Chapter 106: The Yin-Shang Dynasty Must Rise
In the evening, the thick purple mist grew even more intense.
At precisely six o’clock, King Zhou and Su Hu appeared at the farm.
Both of them looked exuberantly joyful, though it was unclear what had caused their sudden delight.
“Sir, good news!”
King Zhou strode into the main hall, with Su Hu following closely behind.
Their appearance in traditional robes astonished Yan Beigui, who was busy wiping tables and doing odd jobs.
Hmm… Could they be some cosplay enthusiasts?
After all, the film city was just nearby.
Yet the aura the two exuded was utterly unique. At first glance, they were no mere cosplay fans—they looked like genuine figures from ancient times.
Were there other guests at the farm as well?
King Zhou and Su Hu were equally startled to see Yan Beigui.
Usually, whenever they appeared, the manor was devoid of other visitors.
Today was an exception.
“Uh… Are you two cosplay enthusiasts?” Yan Beigui couldn’t help but ask after his surprise.
King Zhou quickly caught on. “Ah… Haha, yes, we are. And you are…”
“He’s new here. Since you’re all here, go wash your hands; dinner will be served soon,” said Su Daji, stepping out of the kitchen wearing an apron.
Every time King Zhou saw Su Daji’s unparalleled charm and grace, it effortlessly stirred his heartstrings.
Su Hu, who accompanied King Zhou, always reminded his lord whenever he saw the king’s goofy expression, “Ahem… Your Majesty, the sir is waiting for us.”
“Ah… Very well. Miss Daji, please continue with your work,” King Zhou smiled brightly, trying to conceal his embarrassment.
Alas!
That damned Su Daji—why must she be so breathtakingly beautiful?
Any man who saw such a stunning woman would have his soul drawn out from his body.
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Coinciding with mealtime, King Zhou and Su Hu made no pretense. After greeting Chu Xiaoyu, the two pairs took their seats.
The dishes arrived shortly thereafter.
They savored the fragrant, delicious food, rich in color and aroma. Both King Zhou and Su Hu devoured the meal like famished ghosts reincarnated.
A king and a minister with no trace of decorum—truly ravenous.
Watching them eat so greedily somehow whetted one’s appetite.
Chu Xiaoyu casually asked, “I heard you two shouting about good news just now. What’s got you so happy?”
“Ah… Look at my memory! I was so busy eating that I almost forgot to tell you the important news,” King Zhou put down his chopsticks excitedly and said loudly, “Sir, you might not know yet, but this year is a great year for our Shang dynasty.”
“Oh? A great year? What exactly is the news?”
Their Shang dynasty had barely managed to resist the oppression of the sage ruler from Xiqi.
“Hehe! Sir, you are truly a destined benefactor to our Shang. Your guidance on cultivating sweet potatoes, potatoes, and other crops, though not high-yield by modern standards, is considered a remarkable and dominant harvest for us.”
King Zhou spoke with great enthusiasm, “Sir, one acre now produces about 4,000 jin of crops, including sweet potatoes, potatoes, radishes, and so forth… Haha! My people will never have to worry about starvation again.”
“Sir, please accept my bow!”
Overcome with excitement, King Zhou unexpectedly knelt before Chu Xiaoyu on the spot.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
After kneeling, he even kowtowed repeatedly.
The once formidable tyrant King Zhou had humbled himself before Chu Xiaoyu with utmost reverence.
Seeing King Zhou kneel, Su Hu dared not remain seated and obediently followed suit.
Chu Xiaoyu smiled faintly. “Alright, you’ve knelt enough. Please rise.”
Once King Zhou and Su Hu resumed their seats, Chu Xiaoyu continued, “With sweet potatoes and potatoes widely cultivated in your Shang, you are effectively leaping ahead by thousands of years, entering a civilized society prematurely. This achievement certainly calls for a grand celebration.”
“Yes, sir. Our ministers and I have agreed that tomorrow shall be a day of nationwide celebration in our Shang. Every year henceforth, this day will be designated a special national memorial to commemorate the cultivation of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and other such crops.”
“Sir, I have decided to erect a statue in your honor. The title I have chosen is ‘The Creator Shennong,’ so that all the people will remember your great kindness and offer you eternal reverence.”
“What do you think, sir?”
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King Zhou was now brimming with ambition; he even planned to annex distant Xiqi into his realm and expand his influence.
Their Shang must rise!
Hmph!
As for the so-called Great Zhou? It must perish.
“Ahem… Your idea is noble, but about erecting a statue and receiving offerings from the people, I think that’s unnecessary.”
He was very much alive and well; who knew if he would still be around a hundred years from now? Establishing a long-life memorial in his name would be unsettling.
Chu Xiaoyu inwardly rejected the idea.
“Very well, if you’re unwilling, we can discuss this matter another time.”
King Zhou did not dwell on it. “Sir, tomorrow is an important day for our Shang. I will celebrate with all the people of our realm at the temple atop the Star-Plucking Tower. Such an important occasion cannot be without you. Will you join us?”
“Ahem… I think it’s better if I don’t,” Chu Xiaoyu replied.
It wasn’t that he wished to refuse or be discourteous, but he simply couldn’t pass through that bizarre, eerie gate at present.
Only those who took great care with their ‘monkey dung’ were able to pass.
“Sir, do you have some concerns?” Su Hu chimed in, joining the conversation.
Chu Xiaoyu hurriedly waved his hand. “I have no worries. Rest assured, tomorrow I will participate, and I will bring you a very special gift.”
“Sir is bringing us a special gift? Wonderful! Then I, King Zhou, along with all our civil and military officials, will eagerly await your esteemed presence and gift.”
The sir was a man of great talent, so his gift would surely be extraordinary.
Yan Beigui, who ran errands and odd jobs, was curious but dared not approach the mysteriously altered elegant room.
He wanted to peek but lacked the courage.
Having chosen to be a dog, one must have the awareness to be a dog.