Chapter 74: They Are Uncle and Nephew?

“No, no, Lord Li, you misunderstand.” Liu Yitiao hurriedly waved his hands. In these times when officials do not meddle in commerce and merchants do not seek office, he had no desire to jeopardize his second brother’s official prospects for his own sake. So he explained, “I am but a farmer by birth. To cultivate land is merely my duty—one I would never abandon. As for the workshop, it only produces plowshares for agricultural use, and I am but a nominal figurehead, not involved in production or sales. That can hardly be considered engaging in commerce, can it?”

“Producing farm tools?” Li Zhide’s expression softened. Implements for farming, like medicines, were industries the court enthusiastically supported; there was little issue with them. He said to Liu Yitiao, “As long as you do not participate directly, that is well. You must understand: being a merchant is not inherently wrong, nor does anyone forbid you from engaging in trade. Yet the title of ‘merchant’ carries a stain upon one’s reputation. What’s more, Ertiao is now a protégé of Lord Wang, and his future prospects are limitless. You must not let a merchant’s background sully his path.”

“Your words are most correct, my lord. I accept your advice. Still, I hope you might look favorably upon the workshop.” Liu Yitiao smiled, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Perhaps you do not know, but this plowshare is a new type—the Liu Plow. If it could be widely adopted in Sanyuan County, the working rate of all farmers here would double, perhaps more.”

“If we take Sanyuan as our base and spread it across the empire, my lord, Sanyuan County will surely become the focal point of the entire Tang realm…”

“Oh?” Li Zhide’s eyes brightened at these words, his heart fluttering with interest. After so many years in office, he could easily discern the meaning behind Liu Yitiao’s words. If things were truly as he described, this could be a tremendous achievement—a feat that would propel his career to new heights.

He raised his teacup, drained it in a single draught to steady himself, and asked, “Young Liu, is what you say true? Does such a plow really exist? It’s not like that ‘Wei Plow’ that briefly appeared a few years ago, is it?”

Liu Yitiao glanced at Li Zhide with some surprise, not expecting the old magistrate to know of the Wei Plow. It seemed the county vice-prefect had some understanding of agriculture after all, and was not merely an impractical scholar. All the better—only those with knowledge could truly appreciate the value of the curved-shaft plow.

“My lord,” Liu Yitiao replied, “the Liu Plow is in no way comparable to the crude and exorbitantly expensive Wei Plow. A single Liu Plow costs but five hundred coins—though a bit more than the common plow, its working efficiency is two to three times greater. With it, a single farmer could till much more land in the same time. Surely you understand the implications better than I, my lord.”

“It means a farmer’s annual cultivation could expand two or threefold. Much of the idle land lying fallow for years in Sanyuan would be brought under the plow, and grain output would increase proportionally. The taxes the court would receive would likewise be considerable.”

There was no denying that Liu Yitiao’s low, earnest voice carried great allure. Li Zhide found himself swayed, his head spinning with possibilities. “Young Liu, where is this plow you speak of? Would it be convenient for me to see it with my own eyes? If it is as you say, the county office will give its full support.”

Li Zhide was already impatient to see the Liu Plow for himself. If it truly worked wonders, his promotion could not be far off.

At the same time, Li Zhide’s gaze toward Liu Yitiao turned fervent. He thought to himself that this Liu Yitiao was indeed a bringer of fortune to officials. Was it not with his help that Wang Zhihong had been promoted early to Chang’an? Perhaps, thanks to him, Li Zhide himself might leave this backwater sooner than he hoped.

“My lord!” At this moment, a servant at the door announced, “Young Master Gongsun is here to visit.”

“Lan’er? What brings him here? Show him in.” Li Zhide waved his hand, then turned to Liu Yitiao. “He is my nephew, the young master of a prominent family in Sanyuan. I’ll introduce you. It may be useful for your future endeavors.”

Young Master Gongsun, Lan’er? Heavens, could it be Gongsun Helan, that rascal? Liu Yitiao was struck by the connection—not just the name but also Li Zhide’s relationship with the Gongsun family. He nodded and replied, “Thank you for your guidance, my lord.”

“Uncle! Uncle!” Even before entering, a boisterous voice rang out—the unmistakable sound of Gongsun Helan from the Gongsun estate.

“Eh? Big Brother! What brings you here?” The moment he entered, Gongsun Helan spotted Liu Yitiao sitting upright with his signature battered fan and strode over, calling out loudly. Reaching Liu Yitiao, he tidied his robe with exaggerated care, bowed formally, and said, “Greetings, elder brother.”

“Mhm, well met, dear brother,” Liu Yitiao replied, waving a hand with easy familiarity.

Gongsun Helan belonged to that peculiar breed of people who seemed to enjoy a beating: the more you sparred with him, the greater his respect. Liu Yitiao had grown used to his ways.

“Lan’er, you know Young Liu?” Seeing his usually unruly nephew showing such courtesy toward Liu Yitiao, Li Zhide was nearly struck dumb. If it weren’t for that conspicuous folding fan, he would scarcely have recognized the refined, courteous young lord before him.

“Of course, Uncle! I only just acknowledged him as my elder brother a few days ago. How could I not know him?” Gongsun Helan snapped open his fan and settled himself close beside Liu Yitiao, immediately launching into praise. “Uncle, I’m not exaggerating—my elder brother is not only unmatched in martial prowess but also exceptional in poetry. Even my father never stops singing his praises. And that chess set I delivered for you a few days ago—it was crafted by my elder brother himself.”

“Oh?” Li Zhide scrutinized Liu Yitiao once more. Talented in both the civil and martial arts? Chess? Was it possible? Was this what made Wang Zhihong so appreciative of him?

And Gongsun Wenda, his brother-in-law, was notoriously discerning. He had never shown much warmth to Li Zhide himself, despite his jinshi degree. Could Liu Yitiao truly have earned his admiration?

“Do not heed Helan’s nonsense, my lord,” Liu Yitiao said, shooting Gongsun Helan a stern look, playing the role of elder brother. “This lad loves to exaggerate. Please don’t take him too seriously. I only know a bit about farming—hardly enough to impress Uncle Gongsun.”

“You are too modest, Young Liu,” Li Zhide replied with a laugh. “Lan’er may be mischievous, but he doesn’t lie. Very well, we’ll settle the matter of your workshop. Tomorrow I’ll notify the relevant offices, and your permit should be ready in a couple of days. However, before that, I would like to see this new plow for myself, if it’s convenient?”

Liu Yitiao understood Li Zhide’s caution and smiled. “The plow is currently at Master Yuan Fang’s home in Xia’er Village. If you have time, my lord, you are welcome to inspect it yourself. I assure you, the Liu Plow’s performance will not disappoint.”

“What’s this about a workshop and plowshares, elder brother? Are you going into business?” Gongsun Helan, somewhat confused, interjected, “If you’re short on money, I can help you out. But if you’re thinking of becoming a merchant, I would advise against it. Such a lowly profession doesn’t suit you.”