From cute to empress

Chapter 262 Pastoral Hymn

In the golden autumn of October, the cool autumn wind brings coolness. The originally green rice fields have now turned golden. The heavy rice ears are bent and shining with golden light in the sun. The air is filled with the joy of harvest.

"Mengmeng, look!" Zhen Youcai excitedly shouted, pointing to the endless golden wheat fields in the distance. "This year's harvest is several times better than in previous years! The people all say it's all thanks to you!"

I followed his gaze, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. Looking out, the fields were bustling with people. Farmers, their faces beaming with joy, were wielding sickles, diligently harvesting the crops. The golden waves of wheat, like a golden ocean, rolled and surged in the autumn wind, playing a hymn to the harvest.

"Let's go and take a look." I took Zhen Youcai's hand, and couldn't wait to feel this joy up close.

On the ridge of the field, Mr. Tian, ​​an old farmer, was smiling and directing the villagers to harvest and transport the grain. When he saw us, he quickly put down his work and greeted us warmly.

"Your Majesty, General, you are here!" Tian Lao Nong's dark face was full of joy. "This year's harvest is really great, thanks to the new technology you promoted!"

I smiled and nodded, looking at the mountains of grain in the fields, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I've put in so much effort and encountered so much resistance to promote new agricultural techniques, but seeing the bountiful harvest today makes it all worth it.

"Uncle Tian, ​​all this is thanks to you!" I shook Mr. Tian's rough hand and said sincerely, "You are the first person to support new technologies, and you are also the one who studies and promotes new technologies most attentively. You are our role model!"

"Your Majesty, you are too kind!" Old Farmer Tian scratched his head a little embarrassedly, "I just did what I should do, all for the sake of making sure everyone has enough to eat!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the doctor of agronomy beside him exclaimed with emotion. "I've studied agricultural technology for many years, but I've never seen such high yields. This is not only a triumph of technology, but also the result of your wise leadership and the concerted efforts of the people!"

I looked around and saw the smiling faces filled with happiness, and my heart was filled with emotion.

"Look, Youcai," I said to Zhen Youcai, pointing to Farmer C working in the fields not far away. "She's become a skilled planter in the village and is even helping other villagers learn new techniques!"

Zhen Youcai followed my gaze and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

"Yes, Mengmeng, you have given so much to this country and the people..." Zhen Youcai looked at me affectionately, his eyes full of love and admiration.

As the sun sets, the sunset dyes half the sky red. We stroll along the ridges of the fields, feeling the joy of the harvest and our hearts filled with hope.

"Mengmeng, I have an idea..." Zhen Youcai suddenly stopped, turned to look at me, with a gleam in his eyes.

"What idea?" I asked curiously.

"I think..." Zhen Youcai paused, then continued, "We should reward those who have contributed to agricultural development, especially..."

"Especially people like Mr. Tian and the agronomy doctor who work tirelessly for the benefit of the people!" Zhen Youcai said solemnly, his eyes firm and clear.

I nodded in agreement. "You're right! They are the pillars of the country and the benefactors of the people. They deserve the highest honor!"

The next day, I ordered a banquet in the palace to honor all those who have contributed to agricultural development. Mr. Tian and the agronomist were seated closest to me. I personally filled their glasses with fine wine and raised them in a toast: "Mr. Tian, ​​you have diligently cultivated the land for decades, dedicating your entire life's work to this land. You are a role model for all farmers! Mr. Agronomist, you have devoted your research and braved all the hardships to finally cultivate high-yield crops, solving the problem of food and clothing for the people. You are a national hero!"

Mr. Tian and the agronomy doctor were flattered and quickly stood up to take the wine glasses, speaking incoherently with excitement.

"Your Majesty... I am... How could I have the ability to..."

"Your Majesty... This is what I should do..."

Seeing their excited expressions, I was filled with joy and gratitude. I knew that the real reward was not gold, silver, or treasures, but the recognition from the people and the country.

After the banquet, businessman A came to thank me. He was dressed in fine clothes, looked energetic, and his face was filled with joy.

"Your Majesty, thanks to you, this year's grain production has increased several times, and my business is booming!" Merchant A said excitedly, "You are truly our benefactor!"

I smiled and said, "Mr. Rich Businessman A, you should thank yourself too. It was you who keenly saw the opportunity for agricultural development and invested heavily, which led to our current success."

"Your Majesty is right, that's right," said Merchant A, nodding repeatedly. "Without your wise leadership and new agricultural technology, we wouldn't be able to make any money, no matter how much we have!"

I had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. A. I was impressed by his business acumen and his contribution to the national economy.

After seeing off Merchant A, my personal maid Xiaotao walked in and said, "Your Majesty, County Magistrate B requests an audience."

I was slightly startled. County Magistrate B? What was he doing here...

"Xuan." I said lightly, but I felt a little confused.

Magistrate B arrived soon after. He looked much more energetic than before, his face filled with unconcealed joy. Upon seeing me, he immediately knelt and saluted, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the Emperor!"

"Please stand up quickly, County Magistrate B." I gestured for him to stand up. "I wonder what important matter has brought County Magistrate B to the palace today?"

"Your Majesty," Magistrate B replied respectfully, "I have come to the palace to express my gratitude and to announce the good news!"

I motioned for him to continue.

"Thanks to your Majesty's great blessing, our county has enjoyed favorable weather and a bumper harvest of grain this year, and the people are living and working in peace and contentment. This is all the result of your Majesty's wise leadership!" County Magistrate B said excitedly, "I have failed to govern the local area well, but thanks to your Majesty's new agricultural policies, the people's lives are getting better and better! I am deeply grateful and have come here specially to express my gratitude!" As he spoke, he was about to kneel down again.

I quickly stopped him. "No need to be so polite, County Magistrate B. I'm deeply pleased that you've been able to implement the new agricultural policy and achieve such remarkable results. This is all the result of your diligence and love for the people. You deserve the greatest credit!"

County Magistrate B listened to my words, his face filled with emotion and gratitude. He pulled out a memorial from his pocket and presented it with both hands. "Your Majesty, this is my humble summary of the experiences and problems encountered in the implementation of the new agricultural policy at the local level. Please review it."

I took the memorial and carefully read it. Magistrate B's handwriting was neat and detailed, showing his care. I couldn't help but look at him with new eyes. It seemed that Magistrate B was not only diligent in his work and caring for his people, but also thoughtful and considerate, which was truly rare.

"County Magistrate B, you've worked hard. This memorial is well written, and I'll take a good look at it." I put it aside and said with a smile, "You've done practical things for the people and made great contributions to the court. I will definitely reward you!"

When County Magistrate B heard what I said, tears welled up in his eyes. "It is my humble honor to be able to share your majesty's worries!"

After seeing off County Magistrate B, Xiao Tao suddenly ran in hurriedly, "Your Majesty, a group of people have come outside the palace. They want to see you. Look..."

I was slightly stunned. "People? Why did they want to see me?"

Xiao Tao shook her head. "I don't know either. They just said they wanted to thank His Majesty in person."

My heart moved, and I vaguely guessed something, "Let's go and take a look."

As soon as he reached the palace gate, he heard deafening cheers, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! Long live Your Majesty!"

Outside the palace gate, a large crowd of people knelt, holding a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in their hands, their faces filled with happy smiles. Leading the group was a kind peasant woman, holding a huge basket filled with red apples.

"I, Farmer Woman C, bow to Your Majesty!" Farmer Woman C cried excitedly. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for bestowing upon us new grain varieties and farming methods, which have enabled us to achieve an unprecedented harvest! This year, not only are we well fed, but we've also saved a considerable amount of food. This is all thanks to Your Majesty's grace!"

"Yes, yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Other people also echoed.

Looking at this group of simple and kind people in front of me, a warm feeling welled up in my heart. I gestured for them to stand up, "Fellow villagers, please stand up quickly. If you can have enough food and clothing and live a good life, it will be the greatest comfort to me."

Peasant Woman C stood up, walked to me, and held the basket high in her hand. "Your Majesty, this is a small gift from us. Please accept it!"

I took the basket with a smile, "Okay, I'll take it, thank you!"

Farmer C and other people all had gratified smiles on their faces. They spontaneously held a simple yet grand thanksgiving ceremony for Zhen Youcai and me, with singing and dancing, and it was very lively.

Watching the jubilant scene before me, I turned to look at Zhen Youcai standing beside me. His eyes were filled with a smile as he gently took my hand... As night fell, the palace was shrouded in a hushed silence. Hand in hand, Zhen Youcai and I strolled along the bluestone paths of the Imperial Garden. Moonlight poured down like silver, casting a soft glow over the flowers, plants, and trees.

"Youcai, I feel extremely gratified to see how the people are living now." I leaned lightly on his shoulder and said softly.

"Yes, Mengmeng, we have experienced too many ups and downs along the way, but seeing the grand scene today, everything is worth it." Zhen Youcai looked at me affectionately, his eyes full of tenderness.

"I still remember when you pushed forward the new agricultural policy despite the pressure. The ministers in the court tried every means to obstruct it, and even I had my doubts." I recalled the scene, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "But you always believed that as long as you persevered, you would be able to change the status quo."

"Because I believe in you, Mengmeng." Zhen Youcai squeezed my hand. "I trust your judgment, and even more so your ability. Facts have proven that we succeeded."

"No, we succeeded together," I corrected. "Without your support and encouragement, without the joint efforts of Mr. Tian, ​​the agronomy doctor, and the officials and people who supported the new agricultural policy, we would not have achieved what we have today."

"Mengmeng, you are always so modest." Zhen Youcai scratched my nose lovingly, "But I know that you are the hero behind all this."

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore." I changed the subject. "What did you think of today's song and dance performance?"

"The people's heartfelt joy is far more moving than any carefully choreographed song and dance," Zhen Youcai said with emotion. "I seem to be seeing a more prosperous future."

"Yes, I believe that with our joint efforts, people's lives will get better and better." I said firmly.

We stopped and stood hugging each other, letting the moonlight make our figures look especially slender.

"Mengmeng, no matter how many storms the future holds, I will always be by your side, working hand in hand with you to create a better life for the people." Zhen Youcai whispered a promise in my ear.

"I believe you, Youcai." I raised my head and kissed him lightly on the lips.

In the distance, there were bursts of cheerful gongs and drums and laughter...