Chapter 672: Chapter 672. The Storm of Changing Person
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Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The surrounding commoners were discussing in low voices. Most said that pregnant women and mothers-in-law did not know what was good for them. The women’s hospital run by the Empress had saved many pregnant women and children. That was a good thing with boundless merit.
Su Qing’s lips curled up slightly when she heard the discussions of the commoners. It seemed that she had a good reputation among the commoners. She lowered the curtain and ordered the coachman,
“Let’s go!”
Half an hour later, the convoy arrived at the manor. Yesterday, the army had helped them harvest two-thirds of the corn, so their field of vision suddenly widened.
Su Qing got out of the carriage with the children. Like yesterday, she brought the Golden Saber guards to cut the rice stalks. The eunuchs and palace maids broke the rice with the children.
Yun’ er was like a little bird released into the field. Her pet.i.te figure was busy working in full swing.
No matter how much work they did, their enthusiasm was worthy of praise.
Ziqi wasn’t as fast as his sister yesterday. Today, he found the trick. He grabbed the corn and broke it with great strength.
Su Qing was happy to see her son’s movements and speed. This child was good at thinking and learning. He had not become a blockhead.
On one side, Su Qing took her son and daughter to do farm work, while on the other side, Xiao Zeyu went to the morning court to issue the imperial edict.
“Grand Tutor He Qirui is already old, and his health is not good. I deeply pity him and can’t bear to put the heavy burden of teaching the prince on him. Therefore, He Qirui’s duties as Grand Tutor will be relieved from today onwards!”
Xiao Zeyu’s imperial edict made He Qirui’s eyes redden. He knelt and thanked him,
“Thank you, Lord.”
This was the Emperor despising him for not teaching the prince well!
He Qirui felt wronged. He had done his best, so why did the Emperor dismiss him?
But the Emperor had given him enough face; how could he still do this?
“I’ve decided to make Ziqi the Crown Prince. The Ministry of Rites is preparing for the Crown Prince Ceremony!”
Xiao Zeyu then brought up the matter of the crown prince, and none of the officials in the court raised any objections.
There was only one Empress in the harem, unlike the previous harem, which had more concubines and princes. The maternal families of the princes all wanted to push their grandsons to the throne, and the compet.i.tion was fierce.
Besides, Ziqi was the eldest son. Every dynasty had to make the eldest son the Crown Prince. He would not be deposed unless the Crown Prince committed an unforgivable crime. Therefore, Ziqi was the Crown Prince. It was nothing more than a matter of time.
All the ministers agreed with Xiao Zeyu’s proposal to appoint a crown prince. Xiao Zeyu was very happy and immediately announced the candidate for the new Grand Tutor.
“Zhang Jinglin is a man of literary talent and martial strategy. He is knowledgeable about the past and the present. I appoint you as the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor. I hope that you will not disappoint me.”
Zhang Jinglin couldn’t believe he had been chosen as the Grand Tutor. One had to know that he was far from qualified to be the Grand Tutor in terms of age and apt.i.tude.
“Jing Lin?”
Seeing that Zhang Jinglin was stunned, Xiao Zeyu smiled and called his name.
“Thank you, Lord, for your kindness. I will not disappoint you.”
Zhang Jinglin hurriedly knelt to thank He Qirui. He Qirui did not expect Zhang Jinglin to replace him. He was very dissatisfied. How could he shoulder the responsibility of the Grand Tutor?
But there was nothing he could do. They were relatives of the imperial family. Who asked him not to be a member of the Empress’s maiden family?
After the court session, all the officials went to congratulate Zhang Jinglin. He Qirui followed behind the crowd alone. Jealousy and hatred rose in his heart.
A minister on friendly terms with He Qirui approached him discreetly, noticing that they were momentarily un.o.bserved. Speaking in a hushed tone, he expressed his sympathy and dissatisfaction on behalf of He Qirui.
“Lord He, I truly feel for you. In terms of knowledge, you’re arguably second to none in the Great Tang. Even in qualifications, you are no less than Lord Zhang. The position of the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor – how could the Emperor entrust such a significant role to Lord Zhang? Sure, he’s the top scorer in martial arts, but in humanities, he only ranks in the top three, not nearly as proficient as your pupil, Lin Jiao.”
He Qirui, his voice tinged with discontent, responded,”… This old man is old and of no use anymore.”
The minister quickly countered, “How can you say you’re old? You’re in excellent health, still vigorous in your advanced years. The only thing you lack is a direct connection to the imperial family. You’re like those who plant trees for others to enjoy the shade. You nurtured the Crown Prince to excel in literary talents, yet others are reaping the rewards of your hard work.”
The minister was still stirring up the fire. He Qirui felt a rush of anger rush to his head, and he fell back stiffly.
Seeing that He Qirui had fainted, the offending minister hurriedly dodged. It was the eunuchs who went over to help He Qirui up and sent him to the Imperial Academy of Medicine.
Su Qing had been doing farm work for the whole day. Today, she peeled off the husks and placed them on the grain-pounding ground to dry. She would make them into seeds and distribute them to the cities. Food was the lifeline of the country. She had to let the people have enough to eat.
Next year, she wanted to divide the manor into two parts. One half would grow corn, and the other half would grow wheat. She wanted to let the people eat their fill first and then let them eat fine grain.
Su Qing had set a five-year plan for herself. Besides feeding the people, she had to develop the economy and open the trade route to the Western Regions. She had to take the tea leaves, cloth, and white wine from the mainland to exchange for jade bracelets and gold.
The country was not rich, but the people were rich.
After the farm work, everyone was famished. Today, she pulled all the royal chefs from the palace to work. She didn’t want them to be tired of cooking when they returned, so she took everyone to a restaurant for a good meal.
The eunuchs and palace maids, usually confined to the cloistered environment of the deep palace, found the restaurant scene overwhelmingly vibrant. For them, this was a rare glimpse into the lively world outside the palace walls. The atmosphere buzzed with the energy of everyday life: people engaged in playful boxing, raucous drinking games, enjoying wine, and hearty meals. There was an air of unbridled joy and freedom that permeated the place.
Ziqi and Yun’er, despite being tanned into what their mother jokingly called “black donkeys,” still radiated an undeniable charm and attractiveness. Their endearing features and striking good looks were apparent, tanning or not.
Su Qing and the palace maids, dressed to blend in with commoners, couldn’t quite mask their inherent beauty. Even in plain attire, their elegance shone through, a testament to their upbringing in the palace. Though visibly weary, the guards, with their golden sabers, carried themselves with a dignified air that set them apart from ordinary folk.
This unique group caught the attention of many as they entered the restaurant. Curious eyes followed them, tracing their every move until they were comfortably seated.
A waiter approached them with a welcoming smile.
“Sir, what would you like to eat?”
He eyed the group, gauging their status. They appeared ordinary but weren’t content with steamed buns and vegetables for such a large party. He had already decided that if they ordered modestly, he would suggest they dine elsewhere, as accommodating such a large group with minimal orders wouldn’t be profitable.
“Give each table a portion of your restaurant’s specialty dishes and two jars of good wine.”
Su Qing glanced at the waiter, too weary to peruse the menu. Instead, she asked him to bring whatever dishes he thought best and requested two jars of fine wine for the Golden Saber guards, treating them with the same generosity typically reserved for rewarding an army. In her view, their successful completion of the autumn harvest was akin to winning a battle.
“Alright, I’ll go prepare,” the waiter responded, momentarily taken aback by her request. He eyed Su Qing with a hint of suspicion, wondering if they had enough silver to cover such an extravagant order. Initially, he had been concerned that a large but frugal order might slow down the restaurant’s service. Now, he was more worried about the possibility of them not being able to pay.
Yet, he didn’t voice his doubts. Despite Su Qing’s simple attire, her demeanor exuded an air of authority far from ordinary. Opting to play it safe, he decided to consult with the shopkeeper. If the shopkeeper gave the go-ahead, the responsibility would no longer be his.
After a long day, hunger and thirst had caught up with the group. Yun’er, looking at her mother with a hint of distress, said, “Mother, Yun’er is thirsty.”
She remembered her mother’s instruction not to call her ‘mother’ while in the restaurant, but her discomfort overrode her manners.
“Get the waiter to serve tea.”
Su Qing instructed one of the palace maids to summon the waiter. As they waited, she overheard people at the following table discussing important court affairs, drawing her attention to their conversation..