The Daily Life of a Rich Peasant's Boy in the Imperial Examination

Sun Shan arrived quickly and returned just as quickly. Upon seeing piles and piles of fertilizer and carefully checking the ledgers, he confirmed that there was enough to meet the needs of summer plowing, and then returned to the yamen with peace of mind.

In the past, they would have definitely inspected the surrounding area, explored the uninspected parts of Yuanlu County, and looked for treasures like bird droppings pits.

Unfortunately, the summer harvest and summer planting were more important, so he had no choice but to return to the government office to oversee things.

When the village chief heard that Sun Shan had only stayed for two days before returning home, he said with great reluctance, "Sir, why are you going back to the yamen so soon? It's a rare trip, why not stay a few more days?"

Then he added, "The millet has been dried, and there's new rice. Adults should try some. This year's early rice is delicious, better than ever before."

Actually, when it comes to taste, late-season rice tastes better than early-season rice.

Late-season rice has a longer growing period (150-180 days), resulting in dense, glossy grains that are soft, sweet, and moderately sticky after cooking.

Early rice has a short growing period (80-120 days), loose texture, large white belly, and is chewy and elastic after cooking, but it is easy to become mushy and has a bland taste.

Farmers typically sell the early rice and keep the late rice for their own consumption.

This year's early rice harvest is a bumper crop, and it looks pleasing to the eye no matter how you look at it.

When you're in a good mood, even rice tastes better.

Sun Shan shook his head and refused, saying, "Village Chief, I have official business to attend to and must return to the government office first. I came here solely to check on the production of bird droppings fertilizer. Now that I see it's all ready, I feel relieved and should go back."

The village chief wanted to keep Sun Shan for two more days, hoping to find some more mountain produce for Sun Shan to take back.

He hurriedly said, "Sir, shall we inspect the surrounding villages? Since we're already here, we might as well take a look around."

Sun Shan shook his head again and refused, saying, "Let it go this time. We'll patrol again next time we come."

He then whispered mysteriously, "Village chief, please check the workshop carefully for me. People from other counties know about our fertilizer now, so we need to pay even closer attention."

If they're just curious and want to come and take a look, that's fine. My biggest fear is that they'll come and cause damage. This bird droppings fertilizer workshop doesn't just belong to Yuanlu County, it concerns Big Bird Village. Village Chief, I'm begging you. Only you give me peace of mind.”

Entrusted with such an important task, the village chief's hunched back straightened instantly.

He solemnly assured them, "Sir, don't worry, the old farmer will definitely keep a close eye on things and absolutely won't let anyone cause any damage."

He paused, then said in a low and mysterious voice, "Sir, I'll also keep an eye on Steward Wang for you. If he has any ulterior motives, he won't escape my sharp eyes."

Inside and outside the bird droppings fertilizer workshop, Manager Wang was the only outsider.

Needless to say, Steward Sun is Brother Jian, a fellow villager of the adults, and the villagers are, of course, his own people from Big Bird Village. All in all, Steward Wang is the only outsider.

For as long as he worked in the workshop, he would complain about how bad the food Xiao Yazi's grandfather cooked was.

Hmph, if you can't even eat from the same pot, you must be an outsider.

Moreover, the fact that Manager Wang's surname is Wang and that he was brought in by Magistrate Wang further confirms that he has ulterior motives. He must be monitored at all times to prevent him from colluding with outsiders and betraying the workshop and his superiors.

The village chief couldn't understand why Wang, the steward from the Wang County Magistrate's household, would come to be the steward and manage the entire workshop.

After much thought, I realized that Lord Sun must have been forced to make this arrangement.

Well, what can I say? Lord Sun is an outsider. Magistrate Wang is a local, the kind who has power and influence. Lord Sun would definitely be wary of him and would have to offer certain concessions in exchange for Magistrate Wang's cooperation on other matters.

Alas, Lord Sun is in a difficult position; he has no choice but to back down.

This may be what is known as a power struggle.

The village chief had all sorts of thoughts on his mind, but in the end he firmly stood on Sun Shan's side.

Without Sun Shan, there would be no Big Bird Village today, and no white rice to eat.

Sun Shan whispered something to the village chief, and then called over Xiao Yazi's grandfather.

He encouraged him, saying, "Grandpa Yazi, your cooking is not bad at all. Keep cooking with peace of mind, I'll take care of everything."

Grandpa Xiaoya was stunned for a moment, then his eyes reddened and filled with tears.

He nodded emphatically: "Yes, sir, I will cook well. Thank you, sir."

Then, changing the subject, he said with utmost seriousness, "Sir, rest assured, I will keep a close eye on the people in the workshop and will absolutely not allow anyone to cause any damage."

Grandpa Xiaoya and the village chief thought the same thing: they should work as spies for Master Sun and monitor the workshop staff's every move.

Grandpa Xiaoya was even more radical than the village chief, and he didn't even spare Sun Dingnan, a villager from Da Niao Village.

Haven't you heard that saying? The mole is often the person who knows you best.

Everyone was a suspect, and Grandpa Xiaoyazi made up his mind to keep a close eye on everyone in the workshop as if they were suspects.

Oh my, Grandpa Xiaoya is so perceptive.

Sun Shan nodded in satisfaction: "Okay, I'll leave everything to you."

After instructing his two underlings, Sun Shan said helplessly, "Brother Nan, you still have to stay here. Sigh, this is the first year, and spring and summer planting are very important. I'm not at ease without you keeping an eye on things."

Without saying a word, Sun Dingnan assured him, "Sir, please don't say that. It doesn't matter where I work; I'm happy as long as I can share your burdens."

Oh, another good little brother who knows what's good for him.

No wonder I took a liking to him at first sight and poached him from the village chief.

Look and see, this is the right work attitude. Do whatever the boss asks, even if it means going through fire and water, from the cold winter to the hot summer, without complaint, and work loyally.

Sun Shan needs a helper like this, a subordinate who doesn't negotiate with the boss.

Sun Shan patted Sun Dingnan on the shoulder with satisfaction and said cheerfully, "Brother Nan, thank you for your hard work."

I chatted with Sun Dalang and Sun Erjie for a few more minutes, offering encouragement and expressing my gratitude for their hard work.

Sun Shan has never been stingy with kind words that cost no money.

After comforting the Sun family, Wang Ganhua looked at Sun Shan with teary eyes and a face full of hardship and sorrow.

He tried to cry but couldn't, saying, "My lord, my lord, please don't forget me, you must come to see me often."

Sun Shan: ...

Who wants to see you? You're not exactly handsome, no, I should say beautiful.

Sun Shan gave him a candied date and said, "Manager Wang, once the summer planting is finished, I'll give you a holiday."

Wang Ganhua's eyes immediately lit up like light bulbs, and she excitedly shouted, "Sir, really? You mean it!"

Sun Shan nodded: "Really, as real as a pearl. After the summer planting season is over, I'll give you a break."

It's truly pitiful to be stuck in this barren, remote place, spending all day surrounded by bird droppings.

Sun Shan, in a fit of kindness, agreed to give him a few days off.

Wang Ganhua instantly felt that Lord Sun was so tall, mighty, and kind-hearted.

He said with tears of gratitude, "Sir, I'll wait, I'll wait, sir, thank you."

Actually, there was a leave period when the manager was recruited, but Sun Shan forgot to mention it.

Giving Wang Ganhua a holiday now is a benefit he deserves.