Gradually, the core ministers of the court, that is, the ministers who were Yongzheng’s confidants, all knew that the book “Elementary Mathematics” was compiled by the Imperial Concubine.
We are all scholars, and we admire those who are learned and talented. Although the Imperial Noble Consort is a woman, she is an Imperial Noble Consort. How could she be an ordinary woman?
She manages the six palaces and still finds time to delve into scholarship; she is truly a role model for us all.
No wonder the Emperor dotes on the Imperial Noble Consort; alas... they are too shallow.
You say you're knowledgeable, so why don't you edit books? Is editing books something anyone can do?
You dare to compile a book if you're not a great scholar? Everyone'll be furious with your criticism!
But no one can say anything after reading this book; it is progressive and even a three-year-old can understand it.
It is truly an invaluable introductory textbook for Western arithmetic.
As a result, the favor shown towards the Imperial Noble Consort rose to a new level, and even the noblewomen who knew the inside story wanted to buy a copy to read.
But Wang Yueting, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, has been restless these days: the Emperor seems to have forgotten about the superior seeds that were taken out.
He waited for three years!
He was determined to find a suitable opportunity to remind the emperor that there was still a warehouse full of high-quality seeds for the three seasons. Although spring planting had already passed, these high-quality seeds were not picky about the time of year.
On this day, Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Since the promotion of "Introduction to Mathematics", the enthusiasm for Western learning has soared among the government and the public. However, the accompanying political affairs have become increasingly heavy, especially for schools in various regions, which need to plan and customize new assessment and admission rules.
He rubbed his temples, a smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.
This book has now become a compulsory textbook in schools across the provinces, and even those old ministers who initially opposed Western learning have had to admit its value.
"Your Majesty, Grand Minister of Agriculture Wang Yueting requests an audience," Su Peisheng reported softly.
Yongzheng was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "Summon."
Wang Yueting strode into the imperial study, bowed respectfully, and looked slightly flustered.
He stole a glance at the emperor's face, feeling uneasy.
Those superior seeds have been stored in the warehouse for many days. If they are not sown soon, we may miss the best time.
He took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Yongzheng raised his eyes: "Please speak freely, Minister Wang."
"It's about the improved seeds we brought back from this voyage..." Wang Yueting said cautiously. "Although spring planting is over, these improved seeds are not picky about the season and can be harvested three times a year. If we don't promote them soon, we may miss the farming season."
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng paused in his writing, a look of realization flashing in his eyes.
He has been so busy promoting Western learning these days that he has completely forgotten about this matter.
He put down his pen, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Minister Wang is right. This matter concerns the livelihood of the people and cannot be delayed."
Seeing that the Emperor did not blame him, Wang Yueting felt relieved and quickly said, "Your Majesty is wise! If this superior seed can be promoted, it will surely bring plenty of food and clothing to the people of the world."
Yongzheng's gaze was deep, and suddenly a meaningful smile appeared on his face: "My dear Wang, tomorrow in the court, you shall do this and that..." He gave a few instructions in a low voice.
Wang Yueting was taken aback at first, but then he understood and solemnly replied, "Your subject obeys the decree!"
The following morning, civil and military officials stood solemnly inside the Qianqing Palace.
Halfway through the court meeting, Wang Yueting suddenly stepped forward and loudly announced, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to report!"
Yongzheng feigned doubt: "What is it, Minister Wang?"
Wang Yueting presented a packet of seeds with both hands, his expression excited: "Your Majesty, these are excellent seeds brought back from the Western Ocean by the envoys! According to the Westerners, this rice variety can be harvested three times a year, and it is not picky about the season. Although spring plowing has passed, it can still be sown. I implore Your Majesty to promote it throughout the land and benefit the people!"
These words caused an uproar throughout the court.
The ministers whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
"Three seasons a year? Is there really such a magical rice variety in the world?"
"Do Westerners really have such abilities?"
Emperor Yongzheng feigned surprise and stood up from his dragon throne: "Minister Wang, is this really true?"
Wang Yueting kowtowed deeply: "It is absolutely true! I have already ordered people to try planting it, and it is exactly as the Westerners said! This plant grows extremely fast, and it can thrive in three seasons a year, with no problem growing in all four seasons."
Emperor Yongzheng descended the imperial steps, personally took the bag of seeds, examined it carefully for a moment, and then said loudly, "If these fine seeds can truly yield three harvests a year, it is truly a blessing from Heaven for the Great Qing!"
He turned to his ministers and asked, "What do you all think?"
Zhang Tingyu stepped forward first and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this is a great and joyous event that benefits the country and its people! If it can be promoted, the people of our Great Qing will no longer have to worry about famine!"
Li Xianfu echoed, "I second that! Although the West is skilled in strange and ingenious techniques, this superior breed will benefit all people under heaven!"
Although the conservative ministers harbored reservations about Western products, they had to admit that the superior seeds available three times a year were unprecedented.
An elderly official knelt down, trembling, tears streaming down his face: "Your Majesty is wise! This auspicious omen has descended from Heaven; it is a blessing for the Great Qing!"
Immediately afterwards, all the civil and military officials knelt down and shouted, "Heaven bless the Great Qing! Long live the Emperor!"
Yongzheng looked around at everyone, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
He raised his hand to signal everyone to rise, and said in a deep voice, "In that case, the Grand Minister of Agriculture shall immediately coordinate the distribution of improved seeds, so that the people of the world may benefit as soon as possible."
Wang Yueting kowtowed excitedly: "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations!"
A few days later, the promotion of improved varieties was in full swing.
Wang Yueting personally oversaw the distribution of seeds to various provinces, prefectures, and counties.
When the people heard that this rice variety could be harvested three times a year, they eagerly took it, and the fields were filled with jubilation.
In the experimental fields on the outskirts of Beijing, the lush green rice seedlings are growing vigorously.
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