I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 465: Cotton Engagement! Su Zimu's unexpected marriage
The tenth day of the second month in the sixth year of Huangyou.

The sun is shining and the new willows are green.

In the city of Bianjing, trade was booming and merchant ships were traveling back and forth on the Bian River.

Merchants gradually became accustomed to using "Qianyin" and gradually expanded its use to daily life.

The permanent embassy plan has also entered the implementation stage.

Post stations such as Duting Post Station and Banjing Post Station were put into use directly. Various countries sent envoys to the Song Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty also sent many envoys to stay in various countries.

At this time, the Song Dynasty, because of the reform, was like a bamboo forest irrigated by spring rain. All kinds of bamboos were growing rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Everywhere you look, there is hope.

……

Near dusk.

As soon as Su Liang left the Censorate, he saw Cao Yi, the uncle of the Cao State, running towards him excitedly with a cloth bundle in his arms.

"Jingming, good news, good news! I found the cotton you asked me to find for weaving cloth!"

After saying that, Cao Guojiu took out a piece of cloth from his bag.

Su Liang unfolded it and took a look. He was overjoyed: "This... this is cotton cloth!"

The weather was very cold in the twelfth month of last year.

Su Liang thought that cotton planting was not yet popular in the Song Dynasty, but he knew that people in the southwest, northwest, Fujian and Guangdong border areas had already planted cotton, so he asked Cao Yi to order people to find cotton that could be used to weave cloth.

Zhang Ji, a poet in the Tang Dynasty, wrote a poem: Kapok flowers bloom in Jinjiang River, and I take off my kapok fur coat halfway when I walk.

Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty also wrote a poem: Wu cotton is fine and soft, and cinnamon cloth is dense, as soft as a fox's armpit and as white as clouds.

Cotton has existed since the Tang Dynasty.

It has many nicknames, such as: Baidiezi, Kapok, Jibei, etc.

However, this kind of cotton is not the cotton of later generations. It can be used as cotton wool to fill bedding, but it is difficult to use it to weave cloth.

In addition, the technologies of cotton planting, picking, fluffing, spinning and weaving are all immature.

As a result, cotton has not been widely popularized among the people.

Even though some people have started to grow it, it is still a very niche product and the mainstream clothing materials for the people are still silk, linen, kudzu and brown.

Su Liang felt that as long as there were cotton seeds, even without the technology, the farmers and craftsmen at Baijia Academy could solve this problem.

Cotton has a large yield and low production cost.

If it can be promoted on a large scale, it will surely save many poor people from suffering from the cold every winter.

Su Liang thought it would be very difficult to find cotton seeds that could be used to weave cloth, but he didn't expect that Cao Yi could actually find cotton cloth directly.

This shows that some people have mastered cotton spinning technology.

Su Liang suddenly became excited.

The cotton planting period is in February and March. If large-scale planting can be carried out this year, some people will be able to cover themselves with thick and warm quilts and wear comfortable and warm cotton clothes by the end of the year.

"Can you bring the person who weaves this cotton cloth back to the capital?" Su Liang asked.

"I brought it back! The one who wove this cotton cloth is an eighty-year-old grandmother. Locals call her Granny Huang. She has no children, only a little granddaughter who she picked up, who is nearly eight years old. When I sent people to look for cotton that could be woven into the cloth, she took the initiative to come forward and was very willing to come to Bianjing City."

"I have taken these two to stay at Baijia Academy temporarily. Granny Huang is willing to donate her cotton spinning skills, but she has conditions. She specifically mentioned you and wants to negotiate the conditions with you, no one else."

"Here is some of her information. Take a look. It's too late today. How about going with me to Baijia Academy early tomorrow morning?"

Cao Yi handed Su Liang a document.

He would investigate the identity and background of anyone he met in advance.

"Do you have to talk to me? Okay, let's go to Baijia Academy as soon as the sun rises tomorrow morning!" Su Liang nodded.

……

The next day, it was dawn.

After Su Liang reported for duty at the Censorate, he informed He Tan of the Censorate and then went to the Hundred Schools Academy.

Now he holds several positions.

He held both military and civil positions, and was also a member of the Reform Bureau, so he was quite free.

However, he still had to tell his superiors before leaving the city, in case the emperor or the ministers in the Secretariat suddenly needed to find him for something and no one knew where he had gone.

……

An hour later.

In the back hall of Baijia Academy.

Su Liang met the 82-year-old Grandma Huang and her nearly eight-year-old granddaughter Huang Yuner.

Granny Huang has a head full of white hair and is holding a wooden cane. Although her face is full of wrinkles, she looks very energetic.

Her little granddaughter Huang Yuner made Su Liang's eyes light up even more.

She was wearing a purple floral dress with a cloth bag embroidered with peach blossoms hanging in front of her. Her eyes were bright and lively.

This was the most beautiful little girl Su Liang had ever seen, other than his own daughter.

The clothes of both of them were made of cotton.

Although it is not gorgeous, it looks very comfortable.

"Granny Huang, I am Su Liang." Su Liang introduced himself.

Granny Huang looked at Su Liang and saluted with her hands folded. Huang Yuner beside her also hurriedly saluted, appearing very well-behaved.

"My name is Huang, and I'm here to meet Su Sijian!" said Granny Huang.

"This is not a government office, so there is no need to be polite. You are the elder, please sit down!" Su Liang said with a smile.

Granny Huang said to Huang Yuner, "Yuner, you step back first."

The little girl Huang Yuner immediately retreated.

Granny Huang made a gesture of invitation, indicating Su Liang and Cao Yi to sit down, and then she sat down too.

immediately.

Granny Huang said, "Su Sijian, I am an old woman who cannot read. I have been spinning and weaving all my life. I am over eighty years old this year, and I don't have many days left. I have no children, no relatives, and the only thing I care about is this little granddaughter I picked up!"

"The government has repeatedly encouraged the people to contribute their inventions. The reason why I did not contribute my inventions and did not promote them locally is that I wanted to use this cotton spinning technique as a dowry for my granddaughter!"

"Su Sijian, you completely meet my requirements. I hope to get Yun'er and your noble family to sign a marriage contract, and then hold a banquet in Bianjing City to announce it to the world. By then, I will show you all my cotton spinning skills!"

Although Granny Huang is illiterate, she speaks very logically.

When Su Liang heard this, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Grandma Huang, my son is only nine years old, and your granddaughter is only eight years old. It's a bit too early to talk about marriage now. The two of them may not be suitable for each other!"

"Don't worry, as long as you can show us the art of cotton spinning, Baijia Academy can provide for your old age and ensure that your granddaughter will have no worries about food and clothing throughout her life. How do you think?"

"No, I just want my granddaughter to be your daughter-in-law, Su Jingming!" Grandma Huang said in a firm tone.

Su Liang was a little confused.

At this time, Cao Yi said: "Mother-in-law, I also have two sons, how about you consider it?"

Granny Huang shook her head.

"You, can't! Su Jingming will be able to become the prime minister of the dynasty in the future, and his name will be passed down through the ages. His son has also been taught by a group of great scholars, and his future prospects are limitless. My granddaughter is going to marry the man who will have the talent of the top scholar and the appearance of a prime minister in the future!"

After hearing this, Su Liang finally understood.

Granny Huang was attracted by Su Liang's future career and Su Zimu's future prospects.

Su Liang frowned slightly.

He has always disliked having his personal affairs connected with state affairs.

For example, the story of the five princesses of Dali back then.

If it were someone else, if there was a beauty in front of him who was willing to marry her as a legitimate heir, he would have agreed long ago.

Su Liang thought for a moment, and then said, "Grandma Huang, how about I adopt your granddaughter as my adopted daughter first? If there is a possibility for her and my son to get married in the future, it would be fine!"

Granny Huang shook her head again.

"No. If she becomes your adopted daughter, she may not know who she will marry in the future!"

"I only want her to marry your son. There are many educated people in my hometown who praise you. I only want my granddaughter to marry your son. I don't trust anyone else!"

Cao Yi scratched his head.

"Granny Huang, if you hand over the cotton spinning technique, I will ask the emperor or the queen to adopt Yun'er as her adopted daughter. She will be a princess in the future. What do you think?"

"No! There's nothing good about being a princess. You...what if you let her marry someone else? I've seen stories about Wang Zhaojun and Cai Wenji, and both of them had very miserable lives! The Khitans and the Tanguts were so barbaric, I don't want my granddaughter to suffer!"

"Don't mention any other ideas. I just want my granddaughter to get married to Su Jingming's son. Otherwise, I will never give out the cotton spinning technique even if I die."

At this moment, Granny Huang was already a little angry.

Su Liang looked helpless and said, "Granny Huang, this matter involves my son's life. I need to discuss it with my wife before making a decision. Is that okay?"

Granny Huang nodded.

Nowadays, once a marriage contract is signed, it means that the couple must get married in the future.

Unless there are major problems on both sides like crime, casualties, serious illness, etc.

Otherwise it would be unacceptable both legally and morally, and the government would not agree to canceling the engagement without reason.

……

At night, in Su's residence, in Su Liang's study.

Su Liang asked the maid to take Su Zimu and Su Qinyi to the backyard to play, and then called Tang Ze and Tang Wanmei to the study.

Tang Wanmei saw Su Liang's serious expression and asked in confusion, "Husband, what happened?"

Su Liang sighed and told him what Granny Huang had asked him to do.

Su Zimu was still young and had no idea what an engagement meant.

Su Liang felt that it would be more appropriate for the three of them to discuss it and then decide whether to ask him based on the circumstances.

After listening to this, Tang Wanmei smiled and said, "I thought it was a big deal! Maybe this is Mu'er's destiny. Fate is a strange thing. Wasn't our relationship an accident back then?"

Su Liang back then was born a beggar.

Relying on his cleverness, he ran a small business, studied, and also supported a group of little beggars.

In the eyes of many people, his performance at that time was that of a bookish ruffian. Although there was a teacher who valued him very much, he was not qualified to enter the Tang family. However, he relied on his thick skin to win the beauty.

"From what you said, that girl is pretty and well-mannered?"

"Yeah." Su Liang nodded and said, "That girl is very pretty, definitely a beauty. In terms of looks and temperament, she is worthy of our Mu'er."

Tang Ze thought for a moment and said, "Wan'er, why don't you take Mu'er to Baijia Academy tomorrow to have a look. If you like her and Mu'er likes her too, I think this marriage can be concluded. A good daughter-in-law is cultivated, so you can train her slowly!"

"In addition, the art of cotton spinning helps the people of the world. After listening to my son-in-law, I feel that the function of cotton is not inferior to that of grains. If this is accomplished, it can be regarded as a merit for Mu'er."

Tang Ze’s thinking has always been to put the country first, and in this kind of thing, boys basically never suffer any loss.

Tang Wanmei smiled and said, "Yes, she is only eight years old. I will train her and I guarantee that she will become a good and competent daughter-in-law!"

Su Liang made the decision and said, "Well, go and take a look tomorrow. If you and Mu'er have no objection, the engagement is settled!"

Early the next morning.

Su Liang ordered people to send Tang Wanmei and Su Zimu to Baijia Academy.

He planned to go again around noon.

If it works, he will directly discuss the signing of the marriage contract with Granny Huang; if it doesn't work, he will think of other strategies.

Near noon.

Su Liang and Cao Yi came to the Baijia Academy.

In the side hall.

Tang Wanmei had a smile on her face, while Su Zimu had a sad face.

"Mu'er, what happened?" Su Liang asked puzzledly.

Su Zimu curled his lips and said nothing.

Tang Wanmei smiled and said, "This brat is exactly like you were back then. When he saw a pretty girl, he wanted to pinch her cheeks. But she had a bag full of needles, so he was scared away!"

"How do you feel?" Su Liang asked.

Tang Wanmei nodded in approval and said, "Very good, pretty, and good at talking. At such a young age, she can embroider mandarin ducks on cloth. I am very satisfied."

"Mu'er, are you satisfied?"

Although Su Zimu did not understand matters between men and women, he already knew what a husband and wife was.

Husband and wife are family.

Su Zimu thought for a moment and said seriously, "She...she's quite interesting, but...but when she takes the needle, she's too fierce! Daddy, when will she live in our house?"

Su Liang smiled and rolled his eyes at him.

"It's too early! You can only get married when you grow up to be as tall as your father!"

On the side, Cao Yi said excitedly: "It's done, it's going to be done!"

……

After a while.

Su Liang and Cao Yi met Granny Huang again.

"Granny Huang, I have accepted this marriage. I will choose a good day, hold a banquet at Fanlou, invite colleagues and friends, and announce it to the world. However, I also have three conditions."

"Su Sijian, please speak."

"First, before you two get married, you will temporarily live in Baijia Academy. If you leave Kaifeng Prefecture, you must inform me at any time. I do this not to restrict your freedom, but the cotton spinning technique is very important and cannot be leaked at the moment, which will also make it easier for me to protect you!"

"No problem. We don't have any other relatives, so it doesn't matter where we live!" Grandma Huang nodded.

"Second, once the marriage is concluded, we will be in-laws, sharing weal and woe. You cannot use my identity to do anything against the law. If you do, the marriage will be cancelled."

Granny Huang nodded again.

"Third, most of the children of our Song Dynasty get married at the age of sixteen, but I think the body is not fully grown at the age of sixteen. I suggest that Muer get married after her eighteenth birthday."

"no problem!"

Granny Huang simply and decisively agreed.

Su Zimu is eighteen years old and Huang Yuner is only seventeen years old, so it won't be a problem if they get married a year later.

"Okay, then I'll have someone draw up a marriage contract right away. As for the banquet, since the imperial concubine passed away not long ago, let's schedule it for the end of March. I'll have someone pick an auspicious date, and I'll let you review the invitation list. How do you think?"

"Okay, okay." Granny Huang was excited.

Su Liang treated her with great respect in everything he said and did, which made her feel very comfortable.

……

Two days later.

In a pavilion in the Forbidden City.

The eldest prince Zhao Xun, the second prince Zhao Han, and Su Zimu sat together.

"Brother Zimu, I heard that you are going to get married next month. Will you still be able to attend classes in the future? Will you be busy having a baby?"

Under the instructions of Queen Cao, the eldest prince and the second prince both called Su Zimu "brother" in private.

This is to thank Su Liang for his great contribution to the royal family's birth of children.

Su Zimu pouted.

"Do you understand? You can only have children after you turn 18. My father said that we just made a verbal promise right then and there. After we make the engagement, we will still live our own lives and we won't get married until we turn 18!"

On the side, the second prince Zhao Han said: "This is the same as the eldest sister. Her husband has been selected for several years, and the two have only met a few times."

The older sister that Zhao Han was talking about was Princess Fukang.

As early as the seventh year of the Qingli period, Zhao Zhen arranged a marriage between the nine-year-old Princess Fukang and the thirteen-year-old Li Wei, the son of her biological mother's younger brother.

Child marriage was a common occurrence in the royal family of the Song Dynasty.

Due to the complicated relationships and power dynamics, the marriages of most royal children were almost always arranged during their teenage years.

For example: Zhao Zongshi and Gao Taotao.

At this time, the eldest prince Zhao Yu asked excitedly: "Is the little girl pretty?"

"Beautiful! So beautiful! I really want to pinch her face and pull her braids, but there are a lot of embroidery needles in her cloth bag. She is very scary when she gets angry, just like my mother!" Su Zimu said in a low voice.

"She can't be prettier than Sister Qinyi, right?" Zhao Yu said.

"My sister is just a little brat. My future wife, Su Zimu, will naturally be prettier than her!" Su Zimu puffed out his chest and said complacently.

That narcissistic expression was exactly the same as Su Liang's.

At this time, the second prince Zhao Han said, "Brother Zimu, you are getting engaged, should we give you gifts?"

"Of course! Think about it carefully. Once you are engaged, I will return it to you!" Su Zimu said with a smile.

At this moment, Zhao Han had come out of the grief of Concubine Zhang's death thanks to the company of Princess Fukang, Zhao Xun, and Su Zimu.

Su Zimu was about to be arranged to marry his child. In addition to reporting this to Zhao Zhen, Su Liang also informed Bao Zheng, Ouyang Xiu, Sun Fu, Sima Guang, Wang Anshi and others.

In the eyes of these people, Su Zimu is also half a son.

In addition, Su Liang naturally had to tell them about the cotton spinning matter.

Zhao Zhen and other officials were very excited when they heard Su Liang say that "cotton for weaving cloth is as beneficial to the people as grains."

Ouyang Xiu, Bao Zheng and others thought that Su Zimu was wronged in this matter.

But after they saw Huang Yuner being brought to Su's house by Su Liang to recognize her, they all felt that Su Zimu was not at a disadvantage.

at the same time.

Granny Huang kept her promise and first improved the soil at Baijia College, and then tried planting in several experimental fields within Baijia College.

Granny Huang has plenty of cotton seeds, and she has done thorough research on how to fertilize, prevent insects, and water the crops.

In addition, Cao Yi reclaimed another 300 acres of land along the Yellow River and set it aside specifically for growing cotton.

This year's harvest will be used to make cotton-padded clothes and quilts.

If the effect is very good, it will be planted in large quantities throughout the Song Dynasty in the second year.

Once cotton became a major crop in the Song Dynasty, people in the north no longer had to suffer from the cold in winter.

This matter can be said to benefit the present and future generations.

Not only will the name of Granny Huang be remembered by future generations, but the cotton marriage between Su Zimu and Huang Yuner will also become a beautiful story for future generations.

This was something Su Liang was very happy to see.

(End of this chapter)