From cute to empress

Chapter 133 Rice Fragrance 4

"Come, let's take a look at the blueprints first..." Zhen Youcai said, calling over Li the craftsman and Wang the migrant worker. They mused over the blueprints for a long time, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes gesturing in heated arguments, completely oblivious to my presence. Seeing their focused expressions, a warm feeling welled up in my heart.

A month later, thanks to the combined efforts of engineers and migrant workers, the irrigation system was finally repaired and completed! Looking at the crisscrossing network of canals, transporting clear river water to the fields like blood vessels, I felt a surge of accomplishment.

"Your Majesty, look!" Zhen Youcai said excitedly, pointing to a lush green rice paddy in the distance. "This irrigation system is truly amazing! Look at those once dry lands; now they're moistened and full of life!"

I followed his gaze and saw golden sunlight shimmering on the shimmering water, reflecting a dazzling light. On the ridges of the fields, farmers were busy harvesting the ripe rice, their faces filled with the joy of a good harvest. Children chased and played in the fields, their laughter echoing across the landscape.

"Yes," I took a deep breath, feeling the aroma of rice in the air, "this is really great!"

"Your Majesty, please try this!" An old farmer handed me a bowl of fresh rice with a smile on his face. "This is this year's new rice, it's so fragrant!"

I took the bowl and looked at the crystal-clear rice, feeling deeply moved. I picked up my chopsticks, scooped up a ball of rice, and savored it carefully. The rice was sweet, soft, and glutinous, with the aroma of sunshine—the taste of harvest, and even more so, the taste of happiness.

"Delicious, really delicious!" I couldn't help but exclaim.

"As long as Your Majesty likes it, as long as you like it!" The old farmer looked at me with a smile on his face like a blooming chrysanthemum.

Zhen Youcai and I walked on the ridge of the field, looking at the scene of bountiful harvest, and our hearts were filled with joy.

"Your Majesty," Zhen Youcai suddenly stopped and turned to look at me, his eyes gleaming, "Look, who's on the ridge of the field..."

I followed his gaze and saw...

Following his gaze, I saw Craftsman Li and Migrant Worker Wang walking side by side on the edge of a field. They were still wearing their coarse work clothes, but their faces were filled with proud smiles. Children gathered around them, chattering away, and they listened patiently, occasionally reaching out to touch the children's heads.

"They are really great!" I exclaimed. The smooth completion of this irrigation system is inseparable from their wisdom and sweat.

"Yes," Zhen Youcai nodded. "They are not only highly skilled, but also dedicated. To ensure the progress of the project, they often work through the night. They are well-deserved heroes!"

Looking at those two simple figures, a warm feeling welled up in my heart. I decided to give them the recognition they deserve and make them heroes in the hearts of the people!

"Pass the order," I ordered the guards around me, "Summon craftsman Li and laborer Wang to see you!"

Soon, Craftsman Li and Migrant Worker Wang were brought before me. They were obviously a little flattered, and knelt on the ground uncomfortably, not daring to look up at me.

"Craftsman Li, Laborer Wang," I said gently, "thank you for your hard work! Your contributions to the success of this irrigation system cannot be ignored. I have decided to confer the title of 'Water Control Meritorious Officials' and reward you with 100 taels of gold as an encouragement!"

Craftsman Li and migrant worker Wang were stunned for a moment. They raised their heads, their eyes filled with disbelief.

"Your Majesty..." Craftsman Li was so excited that he couldn't speak coherently. "I am just a humble person, I am just doing my duty..."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wang the migrant worker also said, "We only did some insignificant things..."

"The people have witnessed your achievements," I interrupted them. "You are role models for everyone and true heroes!"

Seeing their excited expressions filled me with joy. I knew their stories would be widely shared, inspiring more people to contribute to their country and its people.

At that moment, there was a sudden commotion in the crowd. I turned and saw Landlord Zhao, flanked by several servants, approaching tremblingly. He was wearing luxurious silk clothes, but his expression couldn't conceal the uneasiness he wore.

"I am Zhao Fugui, a commoner, and I pay my respects to Your Majesty!" Landlord Zhao walked up to me, knelt on the ground with a plop, and knocked his head heavily on the ground, with a hint of trembling in his voice.

"Landlord Zhao, what are you doing..." I asked knowingly.

"Your Majesty," Landlord Zhao raised his head, his face filled with guilt and gratitude. "I was previously ignorant and obstructed the construction of the irrigation system. I deserve death! Thanks to Your Majesty's magnanimity, you have pardoned my sins and allowed me to participate in the construction... I have seen Your Majesty's kindness and greatness, and I have also seen the suffering and hope of the people..."

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. "I have decided to turn over a new leaf from now on, do my best to serve the people, and make up for my past mistakes!"

I listened quietly, without saying a word. I knew that Mr. Zhao's transformation came from the heart, inspired by the benefits brought by the irrigation system.

"Get up, Landlord Zhao," I said calmly. "Admitting one's mistakes is the best way to improve. I hope you can keep your promise and do more good for the people."

"Yes, Your Majesty! I will definitely keep your teachings in mind!" Landlord Zhao kowtowed excitedly, then stood up, his eyes full of hope.

As the sun sets, its golden afterglow casts a light on the fields, adding a sense of peace and tranquility to the harvest scene. Zhen Youcai and I walk side by side along the ridge of the field, followed by a group of laughing children.

Suddenly, a melodious sound of stringed instruments came from afar...

"Your Majesty, look..." Zhen Youcai pointed to a pavilion not far ahead, a smile in his eyes, "It seems that someone has prepared a celebration banquet for us tonight..."

Golden sunlight streamed through the pavilion's eaves, illuminating the mahogany tables and chairs within with a festive air. The tables were laden with sumptuous dishes, their aromas filling the air and making our mouths water. Magistrate Sun and Mr. Zhou were waiting, beaming with smiles. As we approached, they immediately greeted us warmly.

"Your Majesty, General Zhen, please take a seat!" County Magistrate Sun respectfully led us to the main seat and sat down.

"Today's banquet is to celebrate the successful completion of the irrigation system and to thank Your Majesty and General Zhen for the benefits they have brought to our area!" Mr. Zhou raised his glass, his face filled with gratitude. "Back then, droughts plagued our area year-round. The people toiled year-round, often with nothing to show for it, leaving them with miserable lives. Now, with this irrigation system, the people no longer have to worry about drought or flooding, and this year we even had a bumper harvest. This is all thanks to Your Majesty!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," County Magistrate Sun echoed. "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have cared deeply about the people and worked diligently to govern the area. Our region has truly undergone a complete transformation! The people are filled with gratitude and say you are a wise ruler rarely seen in a thousand years!"

Listening to their praise, I knew full well that this wasn't just my accomplishment, but the result of everyone's hard work. I raised my glass and said sincerely, "Lord Sun, Mr. Zhou, I'm deeply humbled by your praise. The success of this irrigation system is inseparable from your strong support, and even more so from the hard work of craftsman Li, migrant worker Wang, and all the people who participated in its construction. I've only done my humble part."

"Your Majesty is too modest!" County Magistrate Sun and Mr. Zhou said hurriedly.

I took a sip of my wine and continued, "However, this irrigation system is currently only being piloted in a few of our villages. I hope to promote this technology to more places so that more people can benefit. What are your thoughts?"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Magistrate Sun and Mr. Zhou said in unison, "We will fully cooperate and promote this technology as soon as possible!"

I nodded in satisfaction and chatted happily with them. During the meal, Zhen Youcai served me the dishes silently, occasionally exchanging a smile with me, and everything was said without words.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhen Youcai suddenly stood up, walked over to me with a glass of wine in hand, and looked at me affectionately...

His deep eyes, reflecting the flickering candlelight, seemed to have a thousand words to say. I looked at him in confusion, my heartbeat quickening. The surroundings suddenly fell silent, everyone's gaze fixed on us, and I felt my face grow slightly hot.

"Mengmeng," he called my name, his voice low and gentle, "I don't know how to express my feelings, but I can no longer suppress my admiration for you." His eyes were burning and sincere, "From the first time I saw you, you were like the warm spring sun, illuminating my entire world. I admire your wisdom and courage, and I am even more deeply attracted by your kindness and sincerity. Will you..."

Before he could finish his words, a burst of jeers erupted from the surroundings. County Magistrate Sun laughed and jokingly said, "General Zhen is proposing marriage! Your Majesty, please agree!"

Mr. Zhou also echoed: "Yes, yes, a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven!"

I blushed and stole a glance at Zhen Youcai, only to see him staring at me intently, his eyes filled with anticipation. My heart felt as if it had been gently touched, and a warm current spread throughout my body.

"I..." I opened my mouth, but didn't know how to answer.

"Your Majesty," he suddenly knelt on one knee and pulled out an exquisite jade pendant from his bosom. "This jade pendant was left to me by my mother. I have always treasured it. Now, I want to give it to you to express my sincere love for you. Are you willing to accept it?"

I looked at the jade pendant in front of me, then at his sincere eyes, and my heart was filled with mixed emotions. I understood what his actions today meant, and I also understood my feelings for him.

"I do." I nodded gently and reached out to take the jade pendant.

An ecstatic smile suddenly appeared on his face, and he stood up and hugged me. Thunderous applause and cheers suddenly broke out around us, and I felt extremely happy and satisfied.

"Your Majesty, look!" Craftsman Li said excitedly, pointing to the golden rice fields in the distance. "This year's harvest is several times greater than in previous years! It's all thanks to you!"

I followed his finger and saw a golden ocean shimmering in the sunlight. A gentle breeze blew, and the fragrance of rice wafted through my heart, refreshing my soul. A warm feeling welled up in my heart. Yes, this is what matters most. A peaceful and prosperous life for the people, a prosperous nation—this is the responsibility and pursuit of an emperor… However, at this moment, my gaze was drawn to a group of children playing not far away. Their eyes were filled with longing for the future, yet tinged with a hint of confusion…