Chapter 1051: Helan Minyue: My husband knows how to love me!

In the second box were several pieces of top-grade Shu brocade with brilliant colors and exquisite patterns. They were all made by famous Yizhou brocade weavers and sparkled with a luxurious luster in the sun.

Li Zhi said: "This Shu brocade is very comfortable to wear and can also be made into some exquisite items. My sister-in-law will definitely like it."

Lin Lang smiled and replied, "Thank you, my Royal Brother. My Queen loves beauty by nature and will surely be delighted to see this Shu brocade."

In the third box was a set of tea sets made of pure gold with exquisite craftsmanship. The body of the teapot was engraved with auspicious patterns of dragons and phoenixes. It also had golden cups, teaspoons and other items, showing the royal style.

Li Zhi smiled and said, "My dear brother, if you have some free time, you might as well use this golden tea set to enjoy tea. It would add a bit of elegance to your time."

Lin Lang said gratefully, "Your Majesty, you are so thoughtful. I will definitely think of your friendship when I drink tea in the future."

The fourth box was slowly opened, revealing a set of exquisite imperial study items neatly arranged inside.

Li Zhi smiled and said, "My dear brother, you are very talented. I believe these four treasures of the study will help you create more masterpieces in poetry, calligraphy and painting."

Lin Lang looked at the four boxes of generous gifts and bowed again in thanks: "My Royal Highness, you are so kind. I have also prepared some crop seeds and planting techniques that are not available in the Tang Dynasty. I will give them to you in return to promote the development of agriculture in the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi's eyes lit up after hearing this, and he said with great interest, "My dear brother, you are so thoughtful. Show it to me."

Lin Lang took out a few tomatoes from his personal space, placed them on the table, and asked the eunuch to present one to Li Zhi and Empress Wu.

When Li Zhi and Empress Wu saw this, their eyes were filled with surprise.

Li Zhi reached out and gently squeezed the ripe tomato, feeling its soft and elastic texture.

Empress Wu also came closer to examine it carefully. They had never seen such a bright red and juicy "fruit" before. They asked, "Brother, what is this?"

Lin Lang explained with a smile: "Royal brother, Royal sister-in-law, this is called a tomato in our country of Shanghai. It is both a vegetable and can be eaten as a fruit."

"Tomatoes are easy to grow, have strong adaptability to soil and climate, and produce high yields. If they can be widely grown in the Tang Dynasty, they will surely enrich the variety of vegetables and fruits in the Tang Dynasty and make people's tables more abundant."

After hearing this, the ministers all widened their eyes and looked at the tomatoes in Lin Lang's hand, their eyes full of curiosity.

Li Zhi was even more excited, with desire in his eyes, and he even wanted to taste the tomato.

Seeing this, Lin Lang immediately ordered the palace maid: "Cut the tomatoes on the table into small pieces and bring them back so that all the ministers can taste the tomatoes." The palace maid obeyed the order and did so quickly.

When the chopped tomatoes were brought back, the ministers stood up and gathered around them curiously, but none of them dared to eat them.

Seeing this, Lin Lang picked up a piece of cut tomato, put it in his mouth, and began to eat it. He smiled and said, "Don't worry, everyone, eat it. It's not poisonous. I'll test it for you."

When the ministers heard this, they couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Changsun Wuji quickly said, "Your Majesty, you misunderstood. We're not afraid of poison, nor are we afraid that you'll poison us. We've simply never eaten anything like it before, and we're a little hesitant to eat it."

Li Zhi smiled and ordered, "Lord Cheng, please try this tomato and see how it tastes."

Cheng Yaojin was a bold man. Upon hearing this, he picked up a piece of tomato and put it in his mouth without hesitation. After smacking his lips, his eyes lit up and he exclaimed, "Hey! This tomato is sweet and sour and tastes really good!"

Chu Yiren was a little surprised that Cheng Yaojin would be the first person in the Tang Dynasty to eat tomatoes, and she couldn't help but admire this famous Tang Dynasty general.

When the ministers heard this, they immediately became curious and picked up the tomatoes to taste.

For a while, exclamations of praise rang out one after another.

“It’s really delicious, with a novel taste!”

"I've never tasted this before!"

Li Zhi also took a bite of the tomato in his hand. Since it was his first time eating it, the unique sweet and sour taste spread in his mouth. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Hmm! This tomato tastes really good. I've never eaten such a novel fruit or vegetable!"

After saying that, he took another bite and then handed the remaining half of the tomato to Empress Wu.

Empress Wu took the tomato with a smile, took a bite, and revealed a look of surprise. She nodded and said, "It is indeed delicious. This item that my dear brother brought is really rare."

Zhou Mengyao and Mu Xuelan looked at each other and both thought that the naive people of the Tang Dynasty were very interesting.

Li Moli also felt that Lin Lang had done a great thing for the country and the people by introducing tomatoes, which were not introduced to Xia Kingdom until the Ming Dynasty, into Xia Kingdom in the Tang Dynasty.

Helan Minyue, who was sitting at the table, saw everyone eating tomatoes, these new fruits and vegetables from Shanghai. She was very greedy and wanted to try them, but there was no portion for her.

At this moment, Lin Lang's eyes inadvertently met Helan Minyue. Looking at this Tang Dynasty beauty who was arranged to be married by the emperor, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. He took two tomatoes and walked over calmly with square steps.

Helan Minyue's heartbeat suddenly quickened, her fair cheeks flushed instantly, and she became a little embarrassed.

Lin Lang stopped in front of Wu Shun and Helan Minyue, mother and daughter, and politely handed a tomato to Wu Shun, the Korean lady. He bowed slightly and said politely, "Greetings, mother-in-law. Please try some tomatoes from our Shanghai country."

Wu Shun was flattered. He quickly stood up, took the tomato with both hands, and said gratefully, "Thank you, my dear son-in-law. You are so polite."

Lin Lang smiled and nodded, then handed another ripe tomato to Helan Minyue and said softly, "Miss Minyue, this tomato is sweet and sour and delicious, you should try it too."

Helan Minyue's cheeks flushed, and she shyly stood up and saluted, extending both hands to take the tomato, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After seeing this, Pan Xiaoting felt a little jealous and thought: Helan Minyue hasn't even officially married into the family yet, but she's already been favored. Humph...

The jealous Zhou Mengyao also felt jealous after seeing this, and thought: It seems that Lin Lang will definitely dote on this ancient beauty in the future. I have so many rivals in love that I can’t even count them all.

At the same time, Lin Lang had already turned and walked back to the center of the Linde Hall. He looked at Emperor Li Zhi and said, "Brother, are you interested in promoting tomato cultivation in the Tang Dynasty?"

Li Zhi nodded slightly, his eyes full of thought, and said, "The tomatoes my dear brother brought have a unique taste. If they can be widely planted, it will be a great thing for the people of the Tang Dynasty."

"The promotion of tomato cultivation is a matter of great importance. Please allow me to carefully consider it."

"The climate in the Tang Dynasty varies greatly, with varying temperatures of cold, warm, dry, and wet. The soil also varies in fertility. Furthermore, tomatoes and persimmons are grown in a foreign land. I'm afraid they won't adapt to the local climate and soil, or else they might breed diseases that could harm agriculture."

"For this matter, I need to urgently summon the Minister of Agriculture to the palace to discuss it with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works. We should carefully examine the pros and cons before making a final decision." Li Zhi was very smart when he said this.

Empress Wu also nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty is absolutely right, but my dear brother's kindness is indeed worthy of praise."

Lin Lang bowed and said, "My Royal Brother and Royal Sister-in-law are absolutely right."

"I've compiled a guide to growing tomatoes. We can first test them in some suitable areas, and then roll them out across the board if they're successful. This way, we can both gain experience and reduce risk."

After hearing this, the ministers whispered to each other and expressed their agreement with Lin Lang's proposal.

Zhang Sun Wuji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty has thought it through thoroughly. By proceeding step by step, we will surely be able to make this new crop take root in our Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi heard Lin Lang's words and couldn't help but clapped his hands and laughed, "Okay! Then let's do as you say and open up a test field first."

"Once this tomato plant has successfully taken root in the Tang Dynasty, I would like to ask you to provide tomato seeds and provide guidance on the technology to promote its cultivation. The people of the Tang Dynasty will surely benefit greatly."

Lin Lang agreed without hesitation, "Don't worry, my Royal Highness. I will do my utmost to help you. Providing tomato seeds and planting techniques are all within my capabilities. It is a great honor for me to be able to contribute to the well-being of the people of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi nodded in satisfaction, his face filled with relief. He said, "My dear brother, your words put my mind at ease. Today's family recognition banquet not only allowed the Fifth Prince to recognize his godparents, but also brought auspicious fruits and vegetables to the Tang Dynasty. It is truly a double blessing."

Lin Lang took out a few corns from his personal space and showed them to the emperor, "Brother, please look, this is corn, a crop from our Shanghai country. It has low soil requirements, is drought-resistant and cold-resistant, and has a high yield. It can increase the output of food for the hall."

Li Zhi looked anxious and raised his hand, saying, "Present it quickly!"

The eunuch stepped forward quickly, took the corn wrapped in green gauze-like husks from Lin Lang's hand, and bowed to present it to the imperial table.

Li Zhi stroked the rough corn cob, his eyes full of curiosity: "Brother, how do you eat this?"

Lin Lang smiled and took out another corn from his sleeve. As his fingertips flew, the green and yellow husks fell off, revealing the plump golden jade pillars.

There was a burst of gasps among the ministers. Some stood on tiptoe to look, some whispered to each other, and Empress Wu also leaned forward slightly, staring at the crop she had never seen before.

Lin Lang tapped the cob gently and patiently explained, "There are many ways to eat this corn. When it's tender, you can steam it with the skin on, and it's as sweet as sugarcane. You can also peel off the kernels and stew it with shrimp and pine nuts as a seasonal vegetable."

"After the autumn harvest, corn kernels are ground into fine flour, which can be steamed into honeycomb-shaped steamed cakes or cooked into a thick paste. Coarsely ground into grits, it is the best choice for porridge."

After saying that, Lin Lang took out a few cans of pine nut corn from his personal space.

He opened the tin box, and amber syrup wrapped with shiny corn kernels poured out and poured into the celadon plate, mixed with the fragrance of pine nuts, which filled the whole table.

Li Zhi hurriedly asked, "Brother, what is this?"

Lin Lang smiled and replied, "This is canned corn with pine nuts from Shanghai. My brother, my sister-in-law, and all the ministers can try it."

He signaled the palace maids to distribute canned corn with pine nuts to the ministers, then personally picked up a box and handed it to the eunuch to pass on to Li Zhi and Empress Wu. "My royal brother and sister-in-law, please taste it. The taste of this canned corn is different from that of fresh corn."

The ministers couldn't wait to taste the canned corn with pine nuts.

Changsun Wuji was the first to speak, praising, "This canned corn with pine nuts from Shanghai is incredibly delicious! The richness of the pine nuts and the sweetness of the corn complement each other perfectly, and paired with this unique syrup, it's truly a delicacy!"

Cheng Yaojin also shouted loudly: "I have lived for so many years and have never eaten anything so delicious! This canned food is really a good thing, convenient and delicious!"

Minister of Rites Chu Suiliang smiled and agreed: "This taste is fresh and refreshing, and the preparation method is also unique. It is really an ingenious idea."

After tasting it, Li Zhi and Empress Wu praised it highly.

Li Zhi exclaimed, "This novelty tastes so wonderful! My dear brother, it really opened my eyes!"

Empress Wu also nodded in agreement: "This can of pine nut corn is indeed unique and delicious."

Helan Minyue heard everyone in the hall say that the food was delicious, but there was no portion for her, and she felt a little greedy again.

Just at this moment, she saw Lin Lang walking towards her.

Lin Lang first opened a can of pine nut corn, then looked at his Korean wife, Wu Shun, and said, "Please ask my mother-in-law and Miss Minyue to try some of this as well."

Wu Shun quickly took it with both hands, saying repeatedly, "My dear son-in-law, you are too polite. I really feel sorry for your kindness."

Lin Lang handed Helan Minyue a whole unsealed can of pine nut corn and gently told her, "Miss Minyue, you only need to turn the pull ring and pull it up to open it. Our wedding is coming soon, so be careful not to cut your hands when opening the can."

Helan Minyue felt very happy and replied shyly: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will savor it carefully."