I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 147: Capture the Traveler Mission Progress: 55
...

Instead of gardens and water features, why not build a plaza with no technical sophistication, and build more houses?
No matter how Zhao Ji looked at it, he felt that Zhao Yu had a poor and stingy air about him (if he knew the word "loser," he would definitely use it to describe Zhao Yu without hesitation).

—In Zhao Ji's view, Zhao Yu was unwilling to spend money even to build a palace for himself, which was not like a noble emperor at all, and it was a disgrace to their royal family.

save money?

My great Song Dynasty is so vast, isn't it only right and proper for us to support an emperor?

The key point is that, thanks to Cai Jing's economic reforms, the imperial court is no longer short of money; at least it certainly has the funds to build several palaces and gardens.

Moreover, Cai Jing repeatedly stated that he earned so much money for the court so that Zhao Yu would never lack money and could become a glorious emperor.

Given this, Emperor Huizong couldn't understand why Emperor Yu was still so stingy.

Zhao Yu naturally wouldn't explain to Zhao Ji that he was the emperor now, and if the Jingkang Incident were to happen again, with all the women in the family being taken by the Jurchens and forced into prostitution, and all the men in the family being imprisoned until death, it wouldn't be Zhao Ji anymore, but Zhao Yu. At least Zhao Ji wouldn't be the one ultimately responsible, nor would he be nailed to the pillar of historical shame.

'If that day ever comes, that great tyrant who has been laughed at for over a thousand years, and perhaps even longer, will be me, Zhao Yu.'

"So, you'd better shut up, be a carefree prince, and focus on your art. I won't risk driving Fang La into rebellion and destroying our ability to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, or our ability to resist the Jurchen invasion, all for the sake of a dilapidated palace or a run-down garden."

Zhao Yu's idea of ​​building more houses and squares but not gardens and waterways was exactly what Yuan Qingcheng wanted.

Yuan Qingcheng never forgot the miserable experience they had when they first transmigrated, when the five of them were crammed into a small room with only one large dormitory bed and one stove, and they almost died from the heat.

Even today, a large number of low-ranking palace maids still live in such terrible conditions.

Therefore, Yuan Qingcheng suggested: "Build more two- or even three-story buildings, with larger rooms and better ventilation. It would be best if they had running water and sewage systems. Don't build stoves in the rooms. It would be good to build communal canteens. Also, build more public toilets, swimming pools, and large bathrooms..."

Yuan Qingcheng's suggestion, based on suggestions made by later generations of large gated communities, received Zhao Yu's support.

Zhao Yu didn't care whether Zhao Ji, Li Jie, and the others understood about water supply and drainage, communal dining halls, public toilets, swimming pools, and bathrooms. He figured the five women would definitely find a solution. Just like King Zhou who was bewitched by Daji, he echoed, "My beloved consort's considerations are thorough and justified."

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) really wanted to quit! They were expanding the palace, not building affordable housing. How could they do this?
How can a palace be grand and magnificent without gardens and waterways? Such a palace is like a soulless palace, and it's better not to expand it!
Emperor Huizong knew that Zhao Yu had no artistic talent and was even "unlearned and incompetent," but he never expected that Zhao Yu would be so unpromising.

To be honest, seeing his hard work of nearly a year being destroyed and tainted, Zhao Ji was really losing his temper.

It is worth noting that Zhao Si is still imprisoned at home and not allowed to go out, seemingly destined to be imprisoned until death. Moreover, his concubines have been dismissed, clearly indicating that they do not want him to have an heir.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) did not want to suffer the same fate.

Therefore, Zhao Ji, who was still quite pragmatic, finally gave up his pursuit of art and replied, "Your subject obeys."

……

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Zhao Yu would never have imagined that the place that Zhao Ji should have built into Genyue Wansui Mountain in history had become a giant agricultural research base in less than two years.

There, the lush green rice paddies shimmered with a golden luster under the sunlight, like an emerald tapestry spread across the earth. A gentle breeze rippled through the rice fields, creating waves of grain that displayed a bounty that transcended time.

Looking into the distance, there was a vast orchard where various fruit trees grew in competition, their branches laden with ripe fruit. The apples were as red as a young girl's blushing cheeks, the pears gleamed with a warm, jade-like luster, and there were also exotic varieties cultivated through ingenious grafting techniques, their colors vibrant and their shapes varied, a feast for the eyes.

Further afield, there are well-ordered fields and greenhouses arranged in a staggered pattern.

The construction technology of this era has developed significantly, accumulating rich experience in carpentry, masonry, and other fields, enabling the construction of relatively complex building structures, and providing technical support for building the framework of greenhouses.

The textile industry was also highly developed in this era, capable of producing fabrics for covering greenhouses. Although not as effective as modern plastic films, these fabrics could still provide some insulation and light transmission.

Moreover, agricultural production technology in this era has made significant progress. People have a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions for plant growth and know how to promote crop growth by adjusting factors such as temperature and humidity. They even have the technology to use hot spring water to raise the water temperature for planting flowers and other crops.

Yuan Qingcheng then used her more professional agricultural skills to upgrade the greenhouse of this era, resulting in the magnificent scene we see today.

It's easy to imagine that there will be fresh vegetables in the palace this winter.

If they couldn't eat that many fresh vegetables, the Imperial Household Department could take them out and sell them at a high price.

It is conceivable that the high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy families in Bianliang City would pay for these off-season fruits and vegetables.

Yuan Qingcheng's improved special fruits can be sold in the market at harvest time, making a fortune, and then promoted.

From this perspective, thanks to Yuan Qingcheng's agricultural base, the palace not only saved a large amount of money on grocery shopping, but also had a wider variety of food available. More importantly, the surplus food could be sold outside to make a lot of money.

It is estimated that it will not be long before Zhao Yu recoups his investment in Yuan Qingcheng, and may even make a profit.

We arrived at Yuan Qingcheng's residence at this agricultural base.

Zhao Yu sat down on the bed in Yuan Qingcheng's boudoir, casually picked up a cucumber that Yuan Qingcheng had modified, and took a bite.

'The taste is still far inferior to that of later generations; Qingcheng still has a long way to go.'

Meanwhile, Yuan Qingcheng diligently served Zhao Yu tea and water, and prepared fruits, pastries, and snacks.

As Yuan Qingcheng walked past Zhao Yu, Zhao Yu scooped her up and pulled her onto his lap.

Yuan Qingcheng was shy, but she didn't struggle, since she and Zhao Yu had already experienced more intimate contact.

But being a young woman in her prime, Yuan Qingcheng was inevitably a little shy, which made her lower her head, her pretty face blushing, and she dared not look at Zhao Yu.

The more Yuan Qingcheng acted this way, the more interested Zhao Yu became in her.

Zhao Yu put his arm around Yuan Qingcheng's slender waist and leaned over to look at her lowered pretty face.

To be honest, this was the first time Zhao Yu had ever seen Yuan Qingcheng with such a shy expression.

In his previous life, Zhao Yu saw Yuan Qingcheng on his phone. She was like a gentle breeze in the countryside, beautiful as a lotus flower emerging from clear water, without any makeup. She always possessed the gentle grace of a classical Chinese woman, her every word and action exuding elegance. Her posture was always dignified and proper, her feet elegantly positioned in a T-shape, her body slightly leaning forward, showing respect for others. This gentle and dignified temperament allowed her to radiate a unique charm in any setting.

It was only at this moment that Zhao Yu realized that Yuan Qingcheng could also act like a little girl in his arms.

Yuan Qingcheng slightly raised her head and stole a glance at Zhao Yu. In the dim light, her eyes shone brightly. She asked in a cloying voice, "What is Your Majesty looking at?"

Zhao Yu said, "I am looking at the fairy who has fallen into my arms." Zhao Yu also said, "I am thinking, how much Heaven favors me, that it has allowed me to have such a beautiful and talented concubine."

Yuan Qingcheng was overjoyed by Zhao Yu's words, but she humbly replied, "What kind of beauty am I? There are countless beauties in the palace who are more beautiful than me. Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise."

Zhao Yu didn't waste any more words and directly kissed Yuan Qingcheng's lips.

Yuan Qingcheng did not refuse; in fact, during their kiss, she even proactively wrapped a slender hand around Zhao Yu's shoulder, cooperating with him...

……

Zhang Chun's residence.

Ye Shiyun carried Zhao Cun, and Ma Xiaojiao carried Zhao Yu's third daughter, Zhao Wanying. The two walked in one after the other and had a small gathering with Zhang Chun and Li Lin.

Seeing Ye Shiyun and Ma Xiaojiao carrying the child themselves, Zhang Chun asked them, "Why didn't you let the wet nurse hold the baby?"

“My son was always being held by his wet nurse, so he might have become close to her. I think I read somewhere that there was an emperor who was raised by a wet nurse and later married the wet nurse who was more than ten years older than him,” Ye Shiyun said.

“You’re talking about Emperor Ming Xianzong and Consort Wan. There were special circumstances. Emperor Ming Xianzong experienced many hardships in his childhood and relied on Wan Zhen’er for survival. Their deep affection led to a legendary romance that was not tolerated by the world. But that is an isolated case and cannot be generalized. Our children will not have such experiences and will surely be determined and not be swayed by external things. Why are you worrying about this?” Zhang Chun said.

"Stop. I risked my life to give birth to him, I can't let him be fooled by some old auntie, so I'd rather suffer the hardship myself than give those wet nurses a chance," Ye Shiyun said.

Zhang Chun shook her head, then asked Ma Xiaojiao, "Where is Zhao Di?"

“He was so energetic and kept making a fuss, so I left him with the wet nurse,” Ma Xiaojiao said.

"Aren't you afraid your son will be taken advantage of by an older man?" Zhang Chun joked.

“It doesn’t matter. Men don’t lose out in this kind of thing. If he really likes older women, there’s nothing wrong with giving it a try. Just don’t get too obsessed. But I don’t think he’ll put all his eggs in one basket. He has the blood of Zhao Yu’s womanizing ways flowing through his veins. How could he be tamed by a woman? If there really is such a woman, I’ll be impressed. What’s wrong with giving up a son?” Ma Xiaojiao said.

“Anyway, I still have a daughter, right, Yingying?” Ma Xiaojiao said, looking at Zhao Wanying.

This is the advantage of having many children. Even if one child occasionally deviates from the intended path during their growth, there are always other children who can carry the mother's expectations and love and continue to move forward.

Therefore, Zhang Chun made up her mind to have more children.

“We can’t just allow officials to set fires while forbidding ordinary people from lighting lamps at night. We’re all getting on in years, so it’s a bit unreasonable to prevent our sons from being taken advantage of by others. In my opinion, these things should be left to fate, and we should let people choose their own partners,” Li Lin said.

“One thing at a time. Although we may be mentally older, we are physically young. How can we compare to those ordinary old ladies?” Ye Shiyun retorted.

The women were speechless.

indeed!

Their situation is so special that it's incomparable to that of ordinary women.

After a while, Ye Shiyun asked Zhang Chun and Li Lin, "Are you about to give birth?"

"I'll be here in the next couple of days," Li Lin said.

“I’ll be there soon too. If all goes well, Sister Lin’s son will be thirteenth in line, and my son will be fourteenth,” Zhang Chun said.

It's clear that Zhang Chun really wants a son, and so does Li Lin.

Ma Xiaojiao comforted Zhang Chun and Li Lin, saying, "I have a feeling that all five of us will definitely be able to have sons."

"I had the same feeling," Zhang Chun said, trying to encourage himself.

Li Lin then asked, "Why haven't I seen Qingcheng? Isn't she here with Zhang Chun yet?"

Ye Shiyun said, "If it were me, I wouldn't come either. If anyone dares to give me attitude for no reason, I don't care who they are, I will definitely fight them to the end and never speak to them again. In my opinion, Qingcheng has a good temper."

Ma Xiaojiao also advised Zhang Chun: "You should find an opportunity to sincerely apologize to Qingcheng. Otherwise, it's not good to always be on the surface but not in reality."

Li Lin bluntly told Zhang Chun, "What happened last time was your fault, it had nothing to do with Qingcheng. You should find some time to apologize to Qingcheng, otherwise, don't blame us for isolating you."

Seeing that everyone was coming at her, Zhang Chun surrendered and said, "Okay, okay, I'll apologize to Qingcheng properly later, alright?"

At this point, Zhang Chun changed the subject: "Where is she? Does anyone know where she is?"

"I went to look at cement with Zhao Yu," Ma Xiaojiao said.

“She and Zhao Yu have been getting quite close lately, they should be getting married soon, right?” Zhang Chun said.

“I also think it’s about time,” Li Lin said.

……

At this moment, Zhao Yu and Yuan Qingcheng whispered sweet nothings to each other for most of the hour.

Zhao Yu felt the time was right, so he whispered in Yuan Qingcheng's ear, "My beloved concubine, would you be willing to serve me tonight?"

During this time, Zhao Yu had been very accommodating to Yuan Qingcheng, allowing her to fully experience the feeling of being in love.

Moreover, Zhang Chun and the other three have either already had children or are about to have them. Ma Xiaojiao, for example, has already had two. She needs to catch up with their progress, otherwise, she might really leave this circle and become a "lonely person".

Furthermore, Yuan Qingcheng felt that she shouldn't drag this out any longer. If she wore down Zhao Yu's patience, things might get complicated. After all, Zhao Yu was an emperor who didn't lack women.

The crucial point is that Yuan Qingcheng couldn't hold on any longer.

So, Yuan Qingcheng gave a soft "hmm".

Seeing this, Zhao Yu carried Yuan Qingcheng to the bed...

……

(End of this chapter)