As he spoke, he took out the corn and provided a detailed explanation of its origins, the local cultivation methods, and its yield.

"Can it really produce five hundred kilograms per mu?" Emperor Xuanming was already pleased with Chu Jin’s cheerful personality and the genuine nature devoid of ambition reflected in his eyes.

It was only when Chu Jin mentioned the existence of corn that Emperor Xuanming became truly delighted.

"This is what the overseas locals said. I was wary of them deceiving us, so I sought out many overseas people for confirmation, and given the commonplace nature of this matter locally, the possibility is quite high."

"Moreover, this corn is drought-resistant and can achieve this yield in moderately fertile land."

"Corn can be ground into flour like wheat for consumption, or it can be used directly as a staple food, similar to sweet potatoes. Ground corn can also be used to feed livestock and horses," Chu Jin enthusiastically shared all he knew about corn with Emperor Xuanming.

Chu Heng knew right away that this young man’s talkative habit had kicked in. His desire to share took over, and he was likely not deeply conscious that he was addressing the Emperor.

By the time Chu Jin finished talking, he ended with how tasty corn pancakes were, even licking his lips.

Chu Heng stepped forward to smooth things over: "Emperor, Lil’ Jin has a daring nature, having played freely outside. I will ensure he receives proper upbringing when we return home, and I beg the Emperor’s forgiveness for his audacity in directly addressing the sacred face." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Chu Jin’s lips trembled: "..."

He quickly knelt down, kowtowing in apology, regretting deeply. He had grown accustomed to speaking boldly after drifting at sea for so long, and upon returning to the capital, he nearly unknowingly offended the Emperor with his disregard for the numerous formalities, putting his life at risk.

Suddenly, Emperor Xuanming laughed heartily twice: "Minister Chu, Chu family lad, rise. His open nature is not surprising given his success in venturing overseas and retrieving high-yield corn seeds. Minister Chu is being quite modest."

"Thank you, Emperor." Chu Jin obediently stood up, but this time, he refrained from treating the Emperor like a friend, speaking casually. For the following hour, he stood quietly to the side, only responding concisely to Emperor Xuanming’s questions, summarizing the key points.

After the audience with the Emperor, Chu Jin was nearly exhausted.

Upon hearing his father taking leave from Emperor Xuanming, he sighed with relief and hurriedly uttered polite parting remarks.

Just then, Emperor Xuanming suddenly said, "This time, the Chu family lad has done a great service by opening overseas routes and offering high-yield corn seeds. I shall reward him generously with two hundred taels of silver, a pair of Ruyi jade... for his contributions to the empire, I bestow upon him the Viscount title, Le Viscountcy, exempt from bowing before officials."

Upon hearing this, Chu Jin felt a bit dazed, almost thinking he was hallucinating. After all, who would have thought someone so young would suddenly earn a noble title? Although it was just the fourth rank of Viscount without real power, being a Viscount was still a noble title!

Moreover, his father didn’t even possess a noble title!

"Thank you, Emperor. Long live the Emperor!" Chu Jin, realizing the situation, immediately knelt down in gratitude.

Chu Heng noted that Emperor Xuanming had rewarded Chu Jin before confirming the actual yield of the corn, clearly aiming to win over the Chu family.

Such tactics were indeed worthy of an Emperor.

Chu Heng naturally showed his stance.

Once Emperor Xuanming, in good spirits, allowed them to depart, Chu Heng realized that Chu Jin had truly lucked out this time.