With his granddaughter's influence, both Huo Ying and Wei Shouyi would take good care of the child, and there was no need to worry about harming the child's life.
"I think it's a good idea. We'll send him to keep Zheng the Madman company after the New Year."
So Yue Fuguang smiled and said to Chongshan and Yu Shuchun, "Grandfather, Second Uncle, my overseas friend gave me a travelogue that mentioned a method of training soldiers overseas, which I found very novel."
"Grandfather, do you think we should send the book to Lord Huo and his men for them to study? Perhaps they can learn from them and train a strong army for Dayan."
Yu Chongshan immediately smiled and said, "There are books like this? Then we can certainly show them to Lord Huo and the Ministry of War. If they are useful, it will be thanks to Fu Guang."
You didn't know this because you didn't attend court a few days ago, but His Majesty has some savings in the national treasury and is planning to build a new army.
If your method works, that would be wonderful!
"Your Majesty wants to build a new army?" Yue Fuguang didn't expect Emperor Mingxi to act so quickly. It must be because he has money now, and he has already started preparations even before the end of the year.
"This year, Lord Wei has uncovered several corrupt officials in the court, which has greatly increased the national treasury. Not only have the debts of various departments been paid up, but there is also a considerable surplus, which is why the court has the funds to build a new army."
As he spoke, he pulled a box from his pocket and said, "This is the land deed for the land you won. Your grandfather has taken care of everything for you."
Yue Fuguang hadn't expected Da Yan to act so quickly. "Which families will recognize our land deeds?"
Yu Chongshan laughed and said, "Isn't the bet still there? Keep it all safe. Can't bear it? Then let the whole world see their untrustworthy faces."
Yue Fuguang nodded. As long as there were no further troubles, that was fine. She was the kind of person who couldn't stand these kinds of things.
“Grandfather, please help me find a few more people who know about farming. I want to plant some new things on this land.”
“Alright, Grandfather will help you find them, and I promise it won’t delay your spring planting. I’ve also spoken with Minister Lu about the blueprints for the farm tools you provided before, and we’ll print out a batch for you first.”
Yu Zhongchun added, "What does Fuguang want to plant on that land? Should I send someone to help keep an eye on it?"
Yue Fuguang nodded quickly, "Okay, Dad, remember to find a capable manager. I want to grow that kind of cotton. My friend said he'll send me a batch of cotton seeds in the spring. I think that place is quite suitable for growing this kind of thing."
This is the benefit of being a freeloader! As long as she makes a request, her family members will each contribute a little and get it done for her. She doesn't have to worry about the manpower at all. Her grandfather even thought of farm tools for her.
"What kind of flower is cotton? Is Grandpa going to help you find a gardener?"
“Uh, Grandfather, to be precise, cotton is not a flower.”
She leaned closer to the old man mysteriously and said, "Cotton isn't for eating. It's a crop that can be used to weave cloth, like silk and hemp thread, or to stuff clothes for warmth, like reeds and fur."
Cotton fabric is more durable than silk, softer than linen, and like fur or catkins, it can be used as stuffing in clothing for excellent warmth in winter. It's also cheaper than fur, making it affordable for ordinary people.
As for the other uses of cotton, I won't tell them for now. These are enough for Emperor Mingxi and his ministers to value. They can just sit back and collect points.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the eyes of the Yu family men lit up. Yu Zhongchun asked, "Fuguang, can this thing only be planted on your land?"
That place is near the border of three countries, it's not safe. This thing is so precious, Dad always feels it's not safe to leave it there.”
Yu Chongshan nodded and said, "Your father is right. This thing is a good thing for the Great Yan, or even for the whole world. We need to be cautious."
“It can be grown in other places too, but the quality should be better if it’s grown in the climate there.” Ajiang’s long-staple cotton is one of the best cotton varieties in Xia Kingdom.
“I see.” Yu Chongshan frowned and said, “No, since Fu Guang wants to plant there, then let him plant it. I will ask His Majesty to send a troop of border troops to garrison nearby and keep an eye on these cotton plants that can survive.”
Yue Fuguang chuckled inwardly. Her grandfather was truly a good grandfather, just as she had planned. She said, "Grandfather, go and tell His Majesty that once the new army has completed its training, it should be stationed there for further training and to guard the territory for me. I will give him 30% of the military expenses."
Once they've used my money, they'll obey my orders. That place isn't just for growing cotton; it's not unreasonable for the army to stockpile some land, is it?
We can't say we're self-sufficient, but we can still save some food.
She said she would bear 30% of the military expenses, and apart from Aunt Yu, no one else in her family reacted much.
This month, Prince Guang brought over 200,000 taels of silver to Fu Guang, which were all dividends from the glass purchases by various foreign delegations.
This doesn't even include the later bookings. His granddaughter can afford this money. If she really can't make ends meet, there's always her family.
The old man is very upright because he has savings, well... more money than the previous emperor!
Yu Shuchun added, "Isn't Fu Guang going to send the new training method to the Ministry of War? Let your second brother go and learn it with him. Once he's mastered it, we'll send it to you to look after the land."
Yue Fuguang silently gave her second uncle a thumbs up for his quick thinking, but still asked with a hint of doubt, "Second brother is not young anymore, shouldn't you stay at home and wait to get married?"
Yu Shuchun's biological father waved his hand and said, "Your eldest brother's marriage is not even settled yet. How can a younger brother get married before his elder brother? What kind of scene would that be?"
Aunt Yu was reluctant to let her only son suffer in the army, so she wanted to plead for him. However, before she could speak, her second uncle interrupted her, "Madam, a doting mother spoils her son. Bo Ming is not young anymore, and he is not as steady as his third and fourth brothers, nor is he good at studying."
"If I don't send him to the army, do you want your son to be a commoner for the rest of his life?"
Although his family could wait until he reached a certain age to secure a minor official position for him, with a sister like Fu Guang, wouldn't it be a waste for his son to be too useless, an opportunity that others would be begging for?
Yu Boming, who was already 90% full, was so startled by his father's words that he let out a burp.
He had only been home for less than a day, and look at this table full of stir-fried dishes. His good days had ended so abruptly before he could even enjoy them for a single day.
"Dad, I...I think I can study, study at home." (And eat at home!)
"I don't care what you think, I care what I think!" Yu Shuchun glared. "If I think you should go to the army for training, then you have to go."
How can your sister's land be managed without family members watching over it?
He pointed to the things on the table and said, "These were all your sister's ideas. As her older brother, you've enjoyed so many good things from her. Shouldn't you work harder?"
He should focus on improving his skills and helping his sister with chores. They're all family, and his son can't be the only one holding them back.
Yue Fuguang appeared calm on the surface, but inside she was extremely embarrassed. All the food on the table had cost her grandparents' money, and she herself was just eating for free!
But seeing everyone at the table nodding in agreement, she... she remained silent.
Taking the opportunity, Madam Yu said, "Since the second son is going to send his second son to the army, he won't be able to stay in the mansion for many days in the next few years."
He also tidied up the people in his courtyard, leaving only a few to watch over and sweep the yard.
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