The hearts of everyone from the aristocratic families skipped a beat!
As expected, it wasn't that easy to get this potato. Judging from Lin Yi's expression, he probably has quite an appetite.
The group exchanged glances and immediately understood that Lin Yi was probably going to make some demands; it was up to them to see if they could handle them.
"I see. So what does Your Highness want to discuss with us?" They all looked at Lin Yi and asked in a deep voice.
They are worldly-wise people, so they know that it is precisely at times like these that they cannot back down or show any signs of eagerness, otherwise they will suffer a great loss.
The fact that potatoes have emerged in this way is sure to shock the All Under Heaven.
If we approach Lin Yi now, Lin Yi's probably already laid a trap for us. So we must remain calm, or we'll inevitably fall into his snare!
Huh!
Seeing their composure, a smile flickered in Lin Yi's eyes. These people did have some skill, after all.
He laughed and said, "Although there aren't enough potatoes, I will set aside some from my Lin Clan's share and distribute them free of charge to the people of the South. They all need food to fill their stomachs; this is their lifeline. And you are all wealthy people, so naturally you don't need these meager provisions!"
"The second batch of potatoes will be ready next spring, and I guarantee you'll all be able to plant them!"
Next year?
Upon hearing this, everyone sneered. This was exactly the kind of thing they were going to do; the next thing they knew would be raising prices.
Zhang Wanhao glanced at the frenzied crowd and frowned, saying, "So, the Prince invited us here just to see these potatoes and the tears of the northern people?"
This is outrageous! They're clearly playing us for a fool.
"Of course not. I've also prepared a gift for you—some potato seeds. If you cultivate them for a few years, you should be able to support yourselves," Lin Yi said with a kind expression.
How many years?
Everyone couldn't help but twitch their lips. By the time we've cultivated it for several years, it'll probably be too late. We can't wait that long.
After exchanging glances, the powerful figures from several aristocratic families finally looked at the large army guarding the potato and chose to swallow their anger.
Zhang Wanhao cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, now that this grand event has concluded, we will take our leave and visit you another day!"
Given the current situation, it's clear that Lin Yi won't easily give the potatoes to them, so we need to plan carefully and rely on the Emperor to put pressure on them.
Staying here now would be a tragedy, so the group went straight back to their previous lodgings.
Even Li Yunmiao and the other two left. It was clear that now was not the time to talk, and Lin Yi had no intention of talking either, so it was better not to make a fool of himself.
Watching their retreating figures, a cold smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes, "They're quite calm, but unfortunately, the initiative isn't in your hands this time, it's in mine!"
Potatoes in hand, waiting for the right person to enjoy them!
This is naturally a long-term strategy; otherwise, you'll only get small fry, which isn't very profitable.
"These bastards are still the same old thing, they won't act until they see the benefit!"
Lin Rusong appeared behind them without them noticing. Looking at the backs of the group, he couldn't help but show a contemptuous look and said with a disdainful expression.
Ha ha!
Seeing the indignant old man, Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh, "Father seems to have had a lot of dealings with them!"
Nodding, Lin Rusong said angrily, "Hmph, Northern Liang has been short of food for years, and we've been buying from them. It's one thing for these guys to bring us some old rice, but they even raised the price for us. I've been so frustrated all these years."
I see!
Lin Yi suddenly realized why the old man had ended up secretly forming several gangs; they were probably all there to help him make money. He was forced into this situation by these people.
He couldn't help but laugh, "Father, don't worry, this time your son will get revenge for you. These people won't get their potatoes back without suffering a severe beating!"
As those powerful families said, a little potato was not even enough to fill their teeth, since most of the land was in their hands and their demand was even greater than that of ordinary people.
As for whether they would be tempted, that's not a question at all. If they're not tempted by the potato yield, then nothing will tempt them.
This is a yield dozens of times greater than that of other crops; even God would tremble.
However, to collect so many potatoes, they have to ask for them themselves; it won't matter who else asks.
"Haha, my son is really something! He really got my revenge this time!" Lin Rusong couldn't help but laugh out loud. The Southern families had indeed lost the initiative this time, but what could they do when only his son had these potatoes?
Seeing the dignified Prince of Northern Liang laughing so unrestrainedly, Wang Ziwen couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated. However, he understood that this comrade-in-arms, who bore the fate of Northern Liang, had endured immense hardship.
Fortunately, the crown prince has now risen to prominence, which has given him a sense of relief.
Looking at the domineering prince, the Grand General of Northern Liang couldn't help but sigh, "The prince has bestowed favors upon the entire North, and his grand vision has already made him the true ruler of the North. Once the Northern Region Barbarians are defeated, no one in the North will be able to rival him. At that time, he can then lead his army south to contend for the All Under Heaven. How magnificent!"
The sudden emergence of the potato, with its astonishingly high yield, speaks volumes about its value; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it priceless.
However, the fact that such a divine heir was given away for free to the entire north was so grand that even he, the chief steward, felt his scalp tingle. It was simply too generous.
It was truly admirable; he even saw some of the guards secretly wiping away tears, clearly moved by the Crown Prince.
Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?
The people of the entire north have already turned their hearts to Xiliang.
The news that potatoes yielded 7,500 jin per mu spread at an alarming rate, and the people along the way were overjoyed, practically floating on air.
Northern Daily!
The entire page was filled with scenes of potato harvest, and they even commissioned a professional artist to paint the potato harvest scene, which impressed the people of northern China.
In particular, the phrase "to ensure that the people under his command can live with dignity" moved countless people, inspiring numerous students from the north to sing praises to the Prince of Xiliang, and bringing tears to the eyes of countless people!
"How magnificent is the Prince of Xiliang! It is truly a blessing that our North has such a great king."
"A yield of 7,500 jin per mu is simply like a dream!"
"Who can argue with that? If these seeds were sold for money, the Prince of Xiliang would probably be incredibly wealthy. But he gave them to us people for free because he was worried we wouldn't be able to afford them, so he took all the risk upon himself. He's truly a great man."
"From now on, if anyone dares to say a bad word about the Prince, I'll fight them to the death!"
"Next year we can plant potatoes, and with a yield of over 7,000 jin per mu, how can we possibly eat it all? I'm going to find my wife and have a few more."
"Ah, our Ningchuan Commandery has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel; this is a windfall we've gotten!"