Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1348: A Great Merit

Editor: Henyee Translations

It could be cooked and served as a staple food, boasting a pleasing taste and remarkable yield. What was this? It was nothing short of a divine blessing bestowed upon the people of Great Qin!

The official from the Ministry of Revenue couldn’t contain his skepticism and questioned Shao Yunduan, “Is it true? Is it genuinely this abundant? Can it truly thrive with minimal care? This seems unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable!”

Shao Yunduan led the Crown Prince and the others to his own land and proceeded to dig with a hoe.

The Crown Prince, if he wished, could choose any plant he desired.

However, it became evident that Shao Yunduan had not been exaggerating. The potatoes were incredibly prolific! They dug up several stalks and filled a basket.

“This is incredible! This is remarkable!”

“Congratulations, Crown Prince! Congratulations! This is a boon for Great Qin!”

“Congratulations, Crown Prince!”

The Crown Prince was elated, his eyes sparkling with joy. He paid no mind to the dirt on his hands as he held a potato and meticulously cleaned off the surface mud. His touch was gentle, conveying a sense of comfort and happiness.

“Officer Shao, you have rendered a significant service to Great Qin!”

Shao Yunduan modestly replied, “Crown Prince, you are too kind. I simply stumbled upon it.”

He recounted how he had encountered the potato while traveling to the capital for an exam. Along the way, he had spotted someone enjoying it and, curious, had purchased some with his wife. Upon tasting it, they found it to be exceptionally delightful and bought the remaining stock.

They planted some at home, which thrived remarkably. Surprisingly, when they planted them in the capital, the results were even better! It was clear that these potatoes were not finicky about their growing conditions.

Harvest time was just around the corner. A couple of days ago, his wife had brought a few servants to harvest a batch.

These potatoes stored well and could be consumed throughout the winter.

Little did they anticipate that fields everywhere would yield such an abundance of elongated fruits. Upon reflection, she believed it would be wise to inform the Crown Prince of this discovery. However, she feared her explanation might not be adequate. Hence, she chose to prepare food made from potatoes and present it to the Crown Prince.

This was the plan devised by Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan.

Once they informed the Crown Prince about the potatoes, he would likely report it to the Emperor and send officials to manage the potato resources in the region. In such a scenario, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan would have little say in the matter.

Qiao Xuan had intended to cultivate potatoes herself in the coming year, but if the potatoes were taken to the East Palace, they might end up in the hands of the Emperor or the Ministry of Revenue. In that case, how would she acquire the seeds?

Hence, she decided to pre-emptively dig up an acre or two, estimating they would collect nearly enough seeds. They’d still have a surplus, which should suffice.

Upon hearing Shao Yunduan’s words, the Crown Prince suddenly realized something.

With a smile, the Crown Prince remarked, “Officer Shao, your dedication to the empire is truly commendable. I will report this to my father, and he will be delighted.”

“Your Highness, I’m deeply grateful for your kindness. I can never repay you enough. It’s my duty!”

The Crown Prince chuckled. “Officer Shao, you remain as modest as ever!”

Colleagues cast envious glances at Shao Yunduan, convinced that he was incredibly fortunate and that he had stumbled upon a string of good fortune. They speculated that his promotion was imminent.

As for the rewards? There was no doubt they would be exceedingly generous!

Indeed, on the same day, the Crown Prince dispatched a guard to oversee the garden. In accordance with Shao Yunduan’s request, the Crown Prince instructed that the strawberries in the garden were not to be tampered with. Everyone understood that Lord Shao had a promising future ahead of him and was a prominent figure in the East Palace. Therefore, the Crown Prince made it clear that there should be no interference.