Chapter 309: Cotton

Early November.

At this time the weather grew increasingly cold, with light snow drifting down from the sky, and the land gradually turned white.

That morning, Gao Yang, who feared the cold, curled up under the blankets and refused to get up no matter what Xiang Lan said.

Until Chen Yan brought in a set of seemingly thick inner garments, gestured for Xiang Lan to leave, and then placed the clothes on the bed.

"Come on, put it on; I made it especially for you."

Gao Yang reached out dubiously, poked the inner clothes and pants Chen Yan had brought, finding them soft and somewhat thick.

"What is this?"

"It's a cotton-padded garment I made for you, stuffed with cotton; wear it and you won't feel cold."

"You made new clothes again?" Gao Yang's interest was piqued.

Since marrying Chen Yan, she gradually discovered he had many handy skills.

He could make not only those cheongsams but also women's close-fitting garments; when Chen Yan first gave her such underwear, she found it strange.

After getting used to wearing it, she immediately felt it was far better than a dudou.

"It's not exactly new clothing; I had the servants make this kind of garment last year." Chen Yan pulled Gao Yang out of the blankets and dressed her in the clothes.

"Speaking of which, the cotton inside I found in the palace; our own fields grow this very thing."

"You lot, this is also a case of sitting on a treasure mountain without knowing it; cotton is a fine thing."

Gao Yang had just put on the cotton garment; at first she still felt cold, but gradually she felt much better.

She exclaimed in surprise, "Really!"

"After hearing you say all that, what exactly is this cotton?"

"You seem to call it 'bai die'." Chen Yan pondered, then replied, "I've heard it was offered as tribute from the Western Regions, and you in the palace treat it as an ornamental flower."

Speaking of this, he recalled an incident, chuckling: "Last year, to obtain cotton seeds, I separately asked Cheng Bo Bo and his associates to help me steal... cough, cough, acquire them."

"At the time, didn't you also make His Majesty angry, fining Cheng Bo Bo three months' salary?"

Gao Yang immediately understood what this cotton was.

As Chen Yan said, palace folk regarded this as an ornamental flower, which she had seen many times.

Suddenly she thought of something and felt the blanket.

"Is our blanket also made of cotton?"

"What else?" Chen Yan countered, "Otherwise, why do you think we don't feel cold even when we cover ourselves with just a blanket at night?"

In ancient times, keeping warm was quite hardcore; when the weather turned cold, wealthy families would pile on several layers of blankets.

Someone of Gao Yang's status used to have maids warm their feet all night.

"Putting it that way, this cotton truly is a fine thing; even Father Emperor sits on a treasure mountain without realizing it."

Gao Yang chuckled, "Looks like this year will be much better; unlike last year, when I didn't want to go out once winter arrived."

Chen Yan didn't pick up the conversation, then added: "A few days ago your father emperor sent an order; he'll visit this month, though I don't know the exact date. Behave at home, or he'll scold you again."

"Hmph, you're not pleased to see this succeed, are you?" Gao Yang pursed her lips, still unable to forget how Chen Yan had thrown her into trouble earlier.

Chen Yan chuckled, "All right, let Xiang Lan help you dress; I have pressing matters and must leave now."

"... Well, retreat."

Chen Yan:?

"......"

"Hiss~"

At the library entrance, the two brothers Lai Heng and Lai Ji, who had spent the night soaking inside, stepped out as a cold wind hit, making them shiver violently.

"Elder brother, the weather keeps getting colder; we can't go on like this. Why don't we grab some cloth and make a few warm garments?"

"Great idea!" Lai Heng praised first, then asked, "Will you make them?"

"...... Um, why don't we just buy ready-made clothes?"

Lai Ji said tentatively.

Lai Heng gave him an annoyed glance, "I'm just saying—we've grown up together since childhood, we know each other inside out; when did you ever learn to sew?"

"Eh." Lai Ji shoved Lai Heng's back forward, "Elder brother, don't worry about such details; buying clothes is what matters."

"You, you." Lai Heng muttered helplessly, going along with his brother's push toward the West Market.

However, halfway along, the brothers suddenly saw many people running in one direction, all bustling with haste, as if there were treasure ahead.

The Lai brothers were full of question marks, unable to figure out what was happening.

"Hurry, the county office says the cotton garments are limited—first come, first served; if you're late, there won't be any left."

"Eh, I've heard those cotton clothes are super comfy to wear, you don't feel the cold at all—are they really that effective?"

"You think? This is a shop opened by the county office; rumor has it the county magistrate, worried we'd be cold, had several silk workshops make these cotton-padded garments. My aunt bought the first one this morning, and its warming effect lives up to the rumors."

"...... I see, it's actually merchandise ordered for sale by the county magistrate; it surely won't cheat us—I need to hurry over."

"Yeah, hurry; word has it the material for making cotton garments is scarce, enough only for a small batch. I really envy the workers in the county magistrate's workshop—they each get one, no need to buy their own."

"......"

The Lai brothers listened to the fragmentary chatter around them and understood the whole story.

Lai Ji exclaimed excitedly, "Elder brother, it's Chancellor Chen selling the garments; let's go quickly."

"All right, hurry!"

Lai Heng hesitated not, immediately breaking into a light jog with his brother.

During their stay in Weinan County, they had come to know quite a bit about Chen Yan.

They didn't wholly approve of Chen Yan's actions, but he truly was a benevolent official who put the people first in everything he did, earning the praise of the local populace.

Now, upon hearing that Chen Yan had specially prepared cold‑weather clothing for the people, there was no need to think twice.

Just charge, and it's over.

At the same time, inside a carriage parked in the corner, Li Shimin lowered the lifted curtain and, rather amusingly, said: "This kid's reputation in the Court is rather bad, but his reputation in Weinan County is rising sharply."

"Li Junxian, go check the place where they sell clothes."

"Yes, His Majesty!"

Li Junxian rode his horse, leading Li Shimin all the way to a crowded shop in West Market.

When they arrived, he immediately found bursts of exclamations being made.

Because they were far away, Li Shimin couldn't hear clearly what they were saying.

He immediately sent Li Junxian over to inquire, to see what was going on.

After a short while, Li Junxian returned, respectfully reporting: "His Majesty, those commoners are discussing the source of the cotton garments, saying that these clothes were not prepared by the Marquis of Weinan, but by Your Majesty."

"The commoners are praising you."

Hearing that, Li Shimin was startled, "What …"

Before he could finish speaking, he understood, and his expression instantly turned to one of being at a loss, both laughing and crying.

"This kid, there's no need to be so cautious and sensible."

"......."