Seeing a glimmer of interest in the emperor's eyes, Li Ying struck while the iron was hot and added, "As the saying goes, when the autumn wind blows, the river crabs are fat. Now is the perfect time to drink yellow rice wine and enjoy lake crabs. However, freshwater crabs tend to die soon after being taken out of water, and toxins will develop in their bodies, making them inedible. So, Your Majesty will have to visit the fishing village in person to savor them."
"Then there's the symbiotic system of shrimp and rice, where crayfish are raised in paddy fields. In the night markets of the capital, spicy crayfish and golden - garlic crayfish are extremely popular delicacies. I've heard that many people from neighboring suburban villages and even other countries come here especially for these delicious dishes. After tasting them, they also want to purchase crayfish from the Central Plains to cook for their guests."
"I can assert that in no time, crayfish will become a popular delicacy across the country! If the cities along the southeast coast vigorously develop crayfish farming, they will surely reap huge profits!"
The emperor's expression changed slightly.
If the common people lived in peace and prosperity and had money in their pockets, the tax revenue would be guaranteed, and his national treasury would be a bit more abundant.
While he was still calculating in his mind, Princess Yongning slapped the table and exclaimed, "Miss Li has truly broadened my horizons today! In the past, I only thought that valuable items like salt, iron, and raw silk were crucial resources related to the national economy and people's livelihood. Only today did I realize that as long as properly managed, even these seemingly ordinary foods can enrich the national treasury!"
"These foods are closely related to the daily lives of the common people. Although Miss Li comes from humble origins, if we look at it this way, her contributions to the country may not be less than those of Lord Lu!"
There was no attempt to conceal her praise for Li Ying in her words. Hearing this, the emperor sized up the people around him thoughtfully and remained silent.
Su Buchi also advised, "Your Majesty, it's a bit hasty to vigorously promote polder agriculture and raise rice - field fish fry in Jiangcheng without seeing the 'mulberry - dike fishpond' with your own eyes. Your Majesty might as well set sail as soon as possible and see the vast fertile fields in the southern border earlier so that you can make a decision."
This speech was steady and appropriate, and the emperor naturally agreed. He left a few accompanying officials to temporarily stay in Jiangcheng to handle miscellaneous affairs, and then hurriedly ordered the ship to set sail and head straight for the fishing village in the southern border.
Li Ying stood at the stern of the ship. Seeing that it was getting late, a blush - pink glow appeared at the junction of the sea and the sky, which was extremely beautiful.
The charming clouds dyed the sails of the dragon - boat brightly and delicately. As far as the eye could see on the horizon, it was all a tender pink like peony petals.
Immediately, an official on the ship bowed to the emperor cheerfully and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is wise! This southern tour will surely benefit future generations!"
Everyone echoed, saying that the people of Jiangcheng had been suffering under the rule of the local governor, living in rags and hunger, almost on the verge of desperation. Fortunately, His Majesty had come to uphold justice for the people. His Majesty was truly a wise emperor through the ages, and so on.
Su Buchi and Lu Xunguang exchanged a look. Although they stood among the officials with their heads down, they didn't say a word in agreement.
Their emperor was fond of taking credit for achievements. Naturally, he was very satisfied and in high spirits at the moment.
But Li Ying looked extremely solemn, staring intently at the pink glow on the horizon.
Princess Yongning noticed her serious expression and asked gently, "Miss Li, why do you look so unhappy? Do you seem to have something to say?"
Her voice was quite loud, and immediately everyone's eyes were drawn to Li Ying.
The emperor frowned slightly. This woman, although she was indeed a bit smart, was really inconsiderate to spoil the mood like this.
Princess Yongning observed the emperor's expression and quickly added, "Father, Miss Li is a fisherwoman from the seaside. She is very familiar with the sea waves and fishing conditions and has rich experience. I see that she looks so anxious. I'm afraid she has something important to report. Father, why not listen to what she has to say first?"
With Princess Yongning and Empress Pei interceding, the emperor's expression finally softened a bit. Looking at Li Ying, he said coldly, "Li, what do you want to say?"
Li Ying looked solemn and bowed slightly to the emperor.
She saw several gulls hovering on the horizon, flying low and fast. There were also a few eagles standing on the mast. No matter how the sailors drove them away, they remained unmoved, just standing motionless at the bow of the ship and refusing to leave.
The officials on the ship only regarded these as "auspicious omens" of "the emperor's tour", but Li Ying became even more nervous.
The scarlet sky and these abnormally - behaved birds were clearly signs of a typhoon!
It was normal for the southeast coast to be hit by typhoons, but in this ancient era with under - developed everything, a typhoon was a extremely dangerous natural disaster!
Although the dragon - boat repaired by Lu Xunguang was solid, it was by no means impregnable.
The emperor looked unhappy, and the officials were also whispering among themselves.
"Li, you're full of inauspicious words. What's your intention to curse us?"
"Li, don't talk nonsense!"
Li Ying knelt on both knees, but her face was calm and showed no trace of fear.
She calmly and respectfully told the emperor about the harms of a typhoon one by one.
When a typhoon passed by, not a blade of grass would be left. It was extremely powerful and could even uproot towering ancient trees.
Even though the dragon - boat was huge, if it sailed on the sea during a typhoon, it would surely be swallowed by the monstrous waves.
As for the people living along the coast, if they didn't take precautions early, they would surely suffer. At that time, no one knew how many families would be displaced and lose both their property and their loved ones.
Li Ying spoke with full conviction. The emperor looked thoughtful and couldn't make a decision for a while.
Among the officials, there were some who sharply scolded Li Ying for spreading rumors and being over - worried.
The sea was clear as far as the eye could see, not a single dark cloud in sight. How could there be a life - threatening storm?
Just when the emperor was hesitating, Princess Yongning was the first to speak.
"Father, I think we'd better believe that there might be a typhoon rather than not. After all, this matter concerns the lives of the common people. Please think twice, Father!"
Needless to say, Su Buchi and Lu Xunguang also agreed.
Empress Pei thought for a moment. Looking at Li Ying's straight back, she also said softly, "Your Majesty, I also think that Li's words are not alarmist."
Even the Empress Dowager advised, "Your Majesty, this is a major matter. We can't take chances."
After much thought, the emperor finally made up his mind and ordered, "Fine. Since that's the case, order the dragon - boat to sail at full speed and anchor at the shore before nightfall!"
Below Jiangcheng was Huan City.
The two provinces were separated by Huanling Mountain, which blocked all the rain in the south of Huanling Mountain.
Huan City already had extremely abundant rainfall. If it was hit by a typhoon and floods inundated the city, the whole of Huan City might become a vast expanse of water!
By then, there might be no hope left in Huan City!