Chapter 1474: Her Highness the Princess (20)

Tang Guo had already prepared a perfectly reasonable excuse. Whether it was the Emperor, the Empress, or even the ministers of the court, none of them would think there was anything improper about her moving into the Princess Manor.

In this era, unmarried women still faced prejudice.

She wished to retain her identity as a princess while freeing herself from the restrictions of worldly conventions. To do so, she needed to accomplish something extraordinary, something that would earn the gratitude of the people.

“What is it?”

At once, the curiosity of everyone present was thoroughly piqued.

“Recently, your daughter has been studying books concerning crops and consulting many records and ancient texts. I have discovered that grain production is far from encouraging. Even in years of abundant harvest, after setting aside food for consumption and paying taxes, there is only a modest surplus.”

The expressions of the Emperor and Tang Zhi immediately turned serious.

Northern Xia enjoyed peace and prosperity and was a powerful nation.

Compared to many other kingdoms, it was already doing very well.

But that “well” only meant that the common people had clothes to wear and enough food to eat.

As for genuine abundance and prosperity for all, that was still beyond reach.

“And when the rainy season comes, or drought strikes, crops are either flooded or completely destroyed.” Tang Guo wore a worried expression, causing the system to nearly laugh itself to death. Host, your acting just keeps getting better.

“I am merely a woman and cannot accomplish great deeds, but I still wish to try. Perhaps one day I can increase crop yields so that even the poor people of Northern Xia, those who suffer disaster year after year, will have enough to eat and enough to wear.”

Hearing those words, everyone present was moved with respect.

The Emperor was deeply shaken. He had never imagined his daughter would harbor such aspirations.

Wasn't that true?

What commoners cared about most was food and clothing, and crop yields were the constant concern of every ruler.

Ordinary times were manageable, but during disasters or wars, it was always the people who suffered.

When the people had nothing to eat, unrest would inevitably arise.

When soldiers had nothing to eat, they could not defend the borders.

After pondering for a while, the Emperor asked Tang Guo what ideas she currently had and where she intended to begin.

Tang Guo had long been prepared and selectively shared some mature ideas along with some that were still in development.

In the end, the Emperor agreed to let her move into the Princess Manor.

The Empress, however, looked somewhat troubled.

“Guo’er, if there is a talented young man you fancy, do tell your Father Emperor. If he is worthy, he can become your prince consort.”

At those words, Tang Guo put on a righteous expression.

“Mother, your daughter has no interest in a prince consort. Right now, I am only interested in crops. Compared to these matters, what is a mere prince consort worth?”

The system sighed inwardly. Yun Buxiu, you're finished.

Right now, Host only wants to help the people of Northern Xia increase grain production. She has no desire to pay any attention to you.

The Emperor burst out laughing.

“As expected of My good daughter. Guo’er's ambitions are lofty. What man in the world could possibly be worthy of her? Empress, there is no need to concern yourself. If Guo’er succeeds in what she intends, her name will be remembered throughout history. Compared to that, what is a mere prince consort?”

In the Emperor's heart, his daughter was no longer just a princess.

If she truly succeeded, her status would rise even higher.

How could the Eldest Princess, who might one day increase crop yields, be bound by matters of love and marriage?

Seeing the Emperor's expression, Tang Guo knew her goal had been achieved.

The Emperor trusted her completely.

After all, she was the Crown Prince’s biological younger sister.

As long as the siblings remained close and she showed no interest in affairs of state, there would never be any conflict between them.