hile the elder sister-in-law was a bit better, but most of her thoughts were also spent on vying for property.She doesn't even want to go back to such a house, let alone her brother and sister-in-law!...The Emperor still thought his son understood and didn't continue.
It was the Crown Prince who changed the subject, picking up a Ministry of War dispatch and asking, "Father Emperor, should the third batch of military supplies be sent to Jiangbei"
The Emperor was pouring tea, gazing at the swirling leaves in his cup. After a long silence, he replied, "There's been a drought, and there are food shortages everywhere. We can't raise funds quickly. It will likely take another half month."
The crown prince frowned and replied, "Now that every family is eyeing my selection of a bride, should we send out some signals to have them take on some of the military supplies pressure proactively"
When it comes to these aristocratic families, they prioritize pleasure above all else. When you truly need them, they all feign ignorance. Last time I needed to borrow military supplies, they wouldn't agree until the Li family guaranteed it. It's truly infuriating.
It's like regaining control of the north bank, unifying the entire empire. It's just a matter of our royal family, it has nothing to do with them.
The emperor did not favor aristocratic families, but his considerations were far more profound than what was immediately apparent.
So, he vaguely replied, "You've just returned to the palace and haven't yet established yourself in court. It's not wise to pressure the noble families too much for now. Just wait a little longer!"
The prince wanted to say more, but seeing his father's displeased face, he wisely kept quiet.
Meanwhile, a little fox dozing off, its ears perked up high...
The sun slowly rose, and the earth once again entered its scorching mode.
Those with thinner shoes have to hop forward when walking.
The sunlight falling on the gravel of Suijin Beach reflects dazzling light, truly deserving of its name.
Even the most hardworking farmers were now helplessly taking shelter at home.
A straw mat was laid out before and after the house, shirtless, waving a fan, resisting the merciless summer heat.
There were a few mischievous boys who weren't afraid of death. They ran behind their families to the riverbank, which was almost dried up, wanting to play in the water. As a result, they were discovered by their mothers and yelled at them to go back. They couldn't avoid getting a beating!
In the Li family's old house, because there were many trees planted, it was a few degrees cooler than other places.
The suite in the backyard was open, with trees casting shade outside the window. Occasionally, a breeze would blow through, bringing a refreshing coolness.
Jiayin and Wan'er sat across from each other at the table, discussing the list they were making.
Tomorrow morning, Lao Hei will lead the team out.
Let's go to Qiming County for a while and bring some food for Brother Li.
A journey of three hundred miles, back and forth six hundred miles.
Fortunately, it's still within the new city limits. The roads are good and safe to travel on.
Jia Yin checked the snack boxes and wrote down the numbers and categories.
These snacks were all made by her own hands, they are both shelf-stable and delicious.
Half of it was given to my older brother to satisfy his cravings, and the other half was packaged in a gift box to be given as a present to my brother or awarded to subordinates.
Waner was sorting through her clothes and belongings, which wasn't a simple task.
Although most of the servants followed Grandmother to Quanzhou, the seamstresses at Hou's mansion were very capable. Every month, they could sew a good number of new garments, shoes, socks, as well as small items like pen cases and fan covers.
Now, let's distribute it fairly based on headcount.
Jia Yin had her extra staff buy the latest poetry collection "Travel Notes" in Xindu, along with new paper, fragrant ink, and other supplies. They packed several large boxes.
As for the golden fruit and jade gourd she had secretly taken from the spatial realm, Shuiling was already having people pack them into baskets.
We will load up on more gunpowder tomorrow. On the way, we'll make ice and cool things down along the way so that we can reach Qìngmíng County.
It's just that if it's sent to my elder brother in the southwest, that wouldn't work.
Because the journey is simply too far!
When Wan'er saw her younger sister using an abacus in one hand and ledger books in the other, occasionally writing with a pen as well, she couldn't help but feel happy seeing her busy yet organized.
It's great that my sister-in-law is home! Now she won't have to fight alone anymore.
Just at this time, Grandma He walked in from outside and reported, “Young mistress, Princess, Auntie Wu and the others have brought gifts to visit.”
Wan'er raised her head to look at the sun outside and asked in confusion, "With such scorching heat, how did they come here"
Jiayin seemed to have guessed a bit, and smiled, "I ran into the village head on my way back from the county princess's mansion just now. He mentioned something about the convoy departing soon. I guess Grandma Wu and the others are coming over to deliver things, probably wanting to join in the fun."
Wan'er quickly replied, "He Grandmother, there is a jade gourd in the kitchen water bucket. Please have someone take it out and cut it up to serve the guests."
Grandma He responded and went downstairs.
Waner and Jiayin adjusted their dresses and went to the front courtyard.
In the southwest corner of the front yard, there was a big tree planted. Under the tree was a well, and next to it was an ear room, making it a rare cool place.
In their downtime, the maids would all gather here to do needlework and chat.
At this moment, several small stools were brought out for Mrs. Wu and several other elderly women from the village to sit on.
Seeing Jia Yin and Wan'er coming over, Wu Da Niang and the others quickly got up to greet them, but Jia Yin and Wan'er helped them back down.
“Auntie, we’re all family, so there’s no need to be so formal.” Wan’er smiled warmly and playfully scolded the few elderly women, “If something happens at home, just have the children say a word. Why bother coming yourself It’s so hot out, you might get dizzy and need medicine.”
Grandma Wu smiled with relief and patted Wan'er's hand, replying, "We have all lived through hardships, so we are not afraid of a little sunshine. Besides, Doctor Zhang had prepared pills in advance and distributed some to each family. If you feel unwell, just take one."
"Indeed, these days are so blissful." The other grandmothers also expressed their feelings.
When I was young, I worked in the fields under the scorching sun, getting sunburnt until my skin peeled off. But I still kept working! Now I'm so pampered!
The crowd buzzed with excited chatter, instantly making the atmosphere much livelier.
Soon, Grandma He brought up a jade gourd with the little girl.
"A'Ma Wu patted her hand in distress, "Such a precious thing, how could you cut it Now on the market, a jade gourd sells for seven or eight taels of silver!"
Another old woman also cried out, "Yes, this would be enough for three good cotton cloths!"
Jia Yin couldn't help but laugh, she took a jade gourd and gave each of them a piece.
"Grandma Wu, don't worry about it. Just quench your thirst quickly. Outsiders might say this, but we are the ones who planted the watermelons!
And one kind is a hundred mu of land. If we eat one, it's just like one less harvest in the field!
Everyone laughed and couldn't refuse, so they could only take small bites and cherish it extra.
After eating a piece of watermelon, everyone felt much cooler and refused to eat another slice.
Since words failed him, he sent the remaining half of the jade gourd up the mountain.
Meow Ge'er and Zhi Min Xiu Jie, Guo Wen Yuan didn't go back to the academy. They got up early and went straight to the grass hut in the orchard, claiming they were there to enjoy the scenery and paint. But who knows what mischief they're really up to.
Aunt Wu opened the basket she brought, revealing several pairs of shoes. They were different sizes, but they were sewn with great care and detail.
"My Lady, I have sewn two pairs of shoes for the Old Madam, and a few more for Hui'niang and the children. Could you please take them with you to Quanzhou"
"Of course, I can," Jia Yin readily agreed with a smile. "It's just that it's hard work for Grandma Wu to stitch in such hot weather."
"Oh, it's nothing, family. It's all in a day's work," Wu Da replied with a wave of her hand. "I don't have any other skills, just want to be helpful for your grandmother and your mother and sister. Doing some needlework for them makes me happy."
After she started, the other elderly women also followed suit and handed over their baskets.
This one is dried mushrooms from home, and that one is pickled salted duck eggs.
In short, they are not expensive things, but full of heart.
Jia Yin also misses Grandma and her family. Listening to the old ladies' inquiries and patiently explaining, she felt a complex mix of emotions in her heart.
Finally, after seeing off the elderly women, I continued to list out the orders and pack up the items. By then, the sky had darkened.
Mr. Wen and the others hadn't returned, but Mu Xu, tanned black by the sun, arrived at the door.
Here are two updates for today~~~ guarded secret, so it was naturally easy to find out.After that, both Ye Shan and Dong Mei bowed their heads in apology. Ye Shan said, “My lord, please forgive us. We did not look after the young mis...