For example, the Xiao family, in their pursuit of glory and wealth, heartlessly sold Xiao Wanxue to Prince Su as a concubine, despite her being already betrothed.

For example, Xiao Mingyan plotted to cause the loss of Xiao Mingya's unborn child, while Xiao Mingya in turn secretly administered Sterility Powder to Xiao Mingyan.

For example, Old Master Xiao and his legitimate sons took bribes and participated in corrupt practices such as buying and selling official appointments, forming cliques for selfish gains, and even showing utter disregard for human life.

Suddenly, insults and denunciations surged toward the Xiao family like a tide, affecting the entire Xiao family clan.

The members of the Xiao family were thrown into panic and rage, all rushing to the Clan Leader's residence, demanding that the Clan Leader severely punish the Xiao family to salvage the clan's reputation.

The poor Patriarch of the Xiao family was bedridden at this moment. He had learned through special channels that the reason the Xiao family's scandals had suddenly been exposed was all because Old Master Xiao went to Anping County and threatened Xiao Hongtao to attribute the credits for the two harvests of wheat and rice to Xiao Hongquan.

The Emperor had strictly ordered that this matter not be disclosed, and although it hadn't spread, the Emperor must certainly know about it by now. Not knowing how the Emperor would deal with the Xiao family, the Patriarch fell ill as soon as he heard the news.

The Xiao family descended into chaos too. The families of Old Lady Xiao and several daughters-in-law loudly declared their separation from them, fearing the Xiao family's infamy would taint their own houses. Several daughters were directly cast off by their husbands' families and returned home, where they cried and created an uproar all day.

Now, the members of the Xiao family didn't dare to go out. Otherwise, they were sure to return home covered in rotten eggs and spoiled vegetable leaves.

Old Master Xiao coughed up blood and fainted, his eyes rolling back, and before he regained consciousness, the commander of the Imperial Guard surrounded the Xiao Mansion with his men and seized the entire household, locking them all in Sky Prison.

Initially, the Emperor had thrice ordered the concealment of the wheat and rice affair. Against all expectation, the Xiao family somehow came to know of this, and the Emperor was enraged. He instructed Long Xuan Mo to secretly investigate everyone present that day, eventually tracing it to an influential official surnamed Wang, a staunch supporter of Prince Su.

It was he who leaked the information to the Xiao family. Thus the Emperor found an offense to execute him and exiled his family to the distant lands of Shu.

Once the Emperor verified the Xiao family's crimes, he stripped them of their noble title. All males over the age of fifteen were to be executed, and the rest were sold into slavery (the Noble Consort was demoted to Jieyu [an attendant] and sent to the Cold Palace, Xiao Mingyan and Xiao Mingya were imprisoned with Prince Su in Zongren Mansion, and the two continued their endless conflict).

Their property was confiscated.

However, Xiao Hongtao's branch of the family had left home early on and had not been involved, so they were spared. The Emperor, in a grand gesture, ordered Xiao Hongtao to break ties with Old Master Xiao, his father.

Once the imperial decree was issued, the bedridden Patriarch of the Xiao family leaped up and, together with his clan, convened a meeting that very day to expel Old Master Xiao's branch from the clan. They also sent someone to Anping County to appease Xiao Hongtao because the Emperor's actions clearly showed his esteem for Xiao Hongtao, whom they could not let depart from their prosperous clan.

The Emperor issued a secret decree commanding the five thousand soldiers guarding Martyr Temple, along with Bei Mingchuan and Xiao Hongtao, to seal off any news concerning the two harvests of wheat and rice, punishing any violators with death!

Listening to the birds' reports, Yang Mengchen let out a long sigh of relief. Uncle Xiao's family could finally live a happy and peaceful life. How wonderful.

When Xiao Hongtao's family learned of the news, they naturally understood Yang Mengchen's well-intentioned hardship and felt touched and relieved.

In the blink of an eye, it was the season for harvesting lotus roots. Yang Mengchen first had people fish out the fish in several ponds, then drained the water to start digging up the lotus roots.

These days, Huangsha Village was busier than the New Year, with every household receiving a share of plump fish and juicy lotus roots, and everyone was beaming with joy.

Yang Mengchen sent some of the fish and lotus roots to the supermarket and the Drunken Immortal Tavern, using the majority to make longer-lasting foods, and successfully produced lotus root powder. Of course, she sent some to the Imperial Palace and several noble homes.

The second crop of rice ripened, and the people of the entire county began to harvest. Although the yield per mu wasn't as high as the first crop, it was still a bit more than in previous years. The officials who had assisted were overjoyed and hastily wrote a secret report to present to the Emperor.

The Emperor rejoiced greatly, looking forward with hope to the second season's wheat harvest.

Seeing the wheat ears in the fields slowly turning golden, Yang Mengchen breathed a sigh of relief. Drawing from her knowledge of astronomy and geography learned with her master in her previous life, she discovered that the climate in this era was warmer and the soil quality different.

Thus, she decided to experiment with planting crops for two seasons, and fortunately, the results did not disappoint her.

Upon receiving the secret report that the second season wheat experiment was successful, with a higher per-acre yield than in previous years, the Emperor finally felt at ease.

He issued an edict for Qinghe Prefecture and the surrounding counties to experiment with planting wheat and rice for two seasons next year, and several officials were also retained to continue assisting Yang Chengrong and Xiao Hongtao.

At the same time, the Emperor broke precedent to confer the title of Jinxiang Earl upon Yang Chengrong, and granted a residence in the town as the Jinxiang Earl Mansion, with Xiao Wanxue being the Countess.

Xiao Hongtao was promoted three ranks, becoming the Magistrate of Qinghe Prefecture and took office immediately.

Bei Mingchuan was transferred back to the Capital.

Sun Chuanmao personally led people to Yangliu Village to deliver the decree, causing a sensation throughout Yongchang Town; the villagers of Yangliu were especially thrilled. Yang Chengrong was the first person in the history of Yangliu Village to be ennobled, an honor for the village, naturally making them even more excited than Yang Chengrong.

Long Jingxi had a sudden onset, and Yang Mengchen was in the other courtyard taking care of Long Jingxi, so she was not present, but she was aware of the lively scene at home.

After a day and a night, Long Jingxi safely gave birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins; Min Luozhan was so happy he was beside himself, constantly doting on his wife and two treasures.

The Emperor and Empress were delighted to hear the news, sending carts and carts of things, allowing the children to return to the Capital after the full moon celebration. Doctor Luo was, of course, not without rewards, which the Empress granted exclusively to Yang Mengchen (unknown to the Emperor).

Doctor Luo gave all the rewards to Yang Mengchen, while Long Jingxi and her husband expressed their gratitude.

"Shao Yao, what are you thinking about?" Yang Mengchen asked Shao Yao, who obviously had a lot on her mind beside her.

She had noticed something off with Shao Yao the past two days; on the surface, she was as serene and obedient as usual but often distracted. However, with the approach of the New Year and her many tasks, she didn't have time to inquire properly.

Shao Yao was diligent and astute, meticulous and thoughtful in her tasks, and even though she spoke little, she was likable. If she truly had concerns, Yang Mengchen wanted to offer consolation.

"This servant... I wasn't thinking about anything..." Shao Yao, absorbed in her thoughts until Yang Mengchen's question snapped her back to reality.

Gazing at Shao Yao for a moment, Yang Mengchen smiled and said, "It's about Uncle Heng's affairs, isn't it?"

"Miss?" Shao Yao's eyes widened in surprise: How did Miss know it was about my father's issues?

Yang Mengchen glanced at Sister Jin. Uncle Heng was the Butler of the manor, and the Yang family had always protected his dignity, naturally not allowing others to know his private matters.

Sister Jin immediately led Hai Tang and seven others out and closed the door before standing guard outside.

Yang Mengchen smiled and said, "Speak freely and without fear, I will not blame you."

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