Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 69, Section 68: Why Not Enjoy It?
In fact, the amount of soybeans grown in the Qin state today is quite large.

The millet yielded a pound or two, while the soybeans only reached a pound or two. Yet, even such a result is now considered remarkable on a global scale.

Because the "ridge cultivation method" used in the Qin state is now 1,500 years ahead of Europe.

This involves creating ridges and furrows on flat fields, and planting crops on the higher ridges. This method has many advantages and can greatly increase yield.

As for the awareness of using soybeans to fertilize the soil, some farmers already have it nowadays. However, they don't understand the underlying principles, and being of low status, they have no way to promote it.

As the ruler of a country, Ji Heng did have some understanding of agriculture. However, he had never personally worked in the fields from spring to winter, so he lacked a real understanding of it.

Now that I've only heard about the Fertilizer Method, I think it's an unprecedented and wonderful method, so I'm paying extra attention to it.

After a detailed explanation, Qin Shi gave a brief summary—

"These soybeans have many wonderful uses."

Ji Heng nodded.

Then I remembered the unique soft texture of the steamed buns, and I felt the same way.

But he had not forgotten Qin Shi’s request, so he asked, “Are these two items related to the Ironworks?”

This question stumped Qin Shi.

There is a connection, of course, but she hadn't originally planned to do it tomorrow; it just came up in the middle of conversation.

There is so much to do, and there is vast potential for development in every aspect of this era.

Being alone, she couldn't really distinguish between priorities, so she could only think of one thing and quickly try it out.

But now that the King of Qin has asked this question, Qin Shi naturally cannot disappoint him, and thus nodded:

"There is indeed a connection."

The reason why the Qin state was able to defeat the other six states was not only due to the accumulation of various factors by the Qin kings of previous generations, but also to the favorable timing, geographical advantages, and popular support of the current Qin king and his generals. It also had unique advantages in technological development.

For example, what supports the lives of the more than 25 million people in the Qin state today is their sufficiently advanced agricultural technology.

Not only the ridge-cultivation method, but also the use of iron plows and oxen for plowing.

The entire Qin state relied on the water resources of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Lingqu Canal, resulting in far more abundant harvests each year than before.

They have even learned to select breeds nowadays.

This is a remarkable and rapidly developing era.

The farming-war system placed strict requirements on farmers.

If one is lazy and causes the fields to become barren, one will be punished.

Farmers who work diligently and cultivate the land meticulously to achieve a bountiful harvest will be rewarded by people from all around.

With rewards and punishments in place, the powerful and incomparable Qin Dynasty of today was created.

What the Qin Dynasty can offer today is roughly what was invented a thousand years ago and has continued to be used for thousands of years as the pillar of agricultural development—

【Quyuanli】

If we must say it has any connection with the Ironworks, then the plowshare on this plow must be made of iron.

However, the Shaofu workshop is actually more suitable for making this than the Tieguan workshop.

Because of the large-scale promotion, firstly, due to price and cost limitations, farmers simply cannot afford to use iron.

Moreover, the King of Qin would never allow so much iron to circulate among the people. Therefore, she only used iron for the plowshare; the rest of the parts were made of wood.

Qin Shi pondered for only a moment before speaking frankly: "Your Majesty, I have some ideas in mind, but they may not necessarily come to fruition. I need to go to the ironworks to see for myself. Otherwise, they will always remain incomplete and fragmented."

"If you ask what it is, I can't think of it right now—but there is something extremely useful, which the Imperial Household Department can also make."

She smiled shyly, "It's just that it hasn't been made yet, so please wait a couple more days, Your Majesty."

Ji Heng nodded, then proceeded to plan the new items and food he had acquired over the past few days, without saying anything more.

Zhou Ju, however, was observant and replied in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Qin Qing admires Your Majesty and knows that Your Majesty is concerned about state affairs. He does his best to make Your Majesty happy every day. If Your Majesty thinks it is good, you may also let me give you some information, which will also make Qin Qing happy."

Ji Heng remained unmoved, but then suddenly remembered something: "I heard that Qin Qing has not yet enjoyed the beauty I have bestowed upon him. If you do not like her, then I will order the Minister of the Imperial Household to choose another one."

"If you are worried about the dangers of pregnancy and childbirth for women, the beauties in the palace take safflower and musk to prepare their bodies when they are young so that they will not get pregnant. You can be at ease."

After the late king's death, the Queen of Chu summoned beautiful women to accompany her every day, but those women were either killed by the late king or beheaded by his own men when he quelled the rebellion.

As a result, Ji Heng was able to learn the inside story.

Now that I'm telling you this, Qin Qing, I'm so considerate of you, you should be happy, right?
Zhou Ju's face twitched slightly; this wasn't the good news he wanted to share!

Qin Shi sighed: Why are you asking again?

If she really slept with the beauty, wouldn't the whole Xianyang Palace know about it?
She also knew that this method was not entirely safe, as she had been pregnant twice during the more than ten years that the late queen had been in power.

As for why it wasn't born...

Yi Ming once whispered a summary: "It wasn't that the Queen Dowager refused, but that the King ordered guards to be stationed at the palace gates, saying that if any illegitimate child attempted to shake the foundation of the country, they would be beaten to death in the Queen Dowager's womb!"

The Queen Dowager's true feelings were revealed—Ji Heng had long been disobedient, and she desired to have her own child. However, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers were loyal to the King of Qin, so how could they obey?

The king's army surrounded the former queen dowager's residence at Ganquan Palace, a decision they also approved.

In short, two miscarriages caused the Queen Dowager's body to grow increasingly frail, and her methods became increasingly ruthless. Finally, she boldly and directly allied with the remnants of the Chu state…

Qin Shi pulled himself out of his jumbled thoughts and said, "Your Majesty, I'm too busy."

These past few days, I've been getting back to Lanchi late at night every day. After washing up and changing, I don't even have time to get to know Yu Ren. I can't just grab someone and go to sleep, can I?

She's not used to it, so she needs the other person to provide some emotional support first.

Zhou Ju was secretly annoyed: Qin Qing, why did you reply like this? Does the King really expect you to have a holiday? The Three Dukes and Nine Ministers don't get holidays!
Tell the King what you said in the side hall earlier!

He regretted asking first, because once the answer was given, Qin Qing might not want to repeat it again!

Therefore, he hurriedly said with a smile: "Qin Qing, the King has ordered that all the sugar candies you made before be offered as tribute to the South China Sea Prefecture this year, and that the production be promoted extensively."

"By the New Year, this item will be known throughout Xianyang, and Qin Qing's name will also be widely known."

Qin Shi felt ashamed; it wasn't her invention.

But no matter what, if it can be used, can strengthen the country, and can make money, it means that ordinary people will have a better life.

She then became happy again.

"There's one more thing..."

Zhou Ju slowly smiled and said, "There has been little progress in terms of national affairs, so Your Majesty does not care. But I insist that the tables and chairs used by the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers to discuss politics with Your Majesty have now been commissioned to be made by craftsmen."

"If the superiors set an example, the subordinates will likely follow suit and set up tables and chairs for the New Year's banquet as well."

I fell asleep while writing last night.