As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 254 Aren't we friends?

"Why?"

Mingchen smiled and looked at the young crown prince with great interest.

He is young, and even with his exceptional talent, he still needs to grow. He is still absorbing information and knowledge from the world to enrich his own perspective.

"Bei Lie should know that our dynasty has promoted new varieties, which have greatly increased grain production, right?"

Some things were not secrets at all; Qian Yuan himself did not conceal matters concerning the people.

Whether it's new weapons, seeds, or food... these things will attract attention as soon as they are introduced and if they are beneficial.

Even the seeds released by Qian Yuan were placed in the imperial palace of Qingcang City for the Northern Lie people to study.

The environment in Beilie is harsh, with infertile soil and a lack of food.

Increase grain yield by 10-20%, resistance to pests and diseases, and resistance to drought and flood disasters... these are qualities that Qin Lou greatly envies.

"Forehead……"

Qin Qi didn't know why Ming Chen suddenly brought this up.

He forced a smile, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I know."

Although it's common knowledge, coveting other countries' possessions is still a dishonorable thing to do.

Mingchen seemed to have strayed from the topic, and continued, "Then Your Highness should also know who developed this seed."

"It is you, Uncle."

This shows that Chen is a person of great talent.

Not only can they offer advice, but they also employ both overt and covert strategies.

It can also contribute its strength, its strength that benefits the country and its people, and can truly be put into practice to promote the development of national strength.

No wonder his father valued him so much.

Upon hearing this, Mingchen shook his head: "Does Your Highness not know? I was not the one who developed the seed."

"Uh... Forgotten millet?"

Qin Qi naturally knew this name.

But this person is too mysterious.

No one had ever heard of this person, there was no portrait, no identity information, no one had ever seen him, and there was not a single trace of him.

It only has one name.

Both the Qin father and son believed that Mingchen felt he was getting too much attention, so he made up this name to confuse people.

These seeds are so good that farmers would bow down and worship them. It would be too much credit to give such a great achievement to Mingchen alone.

It's so high that it's threatening Xiao Xinyue's status.

That's not good! Too much prestige is not a good thing for a subject.

"Correct!"

Seeing Qin Qi's expression, Mingchen guessed what he was thinking and simply smiled and said, "Your Highness, let me be clear to you, Wang Su is indeed a real person."

"I met him on my way to Beilie. We hit it off immediately. I helped him develop a new species, which led to what happened later..."

"On Beilie Road?"

Qin Qi paused, then his voice suddenly rose several decibels as he asked repeatedly, "He's from Beilie?!"

Why don't the Beilie people come to submit to their Beilie Dynasty?
Mingchen shook his head: "No, they are still considered Qian Yuan people."

It can be considered a Qian Yuan Rat!
Qin Qi pursed his lips upon hearing this and said, "Oh."

Why is it that such geniuses are always born in that prosperous land?
They were already wealthy enough, so why did fate always favor that corrupt and decadent country?
“I still remember one conversation we had very clearly.”

So much time has passed, I wonder if the rat breeding project has made any further progress.

Among the demons Mingchen encountered, Shushu was the purest and had the highest aspirations.

From beginning to end, the original intention has never changed.

Although he didn't talk to the rat much, the rat's strong sense of purpose still provided Mingchen with some inspiration.

It was already quite late. Mingchen looked at the candlelight casting a glow and chuckled, "I once asked him, if the seeds are successfully cultivated, will you give them to Bei Lie?"

Qin Qi trembled upon hearing this: "What?"

He said he would give it to me!

Qin Qi's eyes widened, his heart skipped a beat, and he leaned forward, asking urgently, "Really?! Uncle, is this true?!"

Someone in his position wouldn't believe in free lunches.

However, it seems that it really is going to fall now.

However, the next moment, a gentle breeze blew by, seemingly suppressing his excited movements.

Mingchen gestured to him with his eyes to let him continue.

"I then asked him, what if the Northern Lie people obtained food and clothing, became wealthy, and their military power grew even stronger, further fueling their ambitions and leading to war, resulting in the slaughter of countless lives and chaos throughout the land?"

"This……"

Given my father's character, with a full army and abundant provisions, he would naturally conquer the world, unify the country, and wash away the national humiliation.

Upon hearing this, Qin Qi twitched the corner of his mouth, momentarily speechless.

Under the same sky, there can be no two ambitious monarchs.

We are all rivals, and it is only right that we should not foster our enemies or give them the opportunity to grow stronger.

Seeing the Crown Prince remain silent, Mingchen simply smiled and continued, "He told me that the farmers of Beilie are also farmers. If those in power obtain grain and then wage war, that is their business. He only needs to focus on farming. As long as the people of the world are well-fed and clothed, the grain is innocent."

"Food is innocent..."

Upon hearing this, the prince was startled. His spirits were gradually waning in the darkness, and he felt as if a bucket of hot water had been poured over his head.

He suddenly raised his head, staring intently at Mingchen, his eyes gleaming, his emotions surging, and his mind reeling.

His noble character cleansed his soul.

He stood up abruptly: "Sir, please accept Qin Qi's bow."

"I earnestly hope that Uncle will protect this Mr. Wang Su."

"How fortunate the world is to have such a teacher! He is truly a sage."

Qin Qi bowed solemnly to Ming Chen, and at the same time bowed to a gentleman he had never met before.

Compared to the gentleman's magnanimity, spirit, and achievements, he, the crown prince, felt rather insignificant.

"Uncle, Qi will inherit the throne in the future."

He glanced around, lowered his voice, but still looked at Mingchen with a serious expression: "Today, under the lamplight, I swear as the Crown Prince to keep a promise to my uncle."

"The affairs of the nation are beyond our control, and the devastation of war is unavoidable. I believe that the unification of the world and the integration of ethnic groups are also beneficial to the people. However, if war breaks out in the future, no matter the outcome or who wins or loses, I will fight to the death to protect my uncle and teacher's lives. In the future, I will have no grudges and will create the best environment for you to realize your lofty ambitions."

Such people should not be constrained by such vulgar ideas as war between different countries.

The flickering candlelight swayed with the vow, and his voice was clear and resounding: "If I break this vow, may Heaven and Earth not tolerate me, and may God and man be outraged!"

He was so young, at the most passionate and sincere age, and what he said was truly heartfelt.

Mingchen looked at the hot-blooded young man and smiled: "Your Highness, we haven't even fought yet! And you're already sure you've won?"

"No, Uncle..."

The Crown Prince tried to argue, but Mingchen waved his hand to stop him.

“I know Your Highness’s sincere intentions. I thank you, and I also thank you on behalf of Wang Su.”

He said indifferently, "Your Highness, Chen is a vulgar man and a believer in the evil of human nature. He has seen women and children bound in the wild, yet he remained unmoved for fear of being tainted by the stench. He has used his words to incite chaos in the world, and his hands are stained with countless blood. He can never be as devout as Wang Su in this lifetime."

Qin Qi shook his head: "Mr. Wang Su is a person that is intolerable to the world. If it weren't for my uncle's protection, he would not have achieved his current great achievements. My uncle is also a saint."

The Crown Prince also understood early on that you can't expect everyone to be at a very high moral standard.

People with high moral standards are destined to suffer when they encounter people with low moral standards.

People like Wang Su would find it very difficult to survive in this world.

Therefore, kindness that has the power and means to protect it is true kindness.

Only by combining ideals and reality can things be accomplished.

Without Mingchen, let alone spreading the seeds, it would be questionable whether this gentleman could even survive.

The crown prince's words seemed to be comforting, but he comforted the wrong person.

Mingchen never felt that he had done anything wrong. He had his own thoughts on whether things were right or wrong.

I was just stating the facts to the child.

He shrugged and brought the topic back.

"Your Highness also knows the purpose of Chen's proposal to Bei Lie to build this canal. First, it is to protect the land; second, it is to demonstrate my own abilities; and third, and most importantly, it is to buy time for Qian Yuan."

"However, now that Bei Lie has received divine assistance and accomplished such a great feat in such a short time, my plan has failed in terms of its purpose."

"However, as Wang Su said, the farmers of Beilie are still farmers. Beilie and Qian Yuan share the same origin and were common ancestors a thousand years ago. They speak the same language... Although Chen is not a good person, he has some bottom line and will not do evil without reason. I will not make things difficult for your farmers. Let the struggle for power and the struggle for the country be decided on the battlefield."

"This strategy was a plan I devised to benefit the country and its people. Although the goal has failed, I am unwilling to ruin it by underhanded means. I also want to see Beilie create a legendary canal that stretches for hundreds of miles, and I do not want it to have problems due to oversights in the details."

Mingchen also stood up and returned the bow to the Crown Prince, who had bowed several times: "What I said today about water conservancy was entirely truthful, without any reservations or malicious intent. However, one person's opinion may contain errors, and the Crown Prince may verify them or seek better methods."

"uncle……"

My doubts were answered, but I was also deeply shocked.

Both Wang Su's remarks and Ming Chen's candid expression of his feelings exceeded Qin Qi's expectations.

The prince was momentarily stunned, staring blankly at the 'uncle' he had known for so long.

Despite much speculation, this extraordinary person still exceeded his expectations, leaving him in awe.

He is full of contradictions.

Cunning and dangerous, stained with blood, they run rampant in the court, killing without restraint, changing the world with a single word, yet they are also sacred and magnificent, with an open mind, not bound by national hatred.

No one in the world understands this unpredictable marquis.

At this moment, he perhaps understood why his father always mentioned this prodigy of the Qian Yuan era, and why he was willing to exchange half a province for him and fight against the Qian Emperor.

He truly deserves it!

"On behalf of the people of Beilie, I thank you, Uncle." "It's just words, a small matter. Aren't the people of Beilie all generous? Let's not stand on ceremony!"

"Uh...okay!"

Mingchen simply waved his hand and walked out of the tent: "It's late, Your Highness should get some rest."

"uncle……"

Seeing that he was about to leave, Qin Qi hesitated for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth and called out, "The matter of the grain seeds..."

That's obviously a rather shameless question.

But Mingchen's mention of Forgotten Millet gave him hope.

Even if it meant losing face, he still wanted confirmation.

It doesn't matter if Mingchen doesn't give it to me now.

What about the future? What if the war ends and everything settles down?

If a country is destroyed and the grain is also destroyed, then he would be a sinner for all time.

This prince certainly knows how to climb the ladder, always wanting more after getting what he wants.

However, Mingchen could understand his feelings.

Faced with immense wealth, people would beg even to the point of kneeling and kowtowing.

He simply smiled and said, "I didn't develop the grain seeds, and I have no authority to dispose of them. If you have the chance, Your Highness, go talk to Wang Su!"

Having said that, he left.

After spending the whole night chatting with the child, I'm a little tired and it's time to go back and hold Fuyao'er to sleep.

"Forget millet..."

Qin Qi was momentarily dazed upon hearing this, but after Ming Chen left, he couldn't help but show a joyful expression on his face.

Mingchen has already stated Wang Su's stance: Mingchen will not interfere.

This also tells him that the people of the newly established Northern Martyrs also have a share.

Qin Lou was determined to find a way to realize his ambitions while he was in power.

It's unlikely that Qin Qi will be able to conquer the world.

If he were alive, he would inevitably have to deal with the post-war world.

Mingchen made his stance clear: if they were to lose in the future, Beilie would return to Qianyuan, and the people of Beilie would be able to obtain new crops to cultivate and live a more prosperous life.

If we win, even if the Qian Yuan dynasty falls, we will not be stingy with grain and will treat everyone differently, so that the people of Bei Lie can also get new seeds.

Great news! Great news!
I saw Mingchen today, and I have never been so happy since he was named Crown Prince.

How could there be someone like Mingchen in this world?
Emperor Qianlong... he is truly enviable.

……

The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly.

The capital city of Beilie, Qingcang, was bustling with people.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar, and people unconsciously raised their heads and looked in the same direction.

"Look! What's that?!"

"Your Highness! These are your personal guards. I heard that Your Highness went to repair the irrigation canal. I wonder how it's going!"

"If the canal is completed, the land of Beilie will not be so barren."

"The Liehe River is our mother river, can it really be changed?"

"Good heavens, what's that?! A white wolf, so handsome, such a big white wolf."

"There are people riding on the white wolf!"

"What brave warrior could tame such a ferocious beast?! He's truly a god descended from heaven!"

"Could it be that the Crown Prince found this extraordinary person among the common people?! Our Beilie is truly full of talented people!"

……

Although the environment in Beilie is harsh and the land is barren.

But Qingcang City is, after all, the capital, and it is much more bustling than the surrounding cities.

Mingchen and the Crown Prince stayed at the canal construction site for two days. After the Crown Prince finished dealing with his business, he immediately returned to the capital with Mingchen.

This is Mingchen's second time here.

Last time I came in winter, this time it's late summer or early autumn, so it seems like a different scene.

The people of Beilie are bold, resilient, brave, loyal, and admire martial prowess.

Seeing the white wolf speeding along the official road did not cause any disturbance; instead, people watched the spectacle from afar, marveling at the sight.

What incredible bravery it must have taken to tame such a wild and untamed beast.

Qin Qi turned to Ming Chen and the other man riding white wolves and said, "Uncle, we've arrived in Qingcang. How is it? My Qingcang City is no weaker than your Jiqu or your Lieyang, is it?"

The crown prince is outstanding, but he is still just a young man who has lived a life of luxury since childhood.

This canal construction project was the first major task assigned to him by his father, and also his first time leaving the capital.

He has grown a lot along the way, and meeting Mingchen was an unexpected joy.

Upon his return, he couldn't contain his excitement and wanted to report to his father.

Mingchen tried to smooth things over, saying, "Qingcang is majestic, Lieyang is prosperous, and Jiqu is peaceful... Each city has its own unique characteristics and cannot be compared."

"Hey!"

Qin Qi chuckled upon hearing this and said to Ming Chen, "Look, Uncle, you've stolen all my thunder!"

“When the Crown Prince returned, they stopped talking about me and all went to look at your white wolf.”

He knew that Mingchen possessed a divine bird that could change size at will and soar thousands of miles.

They also knew that the Marquis of Jing'an had once returned victorious from the Xiongnu grasslands riding a white wolf.

But when he saw the adorable white dog transform into a majestic and domineering giant wolf, he couldn't help but marvel.

They sped along, filled with envy.

The Northern Lie people are warlike and belligerent, so they were naturally delighted with such a handsome and extraordinary person.

This 'uncle' was blessed by heaven and earth and was indeed a divine being.

"Your Highness is joking. You are the Crown Prince of Beilie. Who could possibly steal your thunder?"

"Haha~ Uncle, it's alright! We Beilie people aren't that petty, there's no need to be so cautious with our words..."

After that night's conversation, the crown prince seemed to genuinely regard Mingchen as his uncle.

They didn't care at all that he was from Qian Yuan, or that he was a marquis of Qian Yuan. Despite being rivals, they spoke quite intimately to each other.

The group sped along the road and soon arrived at the Crown Prince's residence.

The Crown Prince cheerfully cupped his hands in greeting to Mingchen: "Uncle, we have arrived in Qingcang City. If you do not mind, please stay at my residence for the time being. I will inform the Emperor and introduce you to him."

Mingchen didn't refuse: "Then I'll have to trouble you."

……

The Northern Tiger Palace is where a domineering and ambitious ruler handles state affairs.

Mingchen was led here once again by the eunuch.

The huge leather map still hangs not far from the table.

When Mingchen first came to Beilie, he was invited by Qinlou to discuss matters, which led to his initial reputation of exchanging half a province for a single plan and half a province for a single person, which then led to the series of events that followed.

It can be said that this is where Mingchen's fame began.

Upon returning, the furnishings here remained largely unchanged.

But for some reason, Mingchen had a strange feeling.

The palace seemed more imposing, and the atmosphere here... had undergone some inexplicable changes.

"Hahahaha!"

Mingchen glanced around as he entered, and just as he stood still, a hearty laugh reached his ears.

"I dreamt yesterday that a crane flew down from a sacred mountain and brought me a cup of celestial wine. I foresee that something good will happen today."

"What a wonderful thing! Reuniting with an old friend! It's been so long! So long indeed!"

A tall figure walked into the inner room. He was dressed in blood-red clothes, broad-shouldered and burly, with a piercing gaze. He was more imposing than any seasoned general who had fought countless battles. Like a tiger descending a mountain, just one glance from him was enough to glimpse a majestic mountain range, towering and awe-inspiring.

Beidi Qinlou.

This upright and powerful ruler, a national idol, is Ming Chen's most formidable adversary.

After a long absence, Bei Lie has settled down. This monarch has not become more peaceful; on the contrary, his power has become even greater.

He was a fierce tiger gathering strength in the mountains and forests, never letting go of his ambition, always thinking about one day leaping out of the mountains and forests, roaming the world, breaking the status quo, and creating a legend of an era.

Mingchen was not intimidated by his imposing manner and bowed, saying, "Your subject Mingchen greets Your Majesty."

Times have changed, and our identities are now worlds apart.

When meeting the Crown Prince in private, it's fine to be casual about the formalities.

But now this is a semi-public occasion, and both Mingchen and Qinlou represent the face of their respective countries.

It should be more formal.

Qin Lou casually waved his hand, and the eunuchs left one after another.

Apart from Mingchen and Qinlou, there was no one else in the entire hall.

"The lowly compiler who killed someone in my court, Mingchen, who made a bet with me to be friends..."

Qin Lou casually sat down at the desk, smiling at Ming Chen: "Why are you so reserved? This isn't like you! You readily accepted my son calling you 'Uncle,' but you call me 'Your Majesty' instead?"

He did not refer to himself as "朕" (Zhen, the imperial "I").

"Aren't we friends?"

Why do friends need to go through all this formality?

(End of this chapter)