Chapter 1317: Chapter 1317
This is also why Chen Xi agreed to let Qu Qi step forward. Finding the advantageous attributes of the wild variants of the same plant species and merging them into the genetic material of good varieties truly requires time to discover. The problem is, up until now, there is no second person capable of discerning these advantageous attributes with the naked eye.
Or rather, finding the wild variants of the same species itself requires someone of great skill, at the very least someone like Zao Zhi. As for others, they’d absolutely just accidentally uproot them easily...
Zao Zhi listened with a bewildered expression on his face, but for some reason, he felt that Qu Qi’s theories were incredibly worth admiring, even though he couldn’t understand them at all.
[Another one who completely doesn’t understand but feels what I’m saying makes a lot of sense.] Qu Qi gazed wistfully at the sky, feeling lonely. Along the way, he had encountered several truly knowledgeable agriculturalists who challenged him, only for them all to become his apprentices. Follow current novels on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖•𝗇𝗲𝘁
Truth be told, Qu Qi had no idea that these people weren’t actually there to challenge him. They were sent by the Hundred Schools of Thought to pick faults with Qu Qi, trying to avoid being caught by the Confucian School as flawed in agricultural expertise.
However, it was of no use. Qu Qi single-handedly defeated those who came to find faults. Even though some of these individuals had been farming for decades, they were still miles apart from Qu Qi in scientific farming.
There was no other way. The way has no precedence, the accomplished become teachers, and the same applies to farming. Furthermore, those willing to humble themselves to study farming aren’t typically ones who like to bicker. Qu Qi truly won these people over; they didn’t even go home, sticking with Qu Qi for the journey of research.
Although these people were no different from Qu Qi when he was dragged out in a sack by Hua Xiong—they had itchy hands when spotting a good variety and wanted to study it, even though it was still early spring at the time, they didn’t miss opportunities to research along the way.
After being influenced by Qu Qi for some time, Zao Zhi went to the Ministry of Works Office to report back to Cao Cao. During this period, Zao Zhi’s daily task was precisely this, and now Cao Cao has confirmed that Qu Qi indeed came to work on agriculture, not to harm him.
After all, Cao Cao greatly appreciated Zao Zhi’s research on farming and the tuntian system, and now Zao Zhi praised Qu Qi to the skies!
After sending off Zao Zhi, who prepared to continue his studies, Cao Cao entered his residence with some sighs, finding himself unable to understand what Liu Bei intended to do.
"Wen Ruo, what exactly does Liu Xuande want to do?" Cao Cao asked with some sighs.
"No matter what Liu Xuande wants to do, is there any reason to abandon a method that increases our grain production?" Xun Yu chuckled, not directly answering Cao Cao’s question.
"That’s indeed the case. In this era, grain is more important than anything," Cao Cao nodded and said, "The biggest question now is how to promote this method. After all, this is farming, unlike other things. The common people won’t change their farming methods unless they see results, as it concerns their livelihood and cannot be taken lightly."
"That depends on whether the Lord is willing to invest in it." Xun Yu looked at Cao Cao with eyes calm as water, showing no hint of concern, as if everything was within his grasp.
"Even if we can’t get the good varieties, an acre can yield nearly five stone, why wouldn’t we be willing to invest?" At this moment, the determination shown by the short-statured Cao Cao was genuinely admirable.
"The Great Aristocratic Families can be ignored. They must have received definite news and most likely have already obtained the Qu Clan Agricultural Book. They will naturally proceed according to its contents," Xun Yu remarked slowly upon seeing Cao Cao’s determination, revealing a hint of a smile.
"Our revenue comes from the common people, not the aristocratic families; their farming has nothing to do with us," Cao Cao said with some indifference. For any real power figure dealing with aristocratic families, the issue would cause a headache.
"Yes, our revenue comes from the common people. We govern approximately 1.7 million households. As for the commoners, who are short-sighted, we can tempt them with benefits," Xun Yu said with a smile, the implication of which Cao Cao understood clearly, knowing that even the Qiang People could be made to farm, as they are the easiest to follow official farming methods.
"How much would approximately cost?" Cao Cao pondered and asked Xun Yu.
"It wouldn’t cost much; we could say it’s borrowing from the people under our jurisdiction, to be recouped after the summer harvest," Xun Yu said calmly. "And if we convert the grant from direct monetary to other forms, the costs would be even less. It depends on whether the Lord is willing to implement it."
"Implement, why not?" Cao Cao showed not the slightest hesitation. "Effective immediately, prepare the Tuntian Army and Regular Soldiers for mandatory promotion efforts. We don’t have much time to waste. As for the Qu Clan Agricultural Book, buy three thousand copies, have each county and district carve it into stone plaques, and teach it to all the people!"
Xun Yu’s face displayed a smile. Cao Cao never disappointed him; there was no room for hesitation at such times. Even if it was under military governance, in at most a month and a half, they’d see differences from the crops planted under this method.
The people had farmed for hundreds of years. Without saying much, how can they not discern whether the seedlings in the fields are growing well? Therefore, once Xun Yu confirmed the authenticity of the Qu Clan Agricultural Book, he prepared to promote it even if forced!
As for whether some people might die in this process, compared to the prospect of a future of adequate clothing and sustenance, it was nothing. Xun Yu understood when sacrifices were necessary.
Of course, Xun Yu also knew that after implementing this directive, the people would be much less driven towards war once their livelihoods were assured. However, relative to future conditions, Xun Yu didn’t mind it this way. The heaven above remained unaltered, still the Han Dynasty’s sky!
That was enough; no matter how many things Liu Bei did, as long as Liu Bei couldn’t openly declare them, then Xun Yu could turn everything he did into blessings for the Han Dynasty.
He, Xun Yu, had never been a minister of Cao Cao, instead always adhering to the orders of the Son of Heaven of Han. Even though the Emperor had never given him orders, as long as the Emperor was in that place, Xun Yu would never let anyone conspire for that position.
[Qu Hanmo, ancestral Qu Family, who would’ve thought such a person would emerge? Yet the opponent’s interest doesn’t lie in power schemes but instead chooses the path of ancient sages, implementing his ideas with his own hands and brain.]
Xun Yu silently praised Qu Qi in his heart. Even for someone clearly walking the path of ancient sages and nearly seeing it through, Xun Yu was full of admiration. Their paths differed from each other, but regardless, both were practicing their ideologies and faith; only the means differed.
[Let it be so. Considering the descendants of the Tiancang Clan, everything you wish to accomplish, we shall ensure you smooth passage here.] Xun Yu thought silently.