Soft pillows are the most comfortable to sleep on, and Lu Ming's backyard had long since been fitted with these.
The reason they were being put up for sale this time was thanks to Zhang Chunhua's reminder.
Ever since the talk of women holding official positions, some women had become quite ambitious, diligently studying to learn to read and write, or learning weaving, filling their lives with activities.
There were many things that could be sold, and Lu Ming had also sent many items to support Zhang Chun.
However, some things couldn't be given away: horseshoes.
This was a secret; anything related to warhorses would not be given away.
This included steel; that was absolutely forbidden.
Mi Zhen was immediately filled with curiosity upon entering, constantly glancing at this and that.
Not only that, there were also underwear, perfume, and liquor.
Each item looked simple, but in reality, they were incredibly extravagant.
There shouldn't be any fruits at this time, but they appeared—what were they?
Moreover, the technology for making ice hadn't spread yet; ice was unavailable even in places like Xuzhou.
Each item, upon closer examination, revealed an astonishing existence, a potential source of immense business opportunities!
In a flash, Mi Zhen grabbed her brother Mi Fang, who was about to greet Zhang Chun, "Second brother, if possible, you must do your best to sell these things for the Mi family!"
Mi Fang was somewhat taken aback, but seeing his sister's expression, he nodded, "Okay."
Special seasonal vegetables might rot by the time they reached the Central Plains, but some that could be preserved for a long time were exceptions.
Large winter melons and Chinese cabbages, let alone anything else, could be transported to places like Luoyang or Yecheng and make a fortune.
The gathering lasted all day, from morning until afternoon.
Even for convenience, Zhang Chun, following Lu Ming's suggestion, adopted a buffet format, presenting it as a new type of dining experience.
Food was laid out on several tables; people helped themselves to what they wanted and then ate at the designated tables. There were no assigned seats, making it easy to chat.
While the buffet style was novel, it was somewhat unexpected and unacceptable to some.
However, most people were used to it. Merchants are the least particular; as long as there's profit, everything else is negligible.
Most of the merchants who came were backed by local powerful families and nobles, either as agents or as powerful figures themselves.
At the same time, Lu Ming was preparing to leave the city to check on the construction of the postpartum care center.
This was a promise he made. It would first take in the widows of fallen soldiers, allowing them to give birth without worry, and providing them with work after childbirth to support their families. Their children would also have priority in school enrollment.
Serving in the military elsewhere was a dead-end job; it was just selling one's life for money.
They often didn't know where their next meal would come from, and their pay was often deducted.
But things were different in Liangzhou. While military service there was tough—not only training but also rotating shifts for tasks like repairing bridges and roads, building houses, and so on—the benefits were excellent. Even if someone died in battle, their family would receive a pension.
Furthermore, the elderly and children were taken care of, which was very good.
In ancient times, there was no concept of retirement; people worked until they died. Therefore, there was no such thing as being idle; the only problem was a lack of work opportunities.
Collecting excrement, sweeping streets, carrying garbage—these dirty and strenuous jobs always needed to be done. So there was no shortage of work opportunities, only a lack of a well-organized plan.
"Governor, please wait. Lady Zhaohou is unwell and wishes to have you examine her," Wang Qing's personal maidservant approached, her expression extremely respectful, befitting a high-ranking official.
"I understand. Lead the way," Lu Ming said, halting his departure with a faint smile.
Although he was to marry Lin Daiyu and Jia Min the day after tomorrow, he continued his carefree and philandering ways, diligently gathering nectar from his many lovers.
In the room, Wang Qing lightly dressed, applying some rouge and powder.
Looking at herself in the glass mirror, a mirror a hundred times clearer than a bronze mirror!
Being able to see her own reflection was a wonderful thing.
It had many uses; she never imagined that one day she would use it to adorn herself, not for her husband, but for her son-in-law!
Wang Qing didn't choose to entertain Lu Ming at her son Liu Qi's residence, but instead went to Lu Ming's residence, using his house to conceal her adultery.
She had struggled for the past two days, but finally decided to agree to Lu Ming's advances. She'd consider it a dog bite; she was over fifty, being taken advantage of was no big deal.
"You wait outside. Don't let anyone near. This governor never lets anyone see him during medical treatment." Lu Ming shooed Wang Qing's maids into the courtyard; he was already impatient.
The Lady of Zhaohou!
Heh heh, Zhaohou had indeed been kind to him, but it wasn't for nothing. He had repaid his debt of gratitude. Without him, Zhaohou's son would be a lazy bum, never able to do anything properly.
Entering the room, Wang Qing was already sitting on the edge of the bed. Her fair, oval face framed a pair of beautiful eyes. A few crow's feet at the corners of her eyes couldn't hide the vicissitudes of time, and her slightly thin body gave her a graceful air.
Lu Ming stroked his chin and let out a lewd laugh.
Wang Qing closed her eyes, saying helplessly, "Anmin, remember, this is all for Feng Ren. I can promise you, and I hope you can do what you say."
Lu Ming put his arm around her waist, feeling the once unapproachable noblewoman trembling in his arms. This feeling of using power to coerce her was simply too wonderful!
"Of course, my good mother-in-law, this is between you and me. A moment of passion is worth a thousand pieces of gold, come on, my darling!"
"Mmm!" Wang Qing's lips were captured by a kiss, and before she could resist, she was pushed onto the bed.
Lu Ming pushed her onto the other side of the bed, his large hands skillfully roaming over her body, while his tongue darted into her mouth, teasing her tongue, sending a tingling, unbearable sensation spreading through her.
Her long-unused vagina began to overflow with lustful fluid; the mature woman's body uncontrollably became wet, preparing for mating!