Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2000: Chicken Farm

From a distance, Shao Yunduan could observe a flock of chickens roaming within the enclosure, their movements occasionally intercepted by the fishing nets. Every so often, the air was filled with the resonant crowing of roosters.

“…I made inquiries specifically about villagers skilled in poultry farming. They hired workers for two taels of silver a month and dispatched three clever assistants to provide aid. They’ve also been learning some valuable techniques. This old man is truly competent. He’s been tending to these chickens since they were mere chicks. When he acquired them, there were just as many as there are now. Once they mature, we can acquire more…”

Qiao Xuan had determined the appropriate size for each chicken farm, each accommodating up to 6,000 chickens. However, it was still too early for that scale of operation.

Additionally, several mu of land remained at the base of the chicken farms, designated for cultivating vegetables to feed the poultry.

Qiao Xuan smiled. “Proceed with caution, no more than a thousand chickens this year.”

Songshi felt the allocation was rather conservative. He wanted to voice his opinion but hesitated. Eventually, he acquiesced, saying, “Understood…”

Qiao Xuan gave him a meaningful glance and offered a reminder. “Ensure the chicken coops are cleaned and ventilated daily. With the weather warming up, and mosquitoes becoming more abundant, it’s imperative that the chickens’ food and water remain fresh. Furthermore, smoke the coop with wormwood daily to ward off pests. Should a chicken plague arise, it won’t be a trivial matter!”

“Given the expertise of the individual you’ve enlisted for chicken farming, they must understand the significance of proper care,” remarked Qiao Xuan.

Initially cautious, Songshi refrained from further comment upon hearing Qiao Xuan’s words.

The duck farm was situated in the adjacent valley, a visit to which was planned for the following day. With this in mind, the group departed back to the village.

Ordinarily, Anan would have been fast asleep by now, but today’s excitement kept her wide awake. As Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan approached the village, they could hear Anan’s delighted laughter ringing out from afar. Curious as to what was causing such amusement, they hastened their pace.

Upon arrival, they discovered Anan gleefully playing with two rabbits. One of the rabbits had its leg tied with a rope, the other end of which Anan held firmly.

With evident pride, Anan repeatedly exclaimed, “Bunny! Bunny!” as she paraded around with the restrained rabbit.

The nanny and maidservants present joined in the laughter, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Spotting her parents, Anan’s joy only intensified. Steadied by the nanny, she dashed toward Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, still clutching the rope and proudly displaying her furry companions. “Bunny!” she exclaimed, beaming as she embraced her parents.

Qiao Xuan was overjoyed and moved closer, wrapping Anan in a warm embrace.

The trio enjoyed some playful moments together before eventually coaxing Anan to release the rope and accompany them back to the house for snacks.

Lunch was soon served, with a delightful spread laid out before Qiao Xuan and the others. There were stir-fried chives with shrimp sourced from the nearby stream, crispy river fish, dried meat bamboo shoots, cold vegetables with garlic, and pigeon soup.

The fish and prawns were freshly caught from the nearby stream, which flowed from the depths of the forest. The water was cool and crystal clear, teeming with small shrimps and fish the size of fingers.

After the hearty meal, Anan finally succumbed to sleep, peacefully drifting off.