Tian An understood that County Magistrate Gu wanted to exchange her grain! If her high-yield grain could be promoted, the grain production in this era would increase significantly, and the people's lives would be much better.
She said sternly, "Uncle Gu, if you want my food, just tell me. Why make so much trouble?"
County Magistrate Gu coughed lightly: "You know?"
Tian An nodded: "You are a very busy man, how could you do such a troublesome thing for no reason!"
County Magistrate Gu looked at Tian An and asked, "Are you willing to give it to me?"
Tian An raised his eyebrows: "Will you pay for it?"
County Magistrate Gu shook his head: "The county government has no silver, but I can exchange it with you."
The grain collected by the county government was all tax. Although it wasn't high-yield, it was of good quality. No one dared to fool the officials, so it was perfectly fine to sell it.
"How much does Uncle Gu want to exchange?"
Seeing Tian An taking the initiative to speak, County Magistrate Gu hurriedly said, "Exchange as much as you have."
Tian An said readily, "Then I'll keep what I need for myself, leave some for the villagers, and give the rest to you."
County Magistrate Gu was so happy that he was almost beaming with joy, praising Tian An for being sensible and kind-hearted.
"Uncle Gu, do you want anything else? The corn yield is pretty good."
When County Magistrate Gu heard that the yield was good, he quickly responded, "Yes, it would be even better if we had potatoes."
The yield of potatoes grown in Tianan is also very high. They are very filling and widely consumed. They are easy to use and can be fried, steamed, boiled, or used as a side dish or staple food. If conditions are poor, they can be directly roasted over an open flame, which is equally delicious and filling.
He has always been thinking about it in his heart, but unfortunately Tian An didn't plant enough seeds this year and couldn't produce more seeds. Otherwise, he could distribute them next year so that the people could plant them.
"As for potatoes, the second season has already been planted this year and will be ready for harvest around November. I can then exchange them with Uncle Gu."
County Magistrate Gu noted the time and said he would come to check it out in person, because that lump of earth was a treasure!
After County Magistrate Gu finished talking about farming with Tian An, he began to ask Zhao Yiming about his studies.
County Magistrate Gu was able to become an official because he had emerged from among many students and passed numerous tests, so his knowledge is naturally beyond doubt.
He had been an official for many years and had unique insights and rich experience, which was of great help to Zhao Yiming. Therefore, he cherished every time he discussed knowledge with County Magistrate Gu. County Magistrate Gu was also not shy about his shortcomings and would give Zhao Yiming all the advice he knew.
The two chatted all the way until Zhuangzi arrived.
The refugees had already arrived. When they saw a carriage stop, they knew it was their host, so they all stood up and stood still, trying to make a good impression on the host.
In order to save time, Tian An and Zhao Yiming came in the county magistrate's carriage, while Deng Xue drove a donkey cart to the shop to pick up Chen Qiang and then rushed over.
After getting off the carriage, Tian An looked at the huge crowd and said, "Isn't this too many?"
Before the magistrate could speak, the refugees knelt on the ground in panic and begged repeatedly: "Please don't drive us away, we will work hard."
"Please give us a chance, Master!"
"Please, Master, please let us stay! We definitely won't eat too much food, just enough to fill our stomachs."
…
Looking at the emaciated, dusty, and half-naked refugees in front of him, Tian An sighed, "Everyone, get up!
After hearing Tian An's words, the refugees tremblingly supported each other and stood up, but their expressions were still uneasy, as if they were afraid that Tian An would drive them away.
The refugees stood on one side, and the head of the village on the other side came forward with his tenants to pay their respects.
The head of the village was surnamed Li, he was in his forties, had dark skin and looked honest and simple. After paying his respects, he took the initiative to report the various situations in the village to Tian An.
No matter what Tian An asked, he answered in detail, explaining Zhuangzi's situation clearly in every detail.
"Uncle Li, what crops are being planted on the farm now, and how much vacant land is there?"
Li Xing, the village head, said hurriedly, "To answer the young lady, the tenants are very diligent and dare not slack off. Winter crops such as winter wheat and garlic have all been planted."
Tian An nodded: "That barren mountain is empty."
Li Xing said, "Miss, that mountain has always been empty. You have made arrangements on your side."
Tian An: "Forget about planting the crops this year. Just take care of them. But the seeds from now on will be replaced with the ones I provide. When the time comes, report the number of seeds to Manager Chen and let him make the arrangements.
You will lead the new farmhands to clean up the barren hills. I will need them next year."
Li Xing: "Okay girl."
He looked at the food and refugees that County Magistrate Gu had brought in, and said, "Take your men to unload the food and organize it properly. Then, settle the farmhands. Let them have a good meal today, and they'll start working tomorrow."
Li Xing said "OK" again and took his people to work.
The refugees heaved a sigh of relief after hearing Tian An's words. They finally had a place to stay. Furthermore, the host had just told them to have a full meal that night. God knows how long it had been since they had a full meal.
After Chen Qiang arrived, he went to negotiate with the village head Li Xing, and then went to give the refugees a lecture and explain the rules. Everything was done according to Jiayuan's procedures.
Tian An and his companions went to see Zhuangzi's fields.
As Li Xing said, the tenants did not slack off. They planted everything that needed to be planted on the land and kept it in good order.
The land in the village is much better than the land she rented in Shangba Village. If her crops are used next year, the yield is estimated to be higher than that in Shangba Village.
A few people walked and looked along the way, and only went back when they saw that it was almost time.
After parting ways with the county magistrate at the village entrance, Tian An and his party returned to Shangba Village.
On the donkey cart, Zhao Yiming closed his eyes and meditated on the knowledge he had discussed with County Magistrate Gu today. He had to understand the new knowledge as soon as possible.
Tian An was also talking to the housekeeper about her plans for the period.
"When you go back, go find the village chief and ask him to ask the villagers if they want to exchange grain seeds with us. Those who want to exchange grain seeds will have three days starting from tomorrow to make all the arrangements. No one will be accepted after the deadline.
We will set aside the grain we need for our own use, and take the rest to the county government office to exchange for ordinary grain."
Chen Qiang interrupted, "Does it include the grain grown on the farm?"
Tian An nodded: "Yes, let's count them together. You and Li Zhuangtou should verify the quantity and get it done as soon as possible."
Chen Qiang: "Okay, girl."
Tian An continued, "Send someone to clean up the three newly purchased shops and leave someone to watch over them. Arrange at least two people to guard them. If anything happens, try to protect yourself and report to the county government immediately."
Chen Qiang remembered that Chen Feng was injured some time ago, and he understood Tian An's intention.
"Girl, how do you clean up the three shops and what business do you use them for? You still have to rent them out," said Chen Qiang.
"First, I'll use one to open a grain store. I'll discuss the other two when I get back."
…
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
