Those who received Cao Song's message, though unaware of what had happened, dared not delay and rushed to the front hall of the government office as quickly as possible.
Most of them were families who went to western Liaoning to purchase coal, including Zhao Ning and others.
Everyone sat in their seats with restrained expressions. They didn't dare to talk to each other, and they even had to cover their mouths when they coughed, not daring to make too much noise.
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture has arrived!!"
With a loud shout, Cao Song slowly walked into the front hall. In his hand were several blueprints and a count of the number of farm tools compiled by the Taicang magistrate and others.
"We greet the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"
Zhao Ning and the others hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Cao Song.
"Please, everyone, no need for such formalities, please be seated!"
Cao Song smiled broadly and nodded kindly to everyone, gesturing for them to take their seats.
"Thank you, Grand Minister of Agriculture!!"
Then everyone sat back down in their seats, looking rather reserved.
"Hehe~, everyone, there's no need to be nervous!"
Seeing everyone's expressions, Cao Song couldn't help but smile.
"No...no...don't be nervous...!"
Everyone quickly waved their hands and smiled apologetically. From their stammering tone, it was easy to tell that they were indeed "not nervous".
Seeing this, Cao Song shook his head helplessly, too lazy to say anything more, and then handed the things in his hand to his subordinates.
"Show these things to them!!"
"promise!!"
The subordinates took the blueprints from Cao Song and distributed them to everyone present.
"This is.....?"
Upon receiving the blueprints, Zhao Ning and the others couldn't help but show a hint of confusion.
Although they had never worked in the fields, they recognized most of these farm tools. Looking at the blueprints, Zhao Ning seemed to understand why Cao Song had personally received them.
Cao Song smiled and said loudly, "As you all know, the spring plowing season is just around the corner!"
There is an urgent need for agricultural tools in various regions, which is why I have gathered you all here today. I intend to entrust you with the manufacture of these tools, and the imperial court will then buy them back at a high price!
"Just as I thought, this is a rare opportunity to show off...!" Cao Song's words made Zhao Ning's eyes light up.
Suddenly, Zhao Ning spoke up loudly, "The Grand Minister of Agriculture is mistaken!"
"What...?"
Hearing Zhao Ning's rude words, everyone was shocked and looked at Zhao Ning in disbelief.
"Oh? I wonder what your opinion is?"
Cao Song also looked at Zhao Ning with some displeasure.
Seeing that he had successfully attracted Cao Song's attention, Zhao Ning forced himself to stand up and bow to Cao Song.
"In response to the Grand Minister of Agriculture, my family and I have been deeply indebted to the Emperor and do not know how to repay him. With spring plowing just around the corner, it is my honor to manufacture agricultural tools to share Your Majesty's burdens. How could I dare to take this opportunity to profit?"
Zhao Ning then continued, "Please rest assured, Grand Minister of Agriculture, I own twenty workshops and am willing to do my utmost to help the court produce agricultural tools, without taking a single penny..."
Zhao Ning's words were powerful and righteous, and the people in the hall couldn't help but cast disdainful glances at him.
Cao Song couldn't help but glance at Zhao Ning with surprise.
"Hehe~, well said... What's your name?"
Cao Song looked at Zhao Ning with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.
"Replying to the Grand Minister of Agriculture, my humble self is Zhao Ning, and my son Zhao Qing is currently in His Majesty's Imperial Guard. They are classmates with the Grand Minister of Agriculture's son!"
Upon hearing Cao Song ask for his name, Zhao Ning was overjoyed. He quickly introduced himself and took the opportunity to get closer to Cao Song.
Cao Song nodded with a smile, "Hehe~, good, I'll remember your name. It's rare to find someone as understanding as Patriarch Zhao. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come and find me..."
"Thank you for your guidance, Grand Minister of Agriculture!"
Cao Song's words filled Zhao Ning with joy and excitement.
"Damn it... he stole such a good opportunity to shine again!"
Those who knew the details of Zhao Ning's rise to power cursed him inwardly while also feeling deep regret.
Cao Song was a favorite of the emperor, deeply favored by him, and his status was self-evident. Now that Cao Song had publicly offered to protect Zhao Ning, not to mention the people present, even the officials in the court would probably have to treat Zhao Ning with great respect in the future.
"My Zhen family owns fifty workshops, and we are willing to help the imperial court to rush the production of agricultural tools without taking a single penny!"
Seeing this, the representative of the Zhen family also hurriedly stood up to express his opinion, hoping to leave a good impression on Cao Song.
"My Mi family owns sixty workshops..."
"My Zhang family owns twenty properties..."
"My Wang family..."
Immediately, everyone in the hall stood up and expressed their willingness to help the imperial court produce agricultural tools free of charge.
"Very good... You all truly deserve to be called loyal and righteous men of our Great Han Dynasty. His Majesty will be very pleased to know this!"
Seeing everyone's "selflessness," Cao Song was overjoyed and praised them generously.
"You flatter me, Grand Minister of Agriculture. It is our honor to share His Majesty's burdens..."
"Alright, I will report your good intentions to His Majesty truthfully, but there is no need for donations! After all, the demand for agricultural tools this time is too huge. You can handle it, but others cannot. We still need to let you make some money."
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