From cute to empress

Chapter 246 New Technology Suspicion

The carriage stopped outside the palace gates. I tucked the map into my sleeve and headed straight for the carriage. The servants, bowing their heads in respect, immediately followed me in an orderly fashion. The call of "Arise!" echoed through the empty palace as it gradually receded.

The envoy I had previously ordered had already departed, but until Zhen Youcai's situation became clear, my heart remained in suspense, unable to find peace. Before I knew it, the carriage had reached the outskirts of the city, and the sight of horses galloping through the fields gradually opened my eyes—vast tracts of farmland were thriving and flourishing, and the promotion of new technologies had clearly brought remarkable results.

"Your Majesty, Fengshou Town is just ahead." Mr. Tian, ​​the old farmer, seemed to understand my thoughts and explained the town's current situation in detail. He was one of our earliest partners during the initial stages of promoting this new technology. He has a reliable reputation and extensive experience. With such a partner, our plans are only possible with such success.

"Okay, stop the carriage. I want to see it for myself." Old Farmer Tian winked and then ordered us to stop. I stepped lightly onto the dirt road, my gaze sweeping across the vibrant fields. A white-haired doctor of agronomy carefully inspected the crops, occasionally exchanging technical terms with the farmers.

"Mengmeng, these are all beneficiaries of our new technology," said Mr. Tian, ​​an elderly farmer, smiling broadly. "Now, our production has increased several times, and we have mountains of grain stored."

Seeing the results before my eyes, my worries faded slightly. Just as I was about to continue my discussion with Mr. Tian, ​​a group of attendants hurried over. One of them was none other than Merchant A. He strode towards me, beaming, his excitement barely concealed.

"Your Majesty!" Merchant A bowed. "This new technology promotion has been a resounding success! Not only has my investment paid off, but the entire town has also benefited from its advantages. Therefore, I've decided to invest more funds to help you promote this technology even further."

The beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed his anticipation and determination for a return on his investment. I nodded, silently grateful for his support. "Rich businessman A, having an ally like you is a blessing for Dayan."

At this point, County Magistrate B also approached us. His expression, previously skeptical and reluctant, transformed into one of deep admiration and gratitude. He had been skeptical of our new technology, but seeing it for himself forced him to change his mind and earnestly invited us to continue our joint efforts. His gaze was piercing, as if he had made up his mind: "Your Majesty, it turns out that feeding the people is the truest virtue of a king. I am willing to lend a hand. We will fully implement this new technology in all the farmlands of the county, and strive to achieve even greater success next year."

These words made my heart tremble. This situation, this scene, is hard-won. Although the crisis on the border remains unresolved, the success before me has undoubtedly given me new strength. At this moment, a messenger on a fast horse stumbled over and headed straight for me.

"Your Majesty, General Zhen has sent back an urgent battle report!" He hurriedly knelt and handed over a muddy letter. My heart suddenly tightened as I took the envelope.

Opening the letter and seeing the few lines written by Zhen Youcai in his distinctive handwriting—at that moment, my heart nearly leaped out of my chest. The details he mentioned seemed to hold the key to solving all my problems. On the letter, Zhen Youcai's familiar handwriting, powerful and penetrating, carried his characteristic carefreeness: "Mengmeng, don't worry. Everything is fine at the border. This crisis has been resolved..."

Those few lines were like a warm current, dispelling the gloom that had weighed on my heart for days. County Magistrate B noticed my expression change and asked with concern, "Your Majesty, has something happened at the border?"

I took a deep breath and handed him the letter: "Take a look for yourself."

County Magistrate B took the letter and read it carefully, his face also showing surprise. He said excitedly, "I never thought General Zhen would be so resourceful. He not only resolved the crisis but also won the hearts of the people. God bless our Great Yan!"

I nodded, but a complex mix of emotions welled up inside me. Zhen Youcai always did this, effortlessly resolving every problem as if everything was under his control. Yet, I knew that behind every victory was his tireless dedication.

"Your Majesty," Mr. Tian, ​​seeing my silence, thought I was still worried about the situation at the border, so he consoled me, "Don't worry, General Zhen is blessed by heaven and will surely return victorious."

I forced a smile: "Well, I believe him."

When I returned to the palace, I immediately spread out paper and pen, wanting to pour out all my thoughts and worries to him who was far away.

"Youcai, it's a relief to read your letter. I'm relieved to know you're safe and sound. I've been worried about your safety all this time, afraid that you..."

Having written this, I suddenly stopped writing. I didn't want him to know how fragile and anxious I was. I just wanted him to know that I was always behind him, supporting him and waiting for him.

I picked up my pen again and wrote in a more relaxed tone, "...You said in your letter that the people at the border love you very much and gave you many gifts. It seems that our General Zhen is not only a martial arts expert, but also very popular among the people! I wonder what good things they gave you, but remember to bring some back for me!"

After writing the letter, I carefully folded the paper and put it in the envelope. Looking at the words "Zhen Youcai personally addressed" on the envelope, the corners of my mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.

"Come here," I called over to the attendant, "deliver this letter to the border as quickly as possible and give it to General Zhen."

"Yes, sir!" The servant took the envelope and quickly retreated.

I looked at his departing back and prayed silently in my heart: Youcai, you must come back safely, I... am waiting for you.

The next morning, I stood on the palace terrace, basking in the morning light. It was a rare sunny day, just as I wanted—today, I had decided to hold a harvest celebration to honor those who have contributed to agricultural innovation.

"I hope that Mr. Tian, ​​the Agricultural Doctor, the County Magistrate B, and other people who have made significant contributions to agriculture can all attend this celebration." I instructed the attendant who had already taken notes.

"It will be arranged, Your Majesty." The attendant replied respectfully and hurried off to convey the order.

Just then, a carrier pigeon streaked across the blue sky, its wings fluttering as it flew toward me. A servant nimbly caught the pigeon, untied the letter box from its legs, and handed it to me. At that moment, my heartbeat quickened. I opened the envelope and saw the words "Dear Meng Meng." My lips curled up, and I eagerly unfolded the letter.

"Mengmeng, it's like meeting you in person." The familiar handwriting jumped out of the paper and caught my eye. "I'm so happy to receive your letter. Thank you for your continued concern and support. Knowing you're waiting for me gives me endless strength."

Between paragraphs, Zhen Youcai mentioned the gifts given to him by the people of the border, as well as some specialties of the frontier. He described the harmonious customs of the people with ease, as if we were not separated by distance at that moment, but communicating face to face.

"The celebration was done very well. It not only allowed the people to see your generosity, but also inspired more people to work hard." Between the lines, I seemed to see his hearty smile.

At the end of the letter, he mentioned his plan: "When I return victorious, we will then work together to plan a wider range of agricultural technology promotion. Imagine how happy our people will be if more places can have a good harvest."

Reading his letter, my heart was filled with warmth and strength. His letter was my most precious comfort in this powerful palace. Deeply moved, I refolded the letter and placed it in the mailbox, not to respond, but to better protect the happiness I had already gained.

"Come here," I said to the attendant, "get some more writing paper ready. I need to answer the letter."

The attendant quickly handed me paper and pen. I wrote on the notepaper: "You are so talented! I am glad to see you. I am very happy to receive your letter. I am very relieved to hear that you are doing well. Your support and encouragement have always been my greatest strength. We are already planning the harvest celebration, and I hope this will be a step towards greater prosperity for us."

I ended the letter by saying, “I have more good news to share with you when you return—our future will be even brighter.”

After writing this line, I felt even more resolute. I carefully sealed the letter and handed it to the attendant: "Deliver it at the same speed as before."

The attendant took the envelope and quickly withdrew. I watched him go while I began to plan the details of the harvest celebration.

On the day of the celebration, Mr. Tian, ​​the agricultural doctor, the county magistrate, and many other distinguished individuals gathered. Colorful flags fluttered, flowers bloomed, and the entire palace looked brand new. I stood on the podium and announced the start of the harvest celebration.

"Thank you all for your hard work and selfless dedication. Today is your day." My voice echoed in the air. "I hope we can continue to work together in the future to build Dayan into an even more prosperous city."

The audience erupted in applause and jubilation. However, at this moment of joy, I suddenly caught a glimpse of an attendant hurrying in. He looked nervous and whispered, "Your Majesty, there's a rumor going around that the effects of this new technology are being exaggerated, potentially leading to serious consequences... This rumor is spreading rapidly."

My brow furrowed slightly, my heart sinking. The cheering crowd below was reflected in my eyes, yet this discordant news seemed to quietly stir up a wave of unease amidst the joy of the celebration—I knew that a greater challenge was approaching.

"Let's continue the celebration and discuss other matters later." Turning around, I silently thought about possible countermeasures in my mind and continued to preside over the celebration calmly.

The celebration was in full swing, but my gaze grew more determined. Only by continuing on our path forward could we safeguard the prosperity we so longed for... The celebration continued, with singing and dancing, and the music of stringed instruments, but I felt like I was sitting on the edge of a volcano, my inner uneasiness growing with the news brought by the attendants. I suppressed my anxiety and forced a smile to greet the officials and common people who came to congratulate me.

"Your Majesty is truly wise and powerful. He has filled the treasury of Dayan so quickly!" A minister complimented with a fawning face, holding a wine glass.

I smiled faintly and raised my glass in return, but inwardly I sneered. The treasury is overflowing? If this rumor is true, I'm afraid there will be a food shortage by the beginning of next spring! I put down my glass and calmly observed the expressions of those around me, trying to find any sign of something unusual on their faces.

"Your Majesty, this year's harvest is really thanks to you! Let me toast you a glass!" A farmer in simple clothes held up a wine bowl and toasted me excitedly.

I looked into his sincere eyes, feeling a mixture of emotions. The new technology had indeed brought sweet benefits to some farmers, but for others, for various reasons, their harvests weren't as good as they'd hoped. I worried that this rumor would, like a plague, shatter their newly built confidence.

"Old man, how is your family's harvest?" I took the wine bowl and asked with concern.

"Thanks to Your Majesty, we harvested three large baskets this year!" The old farmer grinned from ear to ear. "That's double what we harvested last year!"

I felt a little relieved; it seemed not everyone believed the rumors. But even at this point, I couldn't let my guard down. I once again instructed my attendant to closely monitor the rumors and report any developments immediately.

"Your Majesty, look over there!" A palace maid pointed to the distance with a hint of panic in her tone.

I followed her gaze and saw a group of peasant women approaching the celebration with great momentum. They were talking loudly as they walked, their faces filled with anger and anxiety. My heart sank, and a sense of foreboding came over me.

The crowd was quickly stopped by the guards, but a short, plump peasant woman broke free from the guards and rushed to me. She pointed at me and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Your Majesty, please make the decision for us!"

I looked at her red eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. A bad feeling washed over me. Before I could ask, the peasant woman suddenly fell to her knees, sobbing and accusing, "Your Majesty, the new technology is a scam! My husband used it, and the result..."

At this point, she suddenly choked up, unable to speak anymore, only wiping her tears with her handkerchief. Looking at her grief-stricken expression, I felt a mixture of emotions, and an unprecedented pressure enveloped me. I realized that this was no longer a simple rumor, but a storm about to sweep across...

"What did you say?!" I tried to stay calm and asked, "Tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"