Lady Li replied, "The second sister-in-law personally packed, brought everything that could be taken, and filled four large carts with luggage. Not to mention food and supplies, even brought plenty of charcoal."
Zhulan knew well that this errand was hard on Ming Rui. If it weren't for the urgency of the task, she would have wanted her grandson to leave in the spring next year, but the children couldn't wait now that winter had arrived.
This time, the inspection was accompanied by the silver note and provisions sent by the Empress Dowager on behalf of the Emperor to the orphans in each state. These children awaited silver and sustenance to survive the difficult winter days.
Zhulan thought of wool and asked, "Can the children in the village weave yet?"
Lady Li took a few seconds to respond, "The children have already been taught, but what they weave is prickly to wear. The children are trying to find a solution."
Zhulan asked, "Hasn't Wu Ming thought of a way?"
