Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2086: Plan

The refugees who opted to remain would be tasked with farming in the coming year. However, there was a logistical challenge: the previously cultivated paddy fields comprised only 3,400 acres. With an allocation of two acres per person, over 3,000 individuals would require more than 6,000 acres—plenty to go around.

The issue arose with accommodating all 660 families in that limited space—it was simply too crowded. At best, around 350 households could be accommodated, leaving the remaining 300 families in need of alternative arrangements.

Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan identified several locations nearby, situated near mountainous dry land but lacking in paddy fields. However, these areas were owned by affluent families who possessed adjacent paddy fields.

Their solution? Persuade these landowners to exchange their paddy fields for the designated bureau’s land where the refugees could settle. In return, the government would replenish the newly acquired paddy fields in the swamp, providing an additional 20 mu for every 100 mu.

Qiao Xuan, with a smile, remarked, “If no one steps up, I’ll do it myself. Were it not for the fear of being accused of taking advantage, we wouldn’t need anyone else!”

One of the selected locations happened to be near the farm where Qiao Xuan had taken over the Fan Family’s land. To her, it was a straightforward swap—what harm could come from it?

Qiao Xuan was confident in the quality of the paddy fields cultivated in that swamp; they were certainly on par with those elsewhere. However, she understood that others might not share her perspective.

Shao Yunduan echoed her sentiment with a smile. “If you want it, take it. I don’t mind, and neither should you.”

Any murmurs behind their backs mattered little to him. With a secure position in Anze Province and his wife’s invaluable support, their success spoke for itself. Those who never lent a hand had no grounds for complaint.

What surprised Shao Yunduan, however, was the response. His words held weight in Anze Province. The following day, three families promptly visited the government office, offering to exchange their paddy fields.

With Lord Shao’s endorsement, support for the exchange was unanimous. After all, it was a simple swap—what objections could arise?

Lord Shao’s magnanimity and integrity were commendable, earning him widespread admiration.

Seeing the agreement sealed, Shao Yunduan nodded in approval. The terms were set.

Each family would receive allocations based on their population: two mu of paddy fields and two mu of dry land.

The swamp contained only reclaimed paddy fields, while nearby forests remained untouched. Residents were permitted to reclaim three mu of land each, with the option to purchase additional plots if desired.

Despite the large influx of refugees, the reclaimed paddy fields and dryland mountains were abundant. Even after distribution according to population, plenty remained unclaimed.

With all the fields now under government ownership and leased to Qiao Xuan for cultivation, the prospect of future refugee settlements necessitated the optimal utilization of these resources. Wasting them was out of the question; they had to be fully utilized.

While the paddy fields traditionally grew rice, Qiao Xuan devised plans to diversify the crops. In addition to rice, she intended to plant various annual crops such as potatoes, corn, soybeans, peanuts, taros, and common herbs. This ensured that even if more refugees arrived in the future, the land would be readily available for immediate replanting the following year.

With over 660 families now engaged in farming, seed distribution became paramount. Fortunately, Anze Province had achieved self-sufficiency in rice seeds, eliminating the need for external purchases.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!