Another year passed in the Book of a Hundred Lives.

During these years in Xueyang Prefecture, Xiao Mo constructed water conservancy projects, personally worked the fields, and improved farming plows, changing from straight-shaft plows to curved-shaft plows.

Curved-shaft plows required less effort to operate and were suitable for both paddy fields and dry land.

Based on his experience, Xiao Mo then wrote the "Agricultural Manual of North and South."

The book emphasized "intensive cultivation" according to the differences between northern and southern lands, detailing methods like "three plowings and three harrowings," "sowing when soil moisture is right," and "green manuring," writing everything as thoroughly as possible.

Xiao Mo also took the lead in promoting these methods in Xueyang Prefecture.

The following year, the people of Xueyang Prefecture had a great harvest.

Xiao Mo then presented this book to the current emperor.

The Qi ruler was greatly pleased.

The next day at morning court, the King of Qi discussed this matter with his ministers and finally decided to print and distribute the book throughout the realm.

Every official was required to study it thoroughly, and it became part of their evaluations.

The following year, Xiao Mo received an imperial edict.

Xiao Mo would be transferred back to the capital and promoted to Assistant Minister of Public Works.

Xiao Mo was not surprised by this promotion.

Because in his regular correspondence with Zhang Qianzhi, he had vaguely learned of his and the Prime Minister's intention to transfer him back.

On the day Xiao Mo left office, the people of Qingyang Prefecture offered cups of water as farewell gifts and escorted him for several li along the way.

After returning to the imperial capital, Xiao Mo immediately entered the palace to have an audience with the emperor and report on his duties.

When he saw Xiao Mo, the Qi ruler felt slightly startled.

The Qi ruler still remembered his jade-faced scholar appearance from twelve years ago during the palace examination.

Now, twelve years later, Xiao Mo's skin was more weathered, his physique stronger than before, like a commoner who regularly did farm work under wind and sun.

Between his brows, there was more maturity and steadiness.

However, compared to before, the Qi ruler naturally preferred Xiao Mo's current appearance.

"Subject Xiao Mo pays respects to Your Majesty!" Xiao Mo bowed with hands clasped.

"My dear minister, no need for such formality."

The Qi ruler quickly descended the steps to help Xiao Mo up, his eyes full of appreciation.

"I heard that my dear minister personally cultivated farmland and constructed water projects. Seeing your appearance today, the rumors are indeed true.

The 'Agricultural Manual of North and South' that you wrote has been implemented throughout the realm. Now the people of our Qi Kingdom call you the Agricultural Saint.

Having you in our Qi Kingdom is Qi Kingdom's fortune!"

"Your Majesty flatters me. I merely fulfilled my duties. The nationwide harvest is mainly due to Your Majesty's wise rule and good governance. Even without me, the realm would still have harvest years."

"Haha, how did you learn to flatter like that? If you were merely fulfilling your duties, then every official in the realm, without exception, would be unqualified!"

Hearing the Qi ruler's words, Xiao Mo just smiled without speaking.

The Qi ruler took Xiao Mo's hand and asked about his experiences over the years away from court. Xiao Mo answered each question.

The more the Qi ruler listened to Xiao Mo's report, the more pleased he felt.

No ruler dislikes officials who accomplish real work.

"My dear minister, you are now thirty years old and still unmarried. How about I arrange a marriage for you?" the Qi ruler asked.

Xiao Mo quickly stood and bowed deeply, "Thank you for Your Majesty's kind intention. Having Your Majesty arrange a marriage for me would be my good fortune, but Your Majesty, I already have someone in my heart. I deserve ten thousand deaths!"

"Sigh, you..." The Qi ruler sighed, naturally knowing about Xiao Mo's situation, "With the separation between immortal and mortal realms, why must you continue waiting?"

"..." Xiao Mo remained silent.

"Forget it, forget it." The Qi ruler waved his hand, "My dear minister, you're tired from the journey and have chatted with me for so long in the palace. Go rest well first."

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I take my leave."

After Xiao Mo left the imperial study, a noble consort stepped forward to massage the Qi ruler's shoulders, "This Minister Xiao is truly a devoted lover who values emotions and righteousness."

"Valuing emotions and righteousness is good." The Qi ruler nodded, looking toward the outside of the imperial study, "Not marrying is also good..."

Seven days later, an imperial edict came down promoting Xiao Mo to Assistant Minister of Public Works.

Another four years passed, and Xiao Mo was promoted to Minister of Public Works.

Such speed of promotion was truly meteoric.

At this time, Xiao Mo was only thirty-six years old.

Many people's political careers were just beginning, yet Xiao Mo had already reached high office but everyone in court understood that Minister of Public Works would not be Xiao Mo's final position.

Moreover, Xiao Mo lived an extremely disciplined life, never visiting brothels, never accepting gifts, usually just reading books.

Censors couldn't find any dirt on Xiao Mo even when they tried.

In Xiao Mo's eighth year in the capital, Prime Minister Fang attempted reforms.

Fang Ling had planned this reform for a long time and had gained the Qi ruler's support but Fang Ling's reforms involved prominent families, and the resistance was truly enormous.

Within just a few days, countless impeachment memorials flew around the court.

Zhang Qianzhi entered court at this time and sided with Fang Ling.

Naturally, Xiao Mo also joined the reform faction.

Since Xiao Mo entered the court, everyone knew about his relationship with Old Master Zhang.

Xiao Mo's rapid promotions were not only due to his achievements but largely because of Prime Minister Fang and Zhang Qianzhi's influence.

After all, the court considering only achievements was too idealistic; personal relationships mattered more.

So with the Qi ruler's support, reforms centered on Zhang Qianzhi, Fang Ling, and Xiao Mo fully commenced.

Previously, Xiao Mo would return to his village every two years, but because reform affairs were so numerous, Xiao Mo could only stay in the imperial city these past few years.

Fortunately, Xiao Mo and Little Green regularly exchanged letters but just when the reforms were proceeding smoothly, the Qi ruler fell gravely ill.

Six years later, the Qi ruler passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne.

The new sovereign seemed to lack his predecessor's determination and courage; he couldn't withstand the pressure from prominent families.

Eventually, the reforms failed.

Zhang Qianzhi was already over ninety years old. For Master Zhang to live past ninety and even lead reforms was extremely remarkable, sustained only by sheer will.

With the failure of these reforms, that breath of determination dissipated. Zhang Qianzhi became completely disheartened, petitioned to retire and return to his hometown, completely withdrawing from court politics, feeling he had at most one or two years left to live.

The sixty-something Fang Ling was transferred away from the capital.

Because Xiao Mo's reputation was too prominent and his reforms were genuinely for the people's benefit, those prominent families, mindful of Xiao Mo's reputation, didn't dare impeach him recklessly but Xiao Mo felt that staying in the capital would mean continuous marginalization. Rather than endure this, he might as well leave.

So Xiao Mo voluntarily requested transfer to Beihai Province.

At this time, Xiao Mo was already forty-six years old. Due to his advanced age and excessive toil from the reforms, his temples already showed considerable silver threads.

Before taking up his new post, Xiao Mo returned to Stone Bridge Village.

Since Xiao Mo achieved the top scholar degree, twenty-seven years had passed.

During this time, quite a few people had passed away, including old village chief Wang and Aunt Chen.

"Tomb of Wang Can, Clerk of Qingshan County and Village Chief of Stone Bridge Village."

"Tomb of Chen Hong, Wife of Wang Can."

Xiao Mo stood before the tombstones, looking at the two adjacent graves. His expression was calm, but his heart felt indescribable.