From cute to empress

Chapter 255: Pushing for Soil Improvement

"Sir, what do you think? If we can improve the soil, can we make crops more resistant to waterlogging?" I stared at the doctor of agronomy, my eyes full of hope.

The doctor of agronomy pushed his glasses, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Improving the soil can indeed enhance the resistance of crops to waterlogging. However..." He looked embarrassed. "The soil improvement method I previously researched requires a huge investment of manpower and resources, and the national treasury is currently empty..."

"Don't worry, sir," I interrupted. "I'll figure out the money. Now, tell me, how can we improve the soil?"

Seeing my resolute attitude, the agronomist gave up and explained his improvement plan in detail. It turned out that he had discovered a special mineral powder that could be mixed into the soil to enhance its drainage and air permeability, thereby improving the crops' ability to withstand waterlogging.

After listening to the agronomy doctor's explanation, a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. I immediately called Mr. Tian, ​​told him the agronomy doctor's plan, and asked for his opinion.

After listening to this, Mr. Tian pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, although I don't know anything about soil improvement, I know that as long as it can keep the crops alive, any method is worth a try! But where does this mineral powder come from? And how should it be used?"

"Sir, this mineral powder..." I turned to look at the doctor of agronomy.

"Your Majesty, this kind of ore is quite common in the northwest of our country and it is not difficult to mine. As for the method of use, I have compiled it into a book. With just a little training, I can guide the people in its use." The doctor of agronomy replied.

"Alright!" I slammed the table. "Without further delay, I'll issue an order immediately. Send people to the northwest to mine ore. At the same time, sir, please start training personnel as soon as possible and guide the people in improving the soil!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Doctor of Agronomy and Mr. Tian responded in unison.

For the next few days, I spent almost every day in the fields, researching soil improvement techniques with a doctor of agronomy and guiding local residents in using mineral powder to repair damaged farmland. Mr. Tian also led the young and middle-aged villagers, working day and night to dig ditches to drain water, transport mineral powder, and rebuild their homes.

Watching the people busy at work, I was deeply moved. Though the torrential rain was merciless, the warmth of human kindness warmed the heart. I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will overcome the current difficulties and rebuild our beautiful home!

"Your Majesty, look who's coming over there?" Old Man Tian said, pointing to a group of people in the distance.

I looked in his direction and saw a group of people walking towards us, led by none other than Rich Businessman A. Wasn't he the one who had refused to invest a few days ago, claiming it was "too risky"? I wondered what brought him here today.

"Your Majesty!" Merchant A walked up to me and bowed respectfully. I nodded slightly, motioned for him to stand, and asked, "I wonder what brings you here today, Mr.

He rubbed his hands together, a smile plastered across his face, a stark contrast to the arrogant attitude he had displayed a few days ago. "Your Majesty, I heard you're promoting a new soil improvement method, so I came here to take a look." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the busy figures in the fields and the rice seedlings that were beginning to show signs of life. A subtle flash of surprise crossed his eyes. "It seems this new method is really working!"

I naturally understood his hidden meaning, but I didn't point it out. I just smiled faintly and said, "You are too kind, Mr. Rich. It will take time to prove whether this new method is truly effective. However, I believe that as long as the people work together, no difficulty can stop our progress."

Rich Merchant A heard the hidden meaning in my words, chuckled twice, and said quickly, "Your Majesty is right, that's right! I came here this time, not only to see the effects of this new method with my own eyes, but also to ask for a favor."

"Oh? Please speak, rich businessman."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to invest and support you in promoting new soil improvement methods!" Merchant A gritted his teeth, as if making a major decision. "Your Majesty, I believe that under your wise leadership, we will be able to overcome this difficult situation and rebuild our homeland!"

I was secretly delighted, but I kept my composure. I simply said, "I'm very pleased that the wealthy businessman has such a heart. However, I hope he truly wants to help the people, and not for other purposes."

Upon hearing this, Rich Merchant A quickly patted his chest and assured, "Your Majesty, I have no second thoughts! I simply... I was deeply moved by the efforts Your Majesty and the people have made to rebuild their homes, so I decided to do my part."

I gave him a deep look and said nothing more. How could I not know his little tricks? He simply saw the new method as profitable and wanted a piece of the pie. However, as long as he could sincerely help the people, I didn't care too much about his little tricks.

At this moment, a guard came over quickly and presented a letter with both hands: "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

I took the letter, opened it quickly, read through it quickly, and a relieved smile immediately appeared on my face.

"What's wrong? Is there good news from Youcai?" Mr. Tian asked anxiously.

I smiled and nodded. "Youcai has sent good news. He has successfully repelled the enemy and stabilized the situation on the border."

"That's great!" Mr. Tian was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. "I knew that Youcai would not let us down!"

Rich Merchant A also echoed, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! General Zhen is indeed a young talent. With him guarding the border, Your Majesty can rest easy!"

I handed the letter to the guard beside me and said loudly, "Convey my decree to commend Zhen Youcai and his officers! When he returns triumphantly, I will personally host a banquet in his honor!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" everyone responded in unison.

I gazed at the sunset, my heart filled with hope. The news of Youcai's victory undoubtedly gave me peace of mind. Now that the internal and external troubles had been resolved, I could focus all my energy on promoting my new soil improvement method and leading the people in rebuilding their homes!

"Your Majesty," the previously silent County Magistrate B suddenly spoke up, "Regarding the promotion of the new method..."

I raised my eyebrows slightly, looking at the county magistrate, who hadn't yet made a clear statement. He looked hesitant, hesitant to speak. I gestured for him to continue. He took a deep breath and then slowly said, "Your Majesty, I don't intend to hinder the promotion of this new law. It's just that this new law is unprecedented, and its effectiveness will take time to verify. Now that the border war has just been settled, there's a lot of work to be done, and the treasury is empty. If we invest limited resources in this new law with an unknown outcome, what if it fails..."

"Are you worried about the risk of failure, magistrate?" I continued, my tone steady but revealing an undeniable resolve. "But if we don't try, we'll never know the outcome. We've already lost our home. Should we give up the chance to rebuild it just because we're afraid of failure?"

County Magistrate B fell silent. I swept my gaze over the people present. The farmers who had been shaken by County Magistrate B's words now raised their heads, and the light of hope rekindled in their eyes.

"I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and rebuild our home!" I said in a firm and resounding voice.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Everyone shouted in unison, the sound reaching the sky and echoing for a long time.

In the days that followed, Mr. Tian, ​​the agronomy doctor, and I, along with the enthusiastic farmers, devoted ourselves to promoting and implementing the new method. We worked tirelessly, from dawn to dusk, braving the scorching sun and rain. Hard work pays off, and thanks to our combined efforts, the improved soils are now bursting with vitality.

The seeds that were planted broke through the soil at a speed visible to the naked eye, and sprouted into tender green seedlings. Looking at the seedlings swaying in the breeze, the farmers all showed gratified smiles on their faces.

"Your Majesty, you are truly amazing! This new method is much better than the old method passed down from generation to generation!" Old Mr. Tian looked at the green rice fields in front of him and burst into tears with excitement.

I smiled and patted his shoulder, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I knew this wasn't just the success of the new method, but the result of everyone's joint efforts.

"Your Majesty, look!" A peasant woman suddenly pointed at a rice seedling on the edge of the field and exclaimed, "Isn't this rice seedling taller than the others?"

I walked closer and saw that it was just as she said. The rice seedling was much taller than the surrounding rice seedlings, and its stems were thick, its leaves were emerald green, and it was growing very well.

"What's going on?" I wondered and turned to look at the doctor of agronomy.

The doctor of agronomy observed it carefully and showed a look of surprise on his face: "Your Majesty, this is a mutant rice seed! Its yield and disease resistance far exceed those of ordinary rice seeds!"

I was shocked. Could this be the unexpected surprise brought by the new method?

"Great! It's really great!" The farmers cheered and ran around to tell each other.

Looking at this promising field before me, my heart is filled with joy and anticipation. I believe that as long as we persevere, we will be able to rebuild our homeland and create a better future!

At this moment, a guard hurried over. His face was pale, and he held a letter tightly in his hand. "Your Majesty... Urgent news from the border..."

My smile froze, my heart sinking. Urgent news from the border—I knew exactly what this meant. I snatched the letter from the guard's hand and, without a second thought, tore it open. The handwriting was scribbled, revealing the writer's deep anxiety.

"Your Majesty, I have been ordered to guard the border. Recently, I have detected unusual movements by the enemy, and it seems they are making a comeback. However, the army's food and fodder..."

The letter abruptly stopped mid-sentence, a vast smudge of ink spreading out, as if silently telling of the writer's panic and helplessness. My fingers tightened around the letter, their tips turning pale. Zhen Youcai, something must have happened to Zhen Youcai!

"Pass the order down and summon all ministers immediately. The court will hold a meeting in half an hour!" I tried hard to suppress my inner panic, but my tone was unquestionable and firm.

The guards took the order and left. My eyes fell on Mr. Tian and the doctor of agronomy. They also realized the seriousness of the matter. The joy on their faces faded, replaced by worry and solemnity.

"Your Majesty, what happened at the border?" Old Man Tian asked with concern, his voice trembling slightly.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. "The military situation at the border is urgent. We'll discuss the details in court later."

With that, I turned and hurried toward the palace. Even as I hurried, my heart felt heavy, as if a huge rock was pressing down on it. "Zhen Youcai, you must be safe!"

Along the way, memories of my time with Zhen Youcai kept resurfacing in my mind. When we first met, he was full of vigor and energy, dressed in military uniform, sweating profusely on the training grounds, his demeanor valiant. He was always full of energy and optimism, and never gave up, even in the face of great difficulties.

"Mengmeng, don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

"Mengmeng, when I return triumphantly, we will..."

Those vows I made in the past, now sound like tiny needles piercing my heart. No, I can't let my mind wander any further. I must pull myself together to save him!

I quickened my pace, practically trotting into the imperial study. Spreading out the map, my eyes fixed on the border, I silently prayed in my heart: Zhen Youcai, you must wait for me!

"Somebody come!"