I Built a Territory in Ancient Times Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Ming Yu took out a brocade box sent by the palace servants and, sitting next to the Emperor, opened it with excitement. “This is it, Father. Please have a look.”

The Emperor took the golden object, which Ming Yu called corn, in his hands. It was heavy and had a substantial feel to it. He had never seen anything like it before. “Is this the crop seed that came from the Western Regions?”

Ming Yu nodded proudly. “Yes, it is. You don’t know, this thing must have come from a very distant place. I’m not sure how it ended up in the Western Regions, but somehow a merchant caravan brought it back. I was so lucky—at first, I thought I would never see it again.”

The Emperor was curious. Based on Ming Yu’s words, it seemed like he was quite familiar with this crop. But hadn’t Ming Yu never seen it before?

“Did you know this before?” the Emperor asked.

Ming Yu froze, realizing he had misspoken. Quickly, he tried to cover up. “No, no, I didn’t know! I only found out about it later when I read a book. Otherwise, how would I know?” Ming Yu blinked his innocent eyes, lying through his teeth.

The Emperor nodded, seeming to believe him. “I told you to read more of the Confucian classics and works of sages, but instead, you’ve gone off reading those trivial books.”

Ming Yu had never been fond of reading. Back when he was in the palace, the Emperor had tried to encourage him to study more to curb his unruly nature. He even assigned a grand scholar to teach him. The result? During lessons, Ming Yu either fidgeted or dozed off, never able to focus. When the scholar tried to reason with him, Ming Yu would offer even more outlandish arguments, frustrating the poor scholar so much that it gave him a headache.

When Ming Yu went to the fief in Liangzhou, the Emperor still didn’t give up hope. He specifically sent two scholars along, hoping they could push Ming Yu to study more and learn something useful. But looking at the letters Ming Yu had written, it was clear there had been no progress. His handwriting and essays never improved.

Ming Yu stuck his tongue out, unbothered by the Emperor’s criticism. “It’s all just books, right? It’s not like reading those trivial books is useless. Otherwise, how would I know about this? The Four Books and Five Classics never mention how to grow the food that the people eat or how to make the clothes they wear.”

The Emperor glared at him. Seeing that Ming Yu had no intention of repenting, he could only shake his head and sigh, letting it go. He changed the topic. “You say this crop can be grown everywhere?”

Ming Yu nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! It has great adaptability. It’s cold-resistant and drought-resistant, and even in poor soil, it can thrive. Not only is it high-yielding, but it also tastes good and is nutritious. You can grind it into flour like wheat, then steam or cook it.”

Ming Yu did his best to explain, trying to convince the Emperor. “Father, why don’t I show you today? I can prove what I’ve said is true.”

“You know how to cook?” The Emperor was curious, both about whether Ming Yu could actually cook and about whether the corn would really be as good and nutritious as Ming Yu claimed.

Ming Yu proudly patted his chest and began to bluff. “Of course! As soon as I got my hands on this, I started researching how to cook it. I’ve learned a few tricks by now. I can guarantee you’ll eat it and want more!”

The Emperor, seeing Ming Yu take an interest in something other than serious matters, couldn’t help but feel helpless. He was tempted to scold him but swallowed his words when he saw Ming Yu’s proud and playful look. He sighed inwardly. Well, at least this interest of his was better than some of the other frivolous hobbies he could’ve picked up. At least it meant he didn’t have to worry so much about him.

The Emperor’s attitude was clear: though Ming Yu was far from perfect, he was grateful that his son was at least not worse off than he could have been. He felt some comfort in that.

Ming Yu’s claim that the food would be so good it would make the Emperor want more piqued the Emperor’s interest. Though he didn’t fully believe that Ming Yu could cook so well, he was still curious.

The Emperor cleared his throat a few times, trying to hide his expression, not wanting his silly son to see how much he was looking forward to the food Ming Yu promised to make.

“Alright then, I’ll indulge your filial intentions. Tonight at the family dinner, you can prepare it,” the Emperor finally said.

“Understood!” Ming Yu cheerfully responded.

The Emperor was amused by Ming Yu’s playful antics and couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

This scene was witnessed by Ming Ye, who had just entered. A bitter feeling stirred in his heart. His father only ever let down his guard and laughed so freely when Ming Yu was around.

Since Ming Yu’s departure, there had been far less joy in the palace, and it had been a long time since he’d seen the Emperor so at ease. It was clear that Ming Yu held a special place in the Emperor’s heart, and the Emperor’s treatment of him was certainly unique.

Ming Ye understood well that the palace was a place full of scheming and deceit, and finding peace in such an environment was nearly impossible. But wasn’t Ming Yu his piece of tranquility? From a young age, he had been simple-minded, which had already sealed his fate and eliminated his prospects of rising high. Though his condition had improved over time, he still retained his original sincerity. Even though his actions were sometimes absurd, they were always done with good intentions. Who else in the palace could say the same?

Ming Ye couldn’t help but envy him. Being in his position, he knew he could never be as carefree as Ming Yu. He wondered if he could ever live freely, following his heart without the constraints of his royal duties. But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he quickly suppressed it. Such dangerous thoughts could not linger.

How could he remain so naïve? In a place where people would devour you without hesitation, he could only press forward, never taking a step backward. Otherwise, he’d be torn apart, falling into an abyss from which there would be no return. He thought of the many eyes watching him, waiting for a single misstep. At that moment, countless hands would drag him down, into an inescapable void.

At times, when he felt exhausted, he would wonder if life would be simpler and happier if he had been born a commoner, instead of into the royal family. But birth was not something he could choose. Since he was the Emperor’s eldest son, he had to bear the responsibilities that came with it. Being unable to choose his path, this would likely be the story of his entire life.

Ming Yu was the first to spot the Crown Prince. He took a few steps forward and bowed. “Fourteenth respectfully greets His Royal Highness.”

Ming Ye smiled, returning the bow to the Emperor before addressing Ming Yu. “You used to call me ‘Big Brother,’ but now that you’ve come back, you’ve even changed how you address me?”

“This…” Ming Yu scratched his head. Things were different in the past; when he was younger, calling the crown prince this way would ensure more attention and care from him. However, now that the crown prince had said it like that, it would be awkward to insist. After all, there would be many times when he would need the crown prince’s help in the future. And with the emperor still present, he decided to pull on Ming Ye’s sleeve like before and affectionately called out, “Brother.”

Only then was Ming Ye satisfied. He ruffled Ming Yu’s hair and said, “It’s been so long since we last met, you’ve gotten thinner, but taller.”

Ming Yu pouted, a little dissatisfied. He had tried hard to grow taller, and yet here he was, getting his head patted and being treated like a child.

Ming Ye noticed the small gesture and smiled even more. He said, “I was thinking it was about time for you to arrive. I heard you were with Father, so I decided to come earlier and see you.” He then turned to the Emperor and respectfully said, “Father, I hope you don’t mind me coming over unannounced and disturbing you.”

The Emperor couldn’t help but feel pleased seeing the two brothers getting along so well. Ming Yu had always been closest to the Crown Prince, and Ming Ye, who was usually so cautious, could only show his true self with Ming Yu. The Emperor was glad to see their strong bond; Ming Yu’s personality could often offend people, but with the Crown Prince looking after him, the Emperor felt reassured.

“There’s no talk of disturbing,” the Emperor said, clearing his throat. “Come, let’s sit and talk.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ming Ye replied. He was then pulled down to sit by Ming Yu, who smiled and asked, “Just now, when I came in, I heard Father and Fourteenth laughing. What were you two talking about? Could you share it with me?”

The Emperor laughed. “Your fourteenth brother just said he would cook something himself, something fresh for everyone to try. Old Fourteen, the Crown Prince has put a lot of effort into your goods, but you can’t forget the Crown Prince, can you?”

Ming Yu blinked and chuckled, “Of course, I can’t forget him. I’ve already prepared something.”

Ming Ye, curious, asked, “What’s this new thing? Could there really be something in the world that even Father hasn’t seen before?”

Actually, as Ming Ye thought about it, he suspected it was something from the Western Regions that Ming Yu had brought back, but he decided to play ignorant and didn’t show that he already knew. His words flattered the Emperor, making him feel pleased.

The Emperor laughed heartily. “The world is vast, and there are countless wonders. There are many things I’ve never seen. Just look at the strange and fresh things Old Fourteen has brought from the Western Regions.”

Ming Ye, patting his head, said with sudden realization, “That’s true. Only Fourteenth’s wild imagination can create miracles. Fourteenth, quickly tell me what you’ve brought this time to make Father so happy.”

Ming Yu, following his lead, repeated the story about corn. Ming Ye had a hint of what it might be, but he never expected that Ming Yu was talking about such an important food source.

Growing up under the Emperor’s influence, Ming Ye had a broad view of the world, but being young, he had not yet mastered the Emperor’s level of cultivation. Although he always tried to keep his emotions in check, he couldn’t contain his excitement after hearing Ming Yu’s explanation. He almost jumped up and quickly grabbed Ming Yu, asking, “Is what you’re saying true?”

Ming Yu smiled and nodded. “Of course. It’s already being bred. Though there’s not much yet, we can still try growing a small amount. I believe that in just a few years, the entire Great Yan Kingdom will be able to implement it nationwide. Adding another grain will solve most of the famine issues.”

Ming Ye had already thought of the implications. The Emperor had always been focused on cultivating his successor. Though the Emperor was still dissatisfied with his somewhat weak and mild nature, he knew that no one was perfect, and that nature couldn’t easily be changed by external forces.

The Crown Prince’s nature was gentle and pure, and under the Emperor’s oppressive rule, it had made him cautious and meticulous. While he could maintain the empire, expanding it was a different matter. This was why the Crown Prince despised war and valued the welfare of the people far more than conquering new territories.

Now, with Ming Yu bringing up corn, a crop that was easy to grow, had a high yield, and could help the people fill their stomachs, how could the Crown Prince not be overjoyed?

He grabbed Ming Yu and asked him all sorts of questions. Ming Yu spoke so much that his mouth was dry, but he still couldn’t finish. Finally, the Emperor, unable to watch any longer, interrupted. “Alright, promoting a new crop isn’t something that can be done in an instant. If this thing is truly as good as you say, the people will spread it themselves. The urgent task now is to focus on mass breeding.”

When the Emperor spoke, Ming Ye quieted down, but still asked the Emperor for a few seeds, saying he wanted to try growing them himself. The Emperor gave him a sidelong glance, wondering why a Crown Prince would focus on such trivial matters instead of state affairs.

He was about to scold him, but Ming Yu, sharp-eyed, spoke up first. “Brother, you just need to send a couple of servants. I’ll have someone teach them how to grow it. It’s just a small matter; leave it to them.”

Ming Ye immediately understood, and seeing the Emperor’s displeasure, he followed Ming Yu’s suggestion. “You’re right, I was too excited and didn’t think it through.”

“Brother cares about the people’s welfare, which is a good thing. The country is built on the people. The people of the Great Yan are blessed to have Father and the Crown Prince working so hard for them.”

This praise really touched the Emperor’s heart, and it finally made him feel at ease.

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