From cute to empress

Chapter 259 Agricultural Tool Revolution

"Uncle, this 'earth-turning dragon' looks new. Is it easy to use?" I came to the edge of the field and asked the old farmer who was busy in the field with a smile.

"Your Majesty, this 'earth-turning dragon' is truly miraculous! I've been farming all my life, and I've never seen such a labor-saving tool!" Old Farmer Tian straightened up cheerfully and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. "It used to take an ox a whole day to plow the land, but now with this 'earth-turning dragon', it can be done in half a day. It's truly amazing!"

I turned to look at the agronomy doctor beside me. He was holding a small notebook, observing Mr. Tian's operations and carefully recording data. "Dr. Wang, what else do you think needs to be improved on this 'earth-turning dragon'?"

"Your Majesty, the design of this 'Earth-Turning Dragon' is already very ingenious, but..." Dr. Wang pushed his glasses up on his nose and pondered for a moment, "It's just that its use needs to be further simplified so that it can be more easily used by the people."

"Yes, you're right." I nodded, my eyes scanning the crowd. "Fellow villagers, you are all experts in farming. If you have any ideas about this new farm tool, please feel free to share them. Let's improve it together so that it can better serve our agricultural production!"

At first, there was silence in the crowd. Everyone looked at each other hesitantly.

"Your Majesty, I have a question..." Finally, an old voice broke the silence.

"Old man, please ask." I looked at him encouragingly.

"This 'earth-turning dragon' looks convenient, but if it breaks down, we won't be able to fix it! What will we do if the farming season is missed?" the old man said worriedly.

His concerns resonated with the people around him, and everyone nodded in agreement.

I took a deep breath and spoke aloud, "I understand your concerns! To solve this problem, I have decided..." I took a deep breath and spoke aloud, "I understand your concerns! To solve this problem, I have decided to establish 'Farm Tool Repair Stations' in every village and dispatch professional craftsmen to repair and maintain 'earth-turning dragons' and other farm tools! In addition, I will regularly hold training courses on the use and maintenance of farm tools so that everyone can master these skills and no longer worry about damage to farm tools!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. I saw a gratified smile on Tian Laonong's face. He nodded vigorously, with hope glittering in his eyes.

Late at night, I finished reviewing the memorials and rubbed my sore eyes. At this moment, Xiaolian walked in, holding a letter in her hand. "Your Majesty, this is a letter from General Zhen sent from the frontier."

I took the letter, ripped open the seal, and was greeted by the familiar scent of ink. Zhen Youcai's handwriting was still as vigorous and powerful as ever, just like him, full of strength and warmth.

"Mengmeng, it's nice to meet you... I know you've encountered some resistance recently in promoting your new agricultural tools, but please believe that you are the best! Those doubts and oppositions are simply because they don't understand you yet, your determination and ability. All you have to do is stick to your beliefs and prove them with practical actions! I believe you can succeed..."

Every word of Zhen Youcai is like the warm sunshine in winter, shining into my heart and dispelling all my fatigue and anxiety. Yes, with him by my side, what else is there to be afraid of?

The next morning, I was having breakfast when I heard a commotion outside. I put down my bowl and chopsticks and walked out of the hall. I saw a group of people marching towards the palace. Leading the group was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, followed by several carriages laden with goods.

"I am a wealthy and humble servant, and I am here to see Your Majesty!" The middle-aged man walked up to me and knelt down respectfully.

"Who are you?" I looked at him with some confusion.

"Your Majesty, I am a humble servant in the grain business. I have long heard of your benevolent government and your love for the people, and today I have come to relieve your worries." Fu Jia Yi Fang stood up and pointed to the carriage behind him. "These are just a few small gifts from your humble servants. I hope your Majesty will accept them."

I walked closer to the carriage and lifted the linen covering it, only to see that it was filled with various grains, farm tools, and many daily necessities.

"You are..." I looked at him in surprise.

"Your Majesty, you may not know. Recently, rumors have been circulating in the city that Your Majesty, in order to promote new agricultural tools, has even lowered grain prices, causing many grain merchants to suffer heavy losses, some even going bankrupt." Fu Jia Fang sighed. "Although I'm also in the grain business, I also know that food is the most important thing for the people. Your Majesty's actions are for the benefit of the people. I admire you! Consider these as my humble contribution to Your Majesty!"

As soon as the wealthy man finished speaking, the surrounding people cheered, praising him as a conscientious businessman. Watching this scene, I was deeply moved. I knew that my efforts had not been in vain; the people's hearts were always with me.

"Report—" A guard came running over, "Your Majesty, the county magistrate requests an audience!"

I smiled slightly. It seems that the best is yet to come...

County Magistrate B walked quickly into the hall, changing his usual lazy posture and kneeling respectfully to salute: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the Emperor!"

I motioned for him to stand up and gently asked, "Are you here today regarding the new farm tools?"

County Magistrate B stood up straight, a trace of shame on his face. "Your Majesty, I was indeed hesitant about promoting the new agricultural tools before. But after observing you for a while, especially seeing how dedicated Your Majesty is, even willing to lower grain prices, I feel deeply ashamed!"

He paused, his tone becoming firm. "I have organized all local officials to learn how to use the new agricultural tools together, and they will take the lead in trying them out on their own farmland. I believe that in time, the new agricultural tools will be widely promoted in our country and benefit all people!"

I nodded with relief. It seemed that my efforts were not in vain. More and more people began to understand and support my decision.

At this moment, a small figure timidly approached me. It was the peasant woman C who had asked me questions in the fields earlier. She nervously twisted the corners of her clothes and said in a voice as tinny as a mosquito: "Your Majesty..."

I quickly helped her up and asked softly, "Sister, what do you want to say?"

Peasant Woman C raised her head, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Your Majesty, thanks to your encouragement last time, I, I tried to grow the new crop you mentioned, and I didn't expect it to be such a good harvest! Look, this is a snack I made myself, and I want to give it to you..."

She pulled a few still-warm cakes from the basket. Though plain in appearance, they held the sincerity of ordinary people. I took them with a smile and tasted them. Sweet and soft, they were the taste of my hometown.

"Sister, I'm so happy that you have such a good harvest. The cakes are delicious too. I like them very much. Thank you." I said sincerely and motioned for Xiaolian to take out some small change. "Take these and buy some candy for the children."

Farmer C excitedly accepted the silver and thanked him profusely, tears welling in her eyes. Her words also inspired the other people present, who expressed their willingness to try growing new crops and expressed their confidence that under His Majesty's leadership, their lives would surely improve.

Seeing the smiles on the people's faces fills me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. I know the burden on my shoulders is still heavy, but I will not let them down and will lead them towards a brighter future!

"Your Majesty, be careful!"

On the ridge of the field, my foot slipped and I cried out in surprise...

Fortunately, Mr. Tian was quick to grab me and prevent me from falling. "Your Majesty, are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asked with concern, his face full of worry.

I stood up and shook my head gently to indicate that I was fine. "I'm fine, old man. I'm sorry to have worried you."

Looking down, I discovered that the soft soil along the ridge had become slippery from being soaked with water, which had nearly caused me to slip. "It's all my fault for not having people to reinforce the ridge!" Magistrate B chided himself, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

I smiled and comforted him: "These are all trivial matters, don't take it to heart, just be careful next time." As I said that, I rolled up my trouser legs and prepared to continue working, but was gently stopped by a pair of big hands.

"Your Majesty, you are a wealthy man, how can you do such rough work? Let me do it!" The Doctor of Agronomy said hurriedly. Although he was a scholar who was well-read in poetry and books, he didn't care about status at this moment.

I shook my head and said firmly, "Since I'm here, I want to work with you all and experience the hardships of farming together. Only in this way can I better understand the needs of the people and formulate policies that truly benefit them."

Seeing my firm attitude, everyone was reluctant to try to persuade me and could only watch over me more carefully, fearing that I would have another accident.

As the sun sets, its golden afterglow fills the fields. We have finally completed our work for the day. Although I feel a little tired, my heart is filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment.

When I returned to the palace, Xiaolian was pacing anxiously. When she saw me, she immediately came to greet me, her tone a little flustered: "Your Majesty, you are finally back! General Zhen... General Zhen..."

My heart tightened, and I hurriedly asked, "What's wrong with Brother Zhen? What happened at the border?" Xiaolian took a deep breath and said hurriedly, "The situation at the border is tense. General Zhen...he led the troops ahead of time..."

Before she could finish her words, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and a familiar voice rang out: "Mengmeng! How are you? Are you hurt?"

I looked up suddenly and saw Zhen Youcai standing at the door, dusty and exhausted, his face filled with anxiety and worry. He rushed over to me, looking me up and down, as if to make sure I was okay. I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, he pulled me into a hug, his voice low and hoarse, "Thank goodness you're okay... Otherwise, I..."

He suddenly stopped, his eyes falling on my slightly red and swollen ankle. His brows knitted together instantly, and his tone was filled with a hint of suppressed anger: "Who hurt you?"