The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1524 - 1521: Absurd and Audacious

Wang Yongzhu knew that the main event was approaching.

She composed herself and mentally rehearsed what she was about to say before speaking aloud.

First, naturally, she extolled the virtues of His Majesty the Emperor sitting above, expressing that the current flourishing state of Chicheng County was inseparable from his wise leadership.

Previously, Wang Yongzhu had rehearsed those laudatory words in her mind until she knew them by heart.

She didn’t worry whether the flattery was excessive or not, deciding to deliver it regardless.

Indeed, although she found her own words cloying, His Majesty the Emperor remained unperturbed.

Evidently, having grown up amidst constant praise, he had developed an immunity.

Wang Yongzhu dared not overdo it, offering only a light compliment before addressing the main matter.

Of course, she dared not stray beyond her bounds, lest the Emperor accuse her of overstepping.

She only spoke honestly from her perspective about the changes in Chicheng County, recounting its state when she first arrived, the changes over the past two years, and its current condition.

Without mentioning anything else, Wang Yongzhu’s eloquence was impressive; previously, her tales of the Western Region merchants’ extraordinary tales had captivated everyone in Changchun Palace.

Now, even though she was merely talking about the local customs and culture of Chicheng County, because her voice was clear and her language humorously engaging, she painted vivid pictures with her words.

To the listeners, it seemed as though those events and people were occurring right before their eyes.

All his life, reports made to the Emperor either ranged from long-winded scholarly dissertations to a few concise remarks.

He had never before heard such a conversational style of reporting, akin to a casual chat, unhurried and calm.

Moreover, when she became spirited in her speech, she seemed to forget she was before the Emperor and standing in the Imperial Palace, becoming so animated, almost bursting into gestures.

Though they might appear minor details of common people’s lives, a closer look revealed deeper insight.

The Emperor, fully aware, listened while mentally aligning her accounts with the reports submitted by Song Chongjin.

Wang Yongzhu noticed the Emperor seemed to be listening attentively and felt slightly relieved.

Gradually, she broached the topic of the newly opened market in Chicheng County.

Song Chongjin had mentioned this in his memorial, and the Emperor had been intrigued, allowing Song Chongjin to use Chicheng County as a pilot project. If successful, Song Chongjin’s plan to open the grassland trade route—exchanging various Jiangnan silks, porcelain, books, and seeds for horses and ironware—could be implemented.

As stated in Song Chongjin’s memorial, the reason the prairie nomads were so brave and often raided the Central Plains was due to their way of life.

They had no fixed abode and migrated with their livestock.

In summer, when pastures were lush and water abundant, they lacked nothing and could recuperate.

But in winter or during inclement weather, when they couldn’t survive, what could they do but raid the Central Plains to survive the cold winter?

Year after year, day after day.

If the trade routes could be opened, spreading the Central Plains’ agricultural model and literature to them...

If they were told that cultivating could sustain them, even in bad years or harsh winters they wouldn’t want, surely some might be tempted.

By offering extremely favorable conditions and teaching these people, within two years, results could be seen.

Would other nomads not be tempted? Raiding was exhilarating but could easily cost lives, unlike the safety of cultivating on one’s own.

Who isn’t afraid of death? If they could live well, why seek death?

As long as most people were swayed and accepted the idea of self-sustenance through farming, subsequent efforts could unfold.

Such as introducing Central Plains literature and mainstream Confucian thought to educate the nomads.

In as few as ten years, or perhaps twenty to thirty, prairie nomads might be assimilated, turning the prairie from a major threat to a new frontier for the Central Plains.

This vision was so audacious and bold that upon reading it, the Emperor inhaled sharply.

Which emperor wouldn’t want to achieve significant accomplishments during their reign? Naturally, those intent on becoming foolish rulers don’t count.

This Emperor, now over forty years old, still held unfulfilled ambitions.

The Founding Emperor and Empress had been too formidable, making their successors seem mediocre.

If he could achieve such feats during his reign, future historians would undoubtedly record it in rich detail, ensuring reverence from posterity, if not equaling the Grand Ancestor’s feats.

Moreover, upon closer examination, this bold proposal, though unconventional, seemed feasible upon careful consideration.

After pondering it for several days, he summoned Qin Bohan, Gu Changqing, and several ministers to the Imperial Study Room for a detailed discussion.

Initially, those who saw the bold proposal scoffed at its absurdity.

But as they reviewed the detailed implementation steps and comprehensive plan, they too felt swayed, as if the proposal might truly work?

Additionally, the plan was advantageous because even if it failed, it wouldn’t have significant repercussions.

Even if the prairies sensed something was amiss, there’d be no grounds for blame.

Everyone involved, seasoned as thousand-year-old foxes, knew the Emperor’s ambitious heart and recognized his determination by presenting this plan.

As a result, they all expressed their support for giving it a try.

The plan had been implemented for some time, and the Emperor had always been concerned about its progress.

Though positive reports arrived, he remained unsettled.

Hearing Wang Yongzhu’s report earlier provided some assurance; though speaking of common folk affairs, her words revealed thoughtful considerations at every turn.

Thus, while the Emperor’s demeanor remained unchanged, he sat a bit straighter, listening intently.

Occasionally, he asked several questions.

Wang Yongzhu answered them all, candidly admitting when she didn’t know something.

This exchange continued for half a day. Wang Yongzhu felt parched but endured.

Fortunately, outside, Chief Steward Su had already instructed the Imperial Physician and leading midwives to reach a conclusion, bringing them in to report back.

This interrupted Wang Yongzhu’s report.

Wang Yongzhu breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the Emperor, after all, was the Supreme Being, a figure who had wielded power for many years. Though appearing gentle, his royal authority was formidable.

Even though she maintained composure, she felt immense pressure.

Upon seeing her reaction, the Emperor let out a slight chuckle but refrained from further questioning.

He simply indicated for the Imperial Physician and midwives to present their conclusion.

The leading midwife appeared anxious; to be honest, the Imperial Noble Consort was near childbirth, and their nerves were already taut.

They knew that if the task were completed successfully, everyone would receive continuous rewards.

But if it were botched, it could mean annihilation for their families.

They had been counting the days, praying day and night for the Imperial Noble Consort and Prince’s safety, and everyone’s survival.

Yet Heaven seemed to play pranks, granting nothing asked for.

Suddenly, a thunderbolt out of the blue informed them the child in the Imperial Noble Consort’s womb had a nuchal cord!

Upon hearing this, the midwives felt their world collapsing!

Discussion with the Imperial Physicians yielded nothing; what could they come up with?

They stared at each other helplessly until Steward Su’s cough reminded them, prompting them to rack their brains for solutions.

In half a day, they reached no conclusion, found no applicable methods, nor techniques.

In conclusion, in one word: submission to fate! Maybe the Imperial Noble Consort and the Prince had divine protection, and Heaven would bless them for safe delivery?