Chapter 712: Grape Orchard
Translator: Endlessæantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lan Ruozhu froze, asking, “You can extract oil from rapeseeds?”
He did not know much about farming, even though he had read about it. However, the books did not have enough information in that era. He had wanted to learn more about agriculture—the more detailed, the better.
Lan Ruozhu knew the most critical reason for farming was to feed the people.
His sister’s short explanation allowed him to understand many things. Still, he wanted to hear more. He asked curiously, “Don’t people usually use peanuts for oil?”
Su Binglan explained, “People only focused on using peanuts for oil because they hadn’t discovered rapeseed. Although rapeseed oil isn’t as fragrant as peanut oil, the yield from the former is much higher than the latter.
“That means people can use less land to harvest just as much oil from rapeseeds than peanuts. The Su Teng villagers planted many rapeseeds last year. Some of the seeds are almost ripe now.”
Lan Ruozhu could see the lush greenery in the distance. It was a beautiful
Su Binglan suspected many would start harvesting the seeds at the end of January and the start of February. After clearing the lands, they could farm other things in spring.
Lan Ruozhu listened to his sister attentively. His eyes widened as he asked in confusion, “Shouldn’t the villagers only be able to harvest the rapeseeds during autumn since they planted the seeds in spring?”
Su Binglan grew excited as she explained, “This is a good thing, Brother. The villagers can plant rapeseed twice a year. That means the land will be vacant for other crops during autumn.”
Lan Ruozhu’s eyes lit up, saying, “So, we don’t have to extract oil from peanuts and save the land for other crops. After autumn, the people can harvest their crops and plant rapeseed again. Then, they can sell their excess oil to those in need.’
In short, the people could grow twice as many things a year. With the promotion of agriculture and encouragement of land reclamation, Dingzhou would develop further.
Lan Ruozhu was ecstatic. “That’s perfect, Sister! Did you develop this method?”
“l thought of this when I found some rapeseeds in the mountain,” Su Binglan replied.
Lan Ruozhu gave his sister a thumbs up, saying, “You’re the best.”
He remembered how intelligent his sister was, even during their childhood. Although the twins read together, Lan Ruobing could comprehend many more things than her twin brother.
Lan Ruozhu looked at Su Binglan excitedly. “Sister, tell me more about farming. I want to learn as much as possible.”
Su Binglan suggested, “Why don’t you stay here for a few more days? I’ll bring you to see the mountain. When the spring plowing season arrives, you can return and see how everyone grows their crops. Then, you’ll learn even more.” She knew her brother could not stay in Su Teng Village for long. After all, he had many things to do as a prince.
Lan Ruozhu nodded. “All right.”
If he knew more about agriculture, he could issue decrees for the people’s benefit. He hoped the commoners could eat their fill and have warm clothes to wear in the land under his jurisdiction.
That way, Lan Ruozhu would feel he had done something meaningful. Since he was their prince, he had to work for the people’s welfare.
He did not feel tired from spinning the stone mill as he listened to Su Binglan. Instead, he felt energetic. Lan Ruozhu even practiced martial arts to strengthen himself after recovering.
Therefore, spinning the stone mill was nothing to him. Moreover, he could understand the commoners’ hardships by doing so. He constantly reminded himself to love his people like they were his own.
After some thought, Lan Ruozhu said, “It’s easy to grow crops in the plains and clear the wastelands. However, it’s not easy to grow crops in hilly areas. Some places in Dingzhou consist of hills, where grain production is low.”
Su Binglan suggested, “Brother, we can plant tea leaves or fruit trees in hilly areas. The fruit trees we plant in such areas should be sweeter.”
Lan Ruozhu regained his spirit and said excitedly, “Fruit trees and tea leaves, huh? We have many fruits in the summer but not many during winter. What kind of fruits will be suitable to grow in hilly areas?”
Su Binglan answered, “Peaches, apricots, apples, kiwi, cherries, grapes, etcetera.”
“l know about peaches, apricots, and apples, but what are kiwis and cherries?
Also, aren’t grapes from foreign countries?”
Grapes were precious; people could only eat them when foreign countries gifted them. Even so, only dignitaries and n.o.bles could eat grapes. Su Binglan grew excited when she thought about grapes because he could use them to make wine.
She wanted to have a grape orchard and build another winery nearby. Her eyes lit up when she thought about the grape orchard.
Meanwhile, Lan Ruozhu looked at her without blinking, waiting for her answer. Even Liu Yinyin and Su Wenzhe listened with great interest.
‘Sister can plant that many fruits? We’ve heard of grapes, but only influential figures can eat such a thing. Can we even plant and harvest grapes?’
The family never considered having something so luxurious. However, with Su Binglan around, the family believed they could finally have such things. Su Wenzhe knew his sister would figure out how to grow grapes.
He looked confident when his sister mentioned grapes because it meant Su Binglan had a way to do it. There was nothing his sister could not do.
Lan Ruozhu was puzzled but looked at Su Binglan expectantly. He wondered if his sister would surprise him again.
Su Binglan looked at the trio’s expressions and could guess their thoughts. She also wanted to eat grapes. She said, “l can grow such fruits myself, but I need the seeds first.’
Lan Ruozhu frowned. “l can get someone to visit another country to get grape seeds.’
Some had tried growing grapes in the past, but they had failed. However, Lan
Ruozhu knew his sister would succeed.
Su Binglan knew her brother could get a group to gather grape seeds. However, it would be even better if she could just find them in the mountains.
Then, she could plant the fruits herself..