Chapter 1036: Meeting Princess Liyang Again
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Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yu Youyao found many old farmers who were good at animal husbandry and wrote books containing their precious and rare experiences with them. She hired a bookstore to print them in large quant.i.ties and sold them for 80 copper coins each.
As printing was widely used, the price of books decreased. An ordinary book cost about 200 copper coins, and would cost no less than 100 copper coins. It also depended on the quality of the paper used and the number of words.
The “Records of Feeding” that Princess Shaoyi had implemented was divided into three volumes. It summarized the merits of the Great Zhou and the Northern Barbarians and was praised by many people. The price of 80 copper coins was really too low.
Eldest Princess Shaoyi encouraged the development of animal husbandry and wanted to expand the scale of livestock so that the commoners would not suffer.
It was true that 80 copper coins was worth three to four months of expenses for an ordinary family of four, but books could be shared. Many villages were led by the village chiefs to share the money. Every family would pay a small amount of copper coins and everyone would pool their funds to buy books.
Those whose families had spare money could buy the book by themselves. For those with more difficult conditions, a few families and the entire village could raise funds together, sharing the money and benefits.
After the promotion of “Records of Feeding”, the number of livestock in the Liaodong area increased a lot.
When the officials from the capital saw this situation, they couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Although Eldest Princess Shaoyi was a woman, she was proficient in agriculture. She had done many things for Liaodong alone and changed Liaodongs lack of supplies. They all reported these situations one by one.
Unknowingly, it was the second of October.
The old Princess Consort and the others also successfully arrived at Xiangping.
King Longs Residence was the patriarch of the Yin Clan with a high status. It was in charge of the Yin Clan’s ancestral code and was the most prominent relative in the imperial family. Even the emperor and mingfu in the palace were restricted by their ancestors’ family rules.
The old Princess Consort of Long County was also the most respected elder in the imperial family. The only person who could invite her was the current emperor.
Yu Youyao did not dare to be negligent at all. She immediately sent a carriage to Longcheng to receive her. When the news of the old Princess Consort of Long County arriving in Xiangping came, she sent another person to the city gate to receive her.
The old Princess Consort of Long County was in her sixties. She was wearing a green-colored longevity cloak with longevity patterns. Her hair was already gray, and she had combed it into an ordinary bun that was fixed with a silver hairpin. There was a ginger-patterned longevity seal on her forehead. She looked like an ordinary old woman, looking simple, generous, and amiable.
Yu Youyao quickly went up to her. Only then did she see that the person supporting the Princess Consort of Long County was Princess Liyang, whom she had met once in the palace.
The news sent by the Imperial Court did not mention that Princess Liyang was coming.
She couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.
Princess Liyang was tall and slender. She was wearing a long cloak with a silver silk inlaid with fur. She looked charming and beautiful, and she was very outstanding.
The two of them greeted each other. Princess Li smiled. “It’s been many years since we last parted in the palace. How have you been?”
Yu Youyao had a higher grade than Princess Liyang, but considering that Princess Liyang was the legitimate princess on the surface, she said politely, “Thanks to you, everything has been good all these years. I didn’t know that you had arrived earlier. If there’s anything wrong, please forgive me.”
The person who used to lower her head in front of her now raised her head higher. Princess Liyang felt complicated, but she held her hand affectionately.
“When I heard that you were going to hold your coming-of-age ceremony, I had the intention to come and become the host. It’s also because the war in the North hasn’t ended and the coming-of-age ceremony is a little tight, so it’s not appropriate to make it public. I don’t want to cause trouble along the way and ruin your auspicious time, so I didn’t mention coming to Liaodong. Good sister, don’t blame me.’
She made it sound as if they really had a close sisterly relationship, not as if they had only met once. Her meaning between the lines was clear, and she was
thinking for Yu Youyao.
Yu Youyao was a little sick of it. The people who became hosts were usually sisters who were close to her in the family or close friends. Princess Liyang called her a “good sister” and a “best friend”. Furthermore, Princess Liyang wanted to be the host. Naturally, she couldn’t refuse.
Her status was too high, and she could still befriend n.o.ble ladies in the capital. After arriving in Liaodong, because of the huge difference in status, even if there were people who wanted to seek favor with her, they did not dare to approach her easily. In addition, she was mourning and lived in seclusion most of the time, preventing some people from getting close to her. In addition, the situation of the n.o.bles in Liaodong was complicated, and she deliberately avoided them.
Therefore, after coming to Liaodong, she had never been on good terms with any young miss.
Fortunately, the Clan Chief’s wife had mentioned in her letter that she wanted to bring some talented young misses from the clan over. She had some candidates for the host, but it had yet to be officially decided.
It couldn’t be helped that Princess Liyang was involved.
The two of them chatted for a while. Yu Youyao bowed to the old Princess Consort of Long County. “Matriarch, you’re well. It’s been hard for you to travel for me.’
You Youyao was wearing a flower crown dress and looked down. She looked as quiet and tender as a flower.
The old Princess Consort of Long County liked her at a glance. She quickly held her hand and patted it gently. “It’s still late autumn in the capital, but as soon as we enter Longcheng, the cold wind seems to blow into the cracks of my bones. It’s really bitter. To think that you’re so considerate. You sent people and carriages to receive us. You even arranged for a kitchen maid who knows how to make medicinal cuisine, She makes nourishing medicinal cuisine, incense, medicine, and supplements every day. She’s prepared and served us well.’
The few mingfu in the imperial family also joined in.
The Imperial Court valued Eldest Princess Shaoyi!s coming-of-age ceremony very much. The Ministry of Rites had invited the emperor to give a handwritten decree, which was why they had invited the talented and virtuous elders of the imperial family over. Naturally, they did not dare to be negligent.
However, it was inevitable that the journey would be difficult. There would definitely be some criticism.
Yu Youyao was thoughtful. As soon as they entered Longcheng, she sent people to ensure that they did not suffer. Everyone praised Eldest Princess
Shaoyi even more.
They had also experienced the good upbringing of the Yu Clan.
Yu Youyao quickly helped the old Princess Consort of Long County up. “I’m ashamed and grateful to have my elders work hard for me. It’s also because I’m young and inexperienced. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, you have to teach me.’
Even though her elders had praised her, she did not show off her contributions nor did she say that she had suffered. She only said that she was young and inexperienced. She was worried that she would not do a good job, so she expressed her grat.i.tude and respect for her elders.
She was really an exquisite person.
The old Pirncess Consort of Long County smiled. “Don’t be humble. In my opinion, you’re the one who’s experienced the most among us.” At this point, her expression was a little complicated. “If you hadn’t made this trip, I wouldn’t have known how much you’ve suffered in the past few years. It’s really been hard on you.”
“Matriarch, you flatter me.” Yu Youyao smiled and warmly welcomed her into the house.
After the tea, the group settled down.
It could be said that she had taken care of everything..