bestfiction Chapter 261 Potatoes
Chapter 261 Potatoes
In the courtyard of the Xijing Kingdom's palace, tranquility reigned, and moonlight, like water, spilled over the pavilions and towers, outlining a dreamlike silhouette.
Jia Xiaoyan wore a light blue silk dress with delicate lily patterns embroidered on the hem, which swayed gently with her light steps.
She strolled through the courtyard, her mind heavy with worry, her brows furrowed.
My mind was filled with images of the devastation caused by the severe drought in Linyang County and the faces of the people suffering from hunger and cold.
As the wife of Emperor Jiang Liushen, she was always concerned about the people, even though she lived in the palace.
This sudden drought has plunged countless people into hardship, which has caused Jia Xiaoyan great anxiety.
She stopped, looked up at the night sky, and murmured to herself, "Isn't there any way to help them?"
Just then, a flash of inspiration struck her; she suddenly remembered the mysterious space she possessed.
It contains many rare items, including potatoes.
Potatoes are high-yielding, easy to grow, and drought-resistant, and may become the key to solving the problem of food and clothing for the people.
Jia Xiaoyan hurried back to her room, closed the doors and windows, and after confirming that no one was around, she entered the mysterious space with a thought. Inside, multicolored light shimmered, and all sorts of rare and precious treasures were on display. Jia Xiaoyan didn't have time to admire them; she went straight to the area where potatoes were stored. Looking at the mountain of potatoes, a glimmer of hope welled up in her heart.
"These potatoes will definitely help everyone," Jia Xiaoyan said softly, her eyes filled with determination.
She got busy, selecting plump, disease-free potatoes as seeds and putting them into specially made cloth bags. At the same time, she prepared detailed planting instructions, including planting time, spacing, fertilization points, and pest and disease control.
Once everything was ready, Jia Xiaoyan summoned her trusted bodyguard. Dressed in black night clothes and wearing a black mask, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes, the bodyguard appeared silently in front of Jia Xiaoyan and knelt on one knee.
"Mistress, what are your orders?" The guard's voice was low and respectful.
With a solemn expression, Jia Xiaoyan handed the package containing potato seeds and planting instructions to the guard: "You must deliver these to His Majesty immediately. Remember, this matter is of utmost importance. You must personally hand them over to His Majesty and there must be no mistakes."
The guard accepted the package with both hands and nodded solemnly: "Mistress, rest assured, I will do my utmost to save you, even at the cost of my life."
"Go, the sooner the better," Jia Xiaoyan urged.
The guards obeyed the order, their figures flashing as they disappeared into the night like a black lightning bolt.
At this moment, at the disaster relief site in Linyang County, Jiang Liushen was discussing the next steps in the disaster relief plan with his ministers. The past few days of hard work had left him slightly tired and his face haggard, but his eyes remained resolute.
"Your Majesty, although some of the water problems have been solved, the food shortage remains a major issue. As long as the people's basic needs for food and clothing are not met, this disaster will not be over," a minister said with deep concern.
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly, his expression solemn: "I know, but the grain reserves of the surrounding counties are also limited, making it difficult to supply them in the long term."
Just as everyone was deep in thought, a guard hurriedly entered the tent and knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, a mysterious person requests an audience, saying that he has something important to give to Your Majesty personally."
Jiang Liushen exchanged glances with the ministers, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "Bring him in."
A moment later, the guard entered the tent, removed his black mask, and knelt to pay his respects: "Your Majesty, I have been ordered by Her Majesty the Empress to deliver an important item to Your Majesty." With that, he presented the package.
Jiang Liushen took the package, opened it, and saw that it contained potato seeds and planting instructions. His eyes lit up immediately, and he eagerly began to read through the planting instructions.
"This is... a potato? Where did the Empress get it?" Jiang Liushen asked in surprise.
The guard relayed Jia Xiaoyan's instructions: "Her Majesty the Empress cares deeply for the people. Knowing that His Majesty is worried about the food problem, she specially retrieved these potato seeds from her mysterious space, along with detailed planting instructions, hoping to help the people overcome their difficulties."
A warm feeling welled up in Jiang Liushen's heart, and he exclaimed, "The Empress is truly wise and compassionate. These potatoes may really help alleviate the people's urgent needs."
The ministers gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation as they looked at the potato seeds and planting methods.
"Your Majesty, are these potatoes really that magical? Can their yield really be higher than that of ordinary crops?" a minister asked doubtfully.
Jiang Liushen smiled and said, "Although I have never seen these potatoes grow, since the Empress attaches so much importance to them, there must be a reason. Let's give it a try."
Jiang Liushen immediately summoned the local people, introduced them to the methods of potato cultivation, and personally demonstrated them. Although the people were skeptical, seeing how serious the emperor was, they all followed suit and learned.
Under Jiang Liushen's leadership, the people began planting potato seeds on the parched land. They were filled with anticipation, hoping that these tiny potato seeds would bring life and hope.
Days passed, and the potato seeds, carefully tended by the villagers, sprouted and grew strong. Looking at the tender green potato seedlings, long-lost smiles returned to the villagers' faces.
"Your Majesty, these potato seedlings are growing so well!" a commoner exclaimed excitedly.
Looking at the thriving potato field, Jiang Liushen felt a surge of satisfaction: "This is all thanks to Her Majesty the Empress. Once the potatoes are harvested, everyone will no longer have to go hungry."
As time went by, the potatoes were harvested in abundance. Looking at the mountains of potatoes, the people cheered with joy and were moved to tears.
"Long live His Majesty! Long live Her Majesty the Empress!" The cheers of the people echoed through the fields for a long time.
Thanks to Jiang Liushen's all-out command and the concerted efforts of the entire nation, the disaster situation in Linyang County has finally been effectively brought under control. In the fields, potato seedlings are growing vigorously, a green sea swaying in the wind, foreshadowing a bountiful harvest; in the villages, smiles have returned to the faces of the people, and life is gradually returning to its former vitality.
On this day, Jiang Liushen stood outside the makeshift camp, gazing at the land that was gradually regaining its vitality, his heart filled with emotion.
He knew it was time to return to the capital; there were still many government affairs to attend to and many more people to protect.
However, he felt a pang of reluctance. These days, he had fought alongside the people and experienced their resilience and kindness, a bond he would never forget.
"Your Majesty, the carriage is ready and we may depart," a guard stepped forward and said respectfully.
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly: "Let's wait a little longer." He wanted to see this land again and see these lovely people again.
Just then, a commotion arose in the distance. Jiang Liushen looked up and saw a group of people walking towards the camp.
They carried various items in their hands, including homemade dry food, fresh fruit, and hand-woven straw sandals and handkerchiefs.
The leader was an elderly man with white hair. He walked with a faltering gait, but tried to quicken his pace, his eyes filled with reluctance.
"Your Majesty!" The old man knelt before Jiang Liushen, his voice trembling, "Your Majesty, are you leaving?"
Jiang Liushen quickly stepped forward to help the old man up: "Old man, please get up."
"I am indeed returning to the capital, but I will always think of you all."
The old man wept uncontrollably: "Your Majesty, you are our great benefactor! If it weren't for Your Majesty's personal assistance in the disaster relief, how could we ordinary people survive! With you gone, we feel so empty inside."
Other people also gathered around and knelt down to see them off.
"Your Majesty, this is dry rations we made ourselves. Please eat it on your journey."
"Your Majesty, this fruit is very sweet. Please take it with you to quench your thirst."
"Your Majesty, these straw sandals were woven by my own hands. They will be comfortable for you to walk in."
The people chattered amongst themselves, handing over their belongings to Jiang Liushen. Their eyes were filled with gratitude and reluctance to part, and some were even sobbing uncontrollably.
Jiang Liushen looked at these simple, honest people, his eyes welling up with tears. He accepted the items offered by the people, his heart filled with emotion: "I appreciate everyone's kindness. But I cannot accept these things. Your lives are still very difficult. Keep them for yourselves. As long as everyone can live a good life, I will be content."
However, the people refused to accept the gift, saying, "Your Majesty, you must accept it; it is a small token of our appreciation!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, we would feel bad if you didn't accept it."
Jiang Liushen had no choice but to accept some items of sentimental value, such as straw sandals woven by an old man and a portrait drawn by a little girl. In the portrait, Jiang Liushen stood in the fields, smiling as he watched the people working; the scene was warm and beautiful.
"Your Majesty, please take good care of your health and come visit us often when you have time!" the people said in unison.
Jiang Liushen nodded vigorously: "Alright, I promise you. When you come again next time, you will see a more prosperous and affluent Linyang County."
Surrounded by the people, Jiang Liushen slowly walked towards his carriage. With each step he took, people called out his name from behind, their voices filled with deep affection and longing.
"Your Majesty, have a safe journey!"
"Your Majesty, please take care!"
The voices of the people rose and fell, like warm waves enveloping the deep river. He turned and waved goodbye to the people, his eyes filled with reluctance.
"Everyone, go back and live your lives well!" Jiang Liushen shouted.
The carriage slowly started moving, and the people followed behind, seeing it off all the way. Their figures appeared exceptionally small in the sunlight, yet exceptionally resolute. Through their actions, they expressed their gratitude and respect for Jiang Liushen.
Jiang Liushen sat in the carriage, watching the people gradually disappear into the distance through the window, his heart filled with emotion. He knew deeply that he bore a heavy responsibility, and the people's trust and expectations were his driving force. He secretly vowed to ensure that the people of Xijing Kingdom would live a happy and peaceful life.
Throughout the journey, the faces of the people and their simple words kept appearing in Jiang Liushen's mind. He knew that this trip to Linyang County would be one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life. And the deep affection and kindness of the people would forever be etched in his heart.