A family with three widows, after severing ties with relatives, she became wealthy and married into

Chapter 247 Preparing to go to the capital

"Sister Lu, Sister Liu, you don't know..."

Empress Li explained in detail the significance of high-yield rice varieties...

What can be done to reduce the occurrence of famine and increase people's income?

What will allow Daqi to accumulate more wealth...?

What can provide enough food for the army...?

What can make Daqi more stable...?

Lu Tao and Liu San Niang were stunned by what they heard.

Lu Tao, feeling extremely embarrassed, began, "Your Majesty, we are but ordinary people..."

Empress Li waved her hand gracefully, "In short, all you need to know is that it is a tremendous achievement that Tian Tian was able to grow high-yield rice seeds."

"No amount of praise from the Emperor is too much, that's enough."

She subtly implied, "Now that Tian Tian is a princess, the man she marries must be of a similar status..."

"My two younger sisters will be going to the capital sooner or later."

"Why not take this opportunity to visit the capital and get familiar with it?"

Lu Tao frowned, immediately understanding the meaning behind Empress Li's words.

This means that if Tian Tian marries Young Master Ling and becomes the Crown Princess, she will definitely live in the capital.

Thinking about how Tian Tian is going to marry and move to the capital, I don't know how long it will be before we see each other again.

Lu Tao was heartbroken. "Our family... doesn't discriminate based on social status. Although Tian Tian received imperial favor and was granted the title of Princess, she is still just from an ordinary family..."

Liu San Niang grabbed Lu Tao's wrist, "Sister."

She whispered to Lu Tao, "Children have their own blessings; we shouldn't interfere."

Lu Tao paused, then said, "Yes, children have their own blessings..."

Sweetie's current success is the result of her hard work.

How could mothers keep their children confined to their sides for their own selfish desires?

Coming to her senses, Lu Tao smiled at Liu San Niang.

"Your Majesty is right."

Since we shouldn't keep our children confined by our side, why not go and see where they want to go?

"Then our whole family will accompany Tian Tian to Beijing for a visit."

Liu San Niang was completely taken aback. This... this change in attitude was too fast!

Lu Tao grabbed Liu San Niang's arm, "San Niang, let's go together. We've always heard how prosperous the capital is. Now that we have the chance, let's go and see for ourselves."

"Otherwise, when will the girls ever spend all the money they earn?"

"How about we go...and buy some more trendy fabrics and jewelry?"

Upon hearing this, Empress Li immediately chimed in, "Yes, there are plenty of fashionable fabrics in the capital."

"Also, my palace has silk that was presented as tribute from Xilan. It has gold thread and gemstones on it, and it is very beautiful."

"Can you adorn silk with gemstones?" Lu Tao and Liu San Niang exclaimed in surprise.

The three of them suddenly started chatting amiably about fabric...

Tian Tian winked helplessly at Tian Xue and Qin Youyou, and the three sisters quietly left the room.

"Big sister, second sister, are we really going to the capital?" Qin Youyou blinked her big eyes, already showing a mix of anticipation and...worry.

Tian Xiang put her arm around her shoulder, "Don't worry, our whole family will go, we can look after each other."

Qin Youyou nodded, slightly relieved.

However, in just a short while, she had new worries.

"Second sister, will you be living in the capital from now on?" After all, a princess's mansion is being built in the capital.

Tian Tian smiled and pulled her over, "If I lived in the capital, would you still be staying in Baishi County?"

"Of course I'll come live in the capital with you." She raised an eyebrow at Tian Xiang. "Right, eldest sister?"

Tian Xiang nodded without hesitation, "Yes, yes, yes."

The three sisters huddled together laughing.

*

Ling Yao returned when the second crop of rice began to grow.

He stood beneath the city gate of Baishi County, looking at the familiar plaque, feeling as if he had been transported to another world.

He left in the spring, a spirited young man; now he returns, weathered and worn.

The coarse cloth clothes were covered in dust, and the cuffs were worn white.

His skin was rough and dark from the wind and sand of the frontier, and there were many fine lines around his eyes, which made his eyes look even more deep.

"Young Master Ling?" A familiar address pulled Ling Yao back to reality.

He turned his head and saw that it was Zhang Fusheng.

“Uncle Zhang.” His Adam’s apple bobbed.

"Young Master Ling, you're back." Zhang Fusheng returned today to report to Tian Tian on the situation of the vegetable fields in various counties, and also to transport some greenhouse film from Tian Tian to build greenhouses in various places.

"I was just about to go find the Second Miss, Young Master Ling, let's go together."

Upon hearing the words "Second Miss" again, Ling Yao's heart trembled.

The border was too depressing, and the environment was bad. Whenever he felt pain and exhaustion, he would think of Tian Tian.

He thought, she's a young woman, running around farming, and she's never complained about the hardship or fatigue.

Moreover, this year she will also be traveling to various counties in Yunzhou Prefecture, leading the people in each county to plant rice.

She was driven by a sense of righteousness.

And he did it for the people of his country.

He has responsibilities, so he has no right to complain about being tired.

Zhang Fusheng approached Ling Yao, his gaze sweeping over his face. "Young Master Ling, what have you been doing? You look so much more aged."

Before Ling Yao could speak, Zhang Fusheng remarked to himself, "However, there is a hint of maturity in his eyes and brows."

Ling Yao gave an awkward laugh.

"Let's go." Zhang Fusheng went up and took Ling Yao's bundle. "The second young lady is waiting for me at Baishi Teahouse."

Ling Yao followed in a daze, his heart growing increasingly uneasy.

He glanced at the bundle on Zhang Fusheng's back and suddenly regretted handing it over to Zhang Fusheng.

Zhang Fusheng had no idea what he was thinking; he just hurried toward the Baishi Teahouse.

Any slower and it will be too late.

Upon arriving at Baishi Teahouse, Zhang Fusheng first spoke to the manager and then went straight upstairs.

"Young Master Ling, please hurry up."

He didn't forget to call on the hesitant Ling Yao.

Ling Yao quickly followed.

"Young Master Ling?" The shopkeeper looked up, but almost didn't recognize Ling Yao. "Young Master Ling is back."

The staff all looked over, "Young Master Ling is back?"

"Is that Young Master Ling? He doesn't look like him."

"It's Young Master Ling. He hasn't changed in appearance, except he's gotten much darker."

"It's not just darker, it's also rougher."

"Hey, have you noticed? Our second daughter's family seems to be acting differently lately."

“I know what’s different.”

"She looks younger!!"

"That's right. The second young lady is out almost every day, exposed to the wind and sun, and her skin is even better than before."

"Well, our second daughter is naturally beautiful."

"Stop talking, we have guests."

Tian Tian sat in the side room, one hand supporting her head, feeling slightly sleepy.

I don't know why, but I woke up very early today and couldn't fall back asleep.

It was only later that I remembered it was the day I had agreed with Uncle Zhang to pick up the greenhouse film.

She has already bought three thousand greenhouse films from the system, and they are now piled up in her backyard.

"Second Miss." Uncle Zhang's voice came from the doorway, and Tian Tian jumped up.

"Uncle Zhang, come in."

Tian Tian straightened her clothes and sat up a little straighter.

Zhang Fusheng pushed open the door. "Second Miss, look who's back."

Tian Tian looked up, her eyes unexpectedly meeting Ling Yao's gaze.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still.

Tian Tian's eyes widened suddenly, her lips trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but no sound came out.

Those eyes, which always held a smile, were now brimming with too many emotions—surprise, grievance, longing, and a hint of complexity that Ling Yao couldn't understand.

Ling Yao felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly by something.

He remembered that when he left, Tian Tian stood at the city gate to see him off, her eyes clear and calm.

At that time, he thought time would pass quickly.

But now he realizes how long those six months have been for him.

"Sweetie..." he called her softly.

Tian Tian unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning white.

The figure that had appeared countless times in her dreams was now standing right in front of her.

She felt her heart pounding so fast it was about to jump out of her chest.

Tian Tian glanced down at her skirt, feeling annoyed. Why hadn't she changed into something better today?

"Sweetie..." he called her name, his voice still gentle, but a little hoarse than he remembered.

Tian Tian felt her heart being clenched tightly.

Over the past few months, she had imagined countless scenarios of their reunion, but she never expected it to be so sudden.

"Young Master Ling, you're back." She tried her best to control her emotions and forced a smile.

"I...I'm back." Ling Yao smiled, but the smile was somewhat bitter.

He had clearly seen Tian Tian's emotions surging just now, but in the short time it took, she calmed down.

Tian Tian took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"It's good that you're back."

Ling Yao stared at her, but she only said "It's good that you're back" and then ignored him.

"Uncle Zhang..."

Zhang Fusheng, oblivious to Ling Yao's expression, began reporting on the situation of vegetable plots in other counties.

All the vegetables harvested in one go have been picked, and the land has been tilled.

Those crops that can be harvested multiple times are nearing the end of their season.

This is the perfect time to start building the greenhouse.

"The greenhouses have already started being built in the fields. We're just waiting for the greenhouse film to arrive so we can cover them up directly."

Tian Tian tried her best not to glance in Ling Yao's direction. "The greenhouse film is already in the backyard; we can just transport it away."

“Okay.” Working with Tian Tian, ​​Zhang Fusheng developed a quick and efficient work ethic.

Upon hearing this, the person immediately turned and left, leaving Tian Tian and Ling Yao in the side room.

"Sigh..." Tian Tian stood up awkwardly, wanting to keep him, but unable to.

Looking at Ling Yao again, she swallowed hard. "Um... you're back, does your cousin know?"

"And...and your mother, does your mother know?"

Ling Yao was taken aback, "My mother?"

Tian Tian then remembered that he had already left Baishi County when the Empress arrived.

She nodded. "Yes, your mother..."

"The Empress is in Baishi County."

*

Ling Yao followed Tian Tian home and saw Empress Li in the garden, where she was all smiles with Lu Tao and Liu San Niang.

"Mother." Ling Yao called.

Empress Li turned her head and looked at Ling Yao, who was several shades darker and rougher, and she didn't dare to recognize him.

"Mother!" Ling Yao called out again.

Empress Li then came to her senses, "Yao'er."

She lifted the hem of her dress and rushed to Ling Yao, grabbing his arms. "Yao'er, you're back?"

Ling Yao nodded. "Mother, what are you doing here?"

Empress Li glanced back and touched his arm. "Don't call me 'Mother,' call me 'Empress Dowager.'"

"..." Ling Yao was surprised.

"They all know who the Empress Dowager is now." Empress Li smiled awkwardly.

"Also, the imperial decree of reward that you requested for Tian Tian has been delivered."

"Now, Tian Tian is Princess Fufeng."

"We are waiting for you to come back so we can go back to the capital together to meet your father, the Emperor, and express our gratitude."

Ling Yao looked at Tian Tian with surprise, "Really?"

He always felt that the title of princess was rightfully hers, and even... felt that a mere title of princess was not enough to match her achievements.

"Of course it's true." The Empress raised her head proudly. "Would your mother lie to you?"

At this moment, Lu Tao and Liu San Niang came over and greeted, "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Ling Yao swiftly lifted Lu Tao up, saying, "Madam Lu, Madam Liu, you mustn't!"

Liu San Niang knelt down completely, wincing in pain from the pain in her knees.

Ling Yao helped her up again, "Madam Liu, please get up quickly."

"Ling Yao was very grateful for the care he received from the two ladies in Baishi County."

"Alright, alright." Empress Li pulled Lu Tao with one hand and Liu San Niang with the other. "We're family, so let's not stand on ceremony. Now that Yao'er is back, shall we... make preparations to return to the capital?"

Lu Tao and Liu San Niang looked at Tian Tian, ​​waiting for her decision.

Tian Tian nodded, "Okay, let's get ready then."

"I also want to ask the county school for leave on Jinghe's behalf..."

Lu Tao was surprised, "Jinghe is going too? He's not studying anymore?"

Mr. Fan from the county school always says that Jinghe is very intelligent and has the potential to be a good student. Jinghe has also been working very hard lately.

“Mother, there’s a great scholar in the capital named Mr. Su Bing. We can go to the capital and ask him to give Jinghe some pointers.” Tian Tian had this plan after meeting Su Bing.

No matter how good Mr. Fan's scholarship is, it is still limited to Baishi County.

But Mr. Su Bing was a universally recognized great Confucian scholar in Daqi, so the difference was huge.

"Moreover, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Since we have this opportunity, of course we should go together."

Lu Tao was convinced by Tian Tian's few words, "Okay, then let's take Jinghe with us."

Ling Yao lived in the county government office, but under the pretext of looking for Empress Li, he came to Tian Tian's house every day.

He wanted to find an opportunity to spend time with Tian Tian, ​​but...

Tian Tian was busy preparing for her trip to Beijing and wasn't home at all.

As a result, he spent every day with his mother, Lady Lu, and Lady Liu...

"Mother, I want to..." Ling Yao wanted to go out and find Tian Tian.

Once he returns to the capital, he will often be unable to control his own destiny, so he must make the most of the time before entering the capital.

Empress Li grabbed him, saying, "Oh dear, what are you thinking about? Don't think about anything."

"Stay here and keep the Empress Dowager, Madam Lu, and Madam Liu company."

"Look, Madam Lu's tea has gone cold. Hurry up and replace it."

Empress Li secretly thought that her son didn't know how to seize the opportunity; this was such a good chance to please his future mother-in-law.