The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

The afterglow of the setting sun fell like golden dust across Tang Youyou's courtyard, adding a touch of warmth to the cozy scene. Tang Youyou looked at the children gathered around the table, her heart filled with joy. Tang Wan had grown into a graceful young lady, her features revealing the same tenacity and gentleness as her own. Tang Jin had also shed his youthful mischief, his every move exuding a calm composure. And their youngest daughter, Tang Xiaoya, was still the lively and adorable cheerful young woman, her clear laughter always inspiring those around her.

"Mom, my sister and I want to..." Tang Jin looked at his mother, hesitant to speak. Tang Wan also raised her head, with expectation and a hint of uneasiness in her eyes.

"What do you want to say?" Tang Youyou put down the teacup in her hand and looked at the two children with a smile.

Tang Wan took a deep breath, mustered up the courage and said, "Mom, we want to take over your handicraft workshop!"

Tang Jin also nodded repeatedly: "Yes, mother, you have taught us for so many years, we want to try it too!"

Tang Youyou was not surprised. Over the years, she had intentionally or unintentionally passed on business skills to her children. Now that she saw them volunteering, she was naturally happy. She looked at the two children with relief, her eyes full of trust and encouragement: "Okay, Mother believes in you!"

Thus, under Tang Youyou's guidance, Tang Wan and Tang Jin began to take over the management of the handicraft workshop. Tang Wan, a thoughtful and communicative person, was responsible for managing the workshop's daily affairs, communicating with the artisans, understanding their needs, and resolving problems promptly. Tang Jin, on the other hand, was quick-witted and adept at business operations. He was responsible for developing markets, identifying new business opportunities, and promoting the workshop's products to even greater destinations.

At this moment, a hearty laugh came from outside the door, interrupting Tang Youyou's thoughts. Wu Dehua walked in with a group of people. His eyes fell on Tang Wan and Tang Jin, and he said with praise: "Tang Wan, Tang Jin, you did a great job!"

Tang Youyou and Xiaoya exchanged glances, each seeing surprise in the other's eyes. Tang Wan had grown into a graceful young lady, her features revealing the same tenacity and gentleness as her own. Tang Jin had also shed his youthful mischief, his every move exuding a calm composure. They had all grown into responsible citizens of the Tang Dynasty. And the youngest daughter, Tang Xiaoya, remained the same lively and adorable cheerful young woman, her clear laughter always inspiring those around her.

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on the yard, adding a golden edge to this warm scene. Tang Youyou looked at the children sitting around the table, her heart filled with joy.

He stepped into the yard and his eyes fell on Tang Wan and Tang Jin, with admiration in his eyes.

"Your mother's craftsmanship was already superb, and now you have surpassed her and run the workshop even more prosperously. It's really rare," he praised sincerely.

Behind Wu Dehua, Master Ma and Captain Zheng also nodded, expressing their recognition of the Tang brothers and sisters. Over the years, they have been working with Tang Youyou to transport these exquisite handicrafts to more distant places and have made huge profits. Now seeing that the new generation of successors is so outstanding, they are full of confidence in future cooperation.

"Boss Ma, Captain Zheng, I will have to rely on your care in the future." Tang Wan responded gracefully, showing the confidence and competence of a new generation of helmsman.

"No problem, no problem." Gang Leader Ma smiled brightly. "The craftsmanship of the Tang family workshop is famous for its exquisiteness. As long as you guarantee the quality, we guarantee the sales!"

"That's right, our ocean-going fleet also needs these exquisite handicrafts to open up overseas markets." Captain Zheng added, his eyes flashing with longing for the future.

Tang Youyou looked at the lively scene before her, feeling a surge of emotion. The children had grown up, they were now able to stand on their own and carry on this business. And she could finally let go and pursue her lifelong dream.

"Little girl, pack up your things, we..." Tang Youyou put down the teacup in her hand, turned to look at her little daughter who was playing beside her, with a mysterious smile on her lips.

"Little girl, pack your things, we're going to Luoyang tomorrow!" Tang Youyou put down the teacup in her hand, turned to look at her little daughter who was playing beside her, with a mysterious smile on her lips.

"Luoyang?" Xiao Ya raised her head and looked at Tang You You in confusion, "Why are we going to Luoyang?"

"Because, Mommy wants to take you to see the peonies." Tang Youyou squatted down and touched the little girl's head, "Haven't you always liked peonies? Now, we finally have the chance to see them with our own eyes."

"Really?" Xiaoya's eyes lit up instantly, "Are we really going to Luoyang to see the peonies?"

"Of course." Tang Youyou smiled and nodded, "Mom will definitely do what she promised you."

"Great!" Xiao Ya cheered, turned around and ran into the house and started packing her things.

Looking at Xiaoya's excited back, Tang Youyou's face also showed a relieved smile. Over the years, she has been busy with business and has little time to accompany her children. This trip to Luoyang is not only to fulfill Xiaoya's wish, but also to make up for her debt to the children.

"Sister, I want to go too!" The youngest son A Fei also ran over and pulled Tang Youyou's clothes and said coquettishly.

"A Fei, be good. You are still young. Wait until you grow up and then go with your sister, okay?" Tang Youyou touched A Fei's head and said softly.

Although Ah Fei was somewhat reluctant, he still nodded, "Okay, sister, you must come back soon."

"Okay, sister promises you." Tang Youyou smiled and touched Ah Fei's head, her heart filled with emotion. The children have grown up, they are sensible and considerate, which makes her feel extremely proud and gratified.

"A Fei, go help mom prepare the carriage." Tang Youyou ordered, "We have to set off early so we can reach Luoyang City before dark."

"Okay, I'll go right away." Ah Fei responded, turned around and ran out.

Tang Youyou watched Ah Fei leave, feeling a thousand emotions in her heart. Time flies so fast, and in the blink of an eye, the children have grown up. And she is no longer the carefree girl she used to be.

"Youyou, have you really decided to go to Luoyang?" Tang Jin walked over and asked Tang Youyou.

"Well, I've made up my mind." Tang Youyou nodded, "Over the years, I've been busy with business and have very little time to accompany you. This trip to Luoyang is not only for Xiaoya's wish, but also to make up for my debt to the children."

"I understand your thoughts, but..." Tang Jin hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm a little worried about you taking the children to Luoyang alone."

"Don't worry, I will take good care of myself and the children." Tang Youyou patted Tang Jin's hand, "Besides, Ah Fei and Xiao Ya are with me."

"Okay, since you've made up your mind, I won't say much." Tang Jin sighed, "Just be careful. If anything happens, remember to notify me in time."

"Well, I understand." Tang Youyou nodded, "Don't be too tired, pay more attention to rest."

"I understand." Tang Jin smiled, "Don't worry, I will take good care of myself."

Tang Youyou and Tang Jin chatted for a while, then began to pack up. Ah Fei also prepared the carriage, and the family prepared to set off.

"Sister, we are about to set off!" Ah Fei stood beside the carriage and shouted loudly.

"Here I come!" Tang Youyou responded, picked up Xiaoya and got on the carriage.

"Gee!" Ah Fei whipped the horse-drawn carriage and it slowly drove out of the yard.

Tang Youyou glanced back at the yard behind her, her heart filled with reluctance. This was where she had lived for many years, carrying too many of her memories. But now, she had to leave here and pursue her dreams.

The carriage gradually moved farther and farther away, disappearing into the distant horizon. Tang Youyou's heart was filled with anticipation and longing for the future. She believed that in Luoyang, she would be able to find her own happiness and joy.

When Xiaoya heard they were going to Luoyang, she jumped up excitedly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Luoyang? Are we going to see the peonies?"

"Of course we have to see the peonies, but we also need to go to the Longmen Grottoes to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient craftsmen." Tang Youyou explained patiently, her eyes full of anticipation. Over the years, she had been focused on family and career, and had hardly had time to go out. Now that her children were grown, she could finally let go of everything and realize her youthful dream of traveling around the Tang Dynasty.

"Great! We are going to Luoyang!" Xiao Ya cheered and ran into the house and started packing her luggage.

Tang Wan and Tang Jin looked at their mother and sister's excitement and smiled with satisfaction. They knew that their mother had sacrificed so much for the family and now it was time for her to pursue her own dreams.

The next morning, Tang Youyou and Xiaoya embarked on a journey to Luoyang. They admired the scenery along the way, feeling the prosperity and beauty of the Tang Dynasty. Tang Youyou, with her deft hands, wove beautiful stories from her travels into stories for Xiaoya. These stories featured towering palaces, beautiful landscapes, and figures who had left their mark on history. Xiaoya was captivated by these stories, filled with longing for the future.

Tang Youyou didn't stop in Luoyang. She took Xiaoya with her on a journey through the mountains and rivers of the Tang Dynasty, experiencing the local customs and practices of each region. They admired the murals of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, felt the exquisite gardens of Suzhou, and savored the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou... Wherever they went, Tang Youyou meticulously recorded what she saw and heard, incorporating local culture and stories into her handicrafts.

Across the land of the Tang Dynasty, Tang Youyou's story was passed down from mouth to mouth. Her experience was like a beacon, illuminating the path forward for countless young people. No longer content with their present comforts, they yearned to pursue their dreams, to leave their homes and explore the wider world. Tang Youyou became their idol and role model.

"Mom, look, isn't Yangzhou City just ahead?" Xiao Ya stood at the bow, excitedly pointing at the bustling port in the distance. Tang Youyou stared into the distance, a determined light gleaming in her eyes. "After Yangzhou, we'll go even further afield and see the world overseas..."

The boat slowly approached the pier, and the bustling scene of Yangzhou City came into view. The dock was bustling with activity. The cries of vendors, the laughter of passengers, and the sounds of children playing intertwined into a joyful symphony of the city.

"Mom, look, there are so many people gathered over there. What are they doing?" Xiao Ya pointed curiously at the crowd not far away. Tang You You took her hand and squeezed into the crowd. A foreign merchant was seen hawking his wares in unspeakable Mandarin. He had many novel items in front of him, attracting many people to stop and watch.

"Sir, where are you from? How come you have so many rare things?" Tang Youyou picked up a wooden box carved with exquisite patterns and asked the merchant with interest.

Seeing Tang Youyou's elegant attire and demeanor, the merchant enthusiastically introduced himself and his wares. Hailing from distant Persia, he traveled eastward with his wares, hoping to find business opportunities and bring his native specialties to the Tang Dynasty. Tang Youyou and the merchant enjoyed a lively conversation, finding this foreign merchant's vast knowledge and witty conversation, and she began to consider collaborating with him.

Tang Youyou has traveled all over the Tang Dynasty for many years, collecting countless rare treasures and handicrafts. She showed these treasures to a Persian merchant, who praised them highly and immediately decided to buy them at a high price.

In this way, Tang Youyou and the Persian businessman reached a cooperation agreement. She entrusted the businessman to take her handicrafts overseas for sale, and the businessman brought back rare treasures from overseas to the Tang Dynasty. Both parties benefited from each other, and their business grew bigger and bigger.

Tang Youyou's three children gradually grew up. Tang Wan inherited her mother's exquisite craftsmanship and became a renowned embroidery master. Tang Jin showed extraordinary business talent and traveled extensively with the leader of the caravan, becoming a new generation of leader. Xiao Ya was full of curiosity about the overseas world. She studied navigation with Captain Zheng and dreamed of one day sailing a ship herself to explore the unknown world.

Tang Youyou watched the children find their own direction, and a relieved smile appeared on her face. She knew that it was time to let them go and fly freely.

"Mom, we are ready and can set off at any time!" Xiao Ya, wearing a smart sailing suit, ran to Tang Youyou excitedly, her eyes flashing with longing for the future.

Tang Youyou looked at her daughter's confident look, her heart filled with pride and reluctance. She gently stroked her daughter's hair and said softly, "Xiaoya, when sailing on the sea, you must be careful. Remember to eat on time and pay attention to safety..."

"Mom, don't worry, I will take good care of myself!" Xiao Ya hugged Tang Youyou and turned to run towards the ship docked at the pier.

Tang Youyou watched her daughter go away, silently praying for her safe journey. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded in her ears: "Excuse me, are you Tang Youyou?"

Tang Youyou turned around and saw a young woman in modern clothes standing behind her, with a hint of confusion and expectation on her face...