From cute to empress

Chapter 247: The Clouds and Waves

I took a deep breath and tried to keep my tone calm, as if I was facing an everyday little thing rather than a potential crisis.

"Tell me slowly, what happened?" I asked softly. The short, plump peasant woman before me was clearly overcome with emotion. Her face was streaked with tears, and her hands were shaking violently. I gestured to the attendant to bring a glass of warm water, hoping to soothe her.

Farmer C took a sip of water, calmed down a bit, and choked up as she said, "Your Majesty, my husband's crops did grow better when he first started using the new technology. But lately, his health has been getting worse. The doctor said he was poisoned by some kind of pesticide. Everyone says this new technology is harmful!"

Her words were like a sharp sword, piercing my heart. My brow furrowed, my mind rapidly reviewing all the information. While there have indeed been minor issues with the new technology since its introduction, I've never heard of anything like this. Dr. Agronomy and his team have been conducting rigorous research and testing; it's impossible for them to be so irresponsible.

"Please wait a moment," I turned to the servant beside me and said, "Go and ask the doctor of agronomy to come here immediately." The servant left in a hurry. I looked at the peasant woman C who was still in tears, and my heart was filled with uneasiness.

A moment later, the Agricultural Doctor and Zhen Youcai, who hadn't left yet, hurried over. The Agricultural Doctor's face was a little tired, but his expression remained resolute. "Your Majesty, what happened?"

I briefly explained the entire situation to him. He listened carefully, his brow furrowed. He pondered for a moment, then said firmly, "Your Majesty, someone must be behind this. Our new technology has been tested and promoted numerous times, and nothing like this has ever happened before. I will immediately investigate the source of these rumors."

Zhen Youcai stood aside, fists clenched, his voice low but firm: "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will send people to assist the doctor in the investigation. I will not let the rumors continue to spread."

"Okay," I nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "I hope there will be results soon."

Soon, the doctor of agronomy and several assistants quickly split up and took action. Zhen Youcai also sent several capable guards to join the investigation. Meanwhile, preparations for the celebration continued in an orderly manner, but an atmosphere of unease permeated the air.

Two hours later, the agronomist returned to me, his face grim. He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, we've uncovered some clues. These rumors were deliberately spread by someone, apparently some traditional agricultural merchants. To protect their own interests, they're resorting to such despicable tactics to suppress new technologies."

I was seething with anger, but even more so with anxiety and helplessness. The situation was becoming increasingly complex. Even if I found the source of the rumor, I needed solid evidence to quell the public outrage. I calmly pondered a solution and suddenly thought of Mr. Tian. He was a well-respected farmer in the surrounding area, commanding immense respect. If I could have him lead a few representatives to personally verify the safety of the new technology, perhaps this crisis of trust could be effectively resolved.

I was about to send for Tian Laonong when I heard a commotion outside the palace. I walked to the window and saw Tian Laonong, accompanied by several peasant representatives, approaching the palace with expressions of determination and trust. Clearly, they had heard the news and had come forward, hoping to support me with their actions. My gaze remained firm, and my heart was filled with even greater confidence.

"Doctor," I said to the agronomy doctor still beside me, "We won't let these rumors continue. With the arrival of Tian Laonong and his team, our chance has arrived..." Tian Laonong approached, his steady steps and aged yet resolute gaze bringing a sense of reassurance. Following behind him were several down-to-earth farmer representatives. Their nervousness and anxiety about the situation were palpable, but they also held a fierce, unyielding hope.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. We've heard the rumors." Mr. Tian said firmly, a fearless look flickering between his brows. "We believe in science and the research of the doctor of agronomy. Please allow us to verify it ourselves, and let the people see the truth."

I nodded, a flame of hope ignited in my heart. Such support is undoubtedly a great encouragement to me.

"Okay, let's go to the fields right away and verify everything with facts."

The group then proceeded to the fields, where Mr. Tian and several farmer representatives personally inspected the fields, which were being treated with various new technologies, including water sources and pesticide use. They also conducted soil and crop sample tests under the guidance of professionals. Each operation was conducted under the watchful eyes of the public, leaving no room for concealment.

After several twists and turns, they finally reached the most crucial step—toxicology testing. The agronomist pulled out a bottle of clear liquid and confidently explained, "This is the new pesticide we're testing. It's been thoroughly tested and is absolutely harmless. Come, Mr. Tian, ​​please verify it."

Farmer Tian observed the experiment carefully for a moment, then nodded and signaled for the experiment to continue. As the series of rigorous tests and results were presented, the farmers' representatives gradually relaxed, and the surrounding residents also began to dispel their doubts.

"Look, these facts are the best proof!" Tian Lao Nong said loudly, his voice full of strength. "Our land and our labor need real and effective technology, not groundless rumors!"

Tian Laonong’s words won rounds of applause, and the stone in my heart finally fell to the ground.

Just as we were relaxing in the fields, celebrating our success in debunking the rumors, new news arrived from the palace. Rich Merchant A arrived with shocking intelligence. His face wore the look of someone who had survived a disaster, but his gaze remained resolute.

"Your Majesty, through my business network investigation, I have confirmed the identity of the mastermind behind this," he said, his words resoundingly. It turned out that several traditional agricultural merchants had collaborated to fabricate these rumors in an attempt to hinder the spread of the new technology and profit from it.

Rich Businessman A quickly made public all the evidence he had collected, using his business network to disseminate it widely. "Everyone, see the true face of those people!" he shouted, the documents in his hands shaking, but still strong.

The news spread quickly, lifting the gloom that had hung over the villages and towns. The farmers gradually realized they were being exploited, and their anger and suspicion began to turn into support for the new technology and us.

That evening, I stood on the palace's high platform, facing the still-assembled citizens, feeling mixed emotions but brimming with confidence. "Fellow villagers, today's events demonstrate the importance of our collective efforts. New technologies will bring a better future, and we will not be easily defeated. No matter what conspiracies lie ahead, we will uphold justice!"

The crowd erupted in warm applause and cheers. The peasant woman C, who had been sobbing and crying, also squeezed into the crowd, tears of gratitude in her eyes.

Just as I was about to conclude this unexpected speech, Zhen Youcai hurried over, his face a trace of fatigue and sternness. He whispered in my ear, "Your Majesty, the border is being harassed by small groups of enemies. I must return immediately, but I will never allow these incidents to affect the country."

I understood what he meant and nodded. "Go ahead. We all need your courage and wisdom."

Zhen Youcai's gaze was resolute as he turned and walked away quickly, as if foreshadowing the approaching storm, and the need to remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and our convictions. After Zhen Youcai's departure, my heart remained in suspense. With borders unstable and internal and external troubles threatening us, the phrase "a peaceful and prosperous age" now weighed heavily on my mind.

The harvest celebration went on as planned. To live up to everyone's expectations, I steeled myself and donned my formal attire. I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time. The newly arrived "Niu Mengmeng" seemed like only yesterday. Now, the weight of the nation rests on my shoulders.

The celebration began amid the cheers of the people. I slowly walked up to the stage, my eyes scanning the joyful faces. I felt a mixture of emotions. I took a deep breath and began my speech.

"Fellow citizens, today's celebration is a victory for all of us!" My voice echoed across the square. "We have triumphed over rumors, over obstruction, and even over ourselves! The promotion of new technologies not only brings the joy of a good harvest, but also heralds the hope of a prosperous nation!"

I spoke passionately about the changes brought about by new technologies, the bright blueprint for our country's future, and the happy and healthy lives of our people. Every word I spoke came from the heart, and every look in my eyes was filled with hope.

The audience erupted in applause, and the enthusiastic response from the people filled me with joy. I saw the gratified smile on Mr. Tian's face, the pride in the eyes of the agronomist, and even the eyes of Mrs. C, the farmer who had been blinded by the rumors, now filled with hope.

I know that all this is not just because of me, but also because of all the people who are fighting for the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people!

The celebration ended with cheerful singing and dancing. I walked down the stage, and the heavy stone in my heart finally fell to the ground.

"Your Majesty," my personal maid Xiaolian came over, holding a letter in her hand, "This is from General Zhen, saying it's for you."

I took the letter, and the familiar handwriting on the envelope warmed my heart. I couldn't wait to open it. In it, Zhen Youcai described the situation at the border, how he had swiftly quelled the unrest with lightning speed, and promised that no scoundrels would be allowed to affect domestic stability. At the end of the letter, he wrote: "When I return triumphant, I will definitely..."

His handwriting came to an abrupt halt, yet it filled my heart with anticipation and a hint of indescribable unease...

"When I return victorious, I will..."

His handwriting stopped abruptly, the last few words as if hastily erased. I read the letter over and over again, the feeling of unease growing stronger.

"Xiao Lian," I called over my personal maid, "Did General Zhen send anyone with any message?"

Xiaolian shook her head. "Your Majesty, the soldier who delivered the letter only said that you must open it yourself and refused to say anything else."

I was even more confused. Zhen Youcai has always been cautious and thorough in his work, but this time he was so abnormal. Could it be that the situation at the border is worse than what he said in the letter?

I suppressed my uneasiness, folded the letter, and put it in my sleeve. As night fell, I went to the Imperial Garden alone, looking at the colorful flowers in the garden, but I had no intention of appreciating them.

"Your Majesty, are you thinking about General Zhen?" Xiaolian brought a cup of hot tea and asked softly.

I took the teacup and took a sip. The bitter taste spread across my tongue, just like my mood at the moment.

"He always reports good news but not bad news." I sighed. "I'm afraid the unrest at the border this time is not as simple as he said."

Xiaolian comforted him, "Your Majesty, rest assured. General Zhen is a man of good fortune and will surely return victorious."

I nodded, but my heart was still uneasy. Zhen Youcai, what are you hiding? I looked at the bright moon in the sky and seemed to see his resolute face and the worry that flashed across his deep eyes.

A few days later, news arrived from the palace that the fighting at the border had subsided, that Zhen Youcai had lived up to everyone's expectations, had won a resounding victory, and was about to return to the court. Upon hearing this news, a huge weight lifted from my heart.

I immediately ordered a grand triumphal ceremony for Zhen Youcai, allowing him to return to the capital in glory. I want everyone under heaven to know that the hero of Daxia will receive the honor he deserves!

There was a commotion outside the palace gate, and I knew he was back...