When Land Officer Yang heard that she wanted to plant broad beans, he didn’t ask much. After reflecting on what he heard about planting broad beans, he said, "Lass, not many households plant broad beans. Those who do, simply plant enough to eat, and once eaten, that’s it. There is no record of anyone specifically buying land for broad bean farming or anyone using their own large fields for planting. However, from what I’ve heard about the cultivation methods, it seems that it requires good quality land. Broad beans cannot withstand dry conditions and barren land may not retain water well. If you truly wish to buy barren land, I would suggest you consider the large tract near Li’s Village. It is close to the river, which makes watering convenient."
Upon learning that the land was near Li’s Village, Yang Chuxia felt somewhat hesitant. Owning land close to another village could entail various inconveniences. Also, if crops were tampered with, even if someone witnessed the act, they would likely not inform them. Who would want to offend people from their own village?
Yet, to her knowledge, there was scarce wasteland available near their village.
After some thought, she asked, "Grandfather, does this land belong to our village?"
Land Officer Yang nodded, "Of course, it belongs to us. Although no one cleared and cultivated it in recent years, people from Li’s Village dared not claim it."
"Alright, I’ll buy that land, Grandfather." After careful consideration, Yang Chuxia decided to proceed. "But Grandfather, just how big is that land?"
"Roughly several tens of mu, quite a large area. Lass, do you want to buy all of it? Why not buy a few mu first, try farming it, and then buy more quality land when available?"
Despite Land Officer Yang’s suggestions, Yang Chuxia decided to buy the entire area. Firstly, wasteland was cheaper. Even if it was fifty mu, it would only cost a little more than twenty taels of silver. With the same amount of money, you could only buy a few mu of arable land. The difference was too great. Secondly, the quality of wasteland could improve over time.
Regarding her concern about people meddling with her crops, she planned to hire someone to watch over them as they neared maturity.
"Yes, Grandfather, I want to buy all of it."
After giving it some thought, Land Officer Yang agreed, "Alright, I’ll take your father with me tomorrow to re-measure that land. Since nobody has been there for many years, its size is still based on measurements made many years ago, unlike other wastelands that were recently measured."
"Great, thanks, Grandfather. I’ll have my father bring the money and accompany you."
"Don’t mention it. Seeing your family’s livelihood improving fills me with joy."
Indeed, Land Officer Yang had always taken good care of her family and favored the younger ones. Yang Chuxia had deep respect for him.
After chatting with Land Officer Yang and his wife for a while, she went out.
Having settled the land business, she began thinking about how to extend the shelf-life of the drunken crabs. Normally, well-sealed drunken crabs could last for one or two months; for a period longer than half a year, they would have to be stored in a refrigerator under consistently low temperatures.
Clearly fridges didn’t exist in this era, so the only way to prolong their freshness was by using ice. Yet, there was no ice available at this time of the year. Being located somewhat to the south, she feared that even in winter, there might not be enough snow for ice to form.
The only option now seemed to be attempting to produce ice.
She hadn’t given ice-making much thought when producing drunken crabs for the first time. Later, considering that it would be inconvenient at the Yang family home, she still hadn’t tried making ice. Now, it seemed like she would have to find the time and try it out.
She had been trained in ice-making, and although she hadn’t made it herself, she remembered the ingredients and steps involved. It shouldn’t be too difficult.