Chapter 126 - Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Mouse Droppings_l (1/2)

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Mouse Droppings_l

Translator: 549690339

Mr. Liao was finally satisfied and went with Sun Licheng to check on the Jiang Family’s cotton field on the South Slope.

By this time, the cotton had grown quite tall, some even beginning to form flower buds.

Yet, there were many weeds in the field, which needed to be weeded out in time.

“The Mingfu asked me to come over to check on the growth of the cotton crops, to see if it needs additional fertilization.” Born a scholar, Liao Qilin’s family were also farmers, he therefore understands some things about farming.

Jiang Sanlang said: “We certainly need to fertilize it. This field of ours is of inferior quality. We have already spread pond mud and decayed plant water manure. We estimate that the yield per mu should reach around five to six hundred jin. If we don’t fertilize, the yield per mu from an inferior field would only be two to three hundred jin.”

Liao Qilin nodded his head, gesturing him to continue speaking.

“Not only do we need to fertilize, we also need to thin out some of the cotton leaves when they start forming flower buds, firstly, to let more flowers bloom, and secondly, to give the cotton bolls enough sunlight.”

Jiang Sanlang said: “I also learned this from other old farmers, regardless of the crops that bloom and bear fruit, their leaves cannot be too lush. Otherwise, they would snatch nutrients from the fruits.”

“Hmm, that makes sense.”

As they walked and observed the situation of the cotton field, Mr. Liao suddenly asked: “Brother Jiang, I heard that every household in your village grows wood ear mushrooms and the income is quite good. Is that true?”

Jiang Sanlang ambiguously said: “It’s just to supplement the household expenses. Previously, many families in our village could not even afford food, so we had to come up with ways to earn some money. Otherwise, just like the next village, everyone would go begging when they run out of food.”

Liao Qilin chuckled: “Brother Jiang, don’t be overly cautious, I was just asking casually. Do you know where the mushroom seeds came from?”

“At first, my daughter found them in the mountains, and later we gradually started planting them. Now, the seeds are all saved from our own harvest, and there is just enough for our own needs.” Jiang Sanlang said.

This was not a secret. Rather than letting Mr. Liao hear distortions from others, it was better for him to explain it himself.

Liao Qilin laughed: “To be honest, the people in my hometown are also having a hard time. If they could also find some additional sources of income like your village, it would prevent them from fleeing their fields with their families.” Jiang Sanlang didn’t quite know how to respond.

Sun Licheng chuckled as an effort to change the subject: “Not every household in our countryside grows wood ear mushrooms, many farmers are still struggling to feed themselves. Our seeds supply is limited and many are waiting for Jiang Sanlang’s family to share some.”

Jiang Sanlang glanced at Sun Licheng without responding.

Indeed, recently, many people from outside the village have come to ask for seeds to grow wood ear mushrooms, but the homegrown seeds could not be given away, so he had not promised anything yet.

Whether other people in the village sold or not, he couldn’t control that.

Zhou Mao, the steward, once mentioned that their purchase of wood ear mushrooms depends on supply and demand. If supply exceeds demand, they would resort to lowering the price or temporarily suspending purchases.

He already mentioned this to the villagers, so very few people sell mushroom seeds to outsiders.

However, nothing is absolute. Every family has relatives in other villages, and it was possible for them to secretly give some to their close relatives.

Liao Qilin’s seemingly casual remark may indicate his intention to find secondary occupations to increase income for his hometown.

After the group of people looked at the cotton fields, Mr. Liao specifically checked the mushroom sheds of the three Jiang brothers, then he went to look at the others’ , saying a few words of praise before finally getting on the horse cart to leave.

Before leaving, he reminded Sun Licheng: “The malicious villagers who break the law should be severely punished, such blatant extortion and blackmail really ruin the village’s atmosphere.”

“Certainly, Mr. Liao, rest assured. I will definitely teach them a lesson. I hope you can say a few good words for us to the Mingfu.” Sun Licheng said earnestly.

“I will clarify everything at the Mingfu’s. The village head may personally visit here to inspect the cotton harvest. Don’t let anyone spoil the village’s reputation again.”

“Yes, yes, thank you for reminding me, Mr. Liao.” Sun Licheng bowed to Mr. Liao, and watched as the horse cart drove away.

Back at the village hall, Sun Licheng was furious.