Inside the room, charcoal burned, producing some smoke, but it was tolerable.
After drinking a cup of hot tea, Su Li finally looked at the steward.
"Uncle Jiang, I'm here today because I want to ask what crops are planted on our manor's land."
The steward replied, "Begging your pardon, Miss, some plots are fallow, and some are planted with wheat."
Su Li asked, "Is there much fallow land?"
"There are several hundred mu, just waiting for spring to be sown next year."
Su Li nodded. Several hundred mu would be sufficient.
"Uncle Jiang, set aside two hundred mu of land. When spring comes, we'll plant medicinal herbs there. The tenant farmers who are willing to help with the planting will receive higher wages."
The steward was puzzled. "Miss, what do you need so many medicinal herbs for?"
Su Li replied, "I've become the owner of Apricot Grove Hall in the capital. By planting some common medicinal herbs, we won't need to buy expensive herbs from individual sellers. Wouldn't that kill two birds with one stone?"
The steward exclaimed in surprise, "Apricot Grove Hall belongs to you, Miss?"
"It does, starting today. So, I'll trouble Uncle Jiang to pay close attention to this matter. The tenant farmers can grow some crops for their own consumption and plant medicinal herbs to earn wages."
The steward nodded, "That's no problem. As long as the wages are higher, they'll certainly be happy to do it."
Who wouldn't be willing to earn wages without leaving their hometown?
"But we don't know how to plant medicinal herbs, nor do we know which ones to plant."
Su Li smiled. "That's no problem. I'll purchase the medicinal herb seeds myself. I'll also write down detailed instructions for seedling cultivation, transplanting, and maintenance in a small booklet. We'll have people teach them hand-in-hand until they get the hang of it."
Su Li's words made the steward beam with joy. "That's wonderful!" he said happily.
"Uncle Jiang, the land for planting medicinal herbs also has specific requirements. Later, you can lead us to see the fallow land. First, we'll turn over the soil and cover it with snow; this will significantly reduce pests in the soil. When next year's seeds are selected, we'll begin cultivating seedlings."
The steward was astonished. "Miss, you understand so much without even leaving the house. Truly worthy of being the Madam's daughter."
Su Li smiled. "This is all learned from books. I've already planted some herbs in the West Garden of the residence using this method, and they've grown very well, proving this method is feasible."
"Everything will be as Miss instructs."
After sitting for a while, Su Li stood up. "Let's go. We'll go look at the fallow land."
Jun Mo then rose, standing beside her.
"Your Highness, Miss, please follow me."
The group left the room and walked outside.
After walking for a distance, they saw a large expanse of wheat fields.
The snow was thick, covering the lush green wheat.
As the saying goes: "Half a foot of heavy snow in the twelfth lunar month, and the wheat still complains the blanket isn't enough." This proverb foretells a good harvest.
"Miss, next year will certainly bring a bountiful harvest."
Su Li nodded, smiled, and quickly looked down at her feet.
These paths between the fields were already difficult to navigate, and in snowy, slippery conditions, one could easily fall if not careful.
Jun Mo took her hand, making her feel much more at ease.
After walking a little further, the steward pointed to a vast expanse of white land ahead. "Miss, look, this whole area is still fallow."
Su Li squatted down, picked up some soil, and examined it carefully.
The soil was dark and didn't clump together.
"Uncle Jiang, I think this area will be perfect. It's concentrated and easier to manage," Su Li said happily.
The steward nodded. "Alright, then this plot it is. Tomorrow, I'll have people plow it."
Su Li nodded. "Then I'll trouble Uncle Jiang."
After selecting the land, Su Li gave a few more instructions, then led her maid back towards the carriage.
It was truly too cold!
Inside the carriage, Su Li sneezed and sniffled.
Her feet felt numb.
Jun Mo poured her a cup of hot tea. After taking a sip of the warm tea, Su Li finally felt a bit warmer.
"Such a small matter, you could have just sent your servants. Why run here yourself? If you catch a cold, you'll suffer for it." Jun Mo saw she had drunk the hot tea and pulled her into his embrace.
"There's charcoal burning in the carriage; it's not cold anymore," she said, trying to sit upright.
But he held her too tightly, so she gave up.
"Planting medicinal herbs is no small matter. It concerns the livelihood of the Su family's tenant farmers, so I can't be careless. Planting medicinal herbs isn't like planting ordinary crops; it requires much higher soil standards. If I don't choose well, a year's effort might be wasted. How could I feel at ease without coming to see it myself?"
Jun Mo chuckled. "You truly are something. I say one thing, and you say a whole lot."
"Perhaps 'born to toil' describes someone like me," Su Li also laughed.
How many people make their comfortable lives exhausting simply because of those three words: "I can't feel at ease"?
As the carriage returned to the city, dusk was gradually settling, and the wind and snow grew heavier.
Upon reaching the entrance of the Minister's Residence, Jun Mo helped Su Li alight from the carriage.
Jun Mo was about to mount his horse and return to his own residence.
"Ziyan, would you like to come in for a cup of tea?" Su Li's clear voice rang out.
Jun Mo tossed the reins to Mo Yang and said, "Yes."
They had only just sat down when Wang Xia came over.
"His Highness Prince Jing, Miss, dinner is ready."
Su Li said, "Alright, we'll be right there."
Then she looked at Jun Mo and said, "Let's go."
Knowing her daughter had left the residence with Jun Mo that afternoon, and guessing he would stay for dinner, Su Mother had the kitchen prepare some of Jun Mo's favorite dishes.
Just as the cups and chopsticks were laid out, they heard her daughter's voice.
"Father, Mother!"
"Uncle, Auntie, Ziyan is bothering you again."
Su Mother smiled. "Please, sit down quickly. We're family, no need to talk about bothering us. Last time, I noticed you don't like spicy food and prefer savory dishes, so this time I asked the kitchen to prepare a few more. Please, try them."
Jun Mo's smile grew even more respectful and gentle. "Auntie is too thoughtful; Ziyan is truly flattered."
These dishes were indeed to his liking.
Su Father glanced at him, then at his wife.
He used to be content with being second to his daughter.
Now there was another person in Ah Shu's eyes, and when the one in her belly came out, wouldn't he have to stand even further back?
"Cough, cough." Su Father coughed.
The others stopped their chatter and looked at him.
"Father, are you ill?" Su Li asked, puzzled.
Su Father said indifferently, "Going to work in this freezing weather every day, catching a bit of a chill is nothing."
Why did those words sound so sour?
Su Li smiled and glanced at her mother.
Su Mother laughed. "Don't mind him. You two, eat quickly. I heard you went to the manor. Did you get too cold?"
As she spoke, she placed Su Father's favorite dishes in front of him, and his expression finally brightened.
After dinner, the group sat by the window, digesting their meal.
Su Father suddenly spoke. "When I returned to the residence after work today, I saw a shop opening across from our clothing store. It seems to be under renovation and will open in a few days. Judging by its setup, it looks like it's also a clothing store."
Su Li was taken aback. Her clothing store was about to open, and coincidentally, the other party was also opening.
"It's fine. We don't just sell ready-made clothes; we can also do custom tailoring. And in the future, we'll have our own embroidery workshop, designing unique patterns. That should help us retain customers."
She couldn't possibly say that just because she was opening a shop, no one else could, right?
Su Father frowned. "Their shop's decor is very similar to ours. It's just like your hot pot restaurant; it clearly looks like they want to compete. Li'er, have you offended someone recently?"
Su Li froze. Could this clothing store also be set up by Jun Hui and Yu Banxia?
They were truly going out of their way to challenge her.
With so many shops in the capital, they just happened to open right across from hers.
"Father, your daughter hasn't offended anyone. Don't worry, we don't stir up trouble, but we're not afraid of it either," Su Li said to ease her parents' worries.
Jun Mo said, "Uncle, please rest assured. I will keep an eye on things and won't let Li'er suffer any losses."
Su Father nodded. "You girl, your family never lacked food or clothes for you, yet you insisted on going into business. Now you even want to engage in commercial warfare."
Su Mother also looked at her daughter with concern. The marketplace was like a battlefield, perhaps even more dangerous than a real one.
"Li'er, overt attacks are easy to parry, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. You must be careful."
Su Li comforted her mother, "Mother, I always have people accompanying me when I go out. Don't worry."
After reassuring her parents, Su Li changed the subject to talk about other things.
Seeing that it was getting late, Jun Mo rose to take his leave. Su Li saw him out.
Hearing Su Father's voice comforting Su Mother behind them, Jun Mo said, "Uncle and Auntie's affection is truly deep."
Su Li nodded.
"Li'er, do you know the masterminds behind these shops?" Jun Mo asked.
"Yes, it should be Jun Hui, and Yu Banxia came up with the ideas."
"Who?" Jun Mo had no impression of this unfamiliar name.
"The Assistant Salt Transport Commissioner's daughter."
Jun Mo raised an eyebrow, still no impression.
Jun Mo ruffled the top of her hair. "Don't worry, I'm here."
He wore a smile on his face, his posture tall and straight, his voice gentle and firm, carrying a reassuring magic.
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