Chapter 297 Untitled Chapter The end of this scientific examination is not only the end of a contest of knowledge and talent, but also the beginning of a new era. As a large number of young officials who understood farming and cared about the sufferings of the people entered various official positions at local and imperial levels, the political landscape of the Song Dynasty took on a completely new look, and they injected vigorous vitality into the Song Dynasty. This new wind, like the warm wind of spring, blew through every inch of the Song Dynasty. What followed was the widespread spread of high-yielding crops throughout the Song Dynasty. this It is an agricultural revolution, a revolution that allows people to move from hunger to food and clothing, and then to prosperity. Zhao Yingluo stood on the high ground of the palace, overlooking this prosperous land, and her heart was filled with joy. She took out countless seeds from the dimensional space. These seeds were like seeds of hope, sown in every corner of the Song Dynasty, taking root, sprouting, blooming and bearing fruit. Although even she herself could not count how many seeds were taken out, it was not important. What was important was that all the people of the Song Dynasty were fed and clothed. This was a real and within reach result. The September sunshine shone on Kaifeng City. After the court meeting, Zhao Yingluo, led by Jiang Laosi, the Minister of Agriculture, came to the granary in the small town north of Kaifeng City. The granary is majestic and full of grain, which is the guarantee for the people of the Song Dynasty to live and work in peace and contentment.
Jiang Laosi pointed to the granary and introduced: "Princess, this is the newly harvested grain this year. The output has increased by a full 30% compared to previous years!" Zhao Yingluo nodded in approval: "This is all your credit, and it is also the blessing of the people of the Song Dynasty." She walked into the granary, held up a handful of golden rice with her own hands, felt the heavy weight, and seemed to feel the support of the people of the Song Dynasty. Contentment and happiness. Jiang Laosi continued: "Princess, the people's living standards have improved now, and they are full of confidence in the future. This is all because of your wise decision and strong support, Princess." Zhao Yingluo smiled slightly: "I just did what I should do. It is you hard-working officials and hard-working people who really made the Song Dynasty prosperous." Jiang Laosi nodded in agreement, and then showed some worry: "Princess, the granary is almost no longer full, what should we do?" Zhao Yingluo smiled slightly. She had already made a plan: "Return the grain that cannot be stored as a rent-back subsidy to the people of the Song Dynasty who are just at the food and clothing line. This will not only reduce their burden, but also allow them to invest more actively." to agricultural production.” Jiang Laosi was overjoyed when he heard this: "Princess is wise! This move will definitely further stimulate the people's enthusiasm for production and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in the Song Dynasty." The next day, the court meeting was held as scheduled. Zhao Yingluo sat in the court hall, facing the officials, and she brought up the current important issue-the disposal of food. "Now that the grain harvest is abundant, the people have no worries about food and clothing. This is a good thing." Zhao Yingluo spoke slowly, her voice echoing in the court, "But how to properly dispose of this grain has become a new problem we are facing. What do you think? Gao Jian?” There was a lot of discussion in the court, and all the officials expressed their opinions. Some officials believe that the area planted with grains should be reduced to balance market supply and demand; others suggest planting other crops to enrich the variety of agricultural products. Although these suggestions all have some validity, they fail to truly solve the problem of food surplus. At this moment, Si Wen Boyuan of the Imperial City stood up and made a bold suggestion: "Princess, I think we can consider shipping some of the food to other overseas countries." As soon as these words came out, there was an explosion in the court. Many courtiers expressed opposition. They believed that the Song Dynasty was a celestial country, and only by exporting high-end commodities such as porcelain and silk could it show the style of a great country, while exporting grain seemed a bit cheap. "Commander Wen, your idea is very bold." Zhao Yingluo nodded slightly, signaling Wen Boyuan to continue, "But do you have a specific implementation plan?" "Back to the princess, I do have some ideas." Wen Boyuan bowed and replied, "First of all, we need to build larger ships to carry food, because the waves are large and ordinary ships are difficult to handle. Secondly, we can establish cooperation with overseas countries. trade relations, exchanging food for their specialties or resources.” Zhao Yingluo fell into deep thought after hearing this. She understood that although Wen Boyuan's suggestion was risky, it was a practical solution. Moreover, in her view, exporting grain overseas was also one of the manifestations of the Song Dynasty's national power. "In your opinion, how many ships do we need to transport this food?" Zhao Yingluo asked.
"Princess, the specific number needs to be determined based on the actual situation." Wen Boyuan replied, "But preliminary estimates suggest that at least dozens of large ships are needed." "Then what is the current size of our Song Dynasty's merchant fleet?" Zhao Yingluo continued to ask. "Back to the princess, the number of commercial ships that go to sea every year is not large at present." Wen Boyuan said frankly, "Due to natural reasons such as large waves, as well as limitations in shipbuilding technology, our current ships cannot carry a large amount of food for long-distance shipping." After hearing this, Zhao Yingluo nodded thoughtfully: "In that case, we need to start solving this problem. Commander Wen, I know you have a lot of research on shipbuilding, so I will leave this matter to you. I believe you We can build a ship capable of carrying a large amount of food for our Song Dynasty.” Wen Boyuan bowed and accepted the order, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "Princess, rest assured, I will live up to your trust." "Okay, with your words, I feel relieved." Zhao Yingluo nodded with a smile, and then added, "By the way, you can use the resources of the Kaifeng Fire Gun Factory to refine the excess steel and use To cast ironclad ships. This will not only increase the ship’s load capacity, but also enhance its defense capabilities.” "Princess is wise!" Wen Boyuan sincerely praised, "The ironclad ship can indeed greatly enhance our maritime transportation capabilities, and it can also better protect our caravans." "That's right." Zhao Yingluo nodded in agreement, "Just go ahead and do it. If you need any resources, just apply to the court." "Yes, princess." Wen Boyuan bowed again, then turned and exited the court. As Wen Boyuan left, the discussion in the court gradually subsided. In the days that followed, Wen Boyuan devoted himself wholeheartedly to the shipbuilding business. He personally went to the Kaifeng Fire Gun Factory and worked with the craftsmen on how to refine steel and how to design the hull structure. Under his leadership, the skills of the craftsmen have been greatly improved, and the construction of ironclad ships has also progressed very smoothly. A few months later, the first ironclad ship was finally built and launched. Not only has the ship's load capacity been greatly increased, but its defense capabilities have also been greatly improved.