C16 Changing to Sweet Potatoes

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"She only knows how to grow flowers, not crops. But if Old Master Luo says to plant sweet potatoes, then sweet potatoes it is. After all, she loves eating them—baked, boiled, mashed, or dried into chips. If possible, she could even make sweet potato noodles. A bowl of soup with those noodles on a winter day would be delicious."

She sighed softly, "Alright, let's plant sweet potatoes... But if we're going to do it, let's grow the best, the biggest ones."

That last statement really resonated with Old Master Luo. What farmer doesn't dream of growing the biggest and best crops?

Old Master Luo's eyes lit up as he looked at Yan Li. "Haha, you're right. We'll plant sweet potatoes, and even if it's just a small one, we'll make sure it's the best. Let them be envious."

Yan Li nodded seriously. "In that case, follow my lead. We need to rework the land, and there's a method to planting that isn't just random. We should cover the roots with decomposed leaves and be mindful of pests..."

Yan Li laid out her plan. Although she had never planted sweet potatoes herself, she had seen others do it. Growing sweet potatoes can be simple, but achieving high yields requires effort. If successful, she could turn them into chips or other staple foods and hopefully make a good profit.

As long as the yield from these ten acres matches or exceeds the value of ten acres of rice paddies, the effort will be worthwhile.

Old Master Luo, passionate about agriculture, listened eagerly, nodding frequently. He was especially intrigued by the method of planting on long, narrow mounds. He had never seen anything like it before, but as she explained, once the sweet potatoes were grown, harvesting would be much easier, saving both time and effort.

"Hahaha, let's do it that way. Well, I'll head back now and check on the fields tomorrow. I want to see them planting myself." With that, Old Master Luo excitedly strode away.

Yan Li watched her father-in-law's retreating figure with amusement. "He's quite the whirlwind, isn't he?"

Luo Tingye, maintaining a rare, long-lasting smile, brewed himself a cup of jasmine tea and sipped it elegantly. "You're quite unique yourself."

To think you knew about this method of farming. It's unheard of here. Even the vegetable gardens aren't this organized.

Yan Li chuckled, "Growing flowers and farming have a lot in common. Both require care, fertilizer, and understanding their nature. I love gardening, so naturally, I can see the parallels."

Luo Tingye rolled his eyes playfully. "Are you saying you're smart?"

Yan Li teased back, "Husband, do you think your wife is not?"

They exchanged glances, shared a moment of silence, then both burst into laughter.

Yan Li was quite attractive, and Luo Tingye was an extraordinary man. Their chemistry was evident, and the maids watching them felt they were a perfect match, truly in love.

Mei'er took it all in, her sharp nails digging into her palms. "She's just a stand-in bride. What right does she have to be so close with him? Losing to the Xie family’s daughter would be one thing, but to a mere farm girl? Hmph, I won't accept it."

Mei'er stormed off, her face dark with anger.

That night, with Old Master Luo home, Mrs. Lau prepared a feast in the side hall, filling the table with fine food and drink, and had her two sons come early.

Luo Tingbao glanced at the food and drink on the table. "This isn't as good as what Miss Chunhua makes."

Luo Tingquan agreed, "Exactly. Just because Dad's back doesn't mean we need to make such a big deal out of it. He comes and goes a dozen times a year, doesn't he?"

Every spring, when the farming season began, Old Master Luo would only spend a few days at home each month. They were used to not seeing their father. Besides, when he was home, they had to stay put and couldn't go out and have fun. It was almost better when he wasn't around.

Mrs. Lau said, "You two should stop running around all the time. It's about time you started paying attention to the household affairs. This month, you're not going anywhere. You don't know this, but as soon as your father got back, he went straight to the Banquet Night Courtyard and came out smiling. That's never happened before, so you better be careful."

Nanny Cheung also brought news that the Old Master was chatting and laughing with the Eldest Young Master and Great Young Madam in the house. Who knows what they were talking about?

This wasn't a good sign for her. In previous years, the Old Master always came back with a frown. But now, Luo Tingye had just gotten married, and he seemed so happy? That was something to watch out for.

Luo Tingbao and Luo Tingquan didn't care at all.

"Mom, every time Dad comes back, he always goes to that woman's courtyard first. What's there to be careful about?"

Mrs. Lau's expression grew more serious. "You better listen to me. If Luo Tingye and his wife win your father's favor, the Luo Mansion's assets might really be handed over to them. When that happens, don't come crying to me."

Hearing this, their previously indifferent faces turned pale.

That sickly Luo Tingye was still the legitimate son of the Luo family, and their father had spent countless precious herbs on him. If that sickly guy were to die, it would be one thing, but with the way things were going with his new wife, it seemed like he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. If their father decided to leave everything to him before he passed, what then?

"Mom, you can't let Dad have such plans. That woman has spent enough of our money already."

"Exactly, Mom, you need to come up with a solution. Maybe, maybe we should just poison him. He's been sick for so long, whether he goes sooner or later, he's going to go anyway."

That was truly malicious, to actually suggest poisoning someone?

Mrs. Lau was frustrated. Didn't she want to get rid of Luo Tingye? But she needed the right opportunity to act. In the past, she held back to maintain a "kind" facade. Now she wanted to poison him, but Yan Li had moved into the courtyard.

"Alright, alright, stop talking about it. For now, you should try to win over your father's favor. Don't let Luo Tingye take all the spotlight."

"Yes, Mom, we'll definitely make Father happy."

The two sons immediately accepted the task, and soon they placed dishes that Old Master Luo liked at the head of the table, instructing the kitchen to prepare more.

What Mrs. Lau and her sons didn't realize was that Old Master Luo overheard everything, with Luo Tingye and Yan Li nearby.