From cute to empress

Chapter 265: A New Chapter for the Agricultural Academy

The applause gradually died down. I took a deep breath, put on a confident smile, and continued, "In order to better pass on agricultural culture, I have decided to offer agricultural courses at the Agricultural College!"

The audience erupted in an uproar, whispering and discussing. I cast my gaze upon an elderly man in plain clothes in the crowd. He looked energetic, clutching a handful of plump rice ears. It was the experienced Mr. Tian. I smiled and waved to him, and Mr. Tian stepped forward, flattered.

"Uncle Tian, ​​you have been farming for generations and are very experienced. Would you be willing to pass on your valuable knowledge to more young people?" I asked kindly.

Old Farmer Tian was so moved that he burst into tears and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty attaches so much importance to agriculture. I am deeply grateful and willing! I am willing to teach you everything I have learned in my life!"

I nodded and looked at Farmer C, who was standing a bit uneasy in the crowd, holding a child in her arms. "You see, children like this woman, who are exposed to the most authentic agricultural knowledge from a young age, will definitely benefit greatly in the future."

When Farmer C heard what I said, her eyes were filled with hope and she nodded vigorously.

I turned to look at Zhen Youcai, who had been standing in the audience, silently watching me, his eyes full of admiration and support. I smiled slightly, my heart filled with strength.

"Of course, experience alone isn't enough." I glanced at the audience. "I've invited one of today's most prestigious doctors of agronomy to lecture on this course. He'll bring the most cutting-edge agricultural technology and concepts!"

The audience erupted in applause, expressing their anticipation for the future of agricultural education. Seizing the opportunity, I announced that funds would be allocated from the national treasury for the construction of the Agricultural College and the development of agricultural courses.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Someone in the crowd shouted, and then, like a tsunami, the roar of "Your Majesty is wise" resounded throughout the exhibition hall...

I looked at the faces before me, all flushed with excitement, my heart filled with hope. Then, a wealthy businessman in gorgeous clothes came forward, rubbing his hands together, his expression excited: "Your Majesty, I..."

I smiled and raised my hand to signal him to excuse himself. Merchant A excitedly said, "Your Majesty, I started my career in agriculture and understand its importance to the country and its people. I'm deeply gratified that Your Majesty places so much emphasis on agricultural education! I'd like to donate some agricultural teaching materials and experimental equipment to help the Agricultural Academy."

"Good! I thank you for your generosity on behalf of the people all over the world!" I happily led the applause, and the people in the audience also cheered and expressed their appreciation for the righteous act of Rich Businessman A.

Watching this scene, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It seemed that my decision had been recognized by everyone, which gave me confidence in the future development of agriculture. At this time, County Magistrate B, who had been silent until then, stood up. He walked to the front of the stage and bowed respectfully to me: "Your Majesty, I have a humble request."

"Please speak, Your Excellency the County Magistrate." I gestured to him to speak directly.

"I believe that your majesty's move to offer agricultural courses and cultivate agricultural talents is truly far-sighted and beneficial to the country and the people! I dare to request that a group of outstanding students be selected from across the county and recommended to study at the Agricultural College. What do you think, your majesty?" County Magistrate B carefully observed my expression, fearing that he would displease me.

I was delighted to hear this. This was exactly what I wanted to do. I hadn't expected Magistrate B to be so understanding and proactive in bringing it up. Naturally, there was no reason for me to refuse. "Approved! Your Excellency, the County Magistrate, will be fully responsible for this matter. Make sure to select outstanding individuals who truly love agriculture and are committed to contributing to its development!"

"I obey your order!" County Magistrate B knelt down excitedly to receive the order, with a joyful smile on his face.

Looking at the hopeful faces before me, my heart is filled with strength. I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, our agriculture will flourish and people's lives will get better and better!

"Everyone, see you tomorrow at the Agricultural College at noon!" I put on a confident smile and slowly walked down the stairs...

The next morning, the warm sunshine bathed the entire Agricultural College, illuminating faces eager to learn. I arrived early, and watching the students arrive one after another, my heart filled with anticipation and joy.

"Hello, classmates! I am Niu Mengmeng. I am very happy to study with you here today." I started my first class with a friendly smile.

"Today, we're going to learn about rice cultivation techniques." I picked up a rice ear and showed it to everyone. "Rice is one of our country's most important food crops, crucial to the well-being of millions of households. How to increase rice yields is a question that every agricultural worker must seriously consider..."

I used easy-to-understand language, combined with Mr. Tian's practical experience and the latest research results provided by the doctor of agronomy, to explain to the students every step of rice cultivation, from seed selection, seedling cultivation, transplanting, to fertilization, irrigation, and pest and disease control. I taught them everything, no matter how big or small.

The students listened very attentively. Among them were old farmers over fifty years old and teenagers in their teens, but at this moment, they were all like dry sponges, greedily absorbing the rain and dew of knowledge.

"Your Majesty, what is the optimal planting density of rice?" a student raised his hand and asked.

"That's a good question!" I looked at him with appreciation, "The planting density of rice should be considered comprehensively based on factors such as variety, soil fertility, and climatic conditions..." I answered him in detail and encouraged everyone to think positively and learn from it.

The atmosphere in the classroom was very active. Students spoke enthusiastically and discussed with each other. The classroom became an ocean full of curiosity and spirit of exploration.

In order to help students better master the knowledge they have learned, I also arranged for them to carry out practical operations under the guidance of Tian Laonong.

"Come, everyone, look carefully. When transplanting rice seedlings, pay attention to the row spacing and plant spacing..." In the fields, Old Farmer Tian patiently instructed the students. His rough big hands held the young seedlings, as if he was protecting his own children.

The students, not caring about the muddy fields, rolled up their trouser legs and sleeves and diligently learned the technique of transplanting rice. Some of them were still clumsy, while others had already mastered it, but everyone's face was filled with sweat and smiles.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, several months have passed. Thanks to everyone's joint efforts, the first batch of students in the Agricultural College have made remarkable progress. They have not only mastered a wealth of agricultural theoretical knowledge, but also acquired proficient practical skills.

Looking at these energetic and hopeful faces, I feel incredibly gratified. I believe they will become the backbone of future agricultural development!

"Classmates, today is the last day of class this semester..." I looked around the classroom, and everyone's eyes were on me. "I hope you can remember what you learned today. More importantly, put it into practice, apply it in the fields, and contribute your own strength to the development of our country's agriculture!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the classroom erupted in applause. The students' eyes sparkled with excitement. Some clenched their fists, while others nodded vigorously. I could sense their burning passion and their aspirations for the future.

"Your Majesty, don't worry, we will study hard and become a person who contributes to agriculture like Mr. Tian in the future!" A young student stood up, his dark face full of determination.

"That's right, Your Majesty. We will definitely pass on the knowledge you taught us to more people so that more people can learn scientific farming and increase grain production!" another student said excitedly.

Looking at their energetic faces, I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. I believe that with the participation of these young people, Dayue's agriculture will usher in a brighter future.

After class, the students left the school reluctantly. They walked in the fields in groups of three or four, enthusiastically discussing what they had learned today and their future plans.

"Mengmeng, you gave a great lecture today. Even a layman like me was listening with great interest." Mr. Tian came over to me and said with a smile, "It seems that the first batch of students in our academy are very promising!"

"Yes, Mr. Tian, ​​seeing them, I feel like I see the hope of Dayue agriculture." I said with emotion, "I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, we will be able to create a prosperous and healthy Dayue!"

"Your Majesty, General Zhen requests to see you." At this time, a young eunuch hurried in and said with a bow.

"Brother Zhen is back?" I was delighted. "Please come in!"

"I see your Majesty!"

"My dear, please don't be so polite. How is the war at the border?" I asked anxiously.

"Your Majesty, everything is peaceful at the border. I've come here to report something to Your Majesty," Zhen Youcai said solemnly. "I've also brought back a drought-resistant crop from the border..."