spend time

In the main hall, Jiang Shaohua and Cui Du looked at each other.

Two months had passed since the last meeting. In the past two months, Jiang Shaohua was busy inspecting the barracks and the settled famine victims, and by the way, he dealt with Zhao Zhubu. Cui Du was also not idle, and he trained a group of farmers who came to the farm for training and study.

No one else knew the truth, but the two of them were fully aware of the awkwardness between them.

"Princess, please don't be angry." Cui Du took two steps forward and took the initiative to break the silence: "My origins are only known to you. You also know my temperament best. I just said some nonsense, please don't take it to heart."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Cui Du's handsome face, which frankly admitted his mistake, and said in silence for a moment: "It's not all nonsense."

Cui Du's eyes lit up quietly, but he said nothing more.

Even in later times, it was a taboo to talk about such sensitive topics. Daliang was a feudal dynasty with strict hierarchy. Jiang Shaohua inherited his grandfather's title, that is, the prince of Daliang. Some things could be kept in mind, but once spoken out, it would be a crime of treason.

He learned his lesson and now knows that silence is golden.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Cui Du and changed the subject casually: "Why did you suddenly come to Bowang County?"

Cui Du grinned: "This is the first time the princess wrote to me. I was so excited that I couldn't help but come here."

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "Nanyang County has a bumper harvest of new grain, half of which is due to you. It is only right that this princess writes a letter to praise you."

How can they be the same?

Cui Du smiled and said, "For the princess, this is a compliment to her subjects. For me, it means something extraordinary. I couldn't help myself and came to see the princess."

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

It is hard to imagine that a man who is nearly thirty years old in his two lives could have such clear, enthusiastic and bright eyes.

Jiang Shaohua felt a little uncomfortable and subconsciously avoided his gaze: "You have been in Nanyang County for more than three years, and you have been busy at the farm. It's a rare opportunity for you to come out this time, so it's a good time to rest for a while. By the way, accompany this princess on the inspection."

Cui Du was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly: "I thought so too. The soil and climate of each county are different, and the farming conditions are also different. I just want to do a test."

"I'm going into the mine tomorrow, and you should come with me," Jiang Shaohua said.

Cui Du was indeed not sensitive to politics. He had no idea that this action of the princess represented trust and esteem, so he readily agreed.

Jiang Shaohua couldn't help but smile when he saw Cui Du being so frank. When people get along with each other, it depends not only on whether they have good rapport with each other, but also on whether their personalities are compatible.

From the moment Cui Du fell from the sky in front of her, it seemed that she and he were destined to be connected. Over the past three years, she had always treated him differently.

Cui Du’s ability is of course an important reason, but more importantly, in front of him, she can put aside her identity as a princess and be like an ordinary girl.

In fact, he addressed her as Princess, but his attitude was open and frank, neither servile nor fawning. Such an attitude made people feel very comfortable.

"Oh, by the way, I have another good news for you, my lady." Cui Du said excitedly, "In the past two years, I have been improving the varieties of wheat, millet, rice and beans. The north is short of water, so it is difficult to grow rice, and the progress of bean varieties is also slow. However, we have harvested wheat and millet."

Jiang Shaohua was immediately interested when she heard this, and asked Cui Du to sit down and talk in detail. Grain seed improvement is a technical job. Cui Du did not hide anything and explained it to Jiang Shaohua in detail. Jiang Shaohua understood less than 10%, but she listened patiently and did not interrupt.

Cui Du was talking until his mouth was dry, so Jiang Shaohua picked up the teapot and poured him a cup of tea. Cui Du also picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp: "Please give me another cup, Princess."

Jiang Shaohua laughed and didn't bother with him, and poured him another cup of tea.

Cui Du finished his tea, moistened his throat, and talked for a long time.

Jiang Shaohua seemed to understand after listening to this: "So, next spring, there will be brand new wheat and millet seeds?"

Cui Du smiled and replied, "There has been a severe drought in the past two years, and there has also been a locust plague. The entire north is short of food. Nanyang County is promoting new grains, and the fields are planted with corn and sweet potatoes. After we get through this year, the situation will gradually improve next year, and it's time to plant wheat and millet."

After all, the people are still used to wheat and millet as their staple food. On the premise of ensuring food and clothing, the richer the variety of food, the better.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "You are an expert in farming. You make the decision on this matter."

Cui Du nodded as a matter of course: "Okay, this year's harvest from the experimental fields will all be used for grain seeds. I've calculated that after the grain seeds are distributed to each county, each household will be able to plant about two to three acres of land with the new grain seeds. The remaining farmland will still be planted with corn and sweet potatoes."

"In this way, the total amount of grain will increase and the variety will be richer. After the harvest next year, there will be enough grain seeds, and the people will be able to farm as they please. When there is surplus grain, the princess can also promote the improved grain seeds through the Tang family grain shop..."

"You said so much, but I don't really understand." Jiang Shaohua couldn't help but interrupt: "Just tell me directly, what is the yield per mu of improved wheat and millet seeds?"

Cui Du thought for a moment and replied, "The experimental fields are cultivated intensively and fertilized well, so the yield per mu can reach 700 kilograms. Ordinary people cannot achieve such a yield, but it is no problem to increase the grain yield by 30% to 40%."

As soon as he finished speaking, his hand was held.

That hand, slender and white, yet extremely strong, held his hand tightly.

Cui Du's heart skipped a beat and the area behind his ears turned red.

"Cui Du, you are really my lucky star." Jiang Shaohua's eyes were as bright as stars, the corners of his mouth were raised high, and he was very happy.

Cui Du took a deep breath, suppressed his intense heartbeat, and replied solemnly: "The princess is my lifesaver, and she trusts and respects me. It is the princess's gift that I, Cui Du, can take root in Nanyang County. It is my duty to work for the princess."

"What's more, this is my greatest ambition in life. I like to cultivate and improve grain varieties, and I love farming. What I am most happy to see is that the people can fill their stomachs."

Jiang Shaohua held his hand as if holding a rare treasure, and said with a smile: "I also hope that the people of Daliang will never go hungry again. Let us work together to realize this ideal."

Cui Du nodded heavily, secretly hoping that this moment would freeze.

Unfortunately, after the princess' excitement, her emotions soon subsided, and she quietly loosened her grip on his hand and talked about the mine tomorrow.

Cui Du listened absentmindedly, and from time to time he rubbed his fingers quietly. His fingertips seemed to still retain the touch and warmth from a moment ago. (End of this chapter)