Chapter 1656: New Manor
Chapter 1656: New Manor
Shao Yunduan nodded, pondered for a moment, and suggested, “It seems we need to send a trustworthy individual to Yuzhang and seek Brother Yuezheng’s assistance.”
The Yuezheng Family boasted extensive connections in the business world, making them an ideal source for procuring seeds with sufficient funds.
While Qiao Xuan considered Zhao Shu reliable, she acknowledged that Yuezheng Xiao’s expertise in business surpassed his. Since Shao Yunduan had no intention of asking Zhao Shu for help, she opted not to mention him. Instead, she smiled and said, “In that case, please ask Young Master Yuezheng if he can assist us in acquiring various farming tools. I still plan to do some farming!”
Shao Yunduan chuckled and agreed, “Alright!”
The following morning, they visited the mansion on Huai’an Alley, Third Street in the east of the city together. Zheng Sangge, Ms. Song, and Ms. Miao were already waiting. Qiaoqiao and Qing Lian approached Qiao Xuan with eager eyes, restrained only by their mother’s warning not to throw themselves at Madam Shao.
After spending some time in the main hall, Zheng Sangge led them on a tour of the house.
When Anze Province was established, it occupied a vast area, but the population growth had been slow. In recent years, more people had migrated, and the mansions built by the affluent in the city were truly expansive.
This three-way house was exceptionally large, covering over 12 mu. Qiao Xuan estimated it to be closer to 15 mu.
The garden, especially, stood out, surpassing even the one in the Prefect’s office. Despite having been neglected for a long time, the cleaning efforts by Zheng Sangge and others left it still looking somewhat barren, lacking flowers.
A few naturally growing trees added a touch of vitality.
A lake within the garden, spanning nearly two mu, boasted clear water with aquatic plants growing on the shore. Remarkably, it was a living water source, fed by a spring in the lake that connected secretly to the outside, allowing water to flow.
There was also a rectangular pavilion situated by the lake, offering an excellent spot for admiring the scenery or engaging in fishing.
Qiao Xuan particularly liked this place. Observing that the pavilion appeared a bit weathered, she contemplated having someone restore it.
After thorough discussions, they circled the northeast corner of the garden and renovated the wall bordering the east courtyard. Transforming it into a martial arts training ground to accommodate daily training needs, they cultivated a cadre of servants with robust martial capabilities.
The following day, they departed from the city to inspect the farmland they had acquired in the southern suburbs.
Similar to other regions, acquiring extensive paddy fields proved challenging, while drylands were comparatively more accessible.
However, this time, fortune smiled upon them.
The plot of land turned out to be flat ground at the exit of a valley. Although small hills dotted the landscape, it was generally level—a rarity in the surrounding mountainous terrain.
Surrounded by wasteland, one side bordered the mountain range, while the other extended with small undulating hills. Weeds covered the area, and shrubs and vines claimed territory everywhere. Even medium-sized trees grew sporadically.
Qiao Xuan pointed at the barren yet lush land, outlining a circle. Tugging at Shao Yunduan’s sleeve, she proudly declared, “Husband, I want all of this land! Let’s start with three thousand mu!”
Shao Yunduan responded with a smile, “Okay!”
As the newly appointed official of the region, Shao Yunduan found it amusing that his wife desired to claim a piece of wasteland. The procedure was remarkably convenient.