In the Hundred Generations Book, another year passed.
During his years in Xueyang County, Xiao Mo built waterworks, personally worked the fields, and redesigned the plow, replacing the straight shaft with a curved one.
The curved-shaft plow required less effort to operate and was suitable for both paddy fields and dry land.
Drawing on his experience, Xiao Mo then wrote the North and South Agricultural Books.
The book accounted for the differences in soil between the north and south, emphasizing "intensive and ticulous farming," "three plowings and three harrowings," "sowing when the soil has optimal moisture," and "plowing in green manure." He strove to make it as detailed as possible.
Furthermore, Xiao Mo was the first to promote its use in Xueyang County.
The following year, the people of Xueyang County had a great harvest.
Xiao Mo then presented the book to His Majesty.
Lord Qi was greatly pleased.
During the morning court session the next day, Lord Qi discussed the matter with his ministers. They ultimately decided to print the book and distribute it throughout the realm.
Every official was required to study it thoroughly, as it would be included in their performance evaluations.
The following year, Xiao Mo received a Holy Decree.
Xiao Mo was to be transferred back to the Capital City and promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.
Xiao Mo was not surprised by this promotion.
He regularly corresponded with Zhang Qianzhi and had gotten a faint impression that Zhang Qianzhi and the Pri Minister wanted to have him transferred back.
On the day of Xiao Mo’s departure.
Along the road, the people of Xueyang County offered him farewell toasts and escorted him for several miles.
After returning to the Imperial City, Xiao Mo went to the palace at the first opportunity to report to His Majesty and debrief on his duties.
When Lord Qi saw Xiao Mo, he was slightly taken aback.
Lord Qi still rembered the jade-faced, scholarly appearance he’d had when he entered the palace for the imperial examination twelve years ago.
Now, twelve years later, Xiao Mo’s skin was darker and his physique was sturdier. He looked like a commoner who often did farm work, weathered by the wind and sun.
His expression had also gained a asure of maturity and composure.
However, compared to before, Lord Qi naturally preferred Xiao Mo’s current appearance.
"Your subject, Xiao Mo, pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Xiao Mo said with a deep bow.
"My loyal minister, there is no need for such formalities."
Lord Qi quickly descended from the dais and helped Xiao Mo to his feet, his eyes filled with admiration.
"I heard that you personally till the farmlands and build waterworks. Seeing you today, it’s clear the rumors are true.
The North and South Agricultural Books you authored have been promoted throughout the realm, and the people of our Great Qi now call you the Sage of Agriculture.
Having a minister like you is Great Qi’s great fortune!"
"Your Majesty praises too highly. I was rely doing my duty. Besides, the bountiful harvests across the land are primarily due to Your Majesty’s wise rule and the governnt’s harmony. Even without , the realm would still enjoy a year of plenty."
"HAHAHA, since when did you learn to flatter so? If you were ’rely doing your duty,’ then every last official in the realm would be considered incompetent!"
Hearing Lord Qi’s words, Xiao Mo simply smiled without speaking.
Lord Qi took Xiao Mo by the arm and asked him about his years away, and Xiao Mo answered each question in detail.
The more Lord Qi listened to Xiao Mo’s report, the more pleased he felt.
No Monarch dislikes an official who gets things done.
"My loyal minister," Lord Qi asked, "you are now thirty, an age for establishing oneself, yet you remain unmarried. What if I were to arrange a marriage for you?"
Xiao Mo quickly rose and bowed deeply. "I thank Your Majesty for your kind intentions. For Your Majesty to arrange a marriage for is my great fortune. However, Your Majesty, I already have soone in my heart. For this, I deserve ten thousand deaths!"
"Sigh... you..." Lord Qi heaved a sigh. He was, of course, aware of Xiao Mo’s situation. "An immortal and a mortal are worlds apart. Why must you continue to wait?"
"..." Xiao Mo remained silent.
"Never mind, never mind." Lord Qi waved his hand. "You must be weary from your journey, and you have spent a long ti in the palace chatting with . Go and get so rest."
"I thank you, Your Majesty! Your subject takes his leave."
After Xiao Mo left the Imperial Study, an Imperial Consort ca forward and began massaging Lord Qi’s shoulders. "That Loyal Minister Xiao is truly a devoted and passionate man, so full of sentint and loyalty."
"Sentint and loyalty are good things," Lord Qi nodded, looking out from the Imperial Study. ’Remaining unmarried... that’s fine too...’
Seven days later, a Holy Decree arrived. Xiao Mo was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.
Another four years passed, and Xiao Mo was promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Works.
Such a rapid pace of promotion was truly a teoric rise.
At this ti, Xiao Mo was only thirty-six years old.
Many people’s political careers were just beginning, yet Xiao Mo had already reached a high-ranking position.
But everyone in the Imperial Court knew that Minister of the Ministry of Works would not be Xiao Mo’s final station.
Moreover, Xiao Mo led an extrely disciplined life. He never visited brothels, accepted no gifts, and spent his free ti simply reading.
The Advisors couldn’t find a single flaw to use against him.
In Xiao Mo’s eighth year in the capital, Pri Minister Fang pushed for sweeping reforms.
Fang Ling had been planning these reforms for a long ti, and he also had the support of Lord Qi.
However, this ti, Fang Ling’s reforms affected the interests of the Noble Clans, and the resistance was imnse.
In less than a few days, countless morials of impeachnt flew about the Imperial Court.
At this point, Zhang Qianzhi entered the court, standing on Fang Ling’s side.
Naturally, Xiao Mo also sided with the pro-reform faction.
Ever since Xiao Mo had stepped into the Imperial Court, everyone knew of his relationship with Mr. Old Zhang.
Xiao Mo’s rapid promotions were not just due to his rits alone; to a large extent, they were also thanks to Pri Minister Fang and Zhang Qianzhi.
After all, to speak only of rit in the Imperial Court was far too idealistic. It was a world of connections and personal relationships.
Thus, with Lord Qi’s support, the reforms, with Zhang Qianzhi, Fang Ling, and Xiao Mo at their core, were fully set in motion.
Previously, Xiao Mo would return to his village every two years, but due to the overwhelming demands of the reforms, he had been forced to remain in the Imperial City for the past few years.
Fortunately, Xiao Mo and Xiao Qing still corresponded frequently through letters.
But just as the reforms were proceeding smoothly, Lord Qi fell gravely ill.
Six years later, Lord Qi passed away, and the Crown Prince ascended the throne.
The new Sovereign did not seem to possess his late father’s determination or courage; he could not stand against the Noble Clans.
In the end, the reforms failed.
Zhang Qianzhi was already over ninety years old. It was a remarkable feat for Mr. Zhang to have lived past ninety and even lead reforms, sustained entirely by his sheer force of will.
With the failure of the reforms, that will dissipated. Zhang Qianzhi was utterly disheartened. He submitted a morial to the throne, requesting to retire to his hotown and completely withdraw from court affairs, feeling that he had, at most, another year or two to live.
Fang Ling, now in his sixties, was transferred away from the capital.
As for Xiao Mo, his reputation was too great, and his reform efforts were clearly for the people’s benefit. The Noble Clans, wary of his renown, dared not impeach him recklessly.
However, Xiao Mo felt that he would be constantly marginalized in the Capital City. He decided it was better to leave than to endure it.
Therefore, Xiao Mo volunteered for a transfer to North Sea State.
By this ti, Xiao Mo was forty-six. Due to his age and the excessive strain of the reforms, a considerable amount of silver had appeared in his sideburns.
Before taking up his new post, Xiao Mo returned to Shiqiao Village.
Twenty-seven years had passed since Xiao Mo beca an Imperial Scholar.
During that ti, many people had passed away.
Among them were the old village chief and Aunt Chen.
"Tomb of Wang Can—Clerk of Qingshan County, Chief of Shiqiao Village."
"Tomb of Chen Hong—Wife of Wang Can."
Xiao Mo stood before the tombstones, looking at the two adjacent graves. His expression was calm, but an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.
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