Chapter 4: Rising Conflict

As time passed, the simple pesticides and new farming techniques Lin Yue taught the villagers began to show results. Crop diseases and pests were effectively controlled, and the village’s harvest gradually improved. However, this progress did not sit well with some of the more conservative villagers. Led by the village’s elderly patriarch, they believed that Lin Yue’s methods defied the traditions passed down by their ancestors, considering it a great disrespect.

The patriarch, accompanied by a group of elders, approached Lin Yue and Zhao Yu with a stern expression. “Miss Lin,” he said coldly, “these strange methods of yours may seem to work for now, but we cannot abandon the ways our ancestors left us. What you’re doing could bring disaster to the village.”

Lin Yue quickly tried to explain, “Patriarch, I understand your concerns about tradition, but times are changing, and we must change with them. Look at the harvest now—everyone’s lives are improving. Isn’t that a good thing?”

But the patriarch remained unmoved. With a flick of his sleeve, he turned to leave, warning that if Lin Yue continued her ways, she would be banished from the village.

Seeing Lin Yue’s worried expression, Zhao Yu took her hand and reassured her, “Yue’er, don’t be afraid. I’m here with you. I’ll try talking to the patriarch again, and if things don’t work out, we can always leave and start anew elsewhere.”

Lin Yue was touched by Zhao Yu’s support, but deep inside, she made a silent vow—she would change the minds of the patriarch and the villagers. She was determined to prove that these new methods were truly beneficial so they could build a better future and firmly establish themselves in the village.