Another Imperial Sword

"Talking about increasing my treasury, how could you spout such nonsense."

"You took greenhouse melons from your Taoyuan County to deceive my officials, thinking I wouldn't know? Others might not have seen them, but I saw them on my first visit to Taoyuan County. I'm... not mistaken, am I?" Emperor Jing appeared somewhat mysterious.

Earlier, Emperor Jing had been pondering that there shouldn't be any yang-strengthening melons.

Fang Zheng regularly sent things to the palace. If he had such good items, he would have sent them long ago!

These must be melons from Taoyuan County's greenhouses!

So he was angry about the Ministry of Revenue's account check and taking it out on his son! Fortunately, it's not related to me...

Fang Zheng took a deep breath. "Your Majesty's insight is truly impressive, leaving this subject genuinely admiring! Indeed, they are greenhouse melons."

Emperor Jing pursued the question. "Why weren't these brought out earlier? Can these greenhouses grow cold-season melons in winter? Can they grow other things besides melons?"

"They should... be able to grow most things, though the quality might not be as good."

"If greenhouses were promoted, couldn't we farm even in winter?"

Sweet potatoes were good, but as a staple food they were somewhat lacking. As emperor, he naturally placed extra emphasis on grain.

Fang Zheng replied. "That won't work! Your Majesty, greenhouse technology was immature in earlier years. Even now, the cost is very high. Growing grain isn't economical, but growing vegetables to supply wealthy households in the capital during winter wouldn't be a problem."

Although glass was ordinary in the future world, producing high-quality glass for greenhouses was still very costly.

Taoyuan County had spent a lot of money and manpower to build greenhouses for growing vegetables.

Emperor Jing looked at the silver on the table, narrowing his eyes. "Being able to grow vegetables is excellent. How about I allocate you a piece of land in the eastern suburbs to build greenhouses for growing fruits and vegetables? How much silver do you need?"

Seeing Emperor Jing's subtle gesture, Fang Zheng suddenly understood.

I thought His Majesty had changed! He's still after money! Wants to enrich his private coffers!

"I'll handle this matter! Your Majesty has already provided land. How could I ask for silver?"

"However... besides using greenhouses to grow vegetables, could I use the land for other purposes?"

The eastern suburbs weren't far from the capital, with average conditions, including some mountainous terrain.

But if roads were built connecting to the capital, the location would be excellent.

The area was large enough to build a few factories and even high-end farm-stays, which wouldn't be bad.

Unexpectedly, not only did he avoid a scolding today, but there was an unexpected bonus!

"Hmm, of course. Being able to provide the capital's residents with fruits and vegetables even in winter is a great achievement."

"Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty's foresight is remarkable. You truly care deeply for the people!"

Emperor Jing raised an eyebrow. "Stop being sarcastic with me!"

"Let's talk about serious matters. The Ministry of Revenue's reexamination of accounts found no problems, but how could there be no issues in the local areas?"

"Liu Xun's backers are so well-hidden, it's become a thorn in my heart. Until this thorn is removed, I won't rest easy!"

"I asked you to investigate. Have you started?"

Fang Zheng nodded. "I've already sent people. They should have reached Jianjiang by now."

"However... this matter may take time to produce results."

Emperor Jing closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "I know all too well. This matter is indeed difficult, but I believe in your abilities."

"Actually, there's another hidden concern. Though there's no evidence, I worry it might be connected to Qian Dynasty salt merchants."

Fang Zheng asked in confusion. "Your Majesty, salt administration is such a major matter. Haven't the Qian Dynasty salt merchants been removed?"

Salt merchants were so important that clearing out old forces would be standard procedure.

Emperor Jing shook his head. "When the two countries were at war, I led my personal troops deep into Qian territory. Though the enemy retreated continuously, our forces were also nearly exhausted."

"Fortunately, the salt merchants defected, providing large sums of silver for military supplies, which helped me achieve a great victory."

"So I've always treated those salt merchants generously, even issuing them some salt monopoly rights north of Jianjiang."

"Additionally, the salt merchants' influence in local areas is complex and entangled. No one could replace them in a short time."

"At that time, the former Qian territory still needed to pacify the people's hearts. Upheaval wasn't advisable, so we couldn't take action!"

Emperor Jing fell silent for a moment, then continued. "Those salt merchants only care about profit. They could betray their country, so they could naturally betray me as well."

"Over the years, I've also heard many rumors about salt merchants in southern local areas. They reportedly act recklessly and lawlessly. This is a good opportunity to rectify the situation."

"Are your people able to act freely? Do you need more assistance from me?"

Fang Zheng shook his head. "I've already given them my seal. There shouldn't be any obstacles."

Emperor Jing laughed. "You certainly trust your subordinates! Who did you send to handle this?"

"Xie Xian. Your Majesty met him in Jianjiang before."

"Hmm... I remember him. The man has an exceptional memory and is a capable talent. But he's still just a commoner. What if he lacks the resolve to solve the problem?"

Fang Zheng frowned. "If we encounter real tough cases, then I'll have to go personally."

Such a trip would take at least half a year. If unnecessary, he really didn't want to travel so far.

"Speaking of going out, there's something I'd like to request from Your Majesty. The imperial sword you gave me before broke. You said you'd grant me another one... what do you think?" Fang Zheng's expression became sheepish.

Emperor Jing suddenly paused, then smiled. "I didn't expect you to still remember. Servant, bring me the sword."

The guard Emperor Jing pointed to immediately came forward, unfastened his sword, and placed it on the imperial desk.

"Take this sword and use it."

"Ah... this..."

Fang Zheng was stunned. This is a common sword used in the palace. You're giving me this as an imperial sword?

How am I supposed to brag when I go out?

If colleagues see this, they'll think I've become a palace security guard!

Seeing his expression, Emperor Jing smiled coldly. "What? You think the sword I gave isn't good enough?"

"You and the Crown Prince cause trouble in the palace and still want a good sword?"

"Don't be picky. Any sword I give you is an imperial sword. Giving you something good would be wasted. Use this one!"

Fang Zheng nodded helplessly.

Who would have thought it could be this casual? I'll make do with it!

As long as the emperor backs it up, it's fine.

"If Your Majesty has no other matters, this subject will take his leave. I'll go see how the Crown Prince is doing."

Emperor Jing showed disdain. "Birds of a feather. Get out of my sight!"

Fang Zheng chuckled, nodded, and turned to leave.

As he turned, he picked up the cane from the ground and hurried out of the great hall...