Peasant Woman s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1040: Chapter 1037 Aunt

Upon seeing the Fourth Prince appear, he raised his hand, “Li Chongjin, did you tell your father that the rice yield increase mentioned in this memorial is real? You are not just fooling me, are you?”

“Father, your son dares not fabricate.” Li Chongjin’s voice was calm, neither humble nor arrogant, as he knelt and replied.

“Get up, get up quickly.”

“Thank you, Father.” Li Chongjin stood up, positioned himself at the lower end, and asked, “Father, have you read your son’s memorial?”

“I have read it. Li Chongjin, are you in charge of planting this high-yield rice? I see Master Sanhai mentioned that you were in charge of this matter, and after you left Deming Temple they planted the rice according to the seeds you provided.”

“In response to Father, your son started researching rice varieties because of Madam Chu,” Li Chongjin said without any intention of hiding. He already knew that the County Magistrate of Nanchang County had also submitted a memorial, but it had been delayed and was not yet presented to Your Majesty.

He had not been in the Capital for many years, was a prince who could be either absent or present, and had no influence over the Ministry of Personnel, but he could still submit a memorial which at least ensured that Aunt Ye’s contributions would not be stolen.

Emperor Xuanming became interested and asked about the details within.

Li Chongjin then recounted the initial events that took place in Xingshui Village.

“It seems that this Madam Chu you spoke of is quite capable, actually researching high-yield rice varieties.” Emperor Xuanming had always appreciated talent, and anyone capable could make a good impression on him.

“Li Chongjin, stay for dinner tonight.”

The two of them then spoke about the high-yield rice for an hour, and Emperor Xuanming was now convinced of the authenticity of this matter, “Your mother might have not seen you for a long time, go and see her.”

“Yes, Father, your son takes his leave.” Li Chongjin, neither humble nor proud, neither sad nor joyous, bowed and then retired.

Emperor Xuanming cleared his throat softly and called He Dequan who was waiting by the doorway.

“He Dequan, summon the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Minister of Personnel, and Elder Song for an audience.”

“Yes, Emperor.” He Dequan quickly left the grand hall and swiftly conveyed the imperial decree out of the palace; soon the three ministers entered the Imperial Palace, spoke with the Emperor about something in the hall, and then rushed out.

Li Chongjin appeared in the Imperial Harem.

Empress Lin was waiting in Kunning Palace, she had long been informed of the Fourth Prince’s visit to the palace.

When Li Chongjin arrived, her palace lady very perceptively ushered the Fourth Prince in.

Looking at the table already set with prepared dishes, Li Chongjin first approached and performed a bow before sitting down.

“Your son greets the Empress Mother.”

“Li Chongjin, come here.” Empress Lin looked at him, her eyes smiling and full of loving kindness.

The current Empress Lin was Li Chongjin’s maternal aunt.

Li Chongjin stood up, walked over, and sat down, chatting with Empress Lin about family matters and talking about his life in the temple, Empress Lin was quite distressed, “My child, you have suffered.”

“Li Chongjin does not suffer.” Li Chongjin’s voice was calm, devoid of any excess emotion, despite still being a child, he appeared as if he was a monk who had lived many years.

“You are doing this all for your mother, she would be happy.” Empress Lin reached out and gently touched his head.

Li Chongjin made no movement, letting her, as if he did not feel it at all.

The Lin sisters had both married into the Imperial Palace.

Li Chongjin’s gaze deepened, yet he said nothing.

Last year, his mother had passed away, and he could only perform his filial duties from afar.

“Look at me, going on about this again, come, let’s eat, no more of this talk.” Empress Lin served him food, Li Chongjin ate, and after finishing the meal, they drank tea when the Emperor arrived.

He then spent a while talking with the two of them.