NOVEL NEXT Chapter 125
Chapter 125
Zhu Yuanzhang’s move was undeniably treacherous. He still sought to drive a wedge between Yang Yi and the Great Zhou. But as long as the Empress trusted him, such schemes were doomed to fail.
Yang Yi swaggered to the front of the civil officials, positioning himself next to Minister of War Zhang Jianzhi.
Zhang Jianzhi glanced at Yang Yi with a blank expression, his composure barely masking his irritation.
Yang Yi offered a sly smile and folded his hands casually.
“Minister Zhang, long time no see.”
The veins on Zhang Jianzhi’s forehead bulged. He gritted his teeth and snorted, stepping away to stand as far from Yang Yi as possible.
Yang Yi’s smile twitched. Ever since he’d fooled Zhang Jianzhi during their last encounter, the man had taken to avoiding him like the plague. Yang Yi could hardly blame him; after all, his previous actions hadn’t been entirely honorable.
Xu Jingzong approached, his face alight with humor.
“Prime Minister Yang has returned!”
Yang Yi inclined his head. “Lord Xu.”
Xu Jingzong chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder.
“You’ve made quite a name for yourself this time. Those three defense lines you devised—even the fierce Yuan forces will find them insurmountable!”
Yang Yi sighed. “It’s all thanks to Zhu Yuanzhang’s cunning. His schemes forced my hand.”
Xu Jingzong laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming.
“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, Wei Gong and I trust you completely.”
Yang Yi smiled faintly. “Do my usual actions really inspire such confidence, or is it something else?”
Xu Jingzong leaned in conspiratorially. “To be honest, it’s mostly because everyone thinks you’re too devious to aid the Great Ming without some ulterior motive.”
Yang Yi stared at him. Alright. That explained his reputation.
Moments later, the room quieted as Wu Zhao arrived fashionably late. Her regal gaze swept over the gathered officials before she settled into her seat.
A middle-aged official stepped forward respectfully.
“Your Majesty, I bring excellent news.”
The court’s spirits lifted at the sight of the man. It was Yao Chong, the newly appointed Vice Minister of Finance. Recommended by Yang Yi months ago, Yao Chong had quickly risen to prominence, earning the Empress’s favor.
Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Speak.”
Yao Chong bowed deeply.
“Last year, our Great Zhou implemented large-scale planting of sweet potatoes and corn. This year, the harvest has been extraordinary—an average yield of eight hundred kilograms per mu. The people are overjoyed.”
A collective gasp rippled through the hall. All eyes instinctively turned to Yang Yi.
The introduction of sweet potatoes and corn had been his initiative. Few had expected such immediate success. If this trend continued, the Great Zhou’s grain production would soon double.
Wu Zhao’s expression brightened. She hadn’t anticipated that the crops she had championed would yield such remarkable results. Her gaze lingered on Yang Yi, satisfaction evident in her eyes. For all his brazen antics, his contributions were undeniable.
…
Great Qin
Ying Zheng lowered the memorial in his hand and glanced at the palace maid beside him.
“What has the princess been doing during her house arrest?”
The maid bowed. “Your Majesty, the princess has been reading newspapers daily and preparing some… peculiar dishes.”
Ying Zheng frowned. “Peculiar dishes?”
“I believe they are foods she brought back from the Zhou Dynasty, Your Majesty,” the maid explained cautiously.
Ying Zheng’s curiosity deepened. Rising from his seat, he ordered, “Prepare the carriage. I will visit her.”
…
Feiyu Palace
The scent of roasted sweet potatoes wafted through the air.
Ying Yinman sat contentedly by a grill, savoring the aroma. Despite being confined to the palace, she had made the most of her time, indulging in the delicacies Yang Yi had introduced to her.
She had even taken a sizable stash of sweet potatoes before leaving the Great Zhou.
Just as she picked one up to eat, a familiar voice interrupted her.
“Hmm… What is this?”
Startled, she looked up to see Ying Zheng entering the room.
Ying Yinman quickly stood and bowed. “Greetings, Father.”
Ying Zheng’s gaze fixed on the sweet potato in her hand. Though he was an emperor, he prided himself on his knowledge of agricultural matters, yet this crop was unfamiliar to him.
“Explain,” he commanded.
Ying Yinman blinked, gathering her thoughts.
“This is a sweet potato, a specialty of the Great Zhou. It was introduced by… Prime Minister Yang.”
Ying Zheng’s brow furrowed at the name but said nothing as she continued.
“The Great Zhou has already begun cultivating it extensively. Sweet potatoes can yield over a thousand kilograms per mu, and they taste quite good.”
Ying Zheng froze. “A thousand kilograms per mu?”
She nodded, clearly proud. “Yes, Father. There’s another crop called corn with similar yields. Both are now widely planted in the Great Zhou.”
The hall fell silent. Ying Zheng’s expression darkened as the implications sank in. Such a crop could revolutionize agriculture—and the Great Zhou already had a head start.
“Show me the corn,” he said sharply.
Ying Yinman complied, ordering her servants to fetch her supplies.
Moments later, a variety of items were laid out before him: corn, chili peppers, and even out-of-season fruits.
Ying Zheng studied each item, astonishment etched on his face. These were entirely unfamiliar, yet Yinman claimed they were already common in the Great Zhou.
His thoughts churned. The Zhou Dynasty, once considered inferior, now seemed poised to surpass them in agricultural innovation.
Ying Zheng turned to his daughter, his gaze thoughtful.
Since his daughter had a close relationship with Yang Yi, why not marry her off to him?