20demayo Chapter 276 Outside the Palace
Chapter 276 Outside the Palace
After the Nanzhao Kingdom entered a period of peace and prosperity, Xiao Nanyi did not rest on his laurels. He knew that a nation is like a boat sailing against the current; if it doesn't move forward, it will fall behind. At this time, although the Nanzhao Kingdom's economy was improving, its internal trade system still had many drawbacks, and the flow of goods between different regions was not smooth, seriously hindering further economic development. Xiao Nanyi decided to go deep into the countryside and conduct research.
At dawn, Xiao Nanyi, dressed in plain clothes and accompanied by several guards, set off for Qingping Town, a major commercial center in the Nanzhao Kingdom. Along the way, he saw the people working hard, but due to inconvenient transportation, their agricultural products were difficult to sell at good prices. Upon arriving in Qingping Town, Xiao Nanyi observed that although the market was bustling with people, the trading order was chaotic, with merchants operating independently and lacking unified management.
“These problems must be solved as soon as possible.” Xiao Nanyi frowned, deep in thought. Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Nanyi immediately proposed reforms to commerce and trade to Xiao Jingchuan. “Father,” he said, “the development of commerce in our Nanzhao Kingdom is currently uneven across different regions. The lack of transportation and market management severely restricts economic growth. I suggest that official roads be built throughout the country to open up trade routes; at the same time, specialized market management agencies should be established to regulate transactions and protect the interests of merchants and the people.”
After listening, Xiao Jingchuan nodded in agreement: "Yi'er, your idea is excellent. You will be in charge of this matter, and you must implement it as soon as possible."
With Xiao Jingchuan's support, Xiao Nanyi acted swiftly. He personally selected a group of capable officials, formed an engineering team, and began constructing official roads throughout the country. During construction, Xiao Nanyi frequently visited the construction sites to supervise the progress and resolve various problems. To save expenses, he also mobilized local people to participate in the construction, providing them with appropriate compensation, which both accelerated the project's progress and increased the people's income.
Meanwhile, Xiao Nanyi set about establishing a market management organization. He formulated detailed rules and regulations, clarified the responsibilities and powers of market management, and selected a group of fair and honest officials to be in charge of market supervision. Thanks to his efforts, the commercial trade of the Nanzhao Kingdom gradually got on track, the flow of goods between various regions became smoother, and the economy showed a vigorous development trend.
With the flourishing of commerce, the culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom also ushered in new opportunities for development. Xiao Nanyi deeply understood the importance of culture to the nation, and he decided to vigorously support cultural undertakings to enhance the cultural influence of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Xiao Nanyi ordered the construction of a large library in the capital to collect books from all over the country for scholars and intellectuals to borrow and study. At the same time, he also encouraged the establishment of academies in the private sector to cultivate talent and promote the traditional culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Under Xiao Nanyi's influence, the cultural atmosphere of the Nanzhao Kingdom grew increasingly rich. Scholars and writers produced numerous works, and art forms such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and literature flourished. Nanzhao's cultural works gradually spread to neighboring countries, attracting many foreign scholars to exchange and learn, further enhancing Nanzhao's international influence.
However, just as the Nanzhao Kingdom was flourishing, a sudden drought swept across the country. Many areas suffered crop failures, plunging the people into hardship. Upon learning the news, Xiao Nanyi was extremely anxious. He immediately organized officials to form a disaster relief team and went to the affected areas to provide assistance.
In the disaster-stricken areas, Xiao Nan Yi was deeply saddened to see the people living in such dire circumstances. He personally directed the relief efforts, opening granaries to distribute food and drinking water to the people. He also organized doctors to treat the sick and prevent the spread of disease. To help the people resume production, Xiao Nan Yi ordered tax reductions and exemptions for the disaster-stricken areas, provided agricultural loans, and assisted the people in purchasing seeds and farming tools.
Thanks to Xiao Nanyi's efforts, the people in the disaster-stricken areas gradually overcame their difficulties and resumed their production and daily lives. The people were extremely grateful to Xiao Nanyi, praising him as a good prince who loved his people like his own children.
As time went by, Xiao Jingchuan grew older, and Xiao Nanyi gradually began to take on more state affairs. At a court assembly, Xiao Jingchuan formally announced that the Crown Prince's power to oversee the state would be further expanded.
The palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, its glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight, its vermilion walls winding and twisting like a sleeping dragon, enclosing this prosperous and wealthy land. Little Nanyao stood before the majestic palace gates, gazing up at the towering structure, her heart pounding with excitement and nervousness, like a rabbit wriggling in her chest. This was her first time venturing outside the palace to explore the unknown world beyond.
"Your Highness, the carriage is ready," Ling'er, the maid beside her, reminded her softly.
Xiao Nanyao took a deep breath, trying to calm her excitement, and took a firm step. As the palace gates slowly opened, a cacophony of sounds rushed in, and the world outside the palace unfolded before her like a magnificent painting. The streets were bustling with traffic and pedestrians, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and chatting mingled together, creating a symphony full of life.
Little Nanyao eagerly boarded the carriage, lifted the curtain, and curiously peered out at everything. The carriage moved slowly forward, and Little Nanyao saw a dazzling array of shops lining the street: exquisite porcelain, brightly colored fabrics, and various snacks. Her gaze was drawn to a sugar painting stall, which was surrounded by children, their eyes fixed on the sugar paintings with expressions of envy.
"Ling'er, stop the car quickly, I want to go and see!" Xiao Nanyao said excitedly.
After the carriage stopped, Xiao Nanyao jumped down and quickly walked to the sugar painting stall. The sugar painting master saw Xiao Nanyao and asked with a smile, "Little girl, what kind of sugar painting would you like?"
Looking at the various sugar paintings on the shelf, Xiao Nanyao was momentarily dazzled. "I want a phoenix," she said, pointing to a brightly colored phoenix sugar painting.
The sugar painting master skillfully picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of melted sugar syrup, and quickly sketched on the stone slab. In no time, a lifelike phoenix appeared on the stone. Little Nanyao took the sugar painting, carefully took a bite, and the sweet taste instantly spread in her mouth.
"It's so delicious!" Xiao Nanyao said happily.
After leaving the sugar painting stall, Xiao Nanyao continued her stroll down the street. As she walked, she heard a melodious zither tune drifting towards her. Following the sound, she saw an old man sitting in front of a musical instrument shop, playing the guqin. Xiao Nanyao was captivated by the beautiful music and stood quietly to listen.
"Young lady, do you like the guqin?" the old man asked with a smile as he stopped playing.
Xiao Nanyao nodded: "Grandpa, you play so well. Can I try?"
The old man readily agreed and handed the guqin to Xiao Nanyao. Xiao Nanyao sat down at the guqin and gently plucked the strings, producing a clear and crisp sound. Although she wasn't very skilled, a satisfied smile graced her face.
"Young lady, you have great talent," the old man praised. "If you are interested, you can come and learn from me."
Xiao Nanyao's eyes lit up: "Really? Grandpa, I will definitely come."
After bidding farewell to the old man, Xiao Nanyao continued on her way. Before she knew it, she arrived at a temple. The temple gates were open, incense smoke swirled inside, and the sound of bells occasionally drifted out. Xiao Nanyao entered the temple and saw many people devoutly praying to Buddha. She followed their example, kneeling on a prayer mat, pressing her palms together, and silently praying.
"May the Nanzhao Kingdom enjoy favorable weather and abundant harvests, and may its people live in peace and prosperity," Xiao Nanyao murmured to herself.
As they left the temple, darkness gradually fell. Xiao Nanyao knew it was time to return to the palace. Although she felt a pang of reluctance, the day's experiences had been incredibly enriching. On the carriage ride back to the palace, Xiao Nanyao reflected on the day's events, a happy smile spreading across her face.
"Ling'er, today was so much fun!" Xiao Nanyao said excitedly. "The outside world is so wonderful, I want to go out again in the future."
Ling'er smiled and said, "Your Highness, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. However, next time you go out, please bring more guards, otherwise it will be too dangerous."
Xiao Nanyao nodded: "I understand. This trip allowed me to see the lives of the people and feel their joys and sorrows. I will work hard in the future so that the people of Nanzhao can live a happy life."
Back at the palace, Xiao Nanyao couldn't wait to go to the imperial study and tell Xiao Jingchuan everything that had happened that day. After listening, Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, "Yao'er, I'm very pleased that you have such thoughts. I hope you can go out more often in the future, understand the needs of the people, and become a good princess who cares about the people."
Xiao Nanyao said firmly, "Father, I will. I want to contribute my strength to the prosperity of Nanzhao Kingdom, just like you and my elder brother."
From then on, Xiao Nanyao frequently left the palace and ventured into the lives of ordinary people. She learned about their hardships and helped them solve practical problems. In this process, Xiao Nanyao not only broadened her horizons but also became more mature and confident. Through her actions, she won the love and respect of the people and became the pride of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
On a sunny day, Xiao Nanyao once again left the palace. This time, she was accompanied by a group of palace maids and guards to a village on the outskirts of the city. She saw farmers working hard in the fields, their clothes soaked with sweat. Xiao Nanyao stepped forward and asked with concern, "Uncle, how was the harvest this year?"
The farmer wiped his sweat and said with a smile, "Thanks to Her Highness the Princess, the weather has been favorable this year, and the harvest should be good."
Xiao Nanyao was delighted to hear this. She joined the palace maids in helping the farmers harvest vegetables, experiencing the joy of labor. Through this experience, Xiao Nanyao deeply understood the farmers' hardships and cherished her life even more.
"Your Highness, you are truly our good princess," an old woman said gratefully, holding Xiao Nanyao's hand.
Xiao Nanyao blushed and said, "Grandma, this is what I should do. If you have any difficulties in the future, you can come to me."
After returning from the village, Xiao Nanyao fell into deep thought. She realized that to ensure the people lived happy lives, her own efforts alone were insufficient; a series of policies needed to improve their living conditions were also required. Therefore, Xiao Nanyao began researching historical materials, consulting with court officials, and devising strategies for the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom.