Chapter 287: Chapter 287

In September, accompanied by a steady stream of good news from various regions, the entire Great Song Dynasty was filled with an atmosphere of joy.

To be honest, this year couldn't be considered entirely blessed with favorable weather, as some northern regions even experienced minor droughts. However, to everyone's surprise, despite this, through everyone's hard work, the grain yield of this season's newly planted rice still turned out much better than before.

Even more remarkably, in certain areas of Jiangnan, the yield per mu of land could reach as high as eight dan.

A grain yield nearly three times the previous amount was enough to make the entire nation celebrate. Even the officials in the Ministry of Revenue were extremely delighted.

At the same time, An Ning quickly took action and issued a long-prepared decree:

"From this day forward, the court will permanently exempt more than ten miscellaneous taxes such as agricultural tool tax, cattle hide tax, silkworm salt tax, shoe money, etc., and abolish the transportation fees incurred during grain tax collection. Any government office or official is strictly forbidden from collecting such taxes under any name or reason. Violators will face light punishment by dismissal from their positions, or severe punishment by imprisonment, along with confiscation of all family assets, and their descendants for three generations will be barred from taking the imperial examinations..."

Hiss, the beginning was acceptable, but when they heard the last sentence, all the court ministers instinctively shuddered.

For scholars, there was probably nothing more heartbreaking than being barred from the imperial examinations, especially for three generations of descendants.

How was this any different from cutting off their family's legacy!

Sigh, they had thought this ruler's temper had improved considerably after ascending the throne, never expecting that his strikes were equally thunderous, and crucially, this one always aimed for the vital spots...

In contrast, the common people below were still immersed in the ecstasy of the bountiful harvest when the familiar Morning Gazette brought more good news.

At this moment, watching many farmers with tears in their eyes, even elderly people over seventy years old couldn't help but bow repeatedly in the direction of Bianjing!

"The official is a good person... no, a sage!"

In short, at this moment, An Ning's reputation among the common people instantly reached its peak.

Seizing this opportunity, An Ning issued a second decree:

"Han Yue of the Han family, talented and virtuous from a young age, has worked diligently day and night for many years, surveying various terrains, revitalizing the economy, and contributing to improved seeds. She is hereby specially appointed as Director of the Left Section of the Ministry of Revenue..."

"Cao Xi of the Cao family, having contributed to cultivating improved seeds, is hereby specially appointed as Director of the Agricultural Academy, with all treatment equivalent to fourth rank official..."

"Sima Xiang... appointed as Edict Officer..."

As for Zhou Yutong, she had already taken over part of the palace guard duties earlier. Additionally, all researchers involved with the improved seeds, regardless of gender, were given positions to varying degrees.

They would assume their posts once the Agricultural Academy was formally established.

After this decree was issued, there were objections in the court due to the women's gender, but the matter of improved seeds concerned the state's foundation.

How could contributions go unrewarded?

With the common people across the land currently in high spirits, who would want to challenge the official's authority and pour cold water on this great celebration on such a joyous day? Besides, considering the backgrounds of these individuals...

Thinking this, the ministers closed their mouths again.

At the same time, in Zichen Palace, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Looking at the several people below who were clearly excited, An Ning soon smiled and said:

"Alright, all rise. What relationship do we share? If we keep thanking each other back and forth , wouldn't it create distance?"

"Moreover, I've said before that I would never treat those with contributions unfairly..."

Despite these words, Sima Xiang and the others still had misty eyes.

It was nothing else—just seeing the endless objections that had emerged in the court earlier made them realize how hard-won these positions were.

Compared to the others who at least had family support, Sima Xiang faced the greatest pressure. Earlier, her family had already planned to arrange a marriage for her. If not for Sima Xiang's firm opposition, even threatening death to resist, otherwise...

Even so, her father's occasional letters didn't contain much approval.

Fortunately, things were better now...

If one day her official position surpassed her father's, then wouldn't... wouldn't...

Thinking this, Miss Sima instantly developed many ambitious desires in her heart.

The small group of friends chatted and laughed for a while longer, discussed some official business, and it wasn't until noon that they gradually departed.

Except for one person—Han Yue.

Noticing her slightly worried expression, An Ning quickly pulled her aside:

"Ah Yue, what's wrong? Are there difficulties in the Ministry of Revenue?"

If there was the strongest reaction to these appointments, it was undoubtedly regarding Han Yue. Unlike Sima Xiang who was a close minister to the emperor, equivalent to An Ning's private secretary, and unlike the Agricultural Academy which was a new institution.

Han Yue's position as Director in the Ministry of Revenue was genuinely squeezing the living space of male scholars.

Thus, the objections against her appointment were actually the loudest.

"Your Majesty worries too much! My father was after all a chief official in the Three Departments earlier. Even though he has been transferred, the connections he left behind are more than enough to protect one daughter."

Feeling touched by her sovereign's thoughtfulness, Han Yue continued:

"What concerns me are the various imperial estates across the land, and those businesses in different regions. Although several assistants have been quite capable over the years, with such large operations everywhere, I'm afraid they..."

"Ah, this? Don't worry, I already have someone in mind!" Facing her friend's surprised look, An Ning soon said with a smile:

"Ah Yue, do you remember that Madame Su I mentioned to you before?"

"Madame Su, is that the one you specially sent Imperial Physician Zhou to treat before..." Relying on her good memory, Han Yue soon recalled something.

"Yes!" Taking a light sip of the clear tea in her hand, An Ning's tone unconsciously carried some regret:

"Initially, it was just responding to a friend's request for help. Never expected that after some contact, I discovered that this Madame Su is truly a remarkable person."

"Not only is she talented in economics, but her insight is also quite extraordinary. It's said that the Su family was quite poor in their early years, and it was this lady who single-handedly supported the family business..."

"Indeed, being able to raise two advanced scholars shows how capable this lady is."

Thinking this, Han Yue soon set her mind at ease. Given Her Majesty's eye for people, this lady must have remarkable qualities.

The next day, after personally meeting this Madame Cheng and having a conversation, Han Yue was even more amazed by her sovereign's ability to judge people.

Not only was she intelligent, generous, and knowledgeable, but more importantly, she possessed a remarkable resilience, quickly grasping economic principles, with vision that could be called exceptional.

The only pity was that such talent had previously remained unknown within the inner chambers...

At this moment, Han Yue even felt somewhat fortunate in her heart.

Despite being a generation apart, the two hit it off exceptionally well. When leaving, they specifically made an appointment to have tea together next time.

Seeing that the person had already gone far, but her mistress still stood staring fixedly at the retreating figure, the maid beside her couldn't help but express some concern.

Knowing that her mistress must be thinking of Third Sister again.

She had also seen that Miss Han—not only was she beautiful, but also learned and knowledgeable, clearly a young lady of both talent and virtue.

How similar this was to Third Sister from before.

What a pity, the old housekeeper sighed again. The people might be similar, but their fates couldn't be more different.

Thinking of Third Sister, who had been worn down and died within just a few years of marriage to the Cheng family, and then looking at the high-spirited Director Han now...

"Madame, the weather is getting cold, you should return to your room earlier..."

After a long while, a barely audible whisper came on the wind: "How wonderful!"