Chapter 451: Chapter 438: Red-rimmed Eyes

To be honest, Zhuang Qingning was unsure about the success of this matter.

All she could do was steep a pot of tea and wait for the final outcome amidst the suspense.

On the stove, the water in the pot started boiling, bubbling, and the scent of Chrysanthemums gradually spread throughout the courtyard. It was mixed with the flowers that freshly bloomed after the frost, making it refreshing and soothing to the senses.

This attractive aroma, coupled with her inner anxiety, made Zhuang Qingning feel her throat becoming increasingly parched.

She poured herself a cup of chrysanthemum tea in a white porcelain cup, and without waiting for it to cool down, brought it to her lips.

[Ding! The host has currently obtained 75% approval rate.]

This sudden announcement startled Zhuang Qingning, causing her to spill some of the hot tea from her cup. It burned her mouth, and she hurriedly put the teacup down.

[Ding, the host has currently obtained an 80% approval rate.]

[Eighty-seven percent…]

[Ninety percent…]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining an approval rate of 100%.]

Aha!

Zhuang Qingning couldn’t resist making a large V sign in the air.

Just as she thought, despite being somewhat risky, this plan was bound to work. Once her approval rate was high enough, she could trigger the wheat seed task. With the task rewards, she could expand her channels of making a fortune.

Excellent, very good indeed!

Zhuang Qingning was in high spirits, feeling warm and happy inside.

[Ding, the host has obtained an approval rate of 101%.]

Hmm?

Could the approval rate still increase even after exceeding the progress bar?

Ignoring Zhuang Qingning’s question, the robotic voice continued to ring out in her mind.

[The host has obtained an approval rate of 102%.]

[One hundred and three percent…]

[One hundred and four percent…]

[Ding, congratulations to the host for obtaining an approval rate of 105%!]

[From now on, the host has exceeded the original approval rate by 50%, as a reward, the host will trigger a series of new agricultural planting tasks, and the task of promoting the planting of new wheat seeds. Upon completion, the host will receive double the rewards.]

Perfect!

On top of the set tasks, there are even double rewards, absolutely sublime!

Just wondering, about these rewards…

[To complete the task of promoting the planting of new wheat seeds, the standard is to have 95% of the total agricultural land in the village planted with new wheat seeds this year, and the wheat planting area outside the village must not be less than 60% of that of our village.]

[Upon completion of the task, the host can receive a beginner’s secret recipe for making hand-pulled noodles, one talent point, and because it’s a double reward, the host can also receive an extra recipe: braised meatballs, and one more talent point.]

This sounds good.

Zhuang Qingning nodded hastily.

During the autumn harvest, thanks to planting new bean varieties in the village, the bean harvest significantly increased. This time, introducing the new species of wheat, there’s hardly any persuasion needed, the villagers are bound to plant it.

As for the wheat planted outside the village, the abundant harvest of soybeans this year was heard in nearby villages. Many envied us immensely; some have even tried to inquire about buying some soybeans from Enji Village, preparing to use them as seeds for next year’s soybean planting.

Under such circumstances, if it’s said that Enji Village has new wheat seeds, everyone will surely rush to ask for them.

Task completion, is a certainty!

Zhuang Qingning’s mood was terrific; she finished the slightly scalding chrysanthemum tea and headed towards Zhuang Jingye’s house at noon.

“Qingning, your arrival is timely.” Zhuang Jingye blew on the ink stains on the paper that had not yet dried. He placed his pen down and handed the paper to Zhuang Qingning. “This is a list of names and silver amounts I have just recorded. Can you check it for me?”

“I counted, and it’s a total of six hundred and thirty-nine taels of silver. I’m not sure if it’s accurate, but could you check it again later?”

“Also, when you asked earlier, I only made a note of the amount. Those who arrived were all carrying silver, and I didn’t let them leave it here. I told them to wait until I finished recording, and you could go to each household to collect the silver. That’s why they all went back.”

“Do you think this amount is enough? If it is, let me know, and I will start collecting the silver from each household.”

Zhuang Qingning took the list and studied it carefully.

She didn’t pay much attention to whether the quantity was accurate, but when she saw the tightly packed list of names, she felt a prickling sensation in her nose.

Every family name in the village was on there; not a single one was missing.

The recorded amounts behind the names ranged from a high of twenty taels to as little as one tael.

Those few families who could only afford one tael were familiar to Zhuang Qingning. They were the extremely poor households where either they had lost their main earners, and the women had difficulties making ends meet, or the family had someone sick requiring long-term medical treatment, dragging the entire family into poverty.

Even this seemingly small amount of one tael of silver, for them, meant that they had to give away their entire savings.

In other words, because it was her who needed to borrow silver, even if they had to empty out their savings, they willingly did so.

On paper, these were just some light and airy characters. However, when considering their situation, one could only imagine the kind of struggle they went through, the resolution they had to make, to be willing to lend this tael of silver.

Borrowing it from her, someone who didn’t even give a definite payback date.

That was how the 105% approval rate came about.

Zhuang Qingning blinked hard to clear the misty fog in her eyes, and laid the list in her hand down.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s reddened eyes, Zhuang Jingye hurriedly asked, “Is the silver amount still not enough?”

“No, no, it’s enough, more than enough.” Zhuang Qingning hurriedly nodded. She used her sleeve to wipe the corner of her eyes, sniffed, and responded.

“As long as it’s enough.” Zhuang Jingye sighed in relief, “I was wondering if it’s not enough, I’ll ask my son to figure out a way to find some more.”

“When do you want me to get the silver?”

“No need to take it.” Zhuang Qingning replied, “I’m here to tell you Uncle Li Zheng, I’ve just found a way to deal with the current situation. I’ve got the money I needed, so there’s no need to borrow from everyone.”

“Really?” Zhuang Jingye was slightly doubtful, “Qingning, you mustn’t overexert yourself. If you really don’t have enough money, just let us know. If we said we can lend it to you, then we definitely can.”

“Really, there’s no need.” Zhuang Qingning burst into a grin, “If I really encounter a problem, would I not open up to everyone?”

“Not only was the issue of money solved, it also brought back some good news.”

“What good news?”

“The good news is the merchant who previously sold us the bean seeds has responded to us. He says he has good wheat seeds and is willing to sell them to us at a reasonable price.”