Chapter 114 Meeting Sixteen Again

Chapter 114 Meeting Sixteen Again

Imperial estates, as the name suggests, are directly owned by the royal family, managed by officials directly appointed by the emperor, and the crops from these estates are considered the private property of the royal family.

The Yu Dynasty has a long history of establishing imperial estates, and these estates are not limited to the outskirts of the capital. Centered around the capital, there are now as many as eight such estates.

However, the most notable imperial estate, with the best treatment for tenant farmers, is undoubtedly the several hundred mu that Qiu Huanian is currently looking at.

The Yuanhua Emperor is a diligent ruler. Every year during the spring planting and autumn harvest, he personally leads his ministers and princes to the imperial estates to engage in farming activities. With the emperor visiting twice a year, subordinates naturally dare not act out of line.

Qiu Huanian looked at the imperial estate marked with special signs and then at his own thirty mu of land without any markings, increasingly feeling that this piece of land had been excised from the imperial estate.

He decided to walk forward a dozen steps to a ridge where, according to the pattern, there should be a marker. Using the tip of his boot, he scraped away the soft soil.

After digging down about ten centimeters, he indeed found the broken base of a special marker.

"..."

So, the Yuanhua Emperor really did grant Du Yunse thirty mu from the imperial estate. Why go through such trouble?

Because he excels in agriculture, or because the Crown Prince has been residing at the imperial estate?

Or perhaps both?

Qiu Huanian pondered for a while but decided not to dwell on it. The division of responsibilities at home is clear: he is responsible for farming and earning income, while Du Yunse navigates the complexities of officialdom and power struggles. This kind of thing is not his expertise.

In any case, with such good land in his hands, he will make the most of it and cultivate it well.

There are also tenant farmers on the imperial estates, but these tenant farmers are considered the private property of the royal family, managed jointly by officials from the Ministry of Revenue and eunuchs appointed by the emperor. Generally, they are exempt from forced labor and taxes, making their lives appear more comfortable than those of ordinary tenant farmers.

However, if they encounter a neglectful and incompetent ruler or cruel eunuchs and officials, the tenant farmers of the imperial estates would truly find themselves in a dire situation, living in conditions worse than livestock.

Ordinary tenant farmers, if they can't survive, can still file complaints with the government. But who can the tenant farmers of the imperial estates turn to?

During the reign of the previous emperor, waves of tenant farmers on this imperial estate perished, and the resources extracted from the populace all went into the pockets of the eunuchs and officials from the Ministry of Revenue.

Fortunately, the current Yuanhua Emperor on the throne is a formidable ruler, who has completely controlled everything within his grasp, big or small. Attempting to pilfer under his watch? Impossible.

Last year, after the Crown Prince was freed from house arrest and immersed himself in agricultural pursuits, often residing at the imperial estate, no one dared to interfere with it.

Becoming a tenant farmer on the imperial estate is now a coveted position.

Qiu Huanian was just about to have Xing Mi and Bai Quan find a tenant farmer to inquire about the situation when he suddenly saw a rider approaching from a distance.

Clad in black, swift, with cold eyes, like a sword without warmth.

"...Sixteen."

In a few breaths, Sixteen had arrived in front of Qiu Huanian. He skillfully reined in his horse, dismounted, and spoke in an extremely aloof tone, his coldly beautiful face showing no emotion.

"Lady Qishu, the Crown Prince requests your presence."

"..."

Qiu Huanian keenly realized that Sixteen did not want others to know they were close, and these "others" might even include the Crown Prince.

—Although he jokingly referred to Sixteen as a "three-no" beautiful youth (no words, no heart, no expression), Qiu Huanian believed their relationship was close.

To be honest, Qiu Huanian was somewhat reluctant to meet the Crown Prince alone.

During his more than a year in Xiangping Prefecture, he mingled with the families of officials and heard about the deeds of the Crown Prince.

It was widely believed that the Crown Prince was benevolent, generous, intelligent, and talented, embracing the grace of the late empress. Even after being disfavored and confined by the Emperor due to the corruption case in Jiangnan, many still considered him a wronged and kind-hearted gentleman.

Apart from his poor health, anyone not favoring other princes acknowledged that the Crown Prince was a flawless heir apparent.

But Qiu Huanian's husband was Du Yunse. Who exactly was Du Yunse? He had studied with the Crown Prince for a year and was a minister personally trained by the Yuanhua Emperor for the Crown Prince. He knew the Crown Prince better than most in the Yu Dynasty.

From Du Yunse's careful words, Qiu Huanian had long realized that the Crown Prince was deeply concealed, not as benevolent and kind as he seemed.

But Qiu Huanian couldn't refuse. It was out of the question.

He was already near the imperial estate, and the Crown Prince had personally sent a secret guard to summon him. Could he run back to consult Du Yunse before coming?

Sixteen looked at him indifferently and suddenly said, "To not keep His Highness waiting, I'll take the Township Lord on horseback."

What?

Before Qiu Huanian could react, he was already pulled onto the horse by Sixteen.

The horse galloped across the open fields. Sixteen was very thin, even thinner than Qiu Huanian expected. Secret guards underwent specialized training, and Sixteen had sacrificed other aspects to achieve extreme agility and stealth.

But his body was steady, like unyielding bamboo.

As the horse sped and the wind roared around them, Qiu Huanian suddenly heard Sixteen's voice in his ear.

"Don't worry, His Highness only wants to discuss farming."

Qiu Huanian wanted to turn to see Sixteen's expression, but Sixteen held him tight, preventing any revealing movements.

This was a rare chance for a private conversation. Qiu Huanian could only look ahead and quickly asked, "Why are you acting like we're strangers? The Crown Prince knows you met us in Liaozhou, doesn't he? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Qiu Huanian realized these questions were overstepping and wouldn't get answers, so he fell silent for a few seconds.

"How have you been this past year?"

Sixteen didn't answer until the horse stopped at the palace gates of the imperial estate.

Before dismounting, Qiu Huanian finally heard Sixteen's soft voice.

"You've grown a bit taller."

He even thought he saw a slight smile on Sixteen's lips.

Qiu Huanian wanted to confirm, but the guards at the palace gate had already approached, and he could only continue to play the role of a "nodding acquaintance."

The palace on the estate once covered a large area. It was once burned down during the reign of the late emperor, later found to be the doing of the managing eunuch to cover up evidence of embezzlement.

In his later years, the late emperor was tyrannical and incompetent, and the princes' struggle for the throne left the Yu Dynasty in chaos and ruin. The burning of a palace on the imperial estate was just a small reflection of that turbulent era.

When the Yuanhua Emperor rebuilt the palace, he ordered it to be reduced to a quarter of its original size to save expenses and use more land for farming.

Although greatly reduced, the palace was still a palace, and this vast complex was far more magnificent than any building Qiu Huanian had seen since his arrival.

If a palace on the imperial estate was like this, he couldn't imagine how majestic the Forbidden City in the imperial capital must be.

Though curious, Qiu Huanian didn't envy those who lived in the Forbidden City.

For him, he'd rather farm two acres on the estate than give up his freedom for that grand palace.

Sixteen and the crown prince's close attendant, who had come out to greet him, led Qiu Huanian to a side hall. After announcing Qiu Huanian's presence, the attendant withdrew, and Sixteen vanished around a corner. Qiu Huanian knew he was still in the side hall.

In the side hall, Qiu Huanian encountered Jia Hongyuan, the crown prince of the Yu Dynasty. This was his first time meeting a member of the royal family.

The side hall had been arranged as a study, and Jia Hongyuan was reading behind a desk.

He was wrapped in heavy garments, his face pale with a sickly tinge, yet his strikingly handsome features remained undeniable. Gentle and magnanimous, he carried the unique aura of a noble born to rule.

Qiu Huanian greeted the crown prince with the etiquette he had learned before arriving in the capital. A female official beside the prince promptly assisted him to his feet.

"I have long heard of Township Lord Qishu, and today I finally meet you. I have many questions about your book. Could you provide me with some insights?"

Jia Hongyuan's attitude was sincere, his face adorned with a smile as warm as a spring breeze.

Qiu Huanian had no option but to sit and 'instruct' the crown prince.

The expansive hall was devoid of others. The female official moved to guard the entrance. Qiu Huanian thought of Sixteen, who was also in the hall, silently observing him from an unseen spot, which provided him some reassurance.

Soon, Qiu Huanian realized that the crown prince's 'dedication to agriculture' was sincere. He was highly knowledgeable about farming, and all his questions were precise, some of which even Qiu Huanian found challenging to answer.

The second prince still struggled with 'Elementary Mathematics: Equations,' but the crown prince had fully comprehended Qiu Huanian's agricultural book on cotton cultivation.

The crown prince possessed a certain charm that inspired belief in his sincerity, his zeal for learning, and his humility.

He truly embodied the charisma befitting a leader.

Qiu Huanian took a deep breath, lowered his gaze, and proceeded to explain the practical aspects of cotton cultivation.

In one or two months, during this year's spring planting season, the new cotton cultivation method would be trialed in various locations across the Yu Dynasty.

From seedling cultivation to fertilization, growth control, pest elimination, and harvesting... this entire process was standardized, but adjustments and enhancements were necessary based on the planting area's climate.

Qiu Huanian couldn't possibly travel to so many locations to conduct experiments himself; this task had to be delegated to the court.

This year's trials would take place in traditional cotton-growing regions, the frigid areas of the northeast and northwest, and various royal estates.

Jia Hongyuan gazed at the map on the desk, marked with several red circles, and smiled softly. "In my youth, my mother recounted how, before my father ascended the throne, he commanded troops to defend the border against foreign invaders under the late emperor's orders. At that time, the bitter cold was relentless, and the army's supplies were severed by the treacherous princes. The soldiers lacked even warm garments, and it appeared the strategic pass was on the verge of being overrun, permitting the foreign tribes to invade the Central Plains and pillage."

"My mother was not from a prominent family and couldn't afford to help my father buy cotton at high prices from merchants..."

Jia Hongyuan's tone remained unchanged as he smoothly shifted the topic, "Back then, my father was revered by the people as the Righteous King. Wherever he went, people welcomed him with food and drink, and some even dismantled their cotton clothes and quilts to provide old cotton for military use."

"Later, when my father ascended the throne, peace was restored, and the soldiers of the Yu Dynasty who defended the country could finally eat their fill and stay warm. Unfortunately, cotton cultivation was difficult, and even though my father always ordered the Ministry of Revenue to promote production, not everyone could afford new cotton."

"My health is frail, and I cannot follow in my father's footsteps to lead troops against foreign enemies. I can only put more effort into agriculture to share my father's burden and seek welfare for the countless people of our great Yu Dynasty."

Jia Hongyuan spoke earnestly and sincerely, "In this way, Qishu is to me as the Duke of Zhou was to King Wen, and Guan Zhong was to Duke Huan!"

"..."

Qiu Huanian, who was very skilled at painting grand visions for others, was suddenly hit by an enormous one.

Wasn't he just farming and researching agricultural techniques? How had he suddenly been elevated to the status of sages and capable ministers like the Duke of Zhou and Guan Zhong?

With such high praise from the crown prince, which normal native of the Yu Dynasty wouldn't be dazzled?

The corner of Qiu Huanian's mouth twitched imperceptibly as he pushed the strange thought aside.

"I also hope that the people of the Yu Dynasty can live in prosperity, with enough to eat and wear. That is why I have devoted myself to agricultural research. If Your Highness has any doubts in this regard, feel free to ask me."

As an officially titled Township Lord, Qiu Huanian referred to himself as "this humble servant" rather than "a mere commoner" when facing the Crown Prince.

Qiu Huanian thought, with Du Yunse around and the Yuanhua Emperor's attitude, their family was solidly in the Crown Prince's camp. It was better for the Crown Prince to care about the livelihood of the people and agricultural practices than not to care at all.

After receiving Qiu Huanian's promise, Jia Hongyuan asked many more questions. Qiu Huanian even explained agricultural research methods such as controlled experiments and variable management in local terms, speaking until his throat was parched.

Without warning, a teacup materialized by his hand. Sixteen, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, poured tea from a teapot that appeared as if by magic.

He poured for Qiu Huanian first, then for Jia Hongyuan.

The tea's aroma was subtle and exquisite, and even Qiu Huanian, who knew little about tea, could tell it was rare and valuable.

Qiu Huanian was once again struck by the Crown Prince and his servant's coordinated efforts to recruit him.

Jia Hongyuan smiled lightly and said, "You must have seen Sixteen before. He is my most trusted personal guard, rarely seen by others, but he can meet you and Yun Se without issue."

"If you encounter any difficulties in the future and I am too busy to attend to them, you can directly seek Sixteen's assistance."

Sixteen nodded silently to Qiu Huanian.

Burying the odd sensation in his chest, Qiu Huanian first expressed his gratitude to the Crown Prince as protocol dictated.

After lunch, Jia Hongyuan took his medicine and, following the imperial physician's instructions, needed to rest.

Jia Hongyuan ensured Qiu Huanian was escorted back properly. Before leaving, he asked, "Is Lady Qishu looking to buy a residence in the capital?"

Qiu Huanian's spirits lifted. Was this going to be his reward?

Having somewhat grasped Jia Hongyuan's style, Qiu Huanian directly said, "This humble servant wishes to acquire a residence in the southeastern area of Nanxunfang."

Direct and to the point.

Jia Hongyuan thought about where that area was. Hmm, a fifteen-minute walk would take you to the Hanlin Academy.

Jia Hongyuan chuckled, "I do not possess any properties in that area."

"Unlike my second brother, who has a Grand Secretary for a grandfather and the favor of our royal uncle, and my third brother, with his influential maternal family, I am truly lacking in resources."

"..." Qiu Huanian was speechless. Was the Crown Prince truly lamenting his lack of wealth?

And openly disclosing the support behind his two younger brothers—was that truly appropriate? Had he been marked by the Crown Prince as a trusted confidant?

Jia Hongyuan continued, "The good residences in that area all have owners and are not easily sold. However, since Yun Se and Lady Qishu are planning to settle there, I will arrange for one to be vacated."

Qiu Huanian blinked. How would that be accomplished?

His intuition told him that the Crown Prince's method certainly wouldn't involve politely requesting the owners to relocate and sell the property to his subordinate.

"Sixteen, you handle it."

Sixteen nodded, "Your Highness, please rest well. I will escort Lady Qishu back to the city."

Jia Hongyuan hummed in acknowledgment, "Lady Qishu's land is next to the imperial estate. There will be plenty of time in the future for me to seek more advice."

"..."

Qiu Huanian thought to himself, so that's why a prime plot from the imperial estate was conveniently granted to him. It was to make it easier for the Crown Prince to summon him.

Xing Mi and Bai Quan didn't get to see the Crown Prince, but they were well entertained by the palace staff and had a meal. Both were a little excited and looked at Qiu Huanian with even greater admiration.

Sixteen was tasked with escorting them back to the city and led the way directly to the Nanxun District, where they dismounted in the street nearest the Hanlin Academy.

He helped Qiu Huanian down from the carriage and asked calmly, gesturing toward the houses on the street, "Where would you like to live?"

Ah? Qiu Huanian was shocked once again.

His gaze swept over the plaques on the gates of the houses: Residence of the Prince, Residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue, Residence of the Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial...

Wait, was this really something he could pick from?