"Of course it's true. When you sent someone to find me just now, I happened to be at his house." Luo Chong nodded.
"Then—then where is he? What about his rice transplanter? Can it be put into widespread use?" She Xin asked, barely able to contain his impatience.
"Heh, that fellow built a rice transplanter two months ago, but kept it hidden, hoping to trade it for a noble title the following year. As it happened, I discovered it while strolling through the streets just now.
"His rice transplanter was crudely made, and the materials were unsuitable. It isn't ready for widespread use yet. Besides, he hasn't actually tested it. By the time he finished making it, winter had already arrived, so he never had the chance.
"I've arranged for him to work at the Power Research Institute in Xingang Commandery next month, where he'll focus on developing agricultural machinery. I've also ordered him to produce an improved version of the Hand-cranked Rice Transplanter before spring arrives. I've examined the thing, and the improvements shouldn't be difficult. It has great practical value. The small version can begin spreading next year, and it won't cost too much either—at the very least, it'll be cheaper than the Seed Drill and Curved-Shaft Plow. Every household will be able to afford one."
Seeing the excitement on everyone's faces, Luo Chong immediately explained further, then added one final warning.
"As for this carpenter, I've already made arrangements. Don't interfere recklessly, and don't go running to his house whenever you have nothing better to do. You might cause him trouble. If you affect the development of the agricultural machinery, I won't spare you."
"Yes, yes, Chieftain. It really can be put into widespread use?" She Xin hurriedly nodded. As the head of a commandery, developing agriculture