My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 288 Let King Jin Plant Cotton
Feng Huiyin's arrival put a lot of pressure on the Roman Princess Theodosius and Jin Shengman.

Because Feng Huiyin is a noble lady from a prominent family.

And they were indeed foreign daughters.

Even if one has a prominent status in foreign countries, it is different in the Tang Dynasty.

Strictly speaking, if Li Chengqian became emperor, Crown Princess Su Yuer would naturally be the empress, and even if there were four imperial concubines, it would not be the turn of Theodosius and Jin Shengman.

As of now, although they are all crowned as princes’ concubines, the ranks of these concubines are different.

The harem has a strict hierarchy, and the differences between them are not just a little bit, there are real ranks.

Feng Huiyin has only been here for two days.

Li Chengqian handed over the matters concerning the textile factory to her.

After all, the textile industry is mainly staffed by women.

As a lady from a noble family, Feng Huiyin was naturally extremely proficient in embroidery.

September of the eighteenth year of Zhenguan.

As the first cotton matures, large-scale picking begins.

The textile factory also really started to move.

After a period of training, most of the female workers are quite skilled in this business.

Li Chengqian has no plans to create high-end cotton-padded clothes for the time being.

The main purpose of building a textile factory is to make cotton clothes more popular among the masses.

So that too many won’t freeze to death in the winter.

Not only the people, but the military also has a great demand for cotton-padded clothes.

It can better avoid the mortality rate caused by winter marches.

When a large army fights, in addition to strict discipline, the most important thing is armaments.

Only good material conditions can produce a strong army.

"Your Highness, Prince Jin has been here for more than half a month."

In the study, the eunuch Wen Zhong reminded carefully.

It wasn't for Prince Jin, but more because he was worried about ruining the reputation of the Crown Prince.

Li Chengqian asked: "What has the King of Jin been doing during this period of time?"

As for the treatment of the Prince of Jin, there was no mention of forcibly restricting his freedom. Except for the gunpowder, he could go wherever he wanted.

Wen Zhong replied carefully: "The King of Jin is probably going to see the cotton."

Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "It's almost time. Let's arrange for the Prince of Jin to have an audience with him tomorrow."

Wen Zhong replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness."
-

Textile factory.

Located north of Luoyang City.

This is a separately planned area.

At the same time, a large number of staff dormitories were built.

Li Chengqian naturally did not engage in exploitation. After all, it was a dynasty era and the world belonged to him.

When the people are prosperous, the country is strong.

As long as the money is not concentrated in the hands of the aristocratic families, there will be no problem.

Besides, only when the common people have money can they better suppress the aristocratic families.

At this moment, inside the textile factory.

The female workers were busy shuttling back and forth.

Feng Huiyin was standing in one place, instructing several female workers on how to weave more skillfully.

Machinery such as textile machines and looms.

This is not unfamiliar to Feng Huiyin.

Nowadays, ladies of noble families, especially those from aristocratic families, are not ignorant vases.

Poetry, calligraphy and painting, music and dance, classics, history, etiquette, textiles and embroidery, cooking, and even some general medical knowledge and health-preserving methods are all compulsory courses.

Many girls from aristocratic families would also learn the six arts of a gentleman.

For example, Li Shimin's sister, Princess Pingyang, was one of the best.

At the end of the Sui Dynasty, a woman disguised herself as a man, called herself Master Li, sold her property to help disaster victims, and soon recruited a team of several hundred people.

Relying on his extraordinary courage and talent, he sent his servant Ma Sanbao to lobby, and recruited the army of tens of thousands of people led by the Hu merchant He Panren. Later, he successively recruited the rebel forces of Li Zhongwen, Xiang Shanzhi, Qiu Shili and others, greatly increasing his power.

The rebel army led by Princess Pingyang had strict discipline and prohibited soldiers from looting, which won wide support. Many people came to join the army, and the army quickly grew to more than 70,000 people. She selected 10,000 elite soldiers from them and officially called them the "Women's Army."

Princess Pingyang commanded the women's army to defeat the Sui army many times, and successively captured Huxian, Zhouzhi, Wugong, Shiping and other places, making a great impact in Guanzhong. She cleared many obstacles for Li Yuan to march into Chang'an and conquered a large territory in Guanzhong.

After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Princess Pingyang led her army to garrison at Weize Pass in Shanxi, which was later known as Niangzi Pass. She built fortifications here to strengthen the defense and resisted many attacks from foreign enemies, thus stabilizing the Li family's base camp in Shanxi. Because Princess Pingyang led the Niangzi Army to garrison, Weize Pass was renamed Niangzi Pass.

Influenced by this trend, many women from noble families in the Tang Dynasty took it as their role model.

The princesses of the Tang Dynasty were all very tough.

Jin Shengman and Theodosius also came to the textile factory. When they saw Feng Huiyin busy at work, they felt complicated, but they had to admit that Feng Huiyin did have extraordinary abilities in textile production.

"This Feng Huiyin has managed the affairs of the textile factory in perfect order since she arrived. It seems that His Highness values ​​her very much." Theodosius said softly, with a barely perceptible hint of jealousy in his tone.

Jin Shengman sighed softly: "Although we are foreign princesses, we are indeed a little powerless in this Tang Dynasty."

The two people who were originally somewhat hostile now seem to have reconciled a lot because of Feng Huiyin.

At first, Theodosius followed the Crown Princess's opinion, fearing that she would confuse the Crown Prince.

After a long period of contact, I realized that the prince had no intention of being deceived.

Treat Jin Shengman the same way as yourself.

The most important thing is that Jin Shengman is old and has no competitiveness at all. Maybe in a few years, he will be out of favor due to his old age and frailty.

No matter how well you take care of yourself, you can't resist the erosion of time. For Jin Shengman, what she wants most now is to be able to conceive the prince's dragon seed.

The best thing would be if the child could be raised and then when the crown prince ascends the throne he would be crowned the King of Silla.

Theodosius did not have so many thoughts.

Now her mission is almost completed. Because of the prince, the Arab Empire has stopped attacking Rome in order to prevent the Tang Dynasty from intervening.

As long as she stays with the prince, it will be fine.

Besides, as of now, she couldn't go back to Rome.

I don't want to go back either.

The Tang Dynasty was much more comfortable than Byzantium.

Compared with the Tang Dynasty, Rome during this period was simply a barbaric land.

Even in the castle, the stench was terrible.

How can it compare to the Tang Dynasty?

This is the origin of civilization.

Theodosius raised his hand and gently tidied the curly hair on his temples, then walked towards Feng Huiyin.

"Sister, I really admire your ability in this textile factory. These days, thanks to you, this textile factory can run so smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Feng Huiyin quickly waved her hand modestly with a gentle smile on her face: "Princess Theodosius, you are too kind. The success of this textile factory today is the result of everyone's concerted efforts. Princess Theodosius and Princess Jin Shengman have also made a lot of efforts on weekdays."

Jin Shengman sighed, with worry in her eyes: "That being said, I always feel like an outsider in the Tang Dynasty. Take the textile factory for example. Although I am trying my best to help, I always feel that I am far less proficient in the intricacies of it than Miss Feng."

Feng Huiyin looked at Jin Shengman with a gentle and understanding gaze, and said softly, "Princess Jin Shengman, please don't think like that. The two princesses come from a distant foreign land, with unique insights and extraordinary wisdom, which is incomparable to others. For our Tang Dynasty, the exotic customs and culture you two bring are also invaluable treasures."

As a newcomer, especially a foreign woman, Feng Huiyin had no intention of competing for favor.

Moreover, as soon as she met the prince, she knew that she was not a woman obsessed with beauty at all. Only by better demonstrating her own value could she be valued by the prince.

Therefore, in Feng Huiyin's heart, she did not regard the two women as enemies at all.

Besides, the prince will have more women in the future.

If everyone is an enemy, then they are just jealous women.

Theodosius raised his eyebrows slightly, with a sly look in his eyes. "Ms. Feng is really good at talking. However, I am really curious. As a lady from a noble family, why are you so obsessed with weaving? Have you never thought about living in a big house, raising children, and enjoying wealth and glory?"

Feng Huiyin was slightly startled, and then her eyes became firm and gentle: "Princess, you don't know that I have been fond of weaving and embroidery since I was a child. This is not only a skill, but also a kind of inheritance."

"I hope to use my own strength to help more people wear warm and comfortable clothes, and do my part for the people and army of the Tang Dynasty. Besides, Your Highness has great trust in me and entrusted this textile factory to me. How dare I disappoint Your Highness's expectations?"

Jin Shengman nodded gently, her eyes full of approval: "Miss Feng's kindness is really admirable. Although we are princesses, we also want to do something practical for the people when we come to the Tang Dynasty, but we always feel powerless."

Feng Huiyin comforted them: "You two have done a great job."

Theodosius looked at the two of them, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Speaking of which, Miss Feng, I have something in my heart that I don't know whether I should say or not."

Feng Huiyin smiled and said, "Princess, please feel free to speak. There is no need to be so formal between us sisters."

Theodosius was straightforward and said, "Since the girl came, we can't help but feel a little jealous. The girl is a real noble lady and is deeply trusted by His Highness. We always feel that we are not as good as you."

Feng Huiyin looked at the two of them with a sincere expression: "Princess, please don't think like that. Your Highness treats us all equally, without any distinction. We are all working for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and for Your Highness's great cause, so why should we be suspicious of each other?"

Jin Shengman and Theodosius looked at each other, understood Feng Huiyin's thoughts, and felt relieved.
-

The next day, in the East Palace study, the warm sun shone through the carved window lattices, casting a golden glow on the ground. Li Chengqian sat upright at his desk, holding a file on the current situation of the textile factory in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he was deep in thought.

At this time, the eunuch Wen Zhong stood at the door and reported softly: "Your Highness, His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin has arrived."

Li Chengqian put down the file in his hand, raised his eyes and said, "Please come in."

Jin Wang Li Zhi walked into the study room with steady steps. When he saw Li Chengqian, he immediately bowed respectfully and said, "I am your humble servant, greeting you, elder brother."

Li Chengqian stood up, a gentle smile on his face, and walked forward to help Li Zhi up: "Chinu, no need to be so polite. It's been a long time since we last met. Are you okay?"

Li Zhi smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, I am doing fine. I was looking forward to hearing that you have summoned me. I wonder what you want me to do?"

Li Chengqian motioned Li Zhi to take a seat, and he also sat down again, sighing slightly, "Zhi Nu, you also know that the development of the textile factory now concerns the well-being of the people of the Tang Dynasty and the armaments of the army. I have been paying attention to the affairs of the textile factory these days, and I have discovered a difficult problem."

Li Zhi leaned forward slightly, his face showing concern: "Brother, please tell me, what is the problem?"

After these days, Li Zhi also realized that his goal of opening a textile factory in Chang'an was likely to fail.

The prince would not agree so easily.

This is also helpless, after all, my father has learned from his previous experience.

Back then, at Xuanwu Gate, brothers were killed.

Li Chengqian said: "The cotton production of textile mills is too low. It is difficult to support the establishment of more textile mills based on the current production. This is a big obstacle to our ambition to popularize cotton clothing in the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi nodded, and said thoughtfully: "Brother, what you said is very true. I have also been investigating the cotton planting situation in various places these days, and found that there are very few farmers who plant cotton, and the planting method also needs to be improved."

Li Chengqian nodded: "It is really precious that a young slave can notice these things. Therefore, I called you here today to let you take on an important task."

Li Zhi immediately stood up and said solemnly: "Brother, if you have any orders, I will do my best."

Li Chengqian looked at Li Zhi and said seriously, "I hope you can bring more cotton seeds to various parts of the Tang Dynasty to vigorously promote cotton planting. Let more people know the benefits of cotton and learn how to plant cotton. Only when cotton production is increased can we open more textile factories and produce more cotton clothes."

Li Zhi frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Brother, although this matter is of great significance, it may be difficult to implement. People don't know much about cotton yet, and may have doubts about planting cotton. Moreover, the soil and climate conditions in different regions are different, and the planting method may also need to be adapted to local conditions."

Li Chengqian agreed: "What Zhinu said makes sense. Therefore, I will arrange for some farmers and craftsmen who are familiar with cotton planting to go with you. They can teach the local people how to plant cotton and answer their questions."

"In addition, we can provide certain subsidies and preferential policies to encourage people who are willing to try to grow cotton to actively participate."

Li Zhi's eyes lit up and he said, "Brother, this is a brilliant plan. This way, the people's worries will be reduced a lot. I will do my best to live up to your high expectations."

In Li Zhi's opinion, promoting cotton planting is a good idea.

Moreover, he also knew that it was indeed not suitable to open a textile factory in Chang'an now. According to recent investigations, the cotton production was too low, and there would be no cotton even if a textile factory was opened.

Li Chengqian patted Li Zhi on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Zhi Nu, this matter is of great importance. It not only concerns the well-being of the people of the Tang Dynasty, but also the future of our Tang Dynasty. You must be careful on this trip. If you encounter any problems, send someone back to Luoyang to report to me at any time."

Li Zhi replied: "I understand. I will prepare the luggage as soon as possible, select the right people, and set off as soon as possible."

Li Chengqian picked up another document from the table and handed it to Li Zhi: "This is the precautions and technical points about cotton planting that I asked someone to compile. You can keep it with you and read it in your spare time. When you get to the place, you can also ask the farmers and craftsmen to guide the people according to the methods above."

Li Zhi took the document, flipped through several pages carefully, and praised: "Brother, you are so thoughtful, I really admire you. With this document, I will be more confident in my trip."

(End of this chapter)