Chapter 63: The Princess of Changfeng

This time of year is perfect for planting crops like rapeseed and sunflowers, which can be harvested in October. Sugarcane was also planted, though it would take longer to mature.

Tian Mi soaked all the seeds in spiritual spring water to accelerate germination. Once tiny sprouts emerged, she instructed everyone to plant two seeds per hole, spacing them evenly apart.

Tian Dabiao purchased more than ten households of private servants, mostly former farmers, to manage the estates. These families were tasked with daily responsibilities like watering, fertilizing, weeding, and raising pigs and sheep. Planting and harvesting seasons called for additional manpower from the Lotus Association.

The estates were well-equipped, with existing houses and livestock pens. Tian Mi decided to designate one estate for raising pigs and the other for sheep.

She consulted the Lotus Association members about purchasing piglets. With their help, she bought over twenty piglets and called over Feng Bao, a middle-aged man in his forties, who was honest and reliable. Tian Mi taught him how to castrate piglets using a sterilized scalpel.

Feng Bao watched in shock as Tian Mi deftly restrained a piglet, ignoring its squeals. With one precise cut, she completed the castration, squeezed out the testicles, and disinfected the wound—all in a matter of moments.

A shiver ran down Feng Bao’s spine, and he felt a phantom pain. He couldn’t believe this fairy-like young lady could be so fearsome.

“This pig is now a eunuch,” Tian Mi declared.

She added, “Always castrate the piglets on an empty stomach.”

Under her stern gaze, Feng Bao nervously took the scalpel and tried it himself. Despite his trembling hands, Tian Mi’s instructions helped him complete the task. After several attempts, Feng Bao became more confident and efficient.

Tian Mi also instructed him to boil wild grass and pigweed before mixing them with rice bran to feed the pigs. She had all the rice bran from her mill delivered to the estate.

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On the 28th, the much-anticipated grand opening of the Yi Pin Xian restaurant took place. Preparations had begun the day before.

Uncle Xu had arranged for a dragon and lion dance troupe, making the event lively and drawing the attention of many passersby. The enticing aromas wafting from the restaurant further attracted the crowd, leaving everyone salivating.

Uncle Xu beamed as he announced, “Dear friends and neighbors, today is the grand opening of Yi Pin Xian! All dishes are discounted, and every table gets a complimentary plate of precious melons!”

Tian Dabiao led the core members of the Lotus Association inside.

“Boss, bring us all your signature dishes!”

Tian Mi’s eldest uncle arrived with staff from the Miao Ji Tang herbal shop. Even Huang Yuanying brought colleagues from the county office to join in.

The bustling crowd quickly filled the restaurant, eager to sample the food.

Yi Pin Xian’s opening day was a smashing success. The restaurant was packed with guests, who marveled at the variety and uniqueness of the dishes. The flavors left everyone craving more.

The spicy kick of the chili-based dishes was initially bold but addictive, leaving diners unable to stop. Even the fish, often considered mundane, was transformed into a delicacy. The fish head, tender and succulent, paired perfectly with the rich, tangy chopped chili sauce.

The braised pork was another highlight—aromatic, flavorful, and tender without being greasy. Diners couldn’t stop praising it.

The roasted lamb dishes, including lamb leg, ribs, and whole lamb, were irresistible. Guests agreed they could eat here daily without getting bored.

To top it all off, each meal ended with a complimentary plate of precious melons.

“Just one plate isn’t enough!” diners exclaimed, ordering more melons to enjoy and even packing peaches, grapes, and cherry tomatoes to take home.

In just one day, Yi Pin Xian restaurant gained a stellar reputation. Its rich variety of unique dishes, never before tasted, enchanted customers. The fresh fruits offered—rightfully dubbed celestial delicacies—were pricy, but their exquisite flavors were worth every coin.

Even passing merchants couldn’t resist buying fruits to take on their journeys. Daily fruit sales were capped, yet they still sold out early each day.

Uncle Xu was grinning from ear to ear with joy. Even Xu Feiyan came to the restaurant to help, though Uncle Xu promptly sent her away.

Meanwhile, Tian Mi had an excess of goat milk stored up. After making goat milk soap, the deliveries of fresh goat milk from Zhou Er continued daily. Seeing the increase in ships and merchants at the docks, Tian Mi decided to use the milk to make butter for baking cookies. She also planned to cook malt sugar and create goat milk walnut nougat.

Walnuts were a luxury in this era, but when ground into small pieces and roasted, they could stretch into many confections—a profitable endeavor.

Without hesitation, she put her servants, both the “Autumns” and “Springs,” to work.

Making malt sugar wasn’t difficult, so Tian Mi planned to produce a large batch. Butter-making, however, was labor-intensive. It took an entire day of teamwork among the “Autumns” to produce a sufficient amount. Over the next few days, the Tian residence was filled with the aroma of baking.

When the golden cookies and creamy goat milk nougat were finally served, everyone’s mouths watered. Tian Mi handed out samples to everyone, filling their hearts with warmth and happiness.

The servants’ eyes shone with fondness for this place they now considered home. Despite the small household size, the Tian family treated their staff with kindness and respect, especially their young mistress, who never saw them as mere servants.

Often, Tian Mi would clap her hands and call out, “Spring! Autumn! Let’s get to work!” Her cheerful tone made her seem endearingly approachable.

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One day, loud drumming and gongs sounded outside the Tian residence. The festive commotion announced the arrival of distinguished visitors led by Huang Yuanying. Among them was a high-ranking eunuch, whose white, beardless face bore a bright, welcoming smile.

Autumn Qi, who was on duty at the gate, quickly opened it. Huang Yuanying greeted him warmly, saying, “Inform everyone in the Tian household to prepare to receive an imperial decree.”

The announcement left Autumn Qi stunned—an imperial decree for the Tian family! He hurried to inform Tian Mi, and Autumn Si was sent to fetch Tian Dabiao.

Tian Mi quickly gathered everyone in the household to welcome their guests.

The eunuch, Wang Gonggong, represented the Emperor himself. Chun Yi led a team to serve tea, fresh fruits, and the newly made cookies and nougat with practiced ease.

Wang Gonggong’s eyes lit up as he tasted the delicacies. The Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince had praised these very treats, and now he finally had a chance to enjoy them.

Chuckling, he exclaimed, “Well, I won’t stand on ceremony!”

The first bite was a piece of watermelon, a fruit so beloved by the Emperor that the Crown Prince had once been scolded for trying to take an extra slice.

“Truly divine!” Wang Gonggong declared, savoring each bite.

Huang Yuanying sampled a cookie, marveling at its crisp and fragrant texture, a treat he’d never seen before.

Tian Mi’s culinary creations never failed to amaze.

Next, Wang Gonggong popped a grape into his mouth. As the skin broke, the juicy flesh burst forth, filling his palate with sweetness. It was a simple yet exquisite sensation.

“This life in Qinghe County rivals that of the imperial palace!” he exclaimed in awe.

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By then, Tian Dabiao had arrived, trembling with excitement. He was so nervous about the imperial decree that he didn’t know what to do with his hands.

Under Huang Yuanying’s guidance, the household bathed, burned incense, and prepared to receive the decree formally.

Once everything was in order, Wang Gonggong stood, flicked his horsetail whisk, and declared, “Tian Mi, step forward to receive the decree!”

Everyone knelt in unison.

The eunuch’s voice rang out as he read the decree:

“By the will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:

The young lady of the Tian family, Tian Mi, is a woman of extraordinary intelligence. She has aided Prince Ding in securing peace, brought prosperity to the nation by discovering high-yield crops, and contributed to the wealth and well-being of our people.

For these merits, she is granted the title of Princess Changfeng. So decreed!”

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Tian Mi’s household erupted in a mix of awe and joy. Their young mistress, now a princess, had ascended to a height none of them could have imagined.