"While studying in the Upper Acadeny, I heard Grand Preceptor Ye mention that, to increase the grain yield of the Tian Sheng Dynasty, Father Emperor has long encouraged the people to cultivate barren land."
Yun Shu spoke evenly, not directly engaging with the Right Prime Minister's earlier sneer. Instead, she calmly laid out the facts.
"Almost every county and prefecture has designated plots of wasteland set aside by imperial decree for local farmers to cultivate. Yet over ten years have passed, and most of those lands still lie fallow."
She paused, then looked squarely at the Right Prime Minister.
"Does the Right Prime Minister know why this is so?"
"I know this one!"
Clouds of suppressed resentment had long gathered in Yun Chuhuan's heart over how his Fifth Sister always managed to steal the spotlight. Every time he tried to speak, he couldn't even get a word in.
Now that the topic touched on something he had actually studied, he leapt to his feet like a shot.
"Grand Preceptor Ye explained that there are many reasons for this issue:
First, wasteland is usually far from where the people live, and there are no nearby water sources. Irrigation is extremely inconvenient.
Second, oxen are expensive. Most families cannot afford to buy one and must rent them during the planting season. So cultivating barren land not only requires effort, but also money.
Third, taxes are high. Although Father Emperor decreed that newly reclaimed land would be tax-exempt for three years, once that grace period ends, the land—which is already difficult to farm—becomes a heavy tax burden. In good years, one might manage, but in bad ones, the field becomes a liability.
Fourth, land annexation remains a persistent problem. Fields painstakingly cleared by farmers are often seized by local landlords, officials, or powerful clans.
Because of this, most farmers prefer to guard their small plots rather than clear new land!"
"Not bad. It seems you did pay attention in your lessons with Grand Preceptor Ye."
Yun Shu offered a casual word of praise.
Yun Chuhuan's chest puffed with pride. Then, after a beat, he blinked.
Wait a moment—weren't they studying together?
Wasn't Fifth Sister only back in the Upper Academy because she hadn't studied well enough before?
So why was she now speaking with the tone of a teacher?
Yun Chuhuan opened his mouth, trying to object, but Yun Shu had already turned away, throwing out another thunderous question:
"Does the Right Prime Minister not wish to solve this issue?"
Planting Zhibei flowers could solve the problem of cultivating wasteland?
Emperor Xuanwu leaned forward slightly in his seat.
The Right Prime Minister, briefly stunned, gave a short laugh.
"If this were truly an easy issue to solve, it wouldn't have lingered for over a decade."
"Or perhaps, because you all believed it couldn't be solved, you've simply avoided it all this time."
Yun Shu didn't hold back:
"I've heard that the high cost of books and paper, and the severe wear on warhorses' hooves, were also once considered unsolvable problems.
But I merely tinkered with a few little devices, and now those problems are resolved.
What, do you believe that's because I'm some kind of heaven-sent genius?"
The Right Prime Minister's expression darkened.
"Artisans rank second from last in the Four Occupations. This girl cobbled together a few cheap tricks and actually thinks she's extraordinary?"
Many ministers in court, proud of their rank and status, shared this exact thought.
They found Yun Shu's growing confidence—born of her recent successes—utterly laughable.
"Your Highness, the issue of cultivating barren land is not something that can be resolved with a few little tricks."
"Whether it can be resolved—shouldn't we at least try to find out?"
Noticing the scorn in his voice, Yun Shu didn't seem bothered. She couldn't even be bothered to argue with the Right Prime Minister further.
She looked instead to Emperor Xuanwu and declared solemnly, like a little girl clinging stubbornly to her dream of planting flowers across Tian Sheng:
"Father Emperor, I ask you to bear witness today. If I can truly solve this issue, then all the newly reclaimed wasteland this year should be planted with the five hundred shi of Zhibei flower seeds I received."
"Father Emperor, I want to help too!"
Yun Chuhuan quickly chimed in.
What a joke—whenever Fifth Sister was working on one of her projects, she never had to do homework!
Last time, when she developed low-cost paper, she didn't write a single assignment for over two months. He had been green with envy!
Now that another chance had come, he was not about to miss it.
"I can assist Fifth Sister!"
"You?"
Yun Shu glanced at him, then as if remembering something, turned to Emperor Xuanwu and added:
"Father Emperor, may Third Brother join as well?"
"The third one?"
Emperor Xuanwu raised a brow in surprise.
What did this have to do with the third prince?
"Many hands make light work," Yun Shu said breezily.
"The foreign envoys are about to depart. Third Brother will soon have little to do at the Ministry of Rites anyway."
"And whenever he's idle, he just pesters Cousin. Can't let him get away with that."
Her eyes flickered guiltily. It was clear she just wanted to drag someone into her scheme.
Emperor Xuanwu either didn't notice or didn't care.
After all, both the Simulation Life Selection System and past experience had shown him that no matter how absurd Yun Shu's ventures seemed, they always produced remarkable results.
So what if she wanted to pull the third prince in to lend a hand?
Xiao Wu was right—he had nothing better to do.
Emperor Xuanwu gave an unhesitating reply:
"Granted."
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
"...Wait, what?"
Third Prince Yun Chuhe stared in stunned silence.
No one asked for his opinion?
He actually wanted to say...
Never mind.
If it helped earn some favor with Fifth Sister, perhaps certain things would go more smoothly in the future.
As the palace banquet ended, Yun Shu was dragged along by Yun Chuhuan, who chattered incessantly about the plans they had just committed to.
By the time they exited Lin De Hall, many officials had already taken their leave.
Her maternal grandfather, dressed in a crimson official robe, stood beneath the snow-covered steps—a striking figure against the white.
Yun Shu shook off her sleeve from Yun Chuhuan's grip, lifted her skirt, and dashed forward.
"Grandfather, why haven't you gone back yet? It's freezing out here!"
"There was no proper moment earlier, so I had to wait until after the banquet to hand this to Your Highness."