From cute to empress

Chapter 254 Field Investigation of New Agricultural Techniques

"Change your clothes and prepare the sedan chair! I want to leave the palace incognito!" I practically shouted, my anxiety and doubt almost swallowing me up. Xiaolan was startled by my sudden anger and hurriedly responded, going down to prepare.

I changed into plain clothes, wore no makeup on my face, and only wore a veil to cover my face, then hurried out of the palace. Only after I got into the sedan did my mood slowly calm down. Zhen Youcai, you'd better not lie to me, otherwise...

The sedan stopped at a field on the outskirts of town. I stepped out, lifted my veil, and took a deep breath of the fresh, field air. The early spring sunshine warmed my body, dispelling some of the gloom in my heart.

On the ridge of the field, an old farmer was bent over, struggling to swing his hoe, his dark face covered in sweat. I walked over and gently called out, "Old man."

Old Farmer Tian raised his head and saw me. He was startled at first, then he knelt hurriedly and saluted: "I am your humble servant..."

"No need to be so polite, old man," I smiled and helped him up. "I came here today to ask you for advice on farming."

Old Farmer Tian was obviously flattered. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a simple smile, "Your Highness, you are joking. I, a commoner, don't understand any great principles. I have been farming for generations and trying to make a living."

"Old man, you're too modest. You're so experienced, you're exactly the teacher I need to learn from," I said sincerely, taking the hoe from his hand. "To be honest, I grew up in the palace and know nothing about farming. I came here today because I wanted to experience it myself."

As I spoke, I began to imitate Mr. Tian's clumsy wielding of the hoe. Seeing my sincerity, Mr. Tian stopped refusing and patiently taught me how to till the soil and sow the seeds. I worked until I was sweating, but I never tired of it.

At this time, the agricultural doctor came over with a few young people, holding some strange tools and seeds. After the agricultural doctor saluted me, he began to explain the latest irrigation technology and high-quality seeds to the surrounding farmers.

"Using this waterwheel for irrigation saves time and effort, and it also provides more even irrigation," the doctor of agronomy explained, pointing to a wooden waterwheel. "These seeds are carefully cultivated for higher yields and greater resistance to pests and diseases."

Some farmers listened with gusto, while others looked skeptical and whispered among themselves. I noticed a wealthy businessman dressed in silk in the crowd. He remained silent, his eyes full of observation and hesitation.

I walked up to him and asked with a smile, "Sir, what do you think of these new technologies?"

The wealthy businessman looked up at me and said, "Your Majesty, my name is Jia. These new technologies do sound good, but..." He paused, looking troubled. "But the investment is probably quite high. What if..."

I understood his concerns, so I interrupted him with a smile: "Master Jia, don't worry. If you are willing to try new technologies, the court will give you some support..."

"Don't worry, Master Jia. If you are willing to try new technologies, the court will give you certain support, such as providing interest-free loans or reducing taxes. What do you think?" I said in a gentle tone, but with unquestionable firmness.

Upon hearing this, Master Jia's eyes lit up, but soon dimmed again. He rubbed his hands and said with difficulty, "Your Majesty, it's not that I don't trust the court, but I have never seen this new technology. What if... what if the harvest is not good..."

I understand his concerns. Farmers rely on the weather for their livelihoods, and any slight risk could undo a year's worth of hard work. "Mr. Jia's concerns are not unfounded," I said, looking around, my gaze settling on Mr. Tian. "How about this? Let's use Mr. Tian's field as a pilot. We'll try planting for one season. If the harvest is as good as the agronomy doctor says, you can reconsider. What do you think?"

Tian Laonong was stunned when he heard this. He obviously didn't expect me to choose him. He waved his hands in fear and said, "Your Majesty, this... how can I do this?..."

"Don't refuse, old man. You are experienced and I trust you." I patted his shoulder, my tone full of trust and encouragement.

Old Farmer Tian looked at me with sincerity and finally nodded, agreeing. I turned to look at Master Jia, whose hesitant expression gradually became firm. "Since Your Majesty is so confident, I am willing to give it a try!"

I smiled and nodded, feeling relieved. Promoting new technology isn't something that happens overnight, but once you take the first step, there are no insurmountable obstacles.

As the sun set, I returned to the palace, exhausted but filled with joy. As soon as I entered the bedroom, Xiaolan came to greet me, holding a letter in her hand. "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

My heart tightened, and I quickly took the letter and opened it. Familiar handwriting was visible on the paper. It was a letter from Zhen Youcai. In the letter, he described the war situation on the border in detail, and between the lines, he revealed his thoughts and concerns for me.

"Mengmeng, I know you're facing a lot of resistance in implementing your new policies in the palace, but you have to believe in yourself. You're the best! Just like when you believed in me to defend the borders and that I would return victorious. Remember, no matter what, I will always be your strongest support."

Reading his letter, my eyes welled up. Yes, no matter what I do, he will unconditionally support and encourage me. Thinking of this, the fatigue in my heart was swept away, replaced by endless motivation.

I picked up my pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote on the letter paper:

"Youcai, don't worry, I'm fine. Although the implementation of the new policy is difficult, I believe that as long as we persevere, we will be able to change the status quo and let the people live a better life! You must also take care of yourself. I will await your triumphant return in the palace!"

Putting down my pen, I walked to the window, gazing at the last glimmer of sunset in the sky, my heart filled with hope. At this moment, Xiaolan walked in and whispered, "Your Majesty, the county magistrate wishes to see you."

I frowned slightly. The county magistrate? What was he doing here? "Announcement," I said calmly, a faint sense of unease rising in my heart...

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the Emperor!" County Magistrate B almost crawled into the bedroom and saluted tremblingly, without a trace of his usual arrogance.

"Stand up." I said lightly, with no emotion in my tone.

Only then did County Magistrate B dare to stand up straight, and secretly looked up at me. Seeing that my face was calm, he felt a little relieved.

"I wonder what important matter has the county magistrate requested to see you so late at night?" I asked knowingly, staring at him with sharp eyes.

Beads of sweat oozed from County Magistrate B's forehead. He stammered, "Reply...Reply to Your Majesty, your humble servant...your humble servant heard that Your Majesty is promoting new agricultural techniques, so he came specially... specially..."

"What have you come here for?" My tone gradually became colder. His hesitant look made me have some guesses in my mind.

"Your humble servant... Your humble servant believes that this new agricultural technology has not been tested in practice and may be inappropriate. I hope Your Majesty will think twice!" He fell to his knees with a thud and said in a trembling voice.

I sneered in my heart. As expected, this County Magistrate B was an old stubborn old man who only knew how to stick to the rules. He had no tolerance for new things, let alone actively cooperate in promotion.

"My Lord County Magistrate," I said sternly, "Do you understand that food is the most important thing for the people? Our current farming methods are outdated, and grain production is low. The people are starving and suffering terribly! I promote new agricultural techniques to increase grain production and allow the people to live a better life! As a responsible official, you don't seek the welfare of the people, but instead obstruct them at every turn. What are your intentions?"

These words made County Magistrate B blush and sweat profusely. He fell to the ground and dared not say another word.

I knew that verbal threats alone wouldn't win his sincere cooperation. I needed him to see for himself whether the new agricultural technology could truly benefit the people.

"How about this, County Magistrate," I said, slowing my tone, "Tomorrow morning, you will come with me to the fields for an on-site inspection. How about that?"

Magistrate B was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting me to make such a request. He opened his mouth, wanting to refuse, but he didn't dare to disobey my order, so he kowtowed and said, "...As you wish."

something unexpected may happen any time.

Early the next morning, County Magistrate B and I were preparing to go to the fields, but suddenly a strong wind blew, dark clouds covered the sky, and then raindrops as big as beans fell down with a crackling sound.

My heart sank. This sudden downpour wasn't good for the crops, especially the experimental fields where new farming techniques were being tested...

"Your Majesty, the rain came so suddenly that I'm afraid it will delay our trip..." County Magistrate B said cautiously, with a barely perceptible hint of gloating in his tone.

I glanced at him coldly and ignored his words. Instead, I turned to Xiaolan and ordered, "Pass the order down, prepare the sedan chair, and set off immediately!"

"Yes!" Xiaolan took the order and left.

I watched the rain outside the window getting heavier and heavier, and prayed silently in my heart: I hope this rain won’t be too heavy...

"Go to Tianjia Village!"

The sedan struggled along the muddy road. I lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out at the heavy rain, feeling extremely anxious. The pedestrians on the road had long since disappeared, leaving only the rain washing away everything mercilessly.

When we finally arrived at Tianjia Village, the rain showed no sign of abating. I ignored my manners and rushed into the village chief's house, skirt lifted.

"Your Majesty! Why are you here? This..." When the village chief, Mr. Tian, ​​saw me, he was immediately at a loss.

"Uncle Tian, ​​no need to be so polite, just take me to see the experimental fields!"

Mr. Tian is the most experienced farmer in the village and an active supporter of new agricultural techniques. He has always tried his best to help me take care of the experimental fields.

We braved the rain to reach the experimental fields, and the sight before us made my heart sink. The once lush green rice seedlings were now battered and bent by the rain, and the fields were filled with water, like a swamp.

"How could this happen..." I murmured to myself, feeling heartbroken.

"Your Majesty, the rain is too heavy and the water in the fields cannot be drained. If this continues, the seedlings will be drowned!" said Old Man Tian anxiously.

"Yes, Your Majesty, what should we do?" County Magistrate B, who had been silent all this time, could not help but speak at this time, but there was a hint of gloating in his tone that was difficult to conceal.

I took a deep breath, suppressed the uneasiness in my heart, and turned to look at the doctor of agronomy beside me: "Sir, is there any remedy?"

The Doctor of Agronomy is a scholar from the Imperial College and is well versed in farming. I specially invited him to guide the promotion of new agricultural techniques.

He carefully observed the situation in the fields, his brow furrowed. "Your Majesty, the most important thing right now is to drain the water from the fields as quickly as possible. Otherwise, if the seedlings are soaked in water for too long, their roots will rot and they will have difficulty surviving."

"Drainage..." I repeated these two words, and suddenly an idea flashed in my mind, "That's right! General Zhen!"

I quickly summoned the accompanying guards and ordered, "Hurry and deliver my decree. General Zhen Youcai, who is guarding the northern border, must return to the capital immediately without delay!"

The guard took his orders and left, and I felt a little more at ease. Zhen Youcai was one of our country's youngest and most promising generals. He was not only proficient in military tactics, but also familiar with water conservancy projects. When the northern border was hit by a severe drought, it was he who led his soldiers in building canals and diverting water for irrigation, which helped overcome the difficulties.

I believe that this time, he will be able to help me solve the current dilemma!

"Uncle Tian, ​​sir, County Magistrate," I turned to face the crowd, my tone firm, "Although this rain came suddenly, we can't just sit there and wait for death, and we can't give up hope! Pass the order down, gather all the villagers, and work together to find a way to drain the water and provide relief!"

As night fell, the village chief's house was brightly lit. I gathered Mr. Tian, ​​the agronomist, Magistrate B, and several village elders to discuss a response.

"Your Majesty, I have been farmers for generations, and I have never seen such heavy rain. If it continues for a few more days, I'm afraid..." Old Man Tian hesitated to speak, his face full of worry.

"Don't worry too much, Mr. Tian," I consoled him. "I've already sent a message to General Zhen. He's familiar with water conservancy projects. He'll definitely have a solution when he returns."

"But, Your Majesty, even if General Zhen can come back in time, the water in the fields cannot be drained out in a short time..." A village elder couldn't help but say.

"Yes, Your Majesty, and the rain keeps falling. Even if some of it is drained out, it will soon be submerged again..." another elder echoed.

I understand their concerns. Indeed, this is just a local rainstorm. Even if Zhen Youcai is proficient in water conservancy, it is impossible to change the weather in a short period of time.

"I understand everyone's feelings," I said calmly, looking around at everyone. "But times like these require us to stay calm and not give up hope. Drainage is important, but more importantly, we need to find a long-term solution to the fundamental problem of flooding!"

"A long-term plan?" Everyone looked at each other, not understanding what I meant.

I took a deep breath and looked at the doctor of agronomy with a determined gaze: "Sir, what do you say, if we can..."