Chapter 123: Increasing Income and Reducing Expenditure
Place all kinds of dishes directly on the table, and everyone takes a large bowl to fill with rice, and finds a suitable place to squat or stand to eat.
A total of about sixteen people worked together to handle the approximately five-acre field, and by noon, most of the crops in the entire field had been safely stored in the warehouse.
Facing the sacks piled high in the corner of the room, filled to the brim with the fruits of their hard work for a day, Zhao Chunhua suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of abundance in her heart - this was the first time she truly felt that she had a large amount of wealth that belonged to her.
As the sky gradually darkened, finally, the last crop in those fields was successfully harvested and well preserved.
The two acres of rice fields produced a total of 660 kilograms of rice, which means that the average yield per acre is about 330 kilograms; corn, sweet potatoes and potatoes each have more than three acres of land. After hard farming, the results of the harvest are as follows: corn including husks yielded about 450 kilograms, which means that the average yield per acre is 350 kilograms; the potato harvest was relatively low, with only 340 kilograms in total. If calculated evenly, the actual yield per acre is less than 300 kilograms; what makes Zhao Chunhua most gratified is the sweet potato, with a total output of nearly 480 kilograms, which is almost 400 kilograms per acre.
Faced with the specific output quantities and variety combinations of these crops, Zhao Chunhua became more certain that she had come to a very special historical period.
Although the types of crops common in modern society can be seen in this time and space, a closer look will reveal that the level of agricultural production here is not high. Overall, the yield per unit area of various crops is indeed relatively low.
In addition, due to the special geographical conditions of this area, the cost of material circulation is extremely high, which indirectly leads to a living consumption level comparable to that of big cities.
However, what is strange is that in such a context, local agricultural and sideline products are difficult to get a good price due to oversupply.
Whenever her nephews reported to her the specific values of various agricultural products after weighing, Zhao Chunhua's first reaction when she heard these numbers was that there seemed to be something wrong with these data.
Because in her original understanding, food like rice, which requires careful management to produce, should be a very rare and precious thing.
However, the actual situation is that the yield per unit area of rice is actually higher than that of potatoes, which are easier to grow and manage.
After pondering for a moment, she finally understood the problem: the reason why everyone generally treats rice as a treasure is not because it is difficult to obtain. The real reason is that the cultivation environment of rice is very harsh - it must grow vigorously in specially designed paddy fields.
In contrast, other crops such as corn and potatoes can grow successfully under relatively harsh or loose conditions.
It is this special farming requirement that makes rice considered a rare commodity even though it is not the most difficult to obtain in terms of numbers.
This year can be said to be a relatively smooth year. At least the weather was not too abnormal, which ultimately led to such a good harvest.
However, if we encounter unfavorable factors, such as bad weather or natural disasters such as pest invasions, it may become quite difficult to maintain basic survival.
At this moment, Zhao Chunhua silently recited the rice distribution ratio that she had previously agreed upon with villager Shu Erniu. If it was divided according to the method of 4:6, the total amount of rice she could get this time would be about 132 kilograms.
However, considering the long-term living needs and daily expenses, such a meager amount is obviously not enough to sustain for too long.
The more I think about it, the more I feel that the whole situation is full of complexity and challenges.
The idea of buying grain became stronger and stronger in her mind, and she would have to eat a combination of coarse grains and fine grains in the future.
This way the nutrition can be more balanced and healthier.
After all, if we rely solely on rice, we will have to purchase extra staple food almost every year, otherwise it will be difficult to cope with emergencies.
"What are you thinking about?"
Zhao Yunbai, who was walking by, found that she was staring at the sky.
"Oh...remember to get me some rice. It would be best if you can get more."
Zhao Chunhua said in a low voice, her eyes still fixed on the sky, as if looking for some answer.
Even though the yard was piled with freshly harvested grain, Zhao Chunhua still felt uneasy.
To store food, you must store a lot of food.
She could make do with her life and live frugally, but she would never tolerate being hungry.
She knew that if there was a food shortage, the whole family would be affected.
"How much are you going to give?"
Zhao Yunbai asked her, with a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Zhao Chunhua stretched out a finger, as if to emphasize her determination.
"One ounce of silver?"
Zhao Yunbai asked in surprise.
Zhao Chunhua rolled her eyes and said, "If it's just one tael of silver, why would I come to you? It's ten taels."
Her tone was firm, showing how important this matter was to her.
"What do you need so much food for?"
Zhao Yunbai asked in confusion.
A pound of fresh rice costs 20 coins, and one tael of silver is equal to 1,000 coins, enough to buy 50 pounds of rice.
And ten taels is 500 jin, which is the best variety in the grain shop.
If you buy directly from farmers, you can get even more.
Zhao Chunhua understood that this could save a lot of money.
"Eat slowly. I just like rice."
She explained with a smile that who doesn't like to eat something good if conditions permit.
She didn't want to live a hard life, but at least she wanted her family to eat better.
"I'll try to help."
In fact, 500 jin is about five large bags of rice.
After Zhao Yunbai thought about it, he felt that it was not a lot and was more than enough for a family.
"Thank you, Third Brother."
Zhao Chunhua said softly and handed him the money she had saved.
The money will be given to him sooner or later, she just did it one step ahead.
"Although you can make some money now, you still have to save some money."
The third brother warned earnestly, "Don't let such extravagant spending as today happen again in the future."
Although every penny they spend will eventually come back home, as an older brother, he always cares about his sister's quality of life and savings.
Zhao Chunhua nodded in agreement.
As for whether we can actually achieve savings, we will have to wait and see.
Maybe as time goes by, you will get used to it.
It will form.
After seeing off the Zhao family, the originally bustling courtyard instantly returned to its former tranquility.
At this time, Zhao Chunhua hurriedly began to pack up the food that was placed outside in the sun, and carefully moved it into the warehouse inside the house where special items were stored.
After all, it is summer now and the temperature is very high. If you are exposed outdoors for a long time.
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