According to historical records, the total population of China during the Qin Dynasty was about 27 million, and the total territory was about 3.4 million square kilometers.
Such a vast land, yet such a small population.
The simplest reason is that they cannot be kept alive.
It's ridiculous, but it's so real!
Therefore, when Ying Zheng heard Xiao Ning say that the yield per mu was fifty shi, it was something he had never even dared to imagine before.
Xiao Ning said calmly, "That's right, which is why I said earlier that these 100 shi of sweet potatoes are more precious to you than the previous two treasures!"
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's hands began to tremble, as if he still couldn't believe it. He excitedly said, "Immortal, please don't deceive me. It's unbelievable that such an inconspicuous sweet potato can have such a high yield."
This is simply a fantasy.
Xiao Ning glanced at it indifferently and said, "What good would it do me to lie to you?"
Ying Zheng fell silent.
Indeed, although he held a noble status in the Qin Empire, he was probably insignificant in the eyes of the immortals.
There's absolutely no benefit in lying to him; even an immortal wouldn't do something so beneath them.
In other words, such high-yield crops actually exist?!
"There are many other high-yield crops in the world, so there's nothing to be surprised about."
Xiao Ning patted Ying Zheng on the shoulder and said, "Besides sweet potatoes, there are also potatoes, corn, breadfruit, hybrid rice, and so on."
In this world, besides the five grains traditionally grown in China, there are many other high-yield crops overseas. If we were to wait for them to be introduced to China, it might take more than a thousand years.
Therefore, Xiao Ning repeatedly explained in order to attract Ying Zheng's attention.
If Ying Zheng had taken these 100 shi of sweet potatoes seriously and promoted their widespread use, he might have been able to completely solve the problem of food shortage that had plagued China for five thousand years.
With no worries about food supplies, the Qin Dynasty, with its formidable army, was virtually unstoppable!
At that time, neither the Xiongnu, the Qiang, nor the Southern Barbarians will be a match for them. Even the three great empires in the far west will tremble in fear under the might of the Qin Dynasty.
Perhaps, during Qin Shi Huang's lifetime, he could plant the Blackwater Dragon Flag all over the world and bring back various high-yield foods to benefit the people.
"There are still so many?!"
Ying Zheng was completely stunned.
Sweet potatoes alone were enough to change the fate of the Qin Empire. If it had obtained so many high-yield crops, the Qin Empire would have taken off on the spot, and the remnants of the six states would have died instantly.
After all, the Chinese people are by nature very simple and honest. As long as they can have enough to eat, who would go out and rebel for no reason?
Ying Zheng took a deep breath and asked somewhat awkwardly, "Immortal, we mortals are not very knowledgeable. This celestial food called sweet potato... is it difficult to grow?"
Originally, Ying Zheng thought he was a learned man, a scholar of great talent.
However, after encountering the immortal.
Ying Zheng suddenly realized that he was completely ignorant about so many things, which was quite embarrassing.
"It's not difficult to grow; it's very easy to survive."
“Just pick any piece of land, whether it’s barren or fertile, and wait until the sweet potato roots sprout.”
"Just stuff it into the dirt."
"Just water it when you remember, it's very simple."
Xiao Ning said casually.
Sweet potatoes are very resilient and can be planted anywhere; the only question is the yield.
Such a simple grain crop would have been absolutely unique in the Qin Dynasty, perhaps even existing only in the realm of ideals.
Ying Zheng's mouth dropped open: "It's that simple?"
Xiao Ning countered, "Do you think it's difficult?"
Ying Zheng said with some disbelief, "Won't they wither and die if planted so casually?"
Although he was the emperor of Qin, he was not the kind of person who was lazy and ignorant of farming. He had some understanding of agriculture, the foundation of the country. Ying Zheng had never heard of any kind of grain crop that could be so easily fed.
If it weren't for the immortal's words, he would have definitely thought the other party was talking nonsense, punished him for deceiving the emperor, and had the Qin soldiers drag him out and behead him.
Xiao Ning nodded and said, "Anyway, that's the method. As the ruler of a country, you should have people under your command who are skilled in planting. Entrusting this matter to them will surely make them more proficient in planting than you are!"
To be honest, Xiao Ning didn't know much about farming, but he did understand one principle.
Specialization is key to success.
Leave the professional tasks to the professionals.
It's much better than an outsider spouting nonsense.
Ying Zheng suddenly understood and readily accepted the explanation, saying, "The immortal is right; I had misunderstood!"
Xiao Ning waved his hand and said, "If there's nothing else, you may leave now!"
This is an order to evict them.
Ying Zheng bowed and said, "I am grateful to the immortal for granting me an extra hundred years of life and the divine skills and celestial food."