Chapter 73

Chapter 73

After two days, Xiao Yunzhou personally praised Concubine Liu's skill in sewing winter clothes and went to the small courtyard where the female workers did their sewing to reward the outstanding ones.

Everyone was thrilled and knelt down to express their gratitude for the Emperor's benevolence.

"Rise," said Xiao Yunzhou, helping Concubine Liu up as she was about to kneel, and patting her hand.

"You've worked hard these days. Sending these winter clothes will allow the suffering people afflicted by the plague to use them first."

He looked at the needle-pricked fingers of Concubine Liu and felt even more indebted to her.

If not for the Little Princess's thoughts that only he as the Emperor could hear, Concubine Liu would not have injured her hands.

Even for minor incidents like Liu the Elder falling or hot tea spilling, the Little Princess would gasp in warning through her thoughts.

Alas, ordinary people were not blessed enough to experience such celestial alerts.

Alas.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yunzhou sympathetically pointed at Concubine Liu's hands, "Have the imperial physicians send some medicinal ointment later so it heals faster."

Concubine Liu rose, unaware of the Emperor's thoughts, otherwise she might have laughed out loud.

She was about to turn and ask Qiuli to prepare well water so the Emperor could boil tea himself later, but Xiao Yunzhou waved his hand to stop her.

"My presence here is impeding the workers' progress."

"Concubine Liu, accompany me to your family's courtyard to see your father."

Concubine Liu was taken aback.

A glint flashed in Xiao Yunzhou's eyes as he ordered the wet nurse to bring the infant Xiao Chuchu along in the carriage.

"I happen to have some matters concerning the common people to discuss with your father and elder brother."

[Huh?]

Even the infant Xiao Chuchu in the wet nurse's arms was surprised, but soon became delighted. [Yay, I get to go to my grandparents' place again? How wonderful, I do miss my grandfather a little. Last time I stayed too briefly and didn't get a good look at my uncle.]

[My uncle must have finished making those little firework toys he was developing. I want to play with them~]

Xiao Yunzhou's gaze flickered.

After boarding the carriage, he closed his eyes to rest, silently recalling another 'treasure' skill book the Little Princess had mentioned that day.

— 'Artificial Incubation of Duck Eggs and Rapid Duck Rearing Techniques'

"Your Majesty, we have arrived," said Wei Zheng, interrupting the Emperor's thoughts.

Xiao Yunzhou opened his eyes and before disembarking, he saw a row of people from the Liu Family standing at the entrance of their small courtyard.

Leading them was Liu the Elder, whose ancestors were village farmers, and who himself had ample experience in rural survival.

By his side was the beaming Old Madam of the Liu Family, vigorous in her movements. She was educated but also grew up feeding chickens in the village.

Half a step behind them was their eldest son, Liu Runnian, dressed in a scholar's robe, yet disliking study and fond of tinkering with small inventions.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

When not at home, he would help his father farm and his mother raise the courtyard chickens.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty—"

"This student, Liu Runnian, pays respects to Your Majesty..."

Xiao Yunzhou's gaze flickered, and as the Liu Family members were about to kneel, he swiftly helped them up.

"No need for such formalities."

Liu the Elder's face flushed red. The Emperor increasingly valued their Liu Family these days!

Apart from their treasured granddaughter's celestial advice, it was also due to his own efforts!

Liu Runnian was a talented researcher of techniques, even more intelligent than Concubine Liu who had invented the silk spinning machine!

If he, the Emperor, subtly hinted at the secrets revealed by the Little Princess, Liu Runnian would most likely be able to develop the artificial incubation method!

Thinking of this, Xiao Yunzhou grew excited, instructing Wei Zheng to fetch stools.

"Come, be seated."

"The matter is this. Yesterday when I was strolling by the Imperial Kitchen, I overheard the cooks complaining that the consecutive floods this year had devastated many village chickens and ducks, resulting in an exceptionally high price for duck meat in the capital's markets. Even the kitchen staff could not afford duck for their New Year celebrations!"

Huh?

Liu Runnian had just sat down but was bewildered.

What?

What did the Emperor mean?

It was true that the palace cooks could not afford duck meat, and his Liu Family hadn't eaten duck for a long time either due to the floods.

The calamities indeed harmed the people!

But... then what?

Liu Runnian fidgeted, about to stand up. His knowledge of the Four Books and Five Classics was merely superficial, like embroidery on a pillow or a bundle of straw - likely to be forgotten once he passed the provincial examination.

This year's imperial examinations were clearly beyond his abilities.

The Emperor hoped that Liu Runnian would excel in the Imperial Examination, and then send him to handle flood relief efforts, but that was clearly impossible!

Liu Runnian felt distressed at once.

Alas, he regretted not studying hard enough when he had the chance.

"Your Majesty, you care so much for the people, I... I... oh!"

He truly regretted it.

He wished he had studied diligently.

"Hmph!" Old Liu the Elder became angry seeing his behavior, especially after recalling what his granddaughter Xiao Chuchu had said about Liu Runnian's lack of ambition.

"Your Majesty, my unfilial son Runnian cannot be counted on for serious matters!"

"He is just playful at heart!"

"If the Imperial Kitchen needs a cook, you might as well summon him!"

Liu Runnian sighed and lowered his head.

Concubine Liu and the Old Madam of the Liu Family could not help but worry, but before they could speak to dissuade him, an adorable cooing sound was heard.

[What, lacking ducks?]

[How fortuitous! I happen to have artificial incubation and duck rearing techniques that can increase duck meat yield and production~]

The entire Liu Family was astonished.

Xiao Chuchu babbled on, [I know, incubating eggs in earthen jars or heated brick beds, using coal to regulate the temperature...]

Emperor Xiao Yunzhou's eyes lit up then, and he turned to Liu Runnian with a solemn expression.

"Runnian, I've observed that your fireworks are quite well-made."

"You are very clever. Look, regarding the incubation of these ducks, do you have any ideas for improvement?"

"...!"

The members of the Liu Family all lowered their heads in astonishment.

Liu Runnian opened his mouth, then closed it, mustering all his strength to avoid looking at the wet nurse holding his niece!