TPITWOHEF

Chapter 84

After the grand Duck Feast, the capital city of Jing Country was renewed with a fresh spirit.

Even the less affluent commoners would visit teahouses to listen to storytellers narrate the delicious tale of the roasted duck.

Students and scholars, in particular, greeted each other with questions like, "Have you tasted the roasted duck?" and "Have you heard the poetry about the Duck Banquet?"...

At the court, ministers savored the taste of the roasted duck for several days. Whenever they encountered Liu Runnian, the on-duty official at the Ministry of Works, they would pause to chat with him briefly.

—When can we buy stuffed ducks at the market?

—When can they be mass-produced?

Everyone longed to taste that delicacy again.

"Go, go, get to your posts!" The Minister of Works had now abandoned his previous resistance and protected Liu Runnian like a mother hen, "Don't disturb Liu the Worker while he's working and researching."

"Make way for Liu the Worker to think about efficient methods in this well-ventilated and comfortable space!"

"Alright, clear the path, Liu the Worker needs to observe life and let his thoughts wander."

Minister Chen had now become Liu Runnian's guardian.

After several days of this, Liu Runnian felt rather abashed, "Minister Chen, you need not go to such lengths."

Minister Chen raised his hand to stop him, "You are now the duck-raising hero praised by the people, and a pillar of my Ministry of Works!"

"Runnian, I used to advise the Emperor against you joining the Ministry of Works. Please do not take it to heart."

Minister Chen let out a sigh, "As someone who entered officialdom through the imperial examination, I wanted to follow the old ways. I was being rather narrow-minded."

"But after seeing the sturdy chicks and ducklings hatched by your team, and these stuffed ducks larger than ordinary ducks, I realized... Heaven sends talented people without discrimination!"

"Your methods work, and the people remember your goodness. The people don't care whether one is a Imperial Scholar or a Civil Service Degree Holder."

Minister Chen had also tasted the Duck Feast that day.

He witnessed the commoners kneeling to thank the Emperor, tears of gratitude flowing as they savored the duck meat. Minister Chen felt more moved than when he worked at the Six Ministries—that is what it means to be an official beloved by the people.

"Now that the methods for stuffing ducks are taking shape," Minister Chen looked approvingly at Liu Runnian, clad in the sixth-rank official robe, "It would be a waste to have such talent merely promoting the stuffed duck project."

"Your abilities should be applied to researching new things."

As Minister Chen spoke, he looked expectantly at Liu Runnian, "Concubine Liu is your sister. Runnian, how about I hand over the efficient silk weaving methods that Concubine Liu has been researching?"

Liu Runnian was taken aback.

His sister was also researching improved silk weaving?

After a moment's thought, Liu Runnian's brow furrowed.

His sister must have heard Little Princess's suggestions.

He immediately broke into a sweat.

Little Princess, even if she were a reincarnated celestial, had taken on too much!