Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1657: Buying Land

In any case, they decided to sell the land at market price and engage in business.

However, a mere 1,000 mu was not sufficient. Even 4,000 mu wasn’t much, considering the limitations on developing plots suitable for easy farming. High mountains made cultivation inconvenient.

Qiao Xuan envisioned cultivating potatoes across the land.

She aimed to elevate the status of potatoes in this region.

Potatoes had proven to be highly productive. Both Lu Min and Gu Zhiyou had achieved commendable results and earned praise from the Imperial Court. Upon completing their three-year terms, promotion for the duo was almost certain.

Despite Anze Province’s vast marshes, the scarcity of fertile fields resulted in insufficient food production. Promoting potatoes could potentially alleviate the food shortage.

While 4,000 mu fell short of meeting their needs, it sufficed as a demonstration plot.

Wu Guan and the others, including Zheng Sangge, were present that day. They relocated to a house 500 meters away in Huai’an Alley and went to the state office to meet Shao Yunduan.

Shao Yunduan informed them of his intention to send a letter to Yuzhang, and he requested they organize a trip for its delivery.

Zheng Sangge volunteered to go and promised to bring along another person.

The journey to Yuzhang would take merely two and a half days.

Indeed, Anze Prefecture City was close to Yuzhang Province City, only 500 miles away. However, the rugged mountain paths extended the travel time. Otherwise, it could be covered in less than two days.

Shao Yunduan agreed without objection, handing the carefully prepared letter to Zheng Sangge. He confirmed his departure for the following morning.

In addition to purchasing 3,000 mu of flat land, Qiao Xuan also acquired 50,000 mu of wilderness.

Upon discovering this, Deputy Prefect Guan and Mrs. Guan burst into laughter, nearly dropping the teacups in their hands.

“How naive! They’ve even bought such a worthless piece of land. I wonder what they plan to do with it!”

The couple mocked Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan for a while. Mrs. Guan couldn’t help but comment, “Those lands might not be worth much individually, but altogether, those 50,000 mu of wilderness amount to 50,000 taels of silver! And the large house in the east of the city, 2,000 taels of silver, along with thousands of mu of wasteland… That adds up to 60,000 taels of silver, doesn’t it?”

“They bought so many things on the day of their arrival. Ms. Qiao’s set of mahogany furniture isn’t cheap, and the tea table is made of inlaid snails… How do they have so much money?”

Deputy Prefect Guan felt a bit uneasy when she mentioned this.

Anze Province was in turmoil, with numerous demands for money, yet his income was limited. Despite accumulating some wealth over the years, he didn’t possess 100,000 taels of silver. The new Prefect had only been there for a few days, and he had already spent nearly 100,000 taels of money. Even though it was his own money, the comparison was quite stifling!

Deputy Prefect Guan pondered further, “They’re buying houses and land. Could it be that they plan to settle in Anze?”

Mrs. Guan grew even angrier, sneering, “Hmph, that depends on whether they have the capability to stay here!”

Deputy Prefect Guan nodded in agreement. “Madam, you’re right! I think they’ve been here for a few days. It’s time to host a welcome banquet. Madam, go and talk to Madam Shao so we can send an invitation.”

Mrs. Guan had no desire to see Qiao Xuan. Whenever she thought of her, the image of her proud demeanor and the term “paying respect” came to mind, leaving her utterly disgusted. She pretended to be indifferent, as she hadn’t visited the east yard to pay her respects, and Qiao Xuan hadn’t sent anyone to confront her, so she saw no need to engage with her.