After farming, I opened a family tree

Chapter 135 Cotton and Cotton Cloth

Minister Zhao touched the soft cotton cloth in his hand. It was not only soft, but also extremely tough.

He tugged at the cotton and found it didn't snag like silk or tear like linen.

If the price Shen Tang said was true, then the entire Da Qi would go crazy about it.

If what Shen Tang said was true, then it would be reasonable for her to ask the emperor to do business together.

Shen Tang took in Minister Zhao's expression.

"But His Majesty has already decided to promote the 1,000-jin rice program first."

Although Minister Zhao was tempted, he also knew that what the emperor wanted to promote most now was rice.

"I only have about 4,000 kilograms of rice seeds, which is enough for many families to grow.

To be honest, these thousands of kilograms of rice are not enough for the people of Qingshan Town to grow.

If the emperor wants to plant thousands of kilograms of rice across the country, it will take a long time.

Why not do both?"

Shen Tang was telling the truth. Seeds are limited now. The best way is to popularize cotton while breeding rice seeds this year.

It is best to make progress in both food and clothing.

Minister Zhao stroked the fine cotton cloth and the fluffy, warm cotton in his hands and couldn't help asking:

"The county marquis said that 20% was for the nobles in the court?"

"Indeed, a man is innocent but guilty of possessing a treasure. I believe Lord Zhao understands this principle better than I do. I'm only giving you two percent for your convenience."

After all, the benefits of cotton are not as immediate as rice yields, and it has to go through a series of production processes.

Moreover, many court officials have mulberry fields at home, and planting cotton will undoubtedly affect the interests of other people in the court.

The expenses of a large family are not enough to rely on that little salary, and they still have to rely on the family property for support.

"Master Zhao will probably set off after the New Year."

Shen Tang had already relayed the message to Minister Zhao and then stopped talking.

"My mother-in-law is in Jinling. I'll leave for Jinling early tomorrow morning and spend the New Year there. It's a good opportunity for me to show my filial piety to my wife."

Minister Zhao's brows relaxed, and the two chatted for a while. Shen Tang turned and went into the house, taking out a package and a letter.

"Please give this package and letter to the Emperor upon your return to the capital."

Minister Zhao looked at Shen Tang inquiringly, but when Shen Tang said nothing, he stopped asking.

After all, Shen Tang is now a favorite in the eyes of the emperor.

As expected, Minister Zhao left the next day.

After Shen Tang learned about this, he felt much more at ease.

When the weather gets cold, she doesn't want to get up at all and just wants to stay in the house.

The red coals warmed the room as Shen Tang sat at the table writing a plan.

On New Year's Eve, Liu directed Shen Dashan to hang red lanterns at the door of the house.

Shen Yan also went out with the children in the village early in the morning to set off firecrackers.

Shen Wanwan was left sitting by the coal stove with Shen Qingqing, embroidering.

Liu was busy in the kitchen, and Luzhu and Chuqing were helping her.

As dusk deepened and the cold grew stronger, the lights in the Shen residence were brightly lit.

Although Aunt Guihua and her family are not celebrating the New Year at home this year, Luzhu and her brother are here.

Because Shen Tang was promoted to the title of Marquis of the County and no banquet was held, Liu Shi put all her energy into using all her cooking skills to prepare the New Year's Eve dinner.

This year's New Year's Eve dinner is better and more delicious than last year's.

Luzhu held the bowl and chopsticks, looked at the table full of dishes, and looked at the flesh growing on her brother's face. She felt so satisfied that her nose suddenly felt sore.

Being able to meet the boss and enter the Shen family may be the greatest blessing in her life.

Liu and Shen Qingqing were both mothers, so they naturally noticed Luzhu's subtle mood changes.

They all smiled and picked up food for Luzhu. In their eyes, Luzhu had never sold herself to be a servant in their family, but came to become a family member with them.

This girl is smart, clever, and well-educated. Everyone who sees her likes her.

After eating the New Year’s Eve dinner, several people sat in the main room, gathered around the coal stove, and cracked melon seeds to stay up until the New Year.

The two boys seemed unafraid of the cold and set off firecrackers at the door.

Shen Qingqing was worried that the two would be cold, so she was also guarding them at the door.

The two of them came in when they were tired of playing.

"Come on, come on, sit down, it's time to give out lucky money!"

Liu spoke to everyone with a smile, and took out a tray from behind her like a magic trick.

The red envelope, carrying the warmth from Liu's hand, passed into Shen Tang's hand.

"After the New Year, our Tangtang has grown another year older. Mother, I don't ask you to bring honor to our family, I just hope that my daughter will be safe and worry-free throughout her life."

Looking at her daughter's obviously immature face under the candlelight, Mrs. Liu felt both proud and distressed.

"Thank you, mother. I also hope that you will be safe and happy, and have endless happiness."

Shen Tang carefully put the red envelope given by Liu into his arms.

"Okay, it's our Wanwan's turn next. Our Wanwan is a grown-up girl now! Auntie hopes that our Wanwan will have a smooth life just like Tangtang."

“Thank you, Auntie!”

Shen Wanwan spoke crisply.

Liu insisted that the two boys compete to see who could say the most auspicious words, forcing them to say all the good words, which made everyone laugh.

However, what Liu gave the two of them was a small golden brush.

Shen Qingqing and Lu Zhu exclaimed that it was too much.

Green bamboo also provides New Year’s money.

"Our Luzhu has worked hard this year. When Auntie saw you, she liked you very much. With you by Tangtang's side, I feel much more at ease."

"It goes without saying that our Chu Qing grew up under my watch. It is a blessing for our Shen family that you are willing to come to our family."

Liu was fair and gave each of them a small gold bracelet as a New Year's gift.

Shen Qingqing didn't have much money, but she still made clothes for Shen Tang.

Two sets of clothes for each season, as well as shoes and socks.

The stitches are fine, the patterns are beautiful, and they even thoughtfully make a lot of purse handkerchiefs.

Shen Tang exclaimed that it was beautiful.

This is really beautiful, pure hand-embroidery, it will be worth a lot of money in the future!

Shen Tang looked at Shen Qingqing's clothes and an idea suddenly appeared in his mind.

When I was looking at the plan in the afternoon, I was still thinking that after the cotton is grown, I should find someone to take charge of the textile industry. Isn’t there a ready-made talent?

Although Shen Qingqing cannot read, she is good at embroidery and has always been good at weaving.

What's more, there is Shen Wanwan around who can help Shen Qingqing.

"Aunt, you are really amazing!"

Shen Qingqing felt a little embarrassed by the praise.

"Aunt doesn't have much money, so I can only buy some material to make you a dress. Don't worry, I've enlarged the size of this dress. You're still growing, so if it doesn't fit, I'll alter it for you."

"Aunt, you might be interested in becoming the manager of my weaving workshop!"

Shen Qingqing was so shocked by her niece's words that she couldn't react.

Weaving workshop, manager?

He hurriedly shook his head, but before he could say anything, he was stopped by Shen Tang.

"Aunt, don't rush to refuse. Just listen to me."