Lin Yi naturally understood this.
Potatoes have not only been targeted, but there are probably quite a few people eyeing them.
According to the intelligence from Net, several hundred more people have appeared in Xiliang Commandery in just a few days. These people come from various forces. People from surrounding counties have come to investigate, and even people from the Western Regions have come.
The largest groups of visitors came from the Great Ning Dynasty and the Northern Region Barbarians. Their goal was simple and clear: they were after sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Previously, in order to expand his influence and better accomplish the task of Win People Over with Virtue, Lin Yi had no intention of blocking the news about potatoes. The two countries are not deaf, so they would naturally know about this news.
Faced with such a divine object, neither country could ignore it. Even if they had doubts, they would send people to take a look.
All of this was within Lin Yi's expectations, and he had been prepared for it long ago!
The planting of sweet potatoes and potatoes is currently only a pilot project, and apart from the ones controlled by Bai Zizai, the rest are under the control of Net.
The people who planted the seeds had also undergone rigorous screening. Apart from a few natives, most of them were Yellow Turban Army under Lin Yi's command. So unless a large army was mobilized to seize them, it would be impossible to take these seeds away.
But if it really comes down to using the army, then their Xiliang Iron Cavalry is no pushover.
So it's not a big problem!
As they spoke, the group entered the living room and could vaguely hear clanging and banging coming from the backyard, with people occasionally carrying out and discarding flowers and plants as if they were trash.
This left Lin Yi both amused and exasperated; the old man had gone mad.
The old man dug up a perfectly good garden, which is a complete waste of money.
Seemingly sensing Lin Yi's thoughts, Bai Zizai explained, "Hehe, those flowers and plants were planted by my daughter. I've been displeased with them for a long time. Not only can't we eat them, but we also have to take care of them. It's better to plant some sweet potatoes and potatoes; it's more reassuring to look at them."
In his eyes, nothing—flowers, trees, or shrubs—could compare to sweet potatoes and potatoes. Having experienced the most desperate times, he knew in his heart that only food could provide the ultimate guarantee.
"That makes sense. Potatoes and sweet potatoes taste pretty good, and with them, Northern Liang won't lack food in the future."
Lin Yi was both amused and exasperated, and said awkwardly.
Even if the yield per mu cannot reach 3,000 jin, a yield of 2,000 jin is enough to feed the people and prevent them from going hungry.
"Hehe, Your Highness, you know what, we roasted one of these, and it was really delicious!" Zhou Cang, the boy covering his crotch, chuckled, looking like he wanted more.
He secretly baked a few before, and they tasted absolutely amazing—sweet and sticky, truly delicious.
Bai Zizai glared at him, angrily saying, "You bastard, these are priceless seeds! How dare you laugh! You're committing a sin, you know that?"
The old man spoke righteously and without any politeness, giving Zhou Cang a good scolding.
Zhou Cang shrank back and muttered, "You old man, you're really annoying. You talk as if you haven't eaten anything."
That old man is dishonest. I don't know who was raving about how delicious it was yesterday, but now he's blaming it all on me, Zhou Cang.
"Old man" indeed! He's utterly shameless!
Bai Yun butler, was extremely embarrassed upon hearing this. Yesterday, the old man secretly ate one and exclaimed how delicious it was, so he baked several more in one go. In the end, he also secretly tried two, and he had to admit that they were really delicious, even better when baked.
"Get out! Get out!"
Bai Zizai blushed and kicked Zhou Cang, angrily saying, "What do you know? I wasn't stealing food! I was testing it for the people of Northern Liang! How would I know if it was safe to eat if I didn't test it!"
He wouldn't have cleaned the whole yard if he hadn't tasted it; this stuff is delicious.
puff!
Lin Yi was utterly defeated by Bai Zizai's shamelessness. This was the first time he had ever heard someone describe stealing food in such a sophisticated and high-class way, even elevating himself to the level of Shennong ). There was no one else like him.
That's such a ridiculous lie, it's not something you can fool.
"How did it taste?" he asked irritably.
Bai Zizai's smile froze. Although he didn't want to admit it, the taste was indeed quite good, much smoother than those steamed buns.
He said sheepishly, "The taste is not bad. Two of these are enough to fill me up. If the yield really is 3,000 catties per mu, the entire Northern Liang will never lack food again. Your Highness has done a great service!"
"At that time, the Crown Prince will gain the loyalty of the entire Northern Liang people without losing a single soldier. Even the Emperor will be powerless against him, since the Crown Prince is far more reliable than the Emperor."
Forehead!
Hearing his nonsense, Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. This old man really dared to say anything.
However, he naturally wouldn't fall out with Bai Zizai over a few sweet potatoes. He had previously wiped out Zhuo Feifan and his group, gaining not only tens of thousands of troops but also tens of thousands of kilograms of sweet potatoes and potatoes, so eating a few wouldn't affect the overall situation.
Besides, this old man claims to be a saint, so it's even more difficult to say anything about him.
He waved his hand and said, "It's not about performing great deeds. I, Lin Yi, am, after all, the Heir of Northern Liang. Naturally, I should do something for the people. You flatter me, sir!"
"The young master is righteous, and the prince has a worthy successor!" Bai Zizai couldn't help but sigh upon hearing Lin Yi's words.
Regardless of whether the crown prince meant it sincerely, he did just that, which makes him a qualified crown prince, far more reliable than those incompetent emperors.
Lin Yi nodded slightly, not dwelling on the matter any further.
He took a gift box from Zhang Liao and handed it to the old man, saying with a smile, "This time, you helped me catch some spies. This is top-quality goji berries. You can drink more of it to nourish your body."
Goji berries are good for your health?
Bai Zizai did not refuse; he had heard of goji berries before, as they were a type of medicinal herb.
Why is it that giving medicinal herbs as gifts is so popular now? Is this little brat cursing me?
He looked at Lin Yi with suspicion. Was this kid here to cause trouble?
Lin Yi chuckled and explained, "Grandpa, don't misunderstand. Goji berries soaked in water are very good for men! As the saying goes, when you reach middle age, you have no choice but to soak goji berries in your thermos. Drinking this will make you vigorous and energetic..."
Dragon and Tiger?
Everyone was immediately amazed. If this was true, it would be great news. They never expected that goji berries had such miraculous effects.
puff!
Bai Zizai spat out a mouthful of tea, then flew into a rage. This kid actually sent him this stuff; does he think I'm useless now?
He glanced at Lin Yi and said in a deep voice, "Thank you, Your Highness, but this general is already full of vigor and strength, and has no need for this. I appreciate Your Highness's kindness."
Even so, he had already placed the box in the butler's hands, instructing him to put it in the treasury and wait for its turn, promising to give it a good try when he had the chance.
That old man!
Saying you don't want it, yet still wanting to put it in the Kuli —isn't that just burying your head in the sand?
Lin Yi chuckled inwardly, but maintained a serious expression, saying, "General, the reason I've come to see you is because recently many people have infiltrated my Xiliang Commandery. What do you think their purpose is?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Zizai's expression immediately turned serious.