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Song Jingyun made up his mind and followed through with his decision.
Seeing him spend some time reading every day upon his return, Jiang Mixia understood the cause was her interference that day.
Since the time was neither too long nor too short, ensuring her husband didn’t overexert himself, Jiang Mixia didn’t intervene. However, whenever she accompanied Song Jingyun to the Hongle Academy, she would gather various foods in the town.
From poultry and fish to snacks and fruits, a variety of items were obtained.
As the northwestern wind picked up, the first snowfall of the winter drifted down from the sky.
With the onset of deep winter, business at the bamboo workshop slowed down, with only a few orders remaining before the year-end hustle came to an end. Meanwhile, the business at the porcelain kiln remained bustling, especially with the approaching New Year festivities, making it even busier.
After all, during the New Year, acquiring new plates and bowls symbolized a fresh start, ensuring an abundance of food and drink for the coming year. Many people sought good luck by purchasing such items before the New Year.
Zhu Yongwu’s kiln-firing skills had become even more refined, and the few apprentices he had brought in were now integral to the operation. As autumn drew to a close, an additional kiln was added, increasing the production of porcelain by fifty percent.
Zhu Yongwu’s kiln-firing skills had become even more refined, with the apprentices he had trained now capable of holding their own. By the end of autumn, an additional kiln was added at the porcelain kiln, leading to a fifty percent increase in porcelain production.
From cups and plates to bowls and vases, the variety of porcelain produced at the kiln continued to expand, with the quality improving as well, resulting in increased profits.
While Zhu Yongwu earned a substantial sum, Jiang Mixia’s household earnings surpassed his.
After the snow melted, visitors arrived at the farm.
Qiao, with a few assistants, brought two heavily laden carts filled with radishes, cabbages, mustard greens, celery, and various vegetables, along with live poultry like chickens, ducks, and rabbits.
“This year’s harvest is bountiful. The manor can’t consume it all, and the master doesn’t need much either. The master mentioned the good autumn harvest, and the benefits received from madam Jiang. Relations between the two families are good, so we’re sending some of these goods to Madam Jiang as a gesture of goodwill, strengthening our ties.”
Qiao explained, “Additionally, the master specifically sent me to discuss a matter with Madam Jiang .”
Listening attentively, Jiang Mixia grasped the situation.
Earlier, the farm had over 300 acres of land. Steward Qiao’s master purchased 150 acres, Jiang Mixia bought 50 acres, and the remaining 120 acres were acquired by the Lu and Wan families.
Currently, both the Lu and Wan families are in urgent need of money due to year-end business constraints and are considering selling the 120 acres of land they own.
Although Qiao’s master is interested in purchasing the land, they have limited cash on hand and can only afford to buy 80 acres. The remaining 40 acres pose a challenge in terms of funding.
The change in ownership could be smooth if the potential buyer is reasonable and has a good relationship with the farm. However, if they are difficult to deal with, overly meticulous in business matters, distrustful of Steward Qiao, or inclined to cause trouble at the farm, it could lead to complications.
Managing a farm is no easy task, especially in maintaining peace among the tenants and ensuring smooth operations. Hence, Steward Qiao and his master prefer partnering with familiar and compatible individuals rather than starting afresh with strangers, to avoid high trial-and-error costs.
Considering Jiang Mixia’s clear-headedness, ability to manage well, and seemingly sufficient financial resources, Qiao and his master approached her to discuss the possibility of her purchasing the remaining 40 acres.
In this scenario, the two families would continue their partnership, with the farm’s operating costs shared accordingly. Additionally, Jiang Mixia’s household would receive a monthly supply of produce and livestock from the farm.
“Time is of the essence. While the price for the land is reasonable, buying land is a significant decision. I suggest you take a couple of days to consider. If you are willing to proceed, visit the county’s legal office, as my master has already informed them of the potential transaction.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, Jiang Mixia nodded, “There has been a consideration within our household to expand our land holdings. Originally, we aimed to purchase the entire farm, but since Qiao has presented this opportunity and our cooperation with your master has been smooth over the past year…”
“The price for this land is reasonable, so let’s proceed with the purchase,” Jiang Mixia declared.
While buying the entire farm was financially out of reach, the chance to expand their land holdings was a good opportunity to seize.
Moreover, as Qiao had mentioned, the partnership had been pleasant and Qiao had shown dedication, which reassured Jiang Mixia.
Seeing Jiang Mixia’s prompt agreement, Qiao expressed his gratitude with a pleased expression, “Thank you so much, Madam Jiang.”
“This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, no need for thanks,” Jiang Mixia replied. “Shall I visit the legal office tomorrow?”
“Please allow me to handle that. I’ll wait for you at the legal office tomorrow,” Qiao responded.
With the land deal settled, and the hour growing late, Qiao took his leave.
As he departed, Jiang Mixia sent along some bamboo baskets and containers with him.
These items would be useful around the farm.
Qiao expressed his gratitude before bidding farewell.
After seeing Qiao off, Jiang Mixia and Liu Shi arranged and organized the vegetables and poultry he had brought.
With their own vegetable garden and a comfortable household income, they never lacked for fresh produce. Additionally, they often purchased leafy greens grown in nearby greenhouses in town and the county. Therefore, after sorting everything out, Jiang Mixia and Liu shi decided to share some with the main house and Zhu Yongwu’s family.
The items were first delivered to Zhu Yongwu’s family and later to the main house in the evening.
When Jiang Mixia arrived at the main house, she noticed several brimming bamboo baskets in the courtyard filled with various vegetables, two chickens, and two fish.
Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be the same items sent to Zhu Yongwu’s family earlier.
Yang Shi explained with a smile, “These were brought over by Yongwu after noon. He said your family sent these vegetables and chickens, all from the farm. They are fresh, but since he rarely cooks at home and often eats here, he brought them over as payment for meals.”
Jiang Mixia blinked, chuckling slyly, “It’s fine if Big Brother Zhu brings over vegetables, but those dried mushrooms and fish were not from our farm. If the taste isn’t good, don’t blame it on us.”
Understanding the situation,Yang Shi shook her head with a smile, “A few days ago, he brought over some egg-laying ducks, claiming they were gifts from his apprentices. With no place to keep them, he gave them to us. Later, I heard he accidentally revealed that he had actually bought those ducks, specifically seeking out good egg-laying ones.”