greedy for money. At least, giving ten taels of silver every three months in the countryside was undoubtedly a unique and generous gesture. So, she had nothing to worry about. However, she needed to carefully plan what kind of business to start. It seemed that she might only be suitable for a food business. Ye Muyu's mind turned, thinking about the available ingredients. Radishes, sweet potatoes, and other easily preservable vegetables were in the house's cellar. But these were not very valuable and not suitable as the first stepping stone. When the business stabilized later, she could try using these low-cost ingredients to make food. "Oh, there's still ginger in the cellar. When the season comes, planting and selling ginger would be appropriate." "What else is there..." Ye Muyu pondered with her chin resting on her hands. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration crossed her mind, her eyes brightened, and she clapped her hands together "Right, there's cake. We have flour at home, and with eggs, making small cakes is feasible. If there's butter, it would be a fresh commodity." "Especially since the county is about to announce the women's art competition. If I can make a large cake on the day of the announcement with the county magistrate leading the congratulatory wishes and sharing it with the people, it's bound to create a buzz for the introduction of cakes."
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