Chapter 34: Agricultural Technology

After a busy day and arranging the work for the Production Assault Team, Li Mingyuan finally had time to look through those agricultural books in his office.

Although the content of "Crop Cultivation" was basic, it described the agricultural status quo of this era in great detail—barren land, backward farming methods, crude farm tools, and insufficient fertilizer.

"No wonder the yield is so low," Li Mingyuan frowned as he flipped through it, calculating in his mind how to change this situation.

"Chemical Fertilizer Usage Guide" introduced several types of simple fertilizers available at the time, as well as the correct methods for applying them.

"These methods are too primitive," Li Mingyuan said softly, "If I could have modern high-efficiency compound fertilizers and harmless pesticides, the yield could be increased by at least three times."

Just as he was reading intently, a familiar stream of information suddenly flooded into his mind.

【Host detected learning agricultural knowledge. Activate Insight System?】

"Activate!" Li Mingyuan responded in his heart without hesitation.

A warm sensation surged from the top of his head throughout his entire body, and countless pieces of agricultural knowledge flashed through his mind like a movie—modern planting techniques, crop breeding methods, greenhouse structures, integrated water and fertilizer systems...

【Insight System activated successfully. Host has gained Proficient Level understanding of 'Primary Agricultural Planting Technology' and 'Greenhouse Planting Technology'.】

【Special reward obtained: 'High-Yield Crop Breeding Method' has been implanted into host's memory.】

【Insight Value increased: 15→18】

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath, feeling the brand-new knowledge in his mind, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"With these technologies, food production can be greatly increased!" he muttered to himself excitedly.

However, he immediately frowned again: "But the biggest problem now is materials. Modern greenhouses need plastic film, and this era doesn't have it at all..."

Just then, the system's notification sound rang out again:

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for unlocking agricultural planting skills. System Space has expanded into a Small World of ten mu in area.】

【The Small World can be used for planting experiments. As more agriculture-related skills are unlocked, the space will continue to expand.】

Li Mingyuan was stunned; he had been completely unaware of this function before.

"The System Space can be used for planting?" He found it hard to believe and hurriedly asked the system for more details in his heart.

【The System Space is an independent space containing soil and water sources. Various crops can be planted, but harvested crops must be transferred to the real world via the system warehouse.】

【The current space environment can simulate four-season climates, suitable for the growth of various crops.】

Li Mingyuan was so excited he almost jumped up, but he quickly calmed down, thinking about how to utilize this amazing ability.

"With this Small World, I can test various planting methods inside, cultivate seeds for high-yield crops, and then bring them to the real world..."

He began to sketch on paper, designing a simple greenhouse suitable for the conditions of this era.

"Without plastic film, I can use oiled paper instead," he muttered to himself, "The light transmission of oiled paper is a bit worse, but at least it can keep it warm and moist..."

Flipping through "Tillage Technology Introduction" again, he found the chapter on traditional farm tools and began to improve the designs.

"A simple plow can be fitted with a scraper like this to increase soil-turning efficiency..."

"This seeder design is simple, yet it can greatly improve sowing uniformity..."

Several hours passed, and Li Mingyuan's desk was already piled with various design sketches, from simple greenhouse structures to improved farm tools, and then to water and fertilizer systems. Every item took into account the limitations of current conditions, aiming to be as simple and practical as possible.

"With the System Space, I can cultivate high-yield seeds, and combined with these improved technologies, I can at least double the yield!" Li Mingyuan looked at his design drawings with satisfaction, his heart filled with anticipation.

Just then, the office door was knocked, and Chen Dezhong poked his head in: "Chief Engineer Li, haven't you finished work yet? It's almost eight o'clock."

Li Mingyuan finally came back to his senses and hurriedly put away the drawings: "Ah, time flies. I'll head back now."

Chen Dezhong walked in, saw the agricultural books all over the table, and asked in confusion: "Chief Engineer Li, why have you started researching agriculture?"

Li Mingyuan smiled: "Learning more knowledge never hurts; maybe one day it will come in handy."

Chen Dezhong nodded and didn't ask further: "Then you should go back and rest early. Tomorrow, people from the Military Industry Department are coming to inspect the quality of the parts."

"Alright, I know," Li Mingyuan packed up the drawings and books, rode his bicycle toward the Siheyuan, his mind already planning how to use the System Space to start his agricultural experiments.

Returning to the West Courtyard, Li Mingyuan pushed open the door and saw He Yuzhu and He Yushui sitting at a small table, diligently doing their homework.

"Uncle Li is back!" He Yushui was the first to notice him and called out happily.

He Yuzhu also looked up and grinned at Li Mingyuan: "Uncle Li, we've finished tidying up your room. Do you think it's okay?"

Li Mingyuan put down his briefcase and went to the small room in the backyard to take a look. The room that had originally been used for storing sundries had been cleaned up, with two small beds neatly placed on either side and a simple desk in the middle.

"Not bad, it's cleaned up very well," Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction, "Have you eaten dinner?"

He Yuzhu scratched his head a bit embarrassedly: "We have, we saved a portion for you too..."

Li Mingyuan smelled the fragrance of food and followed the scent into the simple kitchen.

On the stove, a bowl covered by a plate was waiting for him. Lifting it, he found two steamed white flour buns and a bowl of stir-fried shredded radish with meat.

"This shredded radish is stir-fried well; your skills are quite good." Li Mingyuan took a bite; the taste was unexpectedly delicious, and he couldn't help but nod in approval.

He Yuzhu's eyes lit up, "My dad taught me this. Adding a little sugar when stir-frying makes the radish less spicy."

After saying this, a trace of sadness appeared in his eyes again.

Li Mingyuan patted his shoulder, "You two settle in for a few days and get some good rest. In a few days, I'll take you directly to the school to enroll. Don't worry about the tuition."

He Yushui asked cautiously, "Uncle, can I still continue to attend my original school?"

"Of course you can," Li Mingyuan said with a smile, "Your studies cannot be delayed for even a day."

After saying this, he looked at He Yuzhu's tense face, "Including you, Zhuzi. A chef also needs knowledge. If you want to be a master chef, you at least have to know those famous dishes, right?"

He Yuzhu seemed to be persuaded and nodded gently, "I'll listen to Uncle Li."

After finishing dinner and settling the two children, Li Mingyuan returned to his own room and closed the doors and windows.

Taking a deep breath, he silently recited the system command in his heart, "Enter Small World."

The scene before his eyes changed instantly, and Li Mingyuan found himself standing on a piece of open land.

The ten-mu space was surrounded by a peculiar translucent barrier, with blue sky and white clouds overhead, fertile black soil underfoot, and a clear small stream flowing through the middle.