Xiao Mingzhan had said before that he wanted to look for the soul-calming mushroom, but that was just a prevarication to his brother. But now, when he heard his young wife say that the poison would affect the next generation, he began to get really anxious.
He nodded resolutely, "Your Highness obeys your command."
Then he looked at Gu Xinran and said seriously, "Ranran, let's make a deal first. We'll get married after the poison is cured. This isn't 'negotiate later,' this is 'agreement' now. After Grandpa Gu and the others arrive in Beijing, will you come with me to look for the soul-calming mushrooms?"
A smile appeared on Gu Xinran's face, thinking that he had learned his lesson because he was cheated last time.
I think I don’t have anything important to do, and it’s a rare opportunity for the two of us to travel together. The poison is not fatal in the short term, so we can search while traveling. Not bad!
Gladly agreed.
After the matter was settled, Duan Yunqian brought up another important matter, "Ranran, the eighth day of the first lunar month is your coming-of-age ceremony. Your aunt and the others definitely won't be able to make it in time. Could I hold the ceremony for you?"
Gu Xinran knew nothing about the coming-of-age ceremony, and there was no one around to advise her, but was it too much of an overreaction to ask a country queen to do it?
She looked at Xiao Mingzhan, seeking help, "Brother Xiao, can you help find an elder to help me? My cousin is the queen, and it's beneath her dignity to do this kind of work."
Xiao Mingzhan disagreed. In his eyes, Ranran deserved the best of everything. It was unfair to her that none of her elders were around for such an important matter. The coming-of-age ceremony, which only happened once in a lifetime, must not be perfunctory.
After a few moments of thought, he spoke, "Royal brother, is it feasible to let the Ministry of Rites undertake Ranran's coming-of-age ceremony? She is a great contributor to the Lan Kingdom, and she is stranded in the capital because she is treating your illness. We cannot let such a meritorious person feel disappointed."
After saying that, Xiao Mingzhan looked at the emperor and empress eagerly.
The emperor smiled and looked at his brother who was usually serious. His expression was so wonderful at this moment. It was different because he had concern and a soft spot.
That’s great! Only when people have something to care about in life can they have a goal to strive for and live a meaningful life.
Xiao Mingjia deliberately kept a straight face, "Royal brother, you also know that the treasury is empty. It's not impossible to let the Ministry of Rites take charge, but..."
He paused here and admired the different look on his brother's face.
"Brother, don't keep me in suspense, but what?"
When Xiao Mingzhan got anxious, he didn't even call him "Royal Brother" but called him "Eldest Brother" directly.
It was a rare opportunity to amuse his icy brother, so the emperor raised his lips. "Your sister-in-law has already spoken. She asked the Ministry of Rites to do it, right? How could I object? No buts, I'm just teasing you."
I will order them to make good preparations. If the national treasury is short of money, I will use it from my own pocket. I thank my brother and sister-in-law for taking good care of my health."
At this time, everyone became closer and closer as they talked, and gradually they began to use the titles "I, the emperor, your humble servant..."
Duan Yunqian also agreed: "I can still afford this little money for my cousin's coming-of-age ceremony."
Gu Xinran heard them keep saying "the treasury is empty" and "there is no money" on the left and right. How poor is the Lan Kingdom?
She thought of the batch of ugly gold nuggets she had collected in Magistrate Sun's secret room and tentatively asked, "Thank you, cousin. Is the treasury really out of money? How about I donate some?"
Speaking of the national treasury, the smile on Duan Yunqian's face disappeared, "When your cousin-in-law succeeded to the throne, there were only rats left in the national treasury. The war in the northern border cost a lot of money, and the Zhao family controlled by Ming Zhan was completely drained.
"But no matter how poor we are, we can't ask for your dowry! Now that we are stable both internally and externally, and we have high-yield crops, things will get better sooner or later."
Xiao Mingjia sighed. "That bastard Qin Shangshu from the Ministry of Revenue keeps complaining about the lack of food and money, asking me to increase taxes. Am I that foolish? Fortunately, the war was won, and we'll soon receive the huge compensation from the Tuji Khanate."
What kind of a sum of money is five hundred thousand? Gu Xinran didn't expect that Lan Country was so poor that even her boyfriend, the richest man, had emptied his money. This wouldn't do. Lan Country must have a pillar industry that can make a lot of money.
After thinking for a while, he said carefully: "I have a business that makes money quickly. Not only can I earn money from the rich in my country, but I can also export and earn foreign exchange... Hehe, it's a slip of the tongue. I can also earn money from neighboring countries and enrich the national treasury."
Everyone looked at her, curious about what kind of business she was doing.
The emperor had been terrified of poverty since he ascended the throne, so he was the first to ask, "Tell me about it quickly."
The good business that Gu Xinran thought of was glass!
This kind of glass with a lot of impurities is a rare treasure from foreign countries. If we can make transparent and pure glass, wouldn't it be sold at a sky-high price?
She was full of confidence. "Glass is a material that is more transparent than colored glaze. Large pieces can be installed in windows, and the inside and outside are equally bright. It can also be made into cups, plates, bottles and other utensils."
Xiao Mingzhan also became interested. "Ranran, do you know how to make it? A small glass bowl can sell for five hundred taels in the market. If you can make glass that's better than glass, then the national treasury will be enriched sooner or later!"
Everyone's eyes lit up. Gu Xinran pursed her lips and smiled, "I have a recipe, but I need to test it first. I haven't tried it myself, but don't worry, it will definitely work."
Everyone was relieved. Although they didn't know where she learned so much new knowledge, she was very successful in every aspect.
Xiao Mingjia smiled brightly after hearing this. "Sister-in-law, the prosperity of Dalan's treasury depends on you. I will ask the Ministry of Industry to fully cooperate with you. After the research and development, we will set up a glass workshop and give you 30% of the profits. Is that feasible?"
Think about the national treasury that has been emptied by drought, rebellion, and foreign invasion, and then think about the countless gold, silver and treasures in your own space. Forget it, just give less, after all, you only provide the recipe.
She considered it for a moment, then spoke righteously, "Just give me a share. If you want to build Lan Country well, the country must be prosperous."
Xiao Mingjia was excited and secretly praised his brother for his good vision. It was worth it after years of hardship to wait for such a precious girl. In the future, Lan Country will surely become glorious in their hands.
He was in a good mood, "Sister-in-law is generous! I'll listen to you."
The New Year’s Eve dinner was almost over, so Gu Xinran got down to work and asked for paper and pen to start writing down the recipe and cooking method.
A New Year's Eve dinner has become a meal for making the country rich and strong.
The Xiao Mingjia brothers took the recipe as a treasure. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Minister of Works was summoned by the Emperor to work overtime.
Xiao Mingzhan accompanied Gu Xinran to guide the officials of the Ministry of Industry to make the kiln, prepare sand, saltpeter... After melting them into liquid in the kiln, they would blow them.
There are many talented people in the Ministry of Industry, and Gu Xinran only needs to give a few pointers and everyone will be able to draw inferences about other situations.
On the seventh day of the first lunar month, the day before Gu Xinran's coming of age, the first piece of transparent glass was successfully produced.
Everything went smoothly afterwards, and cups, bowls, plates, and various handicrafts were produced one after another.
With the promotion of the Ministry of Revenue and Xiao Mingzhan's business team, Lan's first state-owned enterprise flourished. Glass products were not only loved by wealthy people in the country, but also by big merchants from the Tuji Khanate, Qiyu Kingdom, and even foreign countries.
The treasury of the Lan Kingdom is becoming increasingly prosperous, and Gu Xinran is becoming even richer.
This is a story for later. Let’s focus on the present. On the eighth day of the first lunar month, Gu Xinran’s coming-of-age day has arrived.
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