Lao Zhu's face lit up with joy. He held the potatoes in his hands as if he were holding some rare treasure. He smiled with satisfaction and said: "Good stuff, really good stuff."
Han Du smiled and nodded slightly towards Lao Zhu.
After Lao Zhu was happy, he continued to ask: "You just said you brought me three kinds of auspiciousness. These are only two. Is there another one?"
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment." Han Du smiled, bowed, and waved someone to bring a wooden box over.
Lao Zhu saw that this box was different from the previous two. It was sealed tightly. He couldn't help but raise his eyes and glance at Han Du doubtfully.
Han Du asked someone to open the box, peeling off the tightly sealed oil paper layer by layer, and finally revealed a box full of yellow corn.
"Is this also grain?" Lao Zhu reached out and pinched a corn between his fingers.
Han Du nodded, "Yes."
Lao Zhu squeezed it hard and found that the thing was a bit hard, so he looked up at Han Du in confusion and asked: "How to eat it?"
"It's similar to wheat. It needs to be ground into flour to eat." Han Du quickly explained, "But this thing is different from wheat. The bran of wheat cannot be eaten, but this thing has no bran. In other words, it is ground into flour.
You can eat them all.”
"Oh?" Lao Zhu suddenly brightened his eyebrows and praised with a smile: "This is really good, good stuff."
Han Du also gave up and explained to Lao Zhu: "The emperor doesn't know something. Although the yield of this thing is far less than the other two, it is still a little more than wheat. The most important thing is that this thing is extremely drought-resistant.
, even if it is planted in mud and gravel, it can bloom and bear fruit."
"Okay, okay, okay" Lao Zhu said three times in a row, which showed how overjoyed he was.
Droughts have been frequent in the Ming Dynasty in the past few years, and there has never been a year of smooth weather. Even if ordinary rice and wheat can be planted in the fields, they may not be able to harvest smoothly. Maybe a drought can cause the fields to fall apart.
No gain.
Now Handu actually brought back three types of drought-resistant grains, and the yields were still so high. It made Lao Zhu feel that he was indeed destined by fate and could turn disaster into good fortune.
As for Han Du, he was regarded as a lucky star by Lao Zhu.
After all, Zhu Yuanzhang didn’t just receive his destiny just now. Why didn’t he see anyone offering such miraculous food in the past?
Zhao Mian was even happier than ever before. He got up from the ground, patted his official uniform a few times. After sorting it out briefly, he bowed to Lao Zhu for his achievements and said: "Congratulations to your Majesty, congratulations to your Majesty. With this wonderful food, the people of Ming Dynasty will be able to live again."
No worries about hunger."
"Such auspiciousness, I would like to congratulate the emperor."
Lao Zhu was overjoyed, and after laughing, he said to Han Du: "You have brought back such wonderful food, and your achievements are as great as Shen Nong's. I must thank you on behalf of the people of the world."
Han Du quickly shook his head and said: "I would never dare to take credit for what the emperor said. I just brought him back. If I take credit, it is also the emperor's credit."
Shennong was one of the three ancient emperors, and he was also the holy emperor in the eyes of the world's literati. How could Han Du dare to stand shoulder to shoulder with such a person?
Even if there is a comparison, it should not be Han Du, but Lao Zhu.
Han Du thought of this in an instant and glanced at Lao Zhu with enlightenment. Sure enough, he saw Lao Zhu looking at him with a smile. Although the smile did not change at all, the meaning in his eyes became extraordinary.
.
Damn it, you want me to take the initiative to say it. Han Du instantly understood what Lao Zhu meant.<
br>
However, Han Du did not hesitate for a moment and immediately said: "The emperor ordered me to cross the sea to search for strange grains to save all the people in the world. It took me two years and tens of thousands of miles to travel. With the blessing of the emperor, I finally found three kinds of strange grains and returned.
Your Majesty, I am fortunate to have lived up to my command!"
Was it the emperor's order that Han Du go out to sea to search for strange grains? The ministers couldn't help but think when they saw Han Du's serious return.
Of course, not everyone doubted that this was a double act performed by Han Du and the Emperor.
But even if it is a double act, so what? As long as Han Du says that he has received the emperor's decree, who can force Han Du to take out the imperial decree and see if it is true?
Besides, the emperor stood aside to give Han Du the answer. Even if someone questioned it and had to read the imperial edict, Lao Zhu could write a special one for Han Du.
Zhao Miancai didn't care whether it was Han Du who had found the strange grains by himself or whether the emperor ordered him to look for them. Anyway, now that these grains have arrived in the Ming Dynasty, they can enrich the people of the world. As the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he only cares about the world.
Whether the grain production has been reduced due to disasters, and whether the people have enough to pay taxes on the grain harvested.
"My Emperor's Holy Ming!!!" Zhao Mian bowed directly to the Emperor with all his might.
"My Emperor, Holy Ming~" The others responded not too slowly, following Zhao Mian and bowing to the Emperor.
Han Du chuckled and looked at the ministers with disdain. Is this really flattering? Lao Zhu has been on the battlefield for many years. He has never seen any flattering methods. Could it be that he still cannot withstand such a test of flattery?
?
Please stand aside and learn from me!
Han Du took a step forward, the smile on his face subsided, he bowed solemnly, and said with a sigh: "Thinking back to the past, the first emperor sent a giant boat out to sea in order to find overseas fairy mountains and obtain the elixir of immortality. And the emperor sent
A humble minister goes to sea in search of rare food to feed the people of the world. The emperor’s holy virtue hangs high like the sun and moon, blessing the world!”
As soon as Han Du's words came out, everyone's eyes changed when they looked at him.
Han Du used the First Emperor as a stepping stone, but Han Du thought of it. However, the ministers were not angry, but no one stood up to refute Han Du's words.
Because what Han Du said is true, he just cleverly connected the purpose of the First Emperor and the Emperor's order to go to sea.
The First Emperor went to sea to find the elixir of immortality, for his own sake. But Lao Zhu went to sea to find rare food, and it was for the benefit of the people of the world. Just a comparison makes one stand out, and one can find no reason to refute.
Lao Zhu was shocked after hearing what Han Du said. He somewhat suspected that Han Du was flattering him, but he couldn't find any evidence!
But at this time, Lao Zhu will not be humble, let alone polite. Being humble at this time is not called humility, it is called idiot, stupid, stupid, stupid. Being polite at this time is called missing an opportunity in vain. Even such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
People who can humbly give up opportunities but cannot seize them will be like that for the rest of their lives.
"People are subject to birth, aging, illness and death. I have never dared to pray for immortality. I just hope that the people in the world will have enough food and clothing from now on, and I hope there will no longer be the worry of hunger in the world!" Lao Zhu said solemnly and seriously.
I am so selfless, so majestic and upright, and my holy virtue is like the sun and moon, illuminating the world.
Why don't you come and praise me!
"My emperor has unparalleled saintliness and virtue, and the people of the world are so lucky!" Although the flattery of the ministers was not as good as that of Han Du, they were still able to say complimentary words.
However, the ministers said this out of sincerity. If the people of the world can really live without worries about food and clothing, then the emperor will naturally be praised by all people. They, the ministers, can also leave their names in history and be famous for generations to come.
After all, since ancient times, even the Holy Emperor has never really provided enough food and clothing for the people of the world. If they can do it, it will be an unprecedented first time, and they will not be able to leave their name in the history.
Lao Zhu originally went out of the city to meet Han Du on a whim. He didn't expect that Han Du would give him such a surprise. Originally, Lao Zhu was planning to let Han Du enter the palace to talk in detail. He was too familiar with Han Du's overseas experience.
I'm curious as to what kind of place can produce such magical food.
However, Han Du missed Anqing in his heart, so he got out of Lao Zhu's presence on the grounds that the boat was too dirty and he would go back to burn incense and bathe before coming to see him.
The Zhenhai Marquis Mansion swept away the silence of the past and immediately became lively after receiving the news of Han Du's return to Beijing.
An Qing, who was originally depressed, couldn't suppress the tears in her eyes anymore after hearing the news of Han Du's return. She didn't want to delay for a moment, so she quickly ordered her servants to prepare the sedan and headed to the dock.
However, Han De persuaded him: "Du'er went to sea with the emperor's orders. Now that he has come back, the first thing he needs to do is to report back to the emperor. You have been waiting for more than two years, so why rush?
"
An Qing then suppressed the urge to go to the dock and paced restlessly in the yard.
Han Du had just returned home. When the guard guarding the door saw Han Du dismounting, he shouted in surprise, "The Marquis has returned to the house, the Marquis has returned to the house." Then, he ran towards the house in a hurry, running as he did.
He shouted as if he wanted everyone to know that Han Du was back.
As soon as Han Du walked past the screen wall, he saw his father, mother, brother, and An Qing hurriedly walking forward.
When Han Du saw his family, he felt a warmth wrap around him, as if he was a wandering duckweed that finally found a place to take root.
Han Du had a bright smile on his face, bowed slightly and said, "Father, mother, my child is unfilial and makes you worry."
The father glanced at Han Du with a sigh and said, "It's good to be back. It's just that your face is a little darker. It's not a big deal. We are not worried about you. On the contrary, Anqing is worried all day long because of you.
You'd better comfort her."
Han Du nodded and looked at An Qing. An Qing met Han Du's gaze and said nothing, but the reflection in his eyes was Han Du's shadow.
Hande suddenly sniffed, frowned and looked at Hande, and asked doubtfully: "What does your body smell like? Go and wash it quickly."
Han Du did not explain it to his father in detail, but just found a reason: "It has been on the ship for many days, and it has become like this over time."
Han De didn't pay attention, and quickly waved his hands and said, "You'd better go and wash yourself first. Why does the dignified Marquis Zhenhai smell so bad all over his body?"
Han De nodded and agreed, secretly holding An Qing's hand and walking towards his yard.
As soon as he passed the courtyard gate, An Qing stepped in front of Han Du. He turned around like an eight-pawed figure.
Like a fish, it clung to Han Du's body. His head was buried in Han Du's arms and refused to lift up.
Han Du hugged An Qing hard for a few times, then let go of his arms and said, "My body smells very bad. You'd better let go of me first and let me wash it off."
"I won't, I won't, I will hold you like this." An Qing raised his head and looked at Han Du with big eyes, and said cutely.
Han Du smiled and said, "If you hold me again, aren't you afraid of being stung to death?"
"I'm willing to let this stink to death." An Qing still refused to let go.
Finally, after some persuasive words from Han Du, An Qing let go of Han Du.
However, when Han Du was taking a shower, An Qing followed him in reluctantly.
Then there was a huge wave in the huge bathtub.
Han Du's bath had been finished long ago, and the odor on his body had been washed away. However, he still couldn't get up from the bathtub because An Qing was snuggling in his arms weakly.
A long absence is better than a newlywed. Han, Du, and Anqing lingered for a long time. Even the water in the bathtub became cold before they had to get out of it.
Dressed neatly, the two walked out of the house with happy faces.
As soon as he passed a corner, Han Du saw a bouncing little bean, staggering towards him from a distance. As he ran, he opened his hands and shouted "Wolf~Wolf~Wolf~"
With.
The two maids chased after Xiao Douding and kept shouting: "Miss, slow down, be careful not to fall."
However, although Little Douding was running unsteadily, he did not fall down. He ran smoothly all the way to An Qing and threw himself into An Qing's arms.
At this time, Han Du heard clearly that Xiao Douding was calling: "Mother"
Oh, Han Du opened his mouth wide and looked at An Qing with wide eyes, feeling that she should give him an explanation.
When An Qing saw Han Du's expression, he couldn't guess what he was thinking. He punched Han Du in the chest softly and said coquettishly: "You bad guy, what are you thinking about? This is your daughter.
"
"Me, my daughter?" Han Du was a little hard to accept. He went to sea for more than two years and had his own daughter when he came back?
An Qing chuckled and explained with some embarrassment: "I found out you were pregnant just half a month after you left. I originally wanted to wait for you to come back and give you a surprise, but I didn't expect that you would have been gone for more than two years."
There was a bit of sadness in An Qing's tone. It was obvious that Han Du had been away for so long, which made her extremely worried.
Han Du knew that he was wrong and quickly comforted him, "It was my fault. I promise you that it will never be like this again."
An Qing rolled his eyes at Han Du, obviously not taking Han Du's guarantee seriously. Such a guarantee has no binding force at all, so An Qing doesn't care about it.
"What's the use of your promise? That day, my father made a decree and you have to continue to go to sea, right?"
Han Du smiled awkwardly. He really couldn't guarantee that Lao Zhu wouldn't give him an order. Smiling, Han Du comforted him and said, "No, don't worry. I won't leave even if my father gives me an order."
It’s been so long.”
An Qing snorted coldly, and would not argue with Han Du. He said directly: "You want to go to sea, and I can't stop you. But you have to promise me that if you go to sea again, you will take me with you."