“Amazing, truly amazing!”

“With this miraculous tool, we no longer have to carry water day and night to irrigate the fields, nor do we have to exhaust ourselves pounding rice!”

“That’s right! I think even my two kids could operate it!”

…

Everyone present stared at the mold with burning eyes, their hearts stirred with excitement—especially the officials!

If they presented this to higher-ups, Weizhou Prefecture would surely gain great fame.

The only question was: what would the Qiao family decide to do…?

They had seen stone mills before, and every major family in Weizhou had their own grindstones.

But those were the hardest and most laborious tasks in the household. A water-powered mill combining all three functions was unheard of.

If every village could have one, how much human and animal labor would be saved?

Qiao Xin gave direct orders to Niu Dabao and his brother, “This model is only for display. Make another full set and install it by the stone bridge outside so that everyone can use it. However, this alone won’t be enough for irrigation.”

“For a fully functional waterwheel, it must be at least thirty feet tall to meet the requirements. The mill and pestle must be able to process at least half a shi of grain to be considered qualified. Try different materials—use the most durable ones!”

“Understood! How many finished products does the owner want?”

“Make three of each type first. I’ll assign more people to help you. The rotating shafts, scrapers, and water scoops tend to wear out quickly, so prepare extra replacements. If something breaks, we’ll swap it out immediately. Just let me know if you need any materials.”

“Got it, no problem! Don’t worry, boss!” Niu Dabao nodded enthusiastically.

He and his brother were now doing the work they loved, had enough to eat and drink, and even earned money.

Most importantly, their employer was generous—never underpaying them and often giving extra rewards for good work.

Where else could they find such a great boss?

His biggest wish now was that the owner would let them stay on permanently, as long as they remained diligent.

..

“Mother!”

Qiao Xin turned around and saw the handsome face of Qiao Yunqing.

He was surrounded by both familiar and unfamiliar faces, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“Second son, you’re back? Lord Fan, we meet again!”

Fan Jihuai was equally pleased—Qiao Xin was as warm as ever, treating him as if he were family!

After exchanging greetings, Fan Jihuai explained his purpose for coming.

Qiao Xin immediately had Zhang Yun and Li Zhong lead them to the fields.

There was too much work and too few people.

If they didn’t hurry, they wouldn’t be able to return home until late at night.

As soon as they got home, Qiao Xin took the initiative to ask about the results of the provincial exam.

“My son placed first and will take the prefectural exam in a month. This year’s provincial exam was a special one granted by the emperor. Everyone who passes the prefectural exam will join last year’s autumn exam qualifiers to compete in the metropolitan exam.”

“So that means you’ll be heading to the capital in less than three months?”

“Yes!”

Qiao Xin looked worried. “Won’t that be too rushed? Too much pressure?”

Qiao Yunqing was full of confidence. “No matter what, this is a journey I must take! Mother, I met Prince Qi at the Daoist temple that day.”

“Who? Who is Prince Qi?” Qiao Xin was completely unfamiliar with the imperial family and had never tried to learn about them.

Hearing her son mention it suddenly, she was momentarily confused.

“He looks about seventy percent like our third brother. The Fan family probably suspects something!”

Qiao Xin remained calm. “So what if they do? Your third brother isn’t someone who needs to hide. If they sincerely want to acknowledge him, we’ll accept it. If they come with ill intentions, we’ll fight them—one or a dozen, it makes no difference. What’s there to fear?”

Qiao Yunqing continued, “Prince Qi is here not for Third Brother, but to hunt down remnants of the rebel army. I’ve heard that a group of them has fled and hidden in Weizhou. They’re ruthless and extremely dangerous. Mother, you must be careful—make sure the children always have someone protecting them.”

Qiao Xin’s eyes sparkled. “If I happen to capture some of them, is there a reward?”

Qiao Yunqing was both amused and exasperated, but he still didn’t want his mother taking such a risk!

“Alright, alright, don’t worry so much. I’m just asking. There’s already enough work in the fields to keep me busy—I don’t have time to go hunting criminals!” Qiao Xin pulled out a book from her robe and handed it to him. “There’s something important I need to tell you. Have you seen my farming tool models? I’ve compiled them into a book! You should find a way to present it to the magistrate.”

“I’m heading into the mountains to hunt. No matter what, getting into the scholar ranks is a big deal. We won’t hold a grand banquet, but at the very least, we should invite everyone who was here today, as well as the folks from town, for a meal!”

With that, Qiao Xin grabbed her tools and walked out the door.

When Zhang Shi and Xu Shi entered the house, all they saw was their mother-in-law’s carefree departing figure.

Qiao Yunqing didn’t hesitate either—he went straight to the fields to find Fan Jihuai and explained his family’s plan.

Fan Jihuai was stunned for a moment before realizing what the Qiao family intended.

Did Qiao Yunqing not understand what it meant to submit such a book?

After some hesitation, he still decided to remind him, “Brother Qiao, you now have an official rank. You can request an audience with the county magistrate or even the prefectural governor directly. You don’t have to go through me.”

Qiao Yunqing smiled. “I know, but I still want you to deliver it. Without the Fan family’s help, our family wouldn’t have settled so smoothly in Weizhou. Magistrate Han doesn’t need to feel indebted—this was also my mother’s intention.”

“The Fan and Qiao families should submit it together. Many of the workers using these tools belong to your Fan family. We can’t take all the credit for ourselves!”

Fan Jihuai hadn’t expected the Qiao family to even come up with an excuse for him.

If he refused now, he would truly be ungrateful.

That night, several strange tools were carried into the prefectural magistrate’s courtyard.

Fan Jihuai explained Qiao Xin’s intentions.

With additional testimony from his colleagues and the chief clerk, the prefect realized that an enormous opportunity had just fallen into his lap.

After demonstrating the farming tools, Prince Qi personally tried them out, even pounding a bowl of rice himself before finally setting them down with satisfaction.

“Hahaha! Excellent, excellent! The Fan and Qiao families have done a great service—they deserve a reward! Magistrate Wu, you have governed well. I will submit a memorial to the court requesting a commendation for you! This journey was truly worthwhile. With these tools, our people will no longer suffer as much when farming and reclaiming land. This is a deed that benefits both the present and future generations!”

Everyone cheered, “Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Highness! The Great Jing Dynasty is destined to flourish once more!”

After his excitement subsided, Prince Qi inquired about the Qiao family.

“Mrs.Qiao has three sons. The eldest and youngest joined the army last year and have repeatedly distinguished themselves in battle. They have already been promoted to military officers. The second son, Qiao Yunqing, whom Your Highness met at the temple, has just earned his scholar’s rank. He is steady and meticulous.”

Prince Qi recalled the young man he had met that day—handsome, composed, and courteous.

He had indeed left a good impression.

Since the Qiao family had contributed something so valuable, as a prince, he had to offer a reward. “Did the Qiao family mention what they wanted in return?”

Fan Jihuai hesitated.

Should he speak up?

Seeing this hesitation, the higher-ups grew nervous—had the Qiao family made an outrageous demand…?