Chapter 252: The Double Ninth Grand Banquet: Eating Ruyi Beans

After the young eunuch left, the expression on Third Master Chang's face instantly froze, and his whole demeanor slumped in dejection.

After a long moment, Third Master Chang shook his head helplessly and began calling his people in to assign tasks.

After hearing Third Master Chang's orders, his subordinates' expressions also turned grim, but they dared not object.

Although some asked about the reason, Third Master Chang did not dare tell them anything.

He had only one sentence: "Either do it, or die."

And so, they spread the news once again.

Third Master Chang was a very famous figure in the capital's information circles. Whether they were high or low-ranking officials, or traveling merchants and peddlers, many people were willing to befriend Third Master Chang, because he could provide information that others did not know. This information depended on his whim—sometimes he gave it away, sometimes he sold it.

This point was very important to many officials, and also very important to many merchants. For example, when they wanted to learn about a person's identity and background, they would go to Third Master Chang to buy information.

Under such circumstances, Third Master Chang's business naturally flourished, and at the same time many officials dealt with him, obtaining information from him or selling information to him.

For Third Master Chang, spreading news was not too difficult a task. But only Third Master Chang himself knew that much of the information was not obtained by him, and he had not really wanted to be in this business. Yet sometimes, when you're in the jianghu, you simply cannot do as you please.

News about the Prince of Fu did not stir much debate among the common folk—after all, that was not what people were focused on, and ordinary people did not care much for such matters.

But among the literati and officialdom, this matter caused a great stir.

For a time, there were those who felt relieved, believing they had found a way forward. Since the court's secret memorial system had been established, many had been anxious and uneasy, but they seemed to have found an outlet—from now on they could use the secret memorial system to impeach imperial relatives by marriage. This way, they would not appear to be doing nothing at all.

Others were afraid, feeling that if the secret memorial system truly took hold, their days ahead would not be easy.

Of course, some were preparing to fish in troubled waters, and others were getting ready to stir up trouble using this opportunity.

In any case, everyone had different thoughts and different positions, so they did different things.

Zhu Youxiao did not pay much attention to this either, because none of it mattered much anymore. Once everything was on the right track, all the current problems would cease to be problems.

Sitting beside the pavilion, Zhu Youxiao flipped through the routine memorials that had been sent up, then tossed them onto the table in disappointment.

These memorials did not go beyond Zhu Youxiao's expectations—even the wording was exactly as he had imagined. These people really had not let him down; their arguments showed not a shred of creativity. The general content all attacked the Prince of Fu, urging the court to punish him severely, though they would occasionally tack on mentions of the secret memorial system.

They were linking the Prince of Fu affair with the secret memorial system. To put it plainly, they were bundling two matters into one, trying to turn two things into a single issue.

If the court did not severely punish the Prince of Fu, then the secret memorial system would be a joke.

These people were pressuring the emperor!

Glancing at Chen Hong beside him, Zhu Youxiao asked expressionlessly, "Have your people already started moving?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, they have already begun." Chen Hong said hurriedly.

Zhu Youxiao frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "No, the commotion is too small. They're dragging their feet. Tell them to put more force into it—everyone must know that things are stirring up."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant understands." Seeing that His Majesty was not satisfied, Chen Hong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly acknowledged the order.

Inwardly, he cursed those handling the matter—they could not even manage such a simple task. It seemed these people had grown lax, and when he returned, he would have to discipline them thoroughly.

After delegating this matter, Zhu Youxiao paid it no further attention.

The reason was simple: he had other things to do. That matter was the grand palace banquet to feast the civil and military officials. And in the inner palace, Empress Zhang would also host a meal for the wives of those officials, celebrating the Double Ninth Festival as well as her birthday.

In fact, the ministers were quite puzzled—after all, the Double Ninth Festival would normally come with gifts of rewards, but there was no need for such a large-scale imperial feast; and the Empress's birthday celebration had never been this grand before.

Many people were inquiring about what was going on, since this was hardly ordinary.

Then, from who knows where, a piece of gossip spread: His Majesty was going to give everyone a new kind of food to eat.

This new food was grown in the imperial estates. It was said to yield two thousand jin per mu—not only was the yield extremely high, but the taste was also excellent. Whether stir-fried as a dish or cooked as a staple, it was a fine delicacy.

The key point was that this thing was of superior quality and good flavor. It was said to have the effect of nourishing yin and beautifying the complexion, while for men it tonified the kidneys and strengthened yang. Whether man or woman, eating it was especially good for one's health.

It was said the news came from the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Originally it had only circulated quietly, but somehow it spread more and more fiercely, until finally the entire court, civil and military alike, knew about it.

Many people began probing for information, focusing their efforts on a few individuals who might be able to reveal something.

For example, Grand Secretary Xu Guangqi of the Grand Secretariat. It was said that he was the one leading this project, with the Ministry of Revenue responsible for trial planting at the imperial estates. So Xu Guangqi was certainly someone in the know, and everyone started asking him.

Besides Xu Guangqi, Zhang Guoji was also frequently asked—by merchants and officials alike. Because everyone thought that since he was the Empress's father, he must also be someone in the know.

For a time, countless people sought them out, all waiting for confirmed information. But they were not disappointed—just as everyone was waiting anxiously, the confirmed news came out.

Indeed, such a thing existed. His Majesty had named it the Ruyi Bean, and it truly could yield two thousand jin per mu. Moreover, the benefits of eating it were numerous, and this grand banquet was indeed His Majesty's way of letting everyone taste these things.

Of course, there was even more specific information: it was soft and sticky, suitable for the elderly to eat; it was rich in nutritional value, nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, strengthening yang and replenishing qi; it was a rare and genuine treasure, an absolutely fine thing that could be used to make all sorts of products.

Under such circumstances, everyone grew excited. Setting aside whether the Ruyi Bean truly had such effects, the yield alone was already impressive enough.

As for doubt—naturally, no one doubted it, because this news came from Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang of the Grand Secretariat. It was said that Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang had personally inquired with Second Grand Secretary Xu Guangqi and thereby obtained accurate information.

For a time, the capital was shaken.

Those who had the qualifications and seniority to enter the palace spent day and night rushing to the palace, probing for information on one hand while trying to grab some benefits on the other—ideally getting His Majesty to reward them with a few thousand jin. In the end, all of them were disappointed.

The news was confirmed—it was true. Because Zhang Guoji's household had put out word that such a thing indeed existed. Empress Zhang had indeed given her old father a bit of these potatoes, but only ten jin—far too little to share around, though enough for the Zhang household to eat.

According to word spread by the Zhang household, the Ruyi Bean was delicious and fragrant in flavor.

For a time, everyone in the capital was discussing this thing called the Ruyi Bean—but no further news came forth.

Under such circumstances, the grand palace banquet became a highly anticipated event.

After several days of feverish excitement, on the Double Ninth Festival, the grand palace banquet was finally held at the Hall of Ancestral Worship as scheduled.

The civil and military officials entered the court in order, performed the rites and music according to protocol, then ascended to their ranks and took their seats.

After everyone was seated, Zhu Youxiao slowly walked out from behind, accompanied by the Court of Ceremonial Music's "Flame Essence Tune."

Many officials felt a sense of distance when they saw Zhu Youxiao.

It had been a long time since they had seen His Majesty, but he seemed to have grown sturdier and also quite a bit taller.

Zhu Youxiao sat on the dragon throne, waiting for everyone to pay him homage.

After the prostration was completed, he gently raised his hand and said, "All my beloved ministers, no need for such formalities."

After everyone stood up, Zhu Youxiao continued, "All my beloved ministers, please take your seats."

Once everyone was seated, Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "A treasure sent from heaven, I have named it the Ruyi Bean. As it coincides with the Double Ninth Festival and the Empress's birthday, I am hosting this grand banquet to share the Ruyi Bean with all my beloved ministers."

Zhu Youxiao barely restrained himself from doing anything strange. The reason was simple—using such words to describe potatoes made him feel extremely awkward.

He estimated that a few years from now, potatoes would be everywhere, and when he looked back on this scene, it would be quite amusing.

However, in order to promote potatoes as quickly as possible and raise their value, there was no other better way.

Moreover, after selling this large batch of potatoes, he could still pocket a tidy sum of money. In the face of such benefits, everything else didn't matter.

His gaze sweeping across everyone, Zhu Youxiao said, "Let the grand banquet begin."

Following Zhu Youxiao's words, those outside began to take action.

Of course, today they certainly wouldn't eat all-potato dishes—the normal dishes would be served as usual. As the saying goes, things are valued for their scarcity. Today they would let them eat a little potato, just a taste of something new, and then they'd go home thinking about it, and thinking would lead to buying. They'd buy them to use as seed, or eat them directly.

It was all money, Zhu Youxiao thought to himself.

At the upper tables: two plates of appetizers with wine, two dishes of cakes, one dish of small pastries, four dishes of vegetables, one bowl of soup, three cups of wine.

At the middle tables: two plates of appetizers with wine, one dish of small pastries, two dishes of cakes, four dishes of vegetables, two bowls of soup, six cups of wine.

Among these were small red beans, persimmons, oranges, crab, and bream.

By the time all the dishes had been served and Zhu Youxiao had raised his cup several times, the potatoes that everyone had been eagerly awaiting finally arrived.

The first dish was Ruyi Bean Braised Lamb.

This was a dish meticulously prepared by the imperial chefs, served in translucent, snow-white porcelain bowls.

The attendants carefully carried the porcelain bowls and placed one bowl of potato braised lamb on the table before each minister.

The bowls weren't very large—inside were only four or five pieces of lamb, four or five pieces of potato, a little broth, and nothing more.

After all the bowls had been set down, Zhu Youxiao said, "Ruyi Bean Braised Lamb. My dear ministers, please have a taste."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of potato, and put it into his mouth.

The ministers dared not be slow, and at the same time they had already been anticipating this for a long while, so they too picked up their chopsticks, took a piece of potato, and put it into their mouths.

The dish's name might be rustic, but it was unexpectedly delicious.

The lamb's juices had soaked fully into the Ruyi bean pieces—soft, sticky, sweet and fragrant. How could it be this good?

Some of the older ministers, with traces of broth still at the corners of their mouths, had eyes that lit up as they looked at their bowls.

Truly a fine thing—even without teeth, one could still eat it easily.

A fine thing indeed, a fine thing!

At the same time they quickened their pace of eating, and the lamb stewed until it fell apart became their enjoyment as well.

Soon the small bowl was finished, and everyone felt they still wanted more, very much wanting to call someone over for another bowl.

But this was His Majesty's grand banquet—not a place where you could order dishes.

Seeing these people's unsatisfied expressions, Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction.

Soon the second dish arrived—Ruyi Noodles.

Noodles made from potato starch, dipped in various seasonings—one could say they were very refreshing, tasting fragrant, sticky, soft, and smooth. The broth was also simmered from beef stock; if served hot, this dish would be beef noodles.

The ministers quickly finished this bowl of noodles as well, and the expressions on their faces grew even more satisfied.

Zhu Youxiao raised the wine cup in his hand and said with a smile, "Today's final dish—Ruyi Bean Paste. My dear ministers, have a good taste. Now, bottoms up."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao drained the wine in his cup.

The ministers naturally dared not be slow, and hurriedly followed by drinking their wine as well.

The final dish arrived.

Everyone looked at the slightly yellow paste before them, and without the slightest hesitation, picked up their spoons, scooped up a mouthful, and sent it into their mouths.

Instantly, the soft, sticky fragrance filled their mouths again.

Han Kuang, who sat beside Xu Guangqi, couldn't help saying to him at this moment, "Does the Ministry of Revenue still have any of this stuff?"

Xu Guangqi shook his head directly and said, "This is produced by the imperial estates—all of it has gone into His Majesty's private treasury. How could the Ministry of Revenue possibly have any? However, if the Grand Secretary wishes to eat some, I imagine His Majesty would bestow a little as well."

Upon hearing these words, Han Kuang's face showed regret. As for Xu Guangqi's latter words, he pretended not to have heard them.

The reason was also very simple—he was a dignified Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat; going to the Emperor to beg for food would be far too embarrassing.

In fact, it wasn't just the two of them—the people around them were also listening to their conversation.

Upon hearing Xu Guangqi's answer, they all felt somewhat disappointed.

After hesitating for a moment, Xu Guangqi said, "The imperial estates produce quite a lot. I imagine they won't all be kept in the palace."

As soon as these words came out, the ministers were stunned. They exchanged glances with one another and all saw the excitement in each other's eyes. "That is to say, they'll be bestowed upon us?"

"They should probably be given to the common people as seed." Xu Guangqi stroked his beard, thought for a moment, and said, "After all, besides its other benefits, the Ruyi Bean is also highly productive. Once promoted, it can fill the people's bellies. Moreover, its growing cycle is short and it isn't picky about soil—that's the key point."

Upon hearing this, the little flame of hope in everyone's eyes was instantly extinguished.

What Xu Guangqi said—everyone had thought of it. But what everyone cared about now wasn't that. Who couldn't see the benefits of the Ruyi Bean?

The key question was how to get some to eat right now.

But this question they could only ponder when they got home, because Zhu Youxiao had already announced the end of the grand banquet.

Usually at such grand banquets, the Emperor would give rewards, and this time was naturally no exception.

Of course, the rewards were no longer what they had been before—they had been directly replaced with potatoes, given according to official rank.

The crowd, who had just been very disappointed, immediately became happy again upon learning they would be rewarded with Ruyi Beans.

Someone like Han Kuang, a Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, could receive 100 catties; the others decreased accordingly by rank.

Many ministers, after receiving their potatoes, were somewhat excited and prepared to go home and try cooking them, because every minister had also received an attached recipe.

They planned to take the recipes and have their own family cooks try them out, to see how they turned out.

The matter of the palace and the ministers eating potatoes naturally couldn't be kept secret, and it quickly spread to the common folk of the capital.

Regarding this Ruyi Bean named by His Majesty, for a time everyone in the capital was hoping for it—one could say they were all craning their necks in anticipation—only they didn't know who could manage to get some out.

Of course, there were also those with remarkable connections. For example, Third Master Chang's Ruyi Pavilion in the capital directly launched various Ruyi Bean dishes, sold in limited quantities each day, requiring advance reservations.

Instantly, the Ruyi Pavilion became a roaring success. Among it, the three dishes served at the imperial banquet were especially in such high demand that supply couldn't keep up.

For a time, the entire capital was discussing the Ruyi Bean.

More important matters were coming. Some people cared about eating, some cared about planting—especially the nobles and the relatives of the imperial family.

These days, the price of Ruyi beans had been bid higher and higher, especially at Third Master Chang's restaurant.

Those dishes made with Ruyi beans, limited in quantity each day, had even been bid up to one tael of silver per plate — it could not go any higher.

The most famous of these, Ruyi bean braised mutton, cost as much as five taels of silver for a single plate.

What was this?

This was a business opportunity!

As long as one's own family fields produced Ruyi beans, then the chance to get rich had arrived.

So these people launched a barrage against the imperial palace, wanting the Emperor to give them some potato seeds.

The civil officials naturally would not let such an opportunity pass either, though their rhetoric was far more refined than that of the hereditary nobles and imperial kinsmen.

The gist of it was: since this thing was so high-yielding, it should benefit the common people of the realm, letting all the people share in Your Majesty's benevolence and virtue.

To sum it up in one meaning: Your Majesty, you cannot hoard it. Bring out the seeds again, and preferably distribute them to the people for free. As for who the people are — that depends on who is doing the distributing.

Zhu Youxiao flipped through such routine memorials, then casually tossed them aside.

Sure enough, at times like this, these civil officials had no bottom line at all — they were practically like vampires.

If these potatoes were given to them, they would probably all be taken home by them.

He could not do that. He had to sell them to them at a high price.

So Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth as he said: "Tell Wei Zhongxian to have his men submit a routine memorial, saying that these Ruyi beans are all produced on the imperial estates — they are His Majesty's private property. How could His Majesty be expected to give them away for free?"

"Let the Imperial Household Department handle the sales. The silver obtained can, on the one hand, replenish the inner treasury, and on the other, also benefit the people."

Zhu Youxiao knew very well that no matter what method he used to distribute them, the first to reap the profits would certainly be these great households. Even if he gave them away for free to the common folk, the great households would still find ways to get them out of their hands.

Since he knew they would end up in such a fate, he might as well sell them directly at a high price.

In fact, having Cui Chengxiu and the others submit such memorials was of little use — those people, when spending the Emperor's money, made no distinction between yours and mine.

The Emperor's money was the people's money; the imperial household had no private affairs. But when the Emperor wanted to spend from the state treasury, that would not do — the state treasury's money was not the Emperor's money; it was the court's money, it was the money of the common people of the realm.

Such shameless behavior was not something these civil officials were doing for the first time.

For instance, the Jiajing Emperor, who was always reaching into the state treasury, had a very poor reputation.

The Wanli Emperor sent eunuchs to collect taxes, wanting to enrich his own inner treasury, and in the end the eunuchs were beaten to death.

As for the claims in these memorials, Zhu Youxiao was simply not prepared to agree — he would just pretend he had not seen them.

I will sell them at the Imperial Household Department; you just buy them. Don't tell me any other nonsense — I can't hear it.

Zhu Youxiao was prepared to be an Emperor who played deaf and dumb.