News of the bumper cotton harvest in the Northwest reached not only the palace walls, but also Bailu Academy and Jiang Residence.

Manager Wei wrote his letter quite early, before the cotton bolls were harvested, and sent it to the post station.

After Steward Li delivered the letter to the inner courtyard, Mu Yi'an eagerly opened it.

She skimmed through the content and was relieved to see that Manager Wei had said that a cotton plant had produced more than twenty cotton bolls.

In modern times, a single cotton plant can produce many cotton bolls.

However, the management, fertility, and varieties at that time could not be compared with those of modern times.

One cotton plant produced more than twenty cotton bolls, which exceeded Mu Yi'an's expectations.

Seeing the result he most wanted, Mu Yi'an was no longer in a hurry and slowly read the letter.

In his letter, Manager Wei said that the cotton was growing at about the same rate on both plots of land.

The cotton crops on Brother Mu's and the Chu family's land are also doing well.

They have already contacted local farmers and will hire them to pick cotton.

People in the Northwest used to grow cotton, but the yield was low. A single cotton plant could only produce five or six small cotton bolls at most.

The letter also said that Lord Jiang and Lord Wu took good care of them, especially during this period close to the harvest, when they visited even more frequently.

After reading the letter, Mu Yi'an made up her mind.

The imperial court will definitely take action regarding this cotton issue and will not allow her to enjoy the planting technology exclusively.

It's just unknown whether it will be a demand for payment or a forceful plunder.

Although Mu Yi'an guessed from the conversations between the headmaster and Mr. Liang that the current emperor was a wise ruler who was diligent in governing and loved his people.

However, Mu Yi'an was uncertain. With imperial power supreme, everything could be decided by a single word from the person in charge.

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore.

Her initial goal wasn't the imperial court's reward, but rather to make her first fortune and pave the way for Shao Yun's future.

Having figured it out, Mu Yi'an stopped worrying about it and asked Sister Li to add some dishes for dinner, as she wanted to celebrate.

She had a lot of worries that year.

After this year, it won't be so troublesome next year.

Manager Wei bought servants and had their indentures in his hands, so they couldn't possibly abscond with the money and live as runaway slaves for the rest of their lives.

At that time, Manager Wei will have to make the trip once a year.

Alternatively, select a few more capable assistants; this path should be one that is frequently visited.

In the evening, Jiang Shuyun and the others returned home. The family of seven sat around the table for dinner.

In the blink of an eye, Shao Rong and Shao Ke are over a year and a half old and can eat regular meals.

The two little ones sat in their designated seats, waiting for their meal.

Jiang Shuyun had a simple children's dining chair made.

"Mother, what day is it today?"

"What's wrong?"

Mu Yi'an looked at Shao Yun, not understanding what he was trying to express.

"There are so many dishes, several more than usual."

Shao Yun was overjoyed. He liked to eat meat, but his mother said he couldn't just eat meat; he also had to eat vegetables.

However, there are several meat dishes on the table today, whereas usually there are only two at most.

"You're quite observant!"

Mu Yi'an smiled. This child really cares about food.

"Mother, today we have meat dishes that Second Brother likes, and not just one or two kinds. How could Second Brother not be happy?"

Chu Yue exposed her second brother's secrets, which caused him to ruffle her hair.

"Mother, my second brother messed up my hair."

The girl's sweet, coquettish tone was pleasant to hear.

"Mom, I'm hungry, I want to eat."

Shao Rong had been waiting for a long time, but his mother hadn't given him any food, and he was hungry.

"Okay, let's eat, let's eat."

Mu Yi'an and Jiang Shuyun each took charge of a small bowl, filled it with rice and dishes, and gave each bowl a spoon.

When a family eats together, they are not used to having servants standing by their side.

"Delicious, so delicious!"

Shao Rong ate with a beaming smile. She was easy to feed, not picky about food, and liked to eat everything.

Shao Ke is different; there are many things he won't eat.

I don't eat vegetables with strong odors, fatty meat, or seafood with a strong fishy smell.

He truly doesn't eat; he doesn't touch a single bite, even when he's starving.

Mu Yi'an thought this kid was lucky to be born into their family; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to raise him.

Moreover, this child is only a little over a year old, and seems to have obsessive-compulsive disorder related to cleanliness.

On rainy days, I don't like getting wet. After the rain stops, Shao Rong happily hops around in the puddles, while Shao Ke carefully walks, making sure his shoes don't get muddy.

The clothes are the same; they never get dirty.

"Yi'an, what are you thinking about?"

Jiang Shuyun watched as her daughter-in-law stared intently at the two children, not understanding what they were looking at.

"I think Shao Rong and Shao Ke really have different personalities."

"Well, they have almost nothing in common."

Jiang Shuyun was aware of this as well; her younger son was more spoiled.

No matter what, as long as the child is healthy and happy, that's all that matters.

Everyone enjoyed the meal.

After dinner, the family took a stroll in the yard for a while.

Chu Yue and Shao Yun played with Shao Rong, while Shao Ke followed Shao Ming, taking a leisurely stroll.

Mu Yi'an and Jiang Shuyun walked side by side behind, glancing at each other. This kind of life is really good.

More than ten days later, a group of people arrived outside the prefectural city.

The leader went ahead and went to Bailu Academy.

"Master, someone from the capital has arrived."

"Please come in."

The headmaster sat in his study, thinking about the letter he had received earlier.

"Greetings, Elder Gu!"

"Does His Majesty have any orders?"

The abbot didn't recognize the newcomer, but he recognized the insignia on his clothes—the insignia of the Emperor's personal guard.

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