Memo 1SZ-01-02

To the Magistrate of Duopan County,

''Large swathes of the Empire lie in lands that experience frost from fall through spring. If these lands can be brought under cultivation with greater care, and perhaps with new plants, the benefits could be enormous. ''

''In view of these, we grant you permission to use up to 600 acres of fields - which local landowners will furnish - and hereby give you 1,000 taels of silver with which to buy the seeds and plant them. The landowners are also to furnish you with the tools and labour as you deem necessary, in order to make this project work. ''

''We bid you carry on your work meticulously, and record what you observe carefully. If this turns out to be a success, it will be a great merit on your record. ''