Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 942 - 481: Prosperity of Mules and Horses_2
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Since Qingming Festival, there have been a few light rains, and the vegetable garden in Lian Manman’s family has already been planted, not wasting any corner of the land. As Grain Rain approached, there were two more thorough rains in Thirty Mile Camp, and every household began to prepare, as spring plowing was about to begin.
Zhang Qingshan brought Zhang Qingnian over before the spring plowing, the two of them driving two large carts. One of these carts belonged to the Zhang Family, while the other was for Lian Manman’s family, as they were delivering newly purchased mules and a large cart to them. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Last year, they mentioned buying mules, and Zhang Qingshan agreed but didn’t rush to buy them, instead taking his time to search. According to Zhang Qingshan, winter is a leisurely time, and Lian Manman’s family had a small ox cart, which was enough for daily use. Hastily buying a mule and cart would just leave them sitting there, while still requiring feed and care.
But now, with spring plowing imminent, the arrival of these mules and the large cart was timely.
The two large gray mules, both three years old, were exceptionally strong. Zhang Qingshan specifically led Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi to examine the mules’ teeth, examine their hooves, and also taught them how to select a top-quality mule.
"They’ve already worked for a year and can immediately go to the field to pull the plow," Zhang Qingshan told Lian Shouxin.
Besides the two mules and the large cart, Zhang Qingshan also helped purchase an additional plow.
"You now have more land and have hired long-term workers, so having an extra plow will save you from idling," Zhang Qingshan said.
The mules, large cart, plow, and accompanying whips, harnesses, and all necessary equipment were complete, costing a total of twenty-three strings of cash. This was purchased by Zhang Qingshan at insider prices due to his many years of dealings at the mule and horse markets. If Lian Shouxin had gone to buy at the market, this price wouldn’t have gotten them such items.
At noon, Zhang Qingshan and his son stayed for lunch, and Lian Shouxin specially went to town to invite Old Master Lu, and also invited Wu Yugui and Wu Jiaxing, father and son.
When Zhang Qingshan and Old Master Lu met, one called the other little brother, the other called the elder brother, and the two old men gave each other a bear hug, filled with affection, making Lian Manman laugh happily outside the door.
"You young people don’t understand, back when we traded horses amidst wind and snow, the bonds we formed were life-and-death friendships," Zhang Qingshan said generously.
The men stayed in the front hall to chat, while Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman went to the kitchen to cook.
The main course prepared for noon was white flour pancakes filled with fresh spring chives, mixed with minced meat, scrambled and chopped eggs, supplemented with dried shrimp, pork jelly, and finally seasoned with salt and fresh broth. The aroma of the pancakes wafted through the wind, almost drifting several miles away.
The prepared dishes included braised mushrooms and meat, black fungus stir-fried with eggs, bean sprouts stir-fried with meat, garlic sprouts stir-fried with meat, as well as ready-made lamb offal and roast chicken purchased from town. Additionally, Lian Manman made a large plate of Beijing-style shredded pork, accompanied by green onion segments and dried tofu.
The drink was a jar of sorghum liquor brought by Old Master Lu.
When the food was served, and the jar was opened, Lian Shouxin took a cup to pour the liquor, but Zhang Qingshan stopped him.
"This isn’t enjoyable, get a bowl, a large one."
Previously, when drinking at Lian Manman’s house, Zhang Qingshan never asked for a large bowl, but today, meeting with his old horse-trading partners, their heartfelt conversation brought back memories of those bold years. Back then, in the horse trade, people braved the elements, and during cold times, a big bowl of sorghum liquor warmed the body and bolstered courage.
Reportedly, their group even once traversed hills inhabited by fierce tigers.
"...Passing through that pine forest, we could hear the tigers roar. To be honest, back then, we relied on this liquor to muster courage," Zhang Qingshan said.
Xiao Qi listened eagerly nearby, his big eyes full of admiration and longing.
It was needless to say, the meal was extremely lively.
A jar of liquor was completely finished by the few of them, with Zhang Qingshan and Old Master Lu drinking the most. Old Master Lu, having had a bit too much, was taken home by his son, while Zhang Qingshan got even more spirited. According to him, it was the drinking capacity he developed in his younger years.
After finishing the meal, Zhang Qingshan said he had to leave.
Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were concerned that he had been drinking and urged him and Zhang Qingnian to stay the night before leaving.
"It’s fine, this isn’t much at all," Zhang Qingshan waved his hand. With spring plowing underway, no one had the leisure time as during the slower farming season when he could stay a night. Nevertheless, Zhang Qingshan obliged Lady Zhang, laid down by the edge of the kang bed, took a short nap before setting off.
Lian Manman weighed out twenty-three taels of silver and handed it to Zhang Qingnian.
Zhang Qingnian received the silver, carefully placing it into his money bag, keeping it close to himself.
Lady Zhang wrapped a stack of pancakes in cloth and also packed half a basket of salted duck eggs and a bag of corn seeds for Zhang Qingnian to take back for his family to eat.
"Grandfather, Uncle, don’t forget the wild grapevines and fruit tree seedlings," Lian Manman reminded them as she sent off Zhang Qingshan and Zhang Qingnian.
"Don’t worry, both your uncle and I remember," Zhang Qingshan assured, "when the time comes, we’ll definitely pick the best ones to send over to you."
"How many sweet potato vines do you need?" Lian Shouxin asked Zhang Qingnian.
The mountain land in Burner Pot Village, and the open spaces in the orchards are very suitable for planting sweet potatoes.
"Let’s plant two or three acres," Zhang Qingnian replied.
"Then I’ll set aside three acres worth of vines for you," Lian Shouxin decided.
"Alright."
With two additional mules, one horse cart, and a plow, Lian Manman’s family started spring plowing the next day.
The first thing to plant was wheat.
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Ruoyan’s completed farming fiction recommendation:
Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Complete with main text and extras) (There is a direct link below, click to access directly)
Synopsis: Transcending time into a wronged and abandoned woman, carrying a little bun, and living a sweet life hand in hand with a frugal and suitable man. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation.)
