The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

"Master Li, do you think this will work..." Tang Youyou pointed to one part of the plan and explained to Li Huaiyong, "We can use tea, silk, porcelain and other goods that the Tang Dynasty produces in abundance to exchange for their tribe's specialties such as horses, cattle, sheep, furs, etc. As for the price, we can set a standard that both parties can accept based on market conditions."

Li Huaiyong listened carefully, nodding in agreement from time to time. Tang Youyou's plan was well thought out. Not only did it list the specific goods and prices, it also detailed the trade routes, transaction methods, and security measures.

"Madam Tang is very thoughtful. I admire her." Li Huaiyong said with a bow, "This plan will surely satisfy Chief Tuoba."

"I hope so." Tang Youyou sighed softly, but there was a hint of determination in his eyes.

After finalizing the details of the plan, Tang Youyou copied it neatly onto a new piece of parchment, and annotated it in both Chinese and Turkic, striving for clarity.

"Miss Ayi Na," Tang You You handed the plan to Ayi Na, "Please give this plan to Chief Tuoba and tell him that this is a small token of our appreciation. We hope it can promote friendly exchanges between us."

Aina took the plan and nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Madam Tang, I will definitely convey your wishes to the chief." After that, she turned and walked towards the tent of Chief Tuoba.

Tang Youyou and Li Huaiyong watched Ayi Na leave, their hearts filled with anticipation and anxiety. They knew that whether this plan would be accepted would affect the future of the two places and their own fate.

When Ayi Na entered the Tuoba chief's tent, he was sitting at a table, carefully studying a map. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Ayi Na, a hint of a smile on his face. "Ayi Na, why are you here? Any news from Madam Tang?"

"Reporting to the leader," Aina said respectfully, "Madam Tang has already developed a trade plan and asked me to pass it to you." As she spoke, she presented Tang Youyou's plan with both hands.

The Tuoba leader took the plan and unfolded it, examining it carefully. The tent suddenly fell silent, save for the occasional rustle of pages turning and the gentle tapping of Tuoba's fingers on the table. The flickering candlelight illuminated his focused expression and every word written in the elegant handwriting on the plan...

The Tuoba leader's brows alternated between relaxed and furrowed as he read the contents of the parchment. The atmosphere in the tent seemed to fluctuate with his expression. Ayi Na dared not utter a word, standing quietly by, nervously observing the leader's reaction.

After a long while, the Tuoba leader put down the plan in his hand and said in Turkic: "Madam Tang is indeed a smart person. This plan is very well thought out and will benefit both of us."

After hearing the leader's comments, Aina's heart finally settled down, and a delighted smile appeared on her face. "Leader, you are wise! Madam Tang also said that she hopes this plan can become a bridge for friendly exchanges between our two tribes."

"Well," the Tuoba leader nodded and turned his gaze to General Huhan, who had remained silent. "General Huhan, what do you think of this plan?"

Although General Huhan still harbored doubts about trading with the Tang, seeing that the Tuoba leader was clearly inclined to accept it, he could not object strongly and could only say in a low voice, "It's all up to the leader."

"General Huhan, don't worry," the Tuoba leader explained, understanding General Huhan's concerns. "Trading with the Tang people isn't a sign of weakness, but rather for the long-term development of our tribe. Look at this proposal: they're willing to trade tea, silk, porcelain, and other items we desperately need, in exchange for our cattle, sheep, and horses. This is a perfect deal for us, with no real downside."

General Hu Han nodded in agreement. Indeed, their tribe was located on the grasslands, and supplies were scarce. Many necessities of life had to be obtained from outside. Being able to trade with the wealthy Tang would be a good thing for them.

"The leader is right," Aina, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up. "The Tang people are warm and hospitable, and they also hope to get along with us in a friendly manner. This time, Madam Tang even asked me to bring you some gifts. I hope you like them."

"Oh?" Chief Tuoba became interested. "What's the gift?"

Ayi Na walked aside, opened an exquisite wooden box, and took out exquisite items one after another, including an exquisitely crafted silver wine jug, colorful silk, and tea leaves with a faint fragrance...

The Tuoba leader picked up a piece of dark blue silk, stroked it carefully, and exclaimed in admiration: "This silk is so smooth and soft. The craftsmanship of the Tang people is truly amazing!"

"Yes," Ayina said with a smile, "Madam Tang said that these gifts are just a token of their appreciation. If we can reach an agreement, there will be more and better things to exchange with us in the future."

"Okay, okay!" Chief Tuoba was in a good mood. "Tell Madam Tang that I appreciate her kindness and am willing to discuss cooperation with her."

"Yes!" Aina responded happily.

"Come here!" the Tuoba leader shouted, "Go and invite Madam Tang and the Tang Dynasty envoys, and tell them that I agree to discuss the details of the trade agreement with them!"

"Yes!" The soldiers outside the tent took the order and left.

Tuoba leader looked at Ayi Na, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness: "Ayi Na, you did a great job this time. I will reward you well."

"Thank you, Chief!" Aina was overjoyed.

After a while, Tang Youyou and Li Huaiyong, accompanied by Wang Jin, walked into the tent of the Tuoba leader...

Tang Youyou and Li Huaiyong walked into the tent and saw the Tuoba leader sitting upright with a kind smile on his face, obviously in a good mood. After the two sides exchanged greetings, they sat down around a low table covered with thick felt.

Wang Jin stood beside Tang Youyou and translated what Chief Tuoba had said before. Tang Youyou smiled and nodded, indicating that she understood Chief Tuoba's sincerity.

"Chief, the goods we brought this time are just the tip of the iceberg of the Tang Dynasty's products. If we can reach an agreement and exchange what we have, it will be of great benefit to both of us." Tang Youyou spoke sincerely, and tried to use simple and easy-to-understand words to facilitate Wang Jin's translation.

After listening to Wang Jin's translation, the Tuoba leader nodded in agreement, "Madam Tang is right. Our grasslands are vast and we have herds of cattle and sheep. Your Tang Dynasty is vast and rich in resources. We can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses."

Next, the two sides discussed the specific details of the trade. Tang Youyou was well prepared. She pulled out a parchment filled with terms from her sleeve and handed it to Wang Jin. Wang Jin read it carefully and translated the contents one by one to the Tuoba leader.

The two sides conducted repeated negotiations on issues such as the type, quantity, and price of the goods to be traded. Wang Jin played a crucial role in this. He not only accurately conveyed the opinions of both parties, but also explained some professional terms in plain language, enabling the negotiations to proceed smoothly.

General Hu Han initially had a stern face and was wary of Tang Youyou and others, but as the negotiations progressed, he found that the plan proposed by Tang Youyou was indeed beneficial to their tribe, and Tang Youyou was always frank and sincere during the negotiations, which gradually softened his attitude.

After an entire afternoon of negotiations, the two sides finally reached an agreement on all the details. The Tuoba leader laughed heartily, picked up his wine glass, and said to Tang Youyou and Li Huaiyong, "It is a blessing for our tribe to be able to reach an agreement with the Tang people today! Come, let us raise our glasses together to celebrate this historic moment!"

Tang Youyou and Li Huaiyong also raised their glasses and drank them all. The soldiers outside the tent heard the cheers from inside and cheered along with them. For a moment, the entire tribe was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

Ayi Na excitedly grabbed Tang You You's hand and said excitedly: "Madam Tang, thank you! Thank you for everything you have done for us!"

Tang Youyou looked at the enthusiastic girl in front of her, and her heart was filled with joy. She knew that the conclusion of this agreement not only meant that they could get rich rewards, but more importantly, it laid a solid foundation for future friendly exchanges between the two sides.

However, Li Huaiyong and Tang Youyou both knew that this was just the beginning...

It was late at night, and the candlelight in the tent flickered, stretching the shadows of the two people inside, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. Li Huaiyong sorted out the paperwork on the table, his brows slightly furrowed, his face full of fatigue. Tang Youyou also sighed softly, picked up the teacup, but only took a sip before putting it down.

"Madam Tang, you and I have accomplished a great feat today." Li Huaiyong carefully placed the sorted documents into the wooden box, with a hint of emotion in his tone.

"Master Li is right, but whether this agreement can be truly implemented depends on the subsequent arrangements." Tang Youyou looked at the flickering candlelight, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

Li Huaiyong nodded in agreement. "You're right. The agreement has only been signed. The specific implementation still needs to be carefully considered by the court. Moreover, the grasslands are long, and how to ensure the safety of the caravan is also a problem."

"We can only plan these things after we return to Chang'an." Tang Youyou sighed softly, feeling a little uneasy. There were many factions in the court. Although this agreement was beneficial to the Tang Dynasty, there was no guarantee that there would not be people who would interfere.

Li Huaiyong saw Tang Youyou's serious expression and said comfortingly, "Madam Tang, don't worry too much. This agreement was reached after careful consideration by both parties. I believe the court will also see the interests involved and make a wise decision."

Tang Youyou nodded lightly, but she didn't completely relax in her heart. She knew that if she wanted to truly achieve a mutually beneficial and win-win situation, there was still a long way to go.

A few days later, Tang Youyou and his group bid farewell to the hospitable Tuoba tribe and set out on the journey back to the Tang Dynasty. On the way back, they remained vigilant and did not dare to relax in the slightest.

When she returned home, the children came running over with cheers, chattering and asking about what they had seen on the grassland. Tang Youyou looked at the children's innocent smiles, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. For the sake of the children and this family, she would also strive to overcome all difficulties and protect her hard-earned happy life.

"Mom, what gifts did you bring us when you went to the grassland this time?" Tang Jin asked curiously, his eyes sparkling and full of anticipation.

Tang Youyou smiled and took out several exquisite grassland ornaments from her bag and distributed them to the children. The children happily accepted the gifts and played with them lovingly.

Looking at the children's happy faces, Tang Youyou suddenly remembered something important. She put down the teacup in her hand, turned her gaze to the distance, and said slowly: "Jin'er, little girl, you guys play by yourselves for a while. Mother has something to ask Uncle Zhao..."