Although Wei Zhi and Lord Tang's words were unpleasant and the emperor disliked hearing them, he still took them to heart, genuinely fearing that the farmers might convert their fields into melon patches due to the high profits from this year's sweet melons.
Therefore, he specially summoned the county magistrates of Chang'an County and Wannian County, instructing them to encourage and guide agricultural work this year. Next year, they must closely monitor the grain planting on large estates, prohibiting any nobles from leading the conversion of fields to melon patches.
Because he was so busy with these matters, the emperor initially didn't think about settling accounts with Zhou Man, and by the time he had the free time, he had already forgotten about it.
But Manbao was unaware of this; she had been quietly avoiding the emperor, even opting not to personally attend his acupuncture sessions. Instead, she diligently taught Director Xiao and then left the responsibility to him.
