Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1020 - 96: Early Rice Bumper Harvest (Part 2)

Earlier, residents of Swamp Prefecture fretted over Prince Han's initiatives possibly raising their tax burdens, yet they were astonished to discover that taxes not only stayed the same but dropped. The key point was that for the next three years, no grain tributes would be required from them at all. After that period, only a tiny portion would go to Prince Han.

This season, without any demand for grain contributions and enjoying a plentiful harvest, the locals possessed ample extra grain; offering up half to sell posed no difficulty.

Folks in Swamp Prefecture eagerly sold half their grain to Zhao Yao, as it brought in cash while also honoring Prince Han—a beneficial outcome for everyone involved.

Thanks to Zhao Yao's windmill invention this year, the initial rice crop was gathered without hitches and quicker than in prior seasons. In mere days, the output from the first early rice batch became clear.

In earlier times, early rice production topped out at around a hundred jin per mu, but this season it soared to two hundred jin per mu, effectively doubling the yield.

Zhao Yao hadn't expected the harvest to hit two hundred jin per mu. Drawing from historical figures, he'd figured this year might top out at one hundred forty or fifty jin per mu, perhaps one hundred sixty at best, making the two hundred jin figure a real shocker.

Hearing about the doubled early rice yield this year left the people stunned. Achieving two hundred jin per mu was beyond their wildest hopes. Once the initial surprise faded, overwhelming delight followed, with tears flowing freely, particularly among the elders.

Across generations, such a yield of two hundred jin per mu had remained unseen. Experiencing it firsthand now guaranteed no more hunger; they could at last savor full meals.

Satisfying hunger fully had long been a mere fantasy not just for Swamp Prefecture's inhabitants but for those in surrounding areas too. Though they yearned daily for sufficient food, it felt unattainable. At present, regular full bellies were within reach, sparking boundless joy and tearful emotion.

As a result, Swamp Prefecture's entire community assembled outside Prince Mansion's gates to express thanks to Zhao Yao for enabling them to eat heartily.

Observing the crowd kneeling and repeatedly kowtowing in his direction, Zhao Yao was profoundly touched. He rushed forward to support the senior villagers at the forefront, imploring them to get up.

These seniors represented the esteemed leaders from various villages. They refused to rise, weeping as they expressed gratitude to Zhao Yao, declaring him their benevolent savior like a Bodhisattva.

Zhao Yao explained to the gathering that guaranteeing their satiated hunger was his responsibility as Prince Han. Failing at that basic task would render him utterly ineffective in his princely role.

He promised them further that mere full stomachs marked only the start. Soon enough, daily meals would feature fine food including meat, elegant attire would adorn them, literacy would become accessible, and greater earnings would flow...

Once upon a time, Swamp Prefecture's people might have dismissed Zhao Yao's assurances, but this time they held firm belief.

Even as the early rice gathering continued, Zhao Yao soothed the crowd before motivating them to head back and resume the harvest.

The sight of the masses kneeling before Prince Mansion to show appreciation for Zhao Yao was directly observed by the officials. Although they weren't Prince Han themselves, beholding such profound thanks stirred them deeply and filled them with pride.

This year's bumper early rice crop owed much to their own labors. For numerous officials serving under Zhao Yao, this marked their inaugural term, and thus their initial encounter with such genuine public appreciation. In that instant, a surge of pride welled up, alongside a keen awareness of their positions' true value.

Wen Daoji, eyes misty and voice thick with emotion, declared, "His Highness is truly remarkable." Even though this wasn't his first brush with such scenes, every one still moved him to his core.

The rest of the officials chimed in, voicing their full accord with his words.

Deep down, Zheng Qian reflected: I finally grasp the essence of governance that my lord once imparted to me.

Back in former years, Zheng Qian had journeyed far and wide, encountering the dire straits of the impoverished masses. While those sights affected him, true deep connection eluded him. Upon reaching Swamp Prefecture and taking up the post of Minister of Revenue, his energies centered on excelling in his duties to avoid letting down his superior, with little regard for the populace's plight. Naturally, he'd never envisioned earning their thanks.

Watching the crowd's earnest appreciation directed at Zhao Yao moments ago ignited a powerful shift within Zheng Qian's soul, allowing him at last to truly understand the insights Zhao Yao had shared with him long before.