Song Zhiyu spoke clearly, explaining how the potatoes ca to be, whose hands they passed through, how they were cultivated, and ultimately how many potatoes were produced.
"What did you say?"
Emperor Chu could no longer remain calm.
Had he misheard? From less than half an acre of potato seedlings, the yield was nearly a thousand pounds?
Song Zhiyuan was equally astonished, his eyes wide open.
Pri Minister Fan squinted his aged eyes and said, "Song Zhiyuan, even though Pri Minister Song is here, lying before the Emperor is sothing not even he can protect you from."
Song Zhiyu replied, "Pri Minister Fan, don’t dig a hole for . I’m not stupid; why would I lie in front of the Emperor? Although I’m young, I have so sense. If I dare to say this, naturally, I have a basis for it."
Pri Minister Fan was at a loss for words, glanced at the roof beam, and let out a snort.
"Your Majesty, Chen Da, who is responsible for planting the potatoes, is waiting outside the hall. He has taken care of the potato fields throughout. There is no one more knowledgeable than him. If Your Majesty summons him, you will know I am not speaking falsely."
Emperor Chu said, "Chen Da? If I recall correctly, wasn’t he responsible for the greenhouse planting techniques last year as well?"
Song Zhiyuan bowed and said, "Replying to Your Majesty, indeed, it was him. My mother felt that he was responsible, an experienced farr who could engage in creative problem-solving, so he was involved in taking care of the potatoes this ti too."
"Summon him."
Chen Da’s legs were trembling and his body felt weak. Oh heavens, how fortunate he was to really enter the Imperial Palace and be summoned by the Emperor. With this, he could boast for three generations.
Chen Da didn’t dare to look around, shivering as he walked in. He knelt down with a thud from afar: "Your humble servant greets the Emperor, long live the Emperor."
The clear sound of his kneeling was audible to everyone, making them feel a pain in their knees.
Such honesty from a farr. Did the white jade bricks remain intact from that kneeling?
Emperor Chu felt pleased and softened his tone as much as possible: "Rise."
Chen Da lowered his head to thank the Emperor, but his legs were too weak to stand. He feared making a fool of himself before the Emperor.
Song Zhiyu walked over, grabbed him, and pulled him up entirely.
Chen Da: "..."
Everyone else: "..."
"Chen Da, speak honestly about how much seed was used for the potatoes and what the resulting yield was."
Chen Da had prepared himself before coming, took a deep breath, quickly glanced at Emperor Chu, thought "Oh my, that’s the Emperor, I really saw the Son of Heaven, and now I can die happily."
After just one look, he lowered his head and started speaking haltingly at first, but beca smoother as he talked about his expertise, explaining everything clearly.
"...Your Majesty, this was our first ti planting them, and we lack experience. If we plant several more tis, gain experience and continually improve, it’s possible that the yield could reach two to three thousand pounds per acre." Chen Da spoke sincerely.
Emperor Chu was excited, asking Eunuch Hai to bring a potato and examined it closely.
Song Zhiyuan stepped forward and bowed: "Congratulations to Your Majesty, this ensures the Great Qing’s grain reserves."
His action naturally led Pri Minister Fan and others to follow along, aptly flattering and praising the prosperity of the nation.
Though there was a bit of bitterness that such a good opportunity brought glory to Pri Minister Song’s family, if indeed the potato yield was this high, it truly would be a blessing for Great Qing.
"Good, very good, surely Heaven is blessing our Great Qing, there will be many rewards." Emperor Chu smiled and patted the table, saying, "Your na is Chen Da, correct? You’ve made contributions twice, so I appoint you as an Agricultural Official to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in promoting widespread potato planting among the populace."
Chen Da looked blank, what?
Song Zhiyu nudged him: "Why aren’t you kneeling to thank the Emperor?"
Chen Da: "???"
No, was the Emperor granting him an official position? Oh, let him faint first.
Chen Da rolled his eyes and fell straight to the floor.
Everyone else: "..."
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