We said we would experience life, fairy, how did you become real?

These peach blossom eyes, like two newly blossoming peach petals, float gently on the spring water. The corners of the eyes, as if carefully drawn, are slightly upturned, containing a trace of moist rouge.

Xiao Mo thought of a woman.

Their eyes really do look so alike.

The only difference is that her snow-white peach blossom eyes reveal a touch of playfulness and innocence amidst their charm.

But the woman's eyes seemed to have witnessed a thousand years of vicissitudes.

Just one glance is enough to evoke pity.

It was as if she had endured thousands of years of loneliness and countless days and nights of despair alone.

"Taoist priest, why are you staring at my young lady like that? It's extremely rude of you!" Xiaochun said, frowning.

"My apologies, my apologies, I was rude." Xiao Mo smiled and bowed. "Let me help you two take down the kite."

Xiao Mo stepped forward, leaped up, and in a few steps climbed onto the tree branch, taking the kite down from the tree.

Although Xiao Mo was only at the first level of Qi Refining, he could still manage such a small task.

As for revealing one's cultivation level.

It was common for emperors to reach the ninth level of Qi Refining, and Yan Shan'ao wouldn't care even if he knew, because in his view, it was impossible for an emperor to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Here you go." Xiao Mo handed them over.

"Thank you, Taoist priest." Xiaochun happily accepted the kite. "Miss, let's go back."

"Mm." Yan Ruxue nodded and bowed slightly. "Thank you, young master."

"It's just a little effort."

Yan Ruxue raised her head, glanced at Xiao Mo, and turned to leave.

Watching the two figures gradually disappear into the distance, Xiao Mo couldn't help but shake his head: "Those eyes, they really do look alike."

On the way back to Chunhe Courtyard, Xiaochun, who was holding the kite, belatedly realized and asked in confusion, "Eh? Miss, why are there Taoist priests in this palace?"

Yan Ruxue covered her mouth and chuckled: "This is the inner palace of the imperial palace. Ordinary men are not allowed to enter without His Majesty's permission. Even if His Majesty summons them, they cannot act alone and must be accompanied by a palace maid. This person walks openly and honestly in the inner palace by himself. Moreover, His Majesty likes to cultivate Taoism now. Why do you think there are Taoists in the imperial palace?"

"!!!"

Xiaochun stopped in her tracks, as if struck by lightning, her face turning deathly pale.

"Miss, I was just being disrespectful to His Majesty, I..." Xiaochun stammered, as if she were about to cry.

"It's alright." Yan Ruxue smiled. "His Majesty isn't that petty; he won't hold it against you."

"Really? How do you know, Miss?"

"Of course I know." Yan Ruxue's eyes curved into a smile as she turned and continued walking forward. "I've known for a long time."

"Eh?" Xiaochun quickly ran forward and followed her mistress. "Does Miss know His Majesty very well?"

"I guess so," the woman nodded.

"Then what else do you know about His Majesty, Miss?"

“Hmm,” Yan Ruxue thought for a moment, “He doesn’t look good in Taoist clothes.”

Xiaochun tilted her head: "Then, Miss, what would look good on His Majesty?"

"Blue robe".

The woman's smile is as beautiful as a flower.

He was wearing a blue robe.

It's the most beautiful.

Chapter 57 How about I propose a marriage to you?

In the annals of history, another year has passed.

During his years in Xueyang County, Xiao Mo oversaw the construction of water conservancy projects, personally cultivated the fields, and modified the plow, changing it from a straight shaft to a curved shaft.

The curved plow is easy to operate and is suitable for both paddy fields and dry land.

Based on his own experience, Xiao Mo then wrote "The Agricultural Book of the North and South".

Based on the differences in land between the north and south, the book emphasizes "intensive farming," describing in detail the techniques of "three plowings and three harrowings," "sowing while the soil is moist," and "applying green manure to the land."

Furthermore, Xiao Mo took the lead in promoting it in Xueyang County.

The following year, the people of Xueyang County had a bumper harvest.

Xiao Mo then presented this book to His Majesty.

The ruler of Qi was overjoyed.

The next morning at court, King Qi discussed the matter with his ministers and finally decided to publish the book and distribute it throughout the land.

Every official must read it thoroughly; it is an item to be examined.

The following year, Xiao Mo received an imperial edict.

Xiao Mo will be transferred back to the capital and promoted to Vice Minister of Works.

Xiao Mo was not surprised by this promotion.

Because Xiao Mo had been exchanging letters with Zhang Qianzhi on a regular basis, he vaguely knew that Zhang Qianzhi and the Prime Minister wanted to transfer him back.

The day Xiao Mo left office.

Along the way, the people of Qingyang County offered him a cup of water as a farewell gift and saw him off for several miles.

Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Mo immediately went to the palace to report to the emperor.

When Qi Zhu saw Xiao Mo, he was slightly startled.

The Qi ruler still remembered the handsome, scholarly appearance of him when he entered the palace for the imperial examination twelve years ago.

Now, twelve years later, Xiao Mo's skin is even darker, and his physique is stronger than before, resembling that of an ordinary person who often does farm work and is exposed to the wind and sun.

His brows now exude a greater sense of maturity and composure.

However, compared to before, Lord Qi naturally prefers Xiao Mo's current appearance.

"Your subject Xiao Mo greets Your Majesty!" Xiao Mo bowed.

"My dear minister, there's no need for such formalities."

Qi Zhu quickly descended the steps, helped Xiao Mo up, and looked at him with admiration.

"I've heard that you personally cultivate the fields and repair water conservancy projects. Seeing you like this today, I can confirm that the rumors are true."

Your book, "The Book of Agriculture of the North and South," has been promoted throughout the land, and now the people of our Great Qi call you the Sage of Agriculture.

"It is a great fortune for our Great Qi to have such a beloved minister!"

"Your Majesty flatters me. I was merely doing my duty. Moreover, the harvest is plentiful thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom and the harmonious governance of the people. Even without me, the harvest would still be plentiful."

"Hahaha, how did you learn to flatter and fawn? If you were merely doing your duty, then every single official in the world would be unqualified!"

Hearing Qi Zhu's words, Xiao Mo simply smiled and remained silent.

Qi Zhu pulled Xiao Mo aside and asked him about his experiences abroad over the years, which Xiao Mo answered one by one.

The more Qi Zhu listened to Xiao Mo's report, the more comfortable he felt.

No monarch dislikes officials who get things done.

"My dear minister, you are now thirty years old and still unmarried. How about I propose a marriage to you?" the Qi king asked.

Xiao Mo quickly stood up and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It is my honor that Your Majesty has arranged a marriage for me. However, Your Majesty, I already have someone I love. I deserve to die ten thousand times!"

"Alas," Lord Qi sighed, naturally aware of Xiao Mo's situation, "the mortal and immortal realms are separated, why must you wait any longer?"

Xiao Mo remained silent.

"Enough, enough." The Qi Emperor waved his hand. "My dear minister, you must be tired from your journey and have chatted with me for so long in the palace. Go and get some rest."

"Your Majesty, I thank you! I shall take my leave."

After Xiao Mo left the imperial study, a concubine stepped forward and massaged the shoulders of the emperor, saying, "This Minister Xiao is truly a devoted and loyal lover."

"It's good that you value relationships and loyalty." The Qi King nodded, glancing outside the imperial study. "It's better that you don't get married."

Seven days later, the imperial edict arrived, and Xiao Mo was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.

Four years later, Xiao Mo was promoted to Minister of Works.

Such a rapid promotion is truly meteoric.

At this time, Xiao Mo was only thirty-six years old.

Many people's political careers are just beginning, but Xiao Mo has already risen to a high position.

But everyone in the imperial court knew that becoming the Minister of Works would not be Xiao Mo's final destination.

Moreover, Xiao Mo lived a very disciplined life, never going to brothels, never accepting gifts, and usually just reading books.

The censors couldn't find any fault with Xiao Mo.

Eight years after Xiao Mo entered the capital, Prime Minister Fang attempted to implement reforms.

Fang Ling's reform plan had been in the works for a long time and had the support of the Qi ruler.

However, this reform of the house age involved powerful families and clans, and the resistance was too great.

Within a few days, countless impeachment memorials flew around the court.

Zhang Qianzhi entered the court at this time and sided with Fang Ling.

At this time, Xiao Mo naturally sided with the reform faction.

From the moment Xiao Mo entered the imperial court, everyone there knew about his relationship with Old Master Zhang.

Xiao Mo's rapid promotion was not solely due to his achievements; a large part of it was also thanks to the support of Prime Minister Fang and Zhang Qianzhi.

After all, it's too idealistic to only talk about achievements in the imperial court; it's more about human relationships and social interactions.

Thus, with the support of the Qi ruler, the reform, centered around Zhang Qianzhi, Fang Ling, and Xiao Mo, was fully launched.

In the past, Xiao Mo would return to the village every two years, but due to the many reform-related matters, he has had to stay in the capital for the past few years.

Fortunately, Xiao Mo and Xiao Qing often exchanged letters.

But just as the reforms were progressing smoothly, the ruler of Qi fell seriously ill.

Six years later, the Qi emperor died, and the crown prince succeeded to the throne.

The new ruler does not seem to have the same determination and courage as the former emperor; he cannot withstand the powerful clans.

The reform ultimately failed.

Zhang Qianzhi was already over ninety years old. It was extremely difficult for Mr. Zhang to live to be over ninety and even preside over the reform. He was kept alive by his last breath.

With the failure of this reform, Zhang Qianzhi lost all his strength and became utterly disheartened. He submitted a memorial requesting to retire and return to his hometown, no longer concerning himself with politics, feeling that he would only live for another year or two at most.

Fang Ling, who is over sixty years old, was transferred out of Beijing.

Because of Xiao Mo's great reputation and the fact that his reforms were entirely for the benefit of the people, those powerful families and clans dared not impeach him recklessly due to his fame.

But Xiao Mo felt that he would be constantly ostracized in the capital, so he might as well leave.

Therefore, Xiao Mo voluntarily transferred to Beihai Prefecture.

At this time, Xiao Mo was already forty-six years old. Due to his advanced age and the excessive work of reforming the government, his temples had already turned quite gray.

Before taking office, Xiao Mo returned to Shiqiao Village.

Twenty-seven years have passed since Xiao Mo passed the imperial examination with top honors.

During this period, many people passed away.

This includes the old village chief and Aunt Chen.

"The Tomb of Wang Canzhi, Clerk of Qingshan County and Village Chief of Shiqiao Village".

"The Tomb of Chen Hong, Wife of Wang Can".

Xiao Mo stood in front of the tombstones, looking at the two tombstones standing side by side. His expression was calm, but he felt a strange mix of emotions.