"Princess Changyu is spending her own money, and only through transactions can items become commodities," Manbao said. "When Princess Changyu has a meal, the restaurant earns money, the chef and the staff earn money, the farmers who grow the vegetables and the people who raise chickens and ducks all earn money. These people are common people; have they not benefited?"
The emperor nodded repeatedly.
Manbao continued, "However, it is also right for Your Majesty and the Queen to recommend thriftiness and to reject luxury. What should be rejected is roasted bear paws, colorful silk garments, and wearing jade worth a thousand gold. When the nobility acquire items at prices lower than their value, that is competing with the people for interests. But what Princess Changyu enjoys are merely foods that wealthy households can also afford; how is that luxurious? Let alone competing with the people."
