Chapter 791: Sweet Potato
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However, Yuwen Chu didn’t dare say that out loud. He pretended to smile at Zhuangzhuang, “Your mother is right. I was careless. Let’s take a walk outside first and then go riding, okay?”
This way, she couldn’t object, right?
Mingzhu indeed didn’t object, smiling as she stood and bowed, “Qie Shen will send off Your Highness.”
Yuwen Chu’s face darkened slightly. Seeing Zhuangzhuang’s puzzled look, he forced a smile, “Aren’t you coming with us?”
Mingzhu shook her head, “Millet hasn’t finished her meal. She’s a picky eater, and if we don’t address it now, it will be troublesome later. Your Highness is rarely home, so enjoy your time.”
Feeling annoyed, Yuwen Chu left with Zhuangzhuang in his arms.
Mingzhu gently coaxed Millet to finish her meal, maintaining a calm and serene demeanor throughout. Dong Hui and others could tell she was angry with Yuwen Chu, but her impeccable attitude left them with no way to advise her.
Zheng Momo pondered for a moment and asked, “Wangfei, should we put away the bottle of grape wine since it hasn’t been touched?”
Without looking up, Mingzhu replied, “Leave it there.”
Millet, full and sleepy, dozed off in Mingzhu’s arms. Mingzhu had the wet nurse take her away, cleaned up the room, and went to the small reception hall to attend to matters. Recently, expenses had been higher than usual due to the drought and rising prices, while the children at the charity house, growing rapidly, required a substantial amount of food.
Mingzhu instructed Li Bochun, “I found out that sweet potatoes are drought-resistant and water-tolerant. It’s just the right time for summer potatoes, so find a way to plant a batch. By autumn and winter this year, and next spring, we’ll have food. Sweet potato leaves can also be used to feed pigs, making it quite economical.”
Li Bochun was delighted, “When did Wangfei learn about this?”
Mingzhu smiled, “With so many people to feed, I worried about food supply with the bad weather…” She handed him a drawing, “I’ve chosen the land. There are water sources and slopes in the Great Temple, perfect for large-scale planting. We can dig a few deep wells in these places and transport water from elsewhere. I’ve also found a head farmer to teach them how to plant.”
Li Bochun said, “It’s perfect timing. Some people have been acting spoiled, thinking food and supplies come easily. This will teach them to appreciate what they have by letting them work the fields.”
The stewards offered their suggestions, and Mingzhu efficiently made the necessary adjustments, pleasing them as they quietly discussed among themselves while leaving. Next, Zhou Nushi, Ping Nushi, Li Quanxin, and others came to report. Mingzhu skillfully handled the household affairs and stood up to stretch, noticing it was already dark. She asked, “Hasn’t His Highness returned with Zhuangzhuang yet?”
Su Lan signaled her, and she then noticed Yuwen Chu sitting alone in a corner of the reception hall, reading by candlelight. Realizing her gaze, Yuwen Chu put down his book and met her eyes, “Zhuangzhuang fell asleep, so I handed him to the wet nurse. Are you done?”
Mingzhu glanced at the book in his hand and saw it was the agricultural manual she had been reading. She asked, “When did Your Highness return? Why didn’t you call me?”
Yuwen Chu’s eyes sparkled as he softly said, “I came back when you were talking about planting sweet potatoes. Is this what you do all day?”
Mingzhu found his “Is this what you do all day?” somewhat harsh, so she replied gently, “I am not as talented as Your Highness, so I can only do my best with these small matters.”
Her smile was warm and her tone sincere, but she exuded a sense of falseness. Yuwen Chu watched her silently for a while and said, “It’s not a small matter. I think it’s great. You are becoming more capable, and you unintentionally helped me a lot. The timing is perfect; planting another season of summer sweet potatoes could save many from starving. It’s really excellent.”
He genuinely praised her. The diligent and capable Fu Mingzhu was very attractive. Sitting there watching her handle everything efficiently, he felt his heartstrings being plucked repeatedly, proud of her yet somewhat saddened by his perceived unimportance.
Mingzhu was indifferent, “With so many capable people under Your Highness, how could you not think of planting sweet potatoes? It’s just that everyone’s focused on the war, neglecting the most fundamental issues.”
Yuwen Chu chuckled, “I was riding with Zhuangzhuang at the training ground earlier, reflecting on many things. Indeed, as you said, I’ve been too focused on the war, neglecting the most basic and important matters.” For example, he was so preoccupied with his embarrassment, fearing Mingzhu’s anger and pleas, and determined to turn things around, that he hadn’t considered Mingzhu and the children’s feelings. Thus, her anger and Millet’s estrangement were understandable.
Mingzhu finally dropped her pretense but remained serious and silent, not continuing the conversation initiated by Yuwen Chu.
Seeing that she had no intention of discussing the matter further, Yuwen Chu earnestly said, “For example, in warfare, the most important thing is the people’s support. The rumors and unrest have been fueled by the bad weather and food shortages. So if I can solve the people’s livelihood issues while also dealing with the enemy, the crises will be resolved. It’s not that your sweet potatoes solved the big problem, but you made me realize something important. Also, your handling of the children’s song issue was brilliant. I should appoint you as my strategist.”
Shameless. She had never seen such blatant and insincere flattery. Mingzhu couldn’t help but roll her eyes, “Couldn’t Mr. Meng have thought of it? Wouldn’t it be better if Your Highness handled it personally? I just made the decision a bit earlier, that’s all.” She paused and added, “After all, we’re in the same boat.”
“Not necessarily. The old man often makes mistakes, and I do too. I can be stubborn because I’m not a sage,” Yuwen Chu said, feeling relieved to see her rolling her eyes at him, “Please stop being mad at me, okay?”
Mingzhu pouted, “I’m not mad. I just hope Your Highness isn’t angry with me for sparing Wei Tiande’s audacity. He was only upset because I was mocked.”
Yuwen Chu took her hand and smiled, pleading, “You’re really petty, still holding onto the fact that I didn’t see you.”
Mingzhu’s eyes reddened, “No, it’s not that. You didn’t want to see me at the time because you were in a bad mood and didn’t want me to add to it. I understand that and don’t blame you. What saddens me is that you haven’t come to see us for so many days. That’s truly heartless.”
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