Chapter 30 Cotton
Song Qingyuan's fingertips gently brushed across the unremarkable package of seeds in the system interface.
Congratulations to the owner for receiving a packet of 'Otherworldly Cotton' seeds! (Introduction: This improved species originates from a high-latitude civilization, resistant to cold and drought, with a growth cycle shortened to three months. The cotton it produces is pure white and soft, with warmth far exceeding that of any other fabric currently available.)
cotton.
In this era, wealthy families relied on furs and silk cotton to keep warm in winter. Not only were they expensive, but the warmth retention of silk cotton was ultimately limited.
Ordinary people were lucky to have a few old clothes filled with reed and willow catkins to get through the winter. Countless people died of freezing and starvation every year.
If this high-yield, highly adaptable cotton can be promoted...
Song Qingyuan could almost see a road to heaven paved with this tiny seed.
This is not just warm clothing, it is the people's hearts and wealth, and it is the foundation that can shake the economic lifeline of a country.
This is the first cornerstone that the "Queen's Road" system truly gave her.
"Master, what is this cotton? It sounds so tacky, not even as nice as a rose."
Tianbao's voice was full of confusion and disappointment.
[We worked so hard to become a concubine, and the system only rewards us with a bag of crop seeds? That's too stingy!]
"Tianbao, you don't understand." Song Qingyuan's consciousness returned to reality, and the depth in his eyes dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented brightness and determination, "This is more valuable than a mountain of gold."
She suppressed the excitement in her heart and returned to her usual calm expression.
The imperial edict of enthronement had been received, and Eunuch Li had been sent away. However, the servants of Furong Garden were still kneeling on the ground, not daring to breathe, secretly gazing at the new master who had risen to power overnight with a mixture of awe and curiosity.
"Everyone, get up." Song Qingyuan's voice was light and gentle, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.
"Everyone should do their job and no noise is allowed. From today on, the rules of Qingyuan Pavilion will be stricter than before.
If there are those who can't control their mouths, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Yes, Concubine!" Everyone's heart trembled, and they responded in unison, not daring to slack off any more.
Song Qingyuan nodded, his gaze turning to Tingzhu and Zisu, who had been standing by his side. "Tingzhu, take the gifts from the princess, as well as the imperial edict and the golden seal, and keep them properly, registering them for storage."
"Yes, your Majesty." Tingzhu responded and began to direct the maids to clean up with quick movements.
"Perilla." Song Qingyuan looked at another maid.
Zi Su is slightly younger than Ting Zhu and more lively, but equally steady in his work, and is especially proficient in gardening.
The several famous camellia plants in Qingyuan Pavilion were all taken care of by her.
"I'm here." Zi Su stepped forward.
Song Qingyuan took out a small bag wrapped in a plain brocade bag from his sleeve. It was the bag of cotton seeds.
She handed the brocade bag to Zi Su and solemnly instructed her, "Here are some flower seeds, rare treasures I got by chance.
Find someone who can do it, go to the open space behind our yard, and plant them quietly."
Hibiscus Garden is a large garden in the Jing'an Palace, named after the hibiscus flowers planted there.
But the garden is very large. In addition to the main scenery, there are many open spaces that have been opened up but are temporarily idle.
Qingyuan Pavilion is located in a remote area, right behind a corner of Furong Garden. It is rarely visited by people on weekdays, making it an excellent experimental field.
Zi Su took the brocade bag with some surprise. She held it lightly and asked curiously, "My Lady, what kind of flower is this? How do I need you to take care of it?"
"Let's call it 'Yunmian'." Song Qingyuan picked up a name casually. It sounded elegant but not too eye-catching.
"As for care... all you need to remember is to clear out a sunny spot, plow it well, and water and weed it regularly.
This matter is of great importance. You must personally monitor it and never let anyone else know except those you trust. Do you understand?"
Seeing her serious expression, Zi Su knew that these were no ordinary flower seeds. She immediately put away her curiosity and solemnly put the brocade bag close to her body. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Even if it costs me my life, I will definitely grow the 'Cloud Cotton' for you!"
Only after sending Perilla away did Song Qingyuan breathe a sigh of relief. All things are difficult at the beginning. The seeds have been planted, and the next step is to wait for the flowers to bloom.
The day after she was canonized as a concubine, reactions from all sides came like a tide.
Princess Cui Jingyue sent a large number of rewards.
This time, there was no ostentatious gold and silver, but fine silk fabrics, exquisite incense for all seasons, two skilled cooks and four clever second-class maids.
Everything was thoughtful and practical, showing her generosity as a mistress and her love for her "sister".
This behavior further confirmed the rumors from outside.
Throughout the palace, who wouldn't praise the princess for her virtue and generosity? And Song Qingyuan, the newly promoted concubine, was also elevated to a higher, and more dangerous, position by this invisible reputation.
In addition to the princess, another concubine in the palace, Bai, also sent someone to deliver a gift.
Unlike the extravagant gift given by the princess, Concubine Bai's gift was simple and elegant.
A pair of excellent mutton-fat jade pendants and two rare travel books from the previous dynasty.
The maid who delivered the gift just put the things down respectfully, said "My master congratulates Concubine Song", and then quietly withdrew without any unnecessary nonsense.
While he was thinking, a voice came from outside the courtyard: "The prince has arrived——"
Song Qingyuan's heart skipped a beat and he quickly stood up to greet him.
Shen Yanzhi, dressed in a dark casual suit, strode in.
He seemed to have just returned from the palace, with a barely perceptible trace of fatigue between his brows, but when he saw Song Qingyuan, a gentle smile appeared in his deep eyes.
"No need to be so polite." He reached out to support Song Qingyuan, who was about to bow, and took her hand. His palm was broad and warm, with a reassuring power.
"Greetings, Your Highness." Song Qingyuan stood up straight and obediently, his eyes fixed on his face. He asked softly, "Are you tired, Your Highness? I asked the kitchen to prepare some calming soup."
"It's okay." Shen Yanzhi pulled her to the soft couch by the window and sat down. He looked her over carefully, as if he wanted to see if the identity of this "concubine" made her any different.
She was still the same person, with clear eyes and a calm demeanor, as if the imperial edict of enthronement was just a small stone thrown into the center of her calm lake, and after the ripples, tranquility returned to normal.
"Have you received the imperial edict?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Highness, thank you for planning for Qingyuan." Song Qingyuan answered sincerely.
She knew that this was due to the support system using points to increase Shen Yanzhi's favorability towards her to 100+.
The system has paved the way for her, so why shouldn't she walk on it?
"Yuanyuan, I'm sorry for wronging you." Shen Yanzhi held Song Qingyuan's hand as if she would disappear if he let go.
"Your Highness." Song Qingyuan interrupted him. She held his hand with her backhand, palms touching.
"Qingyuan doesn't feel wronged. As long as I can be by the prince's side, my status is not important."
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