Such a Big Appetite

Hearing Edward say this, Lily Evans looked at the room full of foreign books and calmed herself down.

The enormous task of translating these books was not something she and Edward could accomplish alone.

Besides, without a complete educational system, just reading books wouldn't be enough—aside from Lily, no one here could understand them.

Feeling a bit defeated, Lily nodded to Edward, "Sigh, I got carried away for a moment. It's fine, Edward, go get some rest. In a month, once the next batch of porcelain, silk, and tea is purchased, you'll be setting sail again."

Edward burst out laughing, visibly excited. He patted his pocket and said, "Mistress, I wish I could spend the whole year at sea! Last time, you paid me so well that I built a big house for my family back home, and now they live a prosperous, dignified life. I hope to keep working with you, Mistress—the more business, the better!"

Edward eagerly began talking about his family. He had two daughters and two sons. Last time, Edward brought some fascinating Jin Dynasty trinkets for his children, and they were all very interested in the Jin Dynasty. If it weren’t for Edward’s wife holding them back, the kids would’ve wanted to come to the Jin Dynasty with their father.

Lily laughed and said, "If the opportunity arises, when your children are older, let them come visit the Jin Dynasty."

"Absolutely! In the future, I hope my sons and daughters will take over my work and join Mistress in overseas trade," Edward said happily. "Back home, I asked an old friend who speaks Chinese to teach my kids the language. In a few years, when they’ve learned Chinese and grown up, they can join me in making big money!"

Lily smiled, "By then, our fleet will surely be much bigger. There’ll definitely be a place for them."

After chatting for a while, Edward went to rest, and Lily picked up a book and returned to her room.

At dusk, Alexander Hayes returned, looking troubled. Seeing him, Lily Evans quickly grabbed a handkerchief to help him freshen up and asked what had happened.

Alexander sighed, "At court this morning, I tried to mention those overseas nations. But His Majesty and all the ministers treat foreigners as uncivilized savages, thinking they eat raw meat and drink blood. They see themselves as the superior Heavenly Dynasty, looking down on everyone else. This mindset is deeply ingrained and hard to change."

Lily Evans sighed as well; she had long expected this outcome.

"Getting others to accept these ideas won't happen overnight, Your Highness. Don’t be anxious," Lily said.

Alexander nodded, washed his hands and face, then asked, "How are preparations for selling the spices going?"

Lily Evans smiled, "Mark Hunter and Cynthia Wu have almost everything ready. I also had someone spread the word at Suxin Pavilion—once Princess Mira hears about it, she’ll definitely take the bait."

"Oh? Did you come up with a clever plan to deal with Princess Mira this time?" Alexander asked curiously.

Leaning against Alexander’s shoulder, Lily said, "Prince Ling’s betrothal gifts have already reached Princess Mira, and she brought plenty of dowry herself. Those two used to offend me, but now they’re holding two juicy pieces of meat—just watch how I snatch them for myself!"

"Prince Ling’s gifts plus Princess Mira’s dowry—that’s a huge sum. My wife’s appetite is impressive," Alexander laughed, hugging Lily. "If this keeps up, I really will be living off you!"