TPITWOHEF

Chapter 73

After two days, Xiao Yunzhou personally praised Concubine Liu's skill in sewing winter clothes and went to the small courtyard where the female workers did their sewing to reward the outstanding ones.

Everyone was thrilled and knelt down to express their gratitude for the Emperor's benevolence.

"Rise," said Xiao Yunzhou, helping Concubine Liu up as she was about to kneel, and patting her hand.

"You've worked hard these days. Sending these winter clothes will allow the suffering people afflicted by the plague to use them first."

He looked at the needle-pricked fingers of Concubine Liu and felt even more indebted to her.

If not for the Little Princess's thoughts that only he as the Emperor could hear, Concubine Liu would not have injured her hands.

Even for minor incidents like Liu the Elder falling or hot tea spilling, the Little Princess would gasp in warning through her thoughts.

Alas, ordinary people were not blessed enough to experience such celestial alerts.

Alas.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yunzhou sympathetically pointed at Concubine Liu's hands, "Have the imperial physicians send some medicinal ointment later so it heals faster."

Concubine Liu rose, unaware of the Emperor's thoughts, otherwise she might have laughed out loud.

She was about to turn and ask Qiuli to prepare well water so the Emperor could boil tea himself later, but Xiao Yunzhou waved his hand to stop her.

"My presence here is impeding the workers' progress."

"Concubine Liu, accompany me to your family's courtyard to see your father."

Concubine Liu was taken aback.

A glint flashed in Xiao Yunzhou's eyes as he ordered the wet nurse to bring the infant Xiao Chuchu along in the carriage.

"I happen to have some matters concerning the common people to discuss with your father and elder brother."

[Huh?]

Even the infant Xiao Chuchu in the wet nurse's arms was surprised, but soon became delighted. [Yay, I get to go to my grandparents' place again? How wonderful, I do miss my grandfather a little. Last time I stayed too briefly and didn't get a good look at my uncle.]

[My uncle must have finished making those little firework toys he was developing. I want to play with them~]

Xiao Yunzhou's gaze flickered.

After boarding the carriage, he closed his eyes to rest, silently recalling another 'treasure' skill book the Little Princess had mentioned that day.

— 'Artificial Incubation of Duck Eggs and Rapid Duck Rearing Techniques'

"Your Majesty, we have arrived," said Wei Zheng, interrupting the Emperor's thoughts.

Xiao Yunzhou opened his eyes and before disembarking, he saw a row of people from the Liu Family standing at the entrance of their small courtyard.

Leading them was Liu the Elder, whose ancestors were village farmers, and who himself had ample experience in rural survival.

By his side was the beaming Old Madam of the Liu Family, vigorous in her movements. She was educated but also grew up feeding chickens in the village.

Half a step behind them was their eldest son, Liu Runnian, dressed in a scholar's robe, yet disliking study and fond of tinkering with small inventions.