Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2023: Two Years

What a stroke of luck that Ms. Fang and the others happened to be here too!

This was an even more delightful surprise!

Following the transitional autumn, Yuezheng Xiao joined them as well.

Qiao Xuan, Yuezheng Xiao, and Zhao Shu resumed their business discussions. They were able to procure various goods like herbs, tea leaves, fabrics, and timber from Anze Province.

With the collaborative efforts of both families, they could handle any quantity of goods.

Their plans unfolded seamlessly. They selected a location and acquired property in Anze Prefecture City to establish a shop and warehouse.

They made a conscious decision not to compete with businesses in Anze Prefecture City. Instead, they engaged in buying and selling goods outside the city, conducting their trade.

Their presence was welcomed by local trading companies. Their involvement promised increased vitality in local commerce, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

By mid-September, Ms. Fang and Eldest Uncle found themselves unable to stay longer. With the autumn harvest season beckoning, they had to return home promptly. Thus, the entire family embarked on their journey back.

Though there was a tinge of sadness upon parting, they found solace in the closeness they had cultivated and the newfound ease of travel between their locations.

Winter gave way to spring, and time slipped by unnoticed, marking the passage of two years.

In the 51st year of the Emperor Xuan’s reign, Anan had already turned three years old, soon to celebrate his fourth birthday in July.

The lively little fellow was robust and full of mischief, keeping the east courtyard of the back office bustling with activity each day!

Over the past two years, the economic prosperity of An Zezhou had flourished remarkably.

An increasing number of individuals ventured into cultivating medicinal herbs, peppers, star anise, and peppers. Many households even ventured into small-scale poultry farming, raising chickens and ducks.

While the operations weren’t massive, there was still a market for their produce. Qiao Xuan, Zhao Shu, and Yuezheng Xiao eagerly purchased these goods, provided they met their quality standards.

With the proliferation of these specialty products, the local populace found themselves with more disposable income than ever before, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.

The adoption of potatoes as a staple crop also gained rapid momentum.

Within just two years, nearly every farming family had integrated potato cultivation into their agricultural practices. Larger households dedicated four to five mu of land to potato cultivation, while smaller ones allocated one or two mu.

Some ambitious farmers even cultivated more, recognizing the immense benefits of this versatile crop.

Truly, the success was undeniable!

With its high yield and low land requirements, potatoes proved undemanding to cultivate. Minimal special attention was needed—planting and basic management sufficed. A single weeding session in the middle of its growth cycle, along with a modest application of fertilizer, could significantly boost yields.

In Anze Province, agricultural families were scarce. Some households, despite having twelve to thirteen members, owned only three mu of paddy fields. Previously, they struggled to enjoy a full meal of white rice throughout the year. Their diets consisted primarily of wild vegetables, beans, taros, assorted vegetables, and melons, with the aroma of rice being a rare luxury.

Even then, for over two months annually, they tightened their belts, often unable to afford even porridge. A large pot of water was mostly filled with vegetables, melons, and beans, with only a meager handful of rice added sparingly.

The introduction of potatoes significantly improved their circumstances.

Potatoes provided an abundant and versatile staple. Their versatility allowed for consumption as both a rice substitute and a vegetable. Moreover, cultivating a small plot for medicinal herbs could yield three to five taels of silver annually.

The value of a few taels of silver should not be underestimated. It significantly enhanced the quality of life for the entire family. With just six copper coins per kilogram of rice, they could ensure sustenance for the year.

Satiated and invigorated, they embraced newfound vigor and optimism. Inspired by Lord Shao and Madam Shao, they embarked on endeavors to cultivate peppers, star anise, and rear chickens and ducks.

Their future held promise; each passing year would bring further improvements.

Gratitude abounded for the benevolence of the Lord of the Prefect!

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