Chapter 74: A bumper harvest of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn! Everyone shows off their talents to choose a concubine!
"Your Majesty, Qingzhou Governor Liu Bei, Yanzhou Governor Liu Dai, Dongjun Governor Cao Cao, Bingzhou Governor Lu Bu... have returned to the capital to report on their work and are already waiting to be summoned in the capital."

"Summon them to the palace for an audience."

"promise!!!"

Liu Bian pulled his thoughts away from his "lifespan" and immediately summoned the civil and military officials and princes who had returned to the capital to report on their work.

Of course, these people only choose to return to Beijing to report on their work because they are nearby. Those in remote areas can at most send special envoys to Beijing to report on their work.

The reason why this year is so grand is that in addition to the celebration of Liu Bian's accession to the throne and his control of the government and the military power of the capital, there is also a sweet potato, potato and corn harvesting ceremony under the attention of the public, as well as the discussion of next year's expedition plan.

In ancient times, the expeditions were usually conducted in spring and autumn. As the saying goes, soldiers are recruited in autumn on the battlefield. This was done during the slack season after spring and autumn ploughing. Moreover, they did not have to face the high temperatures in summer and the severe cold in winter.

However, if it were not for the food crisis this year, Liu Bian would have planned to launch a "winter offensive". The reason was that the Yellow River would freeze in winter, and the soldiers could easily cross the river to fight.

This is why the Yellow River is not a natural barrier to the enemy, because cavalry can pass through it unimpeded in winter. Even if soldiers are sent to break ice, they cannot stop the passage of soldiers and horses, and there is no need to build boats.

In contrast, the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River do not have the problem of freezing in winter, so they have become natural barriers to the enemy throughout the dynasties, and many battles have taken place on the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River. However, water battles on the Yellow River are so rare that they can be ignored.

"Meet Your Majesty!!!"

Liu Bei, Liu Dai, Cao Cao, Lu Bu and other civil officials, generals, and princes gathered in Deyang Palace to pay a visit to Liu Bian.

"No need to pay tribute."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!!"

After not seeing each other for a few months, everyone has changed a lot. They look more experienced, mature and steady, and have the aura of a superior.

Especially Liu Bei and Cao Cao, who were just starting out, had become high-ranking officials after several months of experience.

As the ruler of a country and the leader of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bian also grew up rapidly. The imperial majesty on him became even heavier, and with his short beard and serious face, he gave people a kind of kingly and domineering aura.

Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Liu Dai, Lu Bu and others were so oppressed that they dared not breathe. They lowered their heads and listened attentively to the emperor's judgment.

"I have heard about the news in Qingzhou. Xuande, you have done a great job in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, opening the granaries to release grain, and stabilizing the people's hearts. Then you investigated the hidden fields, measured the acreage, and distributed the tax according to the acreage, and created fake public fields for the landless people..."

Liu Bian looked at Liu Bei, his expression gradually softened, and he was also very pleased when he talked about his political measures:

"It is said that there are no refugees in Qingzhou anymore. They have obtained farmland and put it into production, which has improved their living conditions and increased the country's tax revenue, providing great guarantees for the stability of the local area and the country and the development of production..."

Liu Bian praised Liu Bei for a full quarter of an hour, expressing his deep recognition and approval of Liu Bei's political initiatives, which made Liu Bei very excited. His blood boiled and his face flushed.

But in the end Liu Bei said modestly:
“I have taken this action under the wise and brave leadership of Your Majesty, and Qingzhou was able to quickly suppress the rebellion and stabilize the people’s livelihood because of Guo Jia’s good assistance. I also need to thank Xun Sinong for his recommendation.

"Because of the rebellion, the noble families of Qingzhou fled, and everything was in ruins. This allowed me to carry out the tax reform without any resistance. With the help of good ministers such as Kong Rong, the governor of Beihai, and the united efforts, this result was achieved.

"I dare not take credit for myself, let alone be greedy for it!"

...

"You should learn more from Xuande!" Liu Bian was deeply pleased.

Liu Dai, Cao Cao, Lu Bu and others immediately echoed and praised Liu Bei highly.

But I don’t know what they are thinking.

Looking at Lu Bu's insincere words and disdainful look, he must be cursing "big-eared thief hypocritical" and so on.

Liu Bian also expressed his military and political recognition to Yanzhou Liu Dai, Cao Cao and other ministers, which made them grateful and excited.

But when he looked at Lu Bu in the end, his face was full of disappointment:
"Fengxian! When Yu Fuluo led the people in rebellion, I ignored the opinions of many people and the provisions of the Three Mutual Laws and appointed you as the governor of Bingzhou and ordered the Bingzhou army to return to my hometown to provide assistance. However, after several months, you have not achieved any success, which makes me very disappointed!"

"I... am ashamed of your grace!"

Lu Bu actually burst into tears.

To be honest, Lu Bu also knew that compared with other provinces such as Qingzhou, Yanzhou, Youzhou, his performance in Bingzhou was really worrying. He led the Bingzhou army to besiege and kill Yu Furuo, but he fled one after another.

Although Bingzhou is vast and sparsely populated, and the cavalry under Yu Fuluo is highly mobile, and there are Yuan's followers secretly helping him, it is difficult to surround and kill him. But this is not an excuse that Lu Bu can say!

Compared with Liu Bei's suppression of the Yellow Turban rebels in Qingzhou, the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion by the whole of Yanzhou, and the Henei Prefect Wang Kuang's suppression of the Black Mountain Army, he did not achieve any success in Bingzhou!
In fact, Lu Bu also knew this, so when the time came to return to Beijing to report on his work, he wanted to send a special envoy to attend.

After all, it was too embarrassing. He was the most powerful general in the world, commanding the elite Bingzhou Army of the Han Dynasty, but he had not yet suppressed Yu Fuluo and other Southern Xiongnu clowns? He couldn't afford to lose face!

But Lu Bu's legitimate daughter Lu Qiling was summoned to the palace, and her competitors were either rich or noble, so Lu Bu had to go to the capital to support his daughter!

In addition to representing the Bingzhou Army, Lu Bu can also ask Bingzhou officers in the capital, such as Infantry Captain Zhang Liao, Prime Minister Wang Yun and others to take care of him!
Especially Prime Minister Wang Yun, who is his father-in-law.

Cao Cao had already flattered himself and worshipped Cao Zhengchun as his adoptive father, so it was impossible for Lu Bu to watch his own daughter become without any foundation? !

In the harem, the competition for favor is all about family background and palace fighting tactics!

For the sake of his own daughter, Lu Bu had to swallow his pride and return to the capital to report on his work. He was also prepared to be scolded by the emperor and laughed at by his colleagues.

But Liu Bian did not scold Lu Bu too much. He just warned Lu Bu and then let him go.

The reason is simple. Through observation by the "Emperor's Qi-Observing Technique", Lu Bu's loyalty has reached 95+.

As long as the loyalty was absolute, Liu Bian could tolerate any other behavior.

But Lu Bu's performance in Bingzhou did disappoint him. It seemed that he needed to send counselors to help. Otherwise, when would he be able to suppress the traitor Yu Furuo in Bingzhou?

...

The king and his ministers discussed the political measures for more than an hour, and Liu Bian ordered them to disperse. Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Liu Dai, Lu Bu and other civil and military officials withdrew in fear.

However, after leaving Deyang Palace, their choices were different.

After Liu Bei and Liu Dai withdrew, they also went to report to the Zongzheng Mansion, which was where the princes were managed. It was said that Prince Chen Liu Chong was also summoned to the capital this year.

His Majesty's actions have allowed them to guess some military developments.

There will be a big battle next year!

It was not only a siege on Yuan Shao in Jizhou, but also a pincer attack on Yuan Shu in Nanyang!
...

Cao Cao stayed outside the Deyang Palace and waited. Not long after, Cao Zhengchun came out with a smile on his face. Cao Cao shouted from afar:

"Foster father, this is a rare treasure that I have tried every possible means to find for you in Dongjun... I specially came here to honor you on the pretext of reporting to the capital!"

"Haha, Ah Man is thoughtful!"

Cao Zhengchun was all smiles, his two dimples twitching, and he looked very happy.

For eunuchs, they have no one to rely on and are the only vassal of imperial power.

But they would also look for concubines in the palace and adopt sons to carry on the family line.

It just so happens that Cao Cao, Cao Song, Cao Teng and Cao Zhengchun are relatives.

Cao Zhengchun needed Cao Cao to expand the East Factory to the local level, and Cao Cao needed Cao Zhengchun's help in the palace.

The turtle and the mung bean are attracted to each other!

...

"You bastard!!! You are so shameless!!!"

Lu Bu was a martial arts expert. He could faintly hear Cao Cao's flattery from a distance and he looked down on these eunuchs.

But he went to Situ's house with a heroic and proud look, and his arrogant expression changed instantly. He entered the house with a shameless face and shouted from afar: "Father-in-law, I have come to the capital to honor you!"

"Fengxian!"

When Wang Yun saw Lu Bu, he also smiled with relief.

The son-in-law is like a half-son, and the father and son talked about family matters for a long time. Xuanwu, who was disguised as "Diao Chan", also came over to chat after Lu Bu entered the capital. The family was having a great time, but in the end they talked about Lu Qiling.

"Father-in-law, I need to ask you to take care of Qiling's entry into the palace."

Lu Bu thought for a moment and said, "If this is successful, not only will my son be able to become the father-in-law of the emperor, but my father-in-law will also be protected, right?"

"Don't worry, Qiling is sure to win this talent show!" Wang Yun said with a confident smile.

Lu Bu was somewhat suspicious:

"Why is my father-in-law so sure? I heard that the competition is very fierce, but there are only a few concubines in the palace!"

Even though the king of a country has three thousand beauties in his harem, in order to prevent the emperor from being obsessed with women, there are actually specified candidates for selecting concubines and empresses. Among the specified candidates, the best ones are naturally chosen, those with both moral integrity and talent.

"hehe."

Wang Yun dismissed the servants and said, "Fengxian, in this selection, these girls will definitely stand out.

"Such as Cai Yan, the daughter of the great scholar Cai Yong, Cao Qinghe, the daughter of Cao Cao, the governor of Dongjun, Tang Ji, the daughter of Tang Mao, the governor of Kuaiji, Fu Shou, the daughter of Fu Wan, the commander of the imperial guards, Dong Shi, the daughter of Dong Cheng, the commander of the Western Liang army, Zhen Jiang, the daughter of Zhen Yi, the marquis of Ancheng Township, and Qi Ling... and so on!
"Do you see anything?"

...

Lu Bu frowned and thought deeply. After a long while, he asked:
"Father-in-law, can His Majesty handle so many concubines? I heard that His Majesty seemed to have had a serious illness a month ago! He was addicted to alcohol and sex, which was harmful to his health!"

"..."

Wang Yun and Diao Chan were speechless for a moment.

Wang Yun thought for a moment and said bluntly: "Fengxian, it's a marriage alliance!

"Behind these people, each represents a force, and behind Qi Ling, there is the Bingzhou Army backing her!
"Your Majesty wants to stabilize the turbulent political situation of the Han Dynasty through marriage, and at the same time prepare for the expedition next year. Do you understand?"

...

"I see!"

Lu Bu was overjoyed and clapped his hands, saying, "So, Qi Ling's selection is a sure thing!"

...

"So you don't need to worry about these little things. Instead, it's Qi Ling's fight for favor after entering the palace that should be your biggest concern."

Wang Yun said calmly.

For these girls from good families who each represent certain forces, the entrance examination is just a formality, and the real stage for them to show their talents is in the harem.

Whether or not they can get to the top depends on their respective palace intrigues!
...

"Listening to my father-in-law's words is better than reading ten years of books!"

Lu Bu bowed to Wang Yun and complimented him, then he knelt down and pleaded:
"To be honest with you, father-in-law, I have been wielding swords and guns since I was a child, and my family is not a scholarly family. Therefore, Qiling has been with me since she was a child. She is skilled in archery and horse riding, and is as good as men in killing enemies in battle. However, she knows nothing about music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and etiquette.

"However, this won't work in the harem, so I hope Qi Ling can stay in the palace before the selection. I'd like to ask my father-in-law to ask someone to teach her. Even if it's just a last-minute lesson, it's better than breaking a taboo after entering the palace!"

...

"How pitiful are the love of parents in the world!" Wang Yun looked at Lu Bu in surprise. He did not expect that Lu Bu, who was so frivolous, unreliable and arrogant, seemed to mature all of a sudden for the sake of his daughter's marriage.

Looking at Lu Bu bowing down with such sincerity and respect, it was clear that the world's number one general put aside his pride and self-esteem for his daughter, just hoping that Lu Qiling could have a better life in the palace.

Wang Yun sighed and glanced at Diao Chan. He didn't know that Diao Chan was dead. This Diao Chan was not the same Diao Chan. The father and daughter smiled knowingly. They had always been like this.

Wang Yun taught Lu Bu by example: "Fengxian, on the contrary, you need to make Qiling maintain her current advantage!"

...

"Father-in-law, why is this happening?!"

Lu Bu stood up in some surprise, and then his old face turned red as he said, "Father-in-law, you probably don't know that Qiling...wields swords and guns like a man. It's really disgraceful!"

...

Wang Yun couldn't help laughing and shook his head:

"Fengxian, Bingzhou is often invaded by foreign barbarians. People in Bingzhou are all skilled in archery and horse riding. If you don't have martial arts skills, you won't survive.

"Qiling is a girl, but she knows how to defend her country. How precious! Women are just as good as men!"

...

This statement helped Lu Bu to save his reputation!

The rhetoric of high EQ and low EQ is completely different.

"Just like a man" versus "Women also know how to defend their country and are as brave as men", the ideological realm is worlds apart!

It’s not that his Lu family has no family education, but that they are guarding the border in Bingzhou and are invaded by foreigners. They must be skilled in archery and horse riding in order to defend their country and drive out the foreigners!
As a girl, it is also my duty!

Wang Yun smiled and continued:

"Fengxian, there are hundreds of women entering the palace for the selection. How can Qiling stand out among so many beauties in the harem?

“We should not use our weaknesses to attack others’ strengths, but should play to our own strengths!
"Since Qiling is skilled in archery and horse riding, she should show her strengths. She will definitely stand out among the ladies of noble families who are good at playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting and are well-educated and well-mannered!"

...

Lü Bu thought that this was right and was immediately touched. He looked at Wang Yun excitedly and bowed again:

"The biggest gain from this trip to Beijing is hearing my father-in-law's words and deeds! After his analysis, I woke up from a dream and gained enlightenment!"

...

Wang Yun continued to give advice to Lu Bu and said, "Your Majesty will hold a sweet potato, potato and corn harvesting ceremony in a few days. You can bring Qiling with you and perform well."

"I understand, kid!" Lu Bu suddenly had some thoughts. The more he thought about it, the more surprised he was, and he started to smile foolishly.

……

There were many people like Lu Bu and Cao Cao who arranged and manipulated the draft. In fact, Jinyiwei and Dongchang saw all these things, but they did not stop them, allowing them to show their magical powers.

This time, the selection of a concubine and the queen was actually a way to consolidate the imperial power through marriage!
Since Liu Bian had already accepted this fact, he did not pay too much attention to it. This matter was mainly handled by Empress Dowager He, and the selection of concubines would be held in the early spring of next year.

Because Emperor Ling of Han died in May this year, it was impossible to hold a beauty contest in a year of national mourning. Even Liu Bian's change of the era name to Xingping will have to be implemented next year.

But in the blink of an eye, it is already December. Time flies so fast.

A few days later, Xun Yu reported that the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn had all reached their best harvest time, so Liu Bian issued an edict to choose an auspicious day for the harvest ceremony.

In fact, the growth cycles of sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn are different. The reason why they are "harvested at the same time" is just to "match the luck", which is a sign of "being entrusted by heaven".

Potatoes actually need to wait until January for the perfect harvest.

Of course, Liu Bian drew a lot of fertilizers, such as Jinkela and other compound fertilizers, etc., and irrigated them in large quantities. Coupled with the [good weather and good harvest] rainfall, the perfect combination of good seeds, fertilizers, water conservancy, etc., created this farming miracle!
December 15th.

Liu Bian summoned civil and military officials, common people in the capital, students of the Imperial Academy, and tens of thousands of people to gather at Shanglin Garden, which was one of the places where sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn were grown, and also a royal garden.

Emperor Liu Bian of the Han Dynasty performed the harvesting ceremony here!

Of course, although the imperial edict stated that Liu Bian personally harvested the crops, in reality he was just cutting the ribbon, which was just a formality. Afterwards, the relevant farmers, officials, and soldiers naturally cooperated in the harvesting.

While everyone was busy, Lu Bu was also watching the ceremony with more than a dozen soldiers. Beside him, Lu Qiling was dressed in military uniform, looking heroic. Behind her was an army of women, guarding Lu Qiling, making her the most beautiful star in the whole audience!
Seeing Wang Yun looking at him frequently, Lu Bu was very proud: "Father-in-law, I have done a perfect job, right?!"

"Fengxian, Fengxian, you can let Qiling perform, but don't steal the spotlight from His Majesty! You are usurping the throne!!!"

Wang Yun was speechless. If he had known, he should have explained it more clearly to Lu Bu. If he had been too tactful, Lu Bu would not have understood at all.

Lü Bu had no idea what Wang Yun was thinking, so he said to his daughter, "Qiling, go and show your skills."

"Daddy, how should my daughter behave?"

Under the spotlight of the crowd, Lu Qiling did not show any stage fright and acted heroically and confidently.

"Well, this..."

Lu Bu rolled his eyes and said, "Go over there and lend a hand. Let them see your amazing strength. This is your advantage. Show it off!"

"Ok."

Lu Qiling rode her horse over, dismounted, and helped carry the baskets loaded with sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn.

She was able to lift the full basket with one hand. Her amazing strength was astonishing and made people sigh that she was worthy of being the daughter of the powerful general Lu Bu!
"Who is that female general?"

Liu Bian also looked at it with some curiosity, this power was stronger than his.

According to the comparison of digital attributes, his force value should be at least 80, or even higher. However, Liu Bian only has 65 force now.

Si Tu Wang Yun immediately replied:
"Your Majesty, that girl is Lü Bu's only daughter, Lü Qiling. Since she was a child, she has followed Lü Bu to guard the borders, fight against the barbarians, and defend her country. Therefore, she is skilled in archery and horse riding, and has amazing martial arts!"

"So she is the daughter of Fengxian. She is indeed a daughter of a general and is as good as any man!" Liu Bian nodded in approval.

The civil and military officials who were observing the surrounding expressions immediately echoed him.

Si Tu Wang Yun vouched for him, and His Majesty expressed his praise, so it was natural that they would not add insult to injury, and this could be considered a win-win for everyone.

At this moment, their attention was quickly drawn back by a voice. The Minister of Agriculture, Xun Yu, came quickly and said, "Your Majesty, after weighing, the yield per mu has been calculated—"

"Wen Ruo's voice is trembling!"

Liu Bian laughed and said, "Come, let's see how much sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn can yield per mu, and let everyone hear it!"

Everyone looked at Xun Yu, only to see him take a deep breath and then say:
"The highest yield of sweet potatoes per mu is more than 8,000 kilograms, and the lowest is more than 3,500 kilograms per mu. The average yield per mu is 5,500 kilograms!"

"hiss--"

The sound of people gasping for air echoed in Shanglin Garden.

Because the location of the land is different, even if they are all in Shanglinyuan, there must be differences between poor fields, medium fields, and good fields. And because of poor planting care, there will also be some high and low yields per mu.

But the yield per mu of the Han Dynasty is calculated based on the average.

In fact, no matter the lowest, highest, or average yield per mu, the yield of sweet potatoes is amazing!
The sound of people gasping for air spread to the outside. When the common people, students, and onlookers heard it, they also burst into uproar, resounding through the sky and shaking for ten miles!

Yield of 5,000 kilograms of sweet potatoes per mu, this auspicious sign from heaven, is actually true? !

"The Han Dynasty is about to change!!!"

Zhen Yao, who was also watching the ceremony, was dumbfounded and said, "If we had known earlier that the per-acre yield of sweet potatoes was true, our Zhen family would have also invested everything in your majesty. It was just a matter of time!"

The Zhen family of Jizhou had been skeptical and betting on both sides because of Yuan Shao's rumor that sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn were fake auspicious signs.

After all, I was misled!

Zhen Jiang and Zhen Mi standing by were also dumbfounded. They were not lazy and ignorant.

The yield per mu is 45 kilograms, equivalent to dan!
It should be noted that the average yield per mu of wheat planted on fertile land in Jizhou is only 4 shi!
45 stones versus 4 stones, there is a world of difference!

If sweet potatoes can be promoted, there will be no more starving people in the world in a few years!

Amid the exclamations of the crowd, Xun Yu continued to report:
"The average yield of corn per mu is 2,000 kilograms, and the average yield of potatoes per mu is 5,000 kilograms!
“Your Majesty, this is a sign of good fortune from heaven! This is the most important gift bestowed upon the Han people by heaven!! This is heaven’s recognition of your majesty!!!
"Long live your Majesty!!!"

Xun Yu, who always followed gentlemanly etiquette, was a little out of control at this moment. The surrounding civil and military officials woke up from their shock and shouted in unison: "Long live His Majesty!!! Long live the Han Dynasty!!!"

The average yield per mu of sweet potatoes is 5,500 kilograms, the average yield per mu of corn is 2,000 kilograms, and the average yield per mu of potatoes is 5,000 kilograms...

These are more than just three auspicious signs; they are simply three divine tools that can recreate the world!

Great Han, there is hope for revival!

The shouts spread outside, and when the common people, students, and onlookers heard them, they also shouted, "Long live His Majesty! Long live the Han Dynasty!!"

Many people even shed tears.

Like Liu Bei who was watching the ceremony, after being shocked and frightened, he became impatient to go back to Qingzhou to harvest the sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn.

It should be noted that after Liu Bei suppressed the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he checked for hidden fields, measured the land, and distributed the tax according to the land, and then directly planted sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn.

Although there were few voices of doubt due to Liu Bei's achievements and reputation, there were definitely people who doubted and worried.

And now, the harvest of sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn, with its terrifying yield per mu, has given a strong response!
Even though the fertile fields in Qingzhou are not as good as those in Shanglinyuan, this is good quality rice, so the yield per mu will not be too different!
Liu Bian was somewhat expectant and even couldn't wait.

There are also soldiers of the Xiliang Army. Because potatoes prefer cold weather, they hope that potatoes can be promoted in Liangzhou.

If there were enough food, Liangzhou would not be such a sparsely populated and cold place.

In fact, with the Hexi Corridor and the melted snow from the Kunlun Mountains flowing down, Liangzhou has abundant water resources and good soil fertility.

Because of the cold weather, many crops were difficult to grow and the harvest was small. But now with potatoes, everything is different.

"Long live His Majesty!!! Long live the Han people!!!"

They knew that all this was due to the "auspicious signs" brought by Emperor Liu Bian of the Han Dynasty. Otherwise, why didn't they happen during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty? And why didn't they happen during the reign of the previous Han emperors?

Therefore, at this moment, the loyalty and awe towards Liu Bian even seemed a little fanatical.

Liu Bian felt it deeply!
Because his luck value skyrocketed to "10 million"!

At the same time, the Emperor's Luck Technique also gave him a new ability - [Abundant Harvest]

The crops are abundant, and the areas controlled by Liu Bian and his loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty can achieve a bumper harvest!
Food crisis?

No! From today on, I will make sure there will be no more starving people in the world!!!
With the eyes of the crowd watching and everyone cheering, Liu Bian directly issued an edict: "This year, we will use sweet potatoes, potatoes and corn as the staple food, hold a food feast, and celebrate together!!!"

"Long live His Majesty!!! Long live the Han people!!!"

……

(End of this chapter)