Chapter 237: The Economic Sacrament of the Innate Plantation

That afternoon, Li Xiang announced the resolution to provide cultural courses for military generals.

When the news came out, Xue Rengui was fine. Although his family had fallen into poverty, he had not fallen behind in his academic performance.

Li Qinling didn't know how scary it was to learn cultural subjects. He had no idea about them, so he wasn't very afraid.

But the two generals, Zhang Sizheng and Hegan Chengji, were at a loss.

Military commander? Still need to learn cultural subjects?

Grandma!

Isn't it because we can't learn literature that we learn martial arts?
But there was nothing they could do; this was the request of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and they had no choice but to do as he asked.

And Liangyi Palace welcomed an unexpected person.

In order to participate in the Tang Dynasty National Games, Feng Ang ignored his ill health and dragged himself to Chang'an just to show his support.

Feng Ang is a person who is good at judging the situation.

I remember that some people advised him to establish his own rule and give himself the title of "King of Nanyue", but he ruthlessly refused.

Feng Ang angrily rebuked him: "The destiny of heaven changes, the divine tools change, and they return to the virtuous. This is the law of nature. I have lived in Nanyue for five generations. I am the only one in my family who has the governorship of this state. I own all the children and the silk and silk. It is difficult for a person like me to be rich and noble. I am always afraid that I cannot bear it and ruin the legacy of my ancestors. The silk and silk of this state is enough for me. What else do I want? The title of King of Yue is unheard of."

So, after Li Jing issued the proclamation, Feng Ang naturally surrendered to the Tang Dynasty and avoided the disaster of war.

In order to show their consolation to him, neither Lao Lao Li nor Lao Li changed his title to another place. Although he did not have the title of King of Nanyue, in fact Feng Ang had become the local emperor of Lingnan.

But then again, Feng Ang did a pretty good job in Lingnan, at least the people praised him a lot.

This time when Feng Ang went to Beijing, he represented Lingnan Province. He specially selected dozens of athletes from Lingnan several months in advance to participate in the Tang Dynasty National Games, which attracted a lot of people.

Old Li also had a good impression of Feng Ang, especially on this day, Feng Ang was able to come to Chang'an City in person, which further demonstrated his loyalty to Lingnan.

Moved by this, Li Shimin specially invited Sun Simiao to the court to treat Feng Ang.

It’s a pity that Feng Ang’s illness is an old age disease, and Sun Simiao doesn’t have any better solution. He can only try his best to prolong his life.

Come to think of it, Feng Ang is almost 90 years old this year, so he is still quite alive.

But then again, the original Old Feng in history also died in the 20th year of Zhenguan.

This is not the point. The point is that his descendants were also treated badly by Wu Zetian, because Feng Ang's grandson Feng Junheng was falsely accused of treason, and Wu Zetian set up a large prison and killed more than 2,000 people unjustly.

Feng Junheng had a son named Feng Yuanyi.

This name is not famous. Feng Yuanyi was later adopted by Gao Jin and changed his name to the well-known Gao Lishi.

Yes, it is the Gao Lishi who is known as “the strong man taking off his boots”. Because of Li Bai, Gao Lishi was scolded a lot.

But in fact, Gao Lishi was a positive figure in history, not a corrupt eunuch.

Even Li Zhi, who was always known for his sharp tongue, commented on Gao Lishi in the Ming Dynasty when criticizing eunuchs was politically correct, "Gao Lishi is a truly loyal minister. Who says that eunuchs have no power?"

Feng Ang certainly didn't know that his great-grandson had become a wise eunuch, and even if he knew he couldn't do anything.

During the talks, Feng Ang specifically asked Li Shimin to meet the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin would certainly not object. Showing off his eldest grandson to outsiders was his greatest hobby in life.

Not long after, Li Xiang rushed to Liangyi Palace from Jingzhao Prefecture.

"Mingda, this is my good grandson." Li Shimin patted Li Xiang's shoulder as if he was showing off a priceless treasure.

Mingda is Feng Ang's courtesy name.

Well, my name is the same as Li Mingda’s.

Li Xiang didn't react at first, until Feng Ang spoke, he realized that this "Mingda" should refer to the sickly old man in front of him.

It turns out that you have the same name as my aunt... Well, looking at your sickly appearance, this name does suit you.

"This old minister greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Feng Ang crossed his arms and said, "I have long heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has the appearance of a dragon and a phoenix, and has the demeanor of a saint. Seeing him today, I find that his reputation is indeed well-deserved!"

"Thank you for your compliment, Lord Geng. How dare you compare me with my father?" Li Xiang also returned the compliment.

After all, Feng Ang is an elder and should be respected.

Feng Ang's title was Duke of Geng, so Li Xiang called him Duke Geng.

"Hahahaha, you little elephant are so modest." Li Shimin smiled and patted Li Xiang's arm, "Good boy, you are quite strong! Two years ago, you were not even as tall as your aunt, but this year you are almost catching up with me!"

"My grandson is still young, so he will grow fast." Li Xiang said with a smile, "In two years, he may be taller than Grandpa."

"It's better to be taller than me." There are several meanings hidden in Li Shimin's words.

Feng Ang was a smart man and of course he heard the other meaning in Li Shimin's words.

But as a qualified person, he also knew that he shouldn't say too much at this time.

After chatting for a few more sentences, Feng Ang began to get to the point.

"I heard that Your Highness has found a way to cure schistosomiasis. There are many malaria diseases in Lingnan, and the people are suffering from it. Therefore, I dare to ask Your Highness to save the people of Lingnan!"

What Lao Feng said was impossible to refuse, and Li Xiang certainly had no need to refuse.

"Since it is Lord Geng who requested it, I will agree to it." Li Xiang said sincerely, "For the sake of millions of people in Lingnan, I should also promote the method of killing schistosomiasis."

"Your Highness is merciful!" Feng Ang flattered him lightly.

"Also, Lord Geng, I also have a favor to ask of you." Li Xiang said again.

"Your Highness, please feel free to speak. As long as this old minister can do it, I will do my best." Feng Ang said with full confidence.

After all, it was in front of Li Shimin, and Li Xiang couldn't make such a request. In this case, why not do it?

Li Xiang did not speak, but asked Li Shimin: "Aunt, is there any sugar left in the palace?"

"My..." Li Shimin thought for a moment, then took out a small plate from under the table with a few pieces of rock sugar on it: "It just so happens that there are still a few pieces of rock sugar left to eat."

I was planning to soak this rock sugar in water and drink it when I have nothing to do. I brought it to Liangyi Hall yesterday and have been forgetting about it.

Old Li is not stupid, of course he knows what Li Xiang means.

The grandson wanted Feng Ang to help him grow sugarcane. This is a good thing, which will benefit the country and Lingnan.

At present, the economic center has not completely moved south, and Lingnan is still a place full of malaria. If we can transform the malaria-ridden land into a good place to grow cash crops, it will be a great merit!

Li Xiang took the plate and brought it to Feng Ang.

"Lord Geng, why don't you try it?" Li Xiang said with a smile.

"This thing looks very hard. This old minister's tooth..." Feng Ang said with some hesitation.

"It's okay. This is rock sugar. You don't need to bite it with your teeth. It will melt naturally in your mouth." Li Xiang said with a smile.

Hearing this, Feng Ang picked up a small piece of rock sugar, put it carefully into his mouth, and smacked it carefully.

After a while, he said with a smile: "This thing is called rock sugar? It is really sweet, not inferior to the best honey!"

"Since Lord Geng likes it, I will tell you straight away." Li Xiang organized his words and then said, "I have mastered the craft of making white sugar, but making white sugar requires a lot of sugarcane. I heard that the climate in Lingnan is warm and humid, which is suitable for growing sugarcane, so I want to ask Lord Geng to go back and try growing sugarcane. Then I will send a caravan to Lingnan to purchase sugarcane, and I will definitely not let Lord Geng lose money."

When Feng Ang heard this, he found it quite interesting.

"Growing sugarcane and selling sugar can make huge profits. Lord Geng, don't you have any interest in this business?" Li Xiang asked with a smile.

This is also part of Li Xiang’s plan, to bind the entire Lingnan through deepening economic cooperation.

No... economy... deepening... Li Xiang always felt as if he had grasped something, but he failed to grasp it in his haste.

Feng Ang did notice it, but he didn't care.

In fact, he had no idea of ​​being independent, and of course he did not oppose Li Xiang's proposal.

"Your Highness's proposal is feasible, I think." Feng Ang said confidently: "I have also heard about your Highness's deeds in Dengzhou. Now that your Highness intends to help the people of Lingnan get rich together, what else can I object to?"

"In that case, let's do it this way. I'll send Xiao Shoudao and Geng Gong back together. He knows everything about growing sugarcane." Li Xiang said with a smile.

"Everything is up to your Highness." Feng Ang nodded.

After Feng Ang left, Li Shimin pointed to the fruits on the table and said, "Try them. Feng Mingda brought these fresh fruits from Lingnan."

"Ah? Wouldn't it rot if it gets to us?" Li Xiang asked suspiciously.

"Try it, it looks like it should be fine." Li Shimin said with a smile: "Look at this banana, I think it's very good."

Li Xiang looked at the fruits on the table and saw a big fat banana.

It was short, thick and fat, and looked nothing like the bow-shaped banana we see today.

To be honest, Li Xiang was a little resistant.

Of course he knew what bananas were like in ancient times. Once he bit into them, he wished they could turn into a machine gun and shoot out seeds.

The modern pursuit of so-called pure naturalness is actually about pollution-freeness, not flavor.

If you really travel back to ancient times and encounter pure natural fruits and vegetables, it will definitely be a headache.

After traveling through time, Li Xiang finally understood the greatness of scientific research workers.

Just like the watermelon he is eating now, if it were put on a fruit stall, Huaqiang would not just stab it with a knife and be done with it.

Nowadays, when you cut a watermelon from the Tang Dynasty, there is very little red part, but instead there are dense yellow and white lines, just like a spider web.

(Watermelon painted by Giovanni Stanchi in the 17th century)
The watermelons we eat today are the result of the efforts of countless farmers and scientific researchers over generations.

So this banana...

Thinking of this, Li Xiang reached out to take the banana.

However, as soon as he got close to the banana, Li Xiang smelled a strong banana scent.

"Wow, it smells so good?" Li Xiang was excited. Are there such good bananas in this day and age?

"Duke Geng said that these bananas were brought from a small island in the South China Sea," Li Shimin said with a raised eyebrow.

"Really?" Li Xiang said as he peeled the banana.

He opened his mouth and took a bite.

Of course, he didn't use too much force. Based on his previous experience of eating Tang Dynasty bananas, Li Xiang was afraid of biting the seeds.

However, what he didn't expect was that the banana was extremely delicious and melted in his mouth, just like eating creamy ice cream with a rich banana flavor.

"Wow, so delicious?" Li Xiang was really surprised.

Of course he didn't know that this banana was the legendary Big Mike banana, also known as the "Big Mike banana".

This kind of banana has thick skin, is easy to preserve, seedless, plump, has a strong aroma, a sweet taste and excellent flavor. It was a darling a century ago.

Dane Cabernet Sauvignon said in his book The Banana Code: The Fruit That Changed the World: "If Big Mac is Haagen-Dazs, then Banana is the cheap ice cream in the supermarket."

However, after entering the 20th century, a ruthless disease devoured the entire banana economy, and the Midi banana suffered a devastating blow. The variety has almost become extinct and can only be found in a few plantations in Southeast Asia.

Well, the price is naturally in line with his status, $99 a box.

However... although Li Xiang didn't understand why this banana was so delicious, he knew that it was probably not pure wild, and must have been artificially grafted. So how was this banana that Feng Ang got cultivated? Was it the work of the indigenous people?
Thinking of this, Li Xiang decided to ask Feng Ang a question when he found an opportunity. After he got the answer, he would ask Pei Xingjian to investigate on his way to the south.

Growing bananas is also a good economic business. Moreover, bananas are easy to store, unlike delicate fruits like lychees.

If feasible, the plantation economy can also be developed. After all, Southeast Asia is a natural habitat for plantation economy.

Thinking of this, Li Xiang secretly reached out his hand towards the big Mac.

"Since you like them, take them back and eat them." Li Shimin waved his hand nonchalantly, "These bananas are easy to preserve. Duke Geng brought a lot this time. I'll ask Wang De to pack some for you."

"Hehe, how can I feel so embarrassed?" Li Xiang smiled sheepishly.

"You are still embarrassed?" Li Shimin puffed his beard and glared, "You are so shameless, if I hadn't told you just now, you would have taken all these bananas and not left a single one for me!"

"I'm just thinking of going back and letting my sister and the others try some of this..." Li Xiang said, scratching his head.

"Oh, I see you, you forgot your grandfather after you got married, and you also forgot your aunt!" Old Li said with his eyes wide open: "Look at you before you got married, you thought of your aunt for everything delicious, but after you got married, you only saw the new couple laughing and not the old couple crying!"

Li Xiang: …

"Hurry back, tomorrow is March 1st, remember to get up early, we have to participate in the National Games!" Li Shimin said again.

"Okay, old man!" Upon hearing this, Li Xiang hurriedly slipped out of the Liangyi Hall.

(End of this chapter)