Chapter 134 This is a stepping stone
Hearing this, Zhang Liang immediately said: "Brother Xu can say these words, he should already know that this is a conspiracy of the imperial court.
Why did Brother Xu still go to Tingwei Mansion to report? Are you not afraid that the imperial court will take you to South Vietnam? "
“Rice is the staple food in the south. It is harvested once a year and yields four shi per mu, which is about one hundred and twenty kilograms.
However, wheat can only yield three shi per mu, which is about eighty kilograms.
Even if the court is really lying to everyone, the yield of rice is indeed higher than that of wheat. Sometimes people going to South Vietnam are not the end of the road, but may also be a glimmer of hope. "Xu Zhi said.
Zhang Liang looked suspicious and said slowly: "Has your farmer family investigated this matter?"
"Of course." Xu Zhi said: "Unfortunately, rice is only suitable for cultivation in the south. We have experimented in the north, and it has always failed. If it succeeds, the yield is extremely low, which is very confusing.
Now the imperial court actually says that rice can be harvested twice or even three times a year, which is really incredible.
What makes me feel even more incredible is that the yield of rice per mu is only over 100 kilograms, but now it is said to be more than 1,000 kilograms.
Therefore, whether it is a conspiracy of the imperial court or something else, I want to see it. "
Seeing this, Zhang Liang persuaded again: "If it is true, the people in the world will be blessed. If it is false, the farmers may disappear completely.
Brother Xu, I was worried that the imperial court would take action against the farmers, and I forgot to think twice, Brother Xu. "
"Brother Zhang, don't worry. Xu Yan has returned to the farm. As long as he is here, the farm will not be destroyed." Xu Zhi said with a smile.
After Zhang Liang thought about it again and again, he said: "Brother Xu, I have a heartless request, and I hope Brother Xu can agree."
"Brother Zhang, please tell me."
"I want to be Brother Xu's subordinate and report to Tingwei Mansion together. Can Brother Zhang agree?" Zhang Liang said.
"Why is this? Isn't Brother Zhang worried that this is a conspiracy by the imperial court?" Xu Zhi asked.
"Don't worry, I have my own arrangements, but I don't know much about farming, so I hope Brother Xu can help." Zhang Liang said again.
"That's okay. But Brother Zhang must promise me not to do anything harmful to the farmer's family."
"Of course."
…
Tingwei Mansion.
Meng Yi sat in Tingwei's Mansion and watched the people come to Tingwei's Mansion to sign up one by one. He was very happy about this.
This shows that the people still trust the court.
More than a hundred people signed up in one morning, but most of them were farmers, not people from farm families.
Originally, in accordance with the wishes of the First Emperor, he directly ordered farmers to come to Xianyang City to report, and then take charge of planting ten kinds of crops including potatoes.
According to normal circumstances, this should be presided over by Da Sinong, one of the Nine Qings.
But Ying Zheng didn't want too many people to know about Qin An's affairs, so he asked Meng Yi to take charge. Besides, Qin An told everyone that professional matters should be handled by professional people.
Since agriculture has been studying agriculture, farmers should know a lot about agriculture, and it is very appropriate to let them take charge of this matter.
In the afternoon, Meng Yi finally waited for the arrival of the farmers, namely Xu Zhi and Zhang Liang.
Ordinary farmers sign up and let them go directly.
After Xu Zhi and Zhang Liang registered, they were directly stopped by the record clerk.
"Gentlemen, please stay. My Lord wants to see you."
Xu Zhi and Zhang Liang looked at each other and refused to let go. What was going on?
The scribe smiled and said, "Gentlemen, don't be nervous, please come with me."
Xu Zhi and Zhang Liang were led by the scribe to the inner hall and met Meng Yi.
"Sir, these two gentlemen are farmers, Xu Zhi and Xu Liang." The scribe saluted Meng Yi and introduced the names of Xu Zhi and Xu Zhi.
Meng Yi nodded and said, "You go down first."
"promise."
After the clerk left, Meng Yi said: "Two gentlemen, please sit down."
"I don't dare." Zhang Liang said, "I wonder why you call us two brothers?"
Meng Yi smiled and said: "Gentlemen, don't be nervous. I asked you to come because I want to give you two things."
He immediately pointed to the seeds and a book on the table.
"What is this?" Zhang Liang asked.
"These are the seeds of the ten kinds of vegetables and the planting manual mentioned in the notice. Don't ask where they come from. I can tell you clearly that these are true.
I asked you to come here because I want you to preside over this important planting event. You must keep records of each seed every day, such as watering, how much water was poured, etc. Even if you remove weeds except for a few roots, you must record them in detail.
These seeds will mature and turn into more seeds, which the court hopes will be planted in Xianyang in the future.
This task is very difficult, can you do it? "
Xu Zhi said excitedly: "As long as everything is true, my farm family will definitely be able to do it."
Zhang Liang said: "Sir, I am very curious. Since the seed method is already available, why does the court not sow it but let us be the abbot?"
"There are only half of the seeds here, and the other half has been planted. Your Majesty means that the court and the people each have half of the seeds.
I'm in charge of the civilian part. Sir, do you have any questions? "Meng Yi said.
"Sir, can I please take a look at the planting manual now?" Xu Zhi said.
"Of course." Meng Yi said, "After reading the book, if you think it is feasible, then go find a place and I will arrange for people to guard it. Your task is to grow these vegetables.
In addition, you can leave the place of your choice before the seeds bear fruit. "
"Sir, I want to read the manual first and then reply to you, okay?"
"Okay." Meng Yi nodded.
Immediately, Xu Zhi couldn't wait to pick up the book and read it, and Zhang Liang also read it very seriously.
But when he came into contact with the book, he was shocked: What material is this made of? Can you actually record text?
But he didn't ask, and Meng Yi didn't explain.
After a while, Xu Zhi finished reading and frowned slightly.
"Sir, are you provoking us?"
"Why do you say that?" Meng Yi asked with a smile.
"This planting manual is written in such detail. Any farmer can plant these seeds and they will almost mature in three months. Why do you need us?" Xu Zhi asked.
"That's good." Meng Yi smiled, "These seeds are actually just a stepping stone. What we really want you to do is to study rice.
Today's rice is only available in the south, not in the north, and it is said that the current rice can only be harvested once a year.
Your task is to make the rice crop twice a year, or even three times a year, and the yield per mu can be increased from a hundred to a thousand catties.
This task is very difficult, so there is no time limit. Whether you are willing to participate is up to you.
However, once you participate, you cannot withdraw. "
"Sir," Zhang Liang said, "I always think you are joking. Is it possible to achieve two crops of rice a year? Is it possible to produce a thousand catties per mu?"
