Chapter 140: Buying Locusts ( 1 )

Chapter 140: Buying Locusts ( 1 )

Yang Sanlang’s gaze lingered on Yao Zhi for a few seconds longer before he averted his eyes and continued sweeping the ground.

With his father and brothers around, he didn’t have to entertain Fu Chen’an. As for Yao Zhi, he didn’t want to make things difficult for her, so he could only hold back.

When he thought that no one noticed his small action, Fu Chen’an noticed it. From the first time he saw Yang Sanlang’s gaze toward his wife, he already had his doubts.

This person might think that he had hidden his feelings, but in front of a trained soldier, his small actions were as clear as day. What’s more, Fu Chen’an always paid more attention to Yang Sanlang whenever he was around his wife.

So, how could he not see that person’s longing gaze?

Not noticing that his third son had offended Fu Chen’an, the Village Chief walked to them and asked, "Squad Leader Fu, what brought you to my place so early? Please, come inside."

Following him, they walked into the house. After they took their seats, Fu Chen’an finally said, "Village Chief, I came here today to ask you for a favor."

Hearing this, the Village Chief asked, "Squad Leader Fu, what can I do for you?"

"My wife and I want to buy the locusts from the villagers. So, we need your help to gather them so we can tell them the details."

As soon as he said this, everyone looked at them with wide eyes. After a moment of silence, the Village Chief said, "Squad Leader Fu, these locusts are worthless. Why do you want to buy them?"

Since they planned to introduce the method to everyone, Fu Chen’an didn’t keep it a secret and explained, "We found a method to turn the locusts into fertilizer. But we don’t know if this method is feasible or not, so we want to try it out first."

"If this method is successful and the fertilizer is good, we can share the method with everyone. This way, even if we lose some crops, we would still be able to gain something from this disaster."

When they heard his words, everyone looked at him with disbelief.

Who didn’t know that these locusts were pests?

Besides destroying their crops, what use did these locusts have?

Although they thought this way, no one was foolish enough to say it out loud and offend Fu Chen’an.

Noticing their disbelief, Yao Zhi said, "Village Chief, we know that this sounds unbelievable. That’s why we want to try it out first."

"My husband knows that some villagers have lost most of their grains and will have a hard time surviving next year. So, we decided to buy 10 jin of locusts for 2 wen and 20 jin of dried locusts for 7 wen."

"You can dry the locusts under the sun or just roast them using a pan over the fire. Any method is the same; it’s just that sun-drying them will take longer."

When the Village Chief heard her offer, he quickly said, "Yao Girl, I know you and your husband are thinking about the villagers and want to help them. But you can’t spend your money like this."

"It’s not easy for you to earn money. If you really want it, my family can help you get several baskets of locusts for you to try first."

"Village Chief, thank you for your kindness. But if we wait for too long, the villagers will burn the locusts. By then, even if the method is proven, we won’t have enough materials anymore," Yao Zhi replied with a smile.

At this moment, besides the Village Chief, all of his family members were present. When Chen-shi heard her father-in-law’s words, she pulled at the hem of her husband’s clothes.

Feeling the tug, Yang Dalang turned to his wife and asked in a low voice, "Wife, what’s wrong?"

Chen-shi blinked at her husband, hoping he would stop his father. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn money. Only a fool would refuse money!

Unfortunately, Yang Dalang didn’t get the hint and instead asked with concern, "Wife, what’s wrong with your eyes? Do you feel uncomfortable? Should we invite the physician to take a look at you?"

His voice was loud, and everyone heard him clearly. Yao Zhi glanced at them and tried to hold back her laughter. She understood Chen-shi’s hints, but the one who should have understood didn’t get it at all.

When the Village Chief saw them like this, his face darkened. He understood his eldest daughter-in-law’s meaning.

While Fu Chen’an was not a local and was from a different clan, he had stayed in their village for so many years and helped them out a lot. It was only natural for them to return his kindness.

Not to mention such a small favor of gathering dead locusts, even if he came to borrow money, the Village Chief would do his best to help him.

"Eldest daughter-in-law, if you feel uncomfortable, you should return to your room. Don’t embarrass our family in front of the guests."

Meeting her father-in-law’s warning gaze, Chen-shi’s heart sank. She lowered her head and replied softly, "Father, I’m sorry. I’m fine."

After giving her another glance, the Village Chief dropped the matter. A small warning was enough; there was no need to embarrass his own daughter-in-law in front of others.

Fu Chen’an also noticed the female family members’ reactions and turned to look at his wife. It was clear that he would follow his wife’s decision.

Meeting his gaze, Yao Zhi smiled and nodded.

Understanding her meaning, Fu Chen’an said, "Village Chief, thank you for your concern. But we have thought it through, so you don’t have to persuade us anymore."

Seeing that they were adamant about this matter, he let out a sigh and said, "Since both of you have made up your minds, then I won’t say any more words."

Turning to his sons, he said, "Dalang, Erlang, Sanlang, go inform the villagers to gather in the village hall as soon as possible."

"Okay."