Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Early in the morning, Wang Ying finished his ablutions, donned his official robe, adjusted his headpiece, and took a deep breath before the bronze mirror.

As the Wu Dynasty had no specific official attire for *ger*, he wore the same clothing as ordinary men. This ensemble accentuated his tall and handsome physique, making him appear like a refined young master, especially if one overlooked the pregnancy mole on his cheek.

Chen Qingyan embraced him from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist. "It's your first day on duty. If anything arises, send someone to inform me immediately."

"Don't worry. Today will likely just involve familiarizing myself with the Ministry of Agriculture. There shouldn't be any major issues."

"I'm concerned you might not adapt well."

"I'll be fine. It's just that there's too much idle talk in the city now, and I'm afraid it might affect your career."

The rumors outside had become wildly exaggerated. Due to his identity as a *ger*, there were even vulgar speculations, claiming he was a temptress who had bewitched the emperor into making an exception for him. Such talk was laughable—how could someone his age be considered a temptress?

Chen Qingyan held his hand and smiled. "Let them say what they will. I know better than anyone how capable my husband is. I only hope you can fully demonstrate your talents."

Once both were ready, they rode in separate carriages to their respective posts.

Although the Ministry of Agriculture was subordinate to the Ministry of Revenue, it was not located within the same compound. Instead, it occupied its own courtyard in the western part of the city, about half an hour away by carriage. Since it was his first day, Wang Ying arrived exceptionally early.

It would be disingenuous to claim he wasn't nervous on his first day of work. Wang Ying pressed a hand against his racing heart as he gazed out the carriage window.

Finally arriving at the entrance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Wang Ying stepped down from the carriage, took a deep breath, and approached with his token. "Wang Ying, the newly appointed *Dian Shi* of the Ministry of Agriculture, reporting for duty."

The gate clerk immediately rose and greeted him. "Sir, it's your first day, isn't it? Please follow me."

Wang Ying nodded and followed the clerk into the courtyard. The Ministry of Agriculture was not large; its primary responsibilities included managing grain reserves and storage, supplying grain to the imperial palace and officials, and implementing agricultural policies such as farming, sericulture, and water conservancy.

Apart from lower-level officials, most staff had relatively light duties. Grain reserves only required intense work during the autumn harvest, and the allocation of grain for the palace and officials followed fixed quotas.

As for implementing agricultural policies, that depended on directives from higher authorities. As a low-ranking seventh-grade *Dian Shi*, Wang Ying merely needed to follow orders.

After a brief introduction, the clerk led Wang Ying to his office—a private room that had been cleaned and prepared.

"Am I using this room alone?"

"Precisely. We have few personnel and many vacant rooms. If you're not satisfied, sir, you may choose another."

"No, no, I'm quite content." The office environment exceeded Wang Ying's expectations, though he wondered how he would get along with his "colleagues."

When Wang Ying first arrived in this world, he thought *ger* were no different from regular men except for their ability to bear children. But reality proved otherwise.

Centuries of feudal thinking had deeply ingrained the notion of male superiority into people’s bones. The status of *ger* was even lower than that of women.

A hundred years ago, *ger* were only married into poor families for labor and continuation of the family line. Wealthy families rarely took *ger* as principal wives.

Over time, the status of *ger* gradually gained societal acceptance, though some noble families still forbade their direct descendants from marrying *ger*, indirectly excluding them.

Returning to the present, Wang Ying wiped his desk. The room was simple, containing only a desk, a few chairs, and two pots of orchids on the windowsill. The plants were well cared for, with lush green leaves and budding flowers.

"These are ink orchids, also known as New Year's orchids. They'll bloom when the weather gets colder."

Wang Ying turned to see a tall man standing at the door. He appeared to be around the same age, with a short beard and refined features.

"I am Wang Ying, the newly appointed seventh-grade *Dian Shi*. May I ask your name, sir?"

The man’s gaze briefly fell on the red mole on Wang Ying’s cheek before he averted his eyes. "So you are *Dian Shi* Wang. My surname is Yu. I am the *Zhu Shi* in charge of grain storage."

"Greetings, *Zhu Shi* Yu." As a *Zhu Shi*, Yu held a half-rank above him, making him his superior.

Perhaps to avoid suspicion, *Zhu Shi* Yu cupped his hands in salute and left promptly.

Wang Ying had anticipated such attitudes and didn't dwell on it. His entry into officialdom as a *ger* was bound to provoke dislike. As long as they coexisted peacefully and didn't disrupt his work, it was acceptable.

However, things did not go as planned. About an hour later, news of his arrival spread throughout the Ministry of Agriculture, and a crowd gathered outside his door.

An elderly man pointed at Wang Ying inside the room and scolded, "A hen crowing at dawn foretells the downfall of a family! This is an omen of national disaster!"

"Indeed, I've never heard of a *ger* becoming an official. This is sheer chaos!"

A short man shouted, "*Ger* should stay at home and bear children like women do! How shameful to show your face outside!"

"Exactly! How can your husband allow you to go out? In my opinion, a husband who parades himself and disregards rules should be confined at home to kneel in repentance in the ancestral hall!"

Wang Ying clenched his fists. He had expected resistance but not to this extent.

He stood up and retorted, "The emperor appointed me to the Ministry of Agriculture. If any of you are dissatisfied, you may lodge your complaints with him. Moreover, in agricultural matters, capability matters most—what does gender or age have to do with it?"

The man who had spoken the loudest said, "Since you speak of capability, let me ask you: What qualifications do you have to serve in the Ministry of Agriculture?"

This man, named Zang Mingsheng, was the *Zhu Shi* in charge of imperial tribute grain. Though not a high-ranking official, his connections with nobles made him act superior to others. He was widely disliked for his condescending attitude.

On the matter of Wang Ying, these men were surprisingly united, determined to drive him out of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Wang Ying replied, "I bred the Changfeng No. 3 wheat variety, which is now cultivated by people across the Wu Dynasty. My composting methods increased Shanzhou's per-mu yield by 40 percent. I also wrote two agricultural books, *Qi Farming Techniques*. May I ask what accomplishments you gentlemen have achieved?"

The men were stunned by his response. The old man who had earlier decried the "hen crowing at dawn" exclaimed, disbelieving, "Impossible! How could Jiaxuan Lay Buddhist be a *ger*?"

"Why is it impossible?" Minister of Agriculture Wen Yanping arrived belatedly. "I helped *Dian Shi* Wang find a publisher for his book, and the manuscript is still in my possession."

The crowd quickly bowed in respect. "Greetings, Minister."

"Hmph! Instead of ostracizing others, why not spend more time studying agriculture? That way, you won't embarrass yourselves by failing to distinguish between different grains!"

Zang Mingsheng flushed and lowered his head—the minister was alluding to the time he had confused millet and sorghum.

"If there's nothing else, return to your posts. Stop causing trouble here."

"Yes…" The men left grudgingly, leaving only *Zhu Shi* Yu behind.

"*Yu Xin*, is there something else?"

"This lowly official would like to ask *Dian Shi* Wang a few questions. I'll leave once I'm done."

Wang Ying said, "Please go ahead."

"I'd like to ask about the methods you used to develop the Changfeng No. 3 wheat. Also, what is the exact ratio of the yellow stone powder used to treat withered leaf disease? I followed the ratio in the book, but it only worked on one out of three *mu* of land. And—"

As Wang Ying listened to his questions, his guard gradually lowered. "*Zhu Shi* Yu, please come in. The process of developing Changfeng No. 3 is lengthy. Allow me to explain in detail…"

Wen Yanping watched them, stroking his beard with satisfaction. This was how the Ministry of Agriculture should be.

With the severe drought in the north leaving millions without food, why waste energy on scheming and ostracizing colleagues? Driving someone away wouldn't benefit anyone.

Changfeng No. 3 had been Wang Ying's final dissertation, so he remembered every detail vividly. He explained the entire process, from collecting specimens to cross-hybridization, to *Zhu Shi* Yu, whose eyes shone with admiration, transforming from initial avoidance into reverence.

"You're absolutely remarkable! How did you come up with such methods!"

Wang Ying scratched his head, slightly embarrassed; of course, he couldn't explain that all of this had been taught to him by his teacher.

“I originally assumed *Dian Shi* Wang was merely a decorative figure—a mere ornament—intentionally placed in the Ministry of Agriculture, as rumors suggested. Now I see how utterly mistaken I was. You possess genuine expertise and exceptional ability. The two books you authored have been immensely beneficial to me. Please allow me to bow in deep respect.” With that, he performed a profound bow.

Wang Ying quickly helped him rise. “You’re far too kind, *Zhu Shi* Yu. I possess no extraordinary talents—I am simply deeply passionate about agricultural studies. I never imagined entering court service, yet His Majesty graciously appointed me, and even the Minister of Agriculture took a bold risk in recommending me despite widespread opposition. The only way I can repay such profound trust is by dedicating everything I’ve learned to serving the people.”

Hearing this, Yu Xin felt even more ashamed. “From now on, I shall continue learning from *Dian Shi* Wang. I earnestly hope you will not hesitate to instruct me!”

“Of course. I will share all my knowledge freely and without reservation.”

After seeing Yu Xin off, Wang Ying let out a long sigh of relief—it seemed he had passed his first trial.

Fortunately, he had come from modern times and had grown up immersed in principles of gender equality. Otherwise, the harsh criticism he’d endured earlier would likely have driven him away.

Even so, he still felt somewhat unsettled. Wang Ying threw a few mock punches into the air—he would need to find time to get back into shape. If anyone dared insult him like that again, he wouldn't hesitate to strike back.

*

Not long after Yu Xin departed, the Minister of Agriculture arrived with two men. “These two will assist you from now on. Feel free to assign them any tasks you see fit.”

The two introduced themselves: the elder was Yang An; the younger, Yang Zhi. They were cousins, both scholars hailing from farming families.

They were earnest and respectful, showing no prejudice toward Wang Ying for being a *ger*. They bowed to him politely.

Wen Yanping sighed. “I hope you weren’t unduly affected by those people’s remarks earlier. They are narrow-minded and ignorant of your true capabilities. In time, they will come to understand.”

Wang Ying laughed heartily. “It’s no trouble at all. I am deeply honored by His Majesty’s and your trust. Being able to devote my life’s work to the people is fulfillment enough. Let others say what they will—I pay them no mind.”

“You possess truly sincere character, *Dian Shi* Wang. Tomorrow, I’ll take you on a tour of the Ministry of Agriculture’s tenant farms. The drought has been severe this year, and crop growth is poor. Everyone has been quite anxious lately.”

“Very well.”

The Ministry of Agriculture closed around 4:30 p.m. (*Shen Shi Er Ke*). On less busy days, there was no overtime—everyone could go home promptly.

Wang Ying collected his pass from the gatekeeper, marking the end of his day. Outside, Chen Ju had already brought the carriage and was waiting nearby. Spotting Wang Ying, he waved cheerfully. “Sir!”

Wang Ying smiled and climbed into the carriage. “Let’s go home!”