Pregnancy is a magical thing, at least that's the view of Miao Wan, who has only given birth once.
Before she knew she was pregnant, she ran around everywhere without any problems. She could eat, drink and sleep, and at most she became a little fatter.
But as soon as she knew she was pregnant, her body seemed to have its own thoughts and immediately started to act up. She couldn't rest well, couldn't eat, and she always felt chest tightness, heat, and aggrieved. It was not like her usual self at all.
Fortunately, whether it was Qiao Ruichen or Qiao Rui's aunt and nephew, who heard the news, cried and made a fuss at home and were finally sent to the county town, they all treated Miao Wan as their treasure.
The whole family revolves around her and takes good care of her every day, which makes Miao Wan feel very comfortable.
Even Taotao is not naughty anymore. She has turned into little Aqian, giving Miao Wan a kiss every morning when she wakes up, a kiss when she goes to bed at night, and eating five meals a day with her.
Yes, three meals were not enough. Taotao had learned on her own that she had to have snacks in the morning and afternoon, and she watched Miao Wan and Qiao Rui eat with her.
Taotao just realized that it is such a happy thing for his mother to give birth to a baby.
No one stopped her from eating desserts, and she could drink Wawa water every day.
Even though it’s only a little bit, it can happen five times a day, five times! !
As for the idea of adding some foods that are easier for children to digest to one meal and dividing it into five meals for Taotao to eat... Miao Wan and Qiao Rui, the sister-in-law, secretly reached an agreement.
It’s better not to hurt the child’s young heart. As for the extra part, she, Qiao Rui/her Miao mother, will share the burden with the child.
So, the National Challenge had been open for less than half a month, not to mention what was happening outside, but when Gu Shuyao came back from Xining Town and arrived at General Yun Hui's residence, she was stunned before she could say anything, and then she was silent for a long time.
Miao Wan's belly was swollen as if it were inflated. It was less than five months old, but it looked almost the same size as other babies who were still two months away from giving birth.
Qiao Rui had just celebrated her ninth birthday, so she should have started to grow taller, but her height seemed to have not changed at all. She only grew horizontally, and her little face was as chubby as Taotao's.
Not to mention Taotao, who is two and a half years old, just at the age when she is chubby and the most lovable. Every bit of wiggling on her body and face will only make her ten times more cute, making people want to hold her in their arms and rub her.
Even Gu Shuyao, who thinks she doesn't like children very much, felt her heart tremble when she saw Taotao, and suddenly wanted to have a daughter.
When Gu Shuyao arrived, Miao Wan and the others were having afternoon tea.
Although it is called afternoon tea, children cannot drink tea, and pregnant women should not drink too much tea. Therefore, Ruan Qi asked his apprentice to specially make a fragrant milk tea with ginger milk and a small amount of tea leaves.
As for egg tarts, a snack loved by young and old, with three foodies around, how could they not figure it out?
Even if Miao Wan didn't know how to make it, she roughly remembered the process from what she had seen on the live broadcast app. Ruan Qi's research on this kind of snack was even more advanced than Sun Laohuo's, and he replicated it in just a few days.
It is a little different from later generations. There should be starch in the egg tart crust. Miao Wan would not waste the potatoes that were still being cultivated for this. There was no corn or sweet potatoes at that time.
Ruan Qi asked about the role of starch and roughly understood that it was used as a method to make stuffed dough. The gluten was kneaded into some flour water and mixed into it. The egg tart crust made in this way was a bit more chewy and elastic than the stuffed dough.
Even though she had eaten egg tarts from later generations, Miao Wan still particularly liked the taste. If Aya hadn't stopped her, she would have eaten six by herself.
They both have two babies in their bellies, so there's nothing wrong with them.
Unfortunately, the doctor said that she couldn't eat too much. Aya and the others specifically asked the midwife who delivered her and the female doctor in the county town, and they kept a close eye on her and refused to let her eat more.
In addition to egg tarts and cookies, as long as the whipped cream is made, various snacks will be available. Miao Wan didn't tell her uncle the specific method, but only talked about the taste. Then her uncle developed the sand apple cookies unique to the Northwest.
All I can say is—
"Ayao, come quickly. My uncle has developed compressed biscuits. Come and try some."
The mahjong-sized biscuits placed aside had a faint milky aroma, but after Qiao Rui lost a tooth after taking a bite of one, no one touched them anymore. They were just placed there for beauty every day.
Although Qiao Rui is about to lose her teeth, the compressed biscuits are hard and dry. She will feel full easily after eating them and drinking water, which is not very friendly to foodies.
And because of Aya's strict control over the afternoon meal, the extremely busy Qiao Ruichen ordered support, so there really was only three portions. If he shared it with Gu Shuyao...
Sorry, even big guys are useless in front of foodies.
Gu Shuyao watched as the three of them "secretly" pulled their plates towards them, leaving only the plate of compressed biscuits that was presented quite nicely, and the corners of her lips twitched.
She finally understood how these three people became fat.
Fortunately, Gu Shuyao didn't pay much attention to her appetite. At most, she snatched an egg tart from Miao Wan's protection circle, scared away the chubby aunt and nephew, and then stopped and tasted the compressed biscuits.
"Hmm... the nutritional content isn't quite there yet, but it's filling enough... almost enough. I'll ask the clinic for any medicinal herbs that anyone can use to strengthen their body. Grind them into powder, and add something sweet like red dates, and some citrus juice that's high in vitamin C. That should be enough."
Gu Shuyao was very satisfied with the taste of the compressed biscuits. Chefs who grew up in Jiangnan are good at delicate work, and Ruan Qi has achieved perfection in taste.
But for the soldiers, taste is not that important. The most important thing is to ensure enough nutrition and to feel full. Even if it tastes a little bit bad, can it be worse than black steamed buns?
Miao Wan nodded obediently, "I'll tell my uncle later, didn't you just return to Xining Town not long ago? Why are you back again?"
Speaking of which, Miao Wan wanted to go back. If it weren't for the logistics center, she would have returned to Xining Town long ago. Although Xiping County is large and has a diverse population, even if she stays indoors, there are always some unavoidable human interactions.
Miao Wan didn't particularly like dealing with those noble ladies.
Gu Shuyao smiled, her expression a bit strange. "Someone came to my place. To be more precise, they found Zhang Sanzhuang and asked him to pass on a message to you. I was wondering who would be so roundabout, but I didn't expect it to be someone you know. It was a bit beyond my expectation, so I came to ask what you think."
Miao Wan didn't understand. "What acquaintance? Are you asking me for help through the backdoor?"
Now, except for the slightly farther Lin'an County, where fewer people come, that's only in comparison. In the three northwestern counties, Xining Town has become a household name, and there is a constant stream of people rushing here to buy and sell goods.
When there are so many people around, it is inevitable that some people will want to use all their skills, either for money or to establish a relationship with the Qiao family. In short, there is no peace at all.
However, in Xining Town, it did not cause any trouble to Miao Wan. She was not bragging, Xining Town was indeed her territory now.
Whether it was because of the work points or her bodhisattva-like behavior in rebuilding Xining Town after it burned down, the townspeople and wealthy families all followed her lead and would not help outsiders plot against her.
So when she heard that someone was looking for her again, Miao Wan didn't take it to heart. She thought that maybe she could make some money there, otherwise Zhang Sanzhuang, who was now able to stand on his own, would not have brought the news to her.
Gu Shuyao didn't keep the secret, "Before Xining Town was burned, didn't you sign a contract with Bayin and the two merchants?"
Miao Wan understood the song's meaning and asked, "Is it Mr. Liu from Dengzhou Prefecture?"
Bayin is now missing. Boss Zheng from Jiangnan established the Northwest Chamber of Commerce to oppose the Qiao family. There is only one Boss Liu from Dengzhou Prefecture. There is no news about him now, and there is no news that there is a roast duck restaurant in Dengzhou Prefecture. Boss Liu did not sell cloth when he came to the Northwest.
"Yes, he said someone asked him to deliver a message to your husband, and he also has something to tell you." Gu Shuyao said lightly.
"I kind of know what he's going to say."
Miao Wan did not doubt Gu Shuyao's intelligence. Now that Cheng Shao was able to control the Gubei Army, except for potatoes, most of the other ideas were thought up by Gu Shuyao. The logistics department's ability in intelligence analysis and plan making was unquestionable.
Gu Shuyao: "Your husband said that Wuliangha had a reason for stealing the recipe. Regardless of whether he had selfish motives or not, looking at Wuliangha's current situation, he didn't lie completely. I don't know how Boss Zheng and Boss Liu were persuaded. Now it seems that Boss Zheng is after profit, so Liu Ming must have agreed to some conditions."
Boss Liu from Dengzhou Prefecture had made his men queue up in the middle of the night since Miao Wan started to arrange for the butcher's spicy skewers. He had beaten Yu Maocai, snatched the Fuzi noodles, and taught Tiedan bad things at the Jufu Restaurant. It had been three years before Miao Wan knew his name.
"Then let's meet?" Miao Wan saw that Gu Shuyao seemed to think it was okay to meet, so she had no objection either.
Gu Shuyao smiled and touched Miao Wan's head. "I'm already waiting in the front hall. I've asked someone to notify your husband. We'll go over when he comes back."
Even though Gu Shuyao's kung fu is not weak, she is someone else's wife after all, and the man in front of her is a man. Gu Shuyao will not ignore Miao Wan's safety and reputation because of her self-confidence.
Miao Wan tilted her head and scolded her, "Don't treat me like Taotao. If you have the guts, go and do it yourself."
Gu Shuyao stood up and ignored her. If the kitten touched her, it would have to climb up along the trouser leg, and it would not be able to tear it off for a while. The mother cat stroked it a few times, but she was too heavy to hang on her anyway, so it was more suitable for satisfying her desire.
All I can say is that when Gu Shuyao was forced not to go home by the cat and nephews and nieces at home, it was not without her own reasons. She had no resistance to anything furry.
Qiao Ruichen came back quickly. After everyone sat down in the reception hall, Liu Mingxian asked someone to bring up two large boxes.
"Breaking the contract we agreed to is wrong no matter what the reason. This is compensation. Let's finish it and continue."
When Miao Wan saw that the opened box was full of silver ingots, she looked at him with admiration. She liked Boss Liu's personality.
Qiao Ruichen seemed to be lost in thought, probably knowing what Liu Ming was about to say. He smiled gently and asked, "Didn't Bayin tell you that he broke the contract to help the Qiao family? If that's the case, Boss Liu doesn't have to apologize. After all, we've earned our money back from Wuliangha."
Liu Ming waved his hand and said, "Let's put it this way. He didn't explain it in detail at the beginning. I was tempted by Zheng Hui's eloquence, but after I got home and got a beating from my wife, I finally understood.
Without integrity, one cannot survive, especially for someone like me who travels extensively. My reputation is my lifeline. If I lose my integrity, I won't be able to curse anyone who kills or robs me. I might as well stay in Dengzhou and become a wealthy man."
After saying that, Liu Ming finally reacted, "Master Qiao knows?"
Qiao Ruichen nodded, "Bayin's brother Agula came to see me."
"That's good. Later, when I was about to change my mind, Bayin told me the truth. I was at home at the time, and I was afraid that the news would leak out if I passed the message. So I just kept raising ducks. It would be a waste if I didn't use them. To be honest, I made down jackets and cotton coats. I bought the cloth from Jiangnan. These are not only my apology, but also what you deserve."
He pointed to Xining Town and said, "I've also brought the duck down and wool that I promised you. They're in Xining Town."
Miao Wan understood why Zhang Sanzhuang was willing to deliver the message. Two thousand kilograms of duck down and wool were enough to make winter clothes for the two battalions in Xining Town for two years with some left over.
"I heard Brother Liu has been in the Northwest for over half a year. Has he been in touch with Boss Zheng?" Qiao Ruichen asked curiously. "Does he know the true story of the Wuliangha clan? Or does the Northwest Chamber of Commerce have its own reasons for making things difficult for our Qiao family? If so, we must not let things get out of hand."
Liu Ming curled his lips, and swallowed the curse words that were on the tip of his tongue when he saw Miao Wan and Gu Shuyao. This could only be considered as him coming to his senses. It would be fine if he was just guarding a man, but he felt too embarrassed to curse at a few delicate young ladies.
But he didn't say anything too nice. "Zheng Hui originally rose to power by clinging to Bayin, but Agula and Bayin were forced by the Qiyan clan to join another noble clan, the Buqi clan. Zheng Hui simply abandoned Bayin and curried favor with the little cub who now recognized the Qiyan clan as his master. What could be difficult for him? It's just that the Jiangnan cloth merchants made a lot of money and were greedy."
Qiao Ruichen understood, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He could bring along one more memorial from the capital regarding the corruption and abuse of power in the Jiangnan weaving industry.
Miao Wan was genuinely curious, "Then Boss Liu sent someone to talk to me?"
Liu Ming patted his forehead. "Yes, yes, yes. If Madam Qiao hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. I heard from a merchant I'm close to that if you want to get involved in your national challenge, you need to go through some center, right? And since you've already bought the shop, I wonder what the rules are?"
He smiled innocently, but a gleam of brilliance flashed in his eyes. "If possible, Liu is willing to provide money and people to get involved. I hope Madam Qiao will give me a chance."
Miao Wan was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect that the partner would come to her so soon. After hesitating for a moment, she didn't rush to refuse.
Gu Shuyao had already given a way to deal with Boss Zheng and Liu Ming, but Miao Wan had a lot of things to do and was pregnant, so she didn't have enough energy to take care of them.
However, Zheng Hui and Liu Ming did not know that one was still thinking about plotting against the Qiao family, while the other was able to turn back from the wrong path without any constraints, and did it decisively, which showed that he was a decent person.
Dengzhou Prefecture seemed to be in Qi and Lu, and its reputation was not earned for nothing. She glanced at Gu Shuyao and her husband, and seeing that neither of them objected, Miao Wan was willing to give him a chance.
She carefully explained to Liu Ming the functions that the logistics center could currently achieve. "I'm just not sure if Boss Liu wants to patronize the logistics center's business or work with the Qiao family on this. Right now, the logistics center only operates in the northwest, but in the future we'll also expand to the three counties of Jiangnan, Henan, and Hedong."
Liu Ming's heart skipped a beat, and he clenched his fists to contain his excitement. "Mrs. Qiao, what you're saying is that this logistics center is similar to a chamber of commerce, gathering the wealth of merchants, but with the added security of being responsible for the flow of goods. Do you understand that correctly?"
This is equivalent to combining the Chamber of Commerce and the escort agency into one, and merchants do not have to rack their brains to find ways themselves, they can directly allocate and mobilize resources within the logistics center.
Seeing Miao Wan nod, Liu Ming became even more excited. Apart from anything else, he must take over the three counties of Henan.
In fact, he was not the richest among the three counties in Henan. At most, he was the richest in Donglai County where Dengzhou Prefecture was located. In the more prosperous Xuchang County and Linru County, he was only average.
If he could control the logistics centers of the three counties in Henan in the future, then the resources that had always eluded him in Xuchang and Linru counties would all be transferred to Donglai County. Then he wouldn't have to worry about having to rely on others for help in the event of a natural disaster.
Liu Ming also knew very well that setting up a logistics center was easier said than done.
Merchants have a low status, the gentry disdains to do this, and farmers and workers have no need to do this. Even if merchants set up logistics centers, they can be raided and it is easy for others to pick their peaches.
Since Miao Wan has the confidence to do this, it must be because she has the support of the court, which is the key to success.
Just like she could brazenly say she wanted to open a logistics center in the northwest, it was all because of the support of the general of the Gubei Army.
Liu Ming had a good vision and knew Gu Shuyao's identity. Even the general's wife was sitting below Madam Qiao. How could he not be proactive?
Therefore, without waiting for Miao Wan's reply, Liu Ming immediately showed his sincerity. "It will take time to build a logistics center in the three counties of Henan. It won't be too late to do it when the three counties of Northwest China have reached a certain scale. I am not talented, but I am willing to be the vanguard and do some chores for Madam Qiao."
When it comes to specific work, Liu Ming is still confident.
"The weather is starting to get colder now. If we're going to do a national challenge in Anyong County and Lin'an County, we have to consider the outdoor temperature."
"Even Xiping County needs improvement. I only heard that there are swamps and hot springs in the pass. It would be more suitable if it could be built indoors."
"There are many merchants and businessmen in Xiping County. If we turn them all away, some scoundrels will inevitably cause trouble. Even if there's no major chaos, the fleas will still be annoying. It would be better to open up a separate area for them in the logistics center to meet their needs. This can also lay the foundation for future logistics services within the borders."
"As for the transportation outside the customs, the Qiao family will naturally have to worry about it, but as for inside the customs, Liu has quite a few friends who can help out when the time comes."
Miao Wan's eyes lit up again. What Liu Ming said was exactly what she needed now. Maybe she would be able to do it slowly in the future, but not having capable people under her was a big problem.
Originally, she didn't know who to use among the three counties of Henan. It would be best if Liu Ming could be used.
Speaking of which, this era also has its advantages. The biggest price of betrayal is not losing everything, but losing the lives of the entire family. The cost of betrayal is much higher than in later generations.
As long as the Qiao family does not lose the support of the court, it doesn't matter if Liu Ming has his own little thoughts.
Originally, Miao Wan wanted Aya and the others to be in charge of the logistics center, but the world is indeed more harsh on women, and Aya and the others lack practical experience.
It would be best if Liu Ming could join and someone in the northwest would be keeping an eye on him.
Miao Wan couldn't help but reveal a smile that belonged to Miao Shiren, like a wolf grandmother. "Brother Liu is so straightforward, I won't waste my words with you. The right way is to make money together. I didn't intend to let the Qiao family monopolize the logistics center. How about we cooperate? Ganli Gubei Army takes 30%, and Brother Liu takes 20%. How about it?"
Everyone: "..." Just cooperate, there's no need to act so arrogantly.
Liu Ming's eyes drifted towards Qiao Ruichen, and he felt that when it came to being coquettish, he really couldn't compare to Qiao Jiashao.
But his face also brightened with a smile, "Just do as Madam Qiao said. I see that you are in a heavy condition, so just tell me if you need anything. I still need some people to help with miscellaneous matters."
Two siblings of opposite sex who love making money had a heated discussion about how to make money in the fastest and most efficient way possible, and then everyone was happy.
Gu Shuyao went back to find her husband. She really couldn't stand the clingy attitude of Qiao Ruichen and Miao Wan.
Miao Wan didn't care. She hugged Qiao Ruichen's arm and said proudly, "My husband, do you think I am more powerful than before? Even a big man like Liu Ming has to listen to me."
Qiao Ruichen smiled and pinched Miao Wan's cheek, which felt almost like his daughter's. "Yes, no one can be more coquettish than you."
Miao Wan: “…”
With Liu Ming's help, after the shop was bought, not only Lin Dazhi brought his men, but also the carpenters from the county town that Liu Ming found, and the timber brought from Anyong County, the logistics center was built very quickly in the county town, changing almost every day.
In Miao Wan's words, "It's growing faster than my belly."
Taotao was curious and was lying on his mother's belly listening. Suddenly, he was kicked. He was so shocked that his eyes widened. "My little brother and sister are growing up so fast. Will they be able to come out and play with me soon?"
Miao Wan thought for a moment and said, "Maybe after your third birthday."
In fact, at this time, the age is counted in terms of virtual age. After the Dragon Raises its Head next year, Taotao should be four years old and it is time for him to go to kindergarten.
Miao Wan has already asked someone to select a place to build a kindergarten in Xining Town. It is estimated that when the weather gets warmer next year, it will be completed and classes can begin.
So when Taotao was excitedly counting on her fingers to figure out how to play with her younger siblings tomorrow, or how to play with her younger siblings, Miao Wan rubbed her little face and smiled.
"Next year, Taotao will go to school like your aunt and Changshou. When you graduate from kindergarten, your younger brothers and sisters will be able to play with you. That will probably take about three years."
Taotao was stunned. Doesn’t that mean we have to wait for a long time?
She ran out, scaring Miao Wan.
"What are you doing?"
Taotao was screaming outside, "It's our responsibility to go through the big challenge. Let's go to school and have enough fun first!"
Qiao Rui followed, "I'll go too, I'll go too, I'll protect you!"
"Oh, little lady, little lady, don't run! Put on more clothes!"
"Wait, bring some water, we haven't packed our change of clothes yet."
Hearing the chaos outside, Miao Wan patted her belly and lay down again. She said that no one could resist the charm of the National Challenge, not even children.
The author has something to say:
Hey, nine thousand became six thousand, I didn’t write about the big challenge yet, I will definitely write about it in the next chapter!
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