Chapter 590 - Chapter 590: Chapter 596: So Arrogant (1/2)

Chapter 590: Chapter 596: So Arrogant

Xiao Xi earned Su Wenyue’s respect because she carried out any task ordered with unwavering determination, even if she did not understand the reason and harbored doubts. Knowing that Su Wenyue must have her reasons, Xiao Xi did not press for answers, trusting that if she followed Su Wenyue’s instructions, she would not go wrong.

“I obey the Madam, and there is another matter I wish to ask for your permission. I would like to set aside a piece of land on the far west side.”

“What would you use it for?”

“I plan to build some shelters there and raise some livestock. We have grown so much sweet potatoes, and the inedible, aged sweet potato vines can be used to feed livestock. Also, the leftover corn cobs after the kernels are removed can be crushed and used for feed, so nothing goes to waste. Nowadays, buying anything outside is expensive. If we raise our own, wouldn’t it be cheaper than buying at a high price from outside? Moreover, when the retired soldiers from the army come, they will have something to do, avoiding idleness and wastage of our food supplies—it’s killing two birds with one stone.”

Xiao Xi, having lived on Zhuangzi, truly learned a lot of skills and was able to put them into practice. The idea was quite good, and Su Wenyue fully agreed with it upon hearing it, especially since she had experienced her previous life, she felt even more deeply about it.

In the past two years of famine, because food was scarce, even when she lived in the Sikong Mansion as ‘Sikong Ling’s favorite concubine’, her meals were very frugal. Eventually, in the hardest times, eating meat became a luxury, only enjoyed once every few days. Although there was suspicion that the Mistress took advantage of the situation to deliberately withhold provisions, it also showed the grim reality of the time. Not to mention the commoners, whose days were even harder.

Not just in the coming years of potential famine, but even now, buying livestock was expensive unless raised on one’s own estate. Ordinary people couldn’t even feed themselves, let alone have food to raise livestock.

“This is a great idea, Xiao Xi, you are becoming more and more competent. Do as you proposed—the space can be left a little larger to raise more, as we have many people.” Su Wenyue fully affirmed Xiao Xi’s idea and gave her carte blanche to proceed, even urging her to come forward with any more ideas she might have. While Su Wenyue had the experience of a past life and knew a bit more, she was not as skilled as Xiao Xi in farming and could only give a general idea and direct the people underneath her.

“Madam, rest assured, I will handle everything properly.” Knowing that the Madam had always trusted her, Xiao Xi was even more motivated to do her best and not let the Madam down.

The mistress and her servant discussed some arrangements for what to do after the arrival of the retired, disabled soldiers. While they were talking, a servant came in to report that a woman wanted to see Su Wenyue.

“Who is this woman?”

“I asked, but the woman refused to say. She only mentioned that she would reveal everything to the Madam.”