Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the courtyard. Xiaoyu rose early and summoned a secret guard. With a serious expression, he said, "Go into the palace and meet the Emperor. Tell him about the many benefits of cotton. This year, the cotton-padded jackets, trousers, and quilts we've made with it are incredibly warm, and the Emperor and everyone else have experienced it firsthand."

Xiaoyu paused briefly before continuing, "If we can vigorously promote cotton planting next year, and then harvest it, more people will be able to wear warm cotton clothes and cover themselves with thick quilts, no longer fearing the harsh winter cold. This will greatly benefit both the country and the people. I hope Your Majesty will give it careful consideration."

The secret guard clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "I will convey your Madam's words to His Majesty."

After saying this, he turned around and left quickly, heading straight for the imperial palace, hoping that the emperor would adopt this suggestion so that cotton could be widely planted and benefit the world.

The secret guard entered the palace and quickly asked to see the emperor.

The Emperor was sitting in his study. Seeing the secret guard approaching, he asked, "What's the matter? Why are you rushing to see me?"

The secret guard bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, yesterday you and the prince and princess all experienced the cotton-padded clothes, cotton-padded pants, and cotton-padded quilts. I'm sure you know how effective they are in keeping warm."

"Madam Xiaoyu has specially sent a subordinate to inform the Emperor today that cotton is truly a good thing. If cotton planting can be promoted vigorously next year, people all over the world will have the opportunity to use cotton to make warm clothes and quilts during the harvest. They will no longer have to suffer from the severe cold in winter. This will greatly benefit both the country and the people. I hope the Emperor will consider this matter."

The Emperor frowned slightly upon hearing this, as if pondering something. After a moment, he said, "Well, I did feel the wonders of cotton products yesterday. They are warm and comfortable. If they can be promoted and the people benefit from them, it would be a good thing. However, this promotion still requires careful planning. Please withdraw for now. I will discuss this with the ministers."

The secret guard received the order, saluted again, and then retreated, leaving the emperor sitting there, continuing to think about the promotion of cotton planting. He thought that if it could be implemented, the people's lives would be much better in the coming winters.

The emperor immediately ordered his attendants, "Come here, quickly summon Cheng Yaojin, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Qin, and other ministers to the palace to discuss important matters."

Soon, Cheng Yaojin, Lord Zhang, Lord Qin, and other ministers arrived. After entering the hall, they bowed respectfully and said in unison, "Your Majesty, may I know why the Majesty summoned us here?"

The Emperor raised his hand, motioning for everyone to stand, and then slowly began, "My dear ministers, yesterday I received cotton-padded jackets, trousers, and quilts, which are incredibly warm. Today, someone suggested that I promote cotton planting next year, saying that if this were possible, the people would be spared the bitter cold of winter, which would be beneficial to both the country and the people. I believe this is feasible, but I need to discuss the specifics of how to promote it with you, my dear ministers. I'd like to hear your opinions."

Cheng Yaojin was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, I believe that since cotton is such a good thing, it is indeed necessary to promote its cultivation. However, we must first find some experienced farmers who are good at farming to see what kind of land is suitable for growing cotton, so that we can have a more targeted approach."

Lord Zhang nodded and said, "Lord Cheng is absolutely right. We also need to consider the source of seeds. We need to ensure that there are enough high-quality seeds for the people to sow. Otherwise, the promotion will be difficult to carry out smoothly."

Lord Qin also echoed, "Also, Your Majesty, we need to assign someone to guide the people in the many steps after planting, such as maintenance and harvesting. After all, no one has grown cotton before and doesn't understand the ins and outs. These must be planned thoroughly in advance."

The emperor listened to his ministers' comments, nodding his head repeatedly. He said, "You all are right. Promoting cotton cultivation is no easy task, and requires careful consideration of all aspects. Next, as you have suggested, each of you will take up your tasks and make careful preparations. Let us work together to ensure that cotton is planted everywhere as soon as possible."

All the ministers responded in unison: "As ordered, we will do our utmost to live up to the emperor's expectations."

The emperor nodded slightly, his eyes full of anticipation, and said aloud, "Well, next year I hope to see cotton being planted in all places."

"Once this cotton is widely used, the people will be able to have warm cotton clothes and quilts like me in the winter. This will benefit all people. My dear ministers, this matter concerns the people's livelihood. We must not slack off. We must work hard and report any difficulties to me in a timely manner."

The ministers bowed and responded, "Your Majesty, rest assured. We will do our utmost to ensure that cotton is successfully planted everywhere. When the harvest comes, the people will all benefit from this warmth. We will live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

Cheng Yaojin said solemnly, "Your Majesty, we will expedite this work. We will strictly control every step, from seed selection to planting and maintenance. We will also seek out more experienced farmers to help us. We will strive to ensure that cotton takes root and sprouts in our vast land as soon as possible, so that the warmth brought by cotton can be felt everywhere during this cold winter."

The emperor was pleased to hear this and said, "Well, I am relieved to hear your words, my dear ministers. I will wait and see the results of the cotton planting next year. I hope everything goes well."

The emperor stood in the palace, his eyes filled with longing, and with a smile on his face, he said, "Very good. I believe that once cotton planting is promoted everywhere, the winters will get better and better. The people will no longer have to suffer from the severe cold of winter. Every household will be able to cover themselves with warm quilts and wear thick cotton clothes. Then winter will be as warm as spring, and the world will be more peaceful."

The ministers were deeply moved by the emperor's words and echoed him, "Your Majesty is wise. With your concern and attention, this cotton will surely benefit millions of people. The coming winter will surely be filled with warmth. The people will surely be grateful to you, and our dynasty will become even more prosperous."

The emperor waved his hand slightly and said, "I simply hope that the people can live a good life. Since cotton is a good thing, we should make good use of it and maximize its benefits. Now, my dear ministers, go to work. I look forward to seeing that beautiful scene come true soon."

The ministers accepted the order, bowed and then withdrew, leaving only the emperor standing there.

Seeing the emperor standing in the palace, lost in thought, the attendant stepped forward and gently reminded him, "Your Majesty, it's getting cold. Go back to your bedroom to avoid catching a cold."

The emperor came back to his senses, nodded slightly and said, "Okay." Then he took a step and slowly walked towards the bedroom surrounded by his attendants.

Along the way, the emperor looked at the slightly bleak winter scenery on both sides of the palace wall, but he was thinking about the cotton that was about to be promoted for planting. He secretly hoped that this cotton would be spread all over the world in the future, so that the whole country would be shrouded in warmth and the people would be able to live a more comfortable life.

Soon, they arrived at the bedroom. The servants hurried forward to open the door. The emperor walked into the bedroom, ready to take shelter from the cold and have a good rest in this warm room.