Just as Xichun was getting bored, Taozi arrived in the capital. This time he came alone, all because of something Fu Changfeng had entrusted to him.
"Sister Xichun, I'm so glad to finally meet you all. I've come here about the rice seeds. We've already figured out the kind of rice seed you mentioned. It's a very important matter, so I didn't dare send anyone to deliver the message. I had to come in person."
Taozi met Xichun and happily shared with her what had happened since they left.
"Now that the new county magistrate has arrived, he has not immediately changed the previous policies. He still follows the regulations set by my brother-in-law. The people are still living in peace and contentment, and everyone is able to get what they deserve. The workshops in the county are also operating as usual."
"That's good. As long as everyone is well, your brother-in-law doesn't need to worry. I've already sent someone to tell him about this. You can wait at home for him to come back and we'll talk about it then."
Xichun hurriedly had the guest courtyard cleaned and prepared food for him. Taozi had been living in the open these past few days and hadn't dared to delay at all. He was really hungry now and ate several bowls of rice.
When Fu Changfeng learned that Taozi had come, he guessed that it must be about this matter. He was distracted all afternoon until his shift ended, at which point he had someone drive the carriage home as soon as possible.
Now that Zhao Yuping has returned to his hometown to prepare for the provincial examination, Fu Changfeng only has his cousin Wenmao as a capable person by his side. So the group met to discuss how to deal with the rice seeds.
Xi Chun suggested that he needed to go through the Ministry of Revenue, which would require his direct superior. Otherwise, he would offend someone. As for how the Vice Minister and Minister of Revenue would report it, that would depend on their opinions. However, this matter was far more effective than the previous method of planting rice in terraced fields, and even if they wanted to hide Fu Changfeng's contribution, it would be impossible for them.
The discussion went on until midnight before an agreement was reached. Fu Changfeng took out the handwriting samples compiled by Taozi and the people in charge of rice seed management in Shaoming County, wrote them into a memorial to the throne, and went to the Ministry of Revenue early the next morning with dark circles under his eyes.
The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue has been overwhelmed with the affairs of the newly appointed Jinshi graduates and his own family these days. He has already taken a few days off to avoid his colleagues, which is why he missed Fu Changfeng's visit to the Right Vice Minister to discuss this matter.
When Vice Minister Jiang Dongjie saw Fu Changfeng come to see him, he began to ponder. Fu Changfeng had always been extremely low-key. Apart from doing his own job well, he never deliberately tried to take credit. Some of his colleagues were even wondering whether Fu was just too low-key or just all show and no substance.
Why is he so low-key after arriving at the Ministry of Revenue? He doesn't seem to care about anything other than his own duties. How can we expect him to make any contributions so that everyone can benefit from his achievements?
So when he heard from his subordinates today that he was coming to see him, Jiang Daren began to guess the purpose of his trip.
"This humble official greets Vice Minister Jiang." Fu Changfeng held a memorial in his hand.
"Lord Fu, what brings you to see me today?"
"My lord, there is something I cannot decide on myself, and I would like to ask you to help me consider what to do."
"Oh, there's something that Lord Fu can't handle, hehe, let me see it." Lord Jiang laughed when he heard this. Lord Fu wasn't like this in the past. He always did a good job on everything he arranged. While his colleagues went home, he stayed here to work, and he always did it quickly and well.
So he really thought he had encountered some troublesome matter, and his eyes lit up after he took the memorial from Lord Fu's hand.
However, he did not speak immediately. Instead, he slowly read all the text from beginning to end, thoroughly understanding it, before standing up and looking at Fu Changfeng.
"Lord Fu, is what you're saying true? This is a matter of great importance concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, and we cannot allow any mistakes. You brought the rice seeds, so I'd like to take a look at them first."
"Your Excellency, I have brought him, but he is outside and has been guarded."
"Quickly, have someone bring it in. Let me take a look first." Lord Jiang knew that Fu Changfeng was giving him face in this matter. If he also reported it, he would naturally get some credit as well.
Li, the prefect of Juzhou, has become a regional governor thanks to Fu Changfeng's contributions. Jiang Dongjie's opportunity has finally arrived.
After examining the rice seeds, Lord Jiang had a clear idea of what to expect and led him directly to the Minister. The Minister had just returned from the Emperor's court and had just taken a sip of hot tea when he heard that Vice Minister Jiang had brought Fu Changfeng to see him. After thinking it over carefully, he let the two of them in.
However, after hearing them talk about this, the Minister could no longer calmly drink tea. He read through the memorial from beginning to end and carefully examined the rice seeds.
"Very good, Lord Fu, you are truly outstanding. If such a great achievement were presented to the Emperor, your future would be very bright." The Minister was in a good mood.
"No, no, this is all thanks to Lord Jiang and Minister Jiang. If it weren't for your guidance, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to do it. Please give me some pointers on how to write this memorial. I hastily wrote it tonight, and I hope you two can help me consider it. Also, please ask Minister Jiang to help me present it to the Emperor. As long as more people can eat rice, that would be the happiest thing for me."
"Lord Fu is too modest. Since you've put it that way, we two will naturally consider it for you. I'm only a few years older than you, which shows that young people are more quick-witted these days. I can't deny that I'm getting old."
"My lord, you are in your prime now. We subordinates still need your guidance, otherwise we wouldn't even dare to make any decisions." Lord Jiang also flattered the Minister with a smile.
The servant took Fu Changfeng's memorial and pointed out the wording to him. After careful consideration, by the afternoon, a memorial that satisfied all three of them was finally written. The Minister, of course, couldn't wait a moment longer and rushed into the palace with the memorial in his arms.
The Emperor was processing memorials in the Imperial Study when he saw the Minister of Revenue return. He was a little surprised, but after seeing the memorial the Minister brought, he became flustered and hurriedly ordered someone to bring over the rice seeds.
"This Minister Fu is truly a capable man. Minister Wu, your Ministry of Revenue has made an invaluable contribution this time. I will have Minister Fu summoned immediately, as I wish to hear his thoughts on this rice seed matter in person."
"This is all thanks to His Majesty's kindness. If it weren't for His Majesty's trust in the Ministry of Revenue, we wouldn't be where we are today. I suggest that someone be sent on horseback to check on the rice that has not yet been harvested. Only by seeing it with our own eyes can we be at ease. This matter is of great importance."
"Of course, Minister Wu, rest assured, I will naturally send people to investigate."
When Fu Changfeng learned that the Emperor wanted to see him, he felt a surge of nervousness. Apart from being summoned by His Majesty when he first arrived in the capital, he had not seen His Majesty since.
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