“I understand what you mean, but can you represent the other villagers? You know, there's no such thing as a sure thing in business. If you want to become my downline, there will definitely be some risks involved…”
She didn't want to lie to people. Although she had killed and cheated people before, she couldn't make empty promises to such an impoverished village.
Upon hearing this, the old man immediately laughed, his face crinkling with wrinkles, clearly showing the marks of time. His tone also carried a hint of helplessness and struggle regarding his current situation.
"Madam, rest assured. I have been the village chief of Xiadao Village for decades. Besides, in this world, if we don't take a gamble, do you think our village has any other way to survive?"
Hearing this, Qin Qing couldn't help but recall the current state of the village she had seen. Let alone having enough to eat, there were hardly any young and strong people to be seen. Moreover, although the village was said to live off the mountains, it was not very close to the forests, and just getting back and forth was quite a chore.
Thinking of this, she pursed her lips, her gaze gradually becoming serious.
“I understand… In that case, I’ll trouble the village chief to continue organizing everyone to dig potatoes… that is, round potatoes! I’ll probably make another purchase in less than a month, and the price can remain the same as it is now. If I don’t need that much by then, the villagers can keep the rest for themselves.”
When the old man saw that she agreed, his eyes instantly filled with excitement, his body trembled slightly, and he kept thanking her!
When they returned to the military camp, the sun had not yet completely set. Qin Qing did not dawdle and immediately arranged for everyone to help separate the potatoes.
There are specific techniques for growing potatoes. In addition to the requirements of the season and climate, the potatoes need to be placed in a relatively humid environment and allowed to sprout quietly. When they are about half a centimeter long, they should be cut into small pieces that are two centimeters wide, with each piece having at least two sprouts.
After cutting these seed potatoes, let them rest at room temperature for 3 days. This is to allow the wounds to heal a little so they don't rot underground.
She remembers that potatoes used to be wrapped in plastic bags with holes punched in them. Now that's not possible, she has to use other things instead, with burlap being the first choice. Not to mention its sturdiness, the cuts make it easier for the potatoes to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
After preparing everything, the sky had completely darkened, and Qin Qing realized how much time had passed.
"Lord Chen, let's call it a day. The soldiers have had a long day and should get some rest!"
The muscular man was cutting burlap when he heard her voice. He looked up, then breathed a sigh of relief, showing an expression of relief that it was finally over.
"Really? Then I'll send someone to take you back!"
Seeing this, Qin Qing couldn't help but smile. Who could imagine that such a strong man would be sitting in the middle of a pile of fabric, cutting with scissors in one hand and sewing with needle and thread in the other, with the distress still clearly visible on his face!
"No need, I'll leave by carriage."
After saying that, she turned around to go home, but when she reached the door, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to look.
"Oh, right..."
This turn of her head made her unable to suppress a smile. She saw Chen Chu sitting in the chair with a relaxed expression, but when she gave him more instructions, he suddenly looked as if he were facing a formidable enemy, as if he were about to die...
She smiled helplessly.
"I will settle today's wages together with tomorrow's! Please have Lord Chen calculate it all tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, the burly man nodded repeatedly; his expression and posture clearly indicated that he wanted her to leave quickly…
"Alright! I'll be going now! See you tomorrow!"
Time flies, and soon it was time to plant potatoes!
The air was no longer so hot. Qin Qing looked down at the potato chunks they had brought, which had already sprouted, and couldn't help but worry about her potato harvest. But having come this far, she had to keep going.
Besides, the weather in Tianlong Kingdom is quite different from that in modern times, so it all depends on luck!
She got a map from Chen Chu and found several plots of land that were relatively high and could receive direct sunlight to start planting.
"Everyone, please bury the potatoes two centimeters underground. Don't bury them too deep, or it will affect their growth."
After saying that, she demonstrated it in front of everyone.
"When the potato sprouts grow to 20 centimeters, we need to add some soil and straw on top. Don't cover all the plants with soil; leave about 5 centimeters of the plant on the surface. It's important to leave some leaves on the surface so the plant can breathe. As the potato sprouts continue to grow, add more soil on top of the plants. Remember, the soil should be slightly moist, but not soaked."
As she spoke, she demonstrated with her hands. A group of grown men watched very attentively, but some people were not optimistic about her performance.
"After all this work, are these potatoes really that magical? I'd be better off planting sweet potatoes; at least we could get some food in a few months. What if these potatoes don't grow? We'd be..."
"I've never heard of potatoes before. I've heard that only poor people eat them, and they don't taste very good. Are they growing so many to sell to the poor? How could anyone possibly buy them?"
"Shh! Keep your voices down! This woman was brought in by the general, and it's said they have a special relationship. Everyone knows that now! Be careful not to be overheard!"
Qin Qing, who was listening in utter silence, thought: "..."
Gossip is truly everywhere! Even in a military camp full of grown men, rumors are rampant.
However, she could pretend she didn't hear it; after all, it was perfectly normal for people in ancient times not to know the wonderful uses of potatoes! There was no need for her to be angry.
After finally explaining all the precautions, Qin Qing was exhausted and her mouth was dry. After the soldiers learned and gradually dispersed, she finally had time to rest.
On the first day, despite the efforts of hundreds of people, the planting progress was slow, but still quite effective…
The next day, the soldiers continued planting and watering...
By the time the potatoes were all planted in the following days, autumn was almost here...
Qin Qing also quickly paid a portion of the commission, and occasionally even made porridge from her own rice and sent it to the soldiers! Although Qin Qing had previously expected five hundred soldiers, Wang Yan did not have high hopes for her actions, so he only gave her less than two hundred men.
This also greatly reduced her expenses; the rice porridge was barely enough for them to eat for a few days.
As summer draws to a close, the weather gradually cools, and the melancholy of autumn drifts in on the wind…
"It's sprouted! The sprout has grown!"
In the morning, a joyful shout rang out, quickly waking a group of soldiers who were on night watch!
(Because of concerns about small animals or thieves at night, there are soldiers specifically assigned to guard the area.)
Awakened by the sudden movement, everyone looked out at the fields outside the tent and noticed the tiny sprouts emerging from the ground...
"It really...it actually grew?!"
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