PFC Chapter 203: Shocked Kong Congjue
Chapter 203: Shocked Kong Congjue
"Can soybeans really be eaten in so many ways?"
It’s not that Kong Congjue didn’t believe it, but since ancient times, he had never heard of eating soybeans in any other way besides cooking them.
That's why he couldn't help but confirm it out loud.
"Of course, there are dozens of ways to cook soybeans, such as stir-frying, cooking with vinegar, and cooking with salt and pepper.
Not to mention that soybeans can be grown into bean sprouts, and can be ground into tofu, which can then be made into dried tofu. Soybeans can be a very good thing if we continue to research them."
Mu Jiaojiao stood up and talked freely, giving a general introduction to soybeans.
Although Kong Congjue had never seen finished products made from soybeans using other methods, he found it incredible when Mu Jiaojiao said that.
Soybeans can be eaten in so many ways and have so many uses?
In that case, if the entire Yunzhong County grows soybeans, wouldn’t that be better than rice?
He was feeling quite excited. If soybeans were better than the newly introduced rice planting method, then wouldn't it be just a matter of time before he could realize his ambitions of benefiting the people?
"Then according to Madam Mu's suggestion, can I allow all the people in Yunzhong County to plant soybeans?"
Although Kong Congjue thought so in his heart, he still humbly asked Mu Jiaojiao. After all, Mu Jiaojiao knew more and the advice she gave would be more convincing.
"Jiaojiao thinks the sudden large-scale planting of soybeans is unacceptable."
Mu Jiaojiao was frank when she heard Kong Congjue's question, telling him directly that large-scale planting was not an option right away. "Business requires raw materials, trading channels, manpower, material resources, and financial resources!"
"So, for soybean cultivation, I suggest starting with small-scale, concentrated planting. Suitable fields should still be used to grow rice. Once the market is opened up, the soybean planting area can be gradually expanded."
Mu Jiaojiao said pertinently, they were in the dark and started working in a hurry. The people of Dayu had never even seen tofu, what would they do if it rotted in their hands?
After listening to Mu Jiaojiao's explanation, Kong Congjue felt that he had indeed been inconsiderate before. The main reason was that he was a graduate of the imperial examination system and was not very good at farming.
If he decides to grow soybeans, he will need one or two people who are good at it. Who is the best at it?
It's so far away and so close at hand!
"Madam Mu is right. I have an unwelcome request. I wonder if Madam Mu can agree to it?"
When Kong Congjue thought of this, he looked at Mu Jiaojiao with fiery eyes. In his eyes, Mu Jiaojiao was like a glowing silver ingot, which gave Mu Jiaojiao goose bumps.
When she first had this feeling, it was when her naughty apprentice, Meng He, was staring at her all day long.
That old man Meng He stares at her all day long in order to learn medical skills. What does Kong Congjue want to do?
"...Master Kong, please feel free to speak."
Mu Jiaojiao was silent for a moment, looking at Kong Congjue who was staring at her brightly, and told him to speak frankly. As for whether to agree or not, shouldn't he make the decision after she finishes listening?
"I, Kong, would like to hire Madam Mu as the Grand Minister of Agriculture's female tutor in the name of the Sino-Agricultural Temple. She would explain soybeans and rice cultivation methods to the officials in charge of agriculture and sericulture in Yunzhong County, and together we would study various ways to eat soybeans.
Although this Grand Minister of Agriculture doesn't hold any official position, the Ministry of Agriculture in my Yunzhong Commandery is at Madam Mu's disposal. If Madam Mu achieves any meritorious service in the future, I, Kong, can submit a petition to the court to commend her."
The conditions offered by Kong Congjue were quite tempting, which trapped Mu Jiaojiao firmly and made her study ways to develop agriculture and sericulture for Yunzhong County.
He also painted a big pie for Mu Jiaojiao and asked for credit from the court, which was something that many people and women in Dayu dreamed of.
Once you have made achievements and are rewarded by the court, you will be remembered forever and bring honor to your family.
However, Kong Congjue was wrong in one aspect. He was considering things based on the current era. As a modern person, Mu Jiaojiao did not value achievements in this way, nor did she like these false things so much.
"Master Kong, Jiaojiao has nothing to ask for in terms of achievements, and I don't have that much time to stay in Yunzhong County or Cangzhou anymore."
After hearing what he said, Mu Jiaojiao refused out loud. She thought Kong Congjue was a good person by giving soybeans, but she never thought about getting any reward from the court.
Now that Jiang Jin has already entered Yudu in advance, she doesn't have so much time to earn so-called merits here.
If she wants any promotion in the future, can't she just go through Prince Jin's backdoor? It's better for her to take her child and reunite with her husband as soon as possible!
Kong Congjue was choked by Mu Jiaojiao's rejection. He didn't expect that there would be a woman who would refuse such temptation. Women in Dayu did not have a high status and could not serve as officials in the court.
If you can get a reward, it will be easier to find a husband from a wealthy family in the future, after all, you will bring honor to your husband's family.
Then he thought again, this Madam Mu and Prince Jin seemed to be husband and wife, which means that Mu Jiaojiao would at least be Prince Jin's concubine in the future, or at best a concubine. So it was normal for Mu Jiaojiao to look down on the still unknown imperial favor, wasn't it?
At this time, Mu Jiaojiao and Jiang Jin did not know what Kong Congjue was thinking. If she knew, Mu Jiaojiao would tell him seriously that she, Mu Jiaojiao, would only be Jiang Jin's legal wife in this life, and only his only wife.
After Kong Congjue thought he had figured out the whole cause and effect, he pondered for a moment and then asked Mu Jiaojiao for help again.
"Madam Mu, if that's the case, I would like to hire you as the female tutor of the Grand Minister of Agriculture for a period of two months. After the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture learn better how to plant and eat soybeans, you can leave on your own.
We will follow up on the subsequent matters ourselves. Once Yunzhong County has any achievements, Kong will also report to the court truthfully about Madam Mu's actions. What do you think?"
Mu Jiaojiao listened to Kong Congjue's words and pondered for a while. This so-called achievement did not attract her much, but she wanted to use the influence of the government of Yunzhong County. Moreover, it would only take about two months, so it was worthwhile to stay.
"Master Kong, how about this? Jiaojiao will be the female tutor of the Minister of Agriculture for about two months.
In the future, when all soybean foods are produced, Lord Kong will give priority to cooperating with Jin Yu Man Tang, Hong Hong Huo Huo and Si Shi Hua Kai, so that both parties can profit.
In the future, Master Kong can also help take care of a few restaurants and shops, okay?"
Mu Jiaojiao thought about it and told Kong Congjue about her plan. Needless to say, Jin Yumantang was the place with all its splendor. The one that was prosperous was naturally the barbecue shop opened by Jin Baoer and Yu Danping. The name was quite in the style of Jin Baoer.
When Kong Congjue heard Mu Jiaojiao say these restaurants and shops that were once popular in Cangzhou were stunned, but then they realized that the reason these shops and restaurants were so popular was also the work of Mu Jiaojiao.
He couldn't help but be shocked. This was a steady flow of money. Mu Jiaojiao's method of making money was truly terrifying.
Kong Congjue, who didn't know at this time that "Flowers Blooming in Four Seasons" and Jin Yu Man Tang had already entered Yudu, was really shocked.
Mu Jiaojiao, a woman, actually has such ability. Who wouldn’t be shocked?