Chapter 923: Farming in the Suburbs

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Many visited the capital because of its many attractions. Some even visited the nearby suburbs to look at the farms. No one had ever seen farms like those or even the tea shops in the suburbs.

There were also several large factories around the capital that many villagers worked at. The once-rural areas had become bustling with activities.

Hundreds of people worked in one factory, not to mention the place had several factories, farms, and tea houses. There were countless job opportunities for the villagers and commoners.

Employees would flood out of the factories once it was lunch hour or when their shifts ended.

Since most people had high-paying jobs and excess money, they were willing to spend some of it in the city. They often visited the food street at the center of the capital or the supermarket.

Even if they bought nothing, they would still have fun window shopping. Of course, the adults might not buy anything for themselves. Instead, they would spend their hard-earned money on their children.

Things in the capital were costly in the past. Ordinary people could never dream of shopping. However, many affordable things were now accessible to them.

The more people visited the food street, the more the stall owners would earn.

They would earn a lot in a day with small profits but quick turnovers. Therefore, the stall owners would be willing to lower their prices so that they would receive more customers.

Still, there was stringent price control among the food street vendors. The person in charge of real estate had stated the price range of the items when everyone rented their shops and signed the contracts.

It was also to regulate the market and prevent the stall owners from willingly placing unreasonable prices. Of course, the person in charge was Su Binglan’s subordinate and did everything according to her requests.

People could buy countless daily necessities in the supermarket. People had been coming and going every day since the supermarket opened.

“l didn’t expect the capital to become so prosperous so soon.”

“Yeah, it’s much more convenient to do things here now. 1 see plenty of visitors, too.”

“That’s because of how well-built the inn is. I heard it’s magnificent inside, and the rooms are excellent. Everyone who stayed there couldn’t stop praising the inn.’

“Don’t forget about the supermarket. I do most of my shopping there now.”

“Yeah, we can buy almost anything there.”

“Last time, we had to go to the market to get vegetables and the meat store to buy meat. Now we can buy both in one place. Still, it takes time to pay our bills because we have to queue for a long time.”

“Yeah, people will still go to the stalls if they need only one or two items. They only visit the supermarket if they want to buy a whole lot in one go.”

“We can even shop there if we have free time. My daughters love drinking at the milk tea shop.”

“My daughter loves it, too. She can sit and enjoy milk tea with her friends.

Sometimes, she spends all afternoon there.”

“Let’s not forget the food street.”

At the mention of food, everyone’s minds were full of various delicacies.

Sometimes, they would cheer themselves up by eating at the food street.

“By the way, did you hear about the Liangpi shop that opened recently? The cold noodles are exquisite. Have you guys tried it yet?”

“Yeah, 1 have! It’s so hot now, so eating cold noodles really helps.”

Luhe Village was on the outskirts of the capital. It used to be remote and full of barren lands in the past.

However, the villagers cleared the wastelands when Lan Ruozhu ascended the throne and issued various decrees that encouraged farming. Soon after, the villagers planted summer fruits such as watermelons, melons, and even cucumbers.

They then sold their fruits in the city. Since people often roamed the streets, it was easy for the villagers to sell their fruits. They would also sell their fruits to the foreign visitors.

Many families in Luhe Village either worked in farms or factories. At least one person from each household could earn high salaries and bonuses. Their income was crucial to their families, and it made everyone feel more at ease.

In the past, the villagers would be unwilling to sell the food they grew and reluctant to spend the money they had saved. However, they could relax now that their family members could earn monthly wages.

That day, the employees of the milk tea factory received their wages. He Dashan was ecstatic as he ran home with his earnings. “Father, Mother, 1 1 m home! ”

He shouted as soon as he entered the house. He used to be simple and never talked much. However, his demeanor had changed drastically after working at the factory.

He Dashan’s parents rushed outside and asked, “What are you doing back so soon?”

They were also excited because their son had told them that he would be receiving his wages that afternoon.

He Dashan had been working at the milk tea factory for a month. Even his parents were thrilled about it.

He Dashan’s eyes sparkled as he said, “Let’s talk inside the house.”

When the trio entered, He Dashan excitedly revealed his earnings. “Mother, look how much I earned!”

“Th-that’s five silver taels!” The older couple was so shocked that they could barely speak. Their hands trembled as they held the silver.

After finally regaining her senses, He Dahua’s mother asked, “Is this real?”

He Dashan’s heart pounded at that moment. After all, he could have never earned that much by just growing crops.

“Did you really earn this much? It’s only been a month since you started working at the factory.” He Dashan’s parents were in disbelief.

He said, “The benefits are excellent. Although we have fixed wages, our bonuses aren’t. The more the factory profits, the higher our bonuses will be.

The managers earn more than us.”

He Dashuan’s mother was so shocked that her mouth was agape. She said,

“That’s great! Our living conditions will only improve from now on.”

He Dashan said, “There were rules and requirements when the managers hired us. Those who want to work there must be farmers, and their family members must actively reclaim the wastelands.

“We’ve already reclaimed two acres of land, and the government officials have recorded it. That’s why 1 was able to get the job.”

He Dashan’s mother said, “Fortunately, we listened to His Imperial Highness and reclaimed a few more acres of land.’

He Dashan added, “l have plenty of time to rest, too. I can also work in the fields during my break. I’m considering reclaiming a few more acres of land near the mountain to plant fruits.”

He Dashan’s father said, “Yeah, I heard the fruit juice factory buys the villagers’ fruits. We’ll have a better harvest if we plant more fruit trees..”