Chapter 261: She Already Dares To
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qiao Mai glanced at them and then at Yuan Jiaqi. “I want to work on some benefits for my husband.”
As soon as the people heard this, they perked up their ears.
Yuan Jiaqi looked puzzled. “My wife, if you have any requests, please instruct me. I will follow the proper procedures.”
“Next year, the trees in County She will need another year to grow. During that time, you can promote a new type of wheat.”
“New type of wheat?”
“Yes. I’ve cultivated a batch of cold-resistant wheat. If it works out, County She can cultivate two seasons of crops, and the yield per acre will be very high. It will firmly hold on to the nutrients in the soil and continue to grow as long as there is soil and sandy land.”
The men at the table couldn’t help but gulp. “How long does it take from planting to harvest?”
“About three months.”
“Wow, can you share some of this wheat with us?”
“No, I want to get a promotion for my husband.”
“You must be kidding! He’s only been in the position for a short time, and he’s already a fifth-grade county governor. How can he go any higher?”
“Maybe a first-grade county governor?”
The group burst into laughter. “Madam Qiao, you have a sense of humor.” “In any case, once my husband’s county has developed, it will be your turn.”
“Madam Qiao, we won’t compete with your husband.”
“That won’t do.”
Yuan Jiaqi got excited. “Wife, can this new wheat really increase the yield per acre?”
“When have I ever deceived you? Haven’t you mentioned this to me before?”
“Thank you, wife, for thinking of the people.”
County Governor Zhu was jealous, and Magistrate Wang smiled. No matter who starts growing this wheat first, they will all benefit, and he was content with that.
However, like County Governor Zhu and County Governor Yuan, he was worried about being promoted and transferred.
Old Master Wang watched them happily, delighted that there were good officials in the Ming Dynasty. “Girl, show us your wheat seeds.”
“Sure.”
Qiao Mai magically pulled a small bag from her sleeve and placed it on the table.
The men each took a handful of wheat grains and examined them. “These grains are full and larger than ordinary wheat.”
“We can start by planting two seasons in County She. If it works, we can extend it to other counties. By then, you can decide how to distribute the wheat grown.”
“On behalf of Wei City and the people of the northern region, I thank you.”
“Thank you, but let’s wait until we’ve grown it. I estimate that in County She and similar areas, we can harvest over 800 pounds per acre. In our area, it should be over 1,000 pounds per acre.”
The two county governors and the magistrate were thrilled.
“If this is the case, the people of the Ming Dynasty will no longer have to worry about food.
“Hmm, it won’t stop the exploitation by corrupt officials. No matter how high the yield is, it’s useless.”
“The Emperor has already dealt with several corrupt officials, so those who engage in bribery and corruption won’t dare to act rashly for a while.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Yuan Jiaqi watched as they all tried the wheat and quickly put the wheat seeds in his bag, then put the bag in his sleeve.
Qiao Mai smiled, “You don’t need to be so cautious. I have plenty of these wheat seeds. When the time comes, you can choose a village with a good reputation for trial planting.”
“After the New Year, I will start preparing. They will begin planting in March.” “Alright, do as you see fit. I will only provide high-quality wheat seeds.”
After that? County Governor Zhu raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean we’re no longer involved?”
“That’s right. You were never involved in the first place!”
“Haha.”
The house was filled with laughter and joy. The next day, Mayor Qian left after sitting for a while with his wife.
County Governor Zhu stayed until it was nearly dark and left with a cart of delicious food he had collected from the Qiao family. Each time he came, he couldn’t bear to leave.
“Seriously, I don’t want to leave. Your house is too comfortable.”
“Then stay a few more days?”
“I can’t. There’s a lot of work at the office. I can’t stay away.”
Even Zihan didn’t want to leave after the New Year. He had planned to take the examination with Chuan’er at the end of March.
The few of them got along very well, and even nine-year-old Ling’er had made her first friends. This New Year, her friends came to visit her.
In her room, there was the sound of laughter and joy. Nanny Jin ignored them in the upper room, letting them frolic.
In the evening, Yuan Jiaqi hugged Qiao Mai in his arms.
“Wife, is today your New Year’s surprise for me?”
“Work hard and try to get promoted as soon as possible. Otherwise, how can we face your in-laws?”
“What’s the matter?”
“Think about it. How could a girl from the Duke of Zhenguo’s family agree to marry into our family?”
“You’re using this method to help me gain promotion?”
“If you can get promoted, that’s great. If you can’t, as long as their daughter is willing, our Qiao family dares to take her in.” Yuan Jiaqi took a deep breath. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good.”
Magistrate Wang and his family stayed at Qiao Mai’s house until the third day of the New Year. Yuan Jiaqi left on the fifth day. The Duke’s family arrived in the small town on the sixth day.
They moved into Miss Mu’s residence. On the same day, they sent a message to Qiao Mai, expressing their willingness to meet. It was a display of goodwill without any airs or pretenses.
Old Master and Mistress Wang were taken aback when they heard of it. They went to ask her, “What’s going on? Why have they all come?”
With a cold face, Qiao Mai replied, “This matter is not something you can meddle in. Leave it to me. Do what you usually do. Once the matter is resolved, I’ll talk to you about it.”
“Girl, be careful not to act recklessly.”
“Don’t worry. Even if the sky falls, I can handle it. Moreover, I can’t let this matter go wrong for my children.”
“Alright, then we won’t get involved.”
“Good.”
The Duke of Zhenguo watched his wife lying in discomfort on the heated brick bed, longing to cure her immediately. But he knew that he couldn’t rush it. This time, their family was in the wrong.
The Duchess, who had experienced ten days of arduous travel, had their spirits crushed.
His wife lay in bed with no strength, looking pitiful. She had been too much.
The Duke sat by the edge of the bed. “The letter has been delivered. Once we arrive there, you must apologize.”
“I… I won’t apologize to a village woman.”
“Then you will lie on this bed for the rest of your life.”
“You…”
“To this day, you still haven’t realized that her martial arts are so high she can easily retaliate against our entire family. For the sake of this family, our children, and yourself, it’s okay to bow your head, isn’t it?”
“She dares!”
“She has already dared. She killed more than ten of my secret guards and left you like this. Do you think she won’t?”
“I’ll listen to you, but I can’t agree to a marriage with her family.”
“Even if you agree, she might be unwilling.”
“That’s better. I’m not interested.”
The Duke regretted having pampered his wife too much all these years. He sighed.
The family was anxiously waiting for a response from Qiao Mai. One day passed, two days passed, and it wasn’t until the ninth day that the servants from the Qiao family finally delivered a message.
“My mistress says that you can visit us tomorrow.”
For several days, Qiao Mai deliberately delayed responding, wanting to make things difficult for the Duke’s family.
If it weren’t for the Duke of Zhenguo’s dedication to protecting the country and his kindness toward his wife, she would have had countless reasons to kill them.
Old Master and Mistress Wang heard that Qiao Mai had kept the Duke of
Zhenguo’s family waiting for several days, and they were feeling quite anxious.
They feared the situation might escalate, leading to a conflict between the two families.
Surprisingly, the Duke’s family remained patient and composed, not making any moves until the tenth day.
Qiao Mai met with them in the front hall. She was dressed in simple attire without any excessive decoration.
Seeing Qiao Mai for the first time, the Duke of Zhenguo finally realized where her confidence came from.
He could tell from her calm eyes that she regarded his family just like ordinary people, without special treatment due to their status or position.
What did this indicate? It showed that she had a strong sense of self-assurance..
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