Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

"Yes, Madam!" Xiao Yu was overjoyed.

If Xiao Yu can secure the tea business, his influence within the Lanling Xiao clan will be significantly different.

Even those from collateral branches have no less say than those from direct branches.

Collateral relatives are often on the periphery and have little say.

However, the value of the tea-frying business is far from that of an ordinary business: it not only brings in substantial profits, but also allows one to master the "exquisite tea-drinking techniques" that were rare in the Tang Dynasty.

If Xiao Yuruo takes on this business, it's equivalent to securing a unique core resource within the family for the collateral branch.

Other collateral branches and even direct branches did not have any scarce business related to "royal needs" or "the dignity of the Tang Dynasty".

At that time, in family decision-making, Xiao Yu will be able to speak out as someone who "controls core benefits and connects with key resources." This increase in voice is essentially a shift in identity from "being dependent on the family" to "providing core value to the family."

Just thinking about it made Xiao Yu very excited.

Xiao Yu admitted that she had previously underestimated Xiao Ran.

But later she gradually changed her mind and now realizes that Xiao Ran is her benefactor.

By coming here with Empress Xiao, Xiao Yu has encountered a great opportunity.

Back in her room, Xiao Yu lay down, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

During class time, the three little girls also have to get up early to eat breakfast.

Others can eat later, but students and teachers in class should eat earlier.

This morning's meal was noodles, and the early-morning noodle-making technique was also brought by Xiao Ran.

Now it's become a family breakfast, and we can eat it every few days.

After finishing breakfast, the little princess didn't forget to feed Xiao Hei, so she could take him to school later.

Xiao Ran looked at the dog, his feelings complicated.

Now the dog doesn't spend most of its time with me anymore.

Coco is rarely seen; at night she's either in Li Lizhi's room or Zhang Erya's room.

Xiao Hei stayed with Third Sister and the two little princesses.

Fortunately, there are many people around now, and the dog isn't around, so Xiao Ran doesn't feel bored.

Seeing Xiao Ran staring blankly at Xiao Hei, Princess Yuzhang smiled and said, "Young master, what are you thinking about?"

"Even my dog ​​has changed! He doesn't follow me anymore!" Xiao Ran said with a self-deprecating laugh.

Hearing Xiao Ran say this, Li Lizhi, Zhang Erya, and the others also looked at Xiao Hei.

It is indeed the case.

When I first met Xiao Ran, I was inseparable from Xiao Hei.

"Hehe~" The little princess looked at Xiao Hei and felt very happy.

I love dogs so much.

"Sizi, Fanyin, Third Sister," Wang Ji called out, "Time to go to school!"

The first class in the morning is Wang Ji's. Wang Ji can just take the three little girls there; there's no need to send them off specially.

"Mmm, mmm~" The little princess finished the soup in her small bowl.

Third Sister picked up a handkerchief and wiped the little princess's face.

The youngest princess was the third daughter, and both the Third Mother and the Princess of Chengyang took special care of her.

The youngest girl is definitely the darling of the group.

"No rush, slow down, slow down," Wang Ji called out.

Otherwise, the three little girls would have run off with the dog.

The house suddenly became much quieter.

Xiao Yu found Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi and said she had something to discuss.

Moreover, they went to see Empress Xiao.

Li Lizhi glanced at Xiao Ran, and a guess formed in her mind.

The spring breeze under the eaves twirls the newly sprouted willow branches, gently brushing against the rough porcelain teacups on the stone table.

The tea in the bowl was the tea that Xiao Yu had just stir-fried yesterday. The tea soup was much clearer than the first time, and there was much less burnt residue.

"Old lady!"

"Grandma!"

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi greeted each other.

Empress Xiao nodded slightly, raised her hand to gesture for Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi to sit down, and her gaze first fell on Li Lizhi:
"Recently, Fifth Sister has been saying that tea frying is an elegant affair. It can not only add some prestige to banquets in Chang'an, but also provide the people with more livelihoods. It is a win-win situation."

Li Lizhi smiled and nodded, tapping the rim of the bowl with her fingertip: "Grandmother, you've tried it too? Yu Niang's skills are getting better and better. With a little more practice, she'll be able to match the tea that the young master brought before."

Empress Xiao turned to Xiao Ran, her eyes showing more sincerity: "Young Master is the originator of this tea-frying technique, so I won't beat around the bush. Yu Niang is a child from a collateral branch of our Xiao family. She has a steady temperament and has learned the craft most thoroughly."

“Yesterday she told me that she wanted to try to take over the tea-frying business, but this business depends on the young master’s skills and the care of Fifth Sister, so she thought she would ask for your opinions.”

Xiao Ran, holding his teacup, didn't rush to respond. He already understood Empress Xiao's intentions—Xiao wanted to take the lead, but didn't want him and Li Lizhi to suffer losses.

Seeing that he remained silent, Empress Xiao continued, "I know that this craft was devised by the young master. Yu Niang was able to learn it entirely because the young master did not keep anything to himself."

"So the young master also has a share in the business, as does Fifth Sister."

Xiao Ran is a tech stock, while Li Lizhi has a special background.

This is definitely going to make a lot of money, and other powerful families are envious.

One copy was given to Li Lizhi, but the technology was actually given to Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun, and the technology was given to the Li Tai royal family.

In this way, Li Shimin could not say anything.

The relationship between Li Shimin's family and Xiao Ran was special, making it impossible for them to completely bypass Li Shimin.

That doesn't make sense.

"I hadn't thought about these things before. I'm fine with this. There's no problem with it." Xiao Ran couldn't possibly go into the tea business on his own.

Empress Xiao and Xiao Yu didn't say anything; it was mostly given to Li Lizhi so that she could use royal resources to do it.

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the upper class was composed entirely of relatives.

The Xiao family also had close ties with the Li Tang royal family.

Xiao Ran did not object, nor did Li Lizhi.

Xiao Ran's investment was essentially a technical investment; the Xiao family handled the operation of the construction workshop, while Li Lizhi was responsible for sales.

The three parties split the profits equally.

"I've taken too much; you don't need to do this."

"That won't do. Without the young master, there's no craftsmanship. These aren't enough."

The matter was quickly settled.

Zhang Jinhe had thought about this question before, so he must have known about the huge profits in the tea industry.

However, they also knew that their family could not get involved in this kind of business.

Not to mention Zhang Huaicai, even Qin Qiong's family had no chance.

Zhang Jinhe soon learned about this as well, which was not surprising.

It's not difficult to find out the identities of Empress Xiao and Xiao Yu.

This is a large family that most people look up to.

Zhang Huaicai had previously said he would contact him if he had the chance, and tea was indeed an opportunity, but it wasn't suitable for Zhang Huaicai.

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi rode their horses and strolled into the vegetable garden to check on the tomatoes and peppers.

They have started to bloom one after another.

"They're growing so fast!" Li Lizhi leaned over to take a look.

"Hmm, it should be soon!" Xiao Ran just didn't know how the yield would be without fertilizer and such. "In a few days, Si Zi will definitely be very happy to see it," Li Lizhi thought of the little princess.

"Yes!"

After looking at the vegetable garden, we should also check on the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn, and perhaps take a look at the tea trees as well.

When Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi went out, Princess Yuzhang Xiao Yu and the others were very tactful and did not disturb them.

There's an unspoken understanding between us.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya found Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi in the back mountain. "Young master, Fifth Sister."

Upon seeing the newcomers, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi walked over, knowing that something must have happened.

"Second Aunt, what's wrong?" Xiao Ran asked.

"Sizi isn't feeling well. The doctor just brought him back. Now, Old Master Sun is examining Sizi. Young Master and Fifth Sister, why don't you go and take a look?" Zhang Erya said.

"Wasn't Sizi perfectly fine this morning?" Xiao Ran said, quickening his pace.

When Zhang Erya said that "Sizi is not feeling well," the thought of "early death," which had always been on Xiao Ran's mind, flashed through his mind, and his heart felt like it was being squeezed.

Li Lizhi lost her usual composure; her skirt fluttered in the wind, and she forgot to put away her riding whip, only keeping up with the pace.

As soon as I reached the gate of the courtyard, I heard faint sobs coming from inside the house. It wasn't the little princess's usual soft and coquettish whining, but rather intermittent sobs filled with grievance and distress, which were heartbreaking to hear.

Xiao Ran and his group entered the living room, where several people were already gathered around the kang (a heated brick bed), including Empress Xiao and Li Yuan.

Sun Simiao sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), his fingertips resting on the little princess's wrist, his brows slightly furrowed.

Princess Yuzhang was holding a handkerchief, intending to wipe away the little princess's tears, but the little maid turned her head away to avoid it.

"Sizi!" Li Lizhi walked over quickly and reached out to touch the little princess's forehead. "Why is she so hot?"

The little princess's face was flushed, tears clinging to her eyelashes. She coughed intermittently, her little brows furrowing with each cough. When she saw Xiao Ran enter, her sobs suddenly intensified, and she stretched out her little arms towards him, crying, "Little Nang-jun~ Hug me~"

This little girl is usually very well-behaved; she doesn't fuss when Sun Simiao takes her pulse or examines her tongue. But today she's unusually clingy, even turning her head away from the warm water Sun Simiao offers her.

"Don't cry, Sizi, your brother is here." Xiao Ran quickly went over and carefully picked her up from under the covers, gently patting her back with his palm.

The little girl is indeed attached to Xiao Ran. This matter should not involve Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, Li Yuan, or Empress Xiao.

Sun Simiao withdrew his hand, picked up the herbal packet from the table, and said to everyone:
"It was a cold that entered the body. I was exposed to a cold wind when I ran to school this morning. The evil qi entered my lungs and internal organs, which is why I developed a fever."

"I have prepared some herbs to clear heat and stop coughing. I will boil them and give them to Sizi to drink. After she sweats it out, she will be fine. However, the medicine tastes a bit bitter, so I'm afraid I will have to coax her to drink it."

"The medicine tastes bitter~ I don't want to drink it~" The little princess buried her face in Xiao Ran's arms, nuzzling his clothes, her voice soft yet stubborn, tears still streaming down her face, "I won't drink it~"

"Okay, okay, I won't drink it." Xiao Ran quickly coaxed the little princess.

Princess Xiao Yu of Yuzhang went to prepare the medicine.

Sun Simiao looked at Li Yuan, Li Lizhi, and the others, "Don't worry, it's not serious."

But Xiao Ran still felt heartbroken holding him.

Xiao Ran comforted the little princess for a while before she stopped crying.

He refused to drink the medicine.

This smell is really strong, I can't stand it.

Xiao Ran carried the little princess to his room.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang did not go with them, and Xiao Ran also closed the door.

"Sizi, don't cry. Brother will take you to a fun place, but Sizi can't tell anyone, okay?"

"Mmm-hmm~" The little princess's voice was a little hoarse, but she still agreed.

Xiao Ran is about to tell the little princess a secret that no one has ever known before.

The relationship with Li Shimin's family is actually quite good now.

Xiao Ran carried the little princess from the bedroom to the warehouse.

The little princess was completely bewildered; she hadn't expected there to be a cave here.

The two people entered the cave.

Xiao Ran closed the cave door and turned on the RV lights, which immediately illuminated the space.

The little princess had big, watery eyes and an expression of disbelief.

“Little Nang Jun~ What’s this~” The little princess pointed to the RV.

"This is a car."

Xiao Ran carried the little princess into the car. Seeing that the car was as bright as day and there were all sorts of strange things inside, the little princess temporarily forgot that she was feeling unwell.

It's not so cold now, and it's even colder inside the cave.

Xiao Ran took some food out of the refrigerator and sat down on the sofa with the little princess in his arms.

"Wow~" the little princess patted the sofa, "So soft~ Hehe~"

The little girl was very excited and laughed.

However, his condition is still not good.

Xiao Ran turned on the TV series, "Shall we watch Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf?"

"Hmmmm~"

Xiao Ran also prepared hot water and cough syrup.

The little princess stared intently at the television, completely absorbed.

"Sizi, try this, it's very sweet."

Hearing that it was sweet, the little princess didn't seem to mind.

I usually watch for a long time, but this time it doesn't feel very comfortable.

The little girl fell asleep shortly after watching for a while.

Xiao Ran sat on the sofa in the RV, his fingertips gently touching the little princess's flushed cheeks, which were still a little hot.

Watching the little girl curled up in a corner of the sofa, her brows slightly furrowed, even in her sleep she unconsciously rubbed against him like a kitten looking for a warm nest, the suffocating discomfort in his heart was even heavier than when he was sick.

This isn't a bond born of blood, yet it touches the heart more deeply than many kinship ties.

When he first arrived in the Tang Dynasty, he was a lonely "stranger" who had become accustomed to the ulterior motives of others' attempts to get close to him. Only this little girl's affection was the purest.

She would give him half a sesame cake, chase after him calling him "Little Nangjun," and lie in the mud to pull weeds with him. The light in her eyes was so pure that there was not a single impurity.

He didn't know when it started, but the way he looked at this little girl had taken on a protective quality that he himself hadn't even realized he was showing.

Fearing that she might indeed die young as history had predicted, they wanted to ensure her stability by associating her with the value of "high-yield grain".

Seeing her with a fever, her little face flushed, crying and wanting to be held by me, the fear I had hidden deep in my heart suddenly surged up and turned into a real panic.

I remember when I was a child and I was sick, my parents would stay by my bedside like this, touching my forehead and feeding me warm water. Even if the doctor said I was fine, they would still worry.

At that time, he did not understand what this "inability to let go" meant, but now, holding his sleeping little princess, he suddenly understands.

Even though she knew that Sun Simiao was a highly skilled doctor, she would still stare at her breathing repeatedly to confirm it.

Even though she knew that cough syrup could relieve her discomfort, she still felt sorry for the frown on her face when she took the medicine.

These small, even somewhat unnecessary, worries are not just ordinary "tenderness"; they show that one's heart is completely tied to the other person's well-being.

Especially considering this little girl's "special" nature.

He knew that she was destined to die young, and this knowledge was like an invisible thread that stretched his worries longer and tighter.

Others might think the little princess's illness was just a common cold, but he couldn't help but overthink it.

Xiao Ran gently picked up the little princess, got up, and took the thermometer out of the RV.

He can't disappear for too long, otherwise Li Lizhi will definitely be worried.

With Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun absent, Li Lizhi must have been extra careful.

Xiao Ran placed the little princess on his bed and opened the door to find Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang both there. (End of Chapter)