Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 149 - 147 - Greater Rewards, Greater Responsibilities

Chapter 149: Chapter 147 - Greater Rewards, Greater Responsibilities

In the evening, Aunt Rong went over the rules on how Shen Chengyao and Xiao’er were to conduct themselves during their audience with the emperor the following day. It was all fairly uncomplicated, as this being their first such audience, their primary purpose was to convey their gratitude to the Emperor for his gifts. Therefore, they were obligated to show the greatest respect and decorum.

Shen Chengyao was to bow from the waist while Xiao’er was to perform "Nine Prostrations" (kneeling and bowing three times).

"When bowing from the waist, one must kneel, left hand over right hand grounding oneself on the floor, then slowly bow until the head touches the ground, lingering there for quite some time. In this position, the hands should be near the knees, and the head behind the hands. This is the most important part of the ’Nine Prostrations’," Aunt Rong demonstrated and explained to Shen Chengyao. After letting him practice following her instructions and correcting any mistakes, she then began instructing Xiao’er.

"When a young lady is bowing, start by putting down the horse hoof sleeves, then kneel down, remember, the right leg first, then the left. Keep your body straight, extend your right hand out flat and lift it to the temple, palm forward, touch the ground with your head, put your hands on either side, then stand up straight, move your hands back to eyebrow level, touch the ground with your head again, then place your hands back on either side, stand straight again. This is the three bows of each kneel, repeated three times!" Aunt Rong said while demonstrating.

These movements are not difficult, but taking them to a level of perfection and elegance which does not seem rigid takes practice.

Xiao’er learns quickly, being young and flexible helps. She managed to perform the movements fluidly and elegantly in no time. It was tougher for Shen Chengyao, as mastering them would likely leave him burdened with muscle aches!

"Normally, when greet other members of the imperial harem, all you need to do is nod. When you meet the emperor, the empress dowager, or the empress, you will need to kneel. It’s not necessary to perform the bowing ceremony all the time," said Aunt Rong, teaching them other necessary courtesies.

Xiao’er silently criticized this backward ancient tradition. She was fortunate she did not live in the Imperial Palace. Otherwise, all these formalities would kill her from sheer physical exhaustion!

――

The next day, just before dawn, Xiao Fuzi came to invite both of them into the palace.

This trip to the palace, Xiao’er brought only Aunt Rong.

The Emperor had scheduled to see them after his morning court session, so they had to arrive early to await the decree.

Upon reaching the palace gate, Xiao’er looked up at the world’s grandest structure: beneath blue skies and white clouds, the golden glazed tiles of multi-eave roofs were accentuated by green cutwork and centered by the round flame pearl roofing—where dragons and phoenixes frolicked—lending an unusual sense of grandeur and glory.

Before the gate, red walls were capped with yellow tiles, its huge vermilion door had dipped-lacquer and willow nails, while purple pillars and golden beams were decorated with dragon and phoenix carvings. Life-like white jade stone lions were seated on either side, an awe-inspiring sight adorned to the utmost opulence.

As Xiao Fuzi himself worked in the palace, no one else was needed to lead them in.

He carried a token and led the group into the palace. Shen Chengyao and Xiao’er focused their eyes straight ahead, not daring to observe anything more than necessary.

Xiao Fuzi led them to a hall and asked them to wait: "Marquis and Miss, please wait here, the Emperor has not completed court assembly yet.".

Both of them nodded, Xiao’er was somewhat excited inside. She never imagined her past life would have the opportunity of meeting an ancient Emperor. Despite this, she didn’t feel nervous.

Shen Chengyao on the other hand was rather nervous. After all, they were about to meet the most powerful man in the realm, whose single word could determine the future of his family—flourish or perish.

"Do as the Emperor says, behave with discretion and there won’t be any mistakes. I cannot enter with you, I will have to wait here for both of you." Aunt Rong reminded them.

Both of them nodded.

"My master, the Sixth Prince is also inside, don’t worry." Xiao Fuzi added.

He was concerned that they’re still unaware of his master’s position.

They waited and waited, until the sun had reddened Xiao’er’s face, before the summons finally came.

"Announcing the arrival of Marquis Shengping and Miss Rui’an!"

...

"In the Zihuan Hall, a soft yet piercing voice echoed.

The reverberation was clear and loud, lingering around the beams three times.

The two unthinkingly straightened their backs, and ascended up the steps.

Upon entering the hall, they found both the Emperor and the Empress seated on the dragon throne. From a distance, Xiao’er glanced at the couple on the throne and detected that they were a handsome middle-aged man and a beautiful woman. She thought to herself: It’s no wonder that Shangguan Xuanyi is so outrageously handsome; their genes are powerful!

The two entered the hall and saw Shangguan Xuanyi sitting in the inferior position. They respectfully followed Aunt Rong’s teachings, paid their respects to the three of them.

The Emperor did not put on airs, and promptly beckoned them to rise.

"Offer them a seat!"

This surprised Xiao’er! The Emperor seemed too generous to their family!

Upon hearing this, they both quickly thanked the Emperor again.

Xiao’er dared only sit half of her butt on the chair. From the moment she entered the room, every movement, gesture, expression, and courtesy were just right, neither too little nor too much, but elegant and natural. She even made people forget that she was still a little girl.

The Empress secretly nodded in approval, her eyes filled with admiration.

"What exactly does Marquis Shengping mean by Heterosis?"

Xiao’er didn’t expect that the first question the Emperor would ask was about this issue, but Shen Chengyao had already discussed this with her.

"In response to the Emperor, my daughter received inspiration from observing mules. Mules are the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey. They are strong, disease-resistant, robust, and have sturdy limbs. Furthermore, they have sustained stamina, making them particularly well suited for pulling carts, milling mills, and cultivating fields. Interestingly, one mule can typically work for twenty to thirty years. She conjectured that if animals could benefit from crossbreeding in this way, perhaps crops could too. I thought it made sense and decided to try it. Unexpectedly, it was successful. However, just as mules are sterile, the hybrid rice may also be sterile or unable to maintain high yields. Therefore, I believe it is more secure to crossbreed each year."

This was the simplest way Xiao’er could think of to explain what Heterosis means to them. Otherwise, if she just mentioned Heterosis, they would be even more confused, and she would not be able to explain all the professional terms.

"Can the rice harvested from the hundred acres of fertile land this year be used as seeds?" The Emperor asked, nodding. He was a cautious man, not one who was eager for large-scale success. But more than anything, he wanted to know if the several thousand pounds of rice could be used as seeds for propagation. If so, the national treasury granary would be full next year!

Shen Chengyao nodded, "Your Majesty, I can’t guarantee that the productivity will be as high as it is for us now, but it certainly won’t be as low as it was before."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded, "I grant you a thousand acres of fertile land. Next year, Do you think you, Marquis Shengping, can cultivate seeds of rice for our court?"

Xiao’er was unimpressed in her heart, could they say no? She predicted this outcome long ago!

"Your humble servant will certainly do his best!" Shen Chengyao stood up and fist-salute to accept the decree. Xiao’er suggested that if the emperor made such a request, they should readily agree.

"Good, if this is achieved, I will certainly reward you heavily!" The Emperor on the dragon throne joyfully laughed.

Xiao’er inwardly bitter-smiled. The bigger the reward, the heavier the responsibility, isn’t it? If they didn’t have the space, Xiao’er wouldn’t have dared to encourage Shen Chengyao to agree to this task. It’s true that hybrid rice can yield high output, but that’s hardly an easy feat to accomplish! But she had a special space, and the super rice in that space was their solid backing! This opportunity allowed them to bring out the rice from her space as seeds for this world’s rice, which couldn’t guarantee that everyone would’ve enough food, but at least they could eat a little more! Consider it as accumulating merit for her loved ones in her past life.

Although she didn’t believe in superstition, the words of Master Yunfa - "amassing ten thousand blessings for the continued prosperity and wealth of future generations" - really moved her! Moreover, this was a simple task that could kill two birds with one stone. So, why not do it?

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