Chapter 236 Exchange Rate

He Ling looked at Jiang Huan, her face full of emotion.

My greatest fortune in this world is meeting the Empress.

[The Empress is so good to me; I wish my affection level could increase a little more.]

[If Huo Lin bullies her then, I'll take the Empress Mountain with me and we'll be separated by heaven and earth!]

She thought to herself, gazing longingly at Jiang Huan.

Jiang Huan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

What's this girl thinking? She's so touched by just a few pastries?

Look at those eyes, they're like a stray cat you picked up from the street.

And what's with this faint lily scent?

However, sincerity is always the ultimate weapon.

Seeing that she was thinking of her wholeheartedly, Jiang Huan was also gratified.

Fortunately, they didn't go for the "darkening" trope.

Just then, an electronic voice suddenly rang out.

"Beep! Affection level detected: +5. Current affection level: 35."

The system maintained a numb calm, as if it had already accepted reality.

[System, you've finally stopped buzzing and given up?]

system:"……"

An hour passed by unnoticed amidst He Ling's complaints and Jiang Huan's comforting words.

Just as He Ling was talking until her mouth was dry and she was taking small sips of tea, the electronic voice finally sounded again.

"Ding, the application result has been announced. The main system has approved the application and allows the rebinding. The list of redeemable items has been updated."

He Ling's eyes widened instantly, and she was so excited she almost jumped up.

"Approved, Your Majesty, the main system has approved it!"

She cheered and jumped for joy, a bright smile spreading across her face.

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes, and a smile curved her lips.

As the saying goes, a wise person knows when to yield, and a good system is one that is easy to understand.

"Yes, I heard you." She nodded slowly, then changed the subject, "Hey, you artificial intelligence idiot, show me the new store shelves you refreshed."

The system has gotten used to it, and it obediently follows instructions.

He Ling, acting as a sycophantic little eye, wailed the moment she saw the mall.

"100, 100, or 100!?"

"Does buying seeds really have to be subject to such severe inflation?"

"System, are you kidding me? The Empress is so good to me, and I only have 35 points of favorability? How long will it take you to save up 100 points to exchange for a single pack!"

"According to the algorithm, it is easy for Jiang Huan to gain favor points, and the exchange rate is reasonable."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan raised an eyebrow.

I have this urge to knead this broken system into ramen noodles!

Oh well, even a small ant is still meat. Once I know the rules, getting points is just a matter of time.

"It's alright, even water droplets can wear away stone, 100 points is 100 points."

He Ling breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that she didn't find it offensive, and her eyes lit up with anticipation.

"Your Majesty is right. Little by little, we can accumulate enough to exchange for seeds."

He Ling began to dream about the future: "First of all, I want to plant a big watermelon, fragrant and crisp, so I can hug it and eat it in the summer. Just thinking about it makes me so happy..."

She became more and more excited as she spoke, her eyes sparkling as if she could already see a table full of delicious food.

Most importantly, I no longer have to worry about winning over that ice-cold-faced guy.

Let me just be a carefree and happy foodie.

Jiang Huan couldn't help but smile as she looked at her innocent and content appearance, where food was all that mattered.

However, considering the potential impact of the items in the system shop in this era, Jiang Huan suppressed her smile and became serious.

He Ling is simple-minded, so I need to give her some advice.

“He Ling,” Jiang Huan interrupted her reverie, “These seeds, and those everyday items, besides bringing you joy, have you ever thought about their true value?”

He Ling was taken aback and blinked blankly.

"Huh? Value? Isn't it just about being tasty and useful?"

Jiang Huan gently shook her head, her gaze distant.

"Tomatoes, watermelons... these crops may be rare in this world, or they may not exist at all."

"They are drought-resistant, high-yielding, and easy to grow. If they can be widely promoted, it means that in years of famine, people will have more food to eat and fewer people will starve to death. The imperial granaries will be fuller, and the soldiers on the frontier will have more strength to defend their country."

“In other words…” she paused, her tone carrying a heavy sense of responsibility, “we can change the fate of many people.”

As He Ling listened to Jiang Huan's words, the excitement on her face gradually faded, replaced by shame.

"I...I only thought about my own food, but Your Majesty is thinking about all living beings."

That's real vision!

He Ling was filled with awe.

"Therefore, we need to set up experimental fields for these seeds, find experienced farmers, and take notes!"

Jiang Huan stroked her non-existent beard, acting mysteriously like a reclusive master, and continued to paint He Ling the biggest pie in the sky for the 21st century.

"This is something only heaven, earth, you, and I know; it absolutely cannot be spread..."

She used both soft and hard tactics, even making a knife-like motion across her own neck, saying, "Otherwise, you don't want to be killed like a monster, do you?"

He Ling was startled by the vivid performance and immediately shook her head like a rattle-drum.

"I won't tell! I'd rather die than tell!"

I don't tell anyone, not even in my sleep!

Jiang Huan nodded in satisfaction, feeling a little more at ease.

Although He Ling is timid, she is honest and reasonable, and she should be able to keep her promises.

As for Huo Lin, he is already very busy with official duties, so it's best not to let him know about things that are beyond his comprehension for the time being.

As for the seeds, we'll figure out how to talk to him about it once we can get them.

"Alright, we've finished discussing the important matters."

Jiang Huan smiled easily again and clapped her hands.

"Now let me show you some of the benefits of working with me."

He Ling's eyes lit up: "What benefits? Your Majesty, please give me a reward!"

Jiang Huan remained silent, and led He Ling to the small kitchen.

She rolled up her sleeves and deftly began processing the chicken, cutting it into appropriately sized pieces and marinating it with special spices and sauces.

Then coat it with a thin layer of prepared batter and drop it into a pot of boiling oil.

Sizzle—

The golden-brown chicken pieces tumbled in the oil, releasing an enticing aroma, and quickly became crispy and golden.

"This is...fried chicken?" He Ling sniffed, her eyes widened, and her mouth was practically watering.

[This is a thousand times more delicious than fast food; is this the true value of a master chef?]

Jiang Huan scooped out the fried chicken pieces, drained the oil, and placed them on a delicate white porcelain plate.

"I don't have gloves, but this will have to do." She smiled and handed He Ling a pair of chopsticks.

He Ling couldn't wait to pick up a piece, blow on it to cool it down, and take a bite.

The crispy outer skin cracks open, revealing tender and juicy chicken inside, and the unique flavor of the spices bursts in your mouth.

"Mmm, delicious, so delicious!"