The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

After seeing Wu Dehua off, Tang Youyou stood quietly in the yard, gazing at the brilliant clouds in the sky, her mind racing. The award from the court, the recognition from her hometown, all of this meant something special to her.

Over the years, she has not only brought her hometown's weaving and dyeing techniques here, but has also incorporated local characteristics to develop more exquisite and comfortable fabrics, which are deeply loved by local people. She also established a production base outside the city, which not only reduced costs but also promoted local employment, making a significant contribution to local economic development.

"Mom, what are you thinking about?" Tang Wan walked to Tang Youyou with a cup of hot tea and asked softly.

"Wan'er, mother was thinking, we've been out for so long, isn't it time to go back and take a look?" Tang Youyou took the teacup and took a sip gently.

"Really? Can we really go home?" Tang Wan's eyes suddenly lit up, and her face was full of anticipation.

"Well, the court has sent people to pick us up." Tang Youyou nodded and stroked her daughter's soft hair. "Your father and your brothers and sisters also miss everything about their hometown."

"Great! I'll tell my younger brothers and sisters right away!" Tang Wan ran away excitedly, her clear laughter echoing in the yard.

Looking at her daughter's cheerful back, Tang Youyou couldn't help but let a gentle smile play on her lips. Over the years, the children had grown up, become more sensible, and achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Tang Wan inherited her business talent and managed the business in an orderly manner; Tang Jin, on the other hand, had a special liking for martial arts and apprenticed to a local master, demonstrating extraordinary talent at a young age. Even the youngest, Tang Xiaoya, excelled in the local school, beloved by teachers and classmates.

The family lived a peaceful and happy life in a foreign country.

"Youyou, look who's here?" Gang Leader Ma's hearty laughter came from outside the yard, and then Gang Leader Ma and Captain Zheng walked in side by side.

"Brother Ma, Brother Zheng, why are you here?" Tang Youyou walked forward with a smile.

"Didn't we hear that you were going back to the Tang Dynasty? We came specially to see you off!" Gang Leader Ma said, pulling out an exquisite jade pendant from behind and handing it to Tang Youyou, "This is a little gift from me, please accept it."

"Yes, Youyou, it's all thanks to you that we are where we are today." Captain Zheng also took out an exquisite box and handed it to Tang Youyou, "Here are some Nanyang specialties. Take them back and let your relatives and friends back home taste them."

"Brother Ma, Brother Zheng, you are too polite. How can I accept this?" Tang Youyou declined.

"Just accept it, as a token of our appreciation." Gang Leader Ma and Captain Zheng said in unison.

Seeing that she couldn't refuse, Tang Youyou had no choice but to accept their gifts, her heart filled with gratitude.

"Youyou, when do you plan to leave?" asked the leader of the Ma gang.

"When the imperial envoys arrive, we will..." Before Tang Youyou could finish her words, she was interrupted by a rapid knock on the door.

"Dong dong dong..."

"Who is it?" Tang Youyou asked doubtfully.

"Mrs. Tang, it's me, Wu Dehua." Wu Dehua's voice came from outside the door.

"Master Wu, why are you here so late?" Tang Youyou opened the door and asked puzzledly.

"Youyou, something happened..." Wu Dehua's face was a little solemn, and his tone became a little heavy. "What happened?" Tang Youyou's heart tightened, and an ominous premonition came over her. Gang Leader Ma and Captain Zheng also looked at each other, and the smiles on their faces gradually disappeared.

Wu Dehua took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "The envoys sent by the court encountered bandits on the road and were completely wiped out..."

Tang Youyou's face turned pale and her body swayed. Fortunately, Tang Wan, who was standing by, was quick to catch her. "Mom!" Tang Wan called out worriedly. Tang Jin and Tang Xiaoya also gathered around, their eyes filled with worry.

Gang Leader Ma and Captain Zheng also changed their expressions. They knew very well what this news meant. Was Tang Youyou's family's hope of returning home shattered just like that?

"Youyou, don't worry. I've already sent someone to get some information. I'll tell you as soon as I get any." Wu Dehua comforted her, his eyes full of worry. Over the years, he had already regarded Tang Youyou's family as his own family. Now that Tang Youyou's family had suddenly suffered a misfortune, he felt the same way.

Tang Youyou took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. "Thank you, Brother Wu, I'm fine." Although she said this, her heart was filled with anxiety and uneasiness. Was her hope of returning home shattered just like that?

In the following days, Tang Youyou's family was shrouded in a haze. Tang Youyou suppressed her inner grief, comforted her children, and waited for news.

Wu Dehua kept his promise and sent someone to inform them as soon as he had news. However, the news he brought was always bad. The court was temporarily unable to send anyone to pick them up due to civil unrest; and the bandits were never found.

As time passed, hope faded. Tang Youyou's family's dream of returning home seemed to be becoming unattainable.

However, life must go on. Tang Youyou forced herself to keep going and continued to run her business. Her cloth business grew bigger and bigger, and her reputation grew. Wu Dehua also often invited Tang Youyou and her family to various social events to help them integrate into local life. As the caravans and fleets of Ma Bangzhu and Captain Zheng continued to expand, their cooperation with Tang Youyou became closer. Tang Youyou even became a shareholder of their caravan, and the friendship between the three of them deepened.

That day, Tang Youyou was discussing with Gang Leader Ma and Captain Zheng about opening up a new trade route when an unexpected person suddenly appeared before them...

A tall, straight figure appeared at the door. He was dressed in finery and held an imposing presence, yet his brows revealed a hint of weathering. Tang Youyou suddenly looked up, covering her mouth in surprise, her eyes instantly filled with tears. The man was none other than General Li, the commander of the Imperial Guards who had escorted her to this era.

General Li quickly walked up to Tang Youyou, knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and said, "I'm sorry for being late. I've caused you so much trouble!"

Tang Youyou was so excited that she couldn't speak, and just kept shaking her head. After so many years, she thought she would never be able to go back, but she didn't expect to see her old friend again. The children also gathered around General Li curiously, listening to him talk about his experiences in the Tang Dynasty.

The news General Li brought brought a mixture of joy and sorrow to Tang Youyou's family. It turned out that after the imperial court quelled the rebellion, they immediately sent people to pick them up, but were blocked by bandits. General Li had come this time specifically to suppress the bandits and finally found them.

Although the journey home was long, Tang Youyou's heart was full of hope. The family packed their bags and, escorted by General Li, set out on their journey home.

However, after living in a foreign country for many years, Tang Youyou felt a surge of concern. Here was the business she had worked so hard to build, and the many friends she had made. Leader Ma, Captain Zheng, Wu Dehua, and others had all taken good care of her family, and she would always remember this friendship.

"Mom, will we come back?" Tang Wan looked at the scenery gradually disappearing outside the car window, her eyes full of reluctance.

Tang Youyou gently stroked her daughter's hair and said softly, "Yes, this is our home too."

After returning to the Tang Dynasty, Tang Youyou and his family were welcomed like heroes. The emperor, in gratitude for Tang Youyou's contribution to spreading Tang culture in a foreign land, specially rewarded him with generous wealth.

However, Tang Youyou did not indulge in wealth and glory. She knew that wealth could only be used to help others to reflect its value. She decided to use part of her wealth to set up a charity fund in a foreign country to help those in need and give back to society.

"Mom, why are you doing this?" Tang Jin asked in confusion.

Tang Youyou looked at his son, his eyes full of love and determination: "Because..."

"Because love can transcend national boundaries, transcend time, and be passed on forever." A gentle voice sounded behind Tang Youyou.

Tang Youyou looked back and a relieved smile appeared on her face. The person who came was...

The man who came was none other than the man she had met and fallen in love with in a foreign country, and now her husband. He gently put his arm around Tang Youyou's shoulders, and the family of five bathed in the afterglow of the sunset. The scene was warm and beautiful.

Tang Youyou finally decided to stay in this place where she had lived for many years and poured countless efforts into. The children also expressed their support for their mother's choice. They were reluctant to leave their friends and life here.

So, Tang Youyou and her family continued to stay in a foreign country. Tang Youyou used her wisdom and experience to help the local people improve their lives and spread advanced culture and technology, winning the respect and love of everyone. Under her guidance and example, the children gradually grew up to be pillars of society.

Tang Wan inherited her mother's intelligence and kindness. She was eager to help others and often helped those in need. She also opened a school to teach local children reading and writing for free, hoping to change their fate with knowledge.

Tang Jin, a gifted businessman, quickly mastered the art of business, learning from Master Ma and Captain Zheng. He shipped Tang silk, tea, and other goods to foreign countries, bringing local specialties back to the Tang Dynasty, and his business flourished.

The youngest daughter, Tang Xiaoya, has grown into a graceful young woman. She is lively and lovely, and is the happy pill of the family. She loves life and likes to use her brush to record the beautiful moments around her. Her paintings are full of childlike innocence and spirit, and are deeply loved by people.

The family's life in a foreign country was filled with laughter and joy, and their stories became a popular topic of conversation. Whenever the sun set, Tang Youyou and his family would gather together to share the day's joy and achievements.

"Mom, my sister and I want to..." Tang Jin looked at his mother, hesitant to speak.