Transmigration: Becoming the Wicked Stepmother of Four Children

Chapter 42 The Method of Second Rice Harvest

Lu Qingqing looked at the expectant eyes of everyone.

He slowly explained the method of growing rice in two crops:

"When the rice ripens, everyone needs to harvest it earlier than in previous years."

Harvest the first flush of rice ears, but do not damage the older rice seedlings.

In this way, a second crop of rice can be grown.

The second crop of rice will be almost ripe before the weather turns cold.

This way, everyone can harvest twice the usual amount of grain.

After hearing the method, the village chief's face showed both surprise and some hesitation.

Aunt Zhang couldn't help but ask:

"Qingqing, is this going to work? We've never done it this way before."

Lu Qingqing nodded affirmatively:

"Auntie, as long as we do as I say, there shouldn't be any problems."

The village chief stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and said:

"That's a novel approach. If it really works, that would be wonderful."

This way, everyone's lives can be improved a bit.

Liu Guixiang echoed:

"Yes, if we could harvest more grain, our lives would be better."

The village chief smiled and encouraged everyone, "Let's give it a try first, what if it works?"

Everyone looked at each other, and a spark of hope gradually ignited in their eyes.

Lin Yunlan was also hearing about the method of double-cropping rice for the first time.

He looked at Lu Qingqing, who was chatting enthusiastically with everyone.

An indescribable emotion welled up in my heart.

I always felt that Lu Qingqing was different from them.

She seemed to possess a unique radiance that made Lin Yunlan unable to look away.

The village chief was very excited. He looked at Lu Qingqing and said:

"Qingqing, I think your method is very good."

If this succeeds, you'll have accomplished a great feat!

But none of us know how to operate it yet. Could you teach us?

Lu Qingqing readily agreed:

"Village chief, no problem, leave this to me!"

The village chief was very excited:

"Qingqing, I'll go and gather everyone together right now."

Tell them the good news, and you'll hear a rattling sound soon.

Could you go to the big locust tree in the village and talk to them again?

Lu Qingqing nodded in agreement.

Afterwards, all those who had come to visit Lin Yunlan left with the village chief.

They also wanted to share this good news with others.

Lin Yunlan and Lu Qingqing remained in the room. Lin Yunlan tentatively asked:

How do you know the method for growing this second crop of rice?

Lu Qingqing's eyes flickered for a moment, then she smiled and said:

"I only overheard it from a passing merchant."

I thought it might be useful for our village, so I wrote it down.

Lin Yunlan looked at her, and felt that things weren't so simple.

But they didn't press further, only saying:

"No matter what, if you succeed, you will be a great hero to our village."

Lu Qingqing lowered her head slightly and said softly:

"I just wanted to do something for everyone."

Lin Yunlan's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but say:

"Qingqing, you've had a hard time these past few days."

Lu Qingqing raised her head and met his gaze. For a moment,

The atmosphere inside the room was somewhat awkward.

Then, they both heard the village chief striking a gong outside.

As soon as the village chief rang the gong, the villagers knew that something important was about to be announced.

So, people from every household gathered under the big locust tree in the village.

Waiting for the village chief to announce the matter.

Before long, the area under the big locust tree was crowded with people, who were whispering and discussing among themselves.

"What's going on? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I don't know, but judging from the sound of the gong, it must be something big."

"Are they going to divide the land?"

Everyone speculated amongst themselves, their eyes fixed intently on the village chief.

Waiting for him to announce the matter.

Seeing that the entourage had arrived, the village chief cleared his throat.

He loudly explained the method of double-cropping rice to everyone:

"Fellow villagers, I've gathered you all here today because I have some incredibly good news to tell you!"

Everyone pricked up their ears and stared expectantly at the village chief.

The village chief continued:

"Lu Qingqing brought us a method to increase the rice harvest, called the double-cropping rice method."

It means harvesting the rice before it is fully ripe.

Only the ears of grain are harvested, leaving the rice seedlings untouched; this way, another crop can grow.

If the grain matures before the weather gets cold, we can harvest twice as much food as usual!

The villagers were immediately in an uproar upon hearing this.

"What? There's such a method? Will it work?"

"I've never heard of that before. Is it just a hoax?"

"If it really works, that would be wonderful!"

The village chief waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet:

"Everyone, please be quiet and let me finish what I have to say."

Lu Qingqing has agreed to teach us the specific operating methods.

Let's all study hard. If we succeed, we'll have a prosperous New Year!

"Will this work? What if the yield is even lower if we harvest early?"

An old man with a wrinkled face said worriedly.

"I think it's feasible; we might actually be able to harvest an extra crop!"

A young and strong man was full of anticipation.

"Oh dear, don't mess around with this. If it fails, we'll go hungry this year!"

An elderly woman shook her head repeatedly.

"Exactly, we've never done this before, don't take the risk!"

Some people echoed the old woman's words.

"But how will you know it won't work if you don't try?" Some people insist on giving it a shot.

For a time, a noisy argument broke out under the big locust tree, with everyone holding their own opinion.

Neither of them could convince the other.

Seeing that everyone had different opinions, the village chief was at a loss for what to do.

His brows were so furrowed they could trap a fly.

Just then, Lu Qingqing walked over with Shuang'er.

Lu Qingqing remained calm and said:

"Village chief, I have a solution."

The village chief, as if grasping at a straw, hurriedly asked:

"What method? Tell me quickly."

Lu Qingqing said slowly and deliberately:

"We can designate a few experimental plots first, and those who are willing to try can use the new method to cultivate the land."

Those who are unwilling will continue to use the old methods.

Let's see which method is better when the autumn harvest comes.

Everyone naturally understood.

The village chief's eyes lit up: "That's a good idea, let's do it that way!"

The villagers thought it was a good idea, and the discussion gradually subsided.

Sister Liu replied, "Our family is willing to try the double-cropping method!"

Her voice was firm and loud, standing out in the crowd.

Aunt Zhang continued:

"Anyway, there's no harm in giving it a try. If it actually works, we'll make a fortune!"

Our family is willing to give it a try.

Aunt Li nodded in agreement:

"That's right, Qingqing seems reliable, I trust her!"

"Don't let Lu Qingqing fool you, everyone."

I've known her for so long, how come I didn't know she knew any methods for double-cropping rice?

If she has such a good method, why didn't she mention it to us before?

"Hmph, he's probably just trying to attract attention!"

Liu Cuihua's voice of opposition rose from the crowd.

Her voice was sharp and shrill, filled with jealousy and suspicion.

Lu Qingqing frowned and looked at Liu Cuihua, saying:

"Sister-in-law, we didn't say it was the right time before, but we're bringing it up now for everyone's benefit."

Liu Cuihua put her hands on her hips and sneered:

"For everyone's good? I think you just want to show off."

Who knows if your method will even work!

Shuang'er couldn't help but say:

"Aunt, don't talk nonsense, my mother is not that kind of person!"

Liu Cuihua glared at Shuang'er:

"What do kids know!"

At this moment, people in the crowd began to whisper among themselves.

"What Liu Cuihua said makes some sense."

"Yes, what if it doesn't work out? Then all that work would have been for nothing."

Lu Qingqing took a deep breath and said:

"Sister-in-law, we'll only know if it works after we try."

I can't guarantee success, but how will I know if I don't try?

The village chief also stepped forward and said:

"Liu Cuihua, stop causing trouble here."

"Those who are willing to try can try; those who are not, will not be forced."

Liu Cuihua snorted and fell silent, but her eyes were still full of disdain.

Seeing this, the other villagers also wavered and began to whisper among themselves.

Seeing the differing opinions of everyone, the village chief finally decided:

"Those who are willing to learn should gather at Lu Qingqing's house in a few days to study."

Those who don't want to participate can just harvest normally this year.

His voice was loud and clear, drowning out the noise in the crowd.

"Everyone should go back and think about it carefully."

This is a major event concerning our harvest this year, so don't be careless!

The village chief added.

The crowd nodded in agreement and then gradually dispersed.

As Liu Cuihua left, she glared fiercely at Lu Qingqing, muttering to herself:

"I'd like to see what you can come up with."

Lu Qingqing didn't seem to care about her attitude.

All I could think about was how to teach everyone the method of growing second-crop rice.