Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1020: Chapter 96: Early Rice Bumper Harvest (Part 2)

Previously, the people of Swamp Prefecture were worried that Prince Han’s actions would increase their tax contributions, but they were surprised to find that not only did it not increase, it was actually reduced. Most importantly, for three years, they wouldn’t need to contribute any grain at all. And three years later, they’d only need to give a small amount to Prince Han.

This year, they didn’t need to contribute any grain, and with a good harvest, the people had plenty of surplus; selling half of it was no problem.

The people were willing to sell half of the grain to Zhao Yao, because not only could they make money, it also reflected well on Prince Han, a win-win situation.

This year, with the windmill innovation from Zhao Yao, the early rice harvest went smoothly and faster than previous years. Within a few days, the yield of the first batch of early rice was out.

In past years, the yield of early rice was at most a hundred jin per mu, but this year it reached two hundred jin per mu, doubling the amount.

Zhao Yao hadn’t anticipated the yield of two hundred jin per mu. Based on past yields, he thought this year would at best reach one hundred forty or fifty jin per mu, or at most one hundred sixty jin, so the two hundred jin result was quite a surprise.

Learning that this year’s early rice yield doubled, the people were shocked. Two hundred jin per mu was something they had never dared to dream of. After the shock came immense joy, leaving many in tears of happiness, especially the older generation.

For generations, they had never seen two hundred jin per mu. To witness it now meant they wouldn’t go hungry any longer, they could finally eat their fill.

Being able to eat enough food wasn’t just a dream for Swamp Prefecture’s people, but for those in other provinces as well. While they always hoped to have enough to eat each day, it seemed impossible. Now, they could finally eat their fill every day, and how could they not be happy and moved to tears?

Consequently, the entire populace of Swamp Prefecture gathered at the gates of Prince Mansion to thank Zhao Yao for allowing them to eat their fill.

Seeing the people kneeling at the gate, continually bowing to him, Zhao Yao felt deeply moved. He hastily went to help the elderly kneeling at the front, urging them to rise.

These elderly were the respected figures from each village. They wouldn’t stand, crying while thanking Zhao Yao, claiming he was their saving Bodhisattva.

Zhao Yao told the people that ensuring their full stomachs was his duty as Prince Han. If he couldn’t manage even that, he felt he was quite useless as a prince.

He further assured them that a full stomach was just the beginning. In time, they would not only eat well daily but would have meat in every meal, wear beautiful clothes, learn literacy, and earn more money...

In the past, the people of Swamp Prefecture would not have believed Zhao Yao’s words, but now they believed.

With the early rice harvest still ongoing, Zhao Yao comforted the people and then encouraged them to return to continue harvesting.

The scene of the populace kneeling at Prince Mansion’s entrance to thank Zhao Yao was witnessed firsthand by the officials. Though they weren’t Prince Han, witnessing such gratitude had them incredibly moved and proud.

The excellent harvest of early rice this year included their efforts. For many officials in Zhao Yao’s government, it was their first time in office, and thus the first time they experienced such heartfelt gratitude from the people. In that moment, they felt pride and deeply realized the significance of their roles.

Wen Daoji, with reddened eyes and a choked voice, exclaimed, "His Highness is truly remarkable." Though not his first such experience, each occurrence left him deeply touched.

Other officials echoed in agreement with his sentiment.

In his heart, Zheng Qian mused: I now finally understand the meaning of governance that my lord once shared with me.

In previous years, Zheng Qian traveled widely, witnessing poverty-stricken conditions among the people. Though moved, he hadn’t felt profound empathy. After arriving at Swamp Prefecture, appointed Minister of Revenue, his focus was solely on doing his job well, avoiding disappointment for his lord, without thoughts concerning the people. Of course, he hadn’t imagined receiving their gratitude.

Observing the sincere gratitude towards Zhao Yao from the people just now, something deep within Zheng Qian was profoundly stirred, leading him to finally comprehend words spoken by Zhao Yao years ago.