"Your Majesty, this is our newly developed threshing machine," the wicked man introduced to Ying Zheng. "It can greatly improve threshing efficiency; one person can thresh more rice in a day than with traditional methods."

Ying Zheng personally tested the threshing machine and found it to be excellent. He repeatedly praised it, saying, "Excellent! What a fine machine! This is all thanks to you, my dear minister!"

After the harvest, Tao Rang reported the specific yield data of various hybrid rice varieties to Ying Zheng and his wicked husband.

"Qin Zhan No. 1 yields 380 jin per mu, has a growing period of about 100 days, and is relatively cold-resistant, but not as good as No. 4."

"Qin Zhan No. 2 rice variety yields 350 jin per mu, has a growing period of 105 days, moderate cold resistance, but good rice quality, and its taste is similar to that of northern japonica rice."

"The 'Qin Zhan No. 3' variety yields 390 jin per mu, has a growing period of 95 days, and is extremely drought-resistant, achieving good yields even under water-scarce conditions."

"Qin Zhan No. 4 yields 420 jin per mu, has a growing period of only 90 days, exhibits good cold resistance, and has the best overall performance."

"The performance of 'Qin Zhan No. 5' is unstable. Some strains have yields as high as 450 jin per mu, but most perform only moderately and require further breeding."

After hearing the report, Ying Zheng immediately made the decision: "Good! Using 'Qin Zhan No. 4' as the main variety, we will promote its cultivation in the Yellow River basin next year. My dear minister, I entrust this matter entirely to you!"

"Your subject obeys!" the wicked man replied respectfully, though in his heart he was already plotting how to promote this new variety on a large scale.

After the emperor left, the wicked man immediately convened a meeting of the members of the Agricultural Research Institute to plan the promotion program for next year.

"Next year's focus will be on two aspects," Efu pointed out. "On the one hand, we will continue to improve 'Qin Zhan No. 4' and select better strains; on the other hand, we will select some areas in the Yellow River basin to carry out small-scale promotion and planting to accumulate experience."

Tao Rang asked, "Grand Commandant, how exactly should the promotion of this planting be carried out?"

The wicked man pondered for a moment, then said, "I plan to select 1,000 mu of land in each of ten counties along the Yellow River to specifically cultivate 'Qin Zhan No. 4'. The research institute will send specialists to guide local farmers in planting, ensuring the technology is in place. At harvest season, we will use actual yields to convince more farmers."

"Grand Commandant, your wisdom is remarkable!" Tao Rang exclaimed. "This is indeed the best way to promote it. Farmers value practical results most; once they see the high yields with their own eyes, they will naturally take the initiative to learn the new technology."

The wicked man continued, "Besides the rice seeds themselves, we also need to promote supporting technologies—new farm tools, irrigation systems, fertilization methods, etc. These are all crucial links in increasing yield, and none can be omitted."

Tao Rang and the other agricultural experts nodded repeatedly, admiring the wicked man's comprehensive plan.