I was a stepmother in ancient times, and I led my whole family to wealth.

Chapter 355 Another wave of troubles

My cousin also grows sunflowers on her estate outside Anyang Prefecture; I heard that the seeds can also produce oil.

Lu Yunqing, the heir of the Marquis of Changyuan, and his son Changsun Lan and several others built a large oil factory at the border of Anyang Prefecture and Ling'an County.

My cousin told me that sesame seeds, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and corn can also be pressed for oil from olives and tea seeds in the south.

such……

The Eastern Kingdom will need to build quite a few oil mills, won't it? With these oil mills, the pressing and refining of various oil crops can be scaled up.

Increased production of various oil products, such as edible oil and kerosene, not only meets domestic demand but can also be exported to other countries.

The operation of oil mills can also drive upstream and downstream industries, from the planting of oil crops to transportation and sales, allowing countless people to make a living.

In this way, tax revenue will surely increase significantly. With this, why should my husband worry about the national treasury not being full?

Thinking about it, her hand unconsciously went to her belly; the little one had come at just the right time.

He is a blessed person.

These grapes are growing much better than those down the mountain. My cousin said that once these grapes ripen, they will all be used to make wine.

Then, their neighboring country to the east gained another industry.

Dongfang Jin and Gu Chenglin are truly her husband's lucky stars.

"I'll discuss it with my cousin when she gets back."

After saying that, she stroked her already protruding belly. The boy had just kicked her. He's always so lively.

She even fantasized about how mischievous the child would be after birth.

I wonder how busy my husband is?

Dongfang Yuan looked up and saw Helian Jingyun looking at her tenderly as he stroked her belly.

This broke her heart. This couple was the most distinguished couple in the world, but all these years...

Well, thankfully, it's all in the past, and life is getting better day by day.

"You worry so much in the palace. Now that A-Yuan isn't with you this time, you should really relax."

I brought you to work in the vineyard so you could get some exercise.

This will also be good for your childbirth. In the palace, A-Yuan probably wouldn't let you do these things.”

This is Cang Lingyuan's first child, and also his legitimate son. It took a great deal of determination for him to leave the Empress here.

This shows the importance attached to the Empress's pregnancy, and also the trust placed in the couple.

To be precise, it's about trust in the daughter and son-in-law.

Helian Jingyun stopped what she was doing and sighed softly: "Yes, there are many rules in the palace, and a lot of troubles too."

Not only do they have to deal with all sorts of trivial matters every day, but they also have to deal with various favors from different people.

Sometimes, the mental and physical struggles with the families of those high-ranking officials really took a toll on me.

It's here that I can calm down and appreciate this most simple and genuine way of life.

As she spoke, she gently closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the fruity air, and a contented expression appeared on her face.

Here, she could indeed feel at ease. Of all those women who were desperate to enter the palace, which family wasn't hoping that she would lose her pregnancy?

“When the grapes are ripe, let’s make some wine with Xiao Jin’er, and then invite Princess Anhe and the others to taste it together.”

Dongfang Yuan's eyes were full of anticipation, her gaze dreamy as she recalled, "I remember when Jin'er was little, she would watch the adults drink wine with longing eyes, clamoring to have a taste."

Back then, he caused chaos at home every day, just like a mischievous little boy…

Seeing that her aunt was lost in memories again, Helian Jingyun knew that she was thinking of Cang Yuyao.

Quickly changing the subject, not wanting to remind her of painful memories, she blinked and said, "That's wonderful! My son will definitely love him after he's born."

My cousin is so clever and mischievous; she's always coming up with something fun. She's our family's lucky charm.

Dongfang Yuan gently shook her head, a doting smile on her face: "Who knows? That girl has so many ideas every day."

A few days ago, Song Qing and his men were tinkering with the wood in the side courtyard, saying they were going to make some novel gadgets, which was a task given to him by Xiao Jin'er before she left.

You didn't see how messy they made the house.

Shen Qijun also found a bunch of strange materials and started hammering, banging, and smearing them.

They said they wanted to invent a small tool that would save people effort in the fields.

That threshing machine is one example; it's said to be specifically designed for threshing wheat.

I don't know where she got these ideas from.

However, when she was around, the house was always lively and full of life.

I wonder when that girl will come back. It's only been a few days, and I already miss her.

Helian Jingyun straightened up, looked at the distant green mountains, and sighed, "I miss that girl too. Judging by the days, she should be back soon."

I truly hope that life can always be this peaceful and beautiful, so that my children can all live safe and sound lives in the future.

Dongfang Yuan walked over with a smile and touched her belly: "As parents, our greatest wish is to watch them grow up carefree."

Although born into a wealthy and privileged family, he also longed for a free, happy, and simple life.

"What a pity, this little guy wasn't born into an ordinary family. He's destined to rule a country someday."

"Hehe, but don't worry, this little guy is much luckier than his father. Our A Yuan doesn't have his good fortune."

Cang Lingyuan, this child has suffered so much; things haven't been peaceful since he was in his mother's womb.

After a long and arduous journey to adulthood, she still faces persecution from her biological father and siblings.

Born into this ruthless imperial family, it's already difficult to grow up safely, let alone having a legitimate son, the crown prince's right-hand man, standing beside you.

……

After 2 p.m., people started arriving at the Gu family's house one after another.

The Lin family, the Sun Xing family, the Xu Zhuanghua and Xu Changsheng family, the Gu Si'er family, and the Gu Chunsheng family.

Several families gathered in the Gu family's courtyard, sitting together and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.

Clan Chief Xu, Clan Chief Sun, Uncle Gu, Fourth Uncle Gu, and Lin Li were sitting together with Cang Nanxi, drinking tea and chatting.

Yang Zhu and Lin Min pulled Dongfang Jin to the backyard.

Dongfang Jin...

What's happening here?

Sneaky.

Yang Zhu pulled Dongfang Jin around and said, "You're finally back! You have no idea how lively the village has been while you were gone."

Dongfang Jin was very curious: "What about that family?"

Yang Zhu nodded: "Didn't Cheng Lin leave home? I don't know who told that family, but the next day Granny Gu wanted to come and make a scene here."

Unfortunately, just as she arrived at Nanshan'ao, she somehow tripped and fell, fracturing her kneecap.

She'll probably be unable to live without crutches from now on; she just came back from the county clinic.

Then officials brought Gu Meiyu's body back. Among those who brought the body was a family surnamed Zhou from the north of the village.

Lin Min, looking somewhat anxious, chimed in, "Old Lady Gu is trying to extort money from people, but Zhou Sheng's wife won't stand for it."

Zhou Sheng said that his family went to visit relatives in Yong'an County, and when they came back, they saw a lot of people gathered there.

There were also officials there asking passersby if anyone recognized the person on the ground.

It was his youngest daughter who recognized Gu Meiyu, because her eyes were so distinctive.

Dongfang Jin exclaimed in shock, "She's dead just like that?"

Lin Min nodded: "Zhou Sheng's family said she was thrown out by people from a small brothel."

It's said that some bystanders witnessed it firsthand.

Yang Zhu said regretfully, "Poor thing, it's all because of her mother's mistreatment. Everyone in the village is saying it..."

At this point, Yang Zhu and Lin Min exchanged a glance, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Dongfang Jin smiled at the two of them: "Speak up, this isn't like either of you. You both know my temper. Do you think I'd be afraid of them?"

Yang Zhu slapped his thigh: "Sigh, it's all because of those gossipy people, saying that Gu Meiyu's current predicament is all your fault."

You know how people are... sigh, it's all because of your family's good life that people are jealous of.