Space Farming: Traveling through Ancient Times to Do Business

Nangong Rong felt even more embarrassed when he heard this. He scratched his head and explained, "Your Majesty, I just wanted to learn a little about agriculture and new technologies because I am interested in them."

At this time, Prince Xuan Yuchen suddenly interrupted with a somewhat unhappy tone: "Uncle, you have been investigating Xueer, why is that?" His eyes were fixed on Nangong Rong, obviously dissatisfied with this matter.

Nangong Rong was speechless for a moment. He didn't expect that his investigation would be exposed so quickly, and he didn't expect that it would arouse the prince's disgust.

He hurriedly explained: "Prince, I have no ill intentions, but... I just hope to learn more about agricultural technology and contribute to the country."

Seeing Nangong Rong's embarrassment, Jiang Xue smiled lightly and decided to help him out: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I do have such a team. They are working hard every day to make more breakthroughs in the field of agriculture. I am very grateful to Lord Nangong for his attention, and I also hope to get your support and guidance."

After hearing this, Xuan Zhentian nodded and expressed his appreciation for Jiang Xue and her team: "Miss Jiang, you have not only cultivated high-yield three-season rice, but also formed such an excellent agronomy team. It is a blessing for the country. I will fully support your research work and hope that you can continue to make greater contributions to the country and the people."

"By the way, Miss Jiang Xue, you have done a great job in saving me just now, and I should reward you. Just tell me what you want." Xuan Zhentian suddenly remembered Jiang Xue's heroic performance at the critical moment, and his tone was full of gratitude and appreciation.

Jiang Xue bowed slightly after hearing this, her eyes clear and firm: "Your Majesty, I came to your rescue not for a reward, but out of loyalty and responsibility to the country and Your Majesty. But if Your Majesty really wants to reward me, I will dare to ask for one thing."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Xuan Zhentian asked curiously. For a woman like Jiang Xue, he admired her quality of not seeking fame and fortune and caring about the world.

"I hope Your Majesty can pay more attention to the development of agriculture and increase investment and support for agricultural technology. At the same time, I also hope that Your Majesty can encourage more people with lofty ideals to devote themselves to agricultural research and jointly promote our country's agriculture towards a more prosperous and strong future." Jiang Xue's words were full of love and expectations for the agricultural cause.

After hearing this, Xuan Zhentian's eyes flashed with admiration. He knew very well that what Jiang Xue was asking for was exactly what the country needed and what the people hoped for. He nodded and said solemnly, "Miss Jiang Xue, I have approved your request. From now on, the crown prince will personally inquire about agricultural matters after he succeeds to the throne, and increase investment and support for agriculture. At the same time, he will also issue an imperial decree to encourage the whole country to pay attention to agriculture, attach importance to agriculture, and develop agriculture. You and your team will be my right-hand man to achieve this goal."

"These are not rewards. I still want to reward you. Let me think about it." Xuan Zhentian insisted on giving Jiang Xue a substantial reward. After hesitating for a moment, he seemed to have made up his mind, "Then I will grant you the position of Minister of Agriculture, okay?"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

Jiang Xue herself was also stunned. She didn't expect Xuan Zhentian to give her such an important position.

Although she loved agriculture and enjoyed studying rice and agricultural technology, she enjoyed a free and unrestrained life even more. The post of Minister of Agriculture would obviously make her fall into tedious government affairs and lose the freedom she cherished.

"This..." She was a little speechless, muttering to herself: "Isn't this just looking for something to do?" But facing Xuan Zhentian's kindness, she didn't dare to refuse directly, so she could only bite the bullet and answer: "Your Majesty, I dare not."

Xuan Zhentian noticed Jiang Xue's hesitation. He turned to look at the ministers present, hoping to hear their opinions: "Ministers, do you have any ideas?"

The ministers looked at each other, each with their own thoughts in their minds.

Some believed that Jiang Xue was talented and worthy of the position of Minister of Agriculture; others worried that she was young and energetic and would not be qualified for such an important position.

But in the face of Xuan Zhentian's questioning, they did not dare to express their opinions easily and could only remain silent.

At this time, Shi Nong, the Minister of Industry, stood up, bowed, and said slowly: "Your Majesty, I think that although Miss Jiang Xue is talented, the position of Minister of Agriculture is a heavy responsibility and requires handling many complicated affairs.

Miss Jiang Xue is obviously better at researching and innovating agricultural technology. If she is tied down to government affairs, it may not be a good use of her talents.

I suggest that we grant Miss Jiang Xue the title of 'Special Agricultural Envoy', allowing her to focus on the promotion and development of agricultural technology while enjoying the privilege of reporting directly to Your Majesty. This will not only give full play to her expertise, but also allow her to display her talents on a broader stage."

Shi Nong's suggestion was agreed upon by many ministers, who nodded in support.

After hearing this, Xuan Zhentian also felt that this proposal was quite reasonable, so he nodded and agreed: "Okay, as Lord Shi said, I will grant Miss Jiang Xue the title of 'Special Envoy of Agriculture', and give her a thousand taels of gold and a hundred hectares of fertile land as encouragement."

Hearing this, Jiang Xue heaved a sigh of relief. She looked at Shi Nong with gratitude and bowed to Xuan Zhentian to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I will live up to your expectations and continue to work hard to contribute to the country's agricultural development."

"Your Majesty, news came from the Northern Province a few days ago that a drought had occurred, farmland was severely affected by the drought, and the people were living in hardship." A minister suddenly stood up and reported with a serious expression.

Xuan Zhentian frowned upon hearing this. The drought problem in Beizhou has always been a big problem in his mind. He knows the importance of agriculture to the country, and drought is the natural enemy of agriculture. Once it occurs, it often leads to a reduction in food production and the displacement of people.

"What is the specific situation? Are there any countermeasures?" Xuan Zhentian asked anxiously. He hoped to understand the disaster situation as soon as possible and make effective decisions.

The minister continued, "According to reports from officials in Beizhou, this drought has lasted for a long time and has spread over a wide area. Many rivers have dried up and farmland cannot be irrigated. Local officials have organized people to dig wells and divert water for irrigation, but the effect is limited and cannot fundamentally solve the problem. Currently, Beizhou is in urgent need of assistance and support from the court."

Xuan Zhentian nodded, and he had already made up his mind. He looked at Jiang Xue, with a glimmer of expectation in his eyes: "Miss Jiang Xue, as an agricultural envoy, what are your opinions and suggestions on this?"

Jiang Xue was called, she stood up, thought for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, the drought problem in Beizhou is indeed serious, but it is not unsolvable.

I suggest that first of all, food and relief supplies should be immediately allocated to the Northern Province to ensure the basic living needs of the affected people.

At the same time, water conservancy experts were organized to go to the disaster area to assess the local water resources situation and develop practical irrigation plans.

In addition, I also suggest promoting drought-resistant crop varieties and improving planting structures to mitigate the impact of drought on agriculture.”