Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 710 - 346 Monk Cannot Marry a Wife_1

Chapter 710: Chapter 346 Monk Cannot Marry a Wife_1

In the evening, Prince Consort Pan was invited over. Shortly after, the Qian family of four, with Qian Manxia sporting a pregnant belly, arrived. Not long after, Father Jiang returned with Zhu Sujin and Liang Jinzhao.

Qian Sangui and Lady Wu were overjoyed; it was rare for the family to be gathered so completely, and they promptly invited Crown Prince Zhu Sujin and Relative Pan to take the seats of honor.

With many guests present, it was decided to split into separate tables. The men at one table, and the women and children at another.

Zhu Sujin first had a few words with Old woman Qian before joining the men’s table for dinner.

Old woman Qian’s proudest achievement was the favor that the Crown Prince bestowed upon her, even holding her hands without any hint of disdain.

She told the people from her old hometown repeatedly, "Back in the day, when the Old Qian Family was poor, that Wang Lizheng, just a petty official, would look down on me with disdain. But look at the Crown Prince now, how well he treats me..." She would even shed tears of happiness when deeply moved.

At the moment, she began the same topic with Qian Xiang.

Qian Xiang humored her, laughing, "Yes, yes, we’re all envious of you now, Mother."

Old woman Qian saw Old man Qian curl his lips and said with a sly smile, "Your dad isn’t envious, he’s jealous."

Seeing Old man Qian huffing off to the men’s table, Qian Xiang chuckled and softly urged, "Mother, don’t always poke at Dad’s sore spot, it makes him uncomfortable." After speaking, she helped her to the women’s table.

Since the Little Monk was present, the men couldn’t drink alcohol, so they substituted tea for wine and remained just as excited discussing the state affairs.

Crown Prince Zhu Sujin had already proposed to the Emperor an idea to lift the maritime ban, arguing that "when trade is open, pirates turn into merchants, and when trade is banned, merchants turn into pirates..." The Emperor found himself in a dilemma, realizing the downsides of isolation but fearing that lifting the maritime ban would be tantamount to opening the country’s doors to enemies. He instructed the Imperial Court to come up with a feasible plan, but it seemed to face considerable resistance, with half of the senior ministers and many other officials disapproving.

Old Master Pan said, "Most ministers are accustomed to adhering rigidly to the old ways. Besides, this reform measure covers a wide area and will be very difficult to implement."

Father Jiang also expressed concern, "If the maritime ban is lifted, the Japanese pirates will come even more fiercely."

Liang Jinzhao stated, "Then we should vigorously develop the navy and strengthen the Maritime Fleet. Once we become powerful ourselves, we can repel any invader."

Zhu Sujin spoke with confidence, "I also firmly believe this. Once we are strong, who would dare to invade!" He added, "Throughout history, every attempt at reform has faced resistance, and it’s not something that can be achieved overnight..."

Most of Zhu Sujin’s ideas stemmed from what Qian Yixiu had instilled in him, but he also developed many thoughts of his own. Wearing a python robe and a Nine-bead golden dragon crown, he exuded a solemn air. When others spoke, he listened intently. When he spoke, his words were measured and orderly. Qian Yixiu felt an immense sense of satisfaction; the little boy who was once domineering and stubborn had grown up, becoming more and more like a discerning and wise ruler.

Leaving aside the elder men like Qian Sangui and Grandfather Sangui, just considering the other men at the table, who were all extraordinary, each with his unique allure, it’s safe to say they each had their own charm. Yet none of them could overshadow Crown Prince Zhu Sujin in terms of presence. Father Jiang lacked a certain depth, Wan Dazhong was brave but not strategic, Prince Consort Pan was too pretty, the Little Monk too peaceful. It seemed that only Liang Jinzhao could match him, yet he deliberately toned down his sharpness.

Indeed, he was of the dragon’s seed!

His qualities were not just inherited, nor were they solely the result of Mr. Yu’s teachings, but also the fruit of her humble efforts. Qian Yixiu felt a pronounced sense of achievement.

The discussions on national strategy were mostly led by Zhu Sujin and Liang Jinzhao, with Prince Consort Pan and Father Jiang occasionally chiming in. The Little Monk showed no interest, while Wan Dazhong remained silent throughout.

As the conversation progressed, they discussed the new "Bird Gun" invented by the Japanese – a remarkable creation said to be even better than the Three-Eyed Fire Musket and incredibly accurate at hitting targets. Cannons were effective at long range, while "Bird Guns" at close quarters.

This era had "Bird Guns"? The name was so familiar. Qian Yixiu mused that, as she recalled, bird guns with rifled barrels were indeed invented by the Japanese in history.

As Qian Yixiu listened intently to the men’s conversations, she inadvertently neglected the children clamoring for her attention, causing Jingjing to nearly cry.

Qian Manxia laughed, "Yixiu has always been like this since she was little, not only preferring to play with boys but also interested in things that only men seem to enjoy."

Qian Yixiu retorted, "Aunt, you’re not telling it right. What do you mean I liked playing with boys since I was little? Fortunately, my husband understands me, otherwise, I couldn’t wash this away even if I jumped into the Green Spring River." She nearly slipped and mentioned the Yellow River.