An experimental field on the outskirts of Xianyang.
The wicked man stood on the edge of the paddy field, gazing at this extraordinary rice paddy before him. Even in early autumn, the field remained lush and green, the heavy ears of rice drooping low, promising a bountiful harvest.
"Grand Commandant, this is the Champa rice we brought back from Annam," an elderly man dressed in coarse cloth said respectfully. "It has a shorter growing season than our northern rice varieties, is more drought-resistant, and is more suitable for cultivation in the north."
The wicked man squatted down, carefully examining the rice plants, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "Old Tao, is this rice really as miraculous as you say? How much can it yield per acre?"
Old Tao's real name was Tao Rang. He was a descendant of farmers and devoted his life to the study of crop cultivation. Ever since the evil man returned from his southern campaign with the seeds of Champa rice, he was summoned to oversee this experimental cultivation.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, based on the current growth, the yield per mu will be at least 300 jin. That's almost double that of the japonica rice commonly found in the north! More importantly..." He reached out and broke open a rice stalk, revealing plump grains inside, "...its growing period is only about 100 days, almost two months shorter than northern rice. In the north, two harvests can be grown a year."
"Two seasons?" The wicked man's eyes lit up. "Doesn't that mean the same land can produce twice the amount of grain?"
"Exactly!" Tao Rang said excitedly, "Moreover, it doesn't require much water, and even in drought years, it can still yield a good harvest. Grand Commandant, the rice you brought back from the south has truly laid the foundation for the granary of our Great Qin for generations to come!"
The wicked man stood up, his gaze sweeping across the vast land around him. In his conquests, he had not only expanded the territory and eliminated enemies, but also collected crop seeds from various regions, hoping to improve agricultural production in the Qin Dynasty.
Champa rice was a treasure he brought back from his conquest of Annam, more valuable than any gold or silver.
"Grand Commandant, in my humble opinion, if this Champa rice could be cultivated on a large scale north of the Yangtze River, the grain yield of our Great Qin could increase by at least 30%. At that time, we would no longer need to worry about famine in years of disaster."
After a moment of contemplation, the wicked man suddenly asked, "Old Tao, this rice is good, but the climate in the north is ultimately different from that in the south. Have you thought about how to make it better suited to the northern environment?"
Tao Rang's eyes lit up: "Grand Commandant, you are wise! That's exactly what I was thinking. Although Champa rice is good, it is, after all, a southern variety, and its cultivation in the north will be somewhat limited. If we could..."
"If we could crossbreed it with our northern japonica rice and cultivate a variety that has the advantages of short growing season and strong drought resistance of Champa rice, as well as the cold resistance of northern japonica rice, wouldn't that be even better?" the wicked man chimed in.
Tao Rang looked at the wicked husband in surprise: "The Grand Commandant actually knows about farming?"
The wicked man smiled but did not answer.
As a time traveler, he certainly knew the principles of hybrid rice, but in this era, no one had systematically studied it.
In later generations, that old man achieved great merit through this and was thus enshrined as an immortal!
His status was so high that he could be considered a modern-day saint!
"Master Tao, I have an idea," the wicked man said, his eyes gleaming. "I want to establish an agricultural research institute, dedicated to improving crops. You will serve as its director, gathering top agricultural experts from across the country to focus on improving Champa rice. The imperial court will provide all necessary support."
"Whether it's money, goods, or talent, you only need to ask, and I'll take care of the rest. As long as we can develop high-yield grains, I'll even exhaust the Qin treasury!"
Tao Rang was so excited that his beard trembled: "Grand Commandant, this...this is a great honor! I will certainly do my utmost to live up to your high expectations!"
"Very good." The wicked man nodded in satisfaction. "I will immediately report to His Majesty and seek his support. This matter concerns the very foundation of our Great Qin for generations to come; we cannot afford to be negligent!"
That very evening, the wicked man immediately wrote a memorial to the throne, elaborating on the value of Champa rice and the necessity of establishing an agricultural research institute.
The next morning, Ying Zheng summoned his wicked husband.
"You wicked man, I have read your memorial. Is this Champa rice really so miraculous?" Ying Zheng had always attached great importance to agriculture, and upon hearing this, he immediately became interested.
"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. I saw it with my own eyes yesterday; the experimental field is thriving, and the yield is expected to reach over 300 jin per mu. More importantly, it has a short growing season and strong drought resistance, making it very suitable for promotion in the north."
"Excellent!" Ying Zheng slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Granted! Establish the Agricultural Research Institute immediately, with Tao Rang as its director. All necessary funds and materials will be provided by the court. Furthermore, I wish to personally inspect this Champa rice."
The wicked husband was overjoyed: "Your Majesty, I will arrange it immediately!"
Three days later, accompanied by his wicked husband, Ying Zheng personally visited the experimental field. Seeing the vibrant rice paddies, the emperor was overjoyed.
"Your actions, my dear minister, are truly a blessing for the Qin Dynasty for generations to come!" Ying Zheng exclaimed. "For a long time, although the Qin Dynasty has a vast territory and a large population, the north has suffered from frequent droughts, and grain production has been unstable."
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