Space Farming: Traveling through Ancient Times to Do Business

Emperor Xuan Zhentian sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes as sharp as torches, as if he could see through everything in the world.

His vision for the grand blueprint of diverting water from the South to the North was as hot as a raging fire, while the concerns and dissuasions of his ministers were like a breeze that passed by and failed to stir up the slightest ripple in his heart.

The Minister of Revenue, an important official in charge of the country's financial lifeline, expressed his concerns in earnest words: "Your Majesty, the mountains and rivers of Daxuan have coexisted harmoniously with the way of heaven since ancient times. Every drop of water and every mountain carries the rhythm and laws of nature. Although the South-to-North Water Diversion Project can solve the drought problem in the north, such a large-scale project will inevitably have an irreversible impact on the natural ecology and may even cause natural disasters and man-made disasters. This is against the will of heaven and will be punished by heaven!"

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a chorus of agreement in the court. Other ministers also spoke up, some quoting ancient books or analyzing the pros and cons of reality, all trying to urge Emperor Xuan Zhentian to abandon this plan.

However, their voices seemed so pale and powerless in the face of Emperor Xuan Zhentian's firm will.

Prime Minister Murong seemed exceptionally silent at this moment.

His brows were furrowed and his eyes were deep, as if he was engaged in a fierce struggle deep in his heart.

He was well aware of the complexity and risks of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and understood the concerns and anxieties of his ministers.

But at the same time, he also saw the huge potential and strategic significance behind this project.

He was thinking about how to achieve the country's long-term development and people's well-being while respecting nature and following the laws of nature.

"What do you think, Lord Murong?" Xuan Zhentian asked Prime Minister Murong.

Prime Minister Murong bowed to Xuan Zhentian and looked at Jiang Xue. "Sir Jiang, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is indeed a benefit to the people, but many parts of our country are facing food shortages. How can the people build such a huge project without the strength?"

"It's already early July?" Everyone looked at Jiang Xue in confusion. "Your Majesty, if the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is implemented, three-season rice can be widely grown throughout the south this year."

As soon as Jiang Xue finished speaking, there was an uproar in the court. The ministers looked at each other, obviously surprised and puzzled by the sudden "three-season rice" theory.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Jiang Xue calmly explained further: "Your Majesty, gentlemen, if the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is implemented, it will not only greatly alleviate the water problem in the arid northern regions, but will also have a profound impact on agricultural production in the south. The south has abundant water resources, but due to the imperfect irrigation system, farmland in some areas has not yet fully utilized its potential. The construction of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project will prompt us to increase investment in farmland water conservancy facilities, improve irrigation conditions, and thus increase the output efficiency of farmland."

She paused and continued, "In addition, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project will also promote the advancement of agricultural technology in the south. With sufficient water resources, farmers will have more opportunities to try new planting methods and varieties to achieve higher yields and better quality. At the same time, the government can also help farmers improve their planting level and increase their income by promoting modern agricultural technology and providing agricultural training."

Jiang Xue's words made the ministers in the court fall into deep thought. They realized that if the South-to-North Water Diversion Project could be successfully implemented, the agricultural development in the south would usher in a brand new situation. The popularization of three-season rice would mean a substantial increase in grain production, which was of great significance to the stability and prosperity of the country.

However, some ministers have expressed concerns. They believe that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project requires a lot of money and manpower, and may face many difficulties and challenges. In addition, the promotion of three-season rice also requires time and practical experience, and cannot be achieved overnight.

Faced with these doubts, Jiang Xue did not back down. She said firmly: "Your Majesty, all the gentlemen, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is indeed a difficult task, but as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome the difficulties. As for the promotion of three-season rice, we can first conduct pilot projects in some suitable areas, gradually accumulate experience, and then fully promote it. I believe that as long as we persevere, we will be able to achieve the take-off of southern agriculture."

"More importantly," Jiang Xue changed the subject, her eyes gleaming with wisdom, "With the improvement of irrigation conditions, we can try to promote the planting of three-season rice in the south. As the name suggests, three-season rice means rice that can be planted and harvested three times a year. This will greatly increase food production and provide strong support for solving the problem of food shortage in our country." She paused and continued, "Through the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, we can not only meet the growing water demand in the north, but also alleviate flood disasters in the south. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone."

"Of course," Jiang Xue added, "promoting three-season rice is not an easy task. It requires selecting suitable varieties, optimizing planting techniques, strengthening disease and pest control, and many other aspects of work. But as long as we work together and overcome difficulties, I believe this goal is completely achievable." Her tone was firm and confident, making people look forward to the future.

After listening to Jiang Xue's explanation, the ministers nodded in agreement. They began to realize that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is not just a water conservancy project, but also a comprehensive project involving agriculture, people's livelihood, economy and other aspects. Its potential impact and benefits far exceeded their initial imagination.

"I didn't expect that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project would have such a great effect!" exclaimed a minister.

"Yes, it's really amazing!" another minister echoed.

“It seems that we should step up efforts to promote the South-to-North Water Diversion Project so that it can achieve greater benefits,” suggested the third minister.

Everyone expressed their agreement and began to discuss how to better implement the South-to-North Water Diversion Project to promote the country's development and prosperity.

Emperor Xuan Zhentian also showed a satisfied smile. He looked at Jiang Xue with a hint of admiration in his eyes and said, "Minister Jiang is absolutely right. The South-to-North Water Diversion Project does have far-reaching significance and huge potential. I will fully support the construction of this project and look forward to it bringing a more prosperous and powerful future to our country." The emperor nodded slightly in agreement and showed great interest in Jiang Xue's proposal.

Emperor Xuan Zhentian continued, "The South-to-North Water Diversion Project proposed by Jiang Aiqing can not only solve the water shortage problem in the northern region, but also promote agricultural development and improve the ecological environment. It is of great significance to the economic and social development of our country. In addition, the promotion of three-season rice will also help increase grain production and ensure national food security. These are all major issues related to the national economy and people's livelihood, and we must attach great importance to them."