There can't be a Harvest Moon in the RimWorld.

"Then I'll take this junk." I casually stuffed the stone into my pocket and took it back to study it.

"Zack, don't you have anything else useful here?" I searched around and found that he really had nothing of value, no wonder he agreed so readily.

Do you think I can't do anything about this? How naive!

"Jay, what do you think of this bed?" I tapped on Zack's bed and felt that it was made of decent wood.

"Hey! This won't do, this is where I sleep! If you take it, I'll have to sleep on the floor!"

"Didn't you say you could just take it? Jay, I think the refrigerator is pretty good too, let's take it back and use it."

"No! This won't do either! I still want to eat!"

"Tch... Jay, do you need any laborers? What do you think of Zack's physique?"

"Hey! Aren't you doing human trafficking? This is human trafficking, isn't it! Why would I give you material support when you're selling out kind-hearted people?!"

Chapter 98 Special Goods

Zack, looking utterly exasperated, stopped me from continuing to search his house; the feeling of digging three feet into the ground was simply too terrifying.

"Ugh, I give up. Stop it. I have some special goods here. Come and take a look."

After Zach finished speaking, he dragged a large oak box out from under the bed in the house. It was covered with marks from wind and sun, insects and water, and was an old antique that had survived countless storms.

“These items were brought to me by my friend Huo An. They haven’t sold and have been here ever since.”

I gestured for the jay to go up and take a look, but the tribal girl shook her head and said, "I don't understand any of this stuff. I'll just listen to what you say, Marcus!"

"Okay, let me take a look."

I didn't stand on ceremony and went up to see what Zack had brought out, and listened to his introduction of each item.

"Cabbage seeds. Cabbage is a plant of the Brassicaceae family and the Brassica genus, and is a variety of cabbage. It is also known as head cabbage, white cabbage, tufted cabbage, round cabbage, and lotus cabbage. It is characterized by its cold resistance, disease resistance, strong adaptability, easy storage and transportation, high yield, and good quality. It is widely cultivated throughout mainland China and is one of the main vegetables that can be planted in spring, summer, and autumn."

Cabbage? I didn't expect Zack to have such a good thing here. Looking into the box he opened, there are two other types of goods; are they also this type?

"Pineapple seeds. Pineapple is a tropical fruit. Originally from tropical regions, pineapple thrives in hot and arid areas. It has now spread throughout the tropics. Its edible parts mainly consist of the fleshy, enlarged inflorescence axis and the spirally arranged flowers on the periphery. The flowers are usually not fruit-bearing. The persistent perianth segments form a cavity containing the withered stamens and style. The leaves have very strong fibers that can be used for weaving, rope making, net making, and papermaking."

Pineapple seeds are also a good option; they can be grown and eaten as fruit, and some can be planted on ranches to improve living conditions.

"Green pepper seeds. Green peppers belong to the plant kingdom, dicotyledonous class, Asteridae subclass, Solanaceae family. They are collectively called peppers along with red peppers. The fruit is a berry. It has many other names, such as bell pepper, sweet pepper, and sweet pepper. Because it produces sweet berries, it is also called sweet pepper or sweet pepper. It is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant, characterized by its large fruit and mild or no spiciness. It is eaten as a vegetable rather than as a seasoning. Through long-term cultivation, domestication, and artificial selection, green peppers have undergone changes such as increased fruit size, thicker flesh, loss of spiciness, and an increase in the number of carpels and ovaries."

Zack rattled off a long string of words and got a bit parched. He drank a large glass of water before he felt better. "I have thirty bags of each of these special seeds here. Tell me, which one do you like?"

Looks like Zack has a lot of good stuff here! This trip was definitely worthwhile!

Which one to choose is the question.

Two of the three types of seeds are from tropical plants, which would likely have had little opportunity to grow before the Jay Tribe established greenhouse cultivation. However, it's possible they might find a suitable oasis in the wilderness where they could cultivate these two tropical crops for a short period.

Then we can only consider it from the perspective of demand.

Cabbage is a must. Cabbage has a high water content (about 90%) and is low in calories. It can boost the body's immunity, prevent colds, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Cabbage ranks fifth among anti-cancer vegetables. Fresh cabbage contains phytochemicals, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and can help with sore throats, swelling from injuries, insect bites, stomach aches, and toothaches.

Meanwhile, cabbage contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, and carotene, which can lower cholesterol and blood lipids, and prevent arteriosclerosis. It is a supplementary food for patients with arteriosclerosis and obese individuals. Therefore, cabbage acts as a "blood waste cleaner."

With these benefits, cabbage, as an important vegetable after the tribe began to cultivate potatoes on a large scale, will surely bring significant positive effects.

Moreover, cabbage only takes eighty days to mature and can be harvested in large quantities within three months, so it must be on the list of items.

However, pineapples are a bit more difficult. Pineapples originated in tropical hot and arid regions and prefer warmth. They grow best at an average annual temperature of 24-27°C, and can grow in the range of 15-40°C. Growth slows down below 15°C, and basically stops below 10°C. 5°C is the critical temperature for cold damage.

In the areas inhabited by jays, harvesting is impossible during autumn and winter, and can only be done once in spring and summer. Similarly, although pineapples are drought-resistant, they still need a certain amount of water to grow and develop. They can grow in areas with an annual rainfall of 500-2800mm, but the optimal rainfall is 1000-1500mm with even distribution.

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down proteins, aid digestion, dissolve fibrin and blood clots obstructing tissues, improve local blood circulation, dilute blood lipids, and reduce inflammation and edema. It is especially beneficial to eat pineapple after consuming large amounts of meat and oily foods, as it can help prevent fat accumulation. Pineapple is also essential to the unhealthy diet of the jay tribe.

Moreover, pineapple leaves can also be used for weaving, rope making, net making, and papermaking, serving as raw materials for handicrafts, so let's add them to the list.

Finally, the green bell pepper... Although green bell peppers have thick, crisp flesh and are rich in vitamin C, green bell peppers contain about 93.9% water, about 3.8% carbohydrates, and vitamin C; ripe red bell peppers can contain up to 460 mg of vitamin C. They can be eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, boiled, used as fillings, pickled, and processed into canned goods or candied fruit, making them a very good food.

However, this plant requires a temperature range of 15–35℃, with an optimal temperature range of 25–28℃, and a germination temperature of 28–30℃. It also prefers moist conditions but is susceptible to drought and waterlogging, requiring moist but not waterlogged soil.

In that kind of wasteland, it simply couldn't meet the needs. Not only could flowering not be guaranteed, but I estimate that even the normal germination of seeds would be left to fate.

"So, Marcus? Have you decided which one you want?"

Zach asked eagerly, hoping I would finish choosing quickly and leave so as not to disrupt his peaceful life.

After thinking for a long time, I finally spoke slowly, "I've made up my mind..."

"What's the decision? Come on, pick one!" Zack's eyes gleamed eagerly.

"I've made up my mind... Only children make choices..."

"I want it all!"

I slowly spoke my mind. As an old man with white hair and a red hat said, why choose? Just take them all!

“Hey, Marcus, these are things Hoan left here. Taking them all might not be a good idea…” Zack said hesitantly, his hands trembling uncontrollably. On one side was the ruthless businessman Hoan, who would skim off any profit he could get, and on the other was the powerful village bully Marcus. This choice was too difficult… Could I choose neither?!

"Don't worry about such a small thing, Zack!" I simply packed up the seeds and took them with me, closing the door behind me as well.

"I'll pay you back when Gu Le Gu gives me the money another day. I'm definitely not trying to renege on my debt! I have to go now!"

Zack stared blankly at the empty box, standing there on the verge of tears. After a long while, making sure we were gone, he carefully opened the other corner of the box.

"Fortunately, the flower seeds weren't taken..."

"Hoan probably won't find out...?"

Chapter 99 Three Strategies for Settling Down

Wow! What a bumper harvest! What a bumper harvest!

The jay walked happily on her way back, hopping and skipping like a schoolchild returning home. Besides the contents of her original animal-skin bag, her backpack was now filled with the seeds she had scavenged later.

Apart from her old, loose, and oddly styled animal skin clothing, everything else about her blended perfectly into the small town.

"You're having a great time in Mineral Town, aren't you? Have you considered staying?" I asked, carrying a large bag of seeds behind Jay. I could have carried all of this by myself, but she insisted on taking some, saying it would give her a sense of autumn and the harvest season in the tribe.

Hearing my words, Jay slowed down a little, but quickly continued walking with determination: "Of course this place is great! Whether it's you, Boss Dart, Sister Karen, or Uncle Zack, they're all good people!"

Jay counted on his fingers the number of people he had met that day, then quietly added, "Actually, Sheriff Harris and Boss Jeff aren't bad people either."

"It's good that you understand. Everyone has their own stance in the world, and conflicts arising from these stances are understandable. All that's needed is a pair of eyes that can see the root of the problem."

"Like our relationship with other tribes? We have a good relationship with our allied tribes. Even if I have a conflict with one of them, it won't affect our shared hardships. But with barbarian tribes, even if I am siblings with someone in their tribe, they won't hesitate to use their swords."

"Your understanding is correct. As the leader of the tribe in the future, you will not only have to consider personal friendships and likes and dislikes, but also prioritize the overall interests of the tribe."

"Ugh, this is so complicated! Now that you've explained it this way, I'm really starting to doubt whether I can handle this responsibility!" Jay's eyes darted around like mosquito coils, completely bewildered by these convoluted theories.

I burst out laughing. This little girl from the tribe was such a simple person. Her way of life was completely influenced by the harsh wilderness, but deep down she was still the innocent and kind-hearted child she always was.

Or rather, in that kind of environment, her upbringing was even simpler than that of city kids. She didn't need to worry about so many social niceties; all her energy was focused on wilderness survival. After all, which city kid hasn't been tricked out of their pocket money by their parents through coercion, bribery, flattery, and ingratiation? They've already gained practical experience...

"So, are you considering staying?"

"No way! I don't understand any of what you're saying, but I know everyone lives a hard life. The tribal elders only eat one full meal a day, and we have to leave the rest of the food for those who go out to forage and gather. Although Gado and the others who are in charge of hunting can eat their fill, they always come back with injuries. After they finish eating, groaning and moaning, one or two of them will never wake up again."

The jay was once again immersed in memories of her tribal life, those days of uncertainty and scarcity of resources, which brought heavy pressure to her heart, but also transformed into the motivation for her to face life positively.

"That's why I want to do everything I can to bring better conditions to everyone. If there's a way to ensure everyone has enough to eat and wear, the people in the tribe won't have to risk their lives to work. If everyone in the entire wasteland can be well-fed, there won't be so many conflicts between tribes!"

I remained silent, unwilling to shatter her beautiful dream.

With my connections in Mineral Town and the help of the Colonists, I think I should be able to improve the living conditions of the Brownpool tribe.

Even if they cannot be completely freed from the shadow of that barbaric world, they can at least alleviate the problems of disease, famine, overpopulation, and war.

However, as for changing the overall deplorable state of the wasteland, I can only apologize.

Human desires are insatiable, and in a lawless land like the wilderness, there is no way to restrain them. Even if the situation of hunger and cold is changed, other conflicts will arise between tribes, such as those over territory, moral values, development philosophies, and resource allocation, leading to new wars.

Moreover, the root of these wars lies not in these superficial issues, but in the ecology between tribes. Big fish eat little fish, little fish eat shrimp. The big fish may not intentionally want to eat the little fish, but it cannot survive without them. The shrimp also doesn't lack the desire to eat the big fish; when it grows to a certain stage, its strength fuels its ambition.

Therefore, greater ability does not necessarily equate to greater responsibility.

Rather, the stronger they are, the greater their ambitions become.

Eventually, this primitive annexation will reach its peak. At this peak, a tribe will find that it is surrounded by its own people and allies, and there is no room for further expansion.

There might be a brief moment of peace during that time. But in that era, all sorts of new conflicts will arise.

Until a monstrous flood called "class" was unleashed...

"What's wrong, Marcus? Why aren't you saying anything?" Jay called my name when he saw me lost in thought.

Interrupted from my thoughts, I suddenly realized that my thinking had a major flaw, a flaw that could even lead to the extinction of the Brownpool tribe.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about some minor things in human history."

"???" The jay's big eyes were filled with utter bewilderment.

"When you get back, remember to tell the tribal elders about today's experience first. Also, give them a full introduction to the details of those crops. Don't leave anything out in case you want to surprise them."

"Why? I want to surprise them after I grow something completely new..."

"Think about it, everything you brought back this time could become a force for the tribe's rise, not to mention the many crops you brought back, as well as the special medicines provided by the hospital..."

"No...no way..." Jay seemed to have realized something, his face turning pale as he tried to deny it.

But I bluntly interrupted her naive fantasy. If she didn't have a clear understanding, it would be better not to bring these things back. Such things would not only fail to help the tribe, but would also lead to its destruction.

"Once news of those things gets out, a large number of enemies will inevitably swarm in. Do you think the barbarian tribes would fight to the death for these magical crops?"

"Then if I do this... wouldn't that mean..."

"So you must listen to me and make the following three suggestions to the tribal elders. First, move to the safest place possible, secretly cultivate these crops, and control the entire tribe to prevent them from leaking the news!"

"Secondly, after the first batch of crops matures, we can provide planting technology to neighboring allies for a fee to expand the planting scale. 'A man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' When you can't guarantee that the technology won't leak out, you might as well use it to obtain the greatest benefit!"

"Third, organize tribal alliances, retreat to strategic locations, and gather the largest possible force to defend against enemy attacks. This tactic is called trading space for time. As long as you gain enough time, you can accumulate strength, reverse the passive situation, and rise up in one fell swoop!"

"The most important point of this plan is that no matter how popular other crops are, we must focus on planting potatoes as the core crop. This is the foundation of our livelihood! This is the strategy I'm giving you for a peaceful and prosperous life!"

Chapter 100 Tavern Comedy Show

"Yes, yes! I will definitely do as you say!" The little jay nodded like a chick pecking at rice, reciting it over and over again, wishing it could be engraved on its body and taken back with it.

Seeing how nervous she was, I patted her head in relief. "Don't worry, things might not be as bad as I think, but we should always prepare for the worst and make the most detailed arrangements. If you can come again next time, I will try my best to collect weapon blueprints that match your needs."