Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 148 Liu Jianjun brought someone back

After a brief meeting with the embroiderer, Liu Jianjun went back to his courtyard.

"My dear son, I won't disturb your reunion with your sister-in-law any longer. You should rest today, and we can talk business tomorrow. Oh, by the way... have the servants bring me that chicken soup your sister-in-law mentioned... Don't look at me like that, I just want to taste it..."

Li Xian watched Liu Jianjun's departing figure with a wry smile.

Then, he focused all his attention on the embroiderer, gazing at her tenderly.

Enter the mansion.

The embroiderer let Li Xian hold her hands and softly recounted the changes she could see in Chang'an: "Since Her Majesty the Empress Dowager moved to Luoyang, the price of incense in Xingyuan has dropped by 20%, but there are far fewer worshippers. I heard from the nuns and monks in Xingyuan that nowadays most of the people who come to Xingyuan are believers who just burn incense and believe that sincerity is the key to success."

“Changxin said that if the incense money offered to the Bodhisattvas and immortals is reduced, then the Bodhisattvas and immortals’ motivation to fulfill our wishes will also be reduced, so he insisted on burning 20% ​​more incense.”

Li Xian chuckled upon hearing this. Without a doubt, the so-called "motivation" was something Liu Jianjun had taught Changxin.

"The taverns and restaurants in the neighboring Qinglongfang also lowered their prices, but business did not improve. Locals rarely went there anymore, but many foreign merchants came here to enjoy Chang'an cuisine."

"In contrast, there are now many more street vendors carrying loads and hawking their wares along the streets and alleys."

"My fourteenth and eleventh grand-uncles sent people to visit the palace some time ago, but my husband was not home, and as a woman, it was inappropriate for me to greet them, so I declined. If my husband is so inclined, please go and see them..."

At this point, the embroiderer suddenly grabbed Li Xian's hand and reached towards her inner garment, "Oh, right, husband, look at this!"

Li Xian was taken aback. Although the embroiderer's eager and encouraging appearance was extremely alluring, Li Xian did not feel any romantic feelings, after all, the embroiderer was pregnant.

He focused his attention on his hands, first feeling the embroiderer's soft body, but then Li Xian noticed some different sensations.

He paused, then asked in surprise, "This is... cotton cloth?"

The texture on his hands was different from the smoothness of silk; it was slightly rough, but softer than linen. Moreover, he could clearly feel the warmth of the embroiderer's body. Li Xian could tell the difference instantly from this unique texture.

"Yes, it was made by me using the cotton fabric woven by Aisha. Let's call it a cotton coat for now."
"Although this cotton coat is not as warm as fur, it is breathable and lightweight. It is not only good for making underwear, but also for making outerwear. However, it is easy to shed fur the first few times you wear it, so you need to wash it several times. But the first few times you wear it are the warmest."

Li Xian was somewhat surprised. Although he had anticipated the cotton garment incident, he still found it unbelievable after reviewing the whole story.

Who would have thought that the ornamental white rose could actually serve the same purpose as mulberry and hemp?

Li Xian even had a vague feeling that this thing might replace mulberry and hemp.

“Not only this, but look at this, my husband.” The embroiderer pulled Li Xian to sit down on the couch.

This time, without the embroiderer saying a word, Li Xian noticed the difference. The cushion he was sitting on seemed to be made of cotton, and even the quilt next to him looked fluffy and soft, as if there was something special inside.

"This quilt is filled with cotton wool. Although it is not as warm as goose down, it is more solid and thick. When it is pressed against my body, I sleep much more soundly at night. I think that if ordinary people could also use such quilts, there would be far fewer people freezing to death in winter."

As the embroiderer spoke, a pure and warm light shone in her eyes, a heartfelt love for this novel object and an anticipation of its benefits to the people.

Li Xian stroked the soft and elastic cotton pad beneath him, then squeezed the fluffy quilt. He reached out and grasped the embroiderer's hands, saying sincerely, "Your husband will promote this product."

The embroiderer's eyes showed astonishment.

Li Xian chuckled helplessly, "Do you still think of your husband as that纨绔 (wan ku, a spoiled, dissolute prince) prince who only knows how to race horses and fight cocks all day? Xiu Niang's feelings... I understand."

This time, the embroiderer gazed at Li Xian's face for a long time before her eyes suddenly lit up with joy. Tears welled in her eyes as she threw herself into Li Xian's arms: "Yes! I know! I know! My husband is the most wise and virtuous king! If we govern Chang'an and Yongzhou well, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty will see the people of Yongzhou living in peace and prosperity, and they will praise Your Highness for your wisdom and skillful governance!"

Li Xian didn't say anything, he just put his arm around the embroiderer.

The embroiderer was a woman, and although her knowledge was limited, she always thought only of herself.

"Embroiderer, let your husband test whether this quilt is as warm as you say."

……

The next day, I didn't get up too early.

Li Xian was in high spirits.

I slept soundly, and the fatigue from the long journey from Luoyang vanished. The embroiderer was right; although the cotton wasn't as warm as goose down, it felt thick and comforting against my skin.

Of course, Li Xian felt that this sense of security came more from the embroiderer lying next to him.

Even though she was pregnant, Li Xian felt at ease whenever he held her in his arms.

With the important matter Liu Jianjun had mentioned in mind, Li Xian walked towards Liu Jianjun's small courtyard.

As soon as they reached the courtyard gate, they heard Liu Jianjun's mocking voice: "Tsk tsk, a land of beauties and a tomb of heroes, look at our Prince Pei, he didn't get up until almost noon."

Li Xian blushed and was about to push the door open when he heard Wang Bo's cheerful voice from inside: "Brother Xue, there's no need to be so formal. Chief Secretary Liu and Prince Pei have always been inseparable. You'll understand once you stay at the Prince's residence for a while."

Li Xian was stunned.

Is there anyone else?

But then, he remembered what Liu Jianjun had said before he came back, about another thing Wang Bo had done.

Li Xian tidied himself up a bit before pushing open the door and entering.

Upon entering, one sees Liu Jianjun's distinctive dark-skinned youthful face. He is sitting on a stone bench in his courtyard, with Wang Bo sitting to his left. Wang Bo's face also appears somewhat dark, suggesting he has been traveling extensively these past few days.

To Liu Jianjun's right sat a man who looked to be about the same age as him and Wang Bo. The man was rather robust, unlike a frail scholar, with a long beard, a ruddy face, and a resemblance to Guan Yu.

Li Xian looked at the man with surprise.

Is this what Liu Jianjun calls Wang Bo's doing?

At this moment, the man also stood up and bowed solemnly to Li Xian, saying, "This sinful subject Zhongzhang greets Your Highness Prince Pei!"

Li Xian was stunned again.

Zhongzhang?

Wang Bo just called him Brother Xue.

Xue Zhongzhang?
Pei Yan's nephew?
The traitor who led Xu Jingye into Yangzhou?!
……

(End of this chapter)