Chapter 74: Incognito Visit
After three days and three nights of methodical construction, the town's wall was completed.
It is very solid, and even modern ordinary artillery fire would find it difficult to break through.
One-third of the city's houses have been built. Four hundred houses are more than enough for a town of one thousand people. As for the money for the materials, we can ask the emperor for it.
Bao Taozi worked on construction projects throughout the day, and in his spare time, he offered night classes, teaching anyone who wanted to learn to read and write for two hours. He also gathered carpenters from the community and taught them how to make new furniture, build a log bathroom, and construct a kang (a traditional Chinese bed). Once they learned, they focused on making bathrooms, kangs, and furniture.
Bao Taozi has a big idea in his mind, which is to build this city into the first city that never sleeps in Canglan Country!
The commercial streets are not too close to residential areas to avoid disturbing residents' rest at night. The commercial areas are planned as unified buildings, so if merchants want to expand in the future, they can only build on the existing template.
In a blink of an eye, it was the fifth day.
The residential area is almost complete. The houses are neat and tidy, and red lanterns are hung on the doors of every house, which is particularly warm.
"Oh, my princess has such ability. Why doesn't she think about renovating my palace?" A teasing voice came from behind Bao Taozi.
Bao Taozi was frightened and turned back quickly. Just as he was about to kneel down, he was helped up by the emperor himself.
"No need to be so polite. I saw Qian Cheng's letter and was very curious, so I came here incognito to observe it."
Bao Taozi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I didn't even know you were coming. I didn't even make any preparations."
The emperor laughed heartily and said as he walked away, "Why bother mobilizing so many troops? Why don't you tell me what these novelties are?"
Bao Taozi followed.
"Father, this is a separate one, and every household has one. It's the toilet. After using the toilet, the water is flushed into the septic tank outside the courtyard by the force of the water flow. Farmers can also use it as fertilizer."
The emperor nodded. This is a good idea! It can be implemented nationwide!
A few people walked into the house. Bao Taozi pointed at the kang and said, "This is a fire kang. The winter in this area is extremely cold. Even if you light a charcoal pot all night, it won't be much use. Besides, the common people can't afford to use charcoal. With this fire kang, there's a mat on top and a hole underneath that connects to the chimney, so you can burn a fire to keep warm in the winter."
The emperor was overjoyed. This was a great item that would benefit both the country and the people! With it, the number of people freezing to death in winter would be greatly reduced!
"Is this thing complicated and precious?"
"It's simpler and cheaper than building a house." Bao Taozi replied with a smile.
"Can this technique be taught to the imperial officials?"
"It costs money."
The emperor laughed so hard that his belly burst into laughter.
It really is money! Never mind, it's what you deserve.
Li Liangfu, who was standing aside, thought to himself: The emperor hasn't been this happy for a long time.
......
During the tour, the people were all smiling, talking and laughing while working, it was very lively.
"Father, I ask you to give this city a name."
The emperor stopped and turned to look at Bao Taozi.
"Oh? So what are your expectations for this city?"
"Doors are left unlocked at night, prosperity is abundant, everyone has meat to eat, a kang to sleep on, and a happy face."
The emperor couldn't help but sigh in his heart, isn't this the grand occasion he wanted to achieve?
"I grant it the city that never sleeps."
Bao Taozi knelt down and said, "Thank you, Father!"
The emperor personally helped her up and said, "Before, I said that I was lucky to have you. Now, I want to say that the people of the world are lucky to have you!"
Li Liangfu and Qian Cheng, who were standing by, staggered when they heard this!
This is not an easy thing to say!
Bao Taozi smiled sweetly, as if she didn't understand the meaning behind it, and said, "As the Princess Hexiao, personally appointed by my father, it is only right that I help him solve his problems and worries for his country."
The emperor smiled and patted her shoulder, then turned to Li Liangfu and said, "After returning to the palace, have each palace send the princes and princesses to Princess Hexiao's residence. Princess Hexiao will personally teach them, and no one is allowed to object!"
Li Liangfu suppressed his shock and agreed.
Bao Taozi was also dumbfounded. Was the emperor too confident in himself?
The Emperor had four sons and three daughters. The eldest prince and princess were born in the Eastern Palace, the daughters of the Empress. The second prince and third princess were born to Noble Consort De. The third prince's mother was born a palace maid, now a mere concubine, and therefore unqualified to raise a prince herself, so the third prince was named Empress. The second princess was the daughter of Consort Qi. The fourth prince's mother died of complications during childbirth shortly after birth, and the other concubines considered it unlucky, so the child was passed down to Yuan Shuyi.
However, since you asked me to teach you, I won’t be polite.
After all, they are his own ancestors, and whether the future emperor is good or not will affect future generations.
"Father, if you wish for your daughter to teach me, then I will. However, I hope no one else will interfere."
The emperor had a smile on his face.
"allow!"
......
To be honest, until evening, Bao Taozi had been silently calculating the time to get off work, waiting for the emperor to leave.
It wasn't until the emperor shamelessly moved into the room prepared for him with a group of palace maids and eunuchs, and ordered someone to expand it the next day, that Bao Taozi could no longer hold back.
It turns out that being a princess also requires overtime.
He was so depressed that he asked his servants to clean up the empty room next door and move in. As for the emperor, he burst into laughter as soon as he entered the room!
"Ryosuke! Did you see Kazutaka's expression when he found out I was staying?"
Li Liangfu also suppressed a smile and said, "I saw it clearly. It was obvious from the expression on his face that he was deeply shocked!"
"Then I will not do as she wishes! Tell the Imperial Guards to mobilize more troops and bring the memorials in the next few days!"
"promise!"
......
By the early morning of the next day, the emperor was already reviewing memorials, while Bao Taozi was still sleeping soundly.
The emperor rubbed his brows and asked, "Liang Fu, go ask what time the princess sleeps until she wakes up every day."
Li Liangfu stepped back and found Xiao Lianzi.
"Princess Hexiao, why can't you pay it back? It's already noon, and the emperor is worried and asked us to ask."
Little Lianzi said helplessly, "Greetings, foster father. I'm afraid the princess will sleep until noon. The princess once advised us not to feel guilty about sleeping in, because getting up won't create any value. If you can find joy in wasting time, then it's not a waste of time..."
"this..."
Li Liangfu was stunned.
It seems...it makes sense.
After reporting this to the emperor, he was so angry that he laughed!
What would happen if the princes and princesses were taught like this!
"Go! Get the people to work! If you insist on building a city, you have to keep a close eye on it!"
Less than a cup of tea later, Li Liangfu replied with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, the princess said that this city was built for my father. If he doesn't come, then it will naturally be his responsibility. If he does, then I will just be a vase!"
The emperor laughed and scolded, "You blame me for having the nerve to stay! I refuse to leave!"
Li Liangfu secretly thought that the princess was clever and had quietly expressed her loyalty to the emperor. Although she said some extremely treasonous words, it made the emperor feel very comfortable, and he only loved and trusted her more.
How do we strike the right balance?
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