"Greetings, Gonggong,” said the man. "Greetings, Gonggong,” said the woman. "He Lei, receive the imperial decree," the elderly eunuch said without preamble, immediately taking out the imperial decree scroll. The He family, startled, quickly knelt. "He Lei, high virtue, showing compassion towards others and solving the drought problem, thus saving the people from suffering. This is a great merit. By the decree of Heaven, the Emperor appoints He Lei as a special noble of the eighth rank, equivalent to Da Xiang Ling, to serve as an advisor to the Governor, helping to advance the city. End of the decree." "Thank you, Your Majesty," He Lei accepted the decree and then knelt to kowtow towards the capital, following the tradition. Though the eighth rank was not extremely high, it was equivalent to a small county magistrate. However, for an ordinary person like him to be granted the privilege of becoming a tax-paid noble, it showed the Emperor’s immense benevolence. Even though the salary might not compare to selling vegetables, it was a significant honor for the family. "Unload the goods!" The old noble ordered the low-rank soldiers to unload several large chests from the carriages. As they finished unloading, the He family’s courtyard now had no space to stand. "These are gifts from His Majesty, rewarding you for helping the region overcome this drought. They include gold, silver, jade, silk, pearls, and various treasures from the royal treasury. And most importantly..." The elderly eunuch walked over to a large, carved chest. He opened it and took out a gold plate inscribed with a single word: He Family’s Vegetable Shop. It was powerful, firm handwriting. It was the Emperor’s handwriting! The He family was stunned. This was an extraordinary generosity. The Emperor himself had inscribed the gold plate with his own hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty. May you live for ten thousand years." The He family kowtowed toward the palace again, deeply moved by the Emperor’s generosity. This was indeed their most valuable treasure. How could a shop sign inscribed by the Emperor be an ordinary thing? It was not only an auspicious symbol but also a powerful shield. It signified that the most influential person in the region was their protector. Anyone who wished harm upon He Family’s Vegetable Shop would have to consider who was protecting this shop. "Thank you very much, Gonggong," He Lei promptly offered a large pouch of money to the elderly eunuch in respectful manner. The elderly eunuch nodded with a smile after feeling the decent weight of the money pouch. This would make days of journey on a carriage worthwhile. "Please stay for a meal, Gonggong." "No, we must return now," the elderly eunuch said. Tradition dictated that the person appointed to declare an imperial decree should not have a meal or drink tea at others’ residence, since it could be seen as currying favor. So, it was a common practice for eunuchs to immediately return after declaring an imperial decree. "Safe travels, Gonggong," He Lei well understood the custom and not insisting further. After the eunuch and the carriage convoy left, the He family stood in stunned silence, gazing at the treasures filling their courtyard. The Emperor had bestowed many valuables upon them. He Lei went to pick the gold plate with the Emperor’s handwriting for He Family’s Vegetable Shop. The Emperor honored the He family this much. "It’s a great honor that His Majesty has bestowed the shop sign with his handwriting upon our family," Madam Wang murmured, still in a daze. Did the recent incident really happen? Zhenzhu motioned to the servants, who had been sitting face down on the ground far away from them, to quickly bring things inside. The He family’s servants, just finished turning the soil for the new planting, rushed over to move the chests. "A’Zhu!" Li Si poked her head through the front gate with a broad smile. Behind her stood two men, both strikingly handsome. Even an old woman carrying baskets of sweets on her shoulder, couldn’t help but turned to them while walking, almost tripped and knocked her head. One had a bright face with a faint smile, while the other, though still somewhat pale, his calm and cold eyes were captivating. Standing together, they looked like a stark contrast of white and black that seemed oddly perfect together. "Greetings, Uncle, Aunt.” "Si’er, you’re here. Come in," Madam Wang called. "Yes, Aunt. Uncle, Aunt, let me introduce you. This is Crown Prince Shi Wenlang, and this is my eldest brother, Zhao Yong Saiweihao." The He family servants, upon hearing that one of the men was Taizi, their arms, using to carry thing, became weak, dropping the chests on the ground in loud thud. They knelt and kowtowed while trembling. Why there were so many high-ranking people visit He family today? Everyone bowed to the high-status man according to the customs. He Lei and Zhenzhu, having met Wenlang before, were not as alarmed. However, Madam Wang and the others were extremely nervous. "Everyone, please feel at ease. Today, I’m just here to thank A’Zhu and Master He," Wenlang said to put the hosts at ease. Yong Saiweihao stood silently, not saying a word. He did not look away from Zhenzhu’s small wrist, which was still wrapped in bandages. Even though Zhenzhu’s hand had mostly recovered from bruises, she had inadvertently lifted some newly planted fruit saplings, causing it to swell again. Thus, she had to reapply herbal poultice and wrap the white cloth up once more. "Uncle, I saw the carriage convoy earlier. Did they bring all these things?" Li Si asked curiously, wondering if she had seen the royal insignia or if she was mistaken. Little did she know the He family had rendered great service. "Yes, it was Gonggong from the palace delivering an imperial decree." "An imperial decree!" Li Si exclaimed. Could it be that A’Zhu’s act of saving Taizi’s life considered a great favor that led to such great rewards from the Emperor? "I’ll explain it to you later," Zhenzhu pulled Li Si close to her by the hand. "Please, Taizi, and Young General, come to the reception hall," He Lei invited politely. Everyone moved towards the reception hall, but Yong Saiweihao remained standing. His sharp eyes were fixed on the small sparrow perched on He Ming’s shoulder. Zhenzhu and Wenlang went in the reception hall, noticing Yong Saiweihao hadn’t followed, returned outside. "Brother Hao, is something the matter?" Zhenzhu asked. Following his gaze, she saw he was staring at Fenghuang, who had transformed into a sparrow perched on He Ming’s shoulder. Zhenzhu was alarmed. Could he have recognized Fenghuang? "Is that a beast?" Yong Saiweihao asked his first question. "Uh... yes, it is. It’s a bonded beast of Big Brother. Do you have any advice, Brother Hao?" Yong Saiweihao was silent for a long moment. He slowly looked around, noting that there were formations everywhere. "In that case, please come inside the reception hall, Brother Hao. It’s very hot out here," Zhenzhu quickly invited him to the reception hall, fearing her family’s secrets would be exposed if he stayed outside any longer. Why were his eyes so good? Once inside the reception hall, Peipei brought out caomei and other fruits from the garden to serve their guests without missing anything. "Congratulations to Master He," Wenlang congratulated him. "Thank you, Your Highness. If not for Your Highness, I would not have received such generous rewards and a noble position," He Lei said humbly, believing it was due to the Taizi’s petition along with the Painting’s Deity that he had received such favor from the Emperor. "Master He, you are too modest. This is a small gesture, could not compare to the well-being of the people. Your sincere meritorious service deserves recognition." "Thank you, Your Highness.” "I heard there’s a shop sign with the Emperor’s handwriting. Master He, when do you plan to put it up? If I’m still in Fengfu City, I will come to put it up for you." "It is my great fortune," He Lei said respectfully. A shop sign with the Emperor’s handwriting, and having Taizi personally help with the installation, could only be considered a tremendous honor for the He family. He Lei was deeply moved. "In that case, once I have determined an auspicious time, I will have to trouble Your Highness.” "Certainly!" Wenlang immediately agreed. This trip to Fengfu City was immensely beneficial for him. Not only did he get to observe the proper water management system, but he also obtained a Painting’s Deity to solve the drought. "I have heard that Master He cultivates various high-quality vegetables. Would it be a bother if I asked to tour your vegetable garden?" Another reason for his visit besides expressing genuine gratitude to Zhenzhu and He Lei. He was also curious about the famous He family’s vegetable garden, which created numerous spirit energy cultivators. "Of course not, Your Highness. If Taizi wishes to tour the garden, please come this way," He Lei eagerly led the distinguished guest, with Zhenzhu and Yong Saiweihao following closely. Meanwhile, Li Si had long escaped to the kitchen to eat snacks with Peipei. "Brother Hao, how is your condition? Have you recovered well?" Zhenzhu asked the patient, worried as he still looked pale. Would he collapse from the hot sunlight as he walked outside? If his condition worsens in her vegetable garden, she wouldn’t take responsibility for that. "Oh," Zhenzhu responded, following Wenlang from a distance. The dignitary was now asking He Lei questions about various plants with great interest. Seeing a small weed in the vegetable bed, she couldn’t help but pull it out as she walked. "Pardon?" Zhenzhu, pulling weeds with one hand. She didn’t clearly hear what Brother Hao just asked. "Your hand, does it hurt much?" His sharp eyes were fixed on the white bandage around her slender wrist. About the incident when he had almost crushed her small hand, his sister had scolded him for three days and three nights. "Oh, it’ll heal soon. I just inadvertently lifted something heavy, so it swelled up again." "Oh, it’s nothing. Brother Hao didn’t mean to," Zhenzhu smiled at him. Oh, young man, are you feeling guilty? How about making amends by becoming my concubine? She mischievously thought to herself. "Mm," the young man nodded slightly. "What was that?" Zhenzhu pretended not to hear. "Thank you...for your help," the usually reticent man thanked her sincerely. His younger sister had kept reminding him every day that the one who saved his life was her friend A’Zhu. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was happy to help. It’s good that Brother Hao is safe.” Sigh, why is this handsome young man so quiet and only making straight face? “Mm.” With that, he followed Wenlang and He Lei at a distance. However, Yong Saiweihao stopped after just a few steps. “Brother Hao, why aren’t you walking?” Zhenzhu turned and asked, puzzled. Yong Saiweihao’s gaze was fixed on the back of the field, where the water reservoir was located. Zhenzhu followed his gaze and felt a chill. Could this brother have seen something again? Where had Baihu and Xiao She gone? Were they at the back of the field? “Oh, that’s just the water reservoir. Beyond that is the mulberry field, Brother Hao. Let’s go look at the vegetable plots and the mushroom beds over there instead.” “Mm.” Yong Saiweihao finally tore his eyes away and followed Zhenzhu obediently. Zhenzhu quickly led Yong Saiweihao to catch up with Wenlang and He Lei, preventing him from noticing anything else. Their secrets probably would be uncovered today. “And these are Erdan mushroom, ordinary mountain mushrooms that we’ve gathered from the mountain to cultivate and sell out of season, Your Highness. The mushrooms grow every day, but when harvesting, we must leave some to use as mushroom spores for the next cycle.” “Erdan mushrooms, you say? How can you grow mushrooms out of season? Master He, you are truly remarkable.” Erdan mushrooms were occasionally sent to the palace in season, but he hadn’t known that someone could cultivate mushrooms out of season as well. “It’s not because of me, Your Highness. It’s because Zhu’er set up a formation here that makes the climate and environment suitable for mushroom growth.” It was no secret that his daughter could set up formations, as the entire garden and the surrounding area were covered with them. Any spirit energy cultivator, unless they were blind or deaf, would be able to tell that this area had formations in place. “Is there really a formation ?” Wenlang was intrigued. If the court could promote out-of-season mushroom or crop cultivation for export, could it generate significant revenue for the region? Even though they were ordinary and out-of-season mushrooms, not spirit mushrooms, it seemed like a good option. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾※𝙣𝙚𝙩 “Yes, this formation was designed by Zhu’er herself, Your Highness.” “A’Zhu is that skilled?” “If I weren’t, how could I help Father grow so many vegetables, Brother Lang?” Zhenzhu, who had been following, responded with a proud lift of her chin. It had taken her a long time to perfect the Rainy Formation. “Then, would this skilled person be willing to sell the formula for the formation positions?” Wenlang was amused by her demeanor. Zhenzhu’s eyes widened upon listening. “How could I joke about that?” Wenlang chuckled at her reaction. “Brother Lang, don’t joke about this. If we’re doing business, there must be a written contract. My formation formula is not cheap. Can Brother Lang afford it?” "It’s very hot here. How can we discuss business standing in the hot vegetable garden? Brother Lang, please come to the reception hall and have a cool drink first," Zhenzhu said with a broad smile and twinkling eyes, clearly flattering him. He was Taizi, after all. Doing business with him was like catching a big fish. How could it be just small trade in the town? Region! It would be throughout the region! "Oh," Wenlang responded with a single word before walking with his hands behind his back towards the reception hall. "Ah, Brother Lang, please watch your step," the girl flattered him overtly, even causing Yong Saiweihao, who was following, to smile. This girl changed her attitude so quickly. Upon reaching the reception hall, Zhenzhu eagerly prepared drinks and snacks for the guests, more attentive than ever before. "Brother Lang, let’s discuss our business," she said, her eyes sparkling. Catching this big fish could feed her for three lifetimes. "Sure. I’m interested in your off-season mushroom cultivation. I want to encourage farmers to cultivate this mushroom and sell it in off-season. Besides selling within the region, exporting it to other regions could generate significant revenue. What do you think, A’Zhu?" "Of course, Brother Lang. The Erdan mushrooms grow seasonally only once a year, lasting about 1-3 months. But if Yan Region could supply Erdan mushrooms all year round, what would that be like? At the very least, the price would be 2-3 times higher or more. If Brother Lang is interested, I can teach you how to cultivate this mushroom without charging a single brass coin." She would teach the cultivation method for free, but the formation position formula couldn’t be free. It was her intellectual property. She couldn’t be blamed for being stingy and selfish. Wenlang thought for a long while before sighing. "But there’s the problem of transportation. Even if Erdan mushrooms could be cultivated out of season, inter-region transport takes a long time, maybe 2-3 months at least. Erdan mushrooms last only a day or two before spoiling." Though a good idea, it was hard to implement. "Brother Lang, did you forget who you’re talking to?" Zhenzhu puffed out her chest, lifting her chin. She was an inscription master, after all. How could such a problem be beyond her? Zhenzhu ran outside the reception hall and returned soon with a Golden Basket. "Yes, but not just any basket. This basket is inscribed with Preservation Character. It can keep the contents fresh for up to two months. The character’s power lasts for two years. This is a product from the He family, sold for only 100 taels," Zhenzhu enthusiastically presented her product. Wenlang picked up the basket to examine it. As expected, it emitted an aura of character. After inspecting it for a while, he was shocked. She said it was a Preservation Character, a type no inscription master had been able to inscribe for hundreds of years? How shocking! Wenlang was both excited and anxious. He pondered for a while before sighing deeply once more. “But to export mushrooms to other regions, we need to ship them in large quantities to make the journey worthwhile. Do you have enough of these baskets?” Wenlang asked. He knew she was an inscription master, but typically, an inscription master needed 20-30 days to rest after inscribing a character once. In a year, she could produce at most 10 of these baskets. How could that be enough? “How many baskets does Brother Lang want?” Zhenzhu asked. “At least 30,000 for a trial export. If the business goes well, we’ll need to increase that by 1-3 times to distribute to various regions.” “30,000 baskets!” Zhenzhu exclaimed in shock. She could inscribe characters three times a day, meaning she could produce three baskets a day. To produce that many would take 10,000 days or about 27 years. Such a quantity was beyond her capability. Commerce on a regional level was enormous, but she hadn’t anticipated it being this overwhelming. There was another way: inscribing Dimensional Character. “How about these instead, 40 of them?” Zhenzhu removed her dimensional bracelet and placed it on the table. Wenlang picked it up and examined it, his face showing shock again. He quickly passed it to Yong Saiweihao, who was sitting quietly. The Young General was equally shocked upon inspection. It appeared to be a simple bracelet, yet it was a dimensional bracelet with large space, much bigger than the inscribed stone he had. Yong Saiweihao frowned. The character’s aura was like that of the inscribed stone he had auctioned, proving that the mysterious inscription master was the bright-eyed girl in front of them. This girl had shocked them repeatedly. For the first time, the two men exchanged glances. She was not only an inscription master but also knowledgeable in formations. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en