Since the notice for soliciting methods to eradicate the locust plague was posted, scholars across the "Great Ding Dynasty" have been racking their brains. However, most scholars lack practical experience, and their proposed solutions are all unfeasible.
After half a month, even many illiterate farmers and warriors began to devise methods, but there was still no significant success.
Situ Chuanqiong has been very troubled recently. The locust plague has not been resolved and is instead escalating. Moreover, the disaster is spreading from north to south, getting closer and closer to the capital.
When Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) brought in a late-night snack, Situ Chuanqiong was reviewing the methods collected by Li Bu. Unfortunately, very few were practical. Ideas like sending soldiers to catch them day and night, or burning all the crops and locusts with fire, were all not highly feasible.
"Your Majesty is still attending to state affairs so late. You must take care of your dragon body!" Xiao Wenqiang placed the plain noodles she prepared today beside the desk.
Situ Chuanqiong managed a weak smile at her, "The Empress brings me supper again tonight. You shouldn't trouble yourself, go rest early!"
Xiao Wenqiang walked behind Situ Chuanqiong and gently massaged his shoulders, "Is Your Majesty troubled by the locust plague in the northern regions?"
"It's not just the north anymore; these locusts are gradually spreading south." Situ Chuanqiong rubbed the bridge of his nose, finding the Empress's massage quite comfortable. "You know about it too?"
"The newly appointed top scholar, Li Bu, widely posted the imperial edict inviting renowned scholars and wise men from across the land to brainstorm solutions for the locust plague, so I've heard people talk about it." Xiao Wenqiang continued to massage him, "Actually, I also have some ideas. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in hearing them?"
Situ Chuanqiong didn't hold much hope, but since there was no progress at the moment, listening to other ideas to relax was also good. So, he nodded in agreement, "Empress, please speak freely."
"Does Your Majesty recall that ten years ago when we were guarding the border, there was a small village that also experienced a locust plague?"
"I remember, but the situation then was different from now. Only a small portion of the crops was affected, the number of locusts was small, and it was resolved quickly." Situ Chuanqiong said with his eyes closed.
"Yes, it was from then that I started paying attention to news related to locusts." Xiao Wenqiang found a reason for herself. "Later, I read somewhere in a book that locusts fear water. In areas with abundant water, there are fewer locusts."
"Oh? Elaborate." Situ Chuanqiong straightened up.
"That book said: The land has its highs and lows, rain and dew are unevenly distributed, and droughts and floods cause disaster, yet there are still many places that are spared. Only when extreme drought leads to locusts, where vegetation within thousands of miles is completely destroyed, or even cattle, horses, and banners are devoured, is the devastation more tragic than floods and droughts." Xiao Wenqiang recited the lines from the "Comprehensive Treatise on Agricultural Administration" that she had memorized for her historical drama, which involved locusts. At the time, due to the difficult classical Chinese, she had spent a lot of effort.
"What this book says seems to have some merit; locust plagues do break out after droughts. Do you remember which book it was?" Situ Chuanqiong became interested.
"I can't recall the specifics, perhaps it was the notes of observant farmers! But I remember that the book mentioned locust eggs fear water, so we could try converting dry fields into paddy fields and then create more aquatic plants to leave the eggs with nowhere to land." Xiao Wenqiang naturally could not reveal the book's title, as it was not from this era.
"Locust eggs can be dealt with this way, but what about the swarms of adult locusts now? Burning them doesn't clear them out, and it burns the crops instead." Situ Chuanqiong raised the most pressing issue.
"I remember that book saying locusts have natural enemies, namely ducks, which most farming households raise. Why doesn't Your Majesty order the people to release more ducks to try?" Xiao Wenqiang continued to use the wisdom of predecessors, never expecting that she herself would one day employ the ultimate move of a transmigator.
"Is this true?" Situ Chuanqiong stood up excitedly. "I will issue the order immediately. If it truly works, Lan'er, you will be a great hero!"
"This humble one dares not claim credit. These are not my own ideas, but the wisdom from books of predecessors. And we don't know if it will work yet, but Your Majesty might as well try!"
"Good, good, good! Someone, pass on my imperial decree..." After Wang You accepted the order and left, Situ Chuanqiong sat down again.
"Your Majesty, the noodles are getting cold. Would you like some more?" Xiao Wenqiang opened the food box.
Situ Chuanqiong was indeed a bit hungry now, so he took the chopsticks and began to eat the plain noodles.
"Lan'er, I find your cooking has improved greatly. Everything you make now suits my palate." After finishing even the soup, Situ Chuanqiong patted his stomach contentedly.
"It makes me happiest that Your Majesty likes it." Xiao Wenqiang tidied up the bowls and chopsticks, placing them back into the food box, and prepared to leave. "Your Majesty has been too tired lately, I will not disturb you further. Next time, I will try to make other dishes for you!"
"There's no need to go to such trouble. I love everything you make." Situ Chuanqiong was truly too exhausted to seek out women for the night, so he agreed to let her leave. He secretly sighed, "The Empress is still so considerate."
Within half a month, reports of success began to arrive from various regions, all stating that the two new methods for eradicating locusts issued by His Majesty were very effective. Especially the tactic of releasing natural predators like ducks, where a flock of ducks was released, and the locusts instantly decreased by two-thirds.
At the morning court today, the new top scholar Li Bu stepped forward once more. "Reporting to Your Majesty, county officials from all regions have sent dispatches confirming that the locust issue has been thoroughly resolved. The displaced commoners due to the locust plague are also gradually returning home."
"Excellent! Let the county officials in all regions take the lead in reducing taxes by two years for these commoners who have suffered heavy losses." Situ Chuanqiong recalled the Empress's words; these returning commoners would likely be unable to bear the current tax burden.
"Your Majesty is benevolent! The common people will be grateful for your divine grace!" Li Bu stepped forward excitedly and kowtowed. "By the way, Your Majesty, I still have one thing I do not understand. Which wise individual devised these two excellent methods for eradicating the locust plague? I recall that among the methods I collected, I didn't seem to see such approaches?"
"Haha, you wouldn't have seen them." Situ Chuanqiong was also a bit proud. "This was told to me by my Empress."
"Her Majesty the Empress is truly a remarkable woman!" Li Bu praised sincerely. "We are greatly indebted to the Empress's brilliant methods this time, otherwise, our Great Ding Dynasty might have suffered even heavier losses!"
"You are right. We must reward the Empress well this time. She has made a great contribution to the stability of our Great Ding Dynasty!" Situ Chuanqiong thought the same in his heart.