Upon hearing this, Magistrate Du couldn't help but laugh, for that's not how the proverb is used.
However, this saying, though crude, is not without merit; if there are too many plows, even an old ox might not be able to keep up.
"Those two will do?"
"Sir, you can give it a try. Maybe three will work too. This kind of thing only requires a little effort."
"That's true, what else?"
Gu An'an started talking again, pointing out four or five problems in succession, which made Master Liang's head spin. Wasn't he supposed to be here to discuss business? How did it turn into a discussion about farm tools?
Is he destined to be a farmer? Will he never be able to escape farming in his entire life?
Master Liang was heartbroken. Seeing that the two of them were not only discussing, but even picking up paper and pen to draw, and even wanting to find a carpenter to improve the farm tool, Master Liang really couldn't sit still.
"Let's talk about improving farm tools later. I remember Manager Gu has something to discuss with us adults."
Upon hearing this, Magistrate Du realized his mistake and said, "Yes, yes, how could I forget the important matter? It's all my fault. I was having such a good time with Madam Gu that I forgot about the important matter. My clerk, people say you are resourceful, but I don't think so."
Looking at Master Liang, who was sitting down but had also been caught in the crossfire and looked constipated, Gu An'an said with a smile, "Everyone has their own expertise. If Master Du is also proficient in this field, wouldn't it be suspicious if Master Liang also became involved in it?"
Master Liang agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "Manager Gu is right."
Magistrate Du was just speaking casually. He cleared his throat and asked, "What does Madam Gu wish to discuss with me?"
"Pig farming".
In terms of reading and discussing philosophy, Gu An'an is naturally no match for someone like Magistrate Du, who has achieved official rank.
However, Gu An'an, a multi-talented individual from the 21st century, can be described as a polymath.
She has a jack-of-all-trades and a jack-of-all-trades advantage; standing on the shoulders of giants, she has a unique advantage.
For example, raising pigs.
This left Magistrate Du and his advisor, Liang, dumbfounded, almost unable to believe what they were hearing.
The two exclaimed in unison, "Raising pigs?"
Is this really not a joke?
Gu An'an nodded solemnly, "I know what you're worried about, sir. Actually, pigs also like cleanliness; it just depends on how you raise them. If you raise pigs next to the latrine, you can't expect them to be clean, but what if you specifically find a place to pen them up?"
Magistrate Du seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.
That makes some sense.
"I heard from Master Liang that you are a benevolent official who has brought prosperity to the region. You have served in Anping County for many years and have never wronged the people. You have also studied crops and farming tools and tried every means to increase our grain production. Since you are known as the Little Divine Farmer, then I would like to ask you, what are your methods for increasing our crop yield?"
Magistrate Du blurted out, "Of course, it's fertilization."
"Yes, the best way to increase grain production is to use fertilizer. May I ask, sir, what kind of fertilizer is this?"
This problem was naturally no challenge for Magistrate Du. "It's nothing more than the droppings of chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep. Wood ash will also work, but it's not very effective."
"Yes, sir, you've overlooked one thing: the yellowish-white stuff that people excrete is also excellent fertilizer."
Master Liang found the tea in his mouth less palatable. Weren't we supposed to be talking about farming and raising pigs? Why are we discussing these yellow and white things?
Magistrate Du laughed upon hearing this, saying, "It seems I was being pedantic. Madam Gu is right. I have learned my lesson." He then bowed to Gu An'an.
This county magistrate is quite unusual.
Gu An'an turned slightly to the side, "Lord Du loves the people like his own children. It is our blessing that the people of Anping County have such a benevolent official." After showering him with compliments, Gu An'an continued to get down to business, "Actually, pigs don't necessarily like to eat that stinky mud. I forget which diner mentioned it, but they also have large-scale pig farming there. They feed these pigs rice bran and straw every day. It would be even better if some ground beans were mixed in, but it requires frequent cleaning."
Magistrate Du understood, "Madam Gu wants to expand your shop?"
Otherwise, where will these pigs go...?
Gu An'an laughed, "It's not entirely about that. It's just that the pork I used in the shop in the past was usually wild boar meat. As you know, it's not easy to hunt wild boar. So it would be better if we could raise them. Firstly, pigs are easier to raise, and they produce a lot of meat at a low price, making them a very suitable ingredient."
Mentioning her shop, Gu An'an smiled and said, "The population in the county is limited. Expanding it won't necessarily attract more customers. Actually, the current shop is enough. However, I want to open this snack shop in Anzhou Prefecture and even in the capital in the future."
Upon hearing this, Magistrate Du couldn't help but applaud, "Madam Gu is just a woman, yet she has such lofty ambitions. We are truly ashamed of her."
He understood the meaning behind Gu An'an's words.
On the one hand, wild boars are difficult to hunt. What if someone dies while hunting wild boars for a bite to eat? The food won't taste as good if it's stained with blood.
On the other hand, although this Lady Gu has no intention of expanding her business in Anping County, if she wants to spread Gu's Food Shop throughout the entire Daye Dynasty, she must make people accept that pork is a clean food.
How can we get rid of the impression that pork smells bad and that people usually eat things from latrines?
The natural thing is to set an example.
As for the county government, they set aside a piece of land to raise pigs and supply these pigs to Gu's Restaurant, which did indeed provide a relatively stable income.
"Madam Gu's idea is excellent; it kills multiple birds with one stone."
Gu An'an certainly didn't think Magistrate Du was a fool. From these words, she understood that the magistrate had figured out her intentions.
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