It was quite a shock that not only did Qian Pan, the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, receive an unexpected promotion this time, but Zhang Jian was also promoted to Junior Third Grade, advancing to become the Minister of the Imperial Treasury.
The entire Ministry of Agriculture received lavish tributes of gold, silver, cash, and cloth, with numerous royal gifts dazzling the eyes.
Even Prime Minister Li Yan was astonished. He noticed that this time, Emperor Jingwu promoted the people of the Ministry of Agriculture, completely bypassing him as the Prime Minister. Otherwise, typically when promoting officials, or simplifying promotions, it would be customary to discuss it with him, the Prime Minister.
However, when the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture presented various 'auspicious' signs to the civil and military officials, the whole court erupted with excitement.
This excitement spread from the court to throughout Haojing City.
...
At the Minister of Justice's Mansion, Wang Xiao at this moment, along with the Wang family members, were all gathered before a small basket of tomatoes.
"Madam, Xiao'Er, you can all try this. It is a gift from His Majesty!"
Wang Wan, dressed in a dark purple court attire, had a slight smile in his eyes at this moment.
This basket of large tomatoes was entirely gifted by the Emperor.
All officials above Third Grade at the morning court had them. He had already tasted them himself. Indeed, these large tomatoes were sweet in flavor, not inferior to various melons and fruits bought in the marketplace. Although there was some 'peculiar taste,' they were sufficient to fill the stomach.
"Aren't these the large tomatoes cultivated by my mentor?"
At this moment, looking at the basket of red fruit in front of him, Wang Xiao showed some surprise in his expression.
He was not unfamiliar with these large tomatoes. For the past few months, he often visited the Ministry of Agriculture, so he knew more or less about what good things were there and even participated in watering and fertilizing.
Hearing this, Wang Wan was greatly astonished.
"Xiao'Er, you know this item?"
Wang Xiao nodded and smiled: "This is a fruit that my mentor has researched for several years and used some extraordinary means to cultivate!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Wan nodded and said.
"Today in the morning court, your mentor made a big splash. His Majesty has already decided to promote this crop. The courtiers all say that if this can indeed yield a thousand catties per acre, it might solve the famine of the people!"
"If it could truly be so, it would be of immeasurable merit!"
Upon hearing these words, Wang Xiao slightly frowned. Zhang Jian had mentioned to him verbatim that this thing could only temporarily satisfy hunger and could not solve famine.
Moreover, to solve a famine, one still needs to find a way from staple crops like grains.
Is someone trying to set up a false praise?
This thought flashed through Wang Xiao's mind, but he shook his head in an instant. At this juncture, no one would be so unwise. It might just be a rumor.
With these thoughts flashing through his mind, a slight smile appeared in his eyes, and he said with a smile.
"This is also where we at Zhang's School excel. The mentor mentioned that to create a peaceful era, no matter what, it requires us scholars who are adept at creation and seeking the roots!"
"Only with continuous innovation can there be an incessant source of momentum!"
Wang Wan smiled but said nothing. He was not a supporter of 'Zhang's School,' yet he did not oppose Wang Xiao entering the 'Zhang's School.' It was not because he valued 'Zhang's School,' but because he valued Zhang Jian.
To be at the position of Vice Minister at such a young age, a future as a marquis or prime minister is certain.
He even has the potential to become a powerful minister, wielding authority over the court.
Wang Xiao is his eldest son by his first wife, the future leader of the Wang Clan. Getting close to such a promising court minister is hugely beneficial for the future of the Wang Clan.
Of course, similarly, the Wang Clan naturally was also a secret supporter of Zhang Jian.
Not only Wang Xiao, but in 'Zhang's School,' there were also many children from other noble families with the same purposes, entering Zhang Jian's tutelage seeking knowledge.
...
Within Haojing City, Zhang Jian, at this moment, was at the dock.
After studying the mysteries of the True Intent of Qiankun for a period of time, Zhang Jian still couldn't grasp it.
Recently, there was to be a trade gathering at the Canal Dragon Palace, and he heard that various ancient scriptures always appear at such gatherings, so he planned to go try his luck.