Chapter 531: Chapter 274: Academics_1
"Mmm, I asked," said Wang Youheng with a nod after hearing Lian Manman’s question, "It’s just like planting potatoes."
"Just like planting potatoes," Lian Manman’s voice rose a bit, waiting for Wang Youheng to continue.
"Yes, just like planting potatoes," confirmed Wang Youheng, "You can plant them directly, but it’s still better to start with sprouts like potatoes, to get better seedlings."
The person sent to deliver the sweet potatoes to the Wang Family mostly did menial tasks like running errands and had only a vague idea about how to grow sweet potatoes. No matter how much Wang Youheng asked, he couldn’t expect to get much more of an answer.
Lian Manman felt a bit conflicted.
"... I’m planning to write a letter to ask them to send specific instructions on how to plant them," said Wang Youheng.
"That’s the only way, then. It’ll be trouble for you again, Brother Youheng," Lian Manman acknowledged with a nod.
Lian Manman’s memory of how to grow sweet potatoes was hazy. After all, in her previous life, she had never done such work herself, only seen and heard it discussed by the elders at home. Although waiting for Wang Youheng to write and then wait for a reply would take many days, it was necessary. Moreover, during this time, she could think of other methods. Having multiple approaches was safer.
As for other methods, she was thankful for the mountain project.
"Brother Youheng, while you write the letter, I’ll also think of other methods. Didn’t they say there are sweet potato growers in the Prefecture of Fuzhou? I’ve heard that among those who work hard, there are also people who come from the Prefecture of Fuzhou. Maybe we can find someone who knows how to grow sweet potatoes; that would be really great," Lian Manman shared her thoughts with Wang Youheng.
"You’re right; your little head does work quickly," Wang Youheng raised his hand as if to pat Lian Manman’s head, but halfway there, seeing her sleek black hair, he withdrew his hand. In just half a year, although Manman was still a young girl, she had grown taller and her appearance and aura bore the distinct charm of a young lady.
Wang Youheng was momentarily distracted.
"With the sweet potatoes, we’ll surely find a way to grow them," voiced Lian Manman, immersed in joy and her own thoughts, oblivious to Wang Youheng’s lapse in composure.
After once again confirming dinner arrangements with Wang Youheng, Lian Manman excused herself to go home.
"Manman, let me bring the sweet potatoes when I come over; they’re too heavy for you to carry on your own," Wang Youheng said, stopping her as she attempted to pick up the bamboo basket. A basket with two sweet potatoes weighed at least thirty pounds, a difficult weight for Lian Manman to carry alone.
"It’s okay, Brother Youheng. I’ll get Xiao Tanzhi to help me with it," replied Lian Manman.
Naturally, the basket of sweet potatoes could be delivered to Thirty Mile Camp by Wang Youheng later. Lian Manman believed that if Youheng promised to bring them to her, he would keep his word. But having seen and even touched the sweet potatoes herself, she didn’t want to be parted from them again. She wanted to move them into her house immediately, to keep them under her watchful eye, so she could be at peace.
Not to mention Xiao Tanzhi’s help, even if she were alone, she would carry the basket of sweet potatoes back home.
Ever since renting the temple’s room to open a breakfast shop, Xiao Tanzhi had grown increasingly familiar with them. A few days ago, Mr. Loo had finally moved down from the mountain and temporarily settled in the temple. To make it easier to care for Mr. Loo and facilitate their studies, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi moved in with him. Xiao Tanzhi was thrilled, bustling about and running errands. This was the first time a child his age had lived in the temple.
Xiao Tanzhi, good-natured and hardworking, would often help Lian Manman and the others with errands and chores. Lady Zhang, feeling pity for Xiao Tanzhi’s unfortunate background, would save some tasty food for Lian Yeye and also for Xiao Tanzhi. Lady Zhang also took care of Xiao Tanzhi’s clothing and footwear.
Xiao Tanzhi got along well with Lian Manman, Xiao Qi, and the rest, and their relationship grew increasingly close.
Xiao Tanzhi had come to help her carry things and was now waiting in the shop, chatting with the shop assistant. They had agreed to go back with Lian Manman later.
Lian Manman insisted, and Wang Youheng could not persuade her otherwise. Fortunately, Qingyang Town was not far from Thirty Mile Camp, and both Lian Manman and Xiao Tanzhi were used to hard work. Carrying thirty-something pounds between the two of them was not very challenging.
After bringing a basket of sweet potatoes home, Lian Manman explained their origin to Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin, emphasizing that the yield per acre of sweet potatoes was likely triple that of sorghum and millet. Naturally, both Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin were overjoyed; for farmers, there was scarcely anything that could make them happier.
