Free Web NovelChapter 370: Chapter 146: The Way to Break the Stalemate, Part 2
Chen Wanqing was the first to plant huangqi on Xiaoao Mountain, and later, Zhao Jing wrote an entire article about it.
But the villagers wanted to follow suit, yet they feared the risks. They hesitated, reluctant to act.
But now, the Lord County Magistrate had not only procured huangqi seeds for them, but had also found dedicated merchants to purchase the herbs later on. How could they not be tempted?
Yet, along with their excitement, they were also worried, fearing this was all an elaborate scam.
"This is all too sudden. We haven’t heard a peep about it before. Out of the blue, not only are there seeds, but there are even merchants lined up to buy the herbs. This... I can’t help but feel nervous."
"Who isn’t nervous? It’s like a pie fell from the sky. Anyone would want a bite, but we’re all afraid it might be poisoned."
"Dasong, is this reliable? Can you explain it to us in detail?"
Chen Song looked at the villagers asking questions. It wasn’t just one or two, but dozens of them. They were all staring at him with expectant eyes, waiting for him to give them a guarantee.
But could Chen Song make such a guarantee?
When your livelihood depends on the heavens, who can make guarantees?
To put it bluntly, what if there was a drought, a flood, or a hailstorm next year?
And even if there were no natural disasters, what about man-made ones?
Expecting him to give a firm guarantee was the same as asking him to shoulder all the risk for them.
’Why should I be the one to carry that burden?’
The few silvers he earned each year weren’t even enough to cover his own family’s expenses.
Chen Song talked himself hoarse, explaining the County Magistrate’s plan, the benefits of the venture, and the villagers’ chances of profiting over and over again.
He spoke until his lips were dry, successfully firing up the crowd until their blood boiled. They looked as if they wanted to grab their hoes and shovels right then and there, head up the mountain, and clear dozens of acres of wasteland.
But then, the questions started.
"Can we lease the seeds? We can’t afford to buy so many at once."
"What’s the purchase price for the huangqi? We’ve never grown it before, so don’t you try to fool us."
"Will the county government be involved from start to finish? If they are, I’m in."
With everyone talking over each other, the scene became as chaotic as an exploding pot.
With matters of silver coin and land at stake, it wasn’t just the men of their uncles’ generation arguing in a tangled mess; even Zhao Jing’s own cousins were shouting with gusto.
It couldn’t be helped. Not everyone was like Zhao Jing, talented enough to find success through scholarship. They were simple men with no gift for books, possessing only brute strength.
Unfortunately, hauling heavy sacks at the docks only earned them thirty copper coins a day. If the prospects of planting huangqi were truly as good as the county government claimed, then they would, by any means necessary, clear all the land on Xiaoao Mountain.
The scene was too noisy. A few constables shouted at the top of their lungs but couldn’t quiet the crowd. Even when Mr. Zhao stepped forward, he failed to reduce the clamor.
The noise was torture on Chen Wanqing and Xiang’er’s ears. Unable to stand it any longer, the two of them covered their ears and turned to head back.
On the way back, they encountered Zhao Jing coming down from Xiaoao Mountain. Chen Wanqing looked at him, a faint, clear smile gracing her features.
With the sun just rising, her smile was as radiant as the dawn, and her whole presence was both spirited and exquisitely beautiful.
’But in Chen Wanqing’s opinion, it was Jing, descending step by step from Xiaoao Mountain, who was the truly stunning sight.’
His eyes held a dewy luster, and his handsome face was tinged with such a sanctity that one almost couldn’t bear to stare.
Chen Wanqing laughed. "I feel like you’re about to ascend and become an immortal. I’m worried that by staying in this mundane world, its worldly air will tarnish you."
Zhao Jing smiled. "Are you teasing me on purpose? I’m the most worldly and common of men. You, of all people, should know that better than anyone."
’A sage is transcendent and detached from worldly affairs, but he was a man of deep passion and desire. Others might not know it, but she was perfectly clear on this point.’
Zhao Jing had made a particularly subtle, off-color joke. Chen Wanqing understood it instantly, but the clueless Xiang’er just blinked her big, bewildered eyes, looking at her older brother and sister-in-law in a complete fog. "What are you two talking about? I feel like there’s a hidden meaning to your words."
"Little girls shouldn’t pry into things that don’t concern them."
Zhao Jing smoothly took Chen Wanqing’s hand and turned his head to ask her, "Where were you just now?"
"To Mr. Zhao’s house."
Zhao Jing smiled. "Was it lively over there?"
Hearing his question, Chen Wanqing became even more certain.
’Jing was the one who set this all up, and the huangqi is the key to it all.’
She asked softly, "What else have you done? Are you connected to the huangqi seeds? And the merchants who are buying the herbs—did you find them?"
This time, Xiang’er understood. Her eyes widened. ’How did my big brother get involved in this?’
She pricked up her ears, listening openly to the conversation between her older brother and sister-in-law.
