Chapter 273: Dreams of the Imperial College and Soap
"Then I won’t stand on ceremony." Zhao Yao pondered in his heart, planning to visit the Li Family more often in the future to build a good relationship with them, so it would be easier to borrow books. "By the way, I haven’t been to the Imperial College yet. Fourth Brother, if you have time in the future, take me to see the Imperial College." The Imperial College was full of talent, and he had to visit more often to find some talents to use for his purposes.
"Alright, when I have time, I’ll take you to see the Imperial College." The Fourth Prince visited the Imperial College a few times every year, and he really liked the ambiance of studying there. Actually, compared to studying in the Wende Hall, he preferred to study at the Imperial College.
"It’s settled then."
Speaking of the Imperial College, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and the Junior Minister discussed with Zhao Yao about some interesting things in the Imperial College and some talented scholars.
Zhao Yao listened very intently. After hearing the stories, he was even more eager to visit the Imperial College.
After finishing lunch, Zhao Yao didn’t linger long at the Lanyuan Pavilion and returned to the Kunde Hall. As soon as he got back to the Kunde Hall, he saw Yu Meiren washing the head of the Fifth Princess.
"Second Mother Consort, why are you washing your hair at noon?"
"Today’s weather is a bit hot. If we wash our hair at noon, it dries quickly in the sun," Yu Meiren said to Zhao Yao while washing the Fifth Princess’s hair, "Yao Yao, let Second Mother Consort wash it for you too."
"Second Mother Consort, in a while, I have to go to the martial arts arena to practice riding and archery, so let’s skip it."
"Then I’ll wash it for you tomorrow."
"I’m off duty tomorrow and plan to leave the palace for some fun."
The Fifth Princess, upon hearing that Zhao Yao was going out to play tomorrow, quickly said, "Tenth Brother, I’ll go out with you tomorrow."
Yu Meiren pinched the back of the Fifth Princess’s neck, "You behave and stay in the palace."
"Fifth Sister, even if I’m willing to take you out of the palace, Father wouldn’t agree to let you leave." Compared to Fifth Sister and the others, Zhao Yao felt it was better to be a prince because, at least, when the prince was off duty, he could leave the palace, whereas the princesses could not. "Second Mother Consort, do you have anything you’d like me to take to Fifth Sister’s maternal grandparents?"
"Yes, I’ve already prepared it. Tomorrow, I’ll trouble you to deliver it for me." Yu Meiren’s family was in the capital, but unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to see them even once after entering the palace for so many years.
"I’ll deliver it as soon as I leave the palace tomorrow."
The Fifth Princess spoke with a tone full of envy, "I also want to leave the palace to visit the maternal family."
"Fifth Sister, then you should ask Father. As long as Father agrees, I’ll take you out of the palace."
"I don’t dare." Even if she had a hundred times the courage, the Fifth Princess wouldn’t dare to plead with the Emperor. "Tenth Brother, you go plead with Father for me."
"I won’t go." Zhao Yao pouted and said, "If I go see Father, he might make trouble and not let me leave the palace, and even test me on my studies." Now that he had the token, he could leave the palace whenever he wanted without reporting to the annoying Father. "Fifth Sister, you should go yourself."
The Fifth Princess gave an unhappy hum.
At this moment, Yu Meiren brought another basin filled with petal-laden warm water and gently poured it over the Fifth Princess’s head.
Washing hair with petal water could make it fragrant. This was how people in the palace washed their hair.
After helping the Fifth Princess wrap her hair, Yu Meiren gently and meticulously washed her face.
Zhao Yao watched for a while and felt bored, so he went to find Liang Zhaoyi. He informed her about going to the Li Family tomorrow night and staying overnight there.
Liang Zhaoyi told him to prepare some gifts before visiting the Li Family, as it would be too impolite to show up empty-handed.
"Alright, I’ll help you prepare now, and you can take them to the Li Family tomorrow."
"Mother Consort, there’s no need." Zhao Yao touched his nose and said, "If you prepare the gifts, it would seem too formal, which might not be good."
"You’re right. Then you buy the gifts yourself." Liang Zhaoyi knew this trip was related to Liang Run and their forthcoming journey to Wusun, and reminded, "Tell your second uncle and the others to prepare well before departure."
"Okay."
Liang Zhaoyi instructed a few more things, and Zhao Yao listened diligently.
In the courtyard, after Yu Meiren finished washing the Fifth Princess’s hair, she started washing Pan Cairen’s hair. Seeing this scene, a flash of inspiration struck Zhao Yao’s mind, and he exclaimed in his heart, "Soap!"
He thought of what to give Mother Consort as a birthday gift. He could make soap for Mother Consort.
Soap could be used for washing the face, hair, and bathing.
After leaving the palace tomorrow, he could make it at Second Uncle’s house and bring it back to the palace to give to Mother Consort. She would definitely be thrilled.
Seeing Zhao Yao’s excited expression, Liang Zhaoyi curiously asked, "What are you thinking about?"
"Mother Consort, I’ve thought of what to give you as a birthday gift." Zhao Yao grinned and said, "Just wait and see."
"Is that so? Then I’ll wait."
"Mother Consort, it will surely surprise you greatly." Wait, after making the soap, it could be used to make money. The Great Zhou didn’t have soap, and once it was created, it would be astonishing. This could be a massive business opportunity. If Second Uncle takes up the venture, it could definitely draw attention, this...
No matter what, he would make it as a gift for Mother Consort first, then discuss with her whether to use it for business.
Making soap didn’t seem too difficult; it could be made with lard, though it also required lye made from plants. Tomorrow, he’d have Second Uncle prepare the lard and lye.
Fortunately, the dream-filled Zhao Yao had read extensively, learning many things.