After taking a sip of tea, Lord Yao spoke:
"Some time ago, Princess Li Xue returned to the capital from the border and visited me. She mentioned that Zhao Shaofu had planted some new varieties of crops."
The princess also specifically mentioned potatoes and sweet potatoes, two crops that not only have high yields but can also be used as staple foods. Currently, they are preparing to promote these crops.
The princess was supposed to come along, but she had just returned from the border and was exhausted, and she still had many things to take care of.
I didn't want to trouble her, so I came here myself to investigate the crops here.
Zhao Xian was taken aback. According to Lord Yao's words, Li Xue should have returned to the court from the border not long ago.
It has been more than three months since Li Xue last went to the border from Shuixian Village. Taking into account the time needed for the journey, this means that Li Xue has stayed at the border for at least a month.
She went to the border to visit Marshal Han. Under normal circumstances, she shouldn't have stayed for too long. Could something have happened at the border?
This involved some sensitive topics, and Zhao Xian dared not ask too many questions, but he felt a growing sense of worry.
Seeing the excitement in Lord Yao's eyes, Zhao Xian nodded and said:
"Some time ago, the imperial court rewarded me with some fertile land, and with the purchase of some farmland, I introduced some new crops from Southeast Asia for planting."
These crops are well-suited to this environment, have very high yields, and can be used as staple foods. We plan to promote their cultivation on a large scale.
Lord Yao was very pleased upon hearing this and said:
"I want to see what these crops look like and how they are growing."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately spoke:
"It's late autumn now, the crops have been harvested, and there are no more crops growing in the fields, but there are harvested potatoes and sweet potatoes in the farm."
Lord Yao has had a long and tiring journey these past few days. After a couple of days of rest, I'll take you to see the farm.
"No need. I'll go for a walk in the countryside later and collect some soil. When I get back, I'll compare and analyze it with the soil in the warehouse to find out which areas in the Great Northern Dynasty are suitable for planting this crop."
Lord Yao's words filled Zhao Xian with awe. It seemed that the Grand Minister of Agriculture was not just an official title, but also possessed a wealth of professional knowledge.
By comparing and analyzing the soil in different regions, it is possible to determine the suitable areas for planting potatoes and sweet potatoes. This level of expertise is truly remarkable.
Lord Yao asked his attendant to bring him a set of clothes. The attendant quickly brought a set of clothes from the carriage, and Lord Yao changed into the clothes.
This is a set of clothes worn by old farmers in the countryside. After putting on this outfit, Lord Yao has become a genuine farmer.
Another attendant handed over a Tatar bag, which Lord Yao immediately tied around his waist. The bag contained dry food and water, and Lord Yao always dressed like this when he went on field expeditions.
Zhao Xian and Magistrate Cao were both stunned; this Lord Yao was far too dedicated.
Upon arriving at Shuixian Village, before even taking a short rest, Zhao Xian was already on his way to conduct fieldwork. He never imagined that there were such dedicated officials in ancient times.
They were unaware of Lord Yao's current state of mind; he longed to see Li Guang as soon as possible.
In his heart, he had already regarded Li Guang as his youngest son, Yao Jian.
At this moment, Magistrate Yao looked at Magistrate Cao and said:
"Magistrate Cao, you've had a long journey. I've arrived at Shuixian Village now, so you should go back. I may be staying there for a few days, so don't worry about me."
"Very well, Lord Yao, please take care of your health during your stay in Narcissus Village. Do not overwork yourself. I will take my leave now."
After taking his leave, Magistrate Cao got into his carriage and returned to the county office.
Zhao Xian looked at Lord Yao, knowing he was going to conduct field research, and said:
"Lord Yao is not yet familiar with the situation in Narcissus Village, so I will accompany you there."
"Young Master Zhao, there's no need to be so polite. The princess has told me that Narcissus Village is a beautiful place, like a fairyland. This time, I'm going to return to simplicity."
Visiting Shuixian Village for research is only one aspect. Since I have been in the imperial court for too long, this time I want to get closer to nature.
This time, I'm going to the wilderness without any attendants, so there's even less need for Zhao Shaofu to accompany me.
"Simply arrange our lodgings, Young Master Zhao. I will return before nightfall to have dinner with you."
“Alright, it’s settled then. I have some good wine here, let’s have a drink with Lord Yao tonight,” Zhao Xian said.
Lord Yao nodded, took a small shovel and a basket from his attendant, slung the basket over his shoulder, bid farewell to Zhao Xian, and walked out of the village.
"What a strange old man," Zhao Xian muttered, probably overheard by Lord Yao's attendants.
Zhao Xian looked at his attendants and said:
"It is nearly noon now. Please have lunch here. After the meal, I will arrange accommodations for Lord Yao and the two of you so that you can rest well."
"Thank you, Lord Shaofu," the attendant said.
Lord Yao could have had someone take him to see Li Guang, but he didn't want to do that. He wanted to find Li Guang himself and find out the truth about Li Guang's situation here.
He quickly left the village and came to the fields. Looking around, just as Li Xue had said, the scenery here was indeed beautiful, like a beautiful painting.
Around noon, people began to go home for lunch, and the number of farmers working in the fields began to decrease.
In the vast fields, the farm stood out conspicuously, and Lord Yao spotted it at a glance.
Lord Yao was excited. His eagerness to see Li Guang earlier had subsided. He didn't know whether Li Guang was in the fields or at the farm.
Anyway, let's go check out the farm first.
Along the way, Lord Yao frequently encountered farmers returning home for dinner. They looked at him curiously, and Lord Yao would greet them in return.
People responded mechanically. The old man in front of them was clearly an old farmer. The village was only so big, and everyone knew each other, but the villagers had never seen this old farmer before.
Besides, it was time to go home for dinner, and the farmer should have been heading back to the village, but instead he was hurrying towards the fields, which seemed a bit strange.
Regardless of what others thought, Lord Yao continued walking into the fields and soon arrived near the farm.
Lord Yao knew that Li Guang cultivated several plots of land, each of which was quite large.
Some time ago, the imperial court bestowed three thousand acres of fertile land upon Zhao Xian. This land was to be cultivated by Li Guang, and to cultivate it well, a lot of helpers would be needed.
There weren't many people left in the fields by then; most had gone home for lunch. But in one particular field, many people were still busy, with no intention of going home for lunch.
Perhaps these people were hired by Li Guang to do the work; Lord Yao is going to go and take a look.
The land is quite large, covering several hundred acres, and there are at least thirty people working there; they appear to be growing vegetables.
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