"Rice growth is divided into several key stages, each with different requirements for water and fertilizer," he explained. "During the tillering stage, the water level should not be too deep, and sufficient fertilizer is needed to encourage the growth of more tillers. During the booting stage, the water level can be slightly deeper, but fertilizer application should be controlled to prevent excessive vegetative growth. During the heading and grain-filling stages, sufficient water and sunlight are essential."
The agricultural experts carefully recorded the wicked man's instructions, secretly marveling at the Grand Commandant's profound understanding of agriculture.
Under the guidance of the wicked husband, the rice in the experimental field grew exceptionally well. Each hybrid variety had its own characteristics, but overall, their growth rate and robustness far surpassed those of traditional varieties.
Two months later, the hybrid rice had begun to head. The wicked man came to inspect the experimental field again.
"Grand Commandant, look at the performance of this 'Qin Zhan No. 4' rice!" Tao Rang said excitedly, pointing to a rice field. "Its growing season is shorter than that of ordinary Champa rice, and it has already started to head, at least ten days earlier than other varieties!"
The wicked man walked into the field and carefully observed the rice ears of the "Qin Zhan No. 4" variety. The rice ears were full and the grains were large, indicating a considerable yield.
"It's indeed quite good. However, it's important to observe its disease resistance and lodging resistance. Fast growth is a good thing, but if it's prone to disease or lodging, then it's not an ideal variety."
Tao Rang nodded repeatedly: "The Grand Commandant is absolutely right. We have already arranged for people to observe and record the performance of each variety day and night. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation at harvest season."
Time flies, summer turns to autumn, and the hybrid rice in the experimental fields is ready for harvest.
On this day, the wicked man specially invited Ying Zheng to inspect the harvest. When the emperor's carriage arrived at the experimental field, what came into view was a golden rice field, with the rice ears drooping heavily, a scene of abundant harvest.
"Your Majesty, this is the hybrid rice we've been testing this year," the wicked man introduced to Ying Zheng. "There are five different varieties, each with its own characteristics. Today is harvest day, and Your Majesty is invited to witness this achievement."
Ying Zheng walked into the field, picked a rice stalk with his own hands, and carefully examined the grains inside. The grains were plump, golden in color, and noticeably larger than ordinary rice.
"Excellent! Truly fine rice!" Emperor Ying Zheng was overjoyed. "My dear minister, it is said that this kind of rice yields much higher than ordinary rice. Is that true?"
The wicked man nodded and said, "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. According to preliminary estimates, the yield of this 'Qin Zhan No. 4' rice can reach about 400 jin per mu, more than double that of ordinary northern japonica rice. Moreover, its growing period is only about 90 days, 10 days shorter than ordinary Champa rice. In the north, it can be planted twice a year, and the total yield will be more than three times that of traditional rice!"
"Three times?" Ying Zheng's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you exaggerating, my dear minister?"
"Your Majesty, please look," the wicked man said, pointing to several different rice paddies in the distance. "These paddies are planted with ordinary northern japonica rice, original Champa rice, and our 'Qin Zhan No. 4' rice. They were sown at the same time and fertilized with the same fertilizer. Now the japonica rice is just beginning to head, the Champa rice is already ripe, while the 'Qin Zhan No. 4' rice is not only fully ripe, but its ears are also larger than the other two."
Ying Zheng personally went to the three fields and carefully observed and compared them, and it was indeed as the evil man had said. In particular, the rice ears of "Qin Zhan No. 4" were almost half again as large as ordinary rice ears, and the grains were also fuller.
"My dear minister, you have not exaggerated!" Ying Zheng exclaimed in amazement. "If this rice could be promoted throughout the Qin Dynasty, the people would no longer have to worry about hunger!"
Tao Rang then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have another matter to report. This 'Qin Zhan No. 4' rice variety not only has a high yield and a short growing season, but it also has another important characteristic—it is more cold-resistant than ordinary Champa rice, and can be planted in a wider range of areas in the north."
"Is this really true?" Ying Zheng was even more delighted.
"Your Majesty, it is absolutely true," Tao Rang replied respectfully. "I specifically established test sites at different latitudes and discovered that 'Qin Zhan No. 4' can grow normally two hundred li north of ordinary Champa rice. This means its cultivation range can cover the entire Yellow River basin, and even extend further north."
Ying Zheng turned to his wicked husband: "My dear minister, this is a tremendous achievement! If this matter succeeds, I will reward you and all the talented people at the Agricultural Research Institute handsomely!"
The wicked man humbly replied, "I dare not claim credit. This is the result of the tireless efforts of the agricultural experts day and night. I have only contributed my meager share."
"No need for such modesty," Ying Zheng said meaningfully. "Since you became Grand Commandant, you have not only fought on all sides, expanding the territory of our Great Qin, but also cared about the people's livelihood and paid attention to agriculture. Such a person, skilled in both civil and military affairs, is truly a pillar of our Great Qin!"
The harvesting process was carried out in an orderly manner. Farmers used new-style sickles to harvest the rice, which was much more efficient than traditional methods. After harvesting, the rice was sent to a newly developed threshing machine. By simply turning the handle, the rice grains would fall off the ears of rice, greatly reducing the labor required.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com