Chapter 123: Promotion and Wealth

Emperor Hongzhi’s question was necessary. If the cost remained too high, then growing melons in winter would be meaningless.

Fang Jifan answered honestly, “I’m afraid I can’t estimate the cost right now, but… we can use other materials instead of colored glaze to keep the cost as low as possible. We’ll only know for sure after trial planting, but… I’ll do my best.”

He couldn’t make absolute promises—doing so could get him killed. Fang Jifan wasn’t foolish.

Emperor Hongzhi took a deep breath. His pupils contracted as he thought for a long moment. Then, he looked up and exchanged a glance with Liu Jian.

Liu Jian said, “Your Majesty, if Chief Fang can truly grow fruits in such cold weather at minimal cost, it would be a great blessing for the Great Ming.”

As a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, especially when speaking with the emperor, every word and action had to be precise. Even a slight mistake could lead to serious misunderstandings or misjudgments, even if the emperor didn’t punish him.

But Liu Jian’s words, “a blessing for the Great Ming,” instantly clarified things for Emperor Hongzhi.

He nodded deeply in agreement, a sharp gleam in his eyes. “Then, proceed with the trial planting immediately. If you can grow all kinds of vegetables, and even grains, I will grant you generous rewards.” He looked up, his expression very serious. “Issue the decree: Fang Jifan has rendered service to the state, which pleases me greatly. I bestow upon him the Qilin Uniform and promote him to Battalion Commander of the Imperial Forest Guard. Establish the Western Hills Baihu Station of the Imperial Forest Guard, overseeing…”

Emperor Hongzhi paused. “Overseeing the Western Hills Hundred-Household Office, specifically managing Military Farming in the Western Hills.”

Specializing in Military Farming…

Fang Jifan was a bit stunned. It seemed he had been promoted—from Chief Banner Officer to Battalion Commander. That was a whole rank higher.

The Imperial Forest Guard belonged to the Imperial Guard, which was different from ordinary military households. Regular military guard stations were much lower in rank compared to the Imperial Guard. Besides, the Great Ming’s military households were originally responsible for Military Farming, but he had never heard of the Imperial Forest Guard being tasked with it as well.

However, having the Imperial Guard handle Military Farming was clearly unprecedented. The emperor specifically created a new unit, showing how much importance he placed on greenhouse vegetable cultivation.

At that moment, Emperor Hongzhi looked sternly at Fang Jifan and said, “From today onward, besides accompanying the Crown Prince at the House of the Crown Prince, you must also focus on Military Farming. If this method can truly be widely implemented, I will grant further rewards.”

“I, your servant…” This was the rhythm of promotion and wealth—a double celebration. How could Fang Jifan not be delighted?

Although young nobles like him seemed to have bright futures, at his age, becoming an Imperial Guard Battalion Commander was extremely rare.

Thinking this, Fang Jifan had no reason to object. Without hesitation, he said, “I, your servant… obey the decree.”

Fang Jifan felt relieved and glanced at Zhu Houzhao beside him. Zhu Houzhao seemed quite amused and couldn’t help saying, “I also contributed greatly to growing this melon. Why not let the House of the Crown Prince handle the Military Farming affairs?”

Emperor Hongzhi glared at Zhu Houzhao, clearly disapproving of his request.

However, Li Dongyang had a thought and said, “Your Majesty, it is a blessing for the imperial court that the Crown Prince has such intentions. Agriculture is the foundation of the State Altars. Since His Highness is interested, why not place the Tuntian Hundred-Household Office under the House of the Crown Prince, with the Crown Prince serving as Commander?”

After a brief consideration, Emperor Hongzhi understood Li Dongyang’s intention and smiled. “It is approved.”

Fang Jifan, having received the imperial decree, happily left the palace. Zhu Houzhao had to stay, so Fang Jifan walked out alone.

Now he was a Battalion Commander and would be bestowed the Qilin Uniform. The world was vast, and there was much he could achieve.

The thought made Fang Jifan feel very pleased.

He genuinely wanted to achieve great things. As the saying goes, when poor, one attends to one’s own virtue in solitude; when in office, one attends to the whole empire as well. No matter how others viewed him, since he had a skill, he should do what he could for this era and its people.

As he walked and pondered, he exited the Warm Pavilion. Just as he reached the Golden Water Bridge, he saw a eunuch leading someone ahead. The person wore Bullfighting Ceremonial Attire and looked imposing and heroic. From a distance, Fang Jifan found him familiar.

The other person obviously saw him too and immediately glared, saying angrily, “Fang Jifan, what trouble have you caused now?”

It was Duke of Ying, Zhang Mao!

Zhang Mao had been ordered by the emperor to offer sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Having completed his task, he came to the palace to report. Unexpectedly, he saw Fang Jifan, this young fellow, just coming out of the Warm Pavilion, looking very pleased with himself. Zhang Mao instantly felt irritated.

That brat from the Fang Family, though sometimes surprising, always rubbed Zhang Mao the wrong way. If he didn’t give Fang Jifan a beating, he felt itchy all over.

Seeing him from afar, Fang Jifan was as startled as if he’d seen a ghost and quickly tried to hide.

“Hmph!” Seeing Fang Jifan’s reaction, Zhang Mao fumed, “You can run, but can you hide? Go ahead and run. I’ll give you a thrashing.”

There was simply no reasoning with him. Fang Jifan felt his life was rather pitiable. Trying to beat me again? Uncle, why bully me, Fang Jifan?

Fine, it was time to fight back.

So Fang Jifan gritted his teeth, turned around, and ran back toward the Warm Pavilion.

“Running where?”

Fang Jifan didn’t dare look back, only hearing the furious voice behind him.

Inside the Warm Pavilion, Emperor Hongzhi was very pleased. No matter what, he felt somewhat guilty toward the Crown Prince. What Zhu Houzhao had done was right, yet he had beaten him severely. Although… the naughty child could be annoying at times, thinking that his son had finally understood some things while he himself had acted without discerning right from wrong, he couldn’t help feeling slightly ashamed.

He was full of expectations for Fang Jifan’s planting method. This guy really had too many surprises.

This person…

Thinking this, Emperor Hongzhi glanced at Zhu Houzhao, feeling reassured, but said nothing more. He just smiled and said, “Come, taste this melon.”

A eunuch had already washed the melon and sliced it thinly. No… to be precise, there were two melons now—one bought from Zhu Houzhao, and the other sent from Kunning Palace.

Emperor Hongzhi stared intently at the melon that cost three thousand taels of silver. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that the melon bought for three thousand taels looked fresher and juicier, probably sweeter too.

So, he pointed at the exorbitantly priced melon and said, “Let me taste this one.”

The eunuch carefully presented the melon. Even though Emperor Hongzhi, as the emperor, owned all under heaven, and every inch of land and every subject belonged to him, he still ate the costly watermelon very cautiously. With a gentle bite, the juice filled his mouth, and a long-lost sweetness brought him great pleasure. However…

His heart still ached a little. That one bite probably cost a hundred taels of silver.

Since Emperor Hongzhi ascended the throne, he had repeatedly issued decrees to reduce palace expenses. Even his own ceremonial robes hadn’t been replaced for years. The Empress personally led the noble ladies in weaving cloth in the Inner Palace. Though it didn’t save much, setting an example was the true intention. Emperor Hongzhi was extremely frugal, which made the expense feel even more painful.

“Come, come, everyone, have some,” Emperor Hongzhi smiled and beckoned to Liu Jian and the others. “My ministers have worked hard. Enjoying alone is not as good as enjoying together. Bestow melons upon the ministers.”

Just as he spoke, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Moments later, a eunuch rushed in. “Your Majesty, Fang Jifan has returned and requests an audience.”

Emperor Hongzhi wiped his mouth with a silk handkerchief, feeling puzzled. He had just left—why was he seeking an audience again?

He composed himself and said, “Call him in.”

Fang Jifan entered the hall. Before he could bow, Emperor Hongzhi raised a hand slightly. “No need for formalities, Jifan. Do you have something to report?”

This time, he unprecedentedly used “Jifan” to address Fang Jifan.

Liu Jian and the other two stood to the side, exchanging glances. They understood something.

Just as ministers had to weigh every word when speaking with the emperor, the emperor’s every utterance was like a nail—each word chosen with extreme caution.

What is an emperor? The emperor holds all power under heaven. His every move, even his joys and angers, affected the lives and fortunes of countless people. Numerous officials had to constantly interpret the emperor’s intentions through his words and actions. Because of this, to prevent unnecessary speculation, a competent emperor tried hard not to reveal his inner thoughts—unless he intended to do so.

To an ordinary person, the address “Jifan” might seem no different and not raise any suspicion.

But to Liu Jian and the other two, even to the eunuchs in attendance—these shrewd individuals—they sensed that the emperor’s intentions had quietly changed.

Of course, Fang Jifan didn’t notice this. Deducing others’ thoughts with such effort didn’t suit his nature.

He was gradually getting used to his role as Nanhe Bozi, and slowly, he couldn’t distinguish between the original Fang Jifan and himself.

Habits could change, and such changes were closely related to one’s surroundings.

At that moment, Fang Jifan said, “I, your servant… have something to report!”

Emperor Hongzhi was in a good mood and said gently, “Speak freely.”

Fang Jifan said earnestly, “Your Majesty has entrusted me with an important task. I am full of energy and willing to spare no effort, face all difficulties, and serve Your Majesty loyally. Even stepping into boiling water or walking through fire, I would not refuse. Regarding Military Farming, I will exert my utmost and do everything in my power…”

Ugh, communicating with this kid Fang Jifan was always so long-winded.

Who knew where he learned this? At such a young age, he was already full of tricks when it came to flattery.

Emperor Hongzhi rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Get to the point.”