Chapter 224: Chapter 20: Prosperity! The Rise and Change of the Wang Family_1
…
As time waned away swiftly.
In an eye’s flash, a full year had passed.
Early spring.
The traces of thawing creeks, the emergence of the tender grass from the fields had commenced.
During the period leading to the new year, Wang Shouzhe had been bustling around without any downtime. Primarily, he put his threefold bloodline talent to good use.
Red Crystal Rice, White Jade Spiritual Rice.
Both of these variants of spiritual rice were mass-produced as spirit seeds. Thus, the Wang family added two pillar-like industries to their portfolio.
The white jade spiritual rice, in particular, could be planted in low-grade spirit fields and was the most widely cultivated spirit rice in the whole Great Qian Land.
Especially many of the rank eight and rank nine prominent families, possessed a sizable number of low-grade spirit fields, where mostly white jade spiritual rice was cultivated.
The white jade spiritual rice boasted high yields, simple farming practices, and a lower barrier for plantation. It was the first choice of spiritual plant to cultivate for most low-grade spirit fields.
Hence, if the yield of white jade spiritual rice could be improved by two or three times, the seeds of this rice would never go unsold and many families would compete to buy them.
After all, the number of spiritual fields a family owns is limited, so who wouldn’t want additional gains from spiritual rice?
However, due to the constraints of time, the red crystal rice variant number 6 and white jade spiritual rice variant number 5, which Wang Shouzhe had bred, could only improve yields by about 30%.
Even then, these varieties could transition the family’s spirit fields from mere rice production fields to spirit seed production fields.
Don’t be misled by the relatively lower price of white jade spiritual rice; one jin is only worth 20 copper coins, but the Wang family now have a substantial number of low-grade spirit fields. Just in Xingsheng Farm alone, there were 60 mu of such fields.
Moreover, from the farms acquired from the Liu and Zhao families, the original 100 mu of spirit fields had been expanded to 150 mu.
Thus, the Wang family collectively hold almost 210 mu of low-grade spirit fields.
By fully planting high-yield variant white jade spiritual rice number 5 in these fields, the annual yield could reach nearly 100,000 jin!!
The income from the sales of this 100,000 jin of white jade spiritual rice, even if sold solely for food, would be substantial. If sold as spirit seeds, that income would at least double or multiply several times.
With this thought, Wang Shouzhe was unquestionably thrilled.
Nothing is more pleasurable than farming.
Nothing is more profitable than farming.
Of course, the current side income from other products is also impressive. Especially when the products have yet to be imitated by others, the profits are substantial.
Moreover, Wang Shouzhe kept plenty of tricks up his sleeve; the products currently being sold might not necessarily be the latest version.
Once someone attempts to mimic his methods, he certainly has the means to counteract that.
One day, he quickly rushed to the research center as he was informed by an aide that preliminary results were showing from a key project he placed great importance on – [Mirror].
…
Meanwhile, at Changning’s ferry terminal.
It’s the only formal route between Changning Guards and Ping’an Town.
If you wish to enter or exit Ping’an Town, under normal circumstances, you can only use the ferry between Changning and Dingpu ferry terminal.
Any other methods of entry would be considered illegal. And currently, the Ping’an Wang family is certainly not to be trifled with.
At noon.
A carriage slowly pulled off the official road and turned into the Changning Guards’ ferry terminal.
The carriage, its coachwork boasting an antiquated and robust design, was subtly emblazed with the insignia of a certain prominent family. It was low-key yet luxurious.
The horses pulling the carriage were two spotless black strong-headed horses. Just by looking, they are no ordinary horses.
These two horses alone would probably be worth hundreds of Qian gold. They needed to be fed premium fodder that cost more than providing for seven to eight people.
Clearly, this carriage carried a passenger who was either wealthy or noble, likely a dignitary from some Profound Martial prominent family.
Pedestrians and merchants gave way upon seeing the carriage.
This is the way commoners survive in this world.
The carriage entered the ferry terminal.
Two men, one old and one young, descended from the carriage.
The elder, appearing to be in his sixties or seventies, looked healthy and full of vitality despite his advanced age. Although his attire wasn’t ostentatious, it radiated a sense of self-confidence and elegance.
The younger man appeared to be in his twenties.
He was dressed in Profound Martial garments with white floral prints and black gold trim. He wore a jade crown and carried a sword at his waist, exuding an air of valor and exceptional elegance, resembling a young prince.
The young martial artist, after examining the facilities within Changning ferry terminal, furrowed his brows and said, “Third Grandfather, I never imagined Changning Guards’ ferry terminal to be so impoverished. Even the ferry terminal is dilapidated. Some of the buildings haven’t been repaired for decades, right?”
“Shouyue, I’ve told you many times. This isn’t our home and you should watch your words while abroad,” the elder admonished in a hushed tone, “A moment’s carelessness could invite calamity, and it would be too late for regret.”
“Third Grandfather, don’t you think you’re too cautious?” the young man named Shouyue said nonchalantly, “In Changning Guards’ territory, only the Huangfu Clan and Lei Family are worth our attention. As for the other martial families, they’re at most rank eight. It’s irrelevant if we offend them.”
As he spoke, the young man displayed an air of arrogance and self-assurance.
The elder’s face grew stern: “Wang Shouyue, we are here on important business and brought you along to broaden your horizons and gain experience. If you can’t control yourself, you can go back home. I’ve told you countless times; never underestimate any local powerhouses.”
Wang Shouyue promptly made an embarrassed face and apologized, “Third Grandfather, I was wrong.” After apologizing, he quickly changed the subject, “Third Grandfather, we were supposed to go on an errand in Eastern Sea. It’s more straightforward just to go there directly. We didn’t have to detour to the countryside to visit some relatives.”