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Chapter 177: The Wonders of Charcoal
Chapter 177: The Wonders of Charcoal
Marquis Huogu wasn't entirely sure if the charcoal was indeed Suisui's doing.
So, he intended to ask.
Not wanting to worry Queen Qi any further, Marquis Huogu decided to explain the matter of charcoal in detail.
Although Queen Qi was oblivious to the struggles of the common folk, she understood that if affordable charcoal was available, many people would no longer have to endure the bitter cold during winter.
Thus, upon hearing Marquis Huogu's words, Queen Qi's heart was filled with concern. Yet, she still instructed Autumn Auntie to call for Suisui.
At that moment, Suisui was chasing after insects in the fields with Song Kuan.
Wherever Song Kuan stepped, the insects perished, and Suisui followed behind, clapping enthusiastically.
The little girl had learned to cheer and hype up the atmosphere.
Trailing behind Song Kuan, she praised incessantly, "Big brother Song Kuan, you're so amazing!"
"Wow, you managed to step on that one too! Song Kuan, you're incredible!"
...
Suisui's praises, though repetitive, consisted of just those few words.
However, it was rare for Song Kuan to receive such accolades, especially from Suisui, whom he adored.
So, with renewed vigor, he chased after the insects, determined to catch them all.
The two children ran until they were covered in sweat, and Zhou, fearing that the spring breeze might cause them to fall ill, repeatedly urged her attendants to keep a close eye on them.
It was then that Autumn Auntie arrived.
Noticing that the two children were having a delightful time, Autumn Auntie smiled reassuringly and first updated Zhou on the situation.
Although Zhou was perplexed as to why Marquis Huogu would summon a young child like Suisui, she thought that if more people could come to adore Suisui, her days in the capital would become more pleasant. With this in mind, Zhou smiled and called out to Song Kuan.
Song Kuan obediently stopped, and Suisui quietly followed suit.
Suisui took a handkerchief from Autumn Auntie and meticulously wiped the sweat from her face. She even removed her little hat to ensure that her head was thoroughly dried, not wanting any remaining sweat to cause her to fall ill from the spring breeze. Only then did she put her hat back on.
Unaware of who she was about to meet, Suisui obediently allowed Autumn Auntie to lead her by the hand.
Zhou contemplated for a moment and decided not to follow immediately. Instead, she signaled for Song Kuan to continue playing while she sat aside and observed the young monk apprentices gathering wild vegetables.
Indeed, seeing them bent over and digging in the fields, Zhou felt a tinge of excitement within her.
Humans are always filled with curiosity and longing for things they have not experienced before.
Zhou thought, "Perhaps this afternoon, I'll try to communicate with Queen Qi, and the two of us can take the children up the mountain?"
As Autumn Auntie escorted Suisui to meet Marquis Huogu, she also took the opportunity to tidy up the little girl's appearance.
Only after confirming that Suisui presented herself respectfully did Autumn Auntie bring her to Queen Qi's side.
Upon laying eyes on Suisui, Marquis Huogu's eyes lit up with joy.
Not wanting to startle the child, Marquis Huogu struggled to force a smile.
Usually, he was quite fond of smiling, and he greeted everyone with a beaming grin, appearing carefree and jovial, especially with the presence of his grandchildren in the mansion.
Thus, when Marquis Huogu smiled, it exuded a sense of benevolence.
At the very least, Suisui perceived it warmly and greeted him politely, "Hello, Uncle."
Marquis Huogu replied with a smile, "Hello, Suisui. I'm Uncle Su. Do you remember me, Suisui?"
Having met not long ago and knowing that he adored her charcoal, Suisui naturally remembered. Thus, she nodded, "Suisui remembers."
Hearing the little girl affirm that she remembered, Marquis Huogu's eyes narrowed with delight.
He glanced at Queen Qi, and seeing that she didn't seem opposed, Marquis Huogu cautiously asked, "Suisui, do you remember the charcoal you gave to Uncle before?"
Suisui did remember, so she nodded obediently once more.
Marquis Huogu quickly followed up with another question, "Then, does Suisui know which pieces of charcoal in there are the best?
Upon hearing this question, Queen Qi's eyebrows furrowed imperceptibly, but Suisui eagerly raised her hand. "I know, I know! The best ratio is three parts charcoal to seven parts clay!"
Several days had passed since the charcoal incident, and Suisui had forgotten many of the details. However, she still remembered the ratios because they had repeatedly appeared in her dreams.
Marquis Huogu asked about the ratios, and Suisui proudly provided the answer. She believed she was very intelligent and had a good memory. Even if asked again a month later, she would still remember!
Seeing the little girl's proud expression, Marquis Huogu felt a warmth in his heart.
The ratio they had analyzed—a mixture of three parts charcoal to seven parts clay—produced the most efficient burn, resulting in a thorough and long-lasting fire. Furthermore, they had also seemingly discovered the purpose of the holes in the briquettes.
No one had considered this aspect before, but now it seemed like a brilliant idea.
Marquis Huogu had no intention of investigating how Suisui knew these ratios. However, he thought that since it was the child's idea, the Ministry of Industry should also report it. Credit should be given where it was due.
If it were Suisui's idea, then it belonged to her, and others should not take credit for it.
He stood there, ready to advocate for her. Although his official rank was low, his mother held a high position.
If anyone dared to try and steal credit, they would have to deal with him reporting them to his mother!
Yes, he was that kind of tattletale!
Since they needed to report and request recognition for this achievement, Marquis Huogu wanted to clarify the source of the idea. If the credit belonged to someone else, he intended to make sure they were also acknowledged.
Of course, Suisui wouldn't forget to include them either.
With these thoughts in mind, Marquis Huogu glanced at Queen Qi and hesitated before asking, "May I ask how Suisui came to know this information?"
As soon as this question was asked, Queen Qi's heart skipped a beat.
Suisui's past was simple and straightforward. She hadn't even left her village before.
So, how could she possibly know such things?
Queen Qi thought about Little Six's close call with death, Suisui's arrival at the manor, the bustling production in the village, the cherry tree that had turned entirely red overnight, and the disaster that the Grand Princess and her entourage had avoided...
With these thoughts racing through her mind, Queen Qi's heart pounded rapidly.
She wanted to refuse Marquis Huogu's inquiry, but she couldn't find a valid reason.
Moreover, this was an achievement, and she didn't want others to take credit for it. If Suisui were to gain the Emperor's favor because of this...
The young girl would have more confidence in the future.
As these thoughts ran through Queen Qi's mind, she felt like two ropes were tangling and fighting within her.
One rope said: "Qi Wangfu is capable of protecting a child, and we don't need anyone else's help."
The other rope argued: "But it's still better to have our own achievements rather than rely on others. While Qi Wangfu can protect her, doesn't Suisui also deserve her own unique glory? If I refuse now and she finds out when she's older, won't she be heartbroken? Even if my intention as her mother is to protect her, she will still be sad when she learns the truth."
Queen Qi's internal conflict didn't last long as Suisui piped up, "My sister told me!"
Before Marquis Huogu could ask, Suisui took the initiative to provide an answer.
Hearing Suisui's response, Queen Qi's heart settled, and she felt relieved.
She thought, "I'll face whatever comes my way. If there's a problem, I'll deal with it. If I hesitate and waver in every decision, how can I protect my child in the future?"
Having made up her mind, Queen Qi nodded to Marquis Huogu and said, "Suisui is eager to answer, so please ask her, Marquis."
(End of Chapter)
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