Grandma Yan also discussed her views with the embroiderers in the workshop. Then she taught them several weaving techniques.
Yan Qingqing didn't understand this aspect.
However, Yan Qingqing was considering the big picture. These cotton fabrics would need to be dyed to appeal to the general public after they were woven.
Current dyes are relatively simple and prone to fading.
Thinking about this, Yan Qingqing felt that she could work on this aspect.
If their embroidery workshop could integrate weaving, dyeing, and finished product production, their costs would be greatly reduced.
Moreover, they can master core technologies, which will allow their embroidery workshop to gain a foothold in this field.
Thinking of this, Yan Qingqing felt full of energy.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace in the capital, the emperor was strolling in the imperial garden, accompanied by Eunuch Xiang.
Seeing that the emperor seemed to be in a good mood, Eunuch Xiang asked with a smile, "Your Majesty, this old servant sees that you are in a good mood. Is there something that makes you happy?"
The emperor glanced at him disdainfully and said, "You have such sharp eyes; only you could tell I'm in a good mood."
Eunuch Xiang smiled even more obsequiously, but in his heart he was thinking that her mouth was practically stretched to the back of her ears, and if he still couldn't see it, he would be blind.
However, he flattered her, saying, "It is said that thunder and rain are both the emperor's grace. I don't know why, but whenever the emperor is in a good mood, this old servant can feel it."
The emperor laughed twice after hearing his words, then whispered, "I dreamt of Chen'er last night. He told me that he is doing very well and that I should wash my neck and wait for him, because he will storm into the palace sooner or later."
Grandpa Xiang: ...
Did his flattery backfire? But the emperor's joy didn't seem fake.
Seeing Eunuch Xiang's displeased expression, the Emperor said, "What kind of expression is that?"
Eunuch Xiang gave a dry laugh and said, "His Highness the Ninth Prince is always filial and would never do such a rebellious thing."
The emperor retorted, "Why not? He is my only legitimate son, and the throne will definitely be passed to him after I pass away."
I know that Chen'er must have been framed and is hiding, otherwise he wouldn't have been gone for so long.
"It's all my fault for not protecting him properly. If only I had paid more attention to him."
Knowing that the Emperor had always been kind to Xiao Mochen, Eunuch Xiang chimed in, "Your Majesty is right. After all, the Ninth Prince is the late Empress's only son."
The emperor snorted and said, "Let's not talk about her. Although the empress is virtuous, she is very indecisive in handling matters."
He doesn't love his own son, but insists on spoiling an adopted son.
I have reminded her many times out of consideration for our past relationship, but she remains obstinate and thinks that her cousin and adopted son are good.
But she didn't consider that if it weren't for her ambition to become the legitimate heir, would that woman have put her son under her name to raise?
If I hadn't stopped her, she would have wanted to adopt the eldest son into her own name as a tribute to her ancestors and the heavens.
In this way, the eldest son would have the status of the legitimate son, and Mo Chen would become the second legitimate son.
When they compete for the throne in the future, they will naturally be at a disadvantage.
Although Eunuch Xiang was the emperor's most trusted confidant, the emperor had never discussed these matters with him.
These are all secrets of the imperial harem; mishandling them could lead to your death.
But Grandpa Xiang still had to pretend to be calm.
The emperor seemed to have been opened up and continued, "Actually, I know you all think that I favor Mo Chen because I like the empress."
Actually, that's not entirely true. Although I and the Empress were childhood sweethearts when I was young.
But later the Empress became muddle-headed and soft-hearted, and I lost much of my affection for her.
I like Mo Chen because he is most like me, both in appearance and personality, he is exactly the same as me when I was young.
In the past, to train him and protect him, I appeared cold towards him. I wonder if he understands my fatherly heart.
Before the emperor could finish his reflections, a palace maid from Xihua Garden requested an audience.
The emperor's face fell instantly. Rumors were circulating that Consort Yu was about to be made empress, but only the emperor knew in his heart that he had never intended to make Consort Yu empress.
However, since the Yu family now holds military power over the capital's garrison, the emperor has no choice but to give Consort Yu some face.
The head maidservant beside Consort Yu walked up to the emperor, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress said she specially instructed the kitchen to prepare your favorite ham and duck soup, and asked me to ask if you would like to come over for dinner tonight."
The emperor smiled gently on the surface, but inwardly he was very disdainful.
Consort Yu is already quite old, yet she still tries to compete for favor like others. Just the day before yesterday, a concubine made one of her favorite dishes and she praised it a few times, and Consort Yu has already arranged for it to be served to her today.
The emperor gestured to Eunuch Xiang with his eyes, urging him to quickly come up with a reason to refuse.
Eunuch Xiang's mind worked quickly, and he said, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yuanzi just reported that there is an urgent report from 800 li away, but we don't know where it came from."
The emperor's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he said, "Why didn't you say so earlier, you old rascal? Didn't you see that Consort Yu was inviting me to dinner?"
Eunuch Xiang gave a wry smile and slapped his own mouth, saying, "This old servant was just in a bit of a rush and forgot. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
The emperor glanced at the palace maid who was still kneeling on the ground and said, "Go back and tell the Imperial Concubine that I have state affairs to attend to today, and let her eat by herself."
After saying that, she hurriedly left with Eunuch Xiang.
Even the fast-paced Grandpa Xiang couldn't keep up.
The head palace maid stood up helplessly, thinking that she had failed to invite the emperor again today, and would inevitably be scolded by Consort Yu when she returned.
The emperor jogged all the way back to the Hanlong Hall before finally sitting down to rest for a while.
With great tact, Eunuch Xiang served the emperor tea, and then presented him with a memorial with both hands.
The emperor glanced at the words "Eight Hundred Li Urgent Report" and asked incredulously, "Is there really an Eight Hundred Li Urgent Report?"
Eunuch Xiang gave a wry smile and said, "Oh, Your Majesty, how could this servant dare to lie?"
If Consort Yu finds out that this old servant lied and ruined her plans, she'll beat me to death.
The emperor snorted and said, "Hmph, she dares! Issue a decree to the six palaces that from this day forward you are the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Household. Without my order, let's see who dares to touch you."
When Eunuch Xiang heard this, he was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.
Actually, he should have been in this position after returning from Chengyang County last time. But Consort Yu kept suppressing it, wanting her own person to take the position.
The emperor opened the memorial and saw that it was presented by Ling Ziyuan. He read it carefully, and the smile on his face grew wider and wider.
Finally, he laughed loudly and said, "Haha, what a wise and virtuous magistrate! As expected of the wise and virtuous magistrate appointed by me, you are truly unparalleled in wisdom and benevolence."
When Eunuch Xiang heard that the matter concerned Mingzhao, he was also pleased.
He was the one who went to Canghe Village to deliver the imperial decree. After he returned, Eunuch Xiang spoke highly of Yan Qingqing. Now it seems that Yan Qingqing is about to make a contribution again.
Finally, Eunuch Xiang couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Your Majesty, has Mingzhao made another great contribution?"
The Emperor nodded and said, "Mingzhao ordered that cotton, commonly known as white cotton, was discovered on the mountain."
It is said that after being processed by removing the seeds, it can be stuffed into clothes or quilts as a lining, which is both lightweight and warm.
With this, our soldiers stationed on the frontier will no longer fear the cold winter.
Even if we fight the Northern Liang people in winter, we won't be afraid.
When Eunuch Xiang heard this, he was also very happy. As the emperor's close attendant, he naturally knew how many people froze to death on the border every year.
Now that cotton is available, not only the soldiers on the border are benefiting, but ordinary people are also benefiting.
Then Eunuch Xiang said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! With Your Majesty's blessing, our Great Yan Dynasty will surely become more and more prosperous."
Although the emperor was pleased to hear what Eunuch Xiang said, he was a shrewd emperor and said with a smile, "This is all thanks to Mingzhao. Tell me, how should I reward her this time?"
Eunuch Xiang, being a clever man, smiled and said, "As long as the Emperor knows the merits of Mingzhao, he will not object even if the Emperor does not reward Mingzhao."
"This servant had the honor of meeting Lady Mingzhao; she is truly an extraordinary woman."
The emperor nodded and said, "If that's the case, I really need to think carefully about how to reward her."
I cannot let such a loyal and righteous person's heart be broken.
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Xiang smiled without saying a word, hoping that Mingzhao would not let down the good words he had spoken for her in front of the Emperor.
Meanwhile, thanks to the guidance of Old Madam Yan, the embroiderers on Yan Qingqing's side finally managed to weave qualified cotton cloth.
Yan Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief; with the technical support, she could now vigorously promote cotton cultivation.
However, Yan Qingqing was not in the mood for these things right now, because Yuan Huiniang was about to give birth.
Li Xiangping also turned down many social engagements. He even missed Li Xinniang's wedding because he was there to accompany Yuan Huiniang during her childbirth.
With Yuan Huiniang nearing her due date, he couldn't afford to let her down.
Yan Qingqing has already arranged for the best midwives from Chengyang County to stay at her home, and to be served the best food and drink.
For some reason, Yan Qingqing felt a little flustered, even more nervous than when she gave birth.
It was probably because Yuan Huiniang's belly was too big.
However, Yuan Huiniang herself didn't care and even comforted Yan Qingqing, telling her not to worry.
That night, Yuan Huiniang suddenly had an attack, and the entire Li family was brightly lit.
Upon hearing the servant's report, Yan Qingqing quickly put on her clothes and ran to Yuan Huiniang's courtyard.
Ruyi followed closely behind, but she couldn't keep up with Yan Qingqing's pace at all.
When Yan Qingqing arrived, Li Xiangping had already been driven out by the midwife and was pacing anxiously in the courtyard.
Yan Qingqing immediately asked, "Why weren't you inside with your wife when she gave birth?"
"What's going on inside? Is there any movement?"
Li Xiangping said helplessly, "The midwife said I was in the way inside, and Hui Niang didn't want me to stay inside either, so she kicked me out."
Yan Qingqing didn't quite understand. What woman wouldn't want her man by her side when giving birth? Was Yuan Huiniang just saying that?
So he took Li Xiangping back into the house.
Yuan Huiniang had just finished her labor pains, and when she saw Yan Qingqing, her eyes immediately filled with tears as she called out "Mother!"
Yan Qingqing walked over with a pained expression and gently stroked his hair, saying, "It's alright, Mother is here, Mother is here."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang immediately felt reassured.
She nodded firmly to Yan Qingqing, then glanced at Li Xiangping standing to the side and said, "Mother, please let my husband leave! I don't want him to stay here."
Yan Qingqing asked, somewhat puzzled, "You gave birth to his child, how can he understand this pain if he doesn't see it?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang replied, "Mother, everyone says that the birthing room is unclean and will affect the man's luck."
My husband is now an eighth-rank agricultural official, and I don't want to affect him.
Moreover, I did so willingly.
Yan Qingqing: ……
Has she been force-fed a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection) by her son and daughter-in-law again?
Li Xiangping was deeply moved by Yuan Huiniang's words.
Yan Qingqing looked at Li Xiangping, who was still standing there motionless, and said irritably, "Why aren't you getting out of here? Didn't you hear your wife doesn't want to see you?"
Yuan Huiniang: ...
Is there something wrong with her expression? That's not what she meant.
Li Xiangping: ...
Is there something wrong with his understanding? He doesn't think his wife meant that.
Regardless of the meaning of the reaction, Li Xiangping eventually walked out of the delivery room.
Yan Qingqing stayed inside with Yuan Huiniang.
As the night wore on, Yuan Huiniang's contractions became more and more frequent.
After the midwife examined her, she said that the cervix was already dilated to six centimeters and that it was time to prepare for delivery.
Immediately afterwards, servants brought in basins of hot water, and then took out basins of bloody water.
Yuan Huiniang was very patient and kept her mouth shut without uttering a sound.
While wiping her sweat, Yan Qingqing said, "If it really hurts a lot, just shout it out. No one will laugh at you."
Yuan Huiniang took a breath and said, "The midwife said that if you use all your strength to shout, you won't have the strength to give birth, so you might as well grit your teeth and bear it."
Yan Qingqing: ……
Okay, she's being superficial; she's forgotten what it was like when she gave birth to Li Xiangyang.
It's rare that Yuan Huiniang can still be so clear-headed at this time.
But Yuan Huiniang's child was not born by dawn.
Yuan Huiniang was clearly exhausted, which worried Yan Qingqing greatly.
Li Xiangping couldn't stay outside any longer and rushed into the house, anxiously asking, "Mother, what should we do?"
Yan Qingqing was also anxious and asked the midwives, "What's going on? Why hasn't the young mistress given birth yet?"
The midwife, covered in sweat, replied, "We just felt the head, but the fetus is too big, and the young mistress hasn't given birth for several years, so the large fetus is causing some difficulties in childbirth."
The words "large fetus and difficult labor" made Li Xiangping's head buzz. He remembered that Yuan Huiniang's own mother had died in childbirth.
Concerned about Yuan Huiniang and her son, Li Xiangping was at a loss and pulled Yan Qingqing aside, asking, "Mother, what do we do now? Please save Huiniang!"
Even if Li Xiang'an is mature and steady, he is still just an eighteen or nineteen-year-old boy.
Yan Qingqing took a deep breath to calm herself down, then patted Li Xiangping's hand to signal him to stay calm.
He then instructed Ruyi, "Quickly tell A-Wu to go to the city and invite Doctor Zheng from Renshantang over. Be quick!"
Ruyi naturally dared not delay and quickly left the courtyard to find A-Wu.
Yan Qingqing held Yuan Huiniang's hand tightly and encouraged her, "Huiniang, don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."
Yuan Huiniang nodded weakly, and a trace of panic flashed through Yan Qingqing's heart again.
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