Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 105 Liu Rengui's Support
Liu Jianjun didn't stand on ceremony. He plopped down on the futon, one leg out to the side, the sole of the other foot on the ground, and the arm on the same side as the foot resting on the knee, supporting half of his body, looking completely nonchalant.

"Master Liu, this cotton is drought-resistant and can withstand poor soil. It doesn't compete with grain for good land. Now it can also be woven into cloth. Feel it, it's thick, warm, and absorbent."

"In years of famine, when grain harvests are poor and hemp and ramie don't grow well, cotton can still be harvested even on poor land. The people harvest the cotton, and we harvest it to weave into cloth. The people can exchange it for money to buy grain, or use the cloth directly to keep warm. It's a way to make a living."

"This is empirical evidence."

He pointed to the cloth and continued, “We plan to try planting it on the Prince’s estate first. We’ll find some sandy soil, the Prince’s estate will provide the seeds, we’ll sign contracts with the farmers, and we’ll take care of the cotton harvest.”

"But how much can the Prince of Pei's manor plant? If it's to really work, it needs to be promoted, which requires the government's support."

Liu Rengui instantly grasped the key point in Liu Jianjun's words.

“Drought-resistant…not competing with grain crops for land…” He pondered for a moment, then his gaze sharpened: “Liu Changshi just said…drought-resistant?”

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun exchanged a glance, and Liu Jianjun silently nodded to Li Xian.

Li Xian immediately spoke up: "Lord Liu, the celestial phenomena have been unusual recently. The stars are bright but there has been no rain for a long time. Spring bamboo is blooming out of season. The water levels of the Wei and Jing rivers, and even the well water in the city, are all showing a downward trend... Liu Jianjun is worried that there may be a severe drought in Guanzhong this year."

This time, Liu Rengui's expression turned completely serious. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and stared at the somewhat dazzling spring sky outside, remaining silent for a long time.

The study fell silent for a moment.

After a long while, Liu Rengui turned around and said, "Your Highness, Chief Secretary Liu, I have seen the benefits of this thing. It is indeed of great benefit to the people's livelihood, especially when drought demons are rampant... its merits are considerable."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming extremely serious: "However, unauthorized alteration of agricultural and sericultural practices is a matter of great importance!"
"Moreover, predicting natural disasters is an extremely sensitive matter. If it is not handled properly, one may suffer the consequences before reaping any benefits. Are you aware of the risks involved?"

Li Xian nodded solemnly: "I understand what Lord Liu said. However, what Liu Jianjun said was not a wild prediction of disaster, but rather a sign of foresight and preparedness."

"Even if the weather is favorable this year, promoting this product, utilizing barren land, and improving people's livelihoods would not be a bad thing. If... there is a drought, this product may become a lifeline for thousands of people. I earnestly request that if the pilot project is successful, you could help us in Yongzhou Prefecture, or at least... tacitly approve this matter."

Liu Rengui did not answer immediately. He stood up, walked to the cotton cloth again, rubbed it vigorously a few times, and then draped the cloth over his arm to feel its weight and warmth for a moment.

"Does Your Highness know how many people's interests will be affected if this policy is implemented?" Liu Rengui suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"Interests?" Li Xian was taken aback.

But almost instantly, Liu Jianjun interjected, "That's natural. Cotton cloth will impact the existing cloth business, especially the market for linen and low-end silk. Merchants and craftsmen who rely on weaving and selling linen, and even the government's related taxes and tributes, may all be affected."

Liu Rengui glanced at Liu Jianjun with a hint of surprise before nodding and saying, "That's right, a single move can have far-reaching consequences."

"People's livelihood is certainly important, but the turmoil caused by sudden changes must also be considered. This is one point."

"Secondly," he looked sharply at Li Xian, "Your Highness's current status is special. What will some people think of any large-scale measures to win over the people and influence the local economy? Is Wu Youji's presence in Chang'an merely for show?"

"Was Wu Youji really left by the Empress Dowager to monitor Prince Pei?" Liu Jianjun interjected.

"In most cases, Wu Youji was appointed Right Guard General and put in charge of the Imperial Guards stationed in Chang'an. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty could command him, and I had no power to move him. If it weren't for monitoring Prince Pei, I can't think of any other reason."

Liu Jianjun chuckled and lowered his voice: "That's why we're trying to get your support! With you as our pillar of strength, we can always calm down any storms. Besides, we're just growing some cotton and weaving some cloth, not training a private army to rebel."

Liu Rengui was both amused and exasperated by Liu Jianjun's brash yet pointed words, and in the end just shook his head: "You rascal... you're sure to cause me trouble." Li Xian also admired Liu Jianjun's thick skin, being able to make asking for help sound so noble.

But then, she looked at Liu Rengui with eager anticipation.

Liu Jianjun was right; he needed Liu Rengui as his "stabilizing force" now.

Liu Rengui met Li Xian's gaze, pondered for a moment, and finally seemed to have made up his mind: "Very well! Your Highness cares about the people's livelihood, which is benevolence. Liu Changshi has such a wonderful skill, which is also a blessing from heaven. I... will help you on your way."

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun's faces immediately lit up with joy.

But then Liu Rengui said in a serious tone, "However, there are a few things that require my advice."

"Please speak, Lord Liu." Li Xian bowed respectfully.

"Firstly, the pilot program is limited to the Prince Pei's manor and the barren lands within Yongzhou, and the scope cannot be expanded without authorization."

"Secondly, all matters should be handled discreetly. To the outside world, we should only say that we are trying out new flowers and fabrics, and we should not make unfounded claims about drought relief and disaster prevention."

"Thirdly, after the cotton cloth is produced, it will be given priority for use in the palaces of princes, government offices, and winter clothing for soldiers, and will not be allowed to flow into the market on a large scale for the time being, so as not to alarm all parties."

Fourthly.

Liu Rengui looked at Liu Jianjun: "If I am not mistaken, the method of spinning and weaving cloth should not be perfect yet, right?"

Liu Jianjun did not answer, but patted his chest and assured him: "Don't worry, Mr. Liu, I'll take care of the process improvement."

"Although the process of turning cotton into silk is a bit troublesome, the process of weaving it is no different from that of silk and hemp. Nowadays, spinning wheels on the market can be directly adapted to cotton thread with just a little modification. We must not slack off on the process!"

"That's good." Liu Rengui nodded, a hint of relief on his face. Finally, he looked at Li Xian and said, "Your Highness, although Chang'an is temporarily away from the eye of the storm, it is not an isolated paradise. We must proceed with extreme caution, but we must not abandon what needs to be done out of fear."

"I will keep an eye on this matter."

This is a tremendous support.

Li Xian was deeply moved and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Lord Liu!"

Liu Jianjun, unusually serious, bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your great help, Mr. Liu!"

……

Even after leaving the Liu residence, Li Xian still felt a surge of emotions.

With Liu Rengui's tacit approval and support, the cotton matter could now operate within the rules.

Liu Jianjun stroked his chin thoughtfully: "My son, Old Man Liu agreed more readily than I expected. It seems he's also worried about Luoyang. Our matter might just be hitting a nerve with him."

……

(End of this chapter)