Tang Qiqi had made a boastful promise, and the plan was done in collaboration with Geng Rui, so Geng Rui naturally didn't want to ruin his lifelong reputation.

More importantly, the counties and prefectures that Geng Rui inspected were all remote areas where the people's lives were miserable. If there was a way to ensure that the people could have enough to eat and wear within three months, that would be a great achievement!

Tang Qiqi frowned: "The mess in Lanling is barely even started, and now with several impoverished counties added on, this is practically poverty alleviation!"

Despite her words, Tang Qiqi wasn't heartless. She immediately made a decision, telling Geng Rui, "You just need to ensure that the landless people in Lanling City find work, according to the plan we've finalized. The second young lady of Tang's family might be able to help you with this; she has plenty of talent. As for food, I'll handle that; I'll get the Grand Minister of Agriculture to assist me!"

Tang Qiqi sought out Yan Haoxiang, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, to inquire about the progress of farming in the surrounding fields.

After a few days apart, Yan Haoxiang's weathered face was tanned dark, and he had lost some weight, clearly showing that he spent his days working in the fields!

Tang Qiqi held him in high esteem and quickly invited him to sit down, ordering someone to serve tea: "Lord Yan, you've worked hard. The rice and wheat have all been planted as requested!"

Although exhausted, Old Man Yan was in high spirits: "With the Regent's seeds, as long as the weather is favorable, we can weather another six months and the people will be able to eat fragrant white rice and steamed buns! It's just a pity that the number of seeds is limited. I'll focus on cultivating the fertile fields first, but there's still a lot of wasteland. If we can plant all of it, the granaries should have a surplus next year!"

Tang Qiqi said, moved, "If all the officials in Lanling were as concerned about the country and its people as Elder Yan, how could Lanling not prosper? Elder Yan, rest assured, I have other plans for those barren lands. Elder Yan has worked hard these past few days, so I have prepared a simple meal. Please do me the honor of trying it!"

Tang Qiqi kept calling him "Old Master Yan," which made Yan Haoxiang feel a little guilty. He had scolded this little regent quite a bit back then, but it turned out that the child was really a capable person!

He said, "In that case, I shall respectfully comply!"

Before long, a large table of dishes was served: boiled potatoes, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potatoes in sour soup... Tang Qiqi personally served Yan Haoxiang the food: "Mr. Yan, please try it, how does it taste!"

Yan Haoxiang thoroughly enjoyed the meal and asked, "Your Excellency, I have never heard of or seen any of these dishes before. Would you mind telling me what they are?"

Tang Qiqi asked Qi Hong to bring over a basket of potatoes, picked one up and said, "Old Yan, this is called a potato. All the dishes today are made with it!"

Yan Haoxiang picked one up and examined it closely, saying, "This is quite unusual. It looks like a fruit, yet it's a dish. There must be a deeper meaning behind the Regent's decision to have me stay for this meal."

Tang Qiqi smiled and said, "These potatoes have an extremely high yield. They are not only rich in nutrients, but also very filling and can replace staple foods. They are not demanding in terms of soil. Most importantly, their growth cycle is very short, and they can be harvested in just three months."

As far as I know, the granaries should hold enough grain for the city's residents for four months. If they plant now, the people will be able to get through this difficult time!

Upon hearing this, Yan Haoxiang was so excited that his heart was pounding and his hands were trembling; he didn't know what to do.

He suppressed his excitement and asked, "Your Excellency, are these seeds expensive? Where can I buy them?"

Tang Qiqi said, "Don't worry, Elder Yan. This is a new variety developed by Huaiyuan Tangji. They are willing to give away potato seeds to everyone for free. Next, we will still need Elder Yan to arrange reliable people to lead everyone in planting potatoes!"

Yan Haoxiang waved his hand dismissively: "Your Excellency, rest assured, I will personally oversee this matter!"

Tang Qiqi laughed and said, "I'm afraid that won't work. I need to ask Elder Yan to come with me to the surrounding counties to urge them to plant potatoes and other grains. You know my reputation isn't very good right now, so if I go by myself, they won't listen to me!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Haoxiang immediately stood up and knelt before Tang Qiqi. Tears streaming down his face, he said, "On behalf of the people of Lanling, I thank Your Excellency the Regent. I was foolish before, judging you by your appearance and saying many unpleasant things. Rest assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

Tang Qiqi quickly helped Yan Haoxiang up and said, "Old Master Yan, you flatter me. You're about the same age as my grandmother, so just call me Xiao Qi. But the season waits for no one, and we have to set off tomorrow. It's too much trouble for you to travel with me at your age!"

Yan Haoxiang's attitude towards Tang Qiqi has completely changed. He used to think she was effeminate and neither male nor female, but now he likes her more and more. He said, "Don't worry, my old bones are very strong, I'll be fine!"

After seeing Yan Haoxiang off, Tang Qiqi changed back into women's clothing. She didn't know how long she would be gone, so she needed to say goodbye to Yindi and the others.

Unexpectedly, Geng Rui was also at the Tang family residence, discussing matters with Yin Di and Liu Rufeng. Just as Tang Qiqi was about to hide, she was spotted by the sharp-eyed Sun Haotian, who shouted, "Qiqi, you're finally back! I was so bored without you!"

Tang Qiqi had no choice but to bite the bullet and step forward, not knowing whether Geng Rui would recognize her!