CH 244

Chapter 244: The Great Thief Comes to the Imperial Palace to Steal?

Slanted Moon Army and Wuxi Army were fighting again, but Lin Beifan, the culprit, was busy with spring plowing.

As the saying goes, the plan for the day lies in the morning, and the plan for the year lies in the spring. The harvest of this year depends mainly on the spring plowing.

Lin Beifan attached great importance to agriculture. In order to promote agricultural development and increase production and income, besides using cement to build and improve water facilities, Lin Beifan brought over his experience from his past life and summarized it into the Eight Agricultural Methods, which he promoted widely.

These Eight Agricultural Methods are: Soil, Fertilizer, Water, Seed, Density, Protection, Management, and Tools.

Soil: It is necessary to deeply cultivate and improve the soil, conduct soil surveys, and plan land use.

Fertilizer: Reasonable application of fertilizers.

Water: Developing water facilities and using water rationally.

Seed: Cultivating and promoting good seeds.

Density: Reasonable planting density.

Protection: Plant protection, prevention, and control of diseases and pests.

Management: Field management.

Tools: Improvement of tools.

Each method is explained in detail, allowing all farmers to scientifically and reasonably plant crops, increasing production and income.

Among them, besides water facilities, Lin Beifan was most concerned about fertilizers.

As the saying goes, “A good crop relies on good fertilizers!”

Whether the fertilizers are used well or not directly affects the crop yield.

In the world, there has never been a lack of clever people. In order to increase food production, this world has long understood the use of fertilizers, such as human, horse, cow, sheep, and pig manure, ash and straw, with nearly forty varieties, most of which are organic fertilizers.

The more diverse the types of fertilizers, the more they can promote food production.

Therefore, Lin Beifan added dozens of types of fertilizers and their production methods, expanding the variety of fertilizers to make it easier for everyone to obtain fertilizers and increase production and income.

At the same time, Lin Beifan also innovatively added several types of inorganic fertilizers, such as lime, gypsum, sulfur, and brine. These inorganic fertilizers can be obtained after certain processing.

Several officials responsible for agricultural affairs looked at the inorganic fertilizers proposed by Lin Beifan with doubt, “Lord Prefect, can these things really increase food production?”

Lin Beifan smiled and said, “Of course they can. These things provide the essential nutrients needed for crops, and they are relatively easy for us to obtain! Just do as I said, do you think I’m joking with my official position?”

“Alright, I will do it right away!” the person rushed away in a hurry.

In addition to this, Lin Beifan also added several types of green manure.

After arranging everything, Lin Beifan relaxed and said with a smile, “This year should have a good harvest!”

Although he dared not say much, a 40-50% increase in production was achievable.

Although these days were a bit hard, as an official, he had to bring benefits to the people in his tenure!

Only then would he have a clear conscience!

When he ran away in the future, he wouldn’t leave any regrets!

With nothing to do, Lin Beifan, along with Mo Rushuang and Guo Shaoshuai, went out for a stroll.

Compared to before the Spring Festival, the capital became even livelier.

The streets were crowded with carriages and horses, and pedestrians were endless. Shouts and hawkers filled the air, and commerce became more prosperous.

All of this was closely related to the series of actions Lin Beifan had taken since taking office.

He rectified the officials of Dedian Prefecture, improved the administration, and purified the social environment, allowing everyone to hold their heads high and be upright.

Loosening the restrictions on street stall economy allowed more people to earn money and promoted roadside markets. The most crucial factor was the introduction of cement, the miracle building material, which not only stimulated commercial development but also solved many people’s employment issues, leading to increased spending power among the populace.

As a result, with an additional one million population in the capital and an expanded market, how could the city not improve?

Due to these achievements, despite still being labeled as a greedy official, Lin Beifan’s prestige continued to grow.

As he walked on the street, he often encountered greetings from the common people.

“Greetings, Lord Prefect!”

“Lord Prefect, have you eaten?”

…

Lin Beifan smiled and nodded in response.

Unconsciously, he arrived at a teahouse and was about to order a pot of tea, listen to some music, and rest his feet.

Teahouses and taverns were always the most well-informed places.

While sipping his tea, Lin Beifan quietly listened to the neighboring table’s hushed discussions.

“Have you heard? The Night Fragrance Thief is coming to our city!”

“Really? Where did you hear this news?”

“Of course, it’s from him! He’s preparing to test his skills in our city! The news will spread quickly!”

“Wow! I wonder whom he’s targeting this time!”

“Don’t worry, he always targets powerful and influential figures, it has nothing to do with us common folks!”

“You’re right, let’s just enjoy the spectacle!”

…

Lin Beifan was familiar with this Night Fragrance Thief.

The person was a notorious master thief, specializing in stealing treasures from the powerful and influential figures. In the Great Xia Dynasty, he had struck seventeen times, all targeting significant forces, including the Great Xia court, and never failed once.

Because of this, his reputation was widespread and renowned throughout the world!

Though the exact extent of his abilities was unknown, his skills in thievery and lightness technique were absolutely top-notch.

For instance, during the theft in the Great Xia Imperial Court, even though two grandmasters were appointed to guard the precious treasure day and night, they were ultimately defeated by him.

Before each heist, he would send a letter to the target in a polite and gentle manner. Additionally, he always appeared in a white robe with a dashing demeanor, earning him the title of “Thief Marshal” or “Young Master of Thieves” by others.

Hmm, it sounds somewhat similar to Kaito Kid’s image.

However, Lin Beifan wondered if this Night Fragrance Thief was as charming as Kaito Kid.

He felt somewhat excited.

“The Thief Marshal is coming. Young Master, you might be in danger!” Mo Rushuang said with a smile.

Lin Beifan smiled back, “Oh, how do you know?”

“Rumor has it that the Night Fragrance Thief targets powerful and influential figures, especially officials favored by the Empress. As the Prefect of the capital with so many rare treasures in your residence, he might come after you!” Mo Rushuang explained.

Lin Beifan nodded in agreement, “That makes sense.”

But deep down, he didn’t really think much of it.

If he wants to come, let him come. If he can steal something from my residence, I’d admit he’s impressive!

At that moment, a soldier rushed over and said anxiously, “Lord Prefect, Her Majesty summons you!”

“Alright, lead the way!”

In less than the time to burn a stick of incense, Lin Beifan entered the palace and found many officials present.

To his surprise, not only the head of Six Doors, but also the Commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Supervisors of the Eastern and Western Depots, and other officials from the various violent institutions were all there.

Furthermore, he noticed the Empress sitting on the throne, looking solemn with a hint of anger.

Something seemed off.

So, Lin Beifan stood behind the Head of Six Doors and asked in a low voice, “Master Guo, what’s going on?”

Chief Guo whispered back, “I don’t know the specifics, but it’s related to the Night Fragrance Thief.”

Night Fragrance Thief?

Lin Beifan’s expression turned peculiar. He had just heard about him and was already summoned to the palace.

Could he be targeting the precious treasures in the palace?

After waiting for a while, all the officials were present.

“My honored ministers, after reading this letter, you will know the exact situation!” The Empress handed down a scented letter.

Lin Beifan took the letter and unfolded it to read.

Amidst the Great Wu Court, there’s a seven-colored pearl that blooms at night, radiating rainbow-like brilliance, which is incredibly alluring! On the night of the seventh day, the Night Fragrance Thief plans to steal it!

—Night Fragrance Thief!

Lin Beifan thought to himself, “Sure enough, he’s targeting the palace!”

After everyone finished reading the letter, an elderly eunuch explained, “I found this at the entrance of the Golden Imperial Hall around noon, carried by a flower branch, and inserted into a pillar in front of the hall!”

The officials were in an uproar! The fact that the letter was sent to the entrance of the Golden Imperial Hall was serious!

“We have failed in our duties. Your Majesty, please forgive us!” The heads of the Imperial Guards and the Eastern and Western Depots immediately apologized.

The Empress slammed the table in anger and said, “This is a challenge to our court’s dignity! This matter concerns our court’s reputation. My esteemed ministers, what strategies do you have to prevent the Seven-Colored Pearl from being stolen and to apprehend the Night Fragrance Thief?”

“Your Majesty, we should send experts to guard the Seven-Colored Pearl day and night!” one official suggested promptly.

“But he has already stolen seventeen times in the Great Xia Dynasty, never failing once! Even when facing the treasures of the Great Xia Imperial Palace, he was not stopped. The Emperor dispatched two Grandmasters, thirty Innate Experts, and over 200,000 soldiers, but still couldn’t catch him! What can our court do against him?” another official said helplessly.

“Sir Wang, why do you praise others while belittling yourself? Then tell me, what is your solution?” the Empress questioned.

…

Everyone argued loudly.

“Silence!” The Empress pounded the table, and the officials fell silent. Her gaze swept across the officials and finally settled on Lin Beifan, carrying some hope, “Sir Lin, do you have any strategies? Tell me quickly!”

“Your Majesty, I have a plan to let the Night Fragrance Thief return empty-handed and protect our court’s dignity!” Lin Beifan said loudly.

The Empress’s eyes lit up, “Tell me quickly!”

Lin Beifan smirked, “Since the other party is coming to steal our Seven-Colored Pearl, we should take the initiative and smash it ourselves. That way, he won’t be able to steal it!”

Everyone fell silent; it was a terrible idea!

The Empress was troubled, “Sir Lin, don’t joke!”

Just then, two eunuchs carefully brought up an exquisite box.

The box was opened, revealing a fist-sized pearl sparkling with a seven-colored halo, exuding breathtaking beauty.

“This is the Seven-Colored Pearl, the object that the Night Fragrance Thief wants to steal. It is naturally formed and unique in the world, of inestimable value! It’s one of the most precious treasures in our imperial court!” the Empress said.

The officials were mesmerized by the pearl.

“This Seven-Colored Pearl is so beautiful!”

“This pearl is worth at least one million taels!”

“You’re underestimating it! When the Slanted Moon Dynasty still existed, they considered it a celestial pearl and wanted to exchange it for two cities, but the Wu Emperor refused!”

“It is truly invaluable!”

…

The Empress was very pleased with everyone’s reaction. Her gaze shifted towards Lin Beifan, and she smiled, “Sir Lin, isn’t this pearl beautiful?”

Lin Beifan immediately nodded, “It’s beautiful! Exquisitely beautiful!”

The Empress continued, “Do you like this pearl?”

Lin Beifan promptly nodded again, “I like it! I like it very much!”

“Since you like it, I’ll give it to you!” The Empress said generously.

Lin Beifan: “Huh?!”

The officials: “Huh?!”