novelSusiti Chapter 71 The Fu Sisters, Family, Country, and the World
Chapter 71 The Fu Sisters, Family, Country, and the World
Two days later, several simple carriages stopped in Sweetwater Lane. More than two hundred warriors and more than twenty male and female attendants followed and guarded the carriages.
Feng Niaoniao, along with her sister-in-law Pan Ziying, eldest son Li Yuan, second son Li Ke, and a group of adopted daughters, waited at the door of her house.
A carriage curtain was lifted, and Empress Fu, dressed in men's clothing and looking dashing, nimbly stepped out, refusing the help of those around her, and stood on the ground in a few quick movements. Behind her, a woman dressed in men's clothing also nimbly disembarked from the carriage.
Empress Fu, with a graceful and dignified air, cupped her hands and said, "Greetings, Madam Feng."
The woman behind her also bowed to Feng Niaoniao and said, "May Madam Feng enjoy boundless blessings."
Feng Niaoniao exclaimed in alarm, "No, no, how can I ask the Empress to show me courtesy first?"
Empress Fu laughed and said, "Why not? Today we are not in the palace, there are no empresses and concubines, only teachers and students. Today I am here as a student to pay my respects to my teacher. As a guest to pay respects to the host, how can I not first offer my greetings? Today I am just Aunt Fu, little sister, don't you think?"
The woman appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen years old. She bore a striking resemblance to Empress Fu in her features, but was even more beautiful and vibrant.
She said cheerfully, "Sister is right. I, Fu Liuniang, wish Madam Feng well and ask her not to blame you. I heard that I was able to learn a little about how Madam Feng manages her family business today, so I shamelessly followed along. I heard that you gave me tuition money, so I came in a hurry. I will definitely make up for it with Madam Feng tomorrow."
Feng Niaoniao was both amused and exasperated, but not wanting to spoil the mood of the distinguished guests, she could only go along with them and say, "Well then, Aunt Feng must greet Aunt Fu and Sixth Sister Fu. This is my sister-in-law, Madam Pan."
He then looked at Pan Ziying, gesturing for her to quickly greet him and introduce herself.
Pan Ziying was stunned by Empress Fu's stunning appearance and only came to his senses after his sister-in-law reminded him:
"I am Pan, and I have met Madam Fu and Madam Fu Liu. I am the fourth child in my family and come from the Pan family in Tianfu Lane. My father was the commander of the Flying Cavalry during the reign of the late emperor and has now retired. This year, I married into the Li family. My husband is Li Ji, the first commander of the first army of the right wing of the Black Spear Dragon Cavalry."
Pan Ziying prided herself on being bold and outspoken, but when facing the Empress, who was the mother of the nation, she couldn't help but speak with nervousness and excitement, rattling off her entire family name in one breath.
Empress Fu said approvingly, "You are too kind. Since you are pregnant, there is no need for such formalities. The well-being of the child is the most important thing. I remember the Pan family in Tianfu Lane. Commander Pan was once a capable general by the side of the late emperor. Back then, the late emperor fought against the Khitan army in Hebei. The Khitan army had a magnificent formation, and the other armies were terrified."
The late emperor ordered Commander Pan to blunt the enemy's advance. Commander Pan led two hundred iron cavalry, wielding iron spears and maces, and charged forward, shattering three lines of the Khitan army. He led his troops to kill over a hundred men without losing a single one or a horse. The Khitans called him "Crazy Pan." So, Pan Mei and Pan Zhongxun are your cousins?
This was indeed one of Old Man Pan's few moments of glory. He usually boasted at home so much that the Pan family children were sick of hearing it. Pan Ziying would get impatient whenever she heard Old Man Pan bragging at home. But today, hearing the same thing from the Empress's mouth, she immediately fell into a cycle of pride and emotion.
Upon hearing the Empress's question, she quickly replied, "Yes, Pan Zhongxun is indeed my cousin. If Your Majesty can remember some of my father's deeds, my father will surely drink ten more catties of wine."
Everyone present laughed. Empress Fu said:
"No, no, it's best not to let him know. It's enough that you know. I've heard the Emperor mention Li Jiyao. In Hebei, he was the first to scale the city walls and capture the defending general. The Emperor has already written both Li Xuan and Li Jiyao's names on the screen."
If it weren't for their short time in the army and the hasty nature of this southern expedition, they would surely have been entrusted with important tasks. Presumably, the day the southern expedition ends will be the day you replace the gate. This gate will soon be unworthy of your status.
Just as Feng Niaoniao was about to say a few words of modesty, the news that the court was preparing to promote Li Xuan and Li Ji had already been revealed to them, so Feng Niaoniao had nothing to be excited about.
Pan Ziying exclaimed in surprise, "What? The vanguard, the captured general? He didn't say anything!" In her panic, she felt her legs go weak.
Feng Niaoniao quickly pulled her up, and the adopted daughter and Pan Ziying's maids behind her also quickly supported her.
Empress Fu disregarded her status and rushed forward to grab Pan Ziying's arms, blaming herself, "It's my fault, it's my fault, I shouldn't have said anything."
Tears welled in Pan Ziying's eyes, and she choked out, "Your Majesty, I thank you for informing me. Otherwise, I would never have known that my husband had endured so many dangers on the front lines. Rest assured, Your Majesty, I am also from a military family and am not ignorant. I can bear it. It's good that the child in my womb can hear how his father has fought for this family."
Feng Niaoniao, Empress Fu, Fu Liuniang, and the surrounding adopted daughters and maids were all moved by the strength that Pan Ziying quickly displayed.
Feng Niaoniao felt she couldn't let her sister-in-law get any more emotional, so she quickly changed the subject and asked, "I still don't know if Sixth Sister Fu is visiting relatives in Bianjing or something else?"
Fu Liuniang was also extremely clever. She was just moved by Pan Ziying, but when Madam Feng called her, she and Madam Feng exchanged a glance and immediately understood.
So she smiled and said, "Madam Feng, you flatter me. We should have met long ago, but fate has not allowed us to meet today. I am no longer a daughter of the Fu family. I married into the Zhao family two years ago. My husband, Zhao Quanyi, once boasted to me about his close relationship with the two wealthy men of the Li family."
Thunder rumbled in the sky, and Feng Niaoniao and Pan Ziying immediately understood. This Fu Liuniang, with her beautiful and youthful appearance, was no simple person.
Zhao Quanyi had been working with Zhao Quanzhong to build connections among the various units of the Imperial Guard, and he had visited Li Xuan and Li Ji more than once under the guise of old acquaintances and friends to reminisce and drink.
Completely disregarding the fierce power struggle between his elder brother, Zhao Quanzhong, the Commander of the Palace Guards, and Li Chongjin, the Li brothers' highest-ranking superior and Commander of the Imperial Guards, Li Xuan and Li Ji were terrified, fearing that Li Chongjin might one day make things difficult for them.
Since we're already here, what else can we do? As expected of family, Zhao Quanzhong, with his honest and shameless face, married a wife who was just as thick-skinned and shrewd.
Feng Niaoniao suddenly realized, "Oh dear, it's Brother Zhao's wife. My apologies. Speaking of which, it was the Zhao brothers who helped us buy our house in Sweetwater Lane, and later they even helped with the purchase of my brother Ji's estate. We should have paid a visit long ago, but the men in our family are away, and we are pregnant, so we have been delayed."
Empress Fu was fully aware of her younger sister's actions. This sixth sister had matured rapidly since her marriage, but unfortunately, she lacked a bit of sophistication. Today, she would have Madam Feng teach her a lesson in proper conduct. See how quick Madam Feng's reaction was? She made their past relationship clear in front of Empress Fu.
Ever since her conversation with Feng Niaoniao the day before yesterday, Empress Fu has understood that this Lady Feng is no ordinary person. When it comes to her husband's career, she is extremely determined and cannot be swayed by words of friendship or wealth.
Empress Fu stepped in to end the conversation, saying, "It's getting late, Madam Feng, shouldn't we leave the city?"
Feng Niaoniao nodded and said, "Aunt Fu is right, everyone. My sister-in-law and I will ride in the front carriage. You can follow our carriage. Today is the time for burning stubble, so please stop the carriage a little further away so as not to startle us."
Empress Fu and her younger sister exchanged a smile, then bowed to Feng Niaoniao and Pan Ziying, saying, "Thank you for your kindness. We will follow your lead. Please."
After exchanging greetings, Feng Niaoniao and Pan Ziying boarded their own carriage, while Empress Fu and Fu Liuniang continued in the palace carriage. The convoy, escorted by a large group of guards, proceeded in a grand procession to the Li family's estate outside the city.
By October of the following year, the sky was dry and the grass withered, and the farmers were busy with the autumn harvest. As soon as you stepped out of the city gate, you could smell the rich aroma of wheat, the natural scent of newly harvested wheat, the scent of happiness.
Once outside Bianjing, Empress Fu felt as if all the chains in her heart had been broken. The aroma of wheat filling the air filled her with immense ease and joy. She couldn't help but lift a curtain, quietly watching the bustling scene of farmers working together to harvest the wheat.
After the caravan had traveled for about half an hour, Fu Liuniang clicked her tongue and said, "Madam Feng is really joking. Is traveling this far really considered the outskirts of Bianliang?"
Empress Fu lowered the curtain and said softly, "You know, both of their wives are pregnant, so they have to be very careful in everything they do. How can they possibly walk fast? It'll take them more than half an hour. If they were on a fast horse, they could probably reach the outer city of Bianliang in about fifteen minutes. How can it not be the outskirts? Besides, their family is new to Bianliang and has a weak foundation. Where would they find any good land closer to home? Just bear with it, we should be there soon."
Fu Liuniang asked curiously, "How did you know we were almost there, sister?"
Empress Fu lifted the curtain and pointed outside, saying, "Because cultivated land is becoming increasingly sparse, most of what you see is wasteland. I estimate it won't be long."
In front of the Li Family Future Manor in the southern suburbs of Bianjing (which is still a wasteland and ruins at present), the convoy from Bianjing did not stop, but drove deeper into the area along the newly opened road.
A dozen or so of Feng Niaoniao's adopted sons rode out from all directions to greet her. After being checked by the palace guards, they were allowed to approach Feng Niaoniao and report: "Mother, after two months of clearing, the firebreaks are all completed. We are just waiting for you to come and oversee the burning."
Feng Niaoniao poked her head out and said, "No rush, we have distinguished guests today. You've all worked hard, so go and rest for now. I'll take our distinguished guests for a walk later and then call you."
The adopted sons nodded and said, "Yes, Mother, we will obey your commands."
The adopted sons' voices were rather loud, so Empress Fu lifted the curtain and peeked at them. They were all teenagers, ranging in age from eleven or twelve to sixteen or seventeen. What Madam Feng said was true; they really had been picked up one by one from outside. Considering that Madam Feng was only twenty-four years old, and had become their mother several years ago without feeling embarrassed, it was truly amusing.
The carriage arrived at a cleared area. The area was large, with high ground and deep moats surrounding it. The October weather wasn't cold, and surprisingly, there was quite a bit of water in the moats.
With the help of her adopted daughter, Feng Niaoniao got off the carriage, and Pan Ziying was also helped down. This was the place Li Xuan had chosen for the future estate where everyone would live.
The location is on higher ground, about three miles from the river. Once the irrigation canal connecting the canal to the river is dredged and fresh water is introduced, it will instantly create a landscape where water flows around the roof beams. This will not only prevent fires but also thefts. If the canal is further widened, a dock can be built in the village, and goods from the village can be transported directly to Bianliang City by boat.
Empress Fu and Fu Liu Niang reunited. Feng Niaoniao took out a rolled-up map and handed it to two palace ladies-in-waiting to unfold. Empress Fu and Fu Liu Niang looked at the map in astonishment, then looked at Feng Niaoniao and asked in surprise, "This is a map? You need a map to run a small estate?"
Feng Niaoniao said matter-of-factly:
"Starting a farm involves countless tasks and enormous expenses. Without thorough investigation, drawing up maps, listing detailed procedures, and clarifying the order of operations, it will inevitably become a complete mess. Our family lacks manpower, with only a dozen or so adopted sons available as able-bodied men. Therefore, we must be even more careful in our calculations and use our manpower, animal power, and financial resources wisely."
Before the expedition, Xuan-ge and Ji-di, along with their retainers, personal guards, and all their adopted sons and daughters, went to the front lines to mark out the locations for future village and residential areas on the land Ji-di had purchased. They dug wells and ditches around the village. After the ditches were filled with water, they burned the central plot of land clean. Only then did we have the place where we stand now.
Later, my adopted sons worked tirelessly, using horses to pull plows back and forth to clear firebreaks in rows and columns. Starting today, we will set fire to each section of the firebreaks, one by one. In about twenty days, we will be able to burn down all 1,700 acres of wasteland.
If the burning is carried out successfully, all the snakes, insects, and rodents lurking in the fields will be wiped out, and the grass roots and seeds will also disappear. After a winter of snow to nourish the soil, it will be just right for plowing next spring.
In the first year, the soil is poor, so we don't expect a large harvest. We'll intercrop beans and millet to restore the soil's fertility as quickly as possible. All our plans must begin with improving the soil's condition. Over there is a tributary of the Bian River leading to Bianliang, and bamboo groves will be planted along its banks. Bamboo grows quickly, and in the future, whether used as building material, firewood, bamboo charcoal, bamboo shoots, or for papermaking, it will fetch a good price in Bianliang.
This is a peony garden, where hundreds of acres of peonies will be planted in the future. It will be a place where people can enjoy the flowers and also make money – a win-win situation.
This is the mountainous area behind us. Mountainous areas are suitable for planting fruit trees; I plan to plant cherry and hawthorn trees. Cherries have always been prized, and they are the first fruit of early spring. With proper cultivation, they can be harvested successively from early spring until early summer.
After early summer, hawthorns can be harvested starting at the end of July. Hawthorns are sweet and sour, and can be made into jam and fruit wine, which are very helpful in replenishing vital energy. Hawthorn wine, in particular, loses most of its sourness after aging for a few years, and the sweetness and alcohol flavor become more mellow, making it a presentable dish to serve distinguished guests.
This is a persimmon orchard. Persimmon trees aren't as easy to cultivate as hawthorn trees. Hawthorn trees bear fruit in two or three years, but persimmon trees take seven or eight years to bear fruit. However, persimmon trees produce a lot of fruit, and making persimmon cakes is a heavenly treat that will surely be very popular.
Empress Fu and Fu Liu Niang arrived with a learning mindset. Unbeknownst to them, they were captivated by the beautiful future depicted on the map by Feng Niaoniao. After a while, Feng Niaoniao had finished explaining all the plans.
Empress Fu, only then regaining her senses, gently woke her sixth sister with her elbow, and then said to Feng Niaoniao and Pan Ziying:
"It's truly eye-opening. You've managed to make full use of every nook and cranny of the estate, from hillsides and slopes to dry land and low-lying areas. Everywhere you look, there's fragrance of flowers and bountiful harvests, with different sources of income throughout the year."
I truly admire them. Now I finally have confidence in the development of the imperial estates. This method of running an estate yields ten or even dozens of times more profit than ordinary farming families. If it could be promoted nationwide, wouldn't every household be well-off?
Feng Niaoniao shook her head with a wry smile and said, "It's different. We dug canals, dredged ponds, planted trees and flowers, built a manor, repaired roads, and constructed wells. Every single thing was a huge project. The cost of just this one manor alone might be around a thousand strings of cash. How could an ordinary farming family have such financial resources to do that?"
Empress Fu sighed, "Alas, this is clearly a path to prosperity for the people, is there really no way to achieve it?"
Fu Liuniang said crisply, "Madam Feng must have some ideas. It's obviously not enough to have a system as complete as the Li family's. But is there a way to increase the income of ordinary farmers? Even if it's just a doubling, let alone ten or twenty times, it would be a great deed."
Pan Ziying looked at her sister-in-law's troubled expression and stepped forward to say:
"My sister-in-law is a scholar, so there are some things she can't say. Let me put it this way. Take my family as an example. I have shops and businesses in Bianliang City. My family's manor also has various crafts for making local specialties. Naturally, the craftsmen I've trained cannot teach other families."
However, other families can also grow bamboo, persimmons, hawthorns, and the like. They can sell these directly to us, easily doubling their income. We can use our skills to create even better specialty products and sell them to Bianliang, Luoyang, Taiyuan, Guangling, Jinling, and other places. Everyone benefits, and it's a win-win situation.
If the imperial court could encourage artisans to open workshops throughout the country, and farmers to cultivate one or two products, they could cooperate and prosper together. While they might not become extremely wealthy, increasing their income by one or two times would certainly not be a problem.
Empress Fu's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "This is indeed a good idea. We should do what we can in all things. Every bit we contribute helps the people recover faster. The Li family's investment will bring them tenfold returns. Farmers, though weak, can still reap double or triple the benefits through the combined efforts of their clans and villages—a truly commendable achievement that will be a source of pride for the Imperial Ancestral Temple."
Fu Liuniang said with a grin, "As expected, those from the families of prime ministers are full of ideas. Sister, don't be soft-hearted in the future; at worst, you can just pay more tuition."
The women couldn't help but laugh.
After laughing, Feng Niaoniao said seriously:
"It's not that I'm stingy with the secrets to my wealth. It's just that my family was able to operate this way because we were government-owned households, so we didn't encounter any trouble. Ordinary people, on the other hand, are often harassed by clerks and face tax pressure from local officials. Without appropriate government tax incentives, ordinary people might not feel the Emperor's goodwill and would instead face an even heavier burden."
When the Empress and the Prime Minister raise this matter, they must be asked to come up with a good solution. In my opinion, the court should show sincerity and benefit the people. When the people benefit, the court gains prestige. True longevity is achieved when both officials and the people can prosper in the long run.
Empress Fu exclaimed in admiration, "If you were a man, you should be the prime minister."
Feng Niaoniao laughed and said, "Managing a family is already exhausting enough. Even if the position of prime minister were given to me, I wouldn't want to manage a country as vast as this."
Fu Liuniang said with a charming smile, "Then please, sister, put in a good word for the Emperor and promote Commander Li to the position of Councilor. Let Commander Li do all the hard and tiring work. Commander Li will have the title of Prime Minister, and you, Madam, can hold the power of a Prime Minister without bearing the burdens of one. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Empress Fu laughed heartily, then suddenly, as if remembering something, she said to Feng Niaoniao:
"Speaking of the Prime Minister, the Privy Councilor Wang asked me to inquire about your family. Forty years have passed since the collapse of the dynasty, and all the scrolls of the previous dynasty have been lost. I've heard that your family has some books that the court lacks. It's inconvenient for Prime Minister Wang to visit and request the books, but could you lend them out for the court to organize people to copy them by hand? Don't worry, there will be benefits. I'll make the decision, and I guarantee your family will gain both fame and fortune, making a name for themselves and letting everyone in Bianliang know that your family has a solid foundation and profound heritage." After saying this, the Empress winked playfully.
Feng Niaoniao and Pan Ziying understood each other perfectly. It seemed that the Empress had already learned about the discrimination the Li family had encountered after entering Bianliang. Well, since the court had made such a request, how could they not know how to appreciate it?