Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Empress Zhangsun looked at Xiao Ran, her voice full of gratitude: "Young master, you are so kind!"

"Ordinary people rename crops either for good luck or for auspicious meaning. The young man thought of associating this good thing with the rhinoceros, so that the people would remember the goodness of the potato and the child would have something to look forward to in the future."

Seeing that Empress Zhangsun was so pleased, Li Shimin simply put down his teacup and said loudly:

"Alright! As you wish! From now on, this potato will be called 'Sizi Dou'!"

"I will have someone draft an imperial edict and send it to all the prefectures, not only explaining the method of planting these beans, but also the origin of their name!"

Li Lizhi was genuinely happy for the little princess; such a thing that benefits countless people is naturally a meritorious deed.

I felt a little envious.

Xiao Ran spoils the little princess too much.

"Since it's not too late to change the name now, let's change the name of the sweet potato as well. From now on, let's call it Zhenguan Sweet Potato!" Xiao Ran suggested.

"Uncle, what do you think?"

"Zhenguan" was the reign title of Emperor Taizong of Tang, and it was also a symbol of the Tang Dynasty's era of "diligent governance and peaceful life for the people".

The core of the Zhenguan era was "light taxes and levies, and encouraging agriculture and sericulture," and sweet potatoes, as a high-yield grain crop that could alleviate famine, were a concrete embodiment of this governing philosophy.

Using "Zhenguan" in the name is equivalent to branding sweet potatoes with "national certification".

For the imperial court, linking crops to reign titles meant that promoting sweet potatoes was no longer a "minor matter for the common people," but a "national policy that benefited the people during the Zhenguan era."

When the prefectures received the imperial edict, they paid more attention to it, since it concerned the people's livelihood and achievements of the "Prosperous Era of Zhenguan".

For ordinary people, the name "Zhenguan Potato" makes them intuitively feel that "this is a good thing that His Majesty gave us during the Zhenguan era."

They will have more confidence when planting it, and when eating it, they will think of the dynasty's compassion, indirectly enhancing their sense of identity with the Tang Dynasty.

It also shows that Xiao Ran balanced "private warmth" with "public attributes," taking into account both the emperor's heart and the needs of the people.

Previously, changing "potato" to "Sizidou" was a more personal and sentimental expression.

Using the names of crops to commemorate the little princess reveals Xiao Ran's favoritism towards her and adds a touch of humanity to the imperial family.

However, as an equally important food crop, using a private name for sweet potatoes would inevitably appear to be "favoring one over the other" and would weaken its public value of "benefiting all people".

By shifting the focus to the "public level" using the "Zhenguan Potato" analogy, the potential problem of "only favoring the little princess" was avoided.

This also creates a complementary relationship between the two crops' naming systems, one private and one public.

Potatoes are "a warm memory of the imperial family," while sweet potatoes are "a symbol of people's livelihood during the Zhenguan era," preserving both human warmth and the grand vision of national promotion.

For Li Shimin, this was an implicit recognition of his achievements in governing the country.

The widespread use of "Zhenguan sweet potato" is equivalent to deeply linking the reign title "Zhenguan" with the achievement of "solving the people's food and clothing problems". When later generations mention sweet potatoes, they will think of the people-benefiting measures during the Zhenguan era, which can better highlight his imperial achievements than any reward.

It also aligns with the needs of modern communication and reduces obstacles to promotion.

The Tang Dynasty had a vast territory, and the acceptance of "new crops" varied among different prefectures. The name "Zhenguan Potato" carried "official authority" by itself.

Unlike the common name "sweet potato," the name "Zhenguan potato" contains the implicit message of "the will of the imperial court."

When promoting crops, local officials didn't need to explain that "this is a crop that His Majesty values"; the mere mention of "Zhenguan" was enough to ensure that the people at the grassroots level dared not neglect it.

At the same time, the name "Zhenguan" is easy to pronounce and remember, making it easy for people to remember and pass it down by word of mouth.

For example, farmers might chat and say, "This year we planted His Majesty's Zhenguan sweet potatoes, and the harvest was excellent."

It is easy to understand and can convey the message that "crops are related to the imperial court," thus accelerating the promotion speed.

Li Shimin had just picked up his teacup to take a sip when he heard the words "Zhenguan sweet potato" and his hand suddenly stopped.

The cup stopped half an inch from his lips, and a clear look of surprise flashed across his eyes.

He originally thought that Xiao Ran would find a warm and affectionate name that fits the family, just like he named the potato, but he didn't expect that he would directly use the reign title "Zhenguan".

This leap made him subconsciously look up at Xiao Ran, his eyes filled with astonishment that he thought, "You actually thought of this."

He put down his teacup, tapped his fingertips lightly on the table twice, and his mind raced: This kid is no ordinary person!
Previously, "Sizi Dou" was a warm and intimate expression of affection, showing tenderness towards children, which was already very thoughtful.

Now, the "Zhenguan Potato" is thinking from the perspective of the imperial court.

Tying sweet potatoes to the "Zhenguan era" goes far beyond simply changing a name.

This has turned crops into a living advertisement for the "Prosperous Reign of Zhenguan"!

In the future, when people plant and eat these potatoes, they will remember, "These are the good things that His Majesty brought during the Zhenguan era."

This approach not only made the promotion a natural progression but also subtly strengthened the foundation of popular support during the Zhenguan era—a truly commendable strategy.

Li Shimin glanced at Empress Zhangsun and saw that she was also looking at him with surprise and delight, clearly understanding the deeper meaning behind the name.

Li Shimin turned back, his gaze towards Xiao Ran shifting from surprise to undisguised admiration. He raised his hand, pointed at Xiao Ran, and said loudly:

"Your mind is even better at calculations than my Minister of Revenue!"

"This not only gives this crop a great reputation, but also provides my Zhenguan Dynasty with more concrete evidence of 'nourishing the people.' This idea is more effective than any ten decrees I issue to promote it!"

"Good! Let's call it 'Zhenguan Sweet Potato'! I will not only issue an edict to all prefectures and counties, but also have the historians record this event: 'During the Zhenguan era, Xiao Ran presented us with sweet potatoes, which were named 'Zhenguan Sweet Potato' to benefit all people and to prove my heart of encouraging agriculture during the Zhenguan era!'"

He paused, recalling his considerations when promoting printing, and added:
"You've chosen a good name! When I was promoting printing, I was worried that local officials wouldn't take it seriously."

"Now, with the 'Zhenguan Potato,' I don't need to give them many instructions. As soon as they see the words 'Zhenguan,' they know that this is a matter concerning the reputation of a prosperous era, and they will definitely do their best to promote it."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment, "Potatoes and sweet potatoes have already been renamed, as have corn; these are all thanks to you. How about renaming it Xiao Ran Rice?"

"Uncle! There's no need for that!" Xiao Ran quickly interrupted Li Shimin.

"Let's just call it corn! It's fine that way."

Xiao Ran didn't name Li Lizhi or anyone else because there weren't enough to go around.

"Hahaha!" Li Shimin laughed.

Meanwhile, Princess Yuzhang, accompanied by Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya, strolled to the princess's courtyard.

“My elder sister and I used to be here, as were the other unmarried princesses.”

"Is Sizi Erniang also one?" Zhang Jinhe asked.

"No, Second Sister Sizi is young, so Mother takes care of her at the Lizheng Palace. My older sister occasionally helps take care of her, so she's brought to the Princess's residence."

The moment they stepped into the princess's courtyard, Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya slowed their pace by half a beat, and even their breathing became unconsciously softer.

It wasn't that they were afraid of disturbing anything; it was that everything in this courtyard exuded an "exquisite" quality they had never encountered before, which first stirred a sense of timid awe in their hearts.

There was no smoke or fire from the village kitchens in the wind, only the fragrance of flowers and trees, mixed with a faint scent of incense, drifting on the neat blue brick ground.

There were no roosters crowing, dogs barking, or children making noise; only the occasional soft ringing of silver bells under the eaves, and even the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves seemed exceptionally gentle.

This "quietness" is not the stillness of a village at night, but an elegance imbued with "rules".

This made them instinctively straighten their backs, no longer daring to wander around as casually as they had in Kaolao Village. They only dared to follow Princess Yuzhang's figure, keeping their eyes down and their minds at ease, yet they couldn't help but glance at the carved pillars, the swings covered with velvet carpets, and the neatly arranged white porcelain tea sets.

These things, which they had only glimpsed from afar outside the most luxurious shops in Chang'an, were now truly displayed in their courtyard, like a "celestial abode" depicted in a play, so unreal that it made them uneasy.

What surged in my heart was the amazement that "people can live their lives like this."

Mixed with a sense of "this is not a place for us."

No matter how bustling Chang'an Avenue was, it didn't have this feeling of "everywhere exuding preciousness".

No one tramples on the petals in the corner of the courtyard, and the tea set on the stone table is arranged like it's from a painting. This kind of "exquisite to the core" daily life is something they never dared to imagine before.

Their footsteps trod on the smooth blue bricks, which were more stable than the dirt roads in the village, but also made them more aware of their surroundings.

Everything here is so far removed from their lives that just being able to stand here and take a look is something worth remembering for a lifetime. Princess Yuzhang led Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya on a long stroll when suddenly a mischievous little girl appeared.

She is slightly older than the little princess, but younger than the little princess of Chengyang.

"Sixth Sister, you're finally back!"

"Seventeen!" Princess Yuzhang smiled. "Long time no see!"

"Sixth Sister, where did you go? I wanted to go to the Lizheng Hall to find Sizi to play, but I didn't see her."

The little princess who spoke was Li Shimin's seventeenth princess, also known as Princess Gaoyang.

"We've gone somewhere else," was all Princess Yuzhang could say.

Princess Gaoyang of Kaolao Village was too young to know.

"Sixth Sister, will you take me out to play too?" Princess Gaoyang asked, holding Princess Yuzhang's hand.

"Seventeen, we'll have to ask Grandpa and Grandma."

Princess Yuzhang had no say in the matter.

It was almost noon, time for lunch.

Princess Yuzhang and her companions prepared to return to the Lizheng Palace, with Princess Gaoyang following along.

Upon arriving at the Lizheng Hall, Princess Gaoyang saw several children.

Two familiar figures have finally returned.

There's also San Niang, Yan Yao, Di Renjie, and Princess Gaoyang, whom they don't know.

“Sizi, Sixteenth Sister!” Princess Gaoyang called out.

She is the second among the direct descendants of the Princess of Chengyang, and if you count them all, she is sixteen.

"Seventeen!" Princess Chengyang was quite surprised to see Princess Gaoyang.

Princess Yuzhang recounted the situation of Princess Gaoyang.

Empress Zhangsun nodded and looked at Li Shimin.

This matter still needs to be decided by Li Shimin.

Li Shimin doted on Princess Gaoyang. "Seventeenth Princess used to play with Second Sister Sizi a lot. Xiao Ran, let Seventeenth Princess go with her!"

"Okay!" Xiao Ran agreed readily.

This little princess looks very cute.

Xiao Ran didn't need to worry about it; Li Lizhi and Yu Zhang were there to oversee things.

There's not much difference between taking care of two or three.

"Seventeen happened to be going to school in Kaolao Village, so the little girls had company."

This matter is now settled.

Princess Gaoyang quickly integrated into the group of children. She was outgoing and lively, and blended in very quickly.

When the food from the Imperial Kitchen arrived, Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya found it difficult to remain calm upon seeing the attire of Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

"Second Madam, Jinniang, come sit here with me," Empress Zhangsun said with a smile.

"Don't overthink it. Just treat this as Kaolao Village, as Xiao Ran's home."

Li Shimin was very approachable; everyone there was an acquaintance.

I love the atmosphere of Kaolao Village.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The two little princesses liked to be close to Xiao Ran. One of them squeezed between Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi, effectively separating the two of them.

Li Lizhi was also at a loss with this younger sister.

The little princess was very enthusiastic about eating, but after a few bites she frowned.

The food at Shangshiju was not good. Although it was cooked in an iron wok, it lacked Xiaoran's seasonings.

Much worse.

"Sizi, is it not tasty?" Li Shimin smiled.

"Ugh, ugh~ Oh no~"

"Xiao Ran's family's food is still the best; the Imperial Kitchen's is still a bit lacking." Li Shimin also agreed with this; it was an indisputable fact.

"This is good too, have some first." Xiao Ran put some food on the little princess's plate.

Not only the little princess, but everyone else also ate very little.

Apart from Princess Gaoyang, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun, everyone else was staying at Xiao Ran's house and had long been used to it.

But we still enjoyed the meal.

After finishing her meal, the little princess tugged at Xiao Ran's sleeve, rubbed her eyes, and said, "Little darling~ Shall we go home together~ Time for bed~"

Li Lizhi was both amused and exasperated. "Sizi, this is home!"

"No way!"

"Let them sleep in the Lizheng Hall first!" Empress Zhangsun instructed Princess Yuzhang and Li Lizhi to make the arrangements.

Princess Gaoyang integrated quickly and slept with the others.

Previously, the princess had maids to take care of her, but she didn't have so many playmates of the same age. Now that she's experiencing the joy of playing with friends, she definitely doesn't want to be separated from them.

Empress Zhangsun, Princess Li Lizhi, Zhang Jinhe, and Zhang Erya chatted idly in the Lizheng Hall.

Li Shimin and Xiao Ran left the Lizheng Hall, and Li Shimin wanted to take Xiao Ran out for a walk.

It was like visiting the palace.

"How does it feel?"

"It's huge, it's really huge!" That was Xiao Ran's biggest impression.

No imperial palace in later generations was larger than the Taiji Palace and the Daming Palace.

Unfortunately, it was not preserved. The Tang Dynasty's imperial palace was several times larger than those of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

"How much have you even seen!"

"Uncle, how about we go and see what's going on at Xuanwu Gate?" Xiao Ran said with a smile.

"You little brat, what do you mean by this?" Li Shimin felt offended and was somewhat sensitive to this.

However, he wasn't angry. Xiao Ran would occasionally joke around, and Li Shimin got used to it. Li Shimin still had that much magnanimity.

"After all these years, Uncle still holds a grudge!"

You little brat, you're up to no good!

"Uncle, that's not reasonable of you. I didn't say anything. I just wanted to see Xuanwu Gate!" Xiao Ran said innocently.

Others might not dare to make such a joke, nor would they, but Li Shimin felt that Xiao Ran would be able to, and use this incident to tease him. (End of Chapter)