Harem Daily Life

Tao Yanyan knew that He Linzhang was looking forward to the birth of a legitimate son. Seeing that he had been a little depressed since the queen gave birth to the princess, Tao Yanyan comforted him, "Children are all the same. Each one is a little cutie sent by God. Your Majesty, don't be sad anymore."

He Linzhang said helplessly: "If the queen gives birth to a legitimate son, there will be fewer troubles in the future, and it will also allow the Rong family and the Shu family to rest their minds."

Tao Yan said: "If they have any intentions, they will still have them even if you establish a legitimate son in the future. If Your Majesty wants them to stop having any intentions, you can only strengthen your own strength and become a strong backing to protect the heir in the future."

He Linzhang smiled and said, "Yan Yan is right. I am being too picky. However, I am a legitimate son, so I naturally hope that my future heir will also be a legitimate son. Now that the queen has given birth to two princesses in succession, it seems that my wish will be dashed."

Tao Yanyan held his arm and said, "No matter who gives birth to a prince, he is your Majesty's son. I think as long as he is capable of great responsibilities and can become a wise ruler in the future, it doesn't matter whose belly he came from. Besides, your Majesty and the Queen are still young. If your Majesty really wants to have a prince, just go to Fengyi Palace more often."

After saying this, Tao Yanyan felt a little sad. Ever since returning from Penglai Island, He Linzhang had stayed in Changle Palace almost every day and had not been to other palaces. Now that he had personally asked him to go to Fengyi Palace more often, he felt that his words were not in line with his heart.

He Linzhang looked at her troubled face and said with a smile, "If I really go, won't Yan Yan be jealous?"

Looking at the person opposite leisurely, Tao Yanyan glared at him and said, "Your Majesty, I am too generous! Humph, if your Majesty wants to go, you can go. If you don't want to come, it doesn't matter. Your Majesty's feet are on your body, how can your majesty control them?"

Seeing the concubine's tangled look, He Linzhang was in a good mood. The two of them stayed together for a while, and then Eunuch Zhang came to report: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of War has sent urgent military information, as well as a handwritten letter from the Princess of Yan. Please go to the Imperial Study to discuss matters."

He Linzhang stood up and took Tao Yanyan's hand: "I'll go first and come to see you in the evening."

He Linzhang had not returned to the harem for three days since he left. Tao Yanyan guessed that it must be because the war in Yan State was so intense that he had no time to come.

Thinking that Manager Li had sent people out to buy grain everywhere, and not knowing what the progress was, she asked Chang Tai to see if Manager Li was there. If he was, she would ask him to come over.

Chang Tai came with Li Zongguan not long after. When Concubine Tao asked about the purchase of grain, Li Zongguan replied, "We have purchased 60,000 kilograms of grain in the past few months. All of it has been stored. The reserve grain can be used for at least four months. Don't worry, Your Majesty."

Tao Yanyan asked again: "How much profit is there this year? Is there any money left in the account after spending money on grain?"

Manager Li thought about the large sum for a moment and nodded, "Thanks to the workshop opened by the queen, the profit in the past six months has been very good. Excluding the money for buying grain everywhere, there are currently 120,000 taels of silver in the account that can be used at any time."

"That's a lot!" Tao Yanyan said happily, "It's only been half a year, so by the end of the year, wouldn't there be 240,000 taels?"

I get a 10% commission, and I will get a bonus of 4,000 taels right away!

Tao Yanyan was very satisfied: "Thank you for your hard work, Manager Li. It's all thanks to you running around outside."

Li Zongguan was so pleased with the compliment that his wrinkles on his face were all smiles. "It's all thanks to your good leadership, the efficiency of the workshop is really amazing. When the grain harvest comes in September, we will have both grain and money, and that will make us happy!"

Tao Yan smiled, but then thought that it was a pity to leave the money in the account without circulation and not making money. However, in ancient times, stocks could not be speculated, and there was nowhere to invest.

She thought for a moment and said, "How much interest will I get if I deposit the silver in a bank?"

Mr. Li said: "The money houses all lend money at high interest rates and attract deposits at low interest rates. If it is 100,000 taels of silver, it can earn 2,000 taels of interest a year."

Tao Yanyan felt that the interest rate was too low and gave up the idea.

"Would it be more profitable to buy land and shops and then start a business?"

Manager Li nodded. "Of course, but I can't think of any other business to start right now. All the shops are full, and the remaining shops that we don't run ourselves are rented out for rent. The rent each year is a considerable income."

Tao Yanyan walked and thought, it seemed that clothing was the only business she could do now. She thought that with her inherent advantages, she might be able to open the most prosperous clothing store in the capital.

However, any decision must first consider the pros and cons. In addition to taking care of the children every day, she also has to check the imperial property from time to time and check the accounts. Does she really have the time and energy to open a garment shop?

He Linzhang finally came over that night. Seeing that he was exhausted, Tao Yanyan patiently massaged him for a while: "Your Majesty looks very tired these days. Are you worried about the situation in Yan State?"

He Linzhang nodded. "I thought we could win the war quickly, but now the war is so intense. The brother of King Yan has declared himself king, and the two brothers have divided the river and ruled separately. And the King Yan... I'm afraid he is in poor health and will soon die. Without a leader, King Yan's brother will be so powerful that it's hard to say he won't counterattack. Our army is still the army of the Great Zhou. The longer the battle line is, the more disadvantageous it will be."

Tao Yanyan also knew that war was costly and would cause casualties, but as a concubine in the harem, she could not really do much. She could only do her best to support the emperor with money and food. As long as His Majesty asked for it, it would be good enough if she could give it.

"I haven't been here for a few days. Is there anything going on here? Are the children all well?"

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "Everything is fine here. Jin'an and Xuan'er are also very well behaved. Yue'er has come several times recently. The three children have a good relationship. Your Majesty, don't worry. But I have something I want to discuss with Your Majesty."

After saying that, she walked around to the front and sat on He Linzhang's lap. "Your Majesty, there are 120,000 taels of silver in the royal property account that have been sitting there and cannot be circulated. I want to open another clothing workshop and buy a shop to sell clothes. Last year, Your Majesty was very worried about the cotton clothes for the army. If the clothing workshop is built, it should be able to solve a small part of the problem."

He Linzhang pinched her face and said, "Yan Yan, your idea is very good, but I am worried that you will suffer."

He had to do all the business himself, and he couldn't bear to let his concubine worry about it.

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "I just came up with some ideas. The people below are the ones who do the work. If Your Majesty agrees, I would like to ask Your Majesty for someone to manage the clothing workshop."

"Oh, who is it?" He Linzhang asked curiously.

"She is Sun, the former head of the Clothing Bureau. She committed a crime and was removed from her position, but I think she is quite capable. Rather than being an embroiderer in the palace, it would be better to send her to manage a workshop. She is a professional who can control the quality of clothes. She has also worked as a manager and has management experience. I think she can be used."