Chapter 916: Chapter 914: My Heart Is Greatly Comforted
Jinrong arrived at Lang Garden, where the courtyard had been rented by a frequent guest not for entertaining but for a family escaping the summer heat in this watery place.
Although Lang Garden had guests, it also had places for handling affairs privately. Jinrong came here with no particular agenda, intentionally wanting to inconvenience the emperor, prompting him to broach the subject and implement the plan discussed earlier that day.
To make a noticeable impression, he intended to linger in the courtyard for the entire day.
Fortunately, Lang Garden had no uncomfortable spots, with bright, airy rooms and exquisite carvings. In the courtyard, the transplanted large trees from early spring flourished with lush leaves and a cool breeze. Even resting on the bamboo chair under the tree was comforting.
It was not until near evening that Jinrong rode back to the city.
The following day, he went again.
On the third day during court, the emperor, burdened with a low mood, listened to court officials discuss matters. Jinrong, usually well-measured, was now carefree, making the emperor quite distressed. Could it be that none of his sons were capable?
After routine reports were concluded, the discussion turned to the drought plaguing the court recently. The officials responsible for various affairs presented their arrangements and feedback.
In summary, the various regions of Yuanzhou still remained without rain, and the court’s relief grain was still strained. Due to the disaster year’s exorbitant grain prices, the relief funds could purchase less than half as much rice compared to last year.
As the atmosphere in the Imperial Court grew more solemn, Jinrong pondered for a moment and stepped forward to report, "May I report to Imperial Father, your son has heard that in the Central Plains Northwestern Region, there is a type of buckwheat with a very short growing period, maturing in about sixty days.
Your son suggests the Minister of Agriculture collect some of these buckwheat seeds to distribute to various areas in Yuanzhou. If at the beginning of August, Yuanzhou and other areas receive some rain, at least sow these seeds. Attaining mature buckwheat would be best, but even if not mature, it can still stave off hunger with its husk, easing the court’s burden slightly."
What he spoke of was told to him by Jiang Yifan. Buckwheat yields were low and not very filling. Generally, people were reluctant to spend precious land and time on such crops.
Occasionally, buckwheat was sown in small patches early in the harvest or in idle spaces to try out. Harvesting some buckwheat, either for fresh consumption at home or selling for some cash silver.
The emperor listened with great surprise, turning to Yu Shiqing, "There’s actually a crop with such a short growing period? I’ve never heard of it before."
Many courtiers were also surprised. Most court officials had studied from a young age, and even if some had farmed before, they were mostly experienced with staple crops like grain and wheat.
They had little understanding of minor crops, especially those not mainstream and not within the court’s tax framework, as they seldom entered official purview.
If there truly is such timely grain, Prince Yu’s proposal would hold significant practical value in the current situation. Normally, by late July, it would be too late to plant anything. But with buckwheat’s short growing period, it should be feasible.
Unexpectedly, as a prince, pampered and privileged, Prince Yu could still know of such things. But who knows if it’s true.
Yu Shiqing was dumbfounded too, "I know buckwheat’s growing period is short, but I’ve never heard of one maturing in sixty days. Does His Highness Prince Yu know where exactly this kind of buckwheat grows?"
The Crown Prince did not appreciate Prince Yu being the center of attention.
He felt uncomfortable these days as the Cabinet sent officials to check past tax records. Though they couldn’t access the true data of the Ministry of Revenue’s accounts, their presence there made him uneasy, and the officials’ actions were restricted.
Already in a foul mood, seeing Jinrong’s proposal draw everyone’s focus on the floor only increased his displeasure. "Matters of finance and grain have always been central to the court. You, Sixth Brother, should think carefully before you speak. Incomplete, unfounded claims, making a show here, if exposed, only invite ridicule and tarnish the royal family’s reputation."
Jinrong, always respectful to the Crown Prince, hurriedly explained, "Second Brother, it is genuine. This crop has low stature, is cold-resistant but has low yields, so it’s not widely known. Just ask people in the mountain villages near the Northwestern part of the Central Plains, and generally, they would know."
The Crown Prince grunted heavily, ignoring Jinrong’s explanation, but his demeanor remained unpleasant.
The emperor gave the Crown Prince a cold glance; as Crown Prince, not only did he not worry about the realm, but he showed indifference to those truly working, making him difficult to be relied upon.
The emperor instructed Han Yanhui, "The Cabinet shall draft an order for the Ministry of War to dispatch swift cavalry members along with the Minister of Agriculture to the Northwestern Region, to investigate buckwheat that matures in sixty days. If seeds are available, procure them in bulk immediately. Prepare local garrisons to swiftly deliver them to all areas in Yuanzhou for distribution."
The emperor’s anger over Jinrong’s two consecutive days out of the city was somewhat alleviated by the buckwheat issue. Yet he still mentioned Jinrong by name, oddly inquiring, "Prince Yu, how is Lang Garden’s business doing nowadays?"
Jinrong had been eagerly awaiting the emperor to bring this up.
Already back in the ranks, when hearing the emperor inquire, he promptly stepped forward again, calmly replying, "Reporting to Imperial Father, Lang Garden’s business is decent. Your son went these past two days also to discuss with the manager there, striving to expand the business scope to earn more money."
The emperor’s recently calmed face immediately darkened again.
The ministers were also caught off guard. What did Prince Yu mean by this? Just after proposing something to cheer the emperor, he immediately began to tarnish his own image—was he out of his mind?
The emperor stared at Jinrong, this dratted boy. His displeasure at the question was already obvious enough; could this boy truly be oblivious?
Of course, Jinrong wouldn’t wait for the emperor’s rebuke to be spoken; he quickly followed, "Imperial Father, your son contemplated these days, with the great drought in Yuanzhou, now is when silver is most needed. Thus, the prosperity of the capital is a good thing. Your son also focuses on business to bring some brightness to the capital, dedicating some effort."
The emperor and all the court officials had complex expressions; Prince Yu managed to justify earning silver for himself under such a righteous banner. Prince Yu, can you possibly be more shameless?
The emperor nearly burst into laughter from exasperation, "It appears Prince Yu is truly righteous."
"Your son is ashamed, thank you for the praise, Imperial Father," Jinrong responded unabashedly.
Pfft! If not for fear of the emperor punishing disrespect at court, everyone would have laughed aloud.
The emperor glared at Jinrong with further displeasure.
Jinrong remained composed, saying, "Your son has considered thoroughly, and is willing to donate all profits earned since Lang Garden’s opening entirely for alleviating Yuanzhou’s disaster."
A moment of silence fell in the Imperial Court.
The emperor was momentarily taken aback, so what was the anger he had just felt? What was the dissatisfaction he harbored these past two days for?
He had just been thinking this troublesome boy lacked discretion, to focus openly on business at such times, yet he didn’t expect him to genuinely be so righteous.
Reflecting on the thirty thousand taels borrowed from Prince Yu’s Mansion for relief, the emperor felt some remorse about his recent anger towards Jinrong.
The emperor’s commanding gaze swept across the faces of the court officials. All spoke of serving the emperor faithfully with the official salary, yet these ministers, taking court salaries and enjoying the people’s sustenance, were all idle and apathetic to the court and people’s difficulties.
Compared to his son, they fell substantially short.
The emperor’s gaze halted on the Crown Prince, hesitating momentarily. As for this son, let’s just leave it be.
"Prince Yu can have concern for the realm, sharing my burdens, it immensely comforts me..."