Tantai Zhou pondered for a moment and then spoke:

"The first problem is the shortage of manpower. After the Lunar New Year, when everything is reviving, people are also at their busiest."

Although I have never farmed, I know that after the spring, people will start to plow the fields, weed, select seeds, fertilize and renovate the land, and so on. All these preparations need to be completed in advance.

The girl couldn't possibly complete all the oil-pressing steps by herself; even if she could, it would be extremely arduous.

Qiao Jingjing didn't interrupt him; instead, she focused her appreciative gaze on him, offering him incredibly comforting encouragement, and continued speaking.

"Secondly, there are changes in economic benefits."

People naturally like high-quality, low-priced goods, but this might harm the interests of certain individuals. They might then try to sabotage the process. Furthermore, the profits involved are unimaginably enormous, and those in power will likely want a share, or even monopolize it.

This is arguably the biggest hidden danger for the girl at present.

Finally, there is a shortage of raw materials.

As far as I know, not many people in Daba Village, including those in the surrounding villages, grow peanuts. One reason is the low yield; another is that peanuts don't provide the same feeling of fullness as rice or wheat.

"I wonder if my guess is correct?"

“Absolutely right!” Qiao Jingjing praised without reservation. “That’s exactly what I was worried about. Oil pressing is not like farming. Farming involves months of hard work and then waiting for the harvest.”

Once the oil pressing business is up and running, you can make money every day.

To some, this means making money anytime, anywhere. The fear is that some people will be tempted by this windfall.

"To be honest, I am good friends with the magistrate's son, and I may discuss countermeasures with the magistrate after the New Year."

However, for me, a county magistrate's rank is still too low; I'm afraid he couldn't protect the oil-pressing recipe anyway. After all, this business is intended to be implemented throughout the entire Liang province.”

She sighed softly, then clasped her hands together as if making a wish.

"If only there were an absolute ruler, preferably on my side, then I wouldn't have to worry so much."

Tantai Zhou's eyes flashed; he was seriously considering what she had said.

Xuan Yi looked at his master excitedly. If we're talking about who's in power, the entire Runan Prefecture belongs to His Highness. Isn't His Highness the most respected person? Who can surpass their master?

Moreover, His Highness is secretly protected by His Majesty, and now there is hope for a cure for his heart ailment, and his health is improving. This is truly a blessing from heaven. Sending Miss Qiao to His Highness's side is like divine intervention.

Thinking of this, the way he looked at Qiao Jingjing changed.

Qiao Jingjing felt uneasy under his gaze. What are you up to?

Xuan Yi rubbed his hands together. "Miss Qiao, are you a fairy?"

Qiao Jingjing: ?

Xuan Yi chuckled foolishly, "I think you're like a fairy, you know so much and have so many treasures. The compass you gave me last time was so useful! It's just that Xuan Wu took that kettle and hasn't given it back to me."

Qiao Jingjing looked at Xuan Yidao and said, "Those were brought to me by my master during his travels. There aren't many of them in total."

Xuan Yi scratched his head sheepishly and explained, "Please don't misunderstand, young lady. I don't want anything. I'm just amazed that you know so much despite your young age."

Qiao Jingjing nodded seriously, "You're right. I do know quite a lot."

"Alright, I should go back now. The three of you can come to my house for the New Year tomorrow. The reunion dinner starts at noon, and we won't wait for you if you're late."

After Qiao Jingjing left, Tantai Zhou gazed thoughtfully in the direction she had gone.

Xuan Yi excitedly said to Tantai Zhou, "Your Highness, this Miss Qiao is truly your lucky star!"

Tantai Zhou nodded slightly in agreement. Since her appearance, everything had been turning for the better. He secretly pondered how to reveal his true identity to Miss Qiao.

He had made up his mind. She needed the protection of someone in a high position, so he would provide her with that sense of security as a way of repaying her life-saving grace.

But the problem now isn't how he should bring it up, but whether his identity will cause her trouble. The answer is yes.

If her troublesome brothers were to use her as a pawn, how could she possibly resist? He rubbed his fingers together, his brow furrowed as he fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, Qiao Jingjing returned home and began preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner...

This year's Spring Festival was truly extraordinary for Qiao Wanjun's family! It was also their first New Year after the family split up.

First of all, Qiao Jingjing's mind became sharper, which made everyone very happy and gratified.

Secondly, their family moved to a new home, which greatly improved their living environment.

Also, their double-cropping rice has been a success, with a significant increase in yield. A lot of good things have happened in the past six months!

These changes brought new hope and joy to Qiao Wanjun's family, filling them with anticipation for the future.

Qiao Jingjing was also infected by this joy and decided to have a bountiful New Year.

In fact, this year's Spring Festival was different for most villagers in Daba Village. With high-yield rice seeds and heated brick beds, they could enjoy a comfortable and hopeful holiday.

The next morning, Qiao Jingjing got up early and started preparing. Hot pot was a must, and several new ingredients were added to the usual dishes.

In addition, we prepared roast duck, garlic vermicelli shrimp, tomato beef brisket, braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, steamed pork ribs with yam, steamed egg custard with mushrooms, steamed sea bass, water chestnut pork egg rolls, and a plate of various meatballs, for a total of ten dishes.

Qiao Jingjing originally planned to use an earthen kiln to roast duck, but the results were not ideal. Realizing that traditional methods might not meet her needs, she decided to use the modern equipment in the open-plan kitchen. This open-plan kitchen is equipped with various advanced appliances that can greatly improve cooking efficiency.

Qiao Jingjing also invited her aunt and her daughter to celebrate the New Year together. She specially prepared an extra egg tart and double-skin milk pudding to ensure that everyone could enjoy the delicious food.

She ushered everyone out of the kitchen and went into her own space, skillfully operating various appliances—oven, steamer, pressure cooker—all at her disposal. With the aid of modern technology, her culinary skills were fully utilized, and each dish emitted an enticing aroma.

As Qiao Wanjun smelled the fragrance, he remembered what his wife had told him: their daughter would have a great future after she regained consciousness, and he should remember to ask as few questions as possible.

He agrees, as long as the family is complete and life gets better and better with more and more hope, that's enough. Some things are not important and don't need to be investigated.

After finishing these tasks, Qiao Jingjing left the space and cooked some rice and steamed eggs in the kitchen, making some noise while cooking.

At the end of the 9-11 AM, the three men arrived with gifts. As soon as they entered, Lin and Qiao Wanjun warmly greeted them, wishing them a Happy New Year and good fortune.

Tantai Zhou was clearly a little awkward; he had never experienced such a warm and festive scene before.

Before joining the army, he would pay his respects to his father, stepmother, and grandmother on major holidays in the palace, and finally pay his respects to his own mother. Afterwards, he would attend the same old palace banquets, watch similar performances, and endure the underhanded competition and traps set by his brothers.

He entered the army at the age of 12 and was not allowed to leave the camp without an imperial edict. The army camp was full of men, and the New Year celebrations were extremely simple.

Just then, Qiao Jingjing, wearing an apron and carrying a plate of food in each hand, came out of the kitchen. Tantai Zhou's awkwardness instantly vanished upon seeing her.

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