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

The next day, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi were able to get back to normal, though they looked a little tired and sleepy.

Di Renjie was a little confused, as none of his four companions had gotten up.

Upon seeing Di Renjie, Princess Yuzhang realized that she hadn't brought him with her the previous night.

Now he can't see his other friends.

"Sixth Sister, where are Third Sister Si and the others?" Di Renjie asked Princess Yuzhang.

Thankfully, I don't have class today, so I can sleep in a little longer.

"They're still sleeping, we'll be fine soon." Princess Yuzhang didn't mention what happened last night.

Fearing that Di Renjie might overthink things, so many people went, but Di Renjie was the only one forgotten.

Di Renjie ran out of the living room to find Sun Simiao in the courtyard.

Sun Simiao, who had just returned from his morning exercise, was drying medicinal herbs.

Di Renjie was one of the few children who could chat with Sun Simiao.

Sun Simiao also had a high opinion of Di Renjie.

Some people are extraordinary from a young age.

Good morning, sir!

Sun Simiao smiled kindly, "Good morning!"

Di Renjie knew what to do; he didn't need Sun Simiao to tell him.

"Sir, what kind of medicinal herb is this?" Di Renjie liked to ask Sun Simiao.

He wasn't just asking casually; later, Sun Simiao discovered that Di Renjie could basically remember what he said.

It's a pity I'm still young and don't understand many things, but I do have a very good memory, that's true.

The elderly noticed that they were eating later than usual.

"How could it be today?" Li Yuan looked at the sky.

Empress Xiao looked around the courtyard. "Sizi and the other maids aren't here. They probably want to sleep in a bit longer."

There were only a few maids in the courtyard, and Di Renjie was seen following Sun Simiao.

"I went to bed late last night and couldn't get up today," Xiao Yu explained from the side.

"No wonder!"

Li Yuan didn't care.

Breakfast is always a little later when there are no classes, and everyone else is used to it.

It's just that today is later than usual.

Li Lizhi went to Xiao Ran's room and woke up the little princess, "Sizi, get up and eat, there won't be any left."

Knowing that her younger sister was a little foodie, Li Lizhi knew what kind of call would be effective.

The little princess rubbed her eyes and sat up, "Seven, rice~"

"Yes, let's eat." Li Lizhi picked up the clothes next to her and helped the little princess change.

Zhang Erya and Princess Yuzhang also called out to Princess Chengyang, Third Sister, and Yan Yao.

Upon seeing the four young maids appear in the courtyard, Di Renjie quickly ran back.

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi, among others, only remembered that they had forgotten to call Di Renjie last night when they saw him.

The other girls slept together, while Di Renjie slept in another room.

I didn't live at Xiao Ran's house before; I lived near the school.

Xiao Ran called him over.

Di Chun stayed with them in the courtyard.

Di Zhixun never returned, and Xiao Ran only knew that he had written a letter.

It was impractical for Di Renjie to write letters at such a young age, so Di Chun wrote them for him.

After washing up, the four little girls were much more energetic.

After finishing the meal, it gradually warmed up.

When there's nothing else to do, they like to drink tea in the courtyard.

"Little Nangjun~" The little princess threw herself into Xiao Ran's arms.

"Sizi, what's wrong?"

"I miss Qiyuyu~" the little princess said with a smile.

"Didn't we just eat? Sizi, aren't you full?" Li Li asked from the side.

"I'm so full! I'll miss Qiyuyu later~"

"The weather's nice today, we could go camping," Xiao Ran suddenly thought of.

"Camping?" Princess Yuzhang leaned closer. "Grilled fish?"

"We don't have enough grilled fish, so we need to buy some lamb and other things. Consider it a meal for the villagers, and also for the workshop and the coal mine."

Xiao Ran has indeed made a lot of money in the past six months.

"Sounds good," Xiao Yu said. "What do we need to do?"

"Go buy the meat first. Ask someone to buy more meat; we need to prepare quite a lot."

It's just like hosting a banquet.

Xiao Ran was going to host a banquet for the entire village, as well as people from nearby villages who came to work.

Lamb is still a bit of a luxury for ordinary people.

Xiao Ran did indeed make a lot of money from coal and glass.

Including Li Shimin and others, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them rich.

"Okay!" Li Lizhi nodded. "This is good!"

"Then let's get ready!"

As soon as Zhang Jinhe entered the courtyard, he heard Xiao Ran and the others talking. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes lit up, and he smiled as he leaned closer.
"Young man, count me in! I can lend a hand!"

Xiao Ran was delighted to see her arrive: "We're just in need of someone familiar with the village, and you've come at the perfect time."

"We need to invite more than 30 households from the whole village, plus everyone from the workshop and the coal mine. There are many people and many things to do, so we need to divide the work into smaller groups."

As Xiao Ran spoke, he took out paper and pen and began to draw and arrange things: "First is mutton. We need to go to the West Market in Chang'an to buy some. We can have some left over, but we can't go without it."

"Fifth Uncle is more familiar with the area; we'll need his help with buying the sheep."

"I'll go find Fifth Uncle right now!" Li Lizhi immediately stood up.

"We can catch the fish later," Xiao Ran said.

There were many fish in the pond, but now the pond is desolate.

We also need to prepare some millet and such; Zhang Erya needs to take charge of that.

"Fifth Uncle! The young master wants to treat the whole village to a camping feast, so we need to go to Chang'an to buy some mutton. You'll have to make the trip!"

Li Wu's eyes lit up immediately when he heard "treat the whole village to a meal":

"Young master is doing us a favor again! Don't worry, I'll take care of buying the sheep!"

"I'll go home now to change my clothes, and then I'll call two quick-witted young men. We should be able to reach the West Market of Chang'an before noon!"

"By the way, let Grandpa know as well." Li Lizhi wanted Li Shimin to come as well.

The premise is that Li Shimin has time.

Li Shimin liked fishing; he'll need it later.

It had been some time since I had seen Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

Zhang Jinhe went to the village to inform other people that those who were free could come and help.

I estimate we won't be able to eat until 1 p.m.

Two meals a day is just right for someone like me.

The news spread quickly, and the village became lively.

Things at the coal mine and workshop can be stopped now.

They don't want to rest even when asked.

Even at a time like this, they stopped. Xiao Ran led his men to the pool to prepare.

Empress Xiao, Li Yuan, Sun Simiao, and other guests also went to join in the fun.

The little girls will definitely go too.

Upon hearing the news, the school children gradually arrived at the pond.

Xiao Ran asked Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe to prepare some pastries for the children.

The old locust tree by the pond has long been lush and verdant, its dense green shade spreading out to cover most of the open space by the pond.

Just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the place was bustling like a market.

On the dirt road in the distance, villagers carried firewood and earthenware basins toward them, their footsteps mingling with their laughter and chatter.

The small fish in the pond were startled and occasionally leaped out of the water, splashing up tiny droplets.

Xiao Ran squatted at the bend of the pool, holding a fishing rod in his hand, skillfully adjusting the float with his fingertips.

Beside him was a bucket containing two half-sized crucian carp, which he had caught while warming up.

Little Black squatted at his feet, its tail idly sweeping the ground, its eyes fixed on the water.

Occasionally, a fish shadow would flash by, and it would let out a soft "woof," causing the children watching nearby to burst into laughter.

Under the shade of a tree, at a wooden table, Li Yuan, Empress Xiao, and Sun Simiao were sitting and drinking tea.

On the table sat a rough porcelain teacup that Zhang Erya had just brought over, filled with dried mint leaves; a sip of it was refreshingly cool.

In the open space not far away, the villagers were already busy.

The men carried pine logs to build the grill. Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao were strong, and the two of them worked together to lift the heavy wooden frame and place it on a flat spot by the pool.

My great-grandfather was directing from the side: "Move to the left a little further away from the fire, so your clothes don't get burned."

Zhang Erya stood guard by the makeshift earthen stove, where millet porridge was cooking. Bubbles rose gently from the lid of the pot, and the aroma of the millet wafted far and wide.

Laughter rose and fell under the trees, the sounds of children playing mingled with the voices of villagers, the bubbling of rice porridge on the earthen stove, and the hammering of the barbecue grill being set up in the distance, all intertwined.

Everyone had a smile on their face, their hands were busy with their work, their eyes were shining, and even the wind was filled with the scent of joy.

As soon as Li Wu arrived in Chang'an, he told Li Shimin about the situation in Kaolao Village.

Upon hearing Li Wu mention that Xiao Ran was going to hold a camping banquet, inviting villagers and workshop workers, and also go fishing, Li Shimin immediately put down his glass cup, his eyes lighting up:
"Since there's not much to do at court today, I'll go join in the fun!"

He turned to Zhang Anan and instructed, "Go and inform Cheng Zhijie and Qin Shubao that they are fishing at the pool in Kaolao Village."

"Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some fresh fruit and delicate pastries as well."

Li Shimin returned to the Lizheng Hall and saw Empress Zhangsun. He smiled and said, "Empress, let's go see them together. It's been a long time since I've seen Sizi and Lizhi. Let's go and join in the fun."

Empress Zhangsun smiled and nodded, "I was just thinking of bringing some candied fruit for the children, so I'll pack it all together."

Upon leaving the palace, Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin were already waiting.

The two knew they were going fishing, but instead of bringing fishing rods or other fishing gear, they brought other things.

While you're at it, go and see Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao.

The group didn't bring many attendants, only Zhang Anan followed, driving two inconspicuous horse-drawn carriages towards Kaolao Village.

As soon as they arrived at the village entrance, they saw several villagers carrying firewood toward the pond. When they saw Li Shimin and his companions, they all greeted them with smiles.

When Li Shimin visited before, he was dressed in casual clothes, and the villagers assumed he was a "rich young man from Chang'an," unaware that he was the reigning emperor.

"Young master is here again! Today, young master Xiao is treating us to a mutton feast, it's quite lively!" An old man carrying firewood smiled and pointed the way.

When we arrived at the pool, we could hear the sounds of children playing in the distance.

"How lively!" Li Shimin smiled.

Like this feeling.

Li Shimin dismounted, slowed his pace, and scanned the path from the village entrance toward the pond.

However, after only half a year away, Kaolao Village has regained its vitality.

The previously bare muddy ground is now paved with smooth stone slabs.

Several children sat on it, holding pastries covered in icing sugar in their hands, pushing and shoving each other, not caring that their faces were covered in crumbs.

The wind carries not only the fragrance of grass and trees, but also the sweet aroma of millet porridge from the earthen stove.

In the distance, there were the dull thuds of wood colliding as the grill was being set up, and the sounds of villagers talking.

Upon seeing Li Shimin and his entourage's carriage, Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, and the others went to greet them.

"Aniang~"

The little princess ran over.

A group of children followed the little princess.

I don't know why, but all these children like to follow the little princess.

Upon seeing a group of children, Li Shimin instructed Zhang Anan to give the things he had prepared to Li Lizhi and the others.

I told everyone to try it.

Li Shimin didn't want to come and eat for free, so bringing some fruit and pastries was just right.

Upon seeing Empress Zhangsun, Empress Xiao walked over and pulled her to the other side.

Li Shimin and his companions greeted Li Yuan and Sun Simiao.

I want to go fishing with Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran has no shortage of fishing rods and bait here.

Li Shimin, Cheng Yaojin, and a few others can go fishing.

"Uncle, you seem to have a lot of free time!" Xiao Ran teased Li Shimin.

Seeing Xiao Ran preparing his fishing rod, Li Shimin said, "Didn't you know I was coming?"

"This isn't for Uncle Shi; Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister also know how to fish."

When Li Shimin, Cheng Yaojin, and others arrived, Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang naturally wouldn't go fishing.

At the bend of the pool, Xiao Ran and Li Shimin each held a fishing rod, their lines dangling in the water like two thin silver threads connecting the lively scene at the bottom of the pool.

Occasionally a fish would bite the hook, the float would gently twitch, and the two of them would move their fingertips slightly, unhurried and calm, even their shadows reflected in the water exuding tranquility.

Cheng Yaojin squatted down beside him, also holding a fishing rod in his hand. He would occasionally peek at Xiao Ran's float with a grin on his face, seemingly more engrossed in fishing than he was fishing himself.

Qin Qiong didn't approach; he simply stood by the grill, helping the villagers adjust the firewood. His fingertips touched the warm grill, his eyes filled with peace.

In the open space not far away, the air was thick with the smell of cooking fires.

The pot was placed on the earthen stove, and the aroma of stewed mutton mixed with the freshness of scallions filled the entire area around the pond.

The pot lid trembled slightly from the steam, and occasionally a crack would be lifted to reveal chunks of mutton bubbling inside, glistening with oil.

Several villagers sat around the grill, skewering mutton in their hands, the bamboo sticks arranged neatly.

Pine wood burned under the grill, flames licking the frame, occasionally dripping grease with a sizzling sound, making the children nearby swallow hard with the aroma.

The children are the most vibrant sight by the pool.

The little princess led a group of children around the food box that Zhang Anan had just put down, and carefully picked up a piece of candied fruit with her little hands.

Some stuffed it into their mouths, while others clutched it to share with their friends, not even caring that their faces were covered in icing sugar.

Under the shade of a tree, Empress Xiao and Empress Zhangsun sat side by side.

Holding a round fan in his hand, he occasionally fanned himself gently, his gaze falling on the children, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang held fruit and distributed it to the villagers who had helped them. The warmth of their fingertips touching the earthenware bowls mingled with their smiles and quietly melted into the wind.

The water gently lapped against the shore, and the shadows of fishing rods swayed in the water.

Smoke rose from the grill, and the laughter of children, the noise of villagers, and the aroma of food mingled together without any disorder.

The sunlight was warm but not harsh, the breeze was cool but not cold, and even time seemed to slow down.

This isn't a deliberately created bustle; it's the ease with which everyone blends into this space, the tranquility of life enveloped in the everyday hustle and bustle.

It's a harmonious scene where you help me build the frame, I serve you tea, children chase the wind, and adults guard the pond to fish.

"The changes here are truly remarkable in less than a year!" Li Shimin exclaimed.

"Not bad, not bad." Xiao Ran quickly pulled the lever.

"I'm not too busy anymore, and I'd like to stay here for a while."

These are Li Shimin's true feelings. (End of Chapter)