The Agricultural Tycoon of the Red House

Lin Ruhai understood the reason why he reminded himself, and it was all a promise. "I heard that you have been very leisurely recently. You have been disarmed and returned to the fields, and you are free in the world."

"Since I'm idle, I have to enjoy it. I feel sorry for myself every day. Isn't it a waste of life." Jia Lian suddenly remembered that Jia Min didn't come to Rongfu very much these days, and asked Lin Ruhai how she was doing.

"Her," Lin Ruhai smiled helplessly, and even coughed twice in embarrassment, not knowing what to say.

Jia Lian felt that something was wrong, so he asked him, "What's the matter?"

"I'm a little ashamed to say it, but that's fine, I can tell you. I don't know who your aunt listened to. I am already old, and she is still trying to find a woman for me. She said she is too old to have children. I There is still a chance, and it would be great to have a concubine as a son to raise." Lin Ruhai lowered his eyes helplessly, "I resigned to my fate, and I don't want to do that. Besides, Aunt Tongfang was let go in the room before, and no one was conceived. At my age, why bother to harm those young girls."

"The aunt's eagerness for a child is probably for the sake of her younger sister. After she gets married, it is more appropriate for her natal family to have a brother to rely on." Jia Lian explained.

Lin Ruhai nodded: "That's reasonable, but I'm destined to be childless. If I can't force it, why bother to delay others. You go back and talk to your ancestor and ask her to help persuade your aunt, your aunt will listen."

"It's her old man's idea not to keep it all together! I can talk about other things, but I can't persuade this kind of thing. It's good if I can keep myself safe now." Jia Lian said.

"Why, oh yes, you have been married for a while. You have been urged about the heir?" Lin Ruhai asked with a smile.

Jia Lian blinked, expressing his affirmation.

"Haha, seeing you like this, I suddenly don't feel so distressed. At least someone shares my fate." Lin Ruhai patted Jia Lian on the shoulder politely, said a few words of hard work to him, and said along the way that it's time for him to have a child.

"Don't be like them." Jia Lian smiled helplessly.

"Forget it, we all share the same fate, so I won't make things difficult for you. We go home each, and each has our own worries." Lin Ruhai came with a gloomy face, but when he left, he was leisurely, with light footsteps.

His uncle must have picked it up.

Jia Lian poured himself a cup of bitter tea, and suddenly saw Xing'er standing at the door hesitating, with a strange expression on his face.

Jia Lian looked at him with raised eyebrows: "What's the matter?"

Xing'er took two timid steps forward, hesitatingly said, "There is a family matter, I don't know if I should talk about it or not."

Jia Lian: "Don't talk nonsense."

Xing'er quickly sorted out his words, and said to Jia Lian seriously: "My father plans to continue this month."

Jia Lian heard that it was a happy event, so he sent Xing'er to the accountant to get more money and serve wine for his father.

Xing'er still hesitated, with a strange expression on his face.

"Don't you want your father to continue?"

"Since my mother died, he has been pulling us five brothers and sisters alone. It is very hard. Besides, it is not suitable for the sisters in the family to have no female housekeeper. It is a good thing that he can renew the string. I am very happy for him, but the one that my father continued I think I should inform Second Master." Xing'er explained embarrassingly.

Xing'er said this on purpose, and Jia Lian felt that this person must have something to do with him, but he couldn't think of who it was for a while. "Who is it?"

"Guanshi Cui's younger sister," Xing'er paused, and continued, "It's Guanshi Cui's younger sister who died just a few days ago. She has been a widow for five years and has a ten-year-old daughter with her. The marriage has just been decided, and the day is just now. month 28."

Jia Lian felt a little strange, since Mrs. Cui has been a widow for five years, and his elder brother just died, why would he be in a hurry at this moment? Could it be for some purpose?

"Although a married daughter doesn't have to be a widow for her natal brother, but her brother just died, so people rush to marry?"

"Cui Guanshi spent a lot of money when he was ill before his death, and now the orphans and widows live in misery. Cui can't help much, and is in a hurry to get married in order to get some salary to supplement her sister-in-law's side. Saying that marrying early and marrying late is all about marrying, why don't you come here earlier to help my father's housekeeper. My father is very willing to do this, and I can say anything as a son, and I can only follow him." Xing'er curled her lips.

"I know about it," Jia Lian said.

Seeing that Second Master Lian had no special expression, Xing'er couldn't guess what Second Master Lian's attitude towards this matter was.He retreated in embarrassment, and went to the cashier to collect money as usual, and got five taels, and three taels for his father's banquet.The remaining two taels were used to cut new clothes for younger brothers and sisters.Dad is getting married, so he can't always wear old clothes.

Although it was a remarriage, the scene was smaller, but because the people who came and went were all relatives and friends, it was more relaxed, and the banquet was very lively.There were also a few congratulatory gifts from Master Hou Jia that day, which showed that Xing'er had a lot of face and made his father look good.

Mrs. Cui married into Xing'er's family and was very diligent and conscientious. She took good care of her inside and outside, and treated her stepson and stepdaughter equally.Xing'er had some prejudice against her because of her urgent marriage, but after getting along with her for a while, she really respected her as his old mother.

By next month, winter has just entered.Mrs. Cui wanted to go to Rongfu to get a job, so that the family could have an extra income.

Xing'er thought it was reasonable, so he reported the matter to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian still felt that this Cui family was a bit strange, so he responded to Xing'er and asked someone to investigate carefully.Sure enough, it was found out from Cui Guanshi's left and right neighbors that Cui Guanshi had a good relationship with the old doctor Zhang who was often used in Ningfu.Cui Guanshi died of illness, and old doctor Zhang misdiagnosed Wang Xifeng, causing her to have a miscarriage, and then the whole family disappeared out of thin air.Cui Guanshi's younger sister was eager to marry Xing'er's father as his second wife.

No matter how you look at it, Jia Lian felt that this Cui family came to Rongfu to work for a purpose.

Jia Lian asked Jingxin to pay special attention to Cui's movements.Within a few days, Jing Xin told Jia Lian that Cui Shi was very willing to take on the job of running errands in Ningfu.

Jia Lian knew what was going on here, so he called Mrs. Cui, and said to him, "From now on, you can handle all matters related to the Ning Mansion. But just one thing, you are not allowed to mess around and ask me if you have anything to do."

Cui's heart was suddenly beaten, she guessed that the second master Lian might know the truth of the matter, but she was not sure.She cried and knelt down, choking for a long time, not knowing what to say.

Jia Lian didn't need her to explain clearly. After making his promise, he sent him away.

The autumn harvest is completely over.The Zhuangzi began to enter the stage of calculating the harvest, and the stewards listed the items of profit one by one, and presented them to the Rongfu.

Jia Lian read it for three days and was satisfied with the result.This year's rain is good, which is a higher level than last year's harvest.The harvest is good, and rewards are indispensable. Jia Lian ordered a little more this year, and as usual, he handed over to the managers of the villages to distribute.All the servants and tenants in Zhuangzi were happy, secretly thinking about waiting for Lian Erye's birthday, and everyone gave gifts with heart.

Not long after the eldest prince took charge of the household department, he really started to investigate the household department and canceled the small farm school.At this time, it has been one and a half months since Jia Lian sent people out of Beijing.The people sent by Jia Lian should have delivered the news to the small peasant schools in various places, and they are now returning.

Jia Lian couldn't bear to let go of the talents recruited from small farm schools all over the country, especially a few of them, whom he took great pains to dig out.Although the small peasant school was canceled by the imperial court, Jia Lian could still hire them with the same treatment as the imperial court as long as they were willing.

Before the ground freezes, the person Jia Lian sent to Fujian to deliver the message is the last one to come back.He was very satisfied with the overall results, and most of the people in the small agricultural school were willing to stay and continue to be used by him.There were only a few three or two people who were a little hesitant and declined politely, which was expected.

Taking advantage of the cat winter, Jia Lian began to compile a handbook of basic farming knowledge.It was written before the end of the new year. There are three volumes in total. One volume is about planting, the other is about breeding, and the other is about flower cultivation and fruit tree grafting.In Fujian, there is also a special note on the cultivation of tropical plants, especially with pineapples.

Earlier, when Jia Lian was a secretary in the Ministry of Household Affairs, he used the news network of the Ministry of Household Cleaning Departments in various places and asked them to present the unique varieties in the local area.The Qingli Department of the Ministry of Household Affairs in Guangdong once presented Jia Lian with a plant with "short stems and many leaves arranged in rosettes".The flowers of this plant come out from the leaves and are shaped like pine cones. The outer layer of the fruit looks like fish scales and has thorns inside. When cut open, the flesh turns yellow and is sweet and sour. It is called "Pink Pear" by the locals.

Jia Lian thought about it carefully, and asked a few Cantonese who had just entered the capital to inquire. The "pink pear" he described was indeed a pineapple.

Jia Lian found some businessmen in Guangdong and made an agreement with them to transport pineapple seedlings to Fujian.This year, Fujian Litchi Garden does not need to hand in any income, and all of it will be used to expand the planting area and purchase pineapple seedlings.

In view of the establishment and expansion of the industry in Fujian, Jia Lian felt that there was no one he thought reliable to watch over, and he was a little worried.Worried about the candidate, Cheng Shuliang came to meet Jia Lian.

Seeing that he was much thinner, Jia Lian guessed that he was not doing well in the household department during this time.After all, when he was an official in the household department, Cheng Shuliang had always been used by him and was relatively close to him.Now that he is gone, there must be some people who will transfer their dissatisfaction with him to Cheng Shuliang.

Jia Lian wanted to ask, but Cheng Shuliang didn't mention these things, so he didn't know where to start.

Cheng Shuliang smiled and paid homage to Jia Lian's early years, and offered a small gift.

"After I left the household department, have you been bullied?" Jia Lian finally asked.

"It's a common practice for high officials to bully junior officials. When Lord Hou came to the household department, the lower officials were also bullied by the higher-ups. If they hadn't been valued by Lord Hou, the lower officials might not have a good time in this life."

Jia Lian smiled and patted Cheng Shuliang's shoulder, knowing that what he said was to make him feel better.Now there is no other choice but to endure.Jia Lian didn't say much, and took him to Baihui Tower.His brother Cheng Rixing happened to be there, and the three of them chatted happily in the private room for a while, and Jia Lian proposed to let Cheng Rixing go to Fujian Zhuangzi to practice.

Cheng Rixing felt that this was a good opportunity to exercise himself, so he was naturally willing.

Cheng Shuliang was also very happy and told him to agree quickly.

Jia Lian shook his head, "Don't worry, go back and report to your parents before making a decision. It's the New Year's Eve, and your family is very lively. Zhuangzi has already started killing pigs and sheep. I asked them to send some over. You all have a good New Year." .”

The two brothers of the Cheng family are very grateful. Since they met the second master Lian, they have never worried about the dinner table.Lian Erye's rewards have always been steady, and at first glance it seems that there are not as many rewards as those nobles are happy to give for a while, but after years of careful calculation, the amount of money is more than several times more.

The most rare thing is this kind of heart, seeing Hou Ye's care every day makes their brothers flattered.

After bidding farewell to the Cheng family brothers, Jia Lian went straight out of Beijing to the warehouse in Xiaolingzhuang.The river water is frozen, and the herbal medicine harvested in Yangzhou has been shipped over.Jia Lian has been busy writing brochures these days, and has never come to worry about this matter. Now he has to solve this problem before the end of the year.

Jia Lian checked several generations of herbal medicines, all of which were of good quality, dried in the sun and stored properly.

"I heard that Manager Yang of Yangzhou Pharmacy knows how to store things very well, and the things stored by him are rarely damaged." The manager of Xiaolingzhuang was envious, "We have lost every year because of the spoilage caused by the storage of grain and vegetables. It is very huge, if there is a better way, it will probably save more money."

Jia Lian's eyes lit up suddenly, and he decided to write a letter to ask Guanshi Yang himself when he went back. If there is a magic method, he will be very lucky.

Regarding storage knowledge, Jia Lian only knows a few aspects superficially, pay attention to ventilation, keep dry, etc., but this can only reduce some losses.As for the truly efficient storage technology, Jia Lian is not a professional. Before crossing, he relied on modern cold storage for storage and anti-corrosion, but these could not be realized in ancient times.

"Some people are just smart. I really hate that I don't have this ability, otherwise I can help Zhuangzi. The second master turned around and asked Manager Yang, can you inform the younger ones? The younger ones want to learn, and their own cabbage can It's a good thing to eat two more bites." The servants who accompanied the steward to inspect all joined in the fun and asked.

Although Jia Lian usually looked indifferent and severe, he was always amiable in Zhuangzi, so the servants working in Zhuangzi were more courageous and dared to talk to Jia Lian like that.

"Of course I'll tell you, if it's a good idea, I wish everyone in the world could eat two more bites of cabbage." Jia Lian smiled warmly.

Everyone booed happily when they heard the words. For these two mouthfuls of cabbage, they were all willing to pray for Second Lord Lian, and they would definitely get a good solution.

On the way back from Xiaolingzhuang, Jia Lian thought a lot.

Some sporadic thoughts that occasionally floated out in the past have finally become clear and concrete in his mind.

There is a specialization in the art industry, and it is impossible to achieve the industrial effect he expects by only developing agriculture.Agriculture really needs to rely on the help of various industries in order to achieve real efficiency, high yield, and diversification.For example, mechanized farming, such as pesticides to prevent diseases, and transportation and storage.

In the past, Jia Lian only felt that he should give full play to his advantages under limited conditions.Instead of considering breaking this conditional restriction and maximizing one's own advantages.

In fact, the difference between the two is very large, and the results obtained are also very different.

It is true that hybrid rice can produce high yields, but if it encounters diseases and pests, it will be useless to produce high yields.

For example, mechanization is difficult, but you can try it slowly. For example, talents like Muban, who improved the accuracy of the grain lifter, will reduce manpower and increase output very conveniently. This is great for agriculture. In other words, it is an improvement.

If he can gather more professionals like Muban to serve the agriculture together, then the goal of having enough food and clothing and living a prosperous life will definitely be realized faster.

The direction of travel in the future should be like this.

……

After the carriage drove into the capital, it stopped at Caishi Street.

Jia Lian got out of the car and walked around as usual to inquire about the prices of rice and vegetables.I found that before the new year, the price of everything went up, except that the price of potatoes dropped, and the price per catty was half that of rice, which was a good sign.Whether you eat rice or potatoes, at least you can have enough food during the Chinese New Year, and potatoes can be made in different ways, and the taste is excellent.

This year has been very happy, and I am afraid that in the spring of the coming year, the household department has changed the person in power, and many local propaganda cannot take care of it, and there will be problems.But this is no longer Jia Lian's concern, he can't stretch his hand that long, he is afraid that because of the court's struggle for power, the common people will suffer.

In a blink of an eye, with the sound of firecrackers, we bid farewell to the old year, and another year passed.

In the first month of the new year, everyone's entertainment is limited, basically watching operas, listening to books and the like.Rich and noble families pay attention to setting up the scene and setting up the stage at home.During the New Year, if you want to be festive, you must prepare to reward money.The old lady prepares baskets of copper coins here, and when the old man is happy, he fills them with baskets and throws them out, just for fun.At the end of a play, basically all you hear are the ringing of copper coins.

Fortunately, the female relatives like this, and the men can use excuses to go to the front to drink.

Mei Guoer was interesting, she came to Jia Lian and told him that his play was being sung in the backyard.

"My play?" Jia Lian was very happy that he could avoid plays that he didn't understand at all. When Mei Guo said that, he thought the old lady wanted him to listen, and his heart sank.

"It's about the scene where the second master fights the barbarian army wisely with potatoes. The old lady is so happy that she can't close her mouth. The second grandma asks her servant to come and tell you quietly. When the play is over in a while, remember to say hello. Once you get it, you can do it." Get something nice from the old lady."

Everyone was happy to hear this.

Jia Amnesty said intentionally, "I'm not jealous."

Jia Zheng was really jealous, he looked at Jia Lian enviously, and smiled with his mouth curled up.So what about jealousy, this kid is powerful, and he has to obey if he refuses.

Jia Zheng said to Baoyu, "It's no fun to dare to drink. You start by reciting a few poems to make us happy."

Baoyu looked around and saw the red plum blossoms in the vase, so he wrote a poem about it.

Jia Zheng thought it was good, and happily asked Jia Amnesty, "How is it?"

"Okay... okay...?" Jia She raised his tone and turned his head to look at Jia Lian uncertainly, "The old lady always said that I am not as good at reading as your second uncle. I am afraid that the bad judgment will insult your brother Bao's talent. .Tell me, how is it going?"

"How can I appreciate something as elegant as poetry?" Jia Lian recovered from his contemplation, and said calmly, "I don't read much, and you already know it, so don't make rash comments."

Jia Amnesty looked at Jia Zheng gloatingly.

Jia Zheng looked embarrassed, and glanced at Jia Lan, Jia Huan and the like at the table. He couldn't ask those incompetent children to judge.Jia Zheng found helplessly that his son's talent could only be praised by himself, which was very embarrassing.

Baoyu felt that his father was unhappy, so he lowered his head and remained timid and silent.

"I also want to write poetry." Jia Cong suddenly jumped off the stool, saluted several elders, and then recited a poem, which was also a song about plum blossoms, which was slightly inferior to Baoyu's.

You must know that Jia Cong is several years younger than Baoyu.

When Jia She heard this, he clapped his hands and shouted: "Okay, good boy, your poetry is very strong and promising. Come, come, come to your father, I really appreciate you."

Jia Cong ran to Jia She with a grin, and was patted on the head by Jia She.Then he quickly moved to Jia Lian, looked at Jia Lian eagerly, and asked if his poem was good.

Jia Lian patted Jia Cong's head with a smile, and said, "Excellent!"

Only then did Jia Cong go back contentedly, feeling greatly encouraged and very happy.

Seeing this, Jia Amnesty felt a little bit disappointed, "I am a father who praises him, but he doesn't like it. I have to ask you to praise him? I really have raised him for nothing."

Jia Lian smiled lightly.

Jia Amnesty listened earnestly, and always felt that Jia Lian was mocking him, and his lips twisted in anger, "What are you laughing at? Didn't I bother him? Seriously, I have worried a lot."

Jia Lian: "I didn't say anything."

Jia She choked, he seemed to have given up on himself just now.

Jia Zheng was even more upset when he saw that the father and son were just bickering regardless of their expressions.He coughed hard twice and stared at them.

Sure enough, Jia Amnesty, Jia Lian and his son looked sideways at the same time.

Jia Zheng twitched the corners of his mouth exaggeratedly, and changed his tone slightly, "Cong'er's poems are really good, and he is so promising at such a young age."

Jia Lian nodded in agreement.

Jia Amnesty shouted: "Second brother has vision!"

Jia Zheng found that neither father nor son had grasped the point of his expression, so he gritted his teeth angrily, "You all know how to appreciate poems now?" The drastic change was too obvious.

"Cong'er is just a child, everyone's boasting is really encouraging."

After Jia Lian finished speaking, he looked at Jia Zheng, as if saying, "Are you trying to argue with a child?"

Jia Zheng really felt choked.Although his Baoyu is more than ten years old, he is not very good!

Jia Huan also came out and joined in the fun and recited a poem, which was much inferior, but received extra praise from Jia She.Jia Zheng didn't like it, so he criticized him severely, which made Jia Huan hide behind Jia Amnesty.

This is his bastard!No matter how you look at this child, he is closer to Jia She!Jia Zheng was about to vomit blood.

When he finally came to Jia Lan, Jia She still urged him to sing a song.Jia Lan speaks amazingly, with witty lines, which vividly expresses Meihua's strength of character.

Jia Zheng praised it greatly, and Jia Amnesty and Jia Lian also nodded their praises frequently.

This time Jia Zheng finally felt that he had gained face, raised his chin, and judged that the winners of this poem recitation were Baoyu and Jialan.One is his son and the other is his grandson, both are extremely good.

At this moment, Jia Lan saluted Jia Lian very solemnly, "Thanks to the gentleman that Uncle Lian invited to teach my nephew."

Jia Zheng: "..."

His grandson is only grateful to Jia Lian!

Jia Zheng felt sick to his stomach after eating this meal, and finally left with a pale face.

Baoyu hadn't wanted to socialize here long ago, and he had long been concerned about the sisters in the backyard.After the New Year, we all wear new clothes and use new rouge. It is fragrant and pleasing to the eye, and it is even more ticklish to smell it. If you have the opportunity to taste it, it must be delicious.

When Baoyu thought about it, his saliva almost flowed down.

"Come here." Jia Lian stopped Baoyu.Recently, he heard Jingxin mention several times about Baoyu eating rouge.

Baoyu came over embarrassingly.

Jia Amnesty thought it was interesting and wanted to join in the fun.But Jia Lan, Jia Huan and others were all dismissed by him.The face of this beautiful nephew is always to be taken care of.

"I heard you like rouge." Jia Lian used a declarative tone.

Baoyu's heart skipped a beat, and his voice trembled, "Second brother, I... I promise I won't do it again, okay? If it's New Year's Eve, please forgive me."

Jia Lian clapped her hands, and immediately four servant girls entered the door with trays, and on each tray were two rows of eight boxes of rouge.

"Try it, which one is better."

Feeling very anxious, Baoyu put his finger on the first one and put it in his mouth.The mood eased, and then I was prompted to rinse my mouth and taste the second...

"These boxes are made of red and blue, this is hollyhock, and there are heavy crimson, black bean skin, pomegranate, mountain flowers and sapphire wood. Well, I think this box is the best." Baoyu took out the rouge he thought was the best , Pass it to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian looked at the price on the back, and it was indeed the most expensive.

"It seems that you really like to eat rouge."

Baoyu nodded.

"Do you like to eat such well-prepared rouge, or the rouge on women's lips?"

Baoyu blushed, hesitated and didn't know how to answer, hesitated for a while, and muttered in a low voice, "The rouge that Second Brother bought from the market is not clean, the color is also thin, and it is not as good as mine. These rouges are not good. How can I love to eat."

"You're being serious, so let me ask you, are the maids talking about the best? Are they better than mine?" Jia Lian asked someone to buy these. They were of various prices in the cosmetic shops in the capital. How many expensive ones were there? Very popular with the ladies of the capital.No matter how delicate the maids of the Rong Mansion were, they definitely couldn't afford these rouges.

Baoyu trembled with fright.

"I'm just asking, it's scary to see. If you really love rouge, not the thing on a woman's lips, my second brother can help you set up a rouge shop to try."