Zhao Yingluo looked at the back of Yue Fei leaving, and her heart was full of respect and gratitude. She knew that this upcoming war would be an existential test for the Great Song Dynasty, but she also firmly believed that as long as the army and people of the Great Song Dynasty were united, they would definitely be able to defeat any enemy!

Now, however, she has a more pressing issue to deal with, and that is the problem of cotton pests. She turned around and walked down the tower to Jiang Laosi's residence, she wanted to see the pest-infested cotton fields for herself, and work with the farmers to find a solution. She knew that this war was not only a military contest, but also an economic contest, and only by ensuring the adequate supply of strategic materials such as cotton could the Great Song Dynasty be invincible in this war!

When Zhao Yingluo came to Jiang Laosi's residence, she found that it had become a temporary command center. Jiang Laosi was nervously discussing countermeasures with a group of agricultural officials and think tank members, their faces full of worry and anxiety.

Seeing Zhao Yingluo's arrival, Jiang Laosi and others hurriedly got up and saluted. Zhao Yingluo waved her hand to signal them to be polite, and then walked straight to a map to examine it carefully.

The map shows in detail the distribution of cotton fields around Kaifeng, as well as the location and extent of insect infestations. Zhao Yingluo looked at the hard-hit areas circled in red, and her heart ached, she knew that this meant that the hard work of countless farmers was in vain, and it also meant that the strategic materials of the Great Song Dynasty would face a serious shortage.

"Jiang Laosi, have you discussed a countermeasure?" Zhao Yingluo asked in a deep voice.

Jiang Laosi smiled bitterly: "Back to the prison country, we have discussed for a long time and have not come up with a foolproof plan. Those bugs are so cunning that they hide in cotton peaches and are hard to spot, and by the time we find out, it's too late. ”

Zhao Yingluo frowned: "Then we have no choice?" Can we just watch those cotton being eaten by insects? ”

"Nope! We have another way! A member of a think tank suddenly said, "We can mobilize farmers to look for bollworms plant by plant, which will be less efficient, but at least we can save some of the cotton." ”

"That's right! It works! Others chimed in.

A glimmer of light flashed in Zhao Yingluo's eyes: "Okay!" Then mobilize the farmers to take action immediately! At the same time, special personnel were sent to train and guide the farmers to ensure that they can correctly identify and deal with cotton bollworm. ”

Jiang Laosi and the others perked up and responded in unison: "Yes!" Then he turned around and left to urgently arrange the task.

Zhao Yingluo looked at their backs and took a deep breath. She knew that this insect infestation would be a severe test for the Great Song Dynasty, but she also firmly believed that as long as the army and people of the Great Song Dynasty were united, they would definitely be able to overcome any difficulties and enemies!

In order to encourage farmers and the people of the Great Song Dynasty in the city to actively catch insects, Zhao Yingluo pondered and meditated, and finally came up with an excellent way, that is, to exchange cotton bollworms for food! She believes that this initiative will greatly increase people's motivation to catch bollworms, so as to effectively control the pest and ensure a good cotton harvest.

However, when Zhao Yingluo told Jiang Laosi, the waiter of the Ministry of Agriculture, about this idea, he was embarrassed and raised objections. Jiang Laosi believes that Her Royal Highness the princess has already provided farmers with seeds and technical support for cotton planting, and now it seems inappropriate to spend extra food and expenses to reward insect catching. He was worried that doing so would trigger a comparison mentality among other farmers and bring a greater burden to the imperial court.

When Zhao Yingluo heard this, her eyebrows frowned slightly, she understood Jiang Laosi's worries, but she didn't agree with his point of view. In her opinion, as an official of the imperial court, she should think about the people and do everything possible to help them get through the difficulties. She is well aware that growing cotton is a new venture for farmers, and the risks and challenges are self-evident. Nowadays, the pest is rampant, and if effective measures are not taken to control it, the hard work of the farmers will be in vain, which is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the agricultural production and economic development of the Great Song Dynasty.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yingluo took a deep breath and said slowly: "Jiang Shilang, I know your concerns, but I think we should consider the interests of farmers more at this time. I asked them to switch to cotton, and if the farmers can't get a good harvest in the fall, then it's my fault. I can't just watch them lose their harvest because of the pest, and we have to take strong measures to help them get through this. ”

Jiang Laosi listened to Zhao Yingluo's words and couldn't help but fall into deep thought. He knew that Her Royal Highness had always been very concerned about the plight of the farmers, and that it was a matter of kindness that she was proposing such a move. But as a squire of the Ministry of Agriculture, he also had the responsibility to consider the finances of the imperial court. He hesitated for a moment, but he couldn't help but say, "Your Royal Highness, your idea is certainly very good, but doing so will bring a great burden to the imperial court. Can we consider other more secure ways to control pests? ”

Zhao Yingluo understood Jiang Laosi's concerns, but she did not intend to give up her ideas. She firmly believes that only by letting farmers see tangible benefits can they truly motivate them. So she smiled slightly and said, "Jiang Shilang, you don't have to worry about the cost. I've decided to take millions of stone grain out of my private granary to reward the people who catch insects. That's enough food to sustain the plan. ”

Jiang Laosi was shocked when he heard this, he never expected that Her Royal Highness the Princess would make such a decision. You must know that millions of stone grain is not a small amount, and even the treasury of the imperial court may not be able to easily come up with so much grain. He hurriedly said, "Your Royal Highness Princess, this is unacceptable!" The grain in your private granary is your private property, how can it be used to reward farmers? If this gets out......"

"Jiang Shilang!" Zhao Yingluo interrupted Jiang Laosi's words, and said in a firm tone, "Although these grains are my private property, but now that the national disaster is at hand, how can I, as the princess of the Great Song Dynasty, sit idly by?" Instead of putting these grains in the warehouse to mold and rot, it is better to take them out and do something practical for the people. I'm sure my father and mother will support my decision. ”

Jiang Laosi was deeply shocked by Zhao Yingluo's words, and he looked at the young but resolute princess in front of him, and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration in his heart. He knew that he could no longer oppose this plan, because the determination and courage of Her Royal Highness had given him hope.

At this moment, Zuo Prime Minister Lu Yihao also rushed over when he heard the news. When he heard about Her Royal Highness's plan, he also expressed his support and offered to allocate some money from the treasury to support it. However, Zhao Yingluo politely declined his kindness. She told Lu Yihao, Jiang Laosi and others that there was enough food in their granaries to support the plan, and there was no need to allocate funds from the state treasury. She hopes that the project will be entirely at her own risk and responsibility.

Lu Yihao, Jiang Laosi and others were all moved after listening to Zhao Yingluo's words. They expressed their willingness to fully cooperate with Her Royal Highness the princess in the implementation of this plan and provide necessary support and assistance to the farmers.

Soon the news spread throughout Kaifeng City. The farmers and the people of the city were moved to tears when they heard that Her Royal Highness was going to reward the people who caught insects with the grain in her private granary. They have expressed their desire to actively respond to the call of Her Royal Highness the Princess, strive to catch cotton bollworms, and contribute their own strength to defend their homeland and harvest.