Chapter 399: Buying Land
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The residents of Qian Village were obligated to pay taxes if they wished to cultivate yams on the mountain. Consequently, some were willing to explore the mountains closer to the village, while only a handful ventured into the more distant ones. The combined expenses of land taxes and the labor involved in the journey often outweighed the benefits, making it a less attractive option.
Qian Youfu expressed, “All things considered, the younger generation in our village is brimming with energy.”
“I’ve already met with the concerned landowner, and he’s open to lowering the price,” he continued.
“There’s approximately 80 mu of land available there, and the cost is merely five taels of silver per mu. It’s a relatively modest investment for land acquisition,” he explained. “Once you own it, you can offer rents at less than half the rate of other plots, which will likely attract numerous renters for cultivation. ”
“Uncle Fu,” he suggested, “you can coordinate the village’s youth to construct a protective barrier around that wasteland to deter wild boars and other wildlife from causing damage.”
“Over time, the barren land will gradually become fertile through sustained farming efforts,” he added. “This would enable you to charge higher rents in the future.’
Turning to Qin Zhenzhen, Su Bin inquired, “Wife, what are your thoughts?” Qin Zhenzhen responded with a smile, “The decision is yours to make.”
She could discern from Su Bin’s expression that he had already agreed to the proposal, but he still sought her input. Did he intend to convey that she held authority over the Su family and that he followed her lead? It seemed a bit excessive.
Nevertheless, Su Bin’s willingness to consider the idea demonstrated his open-mindedness.
Su Bin addressed Qian Youfu, “Uncle Fu, please wait a moment. I will discuss it with my wife and inform you of our decision shortly.”
As they conversed, Su Bin pulled Qin Zhenzhen aside, seeking her opinion privately.
“Wife, do you think we should acquire that wasteland?” he inquired.
In response, Qin Zhenzhen fixed him with a stern look and asked, “What if I say I don’t want to buy it?”
Su Bin grinned and replied, “Then we won’t buy it. Your decision matters most to me.”
“If my wife wants me to head east, I won’t venture west,” he assured her. “I’ll go convey our decision.”
Just as Su Bin turned to decline the offer, Qin Zhenzhen reached out and pulled him back. “Enough with the act. You’ve already agreed to purchase that piece of land, haven’t you?”
Su Bin inquired, “If you believe it’s a profitable venture, we’ll buy it. If you don’t see it as worthwhile, we won’t proceed.”
Qin Zhenzhen glared at him once more. “Isn’t it profitable to help you build a good reputation and have your name respected far and wide? For your future as a high-ranking official, having a stellar reputation is crucial.”
Pretending to have a newfound realization, Su Bin nodded. “I see. I understand what you mean.”
With that, he returned with Qin Zhenzhen to face Qian Youfu.
Qian Youfu misconstrued their silence, believing that they were reluctant to part with four hundred taels of silver to acquire the wasteland, especially considering their family didn’t rely on farm rents for their livelihood.
Feeling somewhat disheartened, Qian Youfu remarked, “If you’re not inclined, let’s disregard the matter. I won’t pressure you.”
Qin Zhenzhen cast a pointed glare at Su Bin, prompting him to clarify, “Uncle
Fu, you’ve misunderstood. We’re willing to purchase the wasteland.”
“My wife pointed out that our family isn’t lacking the funds for land acquisition.”
Qian Youfu couldn’t contain his happiness. “Thank you!”
“If the rent is even half as cheap, I’ll be even more grateful,” he expressed.
Su Bin reassured him, saying, “Uncle Fu, you need not worry about renting the land. As my wife mentioned, our family possesses the resources to rent it without requiring any returns for three years.”
“What?”
“Did you say that you won’t be collecting any land rent for three years?” he sought confirmation from Su Bin.
Su Bin affirmed with a nod, “Yes!”