Chapter 70: Reclaiming Wasteland

An’an still needed to stand on a small stool whenever she looked at the rabbits. The thick wooden door was still too much for her to handle—those rabbits were strong!

She was also responsible for feeding them. Every day she would go out carrying a small basket on her back and bring back wild grass and vegetables that the rabbits loved to eat.

Ordinarily, wild animals were difficult to raise, but with An’an around, everything went smoothly. The rabbits adapted quickly and were especially gentle—they basically ate whatever they were given.

Their bellies grew bigger day by day, and they became sluggish in their movements. Finally, on April 26th, the mother rabbit gave birth to six baby rabbits.

Qin Ying and Aunt Zhao helped with postnatal care. The six baby rabbits were very healthy. In just four short days, they had shed their pink, hairless look and were covered in soft, gray fuzz.

Not only did the villagers come to see the rare sight, even Zhang Jin Zhi visited several times. He even reserved a pair of rabbits, saying he wanted to raise some himself.

Inspired by this, other villagers came to place orders too—but An’an rejected them.

Aunt Zhao and Qin Ying had to explain to the others, “Wait for the next litter. Rabbits reproduce quickly. Our An’an hasn’t had enough fun with them yet.”

By the time May arrived, the wheat entered the grain-filling stage.

Coincidentally, the weather during this period was calm, with barely any wind—conditions that weren’t ideal for grain filling. Naturally, everyone thought back to what Qin Ying had done the previous year and couldn’t help but offer praise: “She’s clearly an educated one—so clever!”

So everyone prepared feather dusters to manually assist the crops in the fields.

They had to walk the fields almost daily.

By the second day, Zhou Yu and the others returned in a cloud of dust.

Since most villagers were out in the fields, their return was quiet and unannounced.

Zhou Yu noticed only two people watching over the temporary residence. Even Zhang Jin Zhi wasn’t there, which left him a bit puzzled.

Someone explained, “Mr. Zhang led us to reclaim two mu of wasteland. Every few days, we need to go tend to it.

“Today, he’s probably helping the villagers with the grain filling.”

Zhou Yu remembered what Zhao Hu had told him earlier and figured the villagers must have discovered Qin Ying’s method was effective. A smile naturally formed on his face.

Suddenly, a loud voice from next door—Zhao Hu—shouted, “Rabbits? Why are there rabbits at my house?!”

Only then did Zhou Yu notice a rabbit hutch had been built in their courtyard too.

The aide quickly explained.

Zhao Hu heard it through the wall and couldn’t help but grin. “Didn’t I say so? Our An’an is a little treasure!”

The aide also smiled. “We’re all feeding rabbits, but ours don’t grow nearly as well. They really know how to raise them over there!”

Zhou Yu gave him a sideways glance. “Have you raised these before? Rural folks really know what they’re doing.”

Zhao Hu didn’t even use the door—he climbed right over the wall. “I wanna see what Mr. Zhang has done with our little chicks!”

The aide added, “Actually, An’an is feeding the chickens too.”

The chicks had grown halfway to adulthood—no longer their former adorable selves. One had speckled feathers, the other colorful plumage. Their genders could easily be told from their combs.

Zhao Hu was delighted. “Oh wow, it’s like I can already see the eggs coming!”

Then he turned to Zhou Yu. “Sir, you take a rest. I’m going to check on my mom, my sister, and An’an in the field.”

The aide grabbed him. “Do you even know where to look? Your mom and sister opened up another huge plot of land. Who knows where they are?”

“What?” Zhao Hu couldn’t believe his ears. “They reclaimed more land? Aren’t they tired? Bro, just tell me the general direction. I know this area like the back of my hand!”

So the aide gave him some directions.

Zhao Hu turned to leave immediately but was grabbed by Zhou Yu. “You’re going empty-handed?”

“Huh?” Zhao Hu was confused. “What else should I bring?”

“Silly kid,” Zhou Yu couldn’t help but chuckle. “At the very least, bring them some water. With the sun like this, how can they go without water?”

“Oh, right, right!” Zhao Hu nodded repeatedly, climbed back over the wall, boiled a large pot of water, filled two clay jars, and carried them out with a yoke.

Just as he reached the door, he ran into Zhou Yu again.

Zhou Yu hadn’t changed clothes—he had just washed his face and said, seeing Zhao Hu’s surprised look, “I’m coming too.”

Xu Xia followed close behind, also carrying a load of water. Steam was still faintly rising from the buckets.

When they reached the edge of the field, Zhao Hu set down the yoke, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted, “Mom! Sis! An’an! I’m back!”

Some villagers pointed, “Huzi’s back? Wow, he’s grown taller! Your mom and the others aren’t here. They’re over by the wasteland. Look where I’m pointing—walk a bit further and you’ll see them!”

Zhao Hu thanked them, picked up the water, and strode off.

Zhou Yu exchanged greetings with Uncle Chen Jiu, motioning for Xu Xia to distribute the water.

Seeing the villagers working so enthusiastically, their faces and eyes full of hope for a better future, Zhou Yu’s own spirit lifted.

Their chat naturally led to the topic of land reclamation.

Uncle Chen Jiu asked cautiously, “Sir, is reclaiming wasteland… permitted by the government?”

“It is!” Zhou Yu answered with certainty. “Not only is it permitted—it’s strongly encouraged! According to the Great Zhou Laws, newly reclaimed land is exempt from taxes for three years.

“And since this is a famine year, taxes aren’t being collected anyway. Plus, after three years, the reclaimed land becomes private property.”

Uncle Chen Jiu was relieved. “That’s wonderful news!”

Zhou Yu asked, “Are many people reclaiming land in our village?”

“Not many,” Uncle Chen Jiu sighed, shaking his head. “There just aren’t that many people left in our village. Only a few strong laborers…

“Right now, counting Huzi’s mom and Yingzi, only twelve people are working on land reclamation.

“As for the land they’re growing on… well, it’s still wasteland, so it can’t compare to our carefully cultivated farmland. But it’s not bad.

“And really, that girl Yingzi is sharp. She came up with intercropping—planting corn early and sowing beans between the rows. Would you believe it? Both are growing quite well!

“No wonder they’re doing better and better. Smart and hardworking—what more could you ask for?”

Zhou Yu took the opportunity to say he wanted to take a look.

Uncle Chen Jiu naturally agreed to lead the way.

Aunt Zhao and Qin Ying were weeding in the field. If they found purslane, dandelion, or other edible wild vegetables, they tossed them into a basket to either eat fresh or dry and store for winter.

Purslane was especially hardy—capable of surviving even under the scorching sun for days. As long as it had a bit of moisture, it would come back to life. Leaving it in place was not an option.

An’an was holding a piece of foxtail grass, catching grasshoppers. Every time she caught one, she’d thread it onto the grass, saying she wanted to feed it to the chickens back home.

When she looked up and saw Zhou Yu walking toward them, An’an immediately dropped the foxtail, bounced on the spot twice, and then ran toward him, shouting as she went:

“Uncle Zhou! Uncle Zhou! I missed you so much!”

Zhou Yu couldn’t help but quicken his pace and scooped An’an into his arms as soon as she reached him.