The entire group ate their fill at dinner, enjoying a unique flavor.
The young couple then settled in for a temporary stay, finding the local scenery quite pleasant. Later, they explored the nearby town, noticing it wasn't very populated and the local spending power wasn't particularly high, making the idea of opening a shop seem unfeasible. However, they observed a considerable number of shops acquiring goods like medicinal herbs and spices. The area was rich in mountains, yielding abundant natural resources, which explained the prevalence of shops dealing in mountain produce.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao began to ponder their options. They brought their two young children, who were mere toddlers, out to experience the world. The benefits were evident; the children’s eyes were brighter, their reactions to the outside world more direct, and they were less shy. Even Chaoyang, their son, seemed calmer, though he still clung to people often. Chenxi, their daughter, was even more composed, frequently directing her father to carry her for close-up views of various things, her curiosity piqued.
Su Miaomiao, holding her son, mused, "What if we suggested they cultivate medicinal herbs? If they grow well, selling them shouldn't be an issue. Starting a business might actually put pressure on them, as it's an unfamiliar industry. But growing herbs is different; they're already accustomed to working with land, so they can definitely do it, provided they invest the effort. However, there's a fatal flaw: relying solely on the land means depending on the weather, and bad weather could lead to poor earnings."
Cheng Hao responded, "There are few sheep raised here, so there's no sheep's milk, and your milk tea shop can't take off. The consumer spending power is indeed not strong, and a stew shop might also struggle, given the low prices here." He concluded that opening a shop for profit here would be difficult and potentially lead to losses, necessitating a different approach. Su Miaomiao's idea of cultivation was promising but carried inherent risks.
After some consideration, Cheng Hao suggested, "Let's think differently. Instead of growing, what about raising something? Or processing something?"
Su Miaomiao replied that there was no rush and they could continue exploring and observing. "Actually, opening a cheap food stall might work, but one like ours, relying on high volume for profit, could quickly dominate the local market. However, it would definitely incur resentment, potentially making it difficult for Gao Dashan and the others to make a living. Earning money also requires thinking long-term. If you take away their business, how will they survive? A strong dragon doesn't bully local snakes – this principle must be understood." Consequently, the idea of opening a shop was abandoned as unrealistic.
The family of four returned empty-handed after their tour. No one said anything; urgency wouldn't be outwardly displayed. Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao remained patient. Later, they went for another stroll nearby and learned that the local yamen was promoting the cultivation of a new type of hemp for weaving, offering three years of tax exemption for those who grew it, with the yamen purchasing the produce at a high price. The officials of the Northern Yan Kingdom were indeed diligent, not intending to deceive the populace.
When Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao heard the local villagers express disdain for the idea, deeming it thankless and strenuous, and worrying about potential failure, they understood. Currently, it wasn't mandatory. Many families with abundant labor were willing to try taking some seeds to cultivate. The couple exchanged glances; this was excellent news.
They then headed straight to the yamen, bringing Gao Dashan and a few others along. The couple moved with ease, entering and exiting the yamen as if visiting a park. Ordinary people often felt intimidated by those in authority due to a lack of understanding; in reality, these were places dedicated to serving the people, so there was nothing to fear. Seeing Gao Dashan and the group of men and women looking flustered, not daring to lift their heads.
Su Miaomiao, holding her daughter, smiled and said, "What are you afraid of? We're just going to understand the situation, to see if you can cultivate it. You're so familiar with the land, why fear not understanding? The yamen is nothing to be afraid of! If you think you can't grow it, we won't." She added that if they failed, the yamen would compensate them to some extent, ensuring they wouldn't lose money. At worst, they would only lose the price difference. The couple even offered to cover any such difference if it occurred, but the villagers dared not accept. They immediately shook their heads and refused, considering it fortunate enough that the couple was helping them find a way to prosper, and there was no reason for the couple to bear their losses.
Gao Dashan stated, "Whether it succeeds or not, we can take responsibility ourselves." The others echoed his sentiment. Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao smiled, assuring them they wouldn't lose money. Joking amongst themselves, everyone gradually relaxed.
It was truly remarkable. The couple's luck was extraordinary. They had merely intended to inquire about the new hemp variety but stumbled upon the commencement of a silkworm cultivation pilot program. Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao couldn't help but exclaim, "Incredible!"
In the end, they took some new hemp seeds back and a large batch of silkworms. It was said this was the first time silkworms were being raised locally, and success was uncertain. Yet, they were entrusted with them. Su Miaomiao confidently stated that silkworms were easy to raise, recalling how she could manage many when she was five or six years old, though they were eventually discarded, turning into large moths. At that time, they were useless, but now they were highly valuable, as silk production hadn't been widely promoted yet, and silk itself was a rare commodity. The new yamen official, tasked with distributing these, was troubled by the lack of takers. Then, they stepped forward. The new yamen official looked upon them with newfound respect, urging them to raise them as much as they could. In the future, they would be exclusively responsible for raising silkworms, and the yamen would purchase the silk at a high price, destined for direct supply to imperial merchants.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao realized that fortune had smiled upon Gao Dashan and his group. They immediately began studying silkworm cultivation, bringing mulberry saplings back to plant. Mulberry trees were also easy to grow. For now, they would feed the silkworms leaves provided by the yamen, representing a collaboration between the government and the people. Their good fortune had led them to undertake this endeavor.
The couple possessed extensive knowledge, and knowledge was power. Furthermore, their spatial dimension had unlocked a store, which offered books. While highly specialized knowledge might be lacking, it was sufficient. They might not know how to reel silk, but raising silkworms was not difficult; with a little care, they could be raised successfully. Su Miaomiao took charge, promising to handle it. She then stayed for an extended period, assisting them in getting started with silkworm cultivation.
Initially, when the villagers learned of this, they gossiped and mocked them, calling them daring. However, when the people of Shan'ao Village truly succeeded, they were stunned. It took less than a month. The yamen official was overjoyed and formally assigned this task to the people of Shan'ao Village. The Northern Yan Kingdom placed great importance on talent, and Gao Dashan and his group, by mastering a skill, naturally received special treatment. Gao Dashan and the others were equally surprised; they now had a stable "iron rice bowl"! The couple was also delighted for them. The path had been laid out for them; now, they had to walk it themselves.