Chapter 131

Thinking of this, Ye Yan asked Liang Danxin uncertainly, "Are there any wool clothes available now?"

Liang Danxin asked in surprise, "How can you make clothes with such coarse wool?"

Ye Yan asked, "What about the wool yarn?"

Liang Dan said, "I have never heard of this thing."

Oh, the wool used in modern times is the downy wool from fine-wool sheep. It seems that this breed did not exist in ancient times, or perhaps it existed but had not yet been discovered.

After all, the large-scale breeding of Chinese fine-wool sheep seems to have been postponed until the 20th century.

In ancient times, only coarse wool was available, which was generally used to make blankets and mats.

However, it's not a big problem. Coarse wool can be made into wool yarn, and the process is not complicated. It's just a matter of washing and degreasing the wool. As for fine wool sheep, we can ask someone to find them.

Emperor Jingxi, who was nearby, heard their conversation clearly and asked, "Wool yarn can be used to make clothes? How effective is it at keeping warm?"

Ye Yan replied, "The effect is quite good."

Emperor Jingxi raised an eyebrow and asked again, "Will it require a large amount of manpower and financial resources?"

Ye Yan thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "No need. It's very simple once you learn it. Ordinary people can make it themselves. The only troublesome part is the supply of wool."

The Great Yu might not have that many sheep for them to use right now.

He then described in a little more detail the differences between wool, the uses of coarse and fine wool, and how to manufacture and use them.

As Emperor Jingxi listened, for some reason, his expression gradually became serious.

He scrutinized Ye Yan and asked in a relatively amiable tone, "How did you learn about these things?"

Before Ye Yan even opened his mouth, he had already prepared his words: "Once, while strolling through a night market, I met an old man who claimed to have lived overseas for many years. During our conversation, he mentioned the clothes he wore overseas and said that the people there were very peculiar because they made clothes from wool. I found it intriguing and asked him a few more questions, but I didn't pay much attention to it until we talked about duck feathers just now."

While his explanation might seem too coincidental upon closer examination, it is still quite reasonable.

The capital city is so big, with countless people coming and going every day. It's not unusual to meet anyone. Since it was a chance encounter, it was naturally impossible to know the other person's name.

Ye Yan was still a young boy, and there was no reason for him to lie about such a matter, so Emperor Jingxi accepted this explanation.

During the conversation, the group had already reached the imperial carriage. Ye Yan wanted to take his leave, but Emperor Jingxi said, "Ye Yan, come up with me."

He then instructed Liang Dantong: "Go and summon Zhao Changde as well."

Ye Yan was somewhat surprised, thinking to himself, "Surely it can't be that serious? I've told you everything I know, and it's not a big deal. Why is Emperor Jingxi making such a fuss?"

He glanced at Qin Su, who winked at him, and he obediently followed her into the imperial carriage.

The emperor's carriage was spacious and bright, easily accommodating not only three or four people, but also seven or eight. It had a couch and a table, and was fully equipped with food and drink. All the decorations and furnishings were exquisite and luxurious.

Ye Yan thought, no wonder so many people consider it an honor to be granted a seat in the imperial carriage. In modern times, wouldn't that be equivalent to checking in at Buffett's mansion?

Zhao Changde arrived quickly. After he sat down, Emperor Jingxi asked Ye Yan to repeat what he had just said.

Ye Yan didn't know what Emperor Jingxi cared about, so he could only try his best to reiterate what he had said earlier.

Zhao Changde was initially puzzled, then surprised, and finally his expression became as serious as Emperor Jingxi's.

He slowly stroked his beard and looked at Emperor Jingxi: "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, and I believe it is not appropriate to publicize it."

Emperor Jingxi said in a deep voice, "I know, that's why I called you here to listen."

Both of them had this attitude, which made Ye Yan even more confused. He really couldn't sense anything special from their conversation.

He couldn't ask questions, but Qin Su didn't have as many reservations.

"Is Father and Grand Tutor playing a riddle?" Qin Su looked at Emperor Jingxi and Zhao Changde. "Why do you say this matter is so important?"

Zhao Changde smiled and asked, "Does Your Highness know where in the Great Yu region there are the most sheep?"

Without hesitation, Qin Su replied, "The grasslands, of course."

Zhao Changde said, "That's right. The grasslands are the most suitable places for raising sheep and horses, but the least suitable places for farming, because of their advantageous location."

Why is it that, regardless of the historical context, nomadic peoples from the grasslands always dreamed of invading the Central Plains?

Because the natural environment of the grassland is so harsh, it is impossible to be self-sufficient in many things, and resources are scarce.

Conversely, their ecological environment is also suitable for sheep and horse breeding, and horses are currently the main trade object between Dayu and the grasslands.

Qin Su knew all of this, but she didn't understand how it had anything to do with what Ye Yan was saying.

She stared at Zhao Changde with her round eyes, waiting for him to continue.

Zhao Changde patiently persuaded, "Your Highness, what I just heard from Young Master Ye was very accurate and detailed. It seems that once he takes charge of it, wool will immediately be sought after by the world, bringing in astonishing wealth. What do you think the tribes of the grasslands will do?"

Qin Su pondered for a few seconds and replied, "The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain. The tribes of the grasslands will likely raise even more sheep..."

At this point, she let out an "uh," as if a sudden realization had dawned on her, and she understood.

Ye Yan, sitting next to him, was also shocked, suddenly realizing why Emperor Jingxi and Zhao Changde said the matter was of great importance.

If there is a market for wool, then poor grassland tribes will produce more wool. In order to raise sheep, they will abandon land that was originally used for other purposes, such as grain.

When the grasslands could only rely on trading wool with the Central Plains for their livelihood and lacked the most basic food, could they still have a voice?

The various tribes on the grasslands coexist, and there has been a trend toward unification in recent years. However, if the wool market opens up and the tribes start to compete for interests, can they still unite as one?

And wouldn't Dayu, which controls the economic lifeline of the grasslands, no longer have to worry about any disturbances on the grasslands?

This is not a far-fetched idea, because in the distant West, a similar historical event that everyone will know about will soon occur, called the "Enclosure Movement".

Ye Yan had spent too little time in ancient times and was not politically astute, only realizing this belatedly.

He reflected on himself in secret, but Emperor Jingxi looked at him with surprise. He had little contact with Ye Yan, but he did not expect that this young boy was so smart.

Emperor Jingxi exclaimed in surprise, "General Ye has the heart of a child and the character of a pure man. It is truly a blessing that he has such a bright and intelligent young son."

Ye Yan: "..."

What do you mean by "pure and innocent heart"? Don't think he can't understand; this is an insult to Ye Hongtao, calling him stupid.

Qin Su was quite proud and said, "Of course, Ye Yan is my friend."

Ye Yan couldn't help but smile and was about to speak when Qin Su added, "We fought geese to the death together. The book says that's what it means to be sworn brothers!"

Ye Yan: "..."

Forget it, there's nothing anyone can say about what this father and daughter are saying.