叭哒漫画

“I’ve always admired those who can serve their country and people, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a hero on the battlefield! When I was a little girl, my grandfather used to tell me about these heroic stories, at that time, I wished that I could go to war myself someday!’¹

Xie Ying began to share her dreams with Wei Ruo.

Then Xie Ying pursed her lips and spoke with regret and helplessness: “Unfortunately, I am a girl. I learned as I grew older that there are many things a girl cannot do. Let alone going to war, there are a bunch of rules we have to follow even for something as simple as stepping out of the house.”

Wei Ruo couldn’t help but laugh. This young miss from the Xie family was really interesting, genuinely different from ordinary boudoir ladies!

“What are you laughing at?” Xie Ying asked.

“I’m not mocking you, I’m pleasantly surprised! I agree with you. For instance,

I want to cultivate the land south of the city, but I can only do so with the approval of my parents. Even when they agree, I need to be chaperoned by my nanny every outing.”

“But you have achieved something, my mother told me that your success can benefit the city’s people, and more people can have food. Your merit is as great as those soldiers defending our borders and safeguarding the nation!”

Xie Ying admired such people the most!

“If you are interested, you could join it too,” Wei Ruo suggested.

“Could I?” asked Xie Ying skeptically.

“Of course, there are still lots of vacant lands in the south of the city.”

“But aren’t the wastelands of the city’s south mainly given to landless farmers to cultivate?” Xie Ying asked.

“Most of the wastelands have been allocated to displaced farmers and jobless fishermen, but due to their limited farming costs, we have given them areas that are relatively good, close to official roads or water sources, or relatively flat. Places with complex terrains have not been assigned.

“Can we also grow crops in places with complex terrain?” Xie Ying asked.

■’Yes, but it’s not suitable to grow crops such as rice due to high human and maintenance costs. We can grow bamboo or mushrooms, various fruits and vegetables or even medicinal herbs.”

Wei Ruo, looking at Xie Ying who was listening attentively, already had an idea in mind.

Wei Ruo continued to say to Xie Ying, “If you’re really interested, we can

collaborate.”

“Collaborate?” Xie Ying asked curiously.

“You may not be good at farming, I can handle that. Although I’m good at it, I have a limited freedom and time back in Wei Family and also lack manpower. If we work together, we can complement each other. We can share the silver we earn according to the effort we put in. What do you think?”

“Although I am not fond of farming, I find it fascinating what you are proposing!” Xie Ying showed great interest.

Xie Ying, who was pampered by her grandparents and parents since childhood, had never been short of money. But she was intrigued by the idea of earning silver on her own.

Now, she has a different perspective on farming.

“So what should we grow?” asked Xie Ying.

“We could grow some medicinal herbs. Due to the war, the consumption of medicinal herbs is huge and the prices in the city remain high. After growing the herbs, we can sell them for a profit. If the army needs them, we can provide them at cost, ensuring that they are not without life-saving medicines.” Wei Ruo suggested.

“That’s great! We can earn money while helping the soldiers!” Xie Ying became more interested and eager to give it a try.

“If you agree, you need to negotiate with the county government and arrange workers for the fieldwork. There will be a lot of busy work.” Wei Ruo reminded.

“Don’t you think that’s obvious? I’m not playing games with you! I, Xie Ying, will do things in a big way! Just wait, I will talk to my mother about this! If she disagrees, I’ll write a letter to my grandfather!” Xie Ying replied confidently.

Xie Ying was serious.

-I have another condition. If we collaborate, you must keep it a secret. You must not tell anyone outside, nor anyone in my family.” Wei Ruo said.

“Why? Let’s not tell outsiders, but why can’t we tell people from your family? Xie Ying asked confusedly.

“What should I do if my sister wants to join after my family knows about it?” Wei Ruo asked.

“No way. I don’t like her. She’s too troublesome, as if she’ll fall with the slightest breeze. She always looks at me with such a weak gaze. I’ve simply ignored her before, but she behaves as though I’ve bullied her.” Xie Ying flatly refused.

“But once people know about it, if I am ordered to do so from my family, I will find it hard to refuse.” Wei Ruo continued to explain.

-Then it’s better to keep it a secret. After all, it’s kind of intriguing. I’ll remind my mother to keep it a secret for us when I talk to her later!” Xie Ying declared. “Okay, you should first get consent from your family, then we can discuss how to proceed.” Wei Ruo said.

For Wei Ruo, there were many benefits to collaborating with Xie Ying. Firstly, she enjoyed Xie Ying’s personality; secondly, Xie Ying was influential and capable, meeting her criteria for a partner; and thirdly, the most critical point, she could bypass the Wei family.

Previously, she had to contact the government through the Wei family to develop the wastelands south of the city because of the need for official backing.

Now she can bypass the Wei family through Xie Ying and cultivate a piece of land for herself, which could also bring her additional income.

Xie Ying might be lazy generally, but once she decided to do something she was interested in, she wouldn’t procrastinate. She went to find her mother during the midday break to talk about her idea.

Madam Xie thought it was a good idea. Everyone had seen what the young mistress of the Wei family had achieved. It would be beneficial and harmless for her daughter to do something meaningful with Wei Ruo.

Moreover, this was not a big deal for the Xie family. She didn’t even need to take silver from the family treasure. She could just use some from her dowry for her daughter to start off.

Seeing that Madam Xie agreed, Xie Ying was delighted. “Thanks, mom!” Xie Ying hugged Madam Xie and kissed her cheek.

“You little monkey, just remember, if you want to do this, you have to do it as earnestly as Wei Ruo. You need to achieve something. You can’t quit halfway.” Madam Xie urged.

Madam Xie didn’t mind about silver, she just hoped that her daughter would develop good habits.

“Mother, rest assured, when have I ever quit halfway? I hate quitting the most!” “So you say you’ve never quit halfway. Last year in Capital City, I took you out to tour the flower boats, and just before we stepped out, you made an excuse and lied about stomach aches and refused to go.” Madam Xie pointed out.

“That… that’s different…”

“Alright, this time I choose to trust you. Also, your brother will come to Xingshan County in a few days. You can also ask him to help you with this.” Madam Xie said with a smile..