Chapter 306: Chapter 54 Expansion! The Great Development of Ping’an Town_2
With her diligent responsibility and long-term accumulation, her performance became increasingly outstanding. From steward to steward to chief steward, she was considered exemplary among the collateral family members.
"Wang Juan, pay respects to the Patriarch." Wang Juan, accompanied by some stewards from the farm, greeted Wang Shouzhe upon his arrival.
She was now only about twenty-six or seven years old, yet she appeared composed and competent, even Ancestor Xiaohan consistently praised her.
"Rise." Wang Shouzhe waved his hand nonchalantly, "I came here mainly to inspect the development of the terraced fields and technical advancements. Wang Juan, you take me to see them first."
In his original plan, the large-scale development of terraced fields was to be completed within a year or two. However, the recent flood had resulted in a huge number of refugees becoming homeless.
Thus, establishing terraced farms was urgent, otherwise, merely dredging rivers and building dikes wouldn’t require so many people. The Wang Family, no matter how wealthy, couldn’t afford to support too many idle people.
"Yes, Patriarch." Wang Juan didn’t waste words and directly led Wang Shouzhe all the way to the experimental field of the terraced fields.
This large expanse of experimental terraced fields was built on the northern slope of Xingsheng Farm.
The southern-facing northern slope was well-lit by the sun, the slope was small, and the space available for development was substantial.
The northern slope already had stretches of terraced fields built, and it was now the time when wheat was beginning to shape and fill. At a glance, Wang Shouzhe saw a lush green ocean, with layers stacking and intersecting, quite spectacular.
"Report to the Patriarch." As Wang Juan continued with Wang Shouzhe, she reported, "This stretch of experimental terraced fields covers approximately 300 acres and grows our Wang Family’s No. 19 wheat strain. Because it’s easier to control irrigation, we can work more precisely. Therefore, the growth momentum is very good, and the quality of the wheat produced might be better."
"Terraced farming is not easy, mainly reflecting on difficulties in development, irrigation, and transportation." Wang Juan succinctly stated, "First, transportation is difficult because of the varied terrain of the terraces, with high transportation costs, often requiring human labor to carry. According to the Patriarch’s instruction, I built ribbon-shaped cement roads between terraces. So now we can use ox carts, horse carts, or human carts for transportation. While the initial investment is high, it saves long-term transportation labor."
Upon seeing it, Wang Shouzhe noticed a winding concrete road snaking up between the high and low terraced fields, reaching the top of the terraces.
"In addition, the single-track transportation car requested by the Patriarch for experimentation has also been built." Wang Juan said, "At the highest point of the terraces, there’s a winch that can be driven by ox power to pull the single-track transport car to the highest point. Once loaded with grain, the single-track transport car can slide down by itself. The harvesting speed is somewhat faster than the regular farmlands."
While speaking, Wang Juan looked at Wang Shouzhe with eyes full of admiration. Indeed, the Patriarch had ingenious ideas everywhere.
The single-track transportation car was something Wang Shouzhe had craftsmen build over the years for experiments. It was not suitable for flat lands but was instead suitable for areas with elevation differences. On Earth, some mountain orchards use this.
The only problem is that it requires a huge amount of iron. Even just building the single track is extremely iron-consuming.
As a result.
Over the years, Ping’an Town has been purchasing large amounts of rough iron externally, even at a premium.
The demand for rough iron in Ping’an Town is significant; iron is needed everywhere.
"What about irrigation?" Wang Shouzhe inquired.
"We’ve planted a large number of water retaining trees at higher altitudes to maintain a certain water volume. Additionally, we have excavated and repaired a reservoir using cement. The reservoir can effectively irrigate the entire terraced field, with excess water flowing into channels and then into the river." Wang Juan stated, "I also want to seek the Patriarch’s permission to build a large reservoir at the top of the cliff in Falling Eagle Gorge, utilizing the natural concave sky trough, and construct an aerial canal to connect all the reservoirs of the terraced fields. Once it’s the dry season with water shortages, we can use the Water Dragon Array built beneath Falling Eagle Gorge to pump water to the top."
This plan?
Wang Shouzhe was taken aback. Isn’t this a bit grandiose? This girl’s imagination seems bigger than mine.
However, this girl’s mind has always been good, she’s very diligent, with a deep cultural foundation.
He had experienced this when she helped Wang Lici with her studies.
Clearly, she had put a lot of effort into her studies at the clan academy when she was young.
And it was this time that brought her into Wang Shouzhe’s scope of notice.
"Patriarch." Wang Juan said, "I have surveyed a large amount of terrain and drawn preliminary blueprints. Though the initial investment is considerable, once successful, the surrounding slopes and hills of Xingsheng Farm could all be transformed into terraces, solving the irrigation problem during the dry season."
That last sentence convinced Wang Shouzhe: "Just organize a detailed plan and the preliminary budget then come back to me."
"Yes, Patriarch." Wang Juan’s eyes were bright, appearing very excited. She felt very fortunate to have encountered a Patriarch who could fully bring out her abilities.
"Also organize a plan for the large-scale development of terraced fields." Wang Shouzhe instructed.
The biggest problem with terraced fields is the cost issue if ordinary grains are planted, it could lead to the bankruptcy of the Wang Family. However, if the Wang Family’s No. 19 wheat strain is planted, it’s still profitable in the long run.
"Yes, Patriarch."
...
Nighttime, East Sea Entrance.
A large ocean-going cargo ship, after braving the winds and waves, arrived at the calmer waters of the entrance.
In the cabin.
Wang Zongchang had just finished organizing the last bit of the account book and, after a thorough check, found no problem. He stretched lazily, feeling somewhat relaxed.
They were about to arrive at East Port, and he had completed the majority of this task. Rising, he left the cabin and went to the bow to get some fresh air.
The moonlight was bright today, and the sky was filled with stars.
Suddenly, a voice of anger came from the cabin: "Little Zheng, are you crazy? How dare you touch this thing."
"Get lost, anyone who blocks me dies!" An incredibly violent voice roared.
"Clang, clang, clang."
A series of sounds of swords clashing echoed.
"How dare you! Aren’t you afraid of the Young Master... ah~" A scream rang out.
"I want power, I want revenge. Boss, I’m sorry!"
"I told you, anyone who blocks me dies." The voice roared relentlessly.
A few workers from the Chen Family instinctively rushed over.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
As soon as they reached the cabin door, they were flung back onto the deck, their throats slashed, and their lives ended.
A blood-covered youth rushed out from the cabin, holding a steel saber with a ferocious face, his eyes full of brutality and crimson.
Without hesitation, he rushed towards the ship’s side, preparing to jump into the sea.
"Father, Sister! I have gained power!" The youth’s eyes flickered with red light, shouting as if somewhat deliriously, "Wait, wait! I will surely avenge you."
At this point, they were close enough to the port that if he escaped into the sea, the vast world would be at his disposal.
Suddenly!
A white sword aura cut through the night, slashing towards the youth.
Though the youth’s state was unusual, his reaction was swift, and he swung his saber to deflect.
"Clang!"
A heavy sound of metal echoed.
The youth seemed to crash into an invisible wall, retreating four or five steps. His crimson eyes looked at the opponent with some fear, roaring: "Who are you? How dare you block my way."
A heroic young man in Black Tortoise Martial Attire, holding a wide-blade battle sword, calmly replied: "You scoundrel, you dare to think of running after killing someone? Surrender and come with me to East Port to face justice."
This heroic young man, naturally none other than Wang Zongchang who had come to the bow for some fresh air, found himself stumbling upon this scene.
As an ally of the East Port Chen Family, he naturally wouldn’t stand by idly.
"Anyone who blocks me will die!" The red-eyed youth roared madly, charging at Wang Zongchang with violent intent.
"You still dare to fight?" Wang Zongchang spun his wrist, and a flashing sword aura flew towards him, powerful and direct with the formidable Wang Family’s Profound Origin Swordsmanship.
...