Chapter 96: It Really Saves a Lot of Effort
Of course, some people noticed the strange-looking plow the Wen brothers were carrying. Many quietly discussed how even the Wen family’s plow was different from everyone else’s.
But the Wen family didn’t care what others said. They just wanted to test whether the new curved-beam plow would work.
In the fields, Da Huang stood patiently while Da Tou circled him, feeding him bits of dry grass. The ox ate obediently without fuss.
Wen Xiuyi and his brothers began harnessing him. Wen Yao leaned close, patted him, and whispered, “Do your best.” Taking advantage of the distraction, she secretly fed him a milk candy from her space. His eyes visibly lit up and he mooed happily.
Once everything was ready, Wen Xiuyi held the plow from behind while Old Wen led Da Huang forward. The ox snorted and stepped ahead. The resistance slowed him for a moment, but he quickly pushed forward, determined to overcome it.
Everyone watched as the soil began to turn behind them.
Wen Xiuzhu and Wen Xiuqing ran forward excitedly. “Father, it works! It turns the soil so deep!” Much deeper than digging by hand.
They followed behind with rakes, breaking clods and clearing roots, working enthusiastically. Their efficiency increased several times over.
Luo Shi and the daughters-in-law joined in. Wen Xiuyi called out, “Mother, don’t throw the wheat stalks away. Pile them up—we’ll use them later.”
Luo Shi swallowed her complaints and followed his instructions.
With Da Huang’s help, the work became easier. In one morning, they finished over an acre—something unimaginable before.
Old Wen constantly worried about tiring the ox, bringing him water and dry grass. Yet Da Huang kept glancing toward Wen Yao, which Old Wen assumed was just restlessness.
Since the work was easier, Luo Shi soon took Wen Yao and Da Tou home. The house was still under construction—there was always work to do.
By afternoon, news had spread across Gutong Village: the Wen family’s ox plowed incredibly fast.
Soon, the field edges filled with onlookers—even the village chief came. Previously, only his family owned an ox, but now the Wen family had one too. Worse, their plow was faster, and he had already heard villagers planning to borrow it.
“Busy, Uncle Wen?” the village chief called.
Old Wen whispered to Wen Xiuyi, “He must’ve seen we bought an ox. He’s anxious.”
Then he smiled politely. “Village chief! What brings you here? The field’s muddy, so I won’t come up. What’s the matter?”
The village chief looked at the plow but hesitated to ask directly in front of so many people. “Nothing. I heard your plow works well, so I came to see.”
Old Wen beamed with pride. “Our eldest figured it out himself. Just had a carpenter make it. It works great—look at this soil!”
A villager chimed in, “Village chief, it’s really good. Maybe you should prove it and upgrade yours too.”
The chief wanted to—but hesitated. What if the Wen family refused? As village chief, it would be embarrassing to seem greedy.
Just as he hesitated, Wen Xiuyi straightened up. “Village chief, want to try it yourself?”
He immediately stepped into the field.
Wen Xiuyi taught him how to use the plow while Old Wen continued leading Da Huang. Surrounded by onlookers, the ox worked even harder.
Walking behind the plow, the village chief felt the difference firsthand. Joy spread across his face.
“It really saves a lot of effort,” he said, stroking the plow.
“It does,” Wen Xiuyi smiled. “This curved-beam plow is easier and digs deeper than the straight-beam one.”
“Excellent. Truly excellent.” The chief couldn’t put it down, though he still didn’t know how to ask for one.
After helping for a while, he finally asked, “You made this?”
Wen Xiuyi waved his hand. “I only drew the design and improved it. A carpenter built it. If you want one, you can find Carpenter Zhang near our stall at the dock.”
