Lin Tian increased the production of salt, a fact that even Ying Zheng had not anticipated.
Upon learning of this, he was greatly astonished.
"Is the intention behind producing so much salt to lower its price once more?"
"No, the price of salt is already low enough. If it drops further, no one will cherish it, and it may even lead to waste!"
"Then why produce so much salt?"
"Because we intend to sell it to more distant lands and earn more money!"
"More distant lands? Do you mean the territories we have conquered?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. We must train more soldiers. Only with sufficient troops can we better control the entire world!"
"At the same time, our efforts to construct ships and steel trains must accelerate!"
"Only in this way can the entire world be more firmly under our control!"
Ying Zheng nodded repeatedly at these words.
As the one who unified the six states, he understood very well how difficult it was to manage a vast empire.
In such circumstances, a larger army and swifter transportation were indeed necessary to govern more territories.
For this reason, Ying Zheng agreed to let more people join Lin Tian's manufacturing endeavors.
Five days later, Lin Tian's salt fields had produced a large quantity of salt, enough to be transported and sold to other countries.
However, before the salt could be shipped out, a new situation arose.
The ships of Great Qin that had sailed overseas were returning.
These were the ships sent to fetch sweet potatoes and bring back wealth.
When everyone learned of this, they were excited.
Both Lin Tian and Ying Zheng eagerly awaited the ships' return.
The return of the ships meant that Great Qin had truly unified the world.
It also signified that the people of Great Qin would finally have enough to eat.
Therefore, upon hearing a soldier announce the return of Great Qin's ships, Ying Zheng repeatedly sought confirmation.
"Are you absolutely certain that it is our Great Qin's ships that have returned?"
"Reporting to His Majesty, your humble servant is certain!"
"Good! Excellent! This is truly wonderful. The return of our ships means that the people of Great Qin will no longer starve!"
"Let us go together and welcome our ships and the food that can feed all of Great Qin!"
With these words, countless people filled with anticipation flocked to the seaside.
Even Lin Tian was among them.
Lin Tian's presence drew everyone's attention.
It also reassured others that this news was true and not a rumor.
There were indeed provisions on the ships that could sustain all of Great Qin.
Thus, their expectations soared.
Soon, the ships of Great Qin appeared before their eyes.
The ships were still grand, and the banners of Great Qin flying from them remained intact.
However, having sailed the seas for many years, the ships appeared somewhat worn and tattered.
Upon seeing the ships of Great Qin, some people almost failed to recognize them.
Fortunately, the soldiers of Great Qin disembarked, and each of them wore expressions of joy.
Their smiles brought immense relief to many.
"They've returned! The soldiers of Great Qin have truly returned!"
"After so many years away, they are finally back. I feared they might never return!"
"These are the men who marched for Great Qin! Their return is a joyous occasion for our empire. I only wonder if they have completed their mission!"
The completion of their mission was of great concern to everyone.
After all, these missions were not only related to Great Qin's wealth but also to whether its people would have enough to eat.
If the people of Great Qin could survive, the entire empire could truly find stability.
Knowing this, the crowd was exceptionally eager.
Therefore, as the soldiers moored their ships, everyone began to inquire.
"How was it? Did you obtain the sweet potatoes?"
"Yes! Are these sweet potatoes as miraculous as they say? Can they truly feed everyone in Great Qin?"
"What about the potatoes? Did you bring the potatoes the Crown Prince spoke of? Are they, like sweet potatoes, enough for our people to eat?"
The soldiers of Great Qin had no idea what sweet potatoes and potatoes looked like.
They had only heard Lin Tian speak of their existence.
They did not know their specific appearance.
Consequently, many officials asked with a mixture of belief and doubt.
This hesitant attitude left them bewildered upon seeing the sweet potatoes.
"Is this a sweet potato? Why does it look different from the grains we eat?"
"I feel the same. Can this sweet potato really be eaten? Will we die after eating it?"
"Is this a potato? Why does it look like it has sprouted? Do these lumpy things taste good?"
These individuals were accustomed to the staple grains of Great Qin.
Their acceptance of new things was slow.
Especially since they themselves were not lacking in food.
They were, in essence, people who possessed great wealth and plenty of grain.
Therefore, they were unwilling to accept these unfamiliar foods.
Indeed, they did not even dare to taste the sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Only Ying Zheng, upon seeing the sweet potatoes and potatoes, was eager to try them.
"Let me, the Emperor, taste this sweet potato and see if it can serve as a grain, if it can be fed to the people!"
Ying Zheng's intention in trying the sweet potato was not only to taste its flavor but also to ascertain if it was edible.
Of course, the primary purpose was to set an example for the officials and soldiers.
Only when their Emperor ate it would the people of the empire and the officials of Great Qin truly feel at ease.
However, just as Ying Zheng reached out to pick one up, he was stopped.
"Your Majesty, please don't!"
"We don't even know what this sweet potato is, and we're unsure if it's truly a sweet potato. What if it's poisonous?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, if it were poisonous, the consequences would be dire!"
"Your Majesty, perhaps you shouldn't try it. Why not take this to the imperial palace and have a slave test it?"
In their hearts, there was great apprehension about the existence of sweet potatoes.
However, despite their worries, none of them dared to taste the sweet potato themselves.
Their insincere concern left Ying Zheng quite displeased.
Therefore, he pushed aside the attendants and roared:
"Get out of here, all of you! Useless wretches, what good are you to me!"