Chapter 16: Keep It Up, Brother Potato!

Li Nian nodded firmly. "Yes! This item is not difficult to make; the Qin Dynasty could certainly produce it. Of course, creating paper like that of later generations would not be so easy."

He introduced so much precisely to pique Ying Zheng's interest, making it easier for him to develop paper—not for the sake of benefiting the masses or securing eternal fame, but simply to have a comfortable time in the restroom.

Ying Zheng said, "Very well. While cultivating potatoes, have this 'paper' carefully made. If it truly comes to fruition, I shall reward you handsomely!"

Once again, Lord Zheng dangled a promise before Li Nian, but unlike the empty promises of some future overlords, his pledges were reliable and grounded.

Li Nian wondered silently, "I wonder what reward Lord Zheng will bestow? Many rewards of this era hold little use for me."

He continued, "This item is called a 'plastic bag.' In the future, it is used to carry and contain things, but the Qin cannot yet manufacture it."

Upon hearing it could not be made, Ying Zheng’s interest waned immediately. He cast his gaze toward a dozen or so shriveled red items and asked with curiosity, "Is this also a kind of crop?"

Li Nian flattered him, "Your Majesty is as insightful as ever. Indeed, this is a crop called 'chili pepper.' Unlike potatoes, it is a seasoning with a taste..."

After some thought, Li Nian added, "Similar to Wu Yu."

There are three types of cornel: mountain cornel, Wu cornel, and edible cornel. Mountain cornel belongs to the Cornaceae family, while Wu cornel and edible cornel fall under the Rutaceae family.

Generally, the spicy cornel referred to is Wu cornel.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng’s enthusiasm diminished greatly. It was just a seasoning; he had hoped for another high-yield crop like the potato that could rejuvenate a nation.

Li Nian explained further, "Actually, neither potatoes nor chili peppers originated in our Huaxia homeland. They were introduced from foreign lands during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Though our Huaxia is vast and abundant in resources, foreign lands are not inferior. In some regions, the richness of resources and the fertility of the soil surpass even Huaxia."

This sparked a strong interest in Ying Zheng. He had always believed the Seven States were the richest and most bountiful places in the world, assuming all outside lands were barren and uncivilized. To hear otherwise stirred his blood.

Naturally, a great ruler like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, upon learning of territories even more vast and fertile beyond Qin, would surely wish to conquer them.

Yet Li Nian tempered Ying Zheng’s rising fervor. "If Your Majesty is interested, I can draw a world map to show you and explain in detail. The world’s vastness and wonders may far exceed Your Majesty’s imagination, and such matters cannot be spoken of in a day."

Ying Zheng, having just finished unifying the six states, was calm again. Many affairs required his attention; he could not act impulsively.

He did not yet know how Qin would eventually fall, nor the causes of its demise. How could he be at peace within and wage war outside?

Having subdued the six kingdoms, Ying Zheng knew well not to rush; one must eat rice bowl by bowl and proceed step by step, distinguishing priorities.

Yet the information this man brought was undeniably enticing.

"Very well. I await your completed map."

Ying Zheng then looked at the last item with curiosity. "Is this a piece of meat?"

He recalled thinking how strange it was for an assassin to bring meat to an assassination attempt.

Li Nian replied, "It is pork."

The pig has long been raised in Huaxia; for example, the well-known story of Zengzi slaughtering a pig comes from the "Han Feizi," where the pig was called "zhi."

The "Guoyu: Yueyu" records the tale of Goujian’s conquest of Wu, mentioning "for a husband, two jars of wine and a dog; for a wife, two jars of wine and a piglet," with "piglet" also meaning pig.

However, in ancient times, pork had a strong, unpleasant odor and taste, making it difficult to prepare. Thus, it was generally consumed by commoners; those of status rarely ate it.

Hearing it was pork, Ying Zheng was puzzled. Given the abundance of resources in later times, why would they eat pork? Was this pork special?

He asked, "Is there anything special about this pork?"

Li Nian thought for a moment and answered, "Indeed, it is somewhat special. This breed of pig is not native to Huaxia but introduced from abroad. It grows rapidly, reaching over two hundred jin in half a year. However, it has a strong odor and is difficult to eat if not prepared properly."

Ying Zheng did not ask why they would eat something so unpalatable—surely they had few choices. But he wondered, if the future was so abundant, why were options still limited?

Perhaps later eras were not entirely perfect and had their own issues.

He asked another question, "Why does this pig grow so fast?"

Although pork was not considered prime meat, in this era most people did not have access to meat at all. Who would be picky?

If this pig breeding method could be introduced to Qin, allowing its people to eat more meat, it would be beneficial.

Li Nian explained, "Firstly, the future has specialized materials and techniques for breeding; secondly, these pigs are castrated at a young age. Castration makes them docile and prone to eating, which helps fattening. It also reduces the strong odor in the meat, making it more palatable. This method could be adopted in Qin."

Such effects from castration?

Ying Zheng nodded. This method could certainly be tried in Qin. "If it works, I shall credit you for it."

Li Nian understood Ying Zheng intended to test pig castration and cautioned, "Your Majesty, castrating pigs is not difficult, but keeping them alive afterward is challenging. Perhaps I should try it first."

"Very well. I entrust this matter to you."

Having introduced all the items, Ying Zheng asked, "Is there anything else?"

Li Nian shook his head. "No, Your Majesty."

After gaining so much information today, Ying Zheng wished to carefully organize and contemplate it. Hearing Li Nian had nothing more to add, he breathed a sigh of relief.

It was not that he did not want to hear more; many topics intrigued him. But too much information at once can be overwhelming.

Ying Zheng said, "In that case, you may retire and study well. Though I understand your words, they feel quite strange. Also, without my order, do not speak of today’s matters to others."

The First Emperor’s disdain for his poor grasp of Qin speech left Li Nian speechless: "I’ve been in Qin for just over half a month and can speak as much as I do. What more could I ask for?"

"I understand!" Li Nian replied.

Leaving the palace, Li Nian took with him the two potatoes and chili peppers originally meant for stew, while the pork was retained by the First Emperor.

Looking at the two potatoes, Li Nian sighed, "You two are truly lucky. Originally destined for my stomach, now you will take root and grow in Qin. If you truly flourish here, future Qin potatoes will owe you their origins."

"Will someone in the future write a book about you called 'My Charming Potato Ancestors'? Keep it up, potato brothers—take root and thrive here! And you chili sisters, you too will be revered as ancestors."

Watching Li Nian’s figure disappear, Ying Zheng withdrew his gaze and casually asked, "Meng Qing, do you think what this man says is true?"

Meng Yi did not answer immediately but pondered. Ying Zheng did not press him, quietly waiting.