Several days later, Li Wei and Old Zhang arrived at Tianxi Village, a small, struggling village just outside the capital. The villagers looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and caution. It wasn't every day that the emperor came to visit, and many of them feared what this visit might mean.
Li Wei stepped forward, addressing the crowd gathered around him. "People of Tianxi Village, I am here because I want to help you. I know you have worked hard, yet you have little to show for it. Together, I believe we can change that."
The villagers exchanged skeptical glances. They had heard promises before, but none had ever improved their lives.
To ease their concerns, Li Wei explained his plan in simple terms. "We will work together to make your land stronger. I'll provide seeds and tools for crop rotation, and we'll dig a small canal to bring water from the river."
One of the older farmers, Uncle Bo, raised a hand, his voice gruff but respectful. "Your Majesty, we've tried new seeds before. The officials promised good crops, but all we got was empty promises."
Li Wei smiled, understanding their distrust. "I promise you, this is different. I'll stay here and work alongside you. If it fails, I'll take responsibility."
After a moment of silence, Uncle Bo nodded. "If you're willing to get your hands dirty with us, Your Majesty, then we'll give it a try."
Li Wei and Old Zhang spent the next few weeks working with the villagers. They showed them how to plant crops in a new rotation pattern to keep the soil healthy and guided them in building a simple canal from the river to irrigate their fields. The villagers, seeing Li Wei's commitment, began to believe in the project.
As days turned into weeks, the crops began to grow strong and healthy. The sight of green shoots sprouting in the fields filled the villagers with hope they hadn't felt in years. For the first time, they saw that change was possible.