Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 895: Chapter 34: Composting (3)

The old farmer, seeing the young noble showing interest in farming, held nothing back and shared all his lifelong farming experience with him.

Zhao Yao listened very attentively. Whenever he came across something he didn’t understand, he would humbly ask for clarification, without putting on airs as a Prince.

Wen Daoji and Lin Muyuan were greatly shocked to see Zhao Yao sincerely seeking advice from this seemingly insignificant old farmer and treating him with great respect in conversation.

The old farmer had other matters to attend to and didn’t chat with Zhao Yao for long. Before leaving, he told Zhao Yao his home address, saying that if Zhao Yao wanted to know anything more, he could come to him directly.

After sending off the old farmer, Zhao Yao finally noticed the presence of Wen Daoji and Lin Muyuan.

"Why are you here?"

His Highness actually just noticed them!!!

"I have important matters to report to Your Highness."

"Didn’t I tell you to find Second Uncle if you had matters?"

"Your Highness, Mr. Lian couldn’t make a decision, so we came here to find you," Wen Daoji added. "I heard from Mr. Lian that you’ve been busy with the terraces recently. I have never seen terraces, so I was curious and came to have a look."

Zhao Yao looked at Lin Muyuan, who quickly said, "Your Highness, I have already drafted the ceremony program for the military parade and would like your review." With that, he pulled out a memorial from his chest and promptly handed it over to Zhao Yao with both hands.

Zhao Yao’s hands were covered in mud, making it inconvenient to receive it, so he let Tong Xi hold it for him.

"Your Highness, could you tell us about the terraces you’ve been working on?" Wen Daoji asked eagerly. "And the special fertilizer you mentioned earlier."

"Let’s talk while we walk."

On their way downhill, Zhao Yao carefully explained to Wen Daoji the functions and benefits of the terraces. Then he detailed what the special fertilizer was made from.

A few years ago, the fertilizer Zhao Yao developed was green manure. In recent days, he had people make a special fertilizer, which was actually compost. The method to make compost is simple: put husks and rotted leaves into a pit, then mix in dishwater and slops, and over time it rots into fertilizer.

Zhao Yao also mentioned another composting method, called the "cave flower composting method," which involves mixing Purple Cloud Flower and fava bean stalks and leaves to form a heap.

Wen Daoji considered himself the most skilled in agriculture among officials, but the two composting methods Zhao Yao mentioned were completely new to him; he had never heard of them before. This was eye-opening for him, as he never imagined compost could be made this way.

"Your Highness, I didn’t expect you to be so knowledgeable about agriculture." Wen Daoji was increasingly impressed and in awe of Zhao Yao’s articulate knowledge of agriculture. "How does a Prince like you know so much about farming?" Even children from ordinary wealthy families knew little about farming; they couldn’t distinguish between wheat seedlings and rice seedlings.

"The more you see and ask, the more you understand," Zhao Yao did not think it extraordinary that he knew about farming. "Compared to experienced farmers, I don’t know much."

"You know quite a lot." Wen Daoji felt Zhao Yao knew more than he did. "Your Highness, it’s rare for a Prince to be so knowledgeable and concerned about agriculture." Even among officials, there were very few. In the capital, few high-ranking officials probably knew when to sow rice or transplant it.

"My fourth brother is just as concerned about agriculture as I am," Zhao Yao humbly said. "I was influenced by my fourth brother."

"I remember Prince Chu wrote a book about agriculture, which I have read."

"I remember you also wrote one."

Wen Daoji modestly replied, "I just wrote it haphazardly; it doesn’t count for much."

"Agricultural books should not be written carelessly, or they will harm the people." Zhao Yao knew Wen Daoji was being humble. "I have read your agricultural book; it’s very realistic and not made up."

Wen Daoji was surprised to learn Zhao Yao had read his previous agricultural book, which made him feel especially honored.

"My fourth brother also read it and praised it as better than what he wrote."

"Prince Chu was being modest; my humble work can’t be compared to Prince Chu’s great work." Both Prince Chu and Prince Han were good princes mindful of the people’s welfare.

Zhao Yao asked, "By the way, what did you come to see me about?"

"I came to see you regarding the trade conference."

Upon hearing about the trade conference, Zhao Yao’s expression immediately turned serious. He was busy with spring plowing, so the preparations for the trade conference were entrusted to Wen Daoji and Mr. Xiao.

Wen Daoji came to see Zhao Yao because he received letters from emissaries sent out. From the letters received so far, several countries, like Annan, Johor, Pyu, and Siam, had decided to send people to attend the Swamp Prefecture trade conference. However, it was not yet determined whether these countries would send officials or merchants, nor was it clear whether any royal family members would attend.

For Zhao Yao, as long as someone was coming, their identity wasn’t that important.

Zhao Yao took Wen Daoji and them directly to the farm at Nanshan. These days, he was staying at the farm.

During the New Year period, Zhao Yao went to Lingnan Camp. Besides sending blessings and discussing the parade ceremony, he had another purpose: to have the camp’s old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers work at the farm. Once they arrived, they worked very enthusiastically. In two months, the farm could be fully completed.

Upon arriving at the farm, Zhao Yao handed over the improved curved plow to Wen Daoji, asking him to take it back and then manufacture it in large quantities to be distributed to the people.

He shortened and curved the plow beam on the previously made curved plow, reduced the weight and pressure, making the plow structure lighter, more flexible, and more convenient to use, naturally increasing the efficiency of cultivation compared to before.

Having improved the curved plow, created the terraces, and compost, only the water wheel remained. Once the water wheel was completed, spring plowing in the Swamp Prefecture would become highly successful, ensuring a bountiful harvest come autumn.

The Emperor in the distant capital learned that Zhao Yao did not fall for He Lianfang’s trap and intervene in the deposed Crown Prince’s investigation, which greatly surprised him. Naturally, upon learning Zhao Yao was busy with farming, he was very pleased.

Could Little Ten, that brat, who didn’t secretly investigate the eldest’s matters, possibly know something?