maidservant

Chapter 68: Yunshan's Clever Plan Promotes Good Agricultural Results and Increases the Growth of Herbal Medicine

"Why not? Just tell me." The Queen's voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of encouraging smile between her eyebrows, like a wisp of spring breeze, gently blowing through Yunshan's heart.

Yunshan calmed her mind slightly and took a few steps forward, her posture upright yet respectful.

She cleared her throat and spoke slowly, "I come from humble origins and have experienced the hardships of poverty and illness. I have a basic understanding of how farmers react to the imperial court's policies."

"Because the teachings had not yet been widely disseminated among the grassroots, many farmers found it difficult to fully understand the court's policies, and most tended to seek benefits and avoid harm."

At this point, Yunshan paused slightly, carefully considered her words, and continued,

"The story of farmers in Xibian abandoning farming to work as ironworkers must have left a deep impression on us farmers in Dali. While understanding the importance of grain is a good thing, the right balance is difficult to grasp. Even the slightest deviation can affect many things."

"Yes, an official did mention this reason." The Queen nodded slightly, confirming Yunshan's words. A hint of worry flashed in her eyes. "Farmers just want to grow crops in peace and security. Even if the court is willing to give them a little more profit, they are unwilling to allocate land to grow other crops. It's really a headache."

"So I've been thinking, if we want farmers to willingly plant forsythia, we must make them realize that it's a good thing that benefits them, or in other words, a profitable thing."

"Tell me in detail," the Queen leaned forward slightly to look at her.

"You might first collect the lingzi that was distributed, then have officials and trusted individuals 'secretly plant' it in the dead of night. And you should deliberately let the farmers and the people see this. But no matter how the farmers ask, you must not reveal what you are planting or why you are planting it."

"Afterwards, the planted garden was fenced off and an officer on duty was assigned to guard it with great fanfare, as if the theft was strictly prohibited."

"'It is better to obtain it alone than to obtain it in public; only when you have it all to yourself can you know the long-term benefits.' Yunshan, I understand what you mean." The Queen nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
"The farmers are curious and will definitely try to find out why. When they discover that the government is secretly planting forsythia, they will think that what they are doing must be a sure win, and they may take the initiative to follow suit."

"Yes, Your Majesty, that is exactly what I meant." Yunshan bowed respectfully and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"At the same time, we must strictly prevent the 'Lingzi' from being sold privately to avoid disrupting our plan. After half a month, we will open a small passage and send a batch of 'Lingzi' to the planting farm."

Yunshan closed her eyes tightly after she finished speaking, feeling a surge of anxiety. She knew that the method she had proposed was merely an inspiration from ancient books and unofficial history, and she had no idea what the actual results would be.

The Medicine Minister was also frightened and opened his mouth several times to stop her from speaking.

"This is a good idea. Once some people start planting it, others will follow suit. I will report this to Your Majesty and then make a decision." The Queen pondered for a moment and said slowly.

Perhaps sensing Yunshan's nervousness and uneasiness, the Queen added softly:

"Today, everyone has put their heads together, and I will make the decision on the methods discussed. If there are any mistakes in the implementation process in the future, the officials of the Pharmacy will not be held responsible for it." The Queen's words were like a reassurance, which made Yunshan feel a little relieved. She saluted again, her gratitude overflowing with words.

The worries of everyone in the palace were alleviated a little by the Queen's words, and the atmosphere eased a little.

Time flies by and one month passes in a flash.

Just as everyone expected, farmers began to act quietly and secretly planted forsythia on their own land.

The newly plowed land seemed to represent hope for the coming year. This success undoubtedly proved the ingenuity and feasibility of Yunshan's plan.

When the emperor heard about this, he was very pleased and praised this ingenious plan.

The morning was quiet and refreshing. The sky was just beginning to turn pale, and glistening dewdrops still lingered playfully on the door frame, as if narrating the tranquility of the night. Yunshan had just finished washing up when a gentle yet urgent knock on the door woke her. "Yunshan, Yunshan, hurry up! The eunuch in charge of His Majesty's affairs is here!" Aunt Zhuang's slightly anxious voice came from outside the door.

Yunshan was startled, and any remaining sleepiness she had felt vanished instantly. She didn't bother to carefully comb her hair, but hurriedly gathered up her still-untied strands and hurried out of the side room.

As soon as she left the house, she saw the eunuch in charge, dressed in gorgeous attire, standing in the courtyard with his head held high and chest puffed out, holding a bright yellow imperial edict in his hand. This was a symbol of supreme honor and authority. The sunlight shone on the eunuch and the imperial edict, casting a golden glow.

Seeing this, Yunshan's heart tightened. She hurriedly took small steps forward and knelt on her knees, her posture dignified and respectful.

"Song Yunshan, the ninth-rank medicine attendant of Liuhua Palace, has received the imperial decree—" The sharp yet resounding voice of the eunuch in charge rang out in the courtyard, like a thunderclap, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the courtyard quickly knelt down, just like Yunshan, in unison, not daring to utter a single sound. A solemn and dignified atmosphere permeated the entire courtyard, as if time had stood still.

[The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims:
I hope that the people will be healthy and the country will be peaceful.

When the plague broke out in Xizhou, Song Yunshan, a female official of the Pharmacy, proposed a plan at the meeting that was ingenious and targeted to the current problems.

It has helped us alleviate the urgent need for medicine in Dali, which is a great achievement.

It is indeed a blessing for the court and the country.

In order to commend his achievements and encourage the officials, Song Yunshan was specially promoted to the seventh-rank medicine director to commend his performance.

I hope you will be more diligent, perform your duties conscientiously, strive for excellence in medical services, and do your best to meet the needs of the people.

Admire this! 】

The eunuch in charge read out the imperial edict clearly and rhythmically, then bowed slightly with an arrogant look.

Aunt Zhuang, who was standing by, immediately smiled and respectfully stepped forward to lead the way, leading the eunuch to the outside of Concubine Lin's bedroom.

The father-in-law stood under the eaves outside the hall, squinting his eyes slightly and scanning everything around him, while Aunt Zhuang stood obediently by his side, ready to be ordered at any time.

A slight noise came from the bedroom, and then the door slowly opened. Yun Jin supported Lin Yu and slowly stepped out of the threshold. Lin Yu was dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, her sleeves fluttering, and her face was filled with a lazy and tired look.

When the eunuch in charge saw Lin Yu coming out, he immediately straightened up and shouted the emperor's words in his shrill and high-pitched voice:
"Your Highness, His Majesty praises you for your excellent education of your subordinates, your ability and virtue, and your orderly handling of all matters in the harem. He highly commends you. He has specially sent this servant to deliver a message. Please come to the Imperial Study to see Him after the morning court session." The voice echoed in the empty courtyard for a long time.

Lin Yu nodded slightly, a faint smile appeared on her face, and she said softly: "Please reply to His Majesty, I understand." After hearing this, the eunuch in charge bowed slightly, saluted, and turned to leave.

When the eunuch's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, the Liuhua Palace suddenly became lively, and the palace maids and eunuchs whispered to each other, full of joy.

Yunshan was even more excited. She clenched her hands tightly together, and her knuckles turned white.

She pursed her lips several times, trying to suppress her inner excitement, but her eyes gradually turned red, and tears involuntarily burst out and slid down her cheeks.

(End of this chapter)