"Have you ever tried any dishes made with lotus root, sir?" Yun Zhizhi asked with a smile.
The prefect nodded: "Yes. This lotus root can be crisp or soft, and it can be prepared in many ways, with a rich flavor. The people love it."
"Has Your Excellency ever considered why I only sell lotus roots and not dishes made with lotus roots?"
The prefect then realized what was happening.
Yes! With her excellent cooking skills, she could actually cook dishes and sell them back home, earning even more money that way.
"Then why are you doing this?" he asked curiously.
Yun Zhizhi explained calmly, "My purpose in doing this is to promote lotus root as a vegetable, so that more ordinary people can learn about it and even grow it."
"The climate in Yizhou Prefecture is warm, which is very suitable for the growth of lotus roots. If carefully managed, the yield will naturally be quite high. Through my observations over the past few days, I have noticed that some farmers are already considering planting lotus roots."
The prefect nodded slightly. "Indeed, it would be a good thing if lotus roots could be planted on a large scale."
Immediately afterwards, Yun Zhizhi said with a fawning smile, her eyes narrowing into slits, looking exactly like a cunning fox: "If we vigorously promote planting, I believe that next year, many farmers will be able to make a living by growing lotus roots."
"In this way, not only will the living standards of ordinary people improve, but your future career path as prefect will also be much smoother."
That's right!
Upon hearing these words, the prefect suddenly realized what was going on.
If the people's income increases, they can eat their fill, and their living standards improve because of the vigorous cultivation of lotus roots, then he, as the local official of Yizhou Prefecture, must have made a great contribution.
At that time, the imperial court might even promote him and grant him a higher rank and title!
Thinking of this, the prefect's mood improved considerably, and his gaze towards Yun Zhizhi became more grateful.
"Hehe! In that case, it seems our government has indeed profited. I should thank you, young lady." The prefect smiled like a Buddha, his tone carrying a hint of sincerity.
Yun Zhizhi quickly waved her hand, "No! I was just doing my duty."
The prefect nodded in satisfaction, then turned to leave.
But just then, he suddenly turned around and shamelessly said to Yun Zhizhi, "I really like the lotus root dishes you make, especially the osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus root. It's just to my liking. It's a pity I only got to try two small pieces. I haven't had enough yet!"
Seeing that he specifically mentioned food before leaving, Yun Zhizhi roughly knew his intention. "Sir, I have some osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus root left here. If you don't mind, you can take some back and enjoy it slowly."
Originally, these leftover osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus roots were specially reserved for Fang Rangrang and his grandson, as well as Master Xuanzhen. Unfortunately, they were unlucky this time and didn't get to enjoy them.
The prefect replied with a broad smile, "If you don't mind at all, then thank you very much!"
Miss Yun is not only beautiful and kind-hearted, but also very perceptive.
Moreover, she was his benefactor.
It seems this trip was definitely worthwhile.
At this moment, Registrar Xu had been waiting at the stage for a long time. When he saw the Prefect walking towards him, he immediately went up to him and asked in a low voice, "Sir, how did your conversation go?"
He noticed that the prefect seemed to be in a much better mood than when he first arrived, and he couldn't help but wonder what this Miss Yun had said to the prefect.
The prefect's lips curled slightly. "I had a very pleasant chat with Miss Yun! This time, our government didn't make a losing deal; on the contrary, we made a considerable profit."
"We need to hurry back to the government office and implement the policy of vigorously promoting lotus root cultivation in other counties, townships, and villages..."
As evening falls, the setting sun paints the sky with a tapestry of rosy hues.
Master Xuanzhen busily lifted one pot lid after another, muttering to himself, "Strange, why can't I see it? Could it be that the Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root has grown legs and secretly hidden itself?"
Just then, the little foodie Fang Rangrang came running over with his short legs, asking expectantly, "Grandpa Xuanzhen, have you found the Osmanthus Sticky Rice Lotus Root?"
Master Xuanzhen shook his head and sighed, "Not yet!"
Time passed by, and after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Master Xuanzhen and Fang Rangrang still hadn't found anything.
Meanwhile, Yun Zhizhi was sitting leisurely to the side, watching the three of them staring at her with resentful eyes. Suddenly, she slapped her forehead and realized, "Oh dear! I'm getting old, my memory isn't so good anymore. I forgot to leave some for you."
"I'll definitely remember tomorrow! Besides the osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus root, I'll also save some of the lotus root balls I made last time for you."
Master Xuanzhen couldn't help but purse his lips.
Keep bragging! Go ahead and keep bragging!
How dare she say she's old and has a bad memory in front of this old monk? What is this old monk compared to her? I'm that old myself, and I still remember what she said.
Master Xuanzhen feigned pitifulness and said, "This old monk is a monk and cannot eat lotus root balls. Zhizhi, you have no heart!"
Yun Zhizhi smiled awkwardly and quickly comforted her, "Don't worry! I'll save some sweet and sour lotus root for you."
Master Xuanzhen felt a little better after hearing this, but he still muttered, "Don't forget what you promised us next time..."
"good!"
It wasn't that she didn't remember, but she never expected that a prefect would suddenly appear and try to steal their food!
The fifth day of setting up a stall.
At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), Yun Zhizhi was still lying in bed, fast asleep.
"Clap clap! Clap clap!"
A series of urgent knocks came from the door, growing louder and louder, as if something urgent was about to happen.
Yun Zhizhi was awakened by the knocking. She turned over impatiently, muttering, "Who is it? Knocking so early!"
"Miss, wake up! Something's happened!" He Ping'an's anxious voice came from outside the door.
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhizhi immediately sat up in bed, rubbed her eyes, and felt a sense of unease welling up inside her.
She quickly straightened her clothes, hurriedly opened the door, and asked, "What happened? Why are you in such a panic?"
Just then, He Yang strode over here with brisk steps.
He held a short sword, his hair was disheveled, he was barefoot, his face was full of anger, and his voice was extremely loud, "Which bastard dares to steal lotus roots from my lotus field? He's got a death wish!"
Yun Zhizhi was still a little sleepy, but upon hearing this, her eyes widened instantly, and all sleepiness vanished.
She asked in surprise, "Really? Thieves went to the lotus field to steal lotus roots? How many did they steal?"
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