AWB Chapter 315 Rewards based on merit
Chapter 315 Rewards based on merit
The phrase "forgetting one's roots" makes people angry but dare not speak out.
However, those officials who came from humble backgrounds had thoughtful expressions on their faces. They all came from humble backgrounds or farming families, and had worked their way up step by step!
In fact, they were angry just now because they felt that Gu Jingzhi overturned the teachings of the sages.
However, after Gu Jingzhi's explanation, they fell into deep thought.
The Great Xia Kingdom had only been established for over twenty years, and the officialdom had not yet become corrupt. There were still many officials who could do their job, especially those who came from humble backgrounds.
They are different from aristocratic families.
All things are inferior except reading; this is the model of education in aristocratic families.
Although the education of poor families and farmers is also like this, they have seen a lot of hunger and cold, so they understand better what the people want.
Although they felt uncomfortable with Gu Jingzhi's scolding, they felt more ashamed.
Having been an official for too long, although I have never forgotten my original intention, it is inevitable that it will gradually deviate.
Seeing that the argument gradually died down, Gu Jingzhi did not fall into the trap. Emperor Xia did not want to see the court officials continue to quarrel, so he said: "Alright! The court is a place for officials to discuss state affairs, not a place for preaching. Stop it!"
As he spoke, he looked at Gu Jingzhi and said, "Mr. Gu, is your hybrid rice as you said? You must know that this matter concerns tens of millions of people in Daxia, and there is no room for error!"
After hearing this, all the ministers in the court were cheered up!
Here it comes! Let’s get to the point!
For a moment, everyone looked at Gu Jingzhi. Gu Jingzhi remained calm and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not hide anything about this matter. I once came across some wild rice seedlings and found that their rice ears were fuller than those grown by ordinary people, and the yield was much higher. That's why I have doubts in my heart!"
"I've spent over six months in the Hanlin Academy, reading a vast array of ancient texts. Suddenly, a strange thought struck me: why is it that even with the same rice, the yield can differ by more than double? Even the best farmland wouldn't produce this!"
"After arriving in Ningzhou, I met an old man who taught me a method. Although I had my doubts, I was unwilling to give up. So, using the terraced fields as an excuse, I begged Your Majesty to transfer Lord Chen and others to Ningzhou. That's how hybrid rice came to be!"
Gu Jingzhi had planned this set of rhetoric long ago. After all, his previous experience was too simple. If the credit was taken on himself, he would not be able to take it at all.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xia immediately asked curiously, "What's the name of the old man you mentioned, and where is he from?"
"I don't know!"
Gu Jingzhi shook his head and said, "I think he's a hermit. I only know his last name is Yuan, nothing else! But he's spent his entire life studying rice. Perhaps he felt it was too difficult to do it on his own, so he taught me!"
"You do have some luck!"
Emperor Xia sighed slightly and said, "I never thought there would be such a remarkable person in the world. If this person could serve in Great Xia, he would surely save countless lives!"
"Your Majesty, everything depends on fate. Mr. Yuan has devoted his entire life to the study of rice. Now that our Great Xia has also cultivated a new type of rice, it is a blessing from heaven. As the saying goes, when the water is full, it overflows, and when the moon is full, it wanes..."
"Yes!"
Emperor Xia sighed, "I am indeed greedy! Mr. Yuan has great virtues. If this new type of rice is introduced to the world, Mr. Yuan will be honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and worshipped by the world!"
"His Majesty!"
"Whether the hybrid rice is real or not is still unknown. Your Majesty has bestowed your grace now... If this new type of rice is not what Marquis Xiling said, then..."
When Song Pu heard the words "enjoy the sacrifice in the Taimiao", he could no longer sit still.
This is the ultimate honor for a minister. Even Song Pu is not qualified for it, let alone an unknown person?
Besides, hybrid rice hasn't been proven yet! God knows if Gu Jingzhi is just making up an excuse to fool people?
When Gu Jingzhi heard Song Pu say this, he was not polite and said, "Prime Minister Song, since I dare to present these rice seeds to Your Majesty, I must have a plan!"
"Besides, if Prime Minister Song suspects me, there's no need to rush. I've brought back 400 kilograms of rice seeds. I'll plant them on the farm outside the city next year. We'll know whether they're true or not when the time comes!"
"Besides, even if it's false, I will bear the full responsibility for deceiving the emperor! I understand your doubts, as you haven't seen the grandeur of hybrid rice, but there's no need to be so quick to criticize your colleagues!"
"Whether it's true or not, we'll know the answer next year. Whether it's a merit or a fault, we'll also have a conclusion next year. It's just..."
Gu Jingzhi turned around and bowed to Emperor Xia, saying, "Your Majesty, Ningzhou is not a prosperous place, but you and your Excellencies have stayed in Ningzhou for two years for the sake of hybrid rice, just to give the people of Daxia more hope!"
"The court has never seen hybrid rice. I do not ask them to believe it, but I also do not need to doubt the patriotic hearts of loyal people who serve their country and their people without seeking fame!"
As he spoke, he recounted in detail what happened after ** and others arrived in Ningzhou, each thing logically and clearly stated.
All the officials looked ashamed when they heard this!
Emperor Xia also felt a sense of regret. He looked at Song Pu and said, "Song Qing, as Gu Qing said, nothing has been determined yet. It's unreasonable for you to be so eager to refute it!"
"** and others have worked tirelessly, traversing the countryside year-round, devoting themselves wholeheartedly to our Great Xia! All of you will be promoted one rank. If the hybrid rice yield next year is as expected, I promise that your names will be recorded in history and immortalized forever!"
"Wow..."
When the civil and military officials in the court heard this, they were immediately in an uproar.
As for promotions or rewards, they are not envious.
But this name will go down in history...
The ultimate aspiration of an official!
Upon hearing this, the inconspicuous ** immediately stood up and said excitedly: "Your Majesty, **, on behalf of all my colleagues, thank you for your grace!"
"Mm! Mr. Chen, you've worked hard these past few years. You've traveled extensively across the fields for Daxia, and your contributions are immense. Although I can't reward you right now for your contribution to hybrid rice, as for the rest, you can tell me what reward you would like!"
"..."
Gu Jingzhi curled his lips.
Being an emperor is so boring. He wants to reward his subjects and even asks them what rewards they want. Do they dare to ask for it?
as predicted!
** said honestly, "Your Majesty, I do not want any reward. I only wish to continue to stay in the Ministry of Works. In the past two years, my colleagues and I have not only cultivated hybrid rice, but Marquis Gu has also taught us a lot of knowledge about water conservancy. I want to continue to use my strengths in the Ministry of Works and do more practical things for Your Majesty, the court, and the people of the world!"
Gotta get it!
It's a familiar smell again.
This kind of dialogue between the emperor and his ministers is almost becoming formulaic.
Emperor Xia, looking genuinely pleased, said, "Mr. Chen is indeed a pillar of our dynasty. However, you have rendered great service to the country, and I cannot fail to reward you. How about this... The position of Vice Minister of Works is still vacant, so you will be appointed to the position!"
As soon as Emperor Xia announced the news, everyone was shocked!