Chapter 212

"Yes, Father. Let me proceed with the important matter. Since the Governor of Red Earth City has arrived here personally, after successfully concocting a cure for the people of Red Earth City, they did not stop there."

"The two have further contributed significantly to our Bai Region. I can only describe it briefly as I have not witnessed it myself. However, the good news alone is enough to bring relief to the citizens."

"The good news is that the Ming Fa flowers can now be cultivated in Red Earth City. Moreover, the marvelous cultivation method allows the Ming Fa flowers to grow rapidly within a month, producing enough to treat the entire Bai Region. Currently, even the tribes around Red Earth City, with whom we have long sought to build relationships, are waiting in Red Earth City to discuss cooperation."

As the Second Prince finished speaking, many people immediately started buzzing with excitement. They were shocked to hear that the Ming Fa flowers could be cultivated in Red Earth City, a desolate city where even grass struggled to grow. Only Red Mo and a few hardy trees managed to survive. No vegetables could grow there. Otherwise, how could they have frequent news of people dying of hunger and having to seek help from the capital?

But now they could cultivate the Ming Fa flower, an essential herb? Was this true? Even if they were reborn three times, they would never have believed that Red Earth City could achieve such a feat.

"Your Highness, are you referring to Red Earth City, where not even a single vegetable can grow?" This was a question from one of the nobles. The other party was neutral, thus daring to ask such a question.

If the answer was true, it would greatly benefit the Bai Region, wouldn’t it? Seeing the potential benefit for the Region, he looked at the Governor of Red Earth City with renewed amazement.

"I don’t know many details, but I believe this can be easily verified. If we send people to Red Earth City, within a month, we will receive a large quantity of Ming Fa flowers, as they have already begun cultivating them there."

The Second Prince responded to the other party with respect, as this was someone whose help he needed the most in his work. This person was intelligent and honest, though he chose not to involve himself in the struggle for the throne, focusing only on tasks that would benefit the people.

"In this matter, the Governor of Red Earth City and his fiuren would know more than I do, as it was the Governor’s furen who devised this method. With the assistance of the troops provided by my uncle last time, Red Earth City has seen many people requesting to move their registrations there. It seems unlikely to be a falsehood. In the future... Red Earth City itself will also change for the better."

The Second Prince spoke positively about Red Earth City and gave credit to the couple who had nearly been opposed moments ago.

"Then let the Governor explain," the Emperor said. He did not seem surprised, so everyone understood that he likely knew about this beforehand.

The nobles of the Crown Prince’s faction looked grim. Their plan had actually failed from the start. Thankfully, the minister was shrewd and observant, preventing them and the Crown Prince from uttering further nonsense. Otherwise, the ones facing downfall wouldn’t be the Governor of Red Earth City and the Second Prince, but them instead.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Our Red Earth City now has an Agricultural Research Institute established by my wife. This institute is responsible for conducting all cultivation experiments. Currently, its work involves the cultivation of Ming Fa flowers. After Red Earth City succeeded in growing many vegetables and fruits."

Mu Heng explained about the research institute in their Region. He also mentioned that Red Earth City could now cultivate crops independently, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone in the future if Red Earth City no longer requested aid from them.

Mu Heng then briefly described other details about the city, presenting maps drawn by Yueqian for clarity. The maps included the previous layout, the current map showing cultivated areas and partially completed roads, as well as fencing to prevent easy access by various tribes. There was another map that neither the Emperor, the Wang, nor the Second Prince had seen before, which intrigued them greatly.

It was a map of a fully envisioned city, suggesting that Red Earth City would become distinctly different but more organized. They had even planned for a central market to facilitate trade between Bai Region merchants and those from various tribes.

Red Earth City, as envisioned, would truly become a central city. If this idea had been revealed initially, it might have been laughed at, but not anymore. After successfully concocting the medicine and having the precious herbs needed in this situation, this advantage would undoubtedly help Red Earth City establish itself as a central hub.

The Emperor had always been interested in the surrounding tribes. Hearing this plan, how could he not be pleased?

Even the Wang, who had previously heard of Mu Heng’s goal to harness the tribes’ strength, did not expect that within a few months, the other party could actually do it.

This truly exemplifies turning a crisis into an opportunity. In the current situation, it would be much more difficult to build relationships with the tribes. But given the urgent and challenging circumstances, they managed to use the situation to their advantage.

The Emperor was greatly pleased, bestowing rewards and promising positions for Mu Heng and his wife. He also announced that capable officials would collaborate with them, meaning the couple would stay in the capital for a while longer.

As for the Ming Fa flowers, soldiers were ordered to travel quickly to bring them to the capital. The Emperor declared that after this contribution from Red Earth City, they would be exempt from taxes in the future and have their taxes reduced for the next two years. This was great news for them, as Yueqian planned to further develop Red Earth City, and the Emperor might even regret it later.

Collaboration with the tribes was crucial. The Bai Region’s military strength was relatively small. To be honest, it was much less than the other Regions. However, after this event, they would gain strong alliances.

Their cavalry would no longer be weak as long as they received support from the tribes’ strong horses. Additionally, regarding herbs and plague medicines, he believed that the Hu Region would seek cooperation, and even the Du Region would have no choice but to contact them!

Soon, the Emperor’s morning court session concluded, and Yueqian and everyone else could leave the throne room. Naturally, the Second Prince and the Wang were already waiting for them.

After today’s events, with a more systematic approach to their work, there was still much to be done. However, there would also be more people to help, as this was the King’s order. Everyone wanted to be involved, making the workload heavier but less chaotic and dangerous than before.

"Governor Mu, today I invite you and your wife to join me for dinner once again. We need to drink together another round," the Wang said happily.

His voice was bright, as if all his worries had been swept away. Moreover, he had seen their plans for the future of Red Earth City. How could he not be pleased?

Red Earth City had always been a problematic city. The residents were unhappy living there. As a member of the royal family, he wanted to help and solve these issues, but no matter who was sent, the problems couldn’t be resolved, and the situation ultimately worsened.

This was why his people sent news when Mu Heng met and helped him in the Du Region. The interest in Red Earth City was high.

 This small city was located at the borders of several tribes. It was a prime location if they could garner interest, but it had been completely useless. Not only did it fail to attract the tribes, but it also faced constant issues, the most significant of which was the ongoing plague.

The origin of the plagues was unclear, and the issue couldn’t be easily resolved. If it weren’t for Mu Heng understanding the situation and volunteering to help Red Earth City, he would have been at a loss, potentially having to reconsider Red Earth City’s status as a territory of Bai Region.

It wasn’t something they wanted, but it seemed increasingly likely from their previous discussions that Red Earth City was beyond saving.

Seeing the lingering problems resolved, it was no wonder the Wang was in a good mood. However, the Second Prince, who was nearby, wasn’t thrilled about letting them drink together alone. The young man quickly offered an alternative.

"Uncle, since today is my consort’s birthday, and you have agreed to preside over the ceremony, why don’t we have you, Governor Mu, and his furen join us for drinks at my manor?" The Second Prince suggested.

How could he let the two of them drink together alone? He needed to attend his consort’s birthday party. If he didn’t go, his father-in-law would probably kill him. However, he also wanted to converse with talented individuals like his uncle and Governor Mu. Therefore, it would be best to gather everyone at his manor.

"That’s a good idea. I did say I would attend," the elder paused upon hearing this. It seemed that he had just realized that he had indeed promised his nephew. If he didn’t go, it would mean breaking his word.

As a royal and the master to the future king, he had to think carefully before acting. Once he had spoken, it couldn’t be treated lightly. So instead of having a casual drink, he needed to attend this event.

However, this wasn’t entirely bad. The party was a joyous occasion with performances, dancing, and various entertainments for them to enjoy. He could use this opportunity to teach the younger generation about exemplary women like Furen Mu.

In the future, people’s perceptions needed to change. Women were not just capable of pleasing their husbands; they also played significant roles in helping the country. This had been proven by Furen Mu, who was likely to be elevated to the second or even the first rank of noblewomen soon, depending on the impact of the Ming Fa flower cultivation on the Hu Region. The effects were sure to be substantial.

In such a critical situation, it was good for the Bai Region to demonstrate its capabilities and show the Hu Region that, despite its dry lands and less prominent military, its people’s knowledge and skills were outstanding. They could even cultivate rare herbs successfully.

With this in mind, the uncle and nephew agreed. They paid no attention to the weary expression of the lone woman surrounded by them.

Yueqian was well-versed in attending parties, but her previous experiences had never been peaceful. They were always chaotic, full of competition and conflict. She often ended up ruining each party she attended. She hoped that this Bai Region event would be different and wouldn’t provoke her to the point of wanting to destroy it...