"Congratulations to Your Majesty, Your Majesty. Congratulations to Your Majesty. With this magical weapon, the difficulties of spring plowing can be solved!"
"I wish my country, Daliang, a long and prosperous life, and my country, Daliang, a long life!"
Over the vast imperial field, the uniform voices of congratulations from the ministers floated
Continuously.
It won't stop for a long time.
The Queen smiled broadly, held her head high, and exuded a majestic imperial aura.
She has been in a high position for a long time, and although she is not very familiar with farming, she knows the role of the curved plow clearly, so it is not a problem to relieve the difficulties of spring plowing.
She had spent so much time and effort on the spring plowing. The only way was to humbly ask Nanchen and Shu to buy their cattle.
But this method is not reliable. Even if you humble yourself, it will not be able to completely solve the difficulties of spring plowing. By then, people will still starve to death.
This time, Su Xian gave her another big surprise.
The curved shaft plow can cultivate land more than twice as fast as an ordinary plow. It not only solves the problem of scarcity of cattle and insufficient manpower in one fell swoop, it can even open up more wasteland and increase the area of cultivated land!
This is serious.
What was most important to ancient dynasties?
Naturally, it is population. The increase of population is the biggest political achievement of local officials.
The increase in population must rely on the increase in food production, which is a necessary prerequisite.
The curved shaft plow invented by Su Xian is undoubtedly the "magic weapon" for increasing grain production.
The Queen has a long-term vision and understands in her heart that this is the greatest role of Quyuanli. Su Xian laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Liang Dynasty in one fell swoop, and will bless future generations!
Su Xian's contribution this time is really great...
Princess Lanling was also overjoyed. She and Su Xian were grasshoppers on the same rope. The more powerful Su Xian was, the more helpful it would be to her plan.
She looked sideways at Su Xian's handsome profile, clenched her fists, and secretly made a decision in her heart to tie Su Xian firmly to her chariot and not let Su Xian run away.
If necessary, she will do whatever it takes!
Most of the officials couldn't help but look at Su Xian with approval, admiration and respect. It was this man who had created another miracle. No wonder Her Majesty the Queen favored him so much.
I can't envy this kind of thing.
After Qian Zhongshu screamed a few times, he tightly closed his mouth and did not dare to make any more noise.
Although he was extremely reluctant, Su Xian's Quyuanli had been successful. This was a fact that was obvious to everyone, and he was not allowed to mess around anymore.
If he really dared to express his dissatisfaction, it would be possible for the Queen to kill him in anger.
He could only watch helplessly, watching the scene where Su Xian was complimented by everyone, his eyes were bloodshot and his face was extremely gloomy.
"Su Aiqing's curved shaft plow has benefited the country and the people, and will bring blessings to all generations. I should give you a heavy reward!"
The Queen said loudly.
Su Xian was very modest: "It is a minister's duty to share your worries for the king. I dare not ask for rewards."
The Queen nodded, very satisfied with Su Xian's humility, but the reward must be:
"In terms of official position, Su Aiqing is a first-class and powerful Taiwei, and he has no rewards."
"After careful consideration, I have decided to grant Su Aiqing the hereditary title of marquis. As long as I, Daliang, exist, Su Aiqing and his descendants will be the marquis of Daliang forever!"
"..."
As soon as the Queen finished speaking, the ministers immediately started discussing it heatedly.
In the past, ministers would usually stop the granting of marquises and titles, because these nobles were like blood-sucking pests lying on the beams, and sooner or later they would be sucked dry.
What's more, the Queen's reward to Su Xian was the hereditary replacement of the Marquis.
This is much more serious than a normal title.
However, the ministers were so united this time that no one raised a voice to object. They even urged Su Xian to thank him quickly and accept this well-deserved reward!
Quyuanli's contribution is in the contemporary era and will benefit the future. This contribution is so heavy that the ministers are convinced and have no objections.
Seeing this, Su Xian "reluctantly" bowed deeply to the queen and said loudly:
"My lord, thank you for your generous reward."
"Congratulations, Lieutenant!"
The ministers surrounded Su Xian in the middle, everyone had smiling faces. You held your hands and I bowed, and the scene was full of joy.
At this time, the old farmer who had just stepped forward had already plowed a large area of land. He scratched his head and approached the crowd with a solemn expression, as if he had encountered some difficulty.
"Old man, what's wrong with you?"
A minister noticed him.
The noisy congratulations suddenly stopped, and everyone at the scene turned to look at the old farmer. Everyone noticed that his expression was wrong, and their hearts inevitably jumped slightly.
"That Quyuanli..."
The old farmer was very nervous when facing so many important people. He stumbled over his words and his face became increasingly ugly.
Everyone's heart sank. Could it be that there was something wrong with the Nagqu shaft plow?
It shouldn't be.
The Queen was startled. She had just rewarded Su Xian generously. Please don't tell her that there is something wrong with Qu Yuuli...
Although Su Xian tinkered with the curved shaft plow, he never used it personally. Before today, he had never even seen the actual thing. He only tinkered with it based on pictures from later generations.
In terms of experience, Su Xian is far inferior to this old farmer.
"Old man, don't be nervous. If you have anything to say, please just say it." Su Xian walked over and tried to slow down his voice.
"Lieutenant."
The old farmer hurriedly gave a rough salute, and still stumbled and said:
"This curved shaft plow... is indeed much easier to use than the previous straight shaft plow. However, after using it for such a short period of time, the grassroots also discovered some minor problems."
The Queen, Lan Ling, the ministers, and Su Xian all breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
They thought there was something serious wrong with Quyuanli, but this is the result?
Lan Ling smiled and said:
"After all, the Quyuanli has just been launched. Some minor problems are normal. Anyway, the craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry are here, so just order them to modify it immediately."
Ranwen
The Queen's face relaxed, she nodded and said, "Where is the Minister of Industry?"
"I'm here." The Minister of Industry responded and came out.
"Go and make arrangements in person, and be sure to solve all minor problems with Quyuli within two days, without any mistakes!"
"My lord, I obey the order!"
After the Minister of Industry bowed and retreated, the Queen looked at Su Xian and said with a smile:
"Everyone must be tired after being out for so long. Let's go back to the palace. I'm going to hold a big banquet today to celebrate Su Aiqing's resolution of the spring plowing problem!"
"We also celebrate the advent of the Quyuanli. With such a magical tool, why worry about our failure!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" the ministers said.
"..."
At that moment, the Queen and her ministers were in high spirits, talking and laughing all the way back to the imperial city on foot.
Although Xiyuan is to the west of Shendu City, there is a dedicated passage connecting Xiyuan and the Imperial City. You will not encounter outsiders along the way, and it is very safe.
Unexpectedly, as soon as everyone entered the imperial city from the "Lijing Gate", they saw one person chasing the other person not far away, fighting and scolding them.
The pursuers were beating and cursing while throwing some kind of small particles, which they used as weapons to hit the people in front of them.
The person who was beaten and scolded did not dare to resist, so he had no choice but to run away with his head in his hands.
Suddenly, a small particle rolled down and stopped at Su Xian's feet. Su Xian looked down, his brows became tighter and his expression gradually became weird.
"Um?"
The Queen paused, her face turned cold, and stopped in front of Lijing Gate.
Lan Ling, the ministers, and the accompanying Jinwu Guards, Qianniu Guards, etc. also stopped.
Such a huge formation had already been seen by the two people in front. The two people were so frightened that they knelt down on the spot and hurriedly paid homage to the Queen, repeatedly calling for mercy.
"Why the commotion? Bring the people up."
Princess Lanling stood out from the crowd, looking very ugly. These people actually dared to run rampant in front of the Queen. Where are the rules? Don't want to die?
"Your Majesty, spare your life, Your Majesty, spare your life..."
The two men were taken into custody by the Jinwu Guards. They knelt on the ground and kowtowed. Judging from their clothes, they should be officials from a certain yamen in the imperial city.
The Queen maintains her own identity and naturally will not interrogate herself. She only needs to know the results.
Lanling took the initiative to take on the responsibility of interrogation. After some torture, everyone suddenly understood that these two people were minor officials in the Ministry of Household Affairs.
But unexpectedly, the reason for the fight between the two actually involved the issue of grain.
"Grain seeds?"
The Queen couldn't stand still, and asked with a deep eyebrow: "Why did you two fight over the grain? Tell it carefully from beginning to end, without hiding anything."
Why did the Queen take the initiative to intervene in this matter?
It turns out that the difficulties in spring plowing are a series of problems. The problem of cattle is more prominent. In addition, grain cultivation is also a big challenge.
But the problem of grain seeds is not a big one. The Queen has already ordered people to go to various places to buy them, even in the Western Regions. The Queen has really worked hard to have enough seeds.
Right now, there were actually officials quarreling in the imperial city over the issue of grain. In her opinion, this was no small problem.
The matter was so important that the Queen had to intervene personally.
"Your Majesty, please..."
As the two officials spoke slowly, everyone understood that the man who was being chased and beaten was responsible for purchasing grain in the Western Regions some time ago.
But this person accidentally bought back several carts of non-food seeds, which were said to be some kind of flowers specially used for ornamental purposes...
This was a waste of time and the court's money, so he was chased and beaten.
"I see."
The Queen slowly breathed a sigh of relief.
She thought there was a fire in the warehouse where the grain was stored.
Just buying back a few carts of non-food seeds is not a big problem.
"Your Majesty, spare your life. I was not careful for a moment and fell into the trap of the Hu merchant from the Western Region. I don't dare to do it anymore. I beg your Majesty for mercy." The little official who bought the wrong grain couldn't help but beg for mercy.
"That's all."
The Queen was in a very beautiful mood today. She waved her hand and made a ruling:
"Grain is a great plan for the country, and there is no room for failure. But since you have toiled hard even without merit, I will remove you from your official position and demote you to a commoner."
"I... take the order to thank you." The little official cried and bowed.
"..."
Just like that, everyone thought this episode was over.
However, at this moment, an unknown person shouted out the word "wait a minute", with surprise and doubt in his voice.
Who?
Don't die.
Didn't you see that Her Majesty the Queen is still there?
How dare you be so rude, dare to shout out the word "wait a minute" without saying anything, and there is actually... no doubt in your tone?
Everyone followed the sound and went out——
Oh, it turns out to be Su Xian!
That's okay.
The ministers who were filled with indignation just now turned away and pretended not to see it, but they were very confused in their hearts, what was Su Xian going to do?
The Queen and Lan Ling also looked sideways, their brows were already frowning, but when they saw that the bold person was Su Xian, the two women's brows immediately relaxed, and the Queen asked softly:
"Su Aiqing thinks something is wrong?"
Su Xian raised one hand to his chest and held a small object between his thumb and index finger. He was observing it carefully with a very serious expression.
"Your Majesty makes atonement. I was so happy just now. If there is any offense, please forgive me."
Su Xian quickly bowed to the Queen.
Naturally, the Queen would not be angry with Su Xian and asked curiously: "Why is Su Aiqing doing this?"
"Your Majesty, wait a moment."
Su Xian walked up to the kneeling clerk, gently pinched the small thing with his fingertips, and asked:
"Are these the seeds you bought from the Western Regions specifically for ornamental flowers?"
"The lower official is aware of his guilt..."
"Answer me, what is the name of this seed?"
The little official was stunned for a long time, and then he stumbled and replied: "Hu merchants in the Western Region call it...wood...kapok!"
"Hahahahaha..."
Su Xian burst into laughter suddenly, looking extremely excited and happy, leaning forward and back as if no one else was around.
The Queen, Lan Ling, and the ministers were all confused.
Because this kapok pellet had been used as a weapon to hit people, it was scattered everywhere on the ground. They picked up one pellet and looked at it from left to right.
But they didn't see any clue, and they didn't know why Su Xian was laughing so much.
"Lieutenant, what's going on?"
"Su Aiqing? Su Aiqing, are you okay?"
Lan Ling was even more worried. If no outsiders were present, she would have touched Su Xian's forehead with the back of her hand. Could it be that she was stupid when she laughed like this?
"Your Majesty, I am so happy, so happy!"
Su Xian held the kapok in his hand and faced the Queen with a look of surprise on his face: "This is a divine thing sent from heaven! With this thing, why don't I worry about it!"
"Just this little thing?"
The Queen and others were extremely shocked.
Although it was unbelievable and even felt absurd, it was different when these words came from Su Xian's mouth. No matter how absurd they were, they already believed it nine out of ten times.
"Your Majesty, please let me know for a while. In less than a year, this thing will be of great use. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a sacred thing that will bring peace and stability to the country!" Su Xian said excitedly.
"That's great, hahahaha..."
The Queen and her ministers also laughed.
What day is today? I just got a Quyuanli, and now I have a sacred object that can help stabilize the country. Could it be that God is helping me?
Su Xian suddenly turned around, grabbed the already confused clerk, and asked loudly:
"Where are those carts of kapok? Take me to see them quickly. Those things are as important as the curved shaft plow. There is no room for loss!"
The Queen straightened her face, looked at the little official and ordered: "Didn't you hear what the Taiwei said? The Taiwei's words are my words. Send all the kapok boys quickly."
"not good!"
At this time, the expression of another clerk changed drastically. After everyone looked over, he slapped his forehead and said in annoyance:
"We all thought that the kapok seeds were useless, so we sent them to... Taifu Temple to burn those carts of kapok seeds into... charcoal!"
"charcoal?!"
Su Xian was so shocked that he couldn't care about anything else at the moment. He grabbed the young official and shouted: "Hurry up and take me to stop him!"
"yes!"
The little official also regretted his fall and ran away in one direction with Su Xian.
The Queen and Lan Ling looked at each other and followed suit, holding up their skirts regardless of their manners.
The ministers, eunuchs, maids, Jinwu Guards, Qianniu Guards, etc. were stunned for several breaths before they realized that His Majesty and the Princess were actually...running to chase Su Xian!
"His Majesty!"
"Protect Your Majesty!"
Everyone didn't care much and hurriedly chased after him.
In this way, such a funny scene actually happened in the imperial city where the rules have always been greater than the sky -
Su Xian grabbed a small official and ran in front, followed closely by the Queen and Lan Ling holding up their skirts, and behind them were the ministers, maids, eunuchs and imperial guards.
It was a mess, noisy, you were chasing after me, the eunuchs and maids passing by were all dumbfounded, their jaws dropped to the floor...
