The second batch of finished products was distributed by Yang Mengchen. Some were given to Old Hai and other teachers and female scholars, to enjoy themselves or to send to their families as they pleased. He also sent some to the couple Xiao Hongtao and Doctor Luo, as well as to Luo Jingrui and his brothers.

Yang Chenghong and several others received some too, along with the Hua family, the Situ family, and some were sent to Long Xuanmo.

Upon receiving the news, Nangong Lingfei immediately sent Shopkeeper Lin to place an order, which was promptly shipped to The Capital.

In the following days, Yang Mengchen had to inspect the old factory, guide the new factory workers in their operation, develop new products, occasionally visit several villages to check on the situation, and oversee the progress of the commercial street in town, Fairy Lake, and the Martyr Shrine construction, keeping himself incredibly busy.

During this time, Hu Yueru came to Yang Mengchen, expressing her wish to work in the factory. After signing a contract with her, Yang Mengchen took her to the sauce factory, where his second aunt, Liu Xiuyun, arranged a position and accommodation for her. Dai Qiangsheng had already been beheaded in public.

True to Yang Mengchen's wishes, Long Xuanmo attributed the credit for this event to Old Hai and Doctor Luo.

The Emperor decreed that Old Hai be granted the title of Duke of Zhongguo (the Emperor had long wanted to bestow this title on Old Hai, but he had always firmly declined; this time he accepted in order to protect Yang Mengchen), with hereditary rights unending, and also bestowed a large amount of gold, silver, and jewels.

Doctor Luo was granted the title of Duke of Anguo (for offering the prescription to treat the epidemic), with a peerage inheritable for ten generations. He received a similarly large amount of gold, silver, and jewels, along with an imperial plaque personally inscribed with "Number One Healer of the World." Old Lady Luo and Lady Luo were also granted noble titles.

As for Xiao Hongtao, neither commendation nor censure was given; understanding the benevolence behind Mengchen's intentions, he was not only unaffected but deeply moved.

Feeling ashamed, Old Hai and Doctor Luo insisted that Yang Mengchen was the true great contributor and adamant that they hand over the jewels they received to her.

Unable to refuse, Yang Mengchen nonetheless insisted on accepting only one-third of the awarded gold and silver, but promptly allocated a portion to improve the lives of Jinquan villagers and another part to invest in the construction of Fairy Lake and Martyr Shrine.

Jinquan villagers were teary-eyed with gratitude toward Yang Mengchen, while Old Hai and others deeply admired her open-minded and benevolent character.

In the blink of an eye, the second season's rice ripened.

After the harvest was weighed, the yield was about the same as the first season's, filling everyone with immense joy and excitement.

Xiao Hongtao was ecstatic, knowing that once two-season rice was broadly promoted, the people of Anping County, and even the entire country, would no longer have to suffer from hunger.

"Old Hai, Uncle Xiao, let's not publicize this matter for now. Wait until next year when the entire Anping County has successfully planted two-season rice, then report to the Emperor to avoid any unnecessary trouble," suggested Yang Mengchen with a smile. "Additionally, next year I'm going to experiment to see if it's possible to plant two seasons of wheat."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Old Hai excitedly consented repeatedly. With Ms. Yang in Dong Chu, it is truly a blessing for the state and the people!

Naturally, Xiao Hongtao had no objections.

Seeing his mentor filled with excitement, Yang Chengyou silently snickered to himself: If the mentor knew about those three crops, who knows how joyful he would become?

Long Xuanmo's villa was completed, and upon receiving the news, he hurried over. Besides Luo Jingrui, Nangong Lingfei, and the Situ Wenkai brothers, there was also a young woman of outstanding beauty and demeanor, as well as a handsome and spirited young man.

"Eldest Imperial Sister, Fifth Imperial Younger Brother, what brings you here?" Long Yingtong ran excitedly towards the woman, her delicate little face full of surprise.

Gently caressing Long Yingtong's cheek, the woman, who was the current Eldest Princess Long Jingxi, smiled and replied, "You haven't been back to the palace for so long, Father, Royal Grandmother, and Mother are extremely worried about you. That's why they sent me and your Fifth Imperial Brother to check on you."

"Third Imperial Younger Brother said that Yingtong's muteness has been cured. I didn't expect it to be true, and to see her so lively and cheerful now—it's wonderful!"

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