After wearing it: I traded a pig for a man.

Jiang Yuning's eyes lit up, and he picked up the corn seedling that had been pulled out.

"Look, most of the seedlings in the village head's field are just like the ones in my hand, with thin stems."

She held it up so that everyone around her could see it clearly.

"Think about it yourselves. In the past, even when corn seedlings grew tall and bore corn, their stalks were still very thin. After a gust of wind, they would topple over in large swaths, becoming unbalanced."

The village head nodded: "That's right, and they haven't even grown yet; many are rotting in the ground."

This is why, corn, which is said to be a high-yield crop, is not as valued as millet in their region.

"That's because the plants are too densely packed; they can't spread out, and the thin stalks can't support them." Jiang Yun Ning thought that this way, they would be able to understand.

"That's so true. Every time the corn grows, I get nervous when a gust of wind blows by."

"That makes sense."

Unexpectedly, such simple agricultural knowledge allowed her to impress the ancients so much.

Just as everyone was about to be persuaded, Song Minglang squeezed out from the back of the crowd.

"Don't listen to her. Since ancient times, you have always received as much as you put in."

He was wearing a blue long gown, with one hand behind his back, giving him the appearance of a scholar.

"Jiang Yunning." Song Minglang turned his head with a contemptuous look: "You can't even read many words, how dare you be so certain?"

However, this glance left Song Minglang somewhat stunned.

Why did he think Jiang Yun Ning looked better than before?

Her skin has become much whiter and looks very smooth.

Those eyes, though less infatuated with him, have gained a new sparkle.

If Jiang Yun Ning apologizes to him now, he might consider it; once he becomes a scholar, he could take her as a concubine.

"Where did this dog barking come from?" Jiang Yun Ning was truly speechless.

"Who are you calling a dog!" Song Minglang retorted angrily.

"Whoever answers, that's who we'll talk about." Jiang Yun Ning spread his hands.

Song Mingzhen had long since withdrawn her gaze from Jiang Che. She was waiting to see Jiang Yun Ning make a fool of himself, but unexpectedly, her older brother became the laughing stock.

"How dare you call my brother a dog?" she shouted at Jiang Yun Ning in a shrill voice.

Upon hearing this, Song Minglang's face darkened even more.

Jiang Yun Ning laughed heartily: "I didn't say anything, you said it yourself."

Song Mingzhen also realized what was happening, and looked at Song Minglang with a hint of fear and guilt in her eyes.

"Clever words and a flattering demeanor." Song Minglang snorted, unwilling to dwell on the matter any longer.

"Folks, listen to me. These crops are like people; the more you put in, the more you harvest. Don't listen to her. They're already growing poorly; if you pull up the seedlings, won't you harvest even less?"

"Yes, what Old Song's son said makes sense."

"He's a scholar; he should know more than we do."

Jiang Yun Ning listened to these opportunistic remarks and felt somewhat unwilling to deal with them anymore. However, seeing Song Ming Lang's smug expression, she didn't want him to be so arrogant.

"Does giving more lead to receiving more?" she asked with a smile, looking at Song Minglang.

"Of course," he said arrogantly.

Jiang Yun Ning nodded: "So, the reason you haven't passed the imperial examination for so many years is because you haven't put in the effort? You've just been pretending to be diligent, haven't you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the people around him burst into laughter.

Jiang Yun Ning was surprised to find that Jiang Che also curled up the corners of his lips.

It's so beautiful.

Jiang Che was smiling when his gaze fell on Jiang Yun Ning, who was staring at him absentmindedly. He immediately realized what was happening, and his smile vanished.

Jiang Yunning blinked.

Oh no. My crush has been caught.

Beauty can be a trap, beauty can be a trap! How can I be distracted in this situation?

Song Minglang was so angry he couldn't speak. His failure to pass the imperial examination after years of studying was his Achilles' heel. And Jiang Yuning seemed to be possessed, relentlessly attacking his weaknesses.

"Dear uncles and aunts," Jiang Yun Ning said, sounding tired. "Think it over yourselves. If you think what I said makes sense, then do as I say. If you don't believe me, I won't force you. But let me make it clear first, I won't bear any consequences."

After saying that, he greeted the village head and left.

Even a few meters away, you can still hear Jiang Youfu's loud voice.

"Pah, I won't do it. I refuse to believe that a little girl can be more capable than me!"

Back home, Jiang Yuning went to the cellar to look at the soap.

This is the second batch.

The day after the last batch was taken away, Xie Shengan sent someone to deliver a lot more gifts. He said sales were excellent, and some people had even started placing pre-orders.

"Dad," Jiang Yun Ning looked up, "when are we going to dig our well?"

Jiang Laosan was puffing on his cigarette: "It'll be ready soon, I've already talked to them."

"Daughter," Wang Cuihua sat down beside her, "Your father and I have looked at the land and are planning to buy two mu of land by the river. The soil there is fertile. Your brother and sister-in-law also said they want to buy two mu as well."

"Sure. You and Dad can discuss it." Jiang Yun Ning didn't care much about these things.

Wang Cuihua smiled and said, "It's just that...that land is in the way of Granny Yang's land."

Jiang Yun Ning said, "It's alright, Mom. Don't worry about it."

She didn't think the Song family was a big problem at all; they were just clowns. It was a way to add a little amusement to her life without internet access from time to time.

Hearing her say that, the old couple felt relieved and immediately took the money back to the village head's house to sign the contract.

Over the next few days, Jiang Yun Ning clearly sensed the solemn expressions on the faces of the villagers.

In the past, there was always a group of people gossiping around under the big willow tree, but these days there isn't a soul in sight.

"We have to go to the county town to collect the land tax in less than half a month," Jiang Laosan sighed. "Everyone's worried about it."

county seat?

Jiang Yun Ning's eyes lit up; she had just decided to go to the county town to take a look.

"Dad, I want to go too."

Jiang Laosan looked at her and said, "Go ahead, we have an oxcart now anyway."

Just then, the door was pushed open again.

Jiang Youfu and Jiang Liushi walked in together, each carrying half a pound of meat.

Jiang Yun Ning suddenly felt like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken.

Sure enough, Jiang Youfu couldn't hold back for long.

"Third brother, look, we really can't afford to pay our dues. Could you lend me some grain? Silver will do too."

Jiang Liu also laughed: "Yes, look, Yun Ning can earn money now, and your family's life is much better."

They also got oxcarts.

There must be money.

At this moment, Jiang Liushi was filled with regret. If she had known, why would she have broken off the relationship?

"Mother, eldest brother," Jiang Laosan's acting skills were now superb, "Our family is struggling financially. Suddenly, Jiang Che has joined the family, and we don't have any land. We've barely managed to scrape together enough for the land tax."

Jiang Yun Ning, who was standing nearby, nudged Jiang Che's shoulder: "Did you see that? Dad isn't even blushing when he lies now."

Jiang Che was washing clothes when he was touched, and he just nodded and hummed in response.

"Why are you washing my clothes again?" Jiang Yun Ning looked at the clothes in the basin in confusion. A month has already passed.