"Dad, why do the meat buns today not taste as good as the ones I buy in town?"
"We got so used to the food at your third uncle's house. Luckily, we only stayed for two days. If we had stayed longer, we probably wouldn't have been able to eat anything outside after we left."
"The food at Uncle's house is really good. When your son becomes successful in the future, he should hire such a good chef for you, so that you can eat delicacies every day."
Zhao Dawen was extremely relieved; after all, his own son was the most filial.
The father and son finished their steamed buns without tasting them, and Zhao Dawen urged his son to go study. He then sat in the courtyard, took out his pen and ink, and began copying books.
He wants to make money!
The cost of living in the prefectural city is so high; how will my son pay his tuition if I don't earn money? I have to go out and inquire about which academies are good, what their admission requirements are, how much the tuition is, how much the accommodation is, and how much the food will cost.
After passing the imperial examination and becoming a scholar, he will need to buy a lot of books. He has some time recently to copy a few more books for his son, so he will try not to buy them if possible.
The two did not disturb each other and were busy until the sun went down. Zhao Dawen stopped writing when he felt cold and moved his already stiff legs.
"Son, let's go out and get a bowl of noodles together."
"good!"
After returning to the prefectural city, Zhao Dashu continued his lazy lifestyle until someone from the prefectural government came to say that the prefect wanted to see him. Only then did he remember the rice-fish farming method and rice seedling planting method that his daughter had researched.
"Daughter," Zhao Dashu said, rubbing his hands together lewdly as he paced back and forth in the main room, "do you think there's been a letter from the capital? I wonder what kind of reward we'll get this time?"
We don't lack silver, but we really hope His Majesty can give us something more substantial.
"Stop guessing, we'll find out when we get to the government office. Anyway, it's bound to be a good thing."
"Yes, yes, you're right. Dad changed his clothes and went out."
"Hurry up and go, don't keep people waiting too long for good things."
His daughter was absolutely right. He had to hurry to the government office; he couldn't keep the prefect waiting.
After everyone left, Madam Song, holding her grandson, asked, "Xiaoyu, do you think we'll get a big reward this time? Or will the prefect take it all away?"
“He can’t take it away, but there’s a chance he can share it with us. After all, His Majesty once issued an imperial edict praising Father.”
Zhao Xiaoyu was really looking forward to it. This contribution was huge, wasn't it? Shouldn't the emperor give them something tangible in return?
When Zhao Dashu arrived at the government office, after he was informed, someone led him in to see the prefect. He straightened his clothes.
"This student greets Your Excellency!"
"No need for formalities, hehe! I heard you went back to your hometown for the New Year?" He had originally planned to invite Zhao Dashu's family to a banquet during the New Year, but when he went to invite them, he found out that the whole family had gone back to their hometown.
"Yes, I have an elderly mother at home, and I was worried about leaving her there, so I went back to visit her."
The prefect stroked his beard and said with a smile, "I know you are a filial son. How is your mother's health?"
"Thank you for your concern, Prefect. My mother is doing well."
Yes, he's a very filial son. Everyone in the whole county knows how filial Zhao Dashu is!
"That's good, that's good! Hahaha!"
Zhao Dashu could tell that the prefect was in an extremely good mood, almost like a fool, completely out of control. It seemed he had received a tremendous benefit this time, otherwise he wouldn't be so happy.
"You seem to be in a good mood today, sir. Is there some good news?" Zhao Dashu asked directly, not wanting to continue playing coy.
Why can't this person just say it directly and make him happy?
"Big Tree guessed correctly; there is indeed good news. Not only is it good news for me, but it is also good news for you!"
"Oh? It's related to students?"
It's fucking ridiculous; he still has to pretend to be stupid.
The governor laughed loudly a few more times, "Yes, it has something to do with you. I have already reported the rice-fish farming and rice transplanting methods that you researched to His Majesty."
"Really? What did His Majesty say?"
"His Majesty will conduct the trial this year, and if it proves successful..." The prefect patted Zhao Dashu's shoulder heavily several times, "Dashu, you and I are truly great heroes of this dynasty! Hahaha..."
The prefect stroked his beard and laughed uncontrollably; he was ecstatic, truly ecstatic.
Zhao Dashu looked at the prefect speechlessly. Was this man out of his mind? Even the Emperor couldn't figure out what he was so happy about. He wasn't getting any reward, so what was he so excited about?
Even if it succeeds, we don't know what we'll get in return. Why are you so happy just because the emperor is going to start the experiment?
The prefect must be a simpleton.
"Really?! His Majesty actually issued an imperial decree! Wow, this is incredible news!"
Zhao Dashu lowered his head and covered his trembling face.
"Yes, Big Tree, you have made a tremendous contribution this time! Although His Majesty has not yet succeeded in the experiment, he has still rewarded you, saying that you have not let him down."
Zhao Dashu's eyes lit up. "His Majesty awarded him a prize?"
"Well, I've rewarded you with five hundred taels of silver, allowing you to continue your research. I've also instructed myself to fulfill any of your requests. Big Tree, is your land enough for you to run wild? If not, I'll find you another farm. You can do as much as you want with the land in our prefectural city."
Zhao Dashu's mouth twitched so much it went numb. How did he become a prefect? Why did he think this man looked so stupid?
However, having land is always good, especially land in the prefectural city; naturally, the more the better.
"My lord, it would be wonderful if there were another farm near my home."
The governor nodded. "Alright, you can wait at home. I'll take over a farm near your house for you. From now on, you just need to focus on farming."
Zhao Dashu bowed deeply and said, "This student will certainly live up to your expectations!"
"Hahaha!!! Okay, okay!!! Stay tonight, how about we have a few drinks?"
He was overjoyed, a joy that seemed to be shared only with Zhao Dashu. Perhaps he could return to the capital after His Majesty's experiment!
Hahaha!
He's finally going to get another promotion! Based on his real achievements!
"Yes, sir!"
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