The room now held only Xiao Qing, Ning Xuejun, and Wang Canghai, all overcome with excitement.
Liang Xiao's letter mentioned that the survivor He Liuzhu had personally confirmed the high yield of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, especially potatoes and sweet potatoes, which could reach two to three thousand jin per mu, and even over a thousand jin in a poor harvest!
Apart from sprouted potatoes, all three crops could be consumed as long as they were not rotten!
National grain production increase was imminent!
With abundant food, grains like rice could be stored in the national treasury for emergencies. As long as the court continued to show concern for the people, the widespread suffering from starvation would be a thing of the past!
Moreover, the salt fields in the East Sea had already yielded several harvests, producing salt purer than any seen domestically before. The nation's annual fiscal revenue would undoubtedly see a substantial increase!
The contribution of this to a nation's stability was self-evident!
Wang Canghai marveled, "As expected of the second young master Liang, whom His Majesty favors. Only now do I understand why he was so keen on acquiring land in Yan Prefecture. What foresight!"
With the promotion of the curved-shaft plow and the stability of the Yan Prefecture, the thin land Liang Xiao acquired at a low price would not suffer too significant losses and even had the potential for profit.
And now, these three crops had been discovered...
Once the populace accepted these three foods, Liang Xiao's initial earnings would be immeasurable!
"It's a pity that the national treasury's funds are limited, and we are currently unable to repurchase land domestically..." Xiao Qing expressed regret.
The money in the treasury had to be reserved for emergencies. If Xiao Qing were to use it to buy back land, the officials would undoubtedly strongly oppose it, as in the eyes of normal people, this was a losing business.
Even Huang Xing and Gu Hong, limited by their understanding, would not dare to support it!
Wang Canghai smiled, "According to the second young master Liang, it will still take a year or two to widely promote these three crops, as the seedlings are limited... If His Majesty can find the treasure of the ancient Xiongnu king, then the land can be repurchased in time!"
Unconsciously, Wang Canghai had also begun to privately adopt the tone of the two shadow guard commanders, referring to Liang Xiao as the second young master Liang. Now, he realized this appellation felt more intimate and respectful.
Xiao Qing smiled, "With my elder brother around, it will be found sooner or later!"
"Elder brother?" Wang Canghai remembered their sworn brotherhood and chuckled wryly, sighing, "What this old minister worries about is that if the second young master Liang leads the search for this treasure, he might be too eager and rush in, falling victim to poisonous gas or traps. His Majesty must absolutely persuade him to be cautious..."
Xiao Qing couldn't help but beam, "My elder brother is not that reckless! Don't worry, I will repeatedly remind him. I didn't expect even the Prime Minister Grandfather to be so concerned about my elder brother's safety!"
What did this signify? It signified that his elder brother was reliable!
Xiao Qing was inwardly delighted.
Wang Canghai laughed, "Of course, I must be concerned. After all, the second young master Liang is destined to continue the royal lineage with His Majesty! Until His Majesty safely gives birth and ensures the crown prince grows to adulthood, this old minister will do his utmost to protect the second young master Liang!"
Xiao Qing: ...
Regardless of how Xiao Qing blushed with embarrassment, Wang Canghai had at least declared his support for Liang Xiao, which made Xiao Qing even happier.
After Wang Canghai left, a shadow guard captain brought a secret letter to report, "My Lord, it's a letter from the General of the Cavalry!"
After the shadow guard departed, Xiao Qing hastily opened Lu Yi's secret letter. Upon reaching the end, his face, which had already regained its fair complexion, flushed red to his ears.
Ning Xuejun, standing behind Xiao Qing, saw the contents and couldn't help but chuckle.
The content of Lu Yi's letter naturally concerned the Xiao family's empire. He still hoped that Xiao Qing would wait for his return to the capital, and together with Wang Canghai, thoroughly understand Liang Xiao before confirming whether Xiao Qing should reveal the truth of his identity to him early on, as Liang Xiao would eventually discover the truth of Xiao Qing's identity on his own.
However, Lu Yi mentioned at the end that if Xiao Qing "couldn't hold back," he could also first make Liang Xiao a consort, and have marital relations with him as a princess. In the future, arrangements could be made to have the child appear as the son of Emperor Xiao Qing, and Xiao Qing should also confess to Liang Xiao when he was pregnant.
"What do you mean 'couldn't hold back'? Uncle is so annoying..." Xiao Qing was both shy and annoyed, and petulantly slapped the inkstick onto the letter.
Listen to that! Was that something a person would say!
Was he someone who coveted his elder brother's male beauty?
But thinking of how he had once had "impure thoughts" about Liang Xiao, wanting to be his first woman, Xiao Qing's face turned even redder.
Ning Xuejun suppressed a smile and tried to maintain a serious expression, "My Lord, perhaps this old servant should first ask Imperial Physician Yuan to prepare some spiritual medicines for conception and fetal protection?"
Xiao Qing turned away, covering his face in shame, unable to respond.
Ning Xuejun looked at him, smiled warmly, and stopped teasing.
"Go, go prepare them. In case... ah, we have to face it eventually, don't we..."
Xiao Qing's sudden response surprised and delighted Ning Xuejun. If anyone was most anxious about the continuation of the royal lineage, it was Ning Xuejun.
Three days later, Liang Xiao's retinue finally entered the capital. The military and civilians, who had already learned of Liang Xiao's achievements in suppressing bandits, lined the streets to welcome him.
"A scholar should be like Marquis Anguo, his people live in peace and contentment!"
People cheered in unison, their voices filled with emotion.
Inside the carriage, Liang Xiao took a deep breath, "Who came up with this phrase? I'm getting goosebumps all over..."
Luo Qingxue was already laughing uncontrollably, "What they said is right!"
Even Jian Qinyan covered her mouth and chuckled, daring not to make a sound.
On the top floor of Baichun Tower, Zuo Wushang watched Liang Xiao's entourage, his expression growing increasingly grim.
Liang Xiao was becoming more and more renowned!
Ye Qingyi and Yirou had still not left Liang Mansion, it seemed they were gone for good!
The princess had also been unable to return for a long time, confined to Liang Mansion and not stepping out of the gates!
Zuo Wushang even suspected that they had forgotten him, their marshal, and were unwilling to come back!
But Liang Xiao wasn't even at Liang Mansion, so how could he have captivated them so completely?
Zuo Wushang was at a loss.
At this moment, in Liang Mansion, Yirou and Ye Qingyi received news of Liang Xiao's return and were restless with anxiety.
Finally, they had to face him...
Learning that Liang Xiao had swiftly executed Dugu Ling, saved the soldiers of the East Sea, and eliminated seven thousand bandits, the two women's hearts were now even more complex. They even felt ashamed and unworthy, afraid to face Liang Xiao!
Luo Qingxue and Jian Qinyan returned to Liang Mansion escorted by the Tian Shan knights. Liang Xiao's entourage, escorting treasures and six pirate captains, headed towards the imperial palace.
Along the way, Liang He, the vice-steward of Liang Mansion, found Liang Xiao and reported the situation at the mansion.
"Ye Qingyi and Yirou are at my mansion??" Liang Xiao's expression changed.
After understanding the recent events, Liang Xiao's expression gradually worsened.
Someone had finally made his Qingxue bear the name of "jealous"!
These two, especially someone like Ye Qingyi, showing up so proactively, might really be up to something. This made Liang Xiao increasingly vigilant.
Xiao Qing was anxiously waiting in the palace, but fearing that seeing too many people would lead to complications, he had Wang Canghai lead men to greet Liang Xiao.
People from various noble families and clans, upon hearing of Liang Xiao's return to the capital, also rushed to the imperial palace, preparing to impeach Liang Xiao for unauthorized execution of officials.
At the palace gate, Wang Canghai's old eyes welled up with tears. He patted Liang Xiao's shoulder, "The Ministry of Rites will handle the others. Marquis Anguo, please follow this old minister into the palace to meet His Majesty. Who is Nan Jiyun?"
Nan Jiyun stepped forward in response.
Wang Canghai glanced at him, nodded slightly, "A hero among heroes! Excellent!"
Nan Jiyun humbly expressed his gratitude and returned to the formation, waiting with the others for the Son of Heaven's reward.