Chapter 136: The Liu Family Plow in the Eyes of the Grand Minister of Agriculture

"Father," Princess Yuzhang walked softly to the side of Li Shimin. Seeing that he was focused on practicing the Liu-style calligraphy—a style he had been studying from Liu Yitiao—she asked in a low voice, "Father, now that Mother's health has greatly improved and her recovery is in sight, Mr. Liu has truly rendered an invaluable service. How do you intend to reward him?"

Li Shimin set down his brush, gazed at the characters on the paper, and shook his head slightly with a sigh. "He is a man of talent; why must he debase himself by joining the ranks of merchants?"

Indeed, Princess Yuzhang’s expression dimmed. Why enter into trade? Was it due to a lack of funds? She couldn't help but recall the scene at the Sanyuan mounting shop, when Liu Yitiao sold his calligraphy to Boss Huang. At the time, Liu Yitiao had been dressed like a common farmer, and the New Year’s supplies he bought were nothing more than simple radishes and greens.

"Father, perhaps Mr. Liu’s family is poor, and turning to trade was a matter of necessity?" Thinking back to when Liu Yitiao first arrived in Chang'an, still wearing a coarse linen robe, the Princess said gently, "I have often heard the folk saying that a single copper coin can baffle a hero. Did the Duke of Yi not once sell his horse for travel money in his youth? Perhaps it is the same for Mr. Liu."

"How can the two be compared? When the Duke of Qin sold his horse, he was in a foreign land without a penny to his name—it was a true necessity. But this Liu Yitiao, while not wealthy, has more than enough to provide for himself. Furthermore, with his skills as a master physician, how could he ever be short of coin?" Li Shimin shook his head. "Besides, looking at the way he runs that Liu-style Plow Workshop, it was clearly no impulsive decision. Regardless, his status as a merchant is firmly established. Even if I wish to reward him handsomely, I find my hands tied."

"But, Father..." The Princess wanted to say more, but the words died on her lips. Since ancient times, officials have not spoken of trade, and merchants have not spoken of officialdom. With the label of a merchant upon him, Liu Yitiao was, alas!

Li Shimin glanced at Yuzhang and said, "However, I will never treat him unfairly. Since he wishes to pursue commerce, I shall grant his wish. Once your mother's condition is truly stable, I will bestow upon him more fields and wealth, and send him back to his home village."

"Yes, Father is wise," the Princess replied softly, feeling a sense of melancholy. She suddenly found the study stifling and longed to go out for some fresh air.

"Very well, Ru'er. Your mother's spirits are much improved now; she is no longer in that state of constant lethargy. Lying in bed alone is inevitably dull, so you should go and keep her company." Seeing the Princess’s unhappy expression, Li Shimin spoke to her gently.

"Yes, Father. Then I shall take my leave." The Princess bowed to Li Shimin and headed straight for the Lizheng Palace.

Although Empress Zhangsun was not her biological mother, she had always treated her as her own. With a heavy heart, the Princess naturally turned to her. Much like a child seeking comfort after being wronged, she wanted to share her grievances with the Empress.

Li Shimin sighed as he watched the Princess’s slightly dejected figure retreat, his heart aching for her. Yet, perhaps this was for the best. Liu Yitiao would follow his path of trade, and Yuzhang would remain a princess. The two were never meant to cross paths. In a few days, it would be time to find her a husband; she could no longer be allowed to run wild with her impulsive nature.

"Your Majesty, the Minister of Agriculture, Su Bingren, requests an audience!" an attendant announced from the doorway.

"Su Bingren? Has there been some accident?" Li Shimin frowned and waved his hand. "Send him in."

The attendant bowed and withdrew. Su Bingren had been appointed Minister of Agriculture since the ninth year of Wude, overseeing the nation’s farming and water conservancy. He rarely sought an audience alone; there must be something of great importance to report. Li Shimin turned to his desk, sat down, and waited.

"Your humble servant, Su Bingren, pays homage to Your Majesty!" An elderly man of about sixty, with hair white as snow but a robust physique, walked in and bowed deeply.

"Su, please take a seat," Li Shimin said with a polite nod, always respectful toward his veteran officials.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I am unworthy," Su replied, bowing again before taking a seat on a nearby stool.

Observing the elder’s face—his brow relaxed and his eyes bright with joy—Li Shimin asked, "Su, you come today with good news regarding our agriculture?"

"Your Majesty is wise! It is not only good news, but a monumental blessing!" Su Bingren reported. "Some time ago, I heard that a new type of plow had appeared in the Sanyuan region. It is praised for its speed, ease of turning, and adjustable depth, and it has become very popular among the local people."

"However, its production is limited to a few villages in Sanyuan. To verify this, I traveled to Gutian Village yesterday and witnessed the plow’s efficiency in a wasteland plot."

"Your Majesty," Su said with excitement, "this is a gift from the heavens. That plow works three times faster than the standard straight-shaft plow, and the soil it turns is far superior. If this could be promoted throughout the country, we would no longer worry about uncultivated land, and our grain yields would at least double. We would never have to worry about the annual harvest again!"

"Truly?!" Li Shimin rose from his chair. Knowing Su would not speak falsely, he asked, "Is it really true that this plow could double our grain output?"

"Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes; there can be no mistake!" Su stood up as well. "Furthermore, its structure is simple, and it costs only five hundred copper coins—an affordable price for any common household."

"The current workshop is too small, producing fewer than forty plows a day, and they are usually pre-ordered before they are even finished. To achieve nationwide adoption, it would take a year or two."

"Therefore, I humbly request that the imperial court take over the workshop to expand production and bring this 'Liu-style Plow' to the entire nation as quickly as possible."

"What was that? The name of this new plow is the 'Liu-style Plow'?" Hearing the name, Li Shimin was surprised. Recalling the name, he couldn't help but think of that man, Liu Yitiao. Could this also be his doing? He asked, "Su, is this workshop called the 'Liu-style Plow Workshop'?"

"Oh? Your Majesty already knows? Yes, that is the name. The owner is a man surnamed Liu, though the production is primarily managed by a famous carpenter in Xia'er Village." Su Bingren looked at Li Shimin, puzzled as to how the Emperor could have known.

It really was him. Li Shimin nodded slightly. From the name, it was clearly linked to Liu Yitiao. Just who was this man? How could he know so much? Still, in doing this, Liu Yitiao had indirectly performed a great service for the court—even if he stood to make a fortune in the process.

"Your Majesty, time is of the essence. We must promote this before the spring planting. The potential increase in annual yield is in the hundreds of millions!" Su bowed again, emphasizing his duty.

"Indeed, you are right. But as for seizing the 'Liu-style Plow Workshop,' I must deliberate further." Li Shimin was conflicted. Liu Yitiao was no ordinary person; he had saved the Crown Prince and treated Empress Zhangsun. He had rendered great service to the Li family. To seize his property would surely invite controversy, which went against Li Shimin’s principles. Yet, if he did not, the nation would lose out on countless grains—the very lifeline of the state.

Was there no way to satisfy both?

"Your Majesty," Su urged, seeing the hesitation, "the spring planting is only fifteen days away at the closest, and less than a month at the furthest. We have no time to lose."

"Very well," Li Shimin nodded and ordered the attendant, "Go and summon Mr. Liu!"