Chapter 406: When the Potatoes Ripen

The carriage rolled along the clean cement road with a soft clatter, heading toward the Qi Prince’s mansion.

On the way, Xiao Ming explained to Fei Yue’er the difference between hot air balloons and hydrogen balloons, as well as things unique to Qingzhou like cement. Fei Yue’er was amazed and couldn’t stop smiling.

Even though she was known as a talented woman in Chang’an, these new scientific ideas made her feel a little confused.

The carriage traveled quickly on the cement road. After about ten minutes, they arrived at the mansion. Zi Yuan and Lu Luo happily got off and directed the servants to carry the wedding gifts inside.

When they heard Xiao Ming had returned, all the servants gathered. Qian Da Fu also came back from the mine especially to meet the new princess of the Qi Prince’s mansion.

After getting off the carriage, Xiao Ming led Fei Yue’er into the main hall.

Once the gifts were moved inside, Qian Da Fu and the servants entered the main hall. Smiling, he bowed and said, “Greetings to Your Highness and the Princess.”

Fei Yue’er, having already been through this once at the dock, was more calm this time. She smiled back, saying, “No need to stand on ceremony.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Qian Da Fu and the others stood up.

Then Fei Yue’er said, “From now on, I will serve Your Highness together with all of you. I hope everyone can work together to help with the daily chores. I don’t have much valuable things, but I have prepared some silver coins as a small gift.”

After saying this, she signaled to Xiao Huan, who immediately took out a small package full of silver coins.

Before leaving, Fei Ji had given her these coins to distribute among the servants so they would have a good impression of her and serve her faithfully.

“Thank you, Princess,” Xiao Huan said as she handed out the silver coins, making many servants smile.

Xiao Ming whispered to Fei Yue’er, “You really know how to win people over.”

Fei Yue’er smiled quietly, “That’s what Father taught me.”

After Xiao Huan finished giving out the coins, Xiao Ming loudly said, “You all have received the silver. From now on, serve the Princess well. Anyone who harbors ill feelings towards her, do not blame me for being harsh.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the servants bowed deeply.

Xiao Ming nodded and dismissed them, leaving only Qian Da Fu.

He said, “Princess, this is Manager Qian. He used to serve Mother Empress. Remember, he is the most trusted person in Qingzhou. When danger comes, he is the one you can rely on.”

Fei Yue’er softly said, “Mother Empress once told me to rely on Manager Qian more in the future.”

Qian Da Fu was a little emotional and hurried to say, “Princess, rest assured. As long as you command, this old servant will serve loyally and do his best.”

Fei Yue’er smiled gently.

After meeting the servants, Xiao Ming took Fei Yue’er to the bedchamber. This would be their home from now on.

Inside the bedchamber, Fei Yue’er relaxed and wandered around like a child.

Seeing the full-length mirror in front of the dressing table, she stopped and examined herself carefully. This mirror was much bigger than the one Xiao Ming had given her.

After playing around in front of the mirror for a while, she walked over to the bed and her eyes lit up.

“Your Highness, what is this?” Fei Yue’er pointed at the spring mattress on the bed. Compared to the usual wooden bed, this was a big new thing on Xiao Ming’s ship.

“This is a mattress. I think the craftsmen sent it while I was in Chang’an,” Xiao Ming said with a smile.

In ancient times, beds were made of solid wood, which was not very soft. After installing spring beds in the Wei family restaurant, he specially asked the craftsmen to make a mattress for him.

This mattress was supported by springs and filled with cotton. Although not as elastic as modern foam, it was a high-end product for this era.

“A mattress?” Fei Yue’er pressed on it with her finger, and it bounced back quickly.

Xiao Ming smiled, “Try sitting on it. It’s very comfortable. I’m planning to produce these mattresses for the merchants.”

Fei Yue’er lightly sat down and felt as if sitting on water. She bounced up a little and was surprised, opening her mouth wide.

“How is it? More comfortable than a wooden bed, right? From now on, we’ll sleep on this,” Xiao Ming teased.

Fei Yue’er blushed slightly.

Xiao Ming was about to tease her again when Zi Yuan came in and said, “Your Highness, Chief Pang is here. He says the potatoes are ready to harvest.”

“Really?”

Xiao Ming thought for a moment. He had returned just in time — it was the potato harvest season.

Laughing loudly three times, Xiao Ming’s mouth watered. His favorite fries would soon be a reality.

After laughing, he said to Fei Yue’er, “Princess, you stay here and get familiar with things. I’ll be back soon.”

Fei Yue’er looked surprised as Xiao Ming and Zi Yuan left for the main hall.

After Xiao Ming left, Fei Yue’er sighed and suddenly smiled mischievously. She lay down on the bed and rolled around happily, hugging the soft quilt.

“What a comfortable bed! Qingzhou really is amazing, so different from Chang’an.”

In the main hall, Pang Yukun waited for Xiao Ming.

Soon Xiao Ming arrived and said at the door, “Let’s go straight to the slave plantation.”

Pang Yu Kun smiled as he followed.

He was also excited. He wondered if this potato crop, which Xiao Ming said could yield 20 shi per mu, would bring a miracle to Qingzhou.

They mounted their horses and headed to the slave plantation outside the city.

This time Xiao Ming returned just before winter, a season when food was scarce. With potatoes, both the army and the academy could have more food options.

At the plantation, Kui Wu was already waiting with the village slaves.

Seeing Xiao Ming and Pang Yu Kun arrive together, he immediately stepped forward and respectfully said, “Kui Wu greets Your Highness and Chief Pang.”

“No need for ceremony,” Xiao Ming said, looking over the fields.

There were raised ridges of earth covered with green, low plants — the stems and leaves of the potatoes.

The actual potatoes grew buried under these ridges.

“Your Highness, over the past few months, the slaves carefully tended the crops. You said the minimum yield would be 20 shi per mu. If well tended, it can reach 40 shi. We followed the handbook you gave without any slack,” Kui Wu said excitedly, his face flushed.

Xiao Ming had promised that if the potato yield exceeded 30 shi, Kui Wu would be freed from slavery and become a true Qingzhou resident.

“Hmm, we have to check what’s really inside,” Xiao Ming said excitedly, looking at the endless potato fields.

On the way here, Pang Yu Kun mentioned they planted a total of 3,000 mu. He was looking forward to the harvest.