Chapter 87: Mocked—Can He Even Farm?
For farming families, what comes first? Of course, the fields. Without farming, where would the grain come from? How would they eat their fill? With over ten extra mu of land, next year’s taxes would increase too. If they didn’t prepare early, what would they pay—empty grain?
With more land and only a few people at home, if they didn’t start now, spring planting might be too late. Delaying farming was like risking their lives.
When Wen Xiuyi heard this, he thought: farming—his old profession. Though this farming wasn’t exactly the same as before, the concept was similar.
“Father, Wen Nong can handle the dock stall now. Let him go tomorrow. I’ll stay home and work the fields.”
Recently, more and more people had set up stalls at the docks, some even selling fried rice. Their taste couldn’t match his, but they were cheaper, and many customers only wanted to fill their stomachs. Cheap food was enough.
There were also new braised-food stalls, but judging by how their own business remained strong, the difference in quality was obvious.
Wen Nong nearly choked on his rice. “Uncle, I can’t!”
“You can. Starting tomorrow, run the stall yourself. After returning the capital to your cousin, the rest of the earnings are yours.”
The braised food and ingredients were prepared by Wen Yao and Luo Shi, so the profits belonged to their branch.
Wen Nong protested, but Wen Xiuyi waved him off. “It’s settled. Father, you don’t object, right?”
Everyone stared at Wen Xiuyi.
Luo Shi snorted. “You’re talking big. The worst farmer in this family is you.”
It was true—his former self had never touched farm work, not even a hoe.
“That was before. Not now.”
Despite her doubts, Luo Shi didn’t oppose him. Since he had changed, he should help with the farming.
Li Shi was thrilled. “Brother, really? Everything after the capital goes to Nong?”
Wen Xiuyi nodded. Li Shi quickly urged Wen Nong to thank him, already imagining future savings for her son’s marriage.
After the meal, everyone went back to their tasks—embroidery, studying, sewing shoes, smoking pipes.
Old Wen muttered, “Do you think the eldest can really farm?”
“Whether he can or not, he must learn,” Luo Shi replied. “I don’t expect great success from him. He can just farm honestly. If anyone has prospects, it’s Datou.”
The next day, Wen Nong went to the dock stall while the rest prepared tools and headed to the fields.
Many villagers were already working. Seeing Wen Xiuyi among them caused a stir.
“Scholar Wen is farming?”
“Can he even farm?”
Laughter spread.
Wen Xiuyi ignored it completely, pretending he couldn’t hear.
Old Wen sighed. “Sorry for the joke. He’s learning now.” He quickly led the family away, glaring at his son along the way.
After crossing a small hill, they reached their fields. The previous owner had harvested wheat but left the stalks behind. Their job now was to turn the soil, remove the straw, loosen the earth, and fertilize it—so spring planting could begin smoothly next year.
