The Ninth Prince Presents an Auspicious Omen

Inside Wenyuan Pavilion, in the Council Hall.

Outside, the cold wind was biting, but inside, it was warm as spring.

The Three Prime Ministers and the Seven Department Ministers gathered to review the memorials from all officials.

According to Great Qian's custom, all official memorials would pass through the hands of the Three Prime Ministers.

The Three Prime Ministers would draft proposals, offer their suggestions, and then submit them to the Emperor for approval.

If the Emperor was not satisfied with the suggestions in the draft, he could send it back to the Three Prime Ministers for revision.

Today, the atmosphere in the Council Hall was solemn, and everyone present looked grave.

This was because the discussion concerned disaster relief.

This past summer, the northwest experienced a severe drought, leading to total crop failure.

After winter began, millions of common people were displaced, becoming refugees.

Such a large number of refugees far exceeded the capacity of local county yamen to manage.

With the local county yamen's instigation, they all converged near Yujing City.

"Everyone, last night, outside the city, three hundred and fifty-two refugees froze to death."

"With so many freezing to death, what is Chen Sicheng doing? How can he be the Prefect of Yujing City?"

"If he can't do his job as Prefect of Yujing City, then replace him."

The Right Prime Minister's thick brows furrowed tightly. On his square face, anger was clearly visible.

His words were sharp, carrying the air of someone ready to replace the Prefect of Yujing City.

"Jingxing, calm down."

"There are over a million refugees gathered outside Yujing City; it's naturally difficult for the Prefect of Yujing City alone to manage everything perfectly."

"We shouldn't blame Sicheng too much for a few oversights."

"I suggest a three-month salary deduction."

The Left Prime Minister stroked his beard, speaking up to defend Prefect Chen.

The Left Prime Minister and the Right Prime Minister were locked in a dispute over the Prefect of Yujing City.

The Martial Prime Minister, Shen Changfeng, watched their argument coldly, smiling without a word.

He was long accustomed to the quarrels between the Left and Right Prime Ministers.

According to the rules, all official memorials were to pass through the hands of the Three Prime Ministers for their suggestions.

But in reality, the Martial Prime Minister, Shen Changfeng, only concerned himself with military affairs.

For all other matters, he acted like a clay idol, turning a deaf ear.

The Prefect of Yujing City's apparent failure in disaster relief, leading to refugees freezing to death, seemed simple.

In reality, it involved the fierce struggle for the succession.

Chen Sicheng had recently allied himself with the Crown Prince.

The Left Prime Minister was the Crown Prince's staunchest supporter.

Naturally, his attitude would lean towards Chen Sicheng.

The Right Prime Minister secretly supported the Second Prince, and naturally, he would seize on Chen Sicheng's shortcomings.

The Ministers of the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Agriculture all spoke up for Chen Sicheng.

In contrast, on the Right Prime Minister's side, only the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue firmly stood with him.

The Ministers of the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Works, however, remained ambiguous, showing no clear allegiance.

"Prime Minister Shen, what do you think about this matter?"

The Right Prime Minister paused, looking towards Shen Changfeng.

"I'm just a rough old man; besides fighting, I know nothing else."

"Right Prime Minister, you've asked the wrong person."

Shen Changfeng chuckled, saying something that sounded like nothing.

But it was like saying something!

This stance was consistent with Shen Changfeng's character.

The Right Prime Minister's eyes showed disappointment, and he sighed inwardly.

The Left Prime Minister, however, remained calmly seated, smiling without a word, as if he had long anticipated this outcome.

Seeing that he couldn't get rid of Chen Sicheng, the Right Prime Minister did not press the issue further.

"The refugees outside Yujing City are growing in number; we must come up with a plan."

"The disaster victims outside Yujing City will need at least one million stones of grain for relief."

"Considering the entire northwest, without ten million stones of grain, this drought cannot be resolved at all."

When the Right Prime Minister finished speaking, silence fell over everyone present.

Ten million shi of grain was already a very conservative estimate.

If every grain could reach the disaster victims, it would naturally be enough.

But that was utterly impossible.

How could those below not line their own pockets?

Even if a minister acted as an imperial envoy, the "losses" would only be slightly smaller.

"Ziqian, how much grain is left in the national treasury?"

The Left Prime Minister asked, turning to look at the Minister of Revenue.

The grain in the storerooms fell under the Minister of Revenue's jurisdiction.

The Minister of Revenue was the clearest on how much grain the court could still mobilize.

Yan Ziqian, the Minister of Revenue, wore a bitter expression, looking utterly helpless.

"Excluding the grain for Yujing City's winter, there are only fifty thousand shi of grain available for use in the national treasury."

"Only that much grain?"

"Fifty thousand shi? What good is that?"

The Minister of Revenue's words poured cold water on everyone.

Discussions erupted in the Council Hall.

Fifty thousand shi of grain wasn't even enough to aid the refugees outside Yujing City.

Let alone the millions of refugees across the entire Northwest.

"Ziqian, what's going on? Why does the court have so little grain?"

Before the Left Prime Minister could demand an explanation, the Right Prime Minister spoke first, giving his "junior" a chance to explain himself.

"Reporting to the Right Prime Minister, there was a severe drought in the Northwest this year, and the court exempted the Northwest from taxes, so not a single penny was collected."

"Also, the year before last, the Eastern Sea aquatic tribes invaded, causing widespread devastation in the Shandong region."

"His Majesty granted tax exemptions for three years to Jiaodong, Langya, and Linzi prefectures, and taxes won't be collected from them until next year."

"These three prefectures are major tax revenue areas. Without their taxes, the court is already struggling financially."

The Minister of Revenue poured out his grievances. It wasn't that he was bad at managing finances, but rather that genuinely little was collected and much was spent.

Being able to barely balance the books was already the result of working tirelessly day and night.

"Everyone, what should we do about the grain needed for disaster relief? You all must come up with a solution."

"In any case, the Ministry of Revenue can only provide fifty shi of grain at most, no more."

"Even if you sold off the Ministry of Revenue, you wouldn't be able to scrounge up enough grain for disaster relief."

After hearing the Minister of Revenue's report, the Left Prime Minister pondered for a moment.

"Let's raise taxes."

"Left Prime Minister, I object."

"Court taxes are already heavy enough. Raising them again will likely force the people into rebellion."

The Minister of Rites, who had been quiet until now, directly jumped out and spoke righteously.

He had an earnest look, as if saying:

If taxes are raised again, Great Qian will be finished.

Seeing the Minister of Rites jump out to object, the Martial Prime Minister couldn't help but find it amusing.

The Minister of Rites was from Jiangnan.

If the court were to raise taxes, Jiangnan, being a major tax revenue area, would naturally be the first to be affected.

Suffer a little, people of Jiangnan, to save the poor people of the Northwest.

The Left Prime Minister, Qin Mobai, had used this tactic several times during his tenure.

"Shouzheng, if not raising taxes, then what do you suggest?"

The Left Prime Minister maintained a stern expression, his eyes seemingly showing displeasure as he questioned the Minister of Rites.

"This..."

The Minister of Rites' face showed a troubled expression.

Seeing that the Minister of Rites couldn't come up with an idea for a moment, the Right Prime Minister gave the Minister of Revenue a look, and the Minister of Revenue immediately understood.

"Why not borrow another ten million shi of grain from Shennong Valley?"

Shennong Valley, one of the Ten Great Dao Courts.

It was famous throughout the world for its cultivation of plants and alchemy.

If one were to ask where the most grain was?

It's not the Great Qian court; it must be Shennong Valley.

It's not unprecedented for the court to borrow grain from Shennong Valley.

To this day, they still owe Shennong Valley seven million shi of grain.

"Absolutely not!"

"How can the dignified court borrow from Shennong Valley? What kind of propriety is that?"

"If word gets out, the whole world will laugh at us."

The Left Prime Minister refused righteously and sternly.

His attitude was so resolute that he gave the Minister of Revenue no chance to defend himself.

The Martial Prime Minister watched the entire scene, shaking his head slightly.

The Left Prime Minister's refusal to borrow grain was righteous and stern.

However, in essence, it couldn't escape the struggle for the succession.

The Second Prince's birth mother was a saintess from Shennong Valley.

Borrowing from Shennong Valley would mean Shennong Valley gains greater influence over the court.

This was something the Crown Prince's faction, led by the Left Prime Minister, absolutely could not accept.

To date, besides the Crown Prince, the Second Prince was the only prince to be enfeoffed as a Prince of the First Rank.

One could say the Second Prince was the Crown Prince's biggest rival.

In court, the Second Prince's faction, led by the Right Prime Minister, also frequently vied with the Crown Prince.

Inside the Council Hall, arguments raged.

Regarding the two methods—raising taxes and borrowing—they were in a heated dispute, with neither side able to convince the other.

"His Majesty arrives!"

Eunuch Su's sharp voice rang out.

The Council Hall, which had just been filled with bickering, instantly fell silent, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

"Your subjects respectfully greet Your Majesty."

"My beloved ministers, you may rise."

Emperor Yuanchu sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"Have there been any proposals regarding disaster relief?"

"Your subjects are incompetent; please punish us, Your Majesty."

"Punish?" Emperor Yuanchu's tone suddenly rose by an octave, and his gaze turned chilling.

"Is punishment what I want?"

"What I want is for you to share my burdens!"

"Are there truly none among you high-ranking officials who can share my burdens?"

Bang!

Emperor Yuanchu kicked hard, overturning the table.

Inside the Council Hall, the entire court of civil and military officials were as quiet as cicadas in winter.

Raising taxes, borrowing.

Emperor Yuanchu had long known about these two methods.

It was only because the prime ministers all had their own selfish motives that they couldn't agree.

Besides these two methods, there was actually a third.

Levying from the aristocratic families—ten million shi of grain might seem like a lot.

But the aristocratic families held far more than ten million shi of grain.

However, no one dared to suggest this.

Because, indeed, they had grain in their own homes.

Moreover, hoarding during a famine was a common practice.

Outside Wenyuan Pavilion.

A young eunuch was whispering something to Eunuch Su, his voice hushed.

After listening, two sharp glints burst from Eunuch Su's eyes.

"Is it true, seven hundred jin per mu?"

"Godfather, your son saw it with his own eyes; how could I lie to you?"

"The Ninth Prince also said there are still ten mu of land in the manor that haven't been harvested, waiting for His Majesty to come and observe the ceremony."

"Understood. You go back and tell the Ninth Prince to prepare for His Majesty's arrival."

After dismissing the young eunuch, Eunuch Su caressed the rice in the clay pot and murmured to himself.

"Seven hundred catties per mu—it's unbelievable!"

Eunuch Su knew precisely what seven hundred catties of rice per mu meant for Great Qian.

It meant an endless supply of food.

It meant the ability to support more troops.

It meant His Majesty could finally realize his grand ambitions.

With that, Eunuch Su carried the clay pot and entered Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! My sincerest congratulations!"

Eunuch Su's joyful tone was completely out of place with the solemn atmosphere in the Council Hall.

"What's the good news?"

Emperor Yuanchu glanced at Eunuch Su, curious what his trusted aide was up to.

"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince has presented an auspicious sign."

"Your humble servant couldn't wait to congratulate Your Majesty."

"An auspicious sign?"

Emperor Yuanchu paused, his confusion deepening as he saw the rice in Eunuch Su's hands.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince heard that Your Majesty has been toiling day and night over the disaster in the northwest. He specifically sent this auspicious sign to alleviate Your Majesty's worries."

"From Heng'er?"

"What's so special about this rice? How can it be called an auspicious sign?"

Emperor Yuanchu asked in a low voice, touching the rough husks of the rice. He vaguely had a suspicion.

Heng'er had been at the Seed Selection Department for some time.

And now he sent rice.

Could it be that he discovered a high-yield rice variety?

"Your Majesty, according to the Ninth Prince, this rice yields seven hundred catties per mu."

"Is that true?"

Emperor Yuanchu lost some composure, and turbulent waves churned in his deep eyes.

"Even if the Ninth Prince had a hundred times the courage, he wouldn't dare deceive Your Majesty."

"That's true. Heng'er has always been a dutiful boy."

Seven hundred catties of rice per mu.

Most importantly, it was presented precisely when Emperor Yuanchu was distressed about disaster relief.

It truly deserved to be called an "auspicious sign."

Inside the Council Hall, the assembled high officials heard that the rice sent by the Ninth Prince could yield seven hundred catties per mu.

They all showed expressions of disbelief and incredulity.

Seven hundred catties per mu—is that possible?

That's equivalent to doubling the yield!

If uttered, even a three-year-old wouldn't believe such a claim.

Yet, why would the Ninth Prince say such an obvious lie?

Was he not afraid of His Majesty's wrath and punishment?

Whispers began to spread among the officials.

The Left Prime Minister stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, this matter needs to be thoroughly investigated. We cannot jump to conclusions."

"Your Majesty, doubling the yield is too sensational. It must be examined carefully."

"Your Majesty, please summon the Ninth Prince for a face-to-face confrontation, to avoid any misunderstanding and preserve the court's dignity."

Upon hearing the advice of his officials, Emperor Yuanchu suddenly realized the absurdity of doubling the yield.

He almost broke out in a cold sweat.

However, he was still very confident in Fang Heng's character.

He didn't believe Fang Heng would dare to deceive the emperor.

At this moment, Eunuch Su spoke up.

"Your Majesty, according to the Ninth Prince, there are still ten mu of rice in the Seed Selection Department's fields that have not yet been harvested, awaiting Your Majesty's inspection."

Everyone present was stunned by these words.

Their expressions of disbelief intensified even further.

A thought surfaced in many people's minds.

The Ninth Prince is playing a dangerous game.

If he messes this up, it won't be as simple as just losing his salary.

Unless...

Could it be...

That the yield really doubled?

"Good!"

"Prepare the imperial carriage for the Seed Selection Department."

"My esteemed ministers, follow me to the Seed Selection Department."

"Let's see if this auspicious sign truly means seven hundred catties per mu."

"Prepare the imperial carriage for the Seed Selection Department!"

As Eunuch Su's voice rang out, Emperor Yuanchu left Wenyuan Pavilion.

The high-ranking officials, along with other assisting functionaries, also hurried to the Seed Selection Department, intending to see for themselves if the auspicious sign was real.

Seed Selection Department, manor.

"Your son greets Imperial Father."

"Greetings, esteemed Prime Ministers."

"Heng'er, rise."

"Is this the rice field that yields seven hundred catties per mu?"

Emperor Yuanchu looked at the rice field; the rice was golden.

A gentle breeze blew, making it seem like a golden, shimmering sea.

Just by looking at the quality of the rice in the field, Emperor Yuanchu already believed in the seven hundred catties per mu yield by seventy percent.

Such a bountiful harvest couldn't be faked.

Even if it didn't reach seven hundred catties per mu, it was definitely far beyond the current rice yield.

"Harvest!"

Fang Heng waved his hand to Tian Sheng and the others.

Tian Sheng and the others felt their blood boil.

Harvesting rice in front of His Majesty and the high-ranking officials.

This was a blessing sought for eight lifetimes.

With this merit, they could rise to prominence.

Perhaps, they might even earn the Emperor's favor.

All the officials and staff of the Seed Selection Department were full of vigor, their faces beaming with more joy than actual old farmers.

Soon, ten mu of rice fields were harvested in front of Emperor Yuanchu and the high-ranking officials.

With so many Martial Path and Daoist School experts watching, no one could cheat.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, a total of seven thousand one hundred catties of rice were harvested."

"The average yield per mu is seven hundred ten catties."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations!"

"An auspicious sign from heaven!"

Fang Heng was the first to kneel, congratulating Emperor Yuanchu and proclaiming it an auspicious sign.

Other officials and eunuchs quickly followed suit.

The shouts of "Long live!" echoed like a mountain roaring and a tsunami crashing.