From cute to empress

Chapter 263 Brocade Love

The sound of gongs and drums grew closer, and the sound of laughter grew clearer, pulling Zhen Youcai and me back from the quiet night into the bustle of reality. Hand in hand, we returned to the brightly lit village. In front of the farmhouses, long tables were laid out, piled high with fragrant chicken, duck, fish, meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The air was filled with the joy of a good harvest and the aroma of barbecue, making our mouths water.

"Your Majesty! General Zhen!" The villagers gathered around us enthusiastically, their dark faces filled with sincere smiles. Their rough hands tightly held mine and Zhen Youcai's hands, their excitement beyond words.

"Your Majesty, you and General Zhen must try our homemade rice wine. It's so sweet!"

"Your Majesty, this is a chicken we raised ourselves. The meat is delicious. Please eat more!"

The simple villagers warmly welcomed us and presented us with the finest food. Looking at their sincere smiles, I felt a surge of warmth in my heart. This wasn't just a simple banquet; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love from the people.

After the banquet began, a white-haired old man walked tremblingly onto the stage. He was the most respected farmer in the village, Mr. Tian, ​​and a staunch supporter and promoter of the new agricultural policy.

"Your Majesty, fellow villagers, I've lived most of my life, and I've never seen such a bountiful harvest as this year!" Old Farmer Tian was so moved that tears streamed down his face. "Back then, our ancestors relied on the weather for their livelihoods. Droughts and floods meant we couldn't harvest a single grain, and life was miserable. It was Your Majesty and General Zhen who brought us new technology, allowing us to learn scientific farming methods, and finally we have the good life we ​​have today!"

Mr. Tian's words resonated deeply with the villagers in the audience, who chimed in, sharing the changes brought about by the new agricultural policy and their hopes for a brighter future. I listened quietly, feeling deeply moved and filled with a sense of responsibility.

"Your Majesty, on behalf of the entire village, I offer a toast to you!" Old Farmer Tian raised his glass, tears glistening in his cloudy eyes. "You and General Zhen have worked day and night for us. We are so grateful!"

"Mr. Tian, ​​you're too kind. This is what we should do." I picked up the wine glass and drank it all. "I believe that as long as we work together, the future will be even better."

Old Farmer Tian nodded with satisfaction and was about to speak when he was interrupted by a voice...

"Your Majesty, I have something to say!" A clear voice came from the crowd. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw a handsome young man in a long green robe standing up. Next to him stood a smiling doctor of agronomy.

"You are..." I tried hard to recall, but I couldn't remember his identity.

"Your Majesty, this is the wealthy merchant A who provided me with improved seeds and technology," the agronomist explained with a smile. "Without his support, I wouldn't be able to promote the new agricultural policy so smoothly."

"So it's Merchant A," I said quickly, realizing what was going on. "I'll always remember your contributions to the country."

Rich Merchant A smiled modestly and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am only doing my humble part. Seeing the joy of the people's harvest today, I am deeply moved and even more determined to continue investing in agriculture! I plan to expand the industry, build more farms and processing plants, provide employment opportunities for more farmers, and enable them all to live a good life!"

As soon as the wealthy businessman finished speaking, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. I looked at his determined eyes and confident smile, my heart filled with admiration.

At this time, the doctor of agronomy also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in the process of promoting new agricultural policies, I have visited countless fields and encountered many difficulties and challenges. But every time I see the people's desire for new technologies and their anticipation for a good harvest, I am filled with motivation. I understand that agricultural innovation is not a one-person job; success requires the joint efforts of everyone."

He paused, then continued, "This bountiful harvest is inseparable from the wise decisions of the Emperor, the strong support of General Zhen, and the hard work of every farmer. More importantly, we all worked together to overcome various difficulties and ultimately achieved victory!"

The agronomist's words were sincere and simple, yet they deeply moved everyone present. I looked at him, my heart filled with gratitude. Indeed, without these dedicated individuals, their wisdom and hard work, the New Agricultural Strategy would not have achieved such tremendous success.

"My dear ministers, you are all the pillars of our country!" I stood up, raised my glass, and said loudly, "Let us work together to build a more prosperous country!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Everyone responded in unison and raised their glasses to drink together.

Just then, a man who looked like an official hurried over and whispered something in Magistrate B's ear. Magistrate B's face changed, and he abruptly stood up, looking at me with a complicated expression... Magistrate B took a deep breath, walked quickly to me, knelt down with a plop, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I was previously ignorant and obstructed the implementation of the new agricultural policy, which almost led to a serious mistake. Today, after witnessing the bountiful harvest with my own eyes and hearing the voices of the people, I have come to realize that it is your Majesty's wise decision that has led to today's prosperous situation!"

He raised his head, his eyes filled with guilt and gratitude, and said in a firm tone, "I hereby swear that I will do my utmost to increase support for agriculture, build water conservancy projects, improve infrastructure, create better production and living conditions for farmers, and make our country more prosperous!"

I hurried down the steps, helped Magistrate B to his feet, and said gently, "Admitting one's mistakes is the best way to improve. I'm very pleased that you recognize your mistakes. Stand up. From now on, we will work together to seek the welfare of the people."

County Magistrate B stood up, tears glistening in his eyes, and nodded heavily.

The crowd burst into warm applause again. People praised County Magistrate B's transformation and became more determined to follow me in building the country.

At this time, a peasant woman, dressed simply but with a delicate face, squeezed through the crowd and came up to me, holding a piece of gorgeous brocade in her hands. She said shyly, "Your Majesty, I am Peasant C. This is the brocade I wove myself. I wish Your Majesty and General Zhen..."

She paused, her cheeks flushed, and her voice lowered, "I wish the Emperor and General Zhen... a long-lasting love and happiness!"

I took the brocade, which felt cool and smooth to the touch. Upon closer inspection, I saw a pair of lifelike phoenixes embroidered on it, sparkling in the golden sunlight.

"This is too valuable, I can't accept it..." I said with emotion. Just as I was about to return the brocade to Peasant Woman C, I heard Zhen Youcai whisper in my ear: "Your Majesty, this is a token of our people's love. Please accept it."

His voice was low and gentle, with a subtle hint of fondness. I raised my head and met his deep gaze, a warm feeling welling up in my heart. I nodded and took the brocade.

When Farmer C saw that I accepted it, she immediately smiled happily. She bowed deeply, turned around and ran back to the crowd.

I gazed at her cheerful figure, a flood of emotion welling up in my heart. Just as I was about to say something, I felt a warm hand grasp mine... This hand, broad and warm, carried a familiar warmth and strength, silently conveying support and encouragement. I turned my head and met Zhen Youcai's smiling gaze, a surge of warmth welling up in my heart. Yes, none of this was achieved by me alone; it was the combined efforts of everyone involved that brought us to this bountiful harvest.

I took a deep breath, quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes, turned to face the cheering people, and said loudly: "Today's grand occasion is not the result of my own efforts, but the result of everyone's joint efforts! It is your hard work, your sweat and wisdom that have nurtured this fruitful land!"

My eyes swept across the simple and sincere faces, and my heart was filled with emotion and gratitude. "General Zhen and I, like everyone here, hope that our country will be prosperous and strong, and our people will live and work in peace and contentment. In the future, I will continue to work with you to develop water conservancy projects, promote improved varieties of crops, and make our country even more prosperous!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. People waved their farm tools and flowers, their faces beaming with happiness and joy. Looking at this bustling scene before me, my heart was filled with hope and strength.

"The emperor is wise! Long live the emperor!" Amid the deafening cheers, I seemed to see a better future beckoning us.

"Your Majesty," the doctor of agronomy, who had been standing silently in the crowd, suddenly stood up, his expression excited, "I have an idea..."