Sheng Jinyan looked at her incredulously, never expecting that she would understand so much.
Moreover, what she said was particularly reasonable.
For the first time, he felt that this woman wasn't entirely useless; at least she had some brains.
He asked curiously, "Did your father teach you this?"
Shi Zhenxiang dared not falsely credit her father, only saying, "Your subject saw it in a book."
Sheng Jinyan asked curiously, "Which book?"
Shi Zhenxiang fabricated, "Just some travelogues."
"Don't judge these travelogues as mere sightseeing; they contain many profound principles."
"If a country is strong, its people are strong."
"If you want neighboring countries to stop waging war, then our Great Sheng Kingdom must become strong itself."
Sheng Jinyan thought the same.
"That's why I encourage your father to have more sons, and preferably more grandsons."
As long as the number of capable people increases and military power grows strong, enemy countries will naturally not dare to invade again.
Shi Zhenxiang nodded and added, "Grain supplies must also keep up."
"Your subject has read geography books that mention the black soil near Heishui is fertile. With careful cultivation, grain yield should be greatly increased."
"Including the Xiangjiang area and the south, we can extensively develop grain cultivation techniques."
As long as grain production keeps up, the common people will have enough to eat.
Sheng Jinyan listened seriously, immediately sat up, and began to write letters.
"These matters must be handled early. Let the Agricultural Officials personally go to the fields to teach cultivation techniques, and also learn from the tenant farmers."
Shi Zhenxiang instinctively gave him a thumbs up, "Your Majesty's execution ability—no wonder you can be Emperor; it's highly effective."
Sheng Jinyan smiled happily.
"Of course."
He was inherently a man of action, never speaking empty words.
Merely sending Agricultural Officials to spread cultivation techniques was not enough; he felt it necessary to widely recruit talented people in cultivation among the folk, and have them go to the grain-growing areas to study more, which would yield better results.
Shi Zhenxiang thought this was an excellent idea.
She changed her view of him again, feeling that this guy wasn't so lacking in emotional intelligence; at least he was very attentive in matters concerning the common people.
She yawned and lay down first.
As for Sheng Jinyan, he wrote until midnight, then sent a pigeon post back.
Old Zhengzi and the Dark Guards had been waiting for news. As soon as they got it, they immediately sent people to carry it out.
Within a few days, news reached the folk that the Emperor was recruiting talented people in grain cultivation. It was said that if anyone could help grow grain well and increase yield, they would be appointed as a Third-Rank Senior Agricultural Official.
This was a great joy for the common people.
Moreover, this recruitment had no thresholds; anyone who knew how to grow grain could apply.
So those tenant farmers, villagers—everyone who knew farming—went to register.
It didn't matter whether they were selected; at least they wouldn't be beheaded for poor cultivation.
Shi Zhenxiang and the others also got the news. It seemed the people at the Imperial Court were very dedicated.
Sheng Jinyan even summoned his only younger brother to the Imperial Palace to temporarily handle state affairs.
Shi Zhenxiang hadn't expected him to summon a rival to the Imperial Palace; wasn't he afraid the other would seize his throne?
Sheng Jinyan saw her thoughts and said with a magnanimous look, "That kid was born to enjoy life. Being an Emperor is too hard; he would never take that position."
If he really did take it, then so be it.
After all, as long as he could be a good Emperor, letting him take over was not impossible.
Shi Zhenxiang was shocked again.
She hadn't expected him to be so broad-minded.
After all, in any dynasty, when princes fought for the throne, it was a life-and-death struggle; no one dared to let go.
Unexpectedly, he was so open-minded, willing to let go at a moment's notice—truly different from other Emperors.
Sheng Jinyan saw her astonished expression and snorted, "What, do you think so little of me in your heart?"
Shi Zhenxiang shook her head, "No. Your subject thinks you are too handsome."
Completely different from ordinary Emperors.
She had thought he was a stereotypical feudal ruler, but now it was clear he was not!
Sheng Jinyan saw her looking at him with sparkling eyes, as if falling in love with him again, and couldn't help raising his chin proudly, "Forget it. Seeing how much you love me, I'll give you the chance to serve me in bed tonight."
Shi Zhenxiang......
Talking about state affairs is one thing, why suddenly switch to driving?
Moreover,
who wants to serve in bed? She didn't want to at all, okay?
His technique was so rotten that even an iron plate would be knocked flying. She didn't want that.
So she pretended to be shy, "Well, there are so many people in this room."
They had been lodging with farming families all along the way.
Basically, they all stayed in the same room with the children and the Nannies.
With so many people around, serving was impossible.
Sheng Jinyan had originally been in the mood, but when he saw the room was indeed full of people, his face darkened.
He glared at the Nannies and children with a look of grievance.
The three Nannies hurriedly lowered their heads and silently went out to cook.
As for the Eldest Princess and the others, they pretended not to understand and took their younger sisters out to play.
The youngest, the Fifth Princess, was also carried away by a Nanny after feeding.
Now only the two of them were left in the room.
Sheng Jinyan's hope surged again.
"Now there's no one."
Meaning, why aren't you coming up yet?
Shi Zhenxiang......
She wanted to refuse.
But if she kept refusing him, he would probably get angry.
After thinking for a moment, she gently reminded, "Your Majesty, today is not the day for your subject to serve you in bed. That won't be until next year."
Sheng Jinyan had been quite satisfied that she was a rule-abiding person—in the palace, she never flattered or sought favor unless her name was drawn.
But seeing her be so rigid now, he felt she was too inflexible.
He couldn't help pulling her down, "You're too rigid. That's not likable. You need to change."
Shi Zhenxiang was about to argue when her mouth was sealed.
"Mm-mm, Your Majesty~"
Sheng Jinyan seemed to be in a hurry.
In no time, he started putting on a show of strength.
The snow on the roof beams shook and fell with rustling sounds.
Shi Zhenxiang felt her soul was knocked flying.
In her heart, she cursed Sheng Jinyan for being a dog, with such rotten technique.
And it went on and on without end.
Finally, when the children got tired of playing and wanted to come back to rest, Sheng Jinyan stopped.
He had had his fun.
Looking at the woman lying on the bed with a look of utter despair, Sheng Jinyan frowned, "Why do you have that expression?"
Shouldn't she be floating on cloud nine, extremely comfortable? Why did she look like she was dying?
Could it be that she was too comfortable and died?
Shi Zhenxiang......
Go to hell.
Who could float on cloud nine after being knocked flying? Why don't you reflect on yourself?
Sheng Jinyan, glared at by her grievance-filled eyes, lacked emotional intelligence and instead blamed her, "It's not good for you to indulge like this. I made an exception for you today, but I won't give you another chance next time."
Shi Zhenxiang......
Drop dead.
Rotten technique.
Sheng Jinyan saw her expression as if she wanted to eat him and once again showed no emotional intelligence, "Alright, alright. If you want it that badly, I'll give it to you again next time. The children are back now, we can't make any more noise."
With that, he pulled up his pants and left.
Leaving Shi Zhenxiang pounding the bed, cursing him a scumbag.
She had originally thought that serving that stupid thing once a year in the palace was a bit of suffering she could endure.
Unexpectedly, after leaving, she had to serve him before the appointed time.
And seeing how pleased that guy looked, she feared he would come again soon.
It seemed she had to find a way to improve his technique, or else she would be the one suffering.
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