Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

The potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn brought by Xiao Ran were fundamental to the Tang Dynasty's efforts to "stabilize people's livelihoods, strengthen border defenses, and promote a prosperous era."

As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, the ministers gathered around, all of them realizing that Xiao Ran's merits could not be rewarded with ordinary gifts.

It needed to suit his nature of "not being interested in officialdom and focusing on agriculture and sericulture".

This not only demonstrates the Tang Dynasty's respect for "the people's livelihood," but also sets an example for all people that "those who are pragmatic and make contributions will be rewarded."

Fang Xuanling stepped forward first, gently closing the booklet in his hand. His tone was calm yet clear, displaying the demeanor of the Right Vice Minister in overseeing the overall situation.
"Your Majesty, the young master's merits cannot be compensated by gold, silver, or official titles."

“He has no interest in an official career, so forcing him to take up an official position would go against his wishes.”

“If we only bestow gold and silver, we would be disrespecting this extraordinary achievement of ‘benefiting all people and strengthening the foundation of the nation’.”

"I believe that we should start with the four aspects of 'honoring their position, fulfilling their ambitions, protecting their safety, and benefiting their families'."

"Firstly, he was granted the title of 'Guest of Agriculture and Grain,' and given a gilded token, which allowed him free access to the side halls of the palace, and that he did not need to kowtow when meeting the emperor. Local officials were required to treat him with the courtesy due to a guest upon seeing the token."

"This is to respect their achievements, not to restrict their actions."

"Secondly, a hundred mu of 'royal experimental fields' were allocated in Kaolao Village, with the Ministry of Works supervising the construction of cellars and mills, and the Ministry of Revenue allocating special funds for the experimentation of new grain planting methods."

“Build an agricultural school again and allow him to teach his skills independently—this will fulfill his wish and help him pass on his agricultural techniques to the people.”

"Thirdly, send twenty imperial guards disguised as villagers to protect his home and prevent evil people from coveting it—this is to protect his safety and prevent him from suffering disaster because of his merits."

"Fourth, exempt his family from corvée labor and taxes for three generations, and exempt Kaolao Village from half of the taxes the following year."

"This benefits their families and puts their minds at ease, while also letting the villagers know that 'those who help farmers will also be rewarded.'"

"In this way, we can both preserve his freedom and his achievements, and let the people of the world know that Your Majesty values ​​agriculture and respects the virtuous. This is more appropriate than any official position or reward."

Li Jing followed closely behind, his tone concise yet to the point, full of the pragmatism of a military general:
“What the Right Minister says is absolutely right! I would like to add: Xiao Ran understands the characteristics of the new grain, and the border troops need this grain to relieve their shortage of fodder and military rations.”

“He may also be granted the title of ‘Border Army Agricultural Affairs Advisor’.”

"There is no need for him to enter the military camp. If the border troops encounter difficulties in trying to grow new grains, they can send a messenger to ask for advice."

"If he wishes to go, he can use his token to mobilize the post stations along the way, and his food and lodging will be provided by the government."

"In addition, the guards must be elite, not only to protect their homes, but also to keep a close eye on outsiders in Kaolao Village and prevent Turkic and Tibetan spies from infiltrating."

"After all, Xiao Ran can cultivate new grains. If they are captured by enemy countries, the loss will far exceed the loss of seeds! This title not only shows His Majesty's reliance on him, but also allows us to use his skills to strengthen the border defenses. It's a win-win situation."

The previous military treatise gave Li Jing a huge surprise, and he always remembered Xiao Ran's kindness.

At times like this, even the most selfless Li Jing would have to fight for some benefits for Xiao Ran.

These crops are priceless in themselves; it is a tremendous achievement.

Li Jing was well aware of this, and no one questioned Xiao Ran's contribution.

Wei Zheng stroked his beard: "Your Majesty, the ministers' suggestions are all good, but one 'restraint' needs to be added."

"To exempt Xiao Ran's family from taxes for three generations, it is necessary to clearly define them as 'direct relatives' and not extend them to collateral branches, so as to prevent other relatives from taking advantage of the situation and violating the law."

“When granting experimental fields, a written contract must be drawn up, clearly stating that the fields are only for new grain experiments and cannot be sold or abandoned for planting.”

"If one day Xiao Ran has no interest in farming, he should hand over the land and farming techniques to the government to ensure that the new grain technology is not lost."

"In addition, when the agricultural school teaches skills, it is necessary to send an agricultural official from the Ministry of Revenue to assist in recording them. This will not only help Xiao Ran organize his experience, but also compile the skills into a book for reference by all the prefectures and counties in the country."

"To prevent technical deviations from being caused by 'oral transmission' in the future."

"Rewards should be given in moderation, and achievements should be sustained; only then can we achieve long-term success."

Li Shimin nodded, finding it to be very reasonable.

Li Shimin looked at Ma Zhou; in Li Shimin's heart, Ma Zhou held a very important place.

Ma Zhou's tone was gentle yet full of concern for people's livelihoods, showcasing his strength in "observing the smallest details."

"I would like to add some details: First, the Ministry of Works shall manufacture two sets of agricultural tools for the experimental fields, based on the design of the five-pronged rake and corn thresher previously designed by Xiao Ran."

"One set was for his use, and another set was decorated with gold leaf, to be given to him as a family heirloom to commemorate his achievements."

"Secondly, if Xiao Ran has relatives who need medical treatment or children who need to study, he can go to the nearest state or prefecture government hospital or school with his token, without having to pay any fees."

"Thirdly, every year when the new grain is harvested, Your Majesty can send envoys to Kaolao Village to express your condolences and bring back samples of the new grain. This will not only show Your Majesty's concern but also let the court know about the progress of the new grain cultivation."

"These details, though small, can make Xiao Ran feel His Majesty's sincerity and let the people of the world see that His Majesty appreciates the virtuous, not only valuing 'great achievements' but also caring about 'small matters', making it easier for people to win over the hearts of the people."

Although the ministers' discussions had different focuses, they all revolved around the principles of "not going against Xiao Ran's original intentions, not abolishing national laws and regulations, and not harming long-term interests."

Fang Xuanling determined the overall situation, Li Jing focused on practical matters, Wei Zheng guarded against risks, and Ma Zhou filled in the details.

Taken together, this constitutes a reward scheme that is worthy of the remarkable achievement of the new grain harvest, puts Xiao Ran at ease, and convinces the world.

These people have basically been chosen for Li Shimin.

No need to think about it anymore, just do as they say.

"What about his title? His title wasn't high before. Compared to the curved plow, the value of these potatoes, corn and sweet potatoes is quite different."

Li Shimin asked again.

These matters definitely need to be discussed. Now that many civil and military officials are present, it's the perfect time to settle this matter.

The others thought for a moment, but none of them were the first to speak.

After considering their options, the group exchanged glances.

Fang Xuanling held a special position as Right Minister; he was second only to Li Shimin.

It's more appropriate for him to speak first.

Fang Xuanling then said, “Your Majesty, Xiao Ran’s merit lies in ‘establishing the foundation of people’s livelihood and consolidating the basis of a prosperous era.’ It is not a military achievement, yet it surpasses military achievements; he is not a prime minister, yet he benefits all people.”

"However, the nobility system is the foundation of the country and must follow the rules of 'distinguishing between relatives and friends and commensurate with merit'."

“Outside the imperial family, the title of Duke is mostly granted to generals who stabilize the country and secure its peace, or ministers who plan for the state. Xiao Ran has no military merits or political achievements. Suddenly granting him the title of Duke would be overstepping the bounds and might discourage meritorious officials.”

"If we only confer titles of 'county viscount' and 'county baron' on him, we would be disrespecting his extraordinary achievement of 'saving millions from famine'."

"In my opinion, he should be granted the title of Earl of the Founding County—a title of the fourth rank, with a fief of seven hundred households, ranking seventh among the nine ranks of nobility."

"It is higher than the ranks of county viscount and county baron that ordinary civil officials can attain, but it does not overstep the military merit ranks of duke and county marquis."

“It is even more necessary to bestow upon him the title of ‘Agricultural and Millet’ and to call him ‘County Earl of Agricultural and Millet’.”

"The phrase 'agriculture and millet' directly refers to the achievement of producing new grains, echoing the sage virtue of Houji in teaching people to cultivate crops, thus highlighting his merits in his name."

"Secondly, the title 'founding of the nation' is reserved for meritorious officials, demonstrating His Majesty's recognition of their 'opening of a new agricultural era.'" "Furthermore, this title can be established as a system of 'nominal fiefdom with actual permanent inheritance.'"

"The fiefdom of seven hundred households is merely an honorary title, and no rent or tax shall be levied on it, nor shall it be involved in local government affairs."

"In addition, according to the nobility system, he was granted ten qing of permanent land, which was just enough to allow him to test new grains and expand his agricultural center. This was in line with his wishes and also conformed to the nobility system."

"In this way, one can 'follow the rules without being rigid, and recognize merits without overstepping the bounds,' and the world will surely praise Your Majesty for 'rewarding merits with moderation and recognizing talent with skill.'"

After Fang Xuanling, the Right Minister, finished speaking, Li Jing, the Left Minister, followed closely behind:
"Having spent half my life fighting, I know that the importance of a noble title lies not in the size of the fief, but in 'being commensurate with one's merits and being used appropriately'."

“Since Xiao Ran is not interested in official rank and salary, there is no need to bind his heart with a real fiefdom—a nominal fiefdom of seven hundred households is enough to preserve his honor.”

"And the ten acres of permanent farmland are exactly what he needs to cultivate new grains and pass on agricultural techniques, which is more suitable for him than a thousand taels of gold and silver."

"Your subject adds two points: First, this title should be clearly defined as 'a title without official position,' and the document should state 'not participating in court assemblies and not handling government affairs,' thus completely eliminating any concerns about his career prospects."

"Secondly, Yongye land can be allocated around the experimental field in Kaolao Village, and the Ministry of Works can be ordered to supervise the construction of irrigation canals, which will not only help agricultural work, but also show His Majesty's emphasis on agriculture."

“In the past, border generals who governed the western regions and cultivated land were rewarded with official titles. Xiao Ran’s merits were even greater, and this title is truly well-deserved.”

Li Shimin was satisfied with the speeches of the two ministers and looked at Wei Zheng: "Wei Zheng, what do you think?"

Wei Zheng spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty, the conferment of the title of 'County Earl of Agriculture and Grain' is reasonable, but three constraints need to be added to solidify the law."

"Firstly, the Yongye land is only for agricultural experiments and cannot be sold or mortgaged. If one day I have no interest in farming, I will not be allowed to use it."

"The land and agricultural documents must be handed over to the government to ensure that the new grain technology is not lost."

"Secondly, the title 'Nongji' was established for meritorious service. If the descendants do not inherit agricultural merit, the title should be removed when inheriting the title, and they should only be called 'Founding County Earl', to prevent their descendants from taking advantage of the title and disregarding agriculture."

"Thirdly, although it was a nominal title, it still needed to be included in the 'Records of Agricultural Administration in the Zhenguan Era', with the note 'a title conferred for helping the world through new agriculture,' to set an example for future generations that 'those who value the people's livelihood must be rewarded,' and also to serve as a warning against 'no title without merit.'"

"Rewarding merits must be accompanied by preventing abuses; this is the only way to achieve long-term success."

"In this way, we can not only reward Xiao Ran for his efforts today, but also protect the benefits of the new grain for tomorrow, and uphold the rules of the nobility system for all ages."

These few people basically settled the matter, and no one else needed to say anything.

This title not only bestowed upon Xiao Ran the honor of "meritorious service to the nation," but also preserved his true nature of "cultivating the land and studying freely."

It also conveyed to the world the message that "the Tang Dynasty values ​​agriculture, respects the people, and rewards those who achieve real merit."

As Li Shimin ultimately concluded: "The title of 'County Earl of Agriculture' is not a reward for one person, but a reward for the whole nation's heart in encouraging agriculture."

Li Shimin and his entourage arrived in a large and bustling manner, and they left in the same way.

I also took all the potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes with me.

This made the little princess a little upset.

The corn is too old and doesn't taste good.

But the little princess wanted to try potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Xiao Ran, holding the little princess, said, "We still have some at home! Let's try some later!"

"Young master, corn is fine with me!" Li Lizhi was a little reluctant to eat potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Xiao Ran had also mentioned the corn.

That thing is too young; the survival rate is low.

I planted a lot before, but only a small portion has grown.

"Hmm, that works too." Xiao Ran looked at the little princess. "Sizi, shall we have some meat?"

"Hmmmm~"

On the other side, Li Yuan asked, "Have Erlang and the others gone back?"

"Grandpa, Grandpa and the others have gone back, and they took with them the potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes that the young master planted. Sizi wanted to eat them but didn't get to." Princess Yuzhang smiled.

Sun Simiao, standing nearby, was curious. Xiao Ran had been very attentive to the harvest, and when it came time to reap the rewards, he even had Li Shimin bring all the civil and military officials with him.

What exactly is its magic?

There was nothing special about it that made Li Shimin and the others anxious to return.

Sun Simiao stayed there for a long time and ate sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn.

"What's so special about these grains?" Sun Simiao asked.

Princess Yuzhang sat down next to Empress Xiao, her little hands still damp with mud from the paddy field. When she spoke of the yield, her eyes still held lingering surprise, and her tone was full of genuine disbelief:

"Grandpa, sir, maternal grandmother, the yield of corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes is really more than we thought. When Grandpa and the others were weighing them, even Uncle Fang's booklet was shaking!"

Princess Yuzhang first counted on her fingers the corn: "My father had someone peel the corn kernels and weigh them. A medium-sized corn cob had more than five ounces of kernels."

“Growing millet, a full acre only yields about 200 catties, but this corn, an acre can grow 4,000 ears, which adds up to 1,200 catties!”

"Sir, you often say that people are short of food. One acre of corn is equivalent to five acres of millet. If we plant a few acres, our whole family will no longer have to worry about food shortages!"

Before everyone could recover, she pointed to the bamboo basket in the corner of the yard where corn had been drying, and gestured that it contained potatoes:
"And potatoes! Grandpa dug them up himself. One plant yielded a pound and a half of tubers, some as big as a fist, some as big as a small pebble. With 3,000 plants per acre, we can harvest 4,500 pounds!"

“Grandma, do you remember last year when there was a drought in Guanzhong and people lined up to receive relief grain? At that time, one mu of millet only yielded a little over 100 jin, but one mu of potatoes is equivalent to 20 mu of millet!”

Finally, when she mentioned sweet potatoes, her voice softened, as if afraid of disturbing something:
"The most impressive thing is the sweet potato! Each plant weighs two pounds, which is heavier than potatoes. A mu (unit of land area) can yield a whopping six thousand jin (unit of weight)!"

“It’s sweet when steamed. Si Zi has tasted it before and always talks about it, but Grandpa says it’s a seed and he can’t bear to eat even one.”

"Grandpa, do you think if all the people planted this, they wouldn't have to eat tree bark and flee famine during years of disaster?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yuan's teacup clattered against the table, spilling tea all over his sleeve without him noticing. He stared at Princess Yuzhang, his voice trembling:
"You're saying... corn is 1,200? Potatoes are 4,500? Sweet potatoes are 6,000? This... this isn't just grain, it's a treasure bestowed by heaven!"

"During the war, I saw countless people starve to death due to food shortages. If we had had this grain earlier, we wouldn't be in this situation!"

Sun Simiao's hand, stroking his beard, suddenly stopped. His brows furrowed at first, then relaxed into disbelief and shock. He leaned closer to Princess Yuzhang and confirmed:

"Is what Sixth Sister said true? Four thousand five catties of potatoes per mu is equivalent to twenty mu of millet?"

"If that's true, the famine in the world can be largely alleviated! I've practiced medicine for many years and have seen countless people fall ill from hunger. This grain is more effective than any elixir in an emergency!"

Now I seem to understand why Xiao Ran valued it so much, and why Emperor Li Shimin brought all his civil and military officials with him.

If this is the production volume, it wouldn't be unreasonable for Li Shimin to bring all his civil and military officials.

"Young master, you are truly a divine being!" Empress Xiao was also astonished! (End of Chapter)