That is harvesting rice.
There's plenty of manpower available for harvesting sweet potatoes these days.
When it's time to harvest the rice, every household will be busy going back to their own homes to harvest the rice. At that time, not only will they be able to help Gu Lili's family, but even the soap workshop will have to temporarily shut down.
In this era, harvesting was entirely done manually, so you can imagine how inefficient it was.
We need to think of a way to improve the efficiency of rice harvesting.
This way, things won't be delayed as much.
If we were to rashly bring out something like a harvester, it would certainly be difficult to explain.
This harvester also needs fuel. Although it's available in the store, it's still too eye-catching.
Gu Lili has always kept a low profile and would never expose her weaknesses.
Even with the guise of "Uncle Fortune," things that are too far ahead of their time are not suitable for existence.
After much thought, Gu Lili decided to buy some semi-automatic machines. She could then ask a blacksmith to make a few more, which would help more people without worrying about being suspected.
Gu Lili acted immediately, and the next day she had Uncle Facai deliver two foot-operated threshing machines. In order not to arouse suspicion, Gu Lili even bought the two threshing machines at a "high price" in front of everyone.
"Hey, Uncle Fortune, where did you get this stuff? It's useful, but it's too expensive."
Gu Lili said with a pained expression as she took out her silver notes.
Just now, Uncle Facai demonstrated this foot-operated threshing machine to everyone.
Everyone was completely convinced and amazed by the threshing machine.
In the past, they would cut the rice, then find a stone slab or rock, and throw the rice grains upwards to make them fall.
Now all you need to do is cut the rice, put the rice ears into the geared drum of the threshing machine, and then step on the pedal on that side. As the drum rotates, the rice grains are threshed off.
This is much less strenuous than slamming it by hand, and it's also cleaner and saves more time.
Uncle Fa Cai, his face beaming, counted the silver notes Gu Lili handed him over several times, and after confirming that they were correct, put them into his money bag.
“Alas! Princess Yongning, this thing was made by an old blacksmith who has studied it for most of his life. No wonder it’s expensive. The most important thing is that the old blacksmith passed away after making these two, and he didn’t even leave behind the blueprints. This is a rare find.”
Gu Lili nodded in understanding.
"Then I really have to thank you, Uncle Fortune. You always think of me when there's something good going on!" Gu Lili said with a smile.
Gu Yun Chu, standing to the side, watched Gu Li Li and Uncle Fa Cai exchanging words thoughtfully.
Gu Lili's words were indeed true. Although he didn't know how Gu Lili knew Uncle Facai, it seemed that whenever there was something new or interesting, Uncle Facai would send it to Gu Lili.
Moreover, these are exactly what Gu Lili needs.
It was just like finding a pillow when you're sleepy.
Are there really that many coincidences in this world?
Gu Yun Chu couldn't help but wonder if this was what people often called fate.
Since we're so destined to meet, why don't we...
"Sister, Uncle Facai always thinks of you when he has something good, which shows that you two are destined to be together. Why don't you recognize Uncle Facai as your godfather!"
Gu Yun Chu didn't know what she was thinking, but she actually blurted out what was on her mind.
After he finished speaking, he belatedly covered his mouth.
The air seemed to freeze for a few moments, and Gu Lili's lips twitched involuntarily.
What's that kid thinking?!
Does this mean I have to acknowledge myself as my father?
That's outrageous!
Uncle Facai reacted quickly, bowing and clasping his hands in a smile, "Oh, Brother Yun Chu, you really know how to joke. How could I, a mere merchant, be the godfather of the Princess of Yongning? Please don't tease this old man."
Gu Yun Chu knew she had said the wrong thing, so she just kept smiling foolishly.
He just hoped that once no one was around, Gu Lili wouldn't beat him up.
Gu Lili changed the subject, both amused and exasperated, and said with a dry laugh, "Alright, Uncle Facai, tell me what I need to be careful about when using this threshing machine?"
Uncle Fa Cai nodded hurriedly and then began to explain the points that needed attention.
"When you step on this roller, be careful not to put your hands on it, or your hands will be broken."
As he spoke, Uncle Fa Cai pointed to the roller.
Everyone nodded repeatedly, taking to heart everything Uncle Fa Cai had said.
Uncle Facai, who had "made" money, explained the precautions to Gu Lili and the others before happily leaving.
Gu Yun Chu, Li Tian Sheng, and Lord Lin circled around the threshing machine, looking at it with great curiosity.
Gu Lili also pretended to watch.
"Sigh! Lord Lin, do you think that if someone could make this threshing machine, wouldn't it help more people?" Gu Lili asked deliberately.
Lord Lin had this idea in mind for a long time, and he was shocked when Uncle Fa Cai demonstrated it just now.
He secretly admired the old blacksmith who made this threshing machine.
If it can really be manufactured and made available to the public, it will definitely benefit the people.
Lord Lin looked around and got a general idea of the structure.
"Perhaps, I could try to draw up the blueprints and then go to town to ask a blacksmith to see if we can build it," Lord Lin tentatively suggested.
These past few days, we've been digging sweet potatoes in the fields. In the first few days after we started, Master Lin had already explained to everyone how to dig without damaging the root system.
Now all he needs to do is check on it occasionally.
Therefore, there is plenty of time to draw blueprints.
He was originally an official in charge of grain production, and he was concerned about everything related to the farmland.
On ordinary days, they also improve some farm tools for use in the fields.
Therefore, drawing blueprints is not a big deal.
Gu Lili had been waiting for Lord Lin to say those words. In fact, she had ready-made blueprints, but if she were to provide everything herself, it would attract too much attention.
Therefore, she thought it best to let Lord Lin handle this matter.
If anything goes wrong, Gu Lili will subtly inform Lord Lin.
"If Lord Lin can really draw it out, that would be wonderful! You draw the blueprints, and I know a blacksmith who can make it." Gu Lili said excitedly.
It's lunchtime now, and the sun is at its strongest.
The villagers who were digging sweet potatoes in the fields had all gone back to eat, and Lord Lin had nothing to do, so he simply got to work.
He asked Gu Lili for a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and sat down to start drafting the drawings.
Under the eaves, Lord Lin got up to inspect the threshing machine, then sat down to draw for a while.
Gu Lili didn't disturb him, but when he frowned, she would step forward and say a few words.
Once Lord Lin had a sudden realization, Gu Lili went off to do other things.
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