But who knew that the superiors had already found out that the grafting and crop rotation were all thanks to An Jing alone, and he had nothing to do with it.
How could Official Liu not be resentful!
He had been in this position of Farmers’ knowledge for many years. Just a little more credit and he should have been promoted, but who would have thought that before he could even consider reporting An Jing’s achievements, he received news that the authorities were already aware it was all An Jing’s doing.
He had not even reported it; how did the authorities already know it was An Jing’s accomplishment? It must have been An Jing telling her powerful connections! She was afraid he would take even a sliver of her glory!
Before, he knew An Jing might have someone high up, but he never imagined An Jing would hinder his path to promotion, making his career so difficult.
Official Liu truly felt that it was An Jing who prevented him from getting promoted.
So, when he saw An Jing coming, Official Liu’s face was all smiles, yet inside he was seething with hatred toward An Jing.
An Jing, however, was unaware of Official Liu’s resentful thoughts towards her. Upon seeing him, she greeted him with a salute: "Official Liu, there’s something I want to discuss with you. I’ve devised a new kind of drum cart which can irrigate paddy fields without the need for human labor. I would like to build one by every river in Qilin County, which I estimate will cost twenty taels of silver. I hope you will approve it."
"Drum cart?" Official Liu feigned confusion on the surface, but inwardly he cursed that although she was a woman, she indeed had talent! In such a short time, not only did she discover that grafting and rotation could reduce pests and diseases, but now she’s come up with a drum cart! Outrageous!
"Yes, a drum cart. Here’s a diagram of the drum cart structure, you can take a look," An Jing said as she took out the diagram and showed it to Official Liu.
Upon seeing the diagram, Official Liu’s eyes immediately lit up. This person, she really had talent!
However, remembering that An Jing had blocked his promotion, Official Liu immediately planned to trip her up in his mind.
If you show no kindness, don’t blame me for not being righteous!
Official Liu knew An Jing had connections above, so naturally he would not foolishly confront her directly. Therefore, even when he planned to trip up An Jing, he would do so in secret.
Smiling, Official Liu said, "Lord An, you really are talented. I find this drum cart to be a tool that will benefit the people. I personally would like to allocate those twenty taels to you immediately so you can construct the drum cart and make it easier for the common people to irrigate their fields; however, I also have to apply to the superiors, as you know. I’m just a minor Farmers’ knowledge and don’t have authority over many matters."
An Jing was surprised: "You can’t even decide on such a minor matter?" It’s only twenty taels of silver, not much at all...
Official Liu said, "It’s not about the money, it’s that this drum cart is to help the common people with irrigation, and will be built right beside them, equivalent to an Imperial Court initiative being implemented. It’s important for the welfare of the people. As a minor Farmers’ knowledge, I really can’t decide on this myself. I have to report it and get approval before I can allocate the funds from the Agricultural Institute’s Accounting Room to you."
What Official Liu said was irrefutable, so An Jing believed him.
Because this indeed equated to an initiative of the Imperial Court being implemented among the people. She now held official status, representing the Xiyun Court; it was truly a significant matter. A minor Farmers’ knowledge indeed did not have the power to make this decision.
Official Liu continued, "I will report this matter. Lord An, please be patient. If the superiors approve, I will immediately agree to allocate the funds to you, so you can build this drum cart... What do you say?"
An Jing could only reply, "Well then, I’ll have to trouble you, Official Liu, to report this matter quickly."