Chapter 1316: Abundant Production

Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan felt a deep sense of satisfaction as she looked at the potatoes. Her heart swelled with pride.

These were all the fruits of her labor, and in just a year, she had become the sole producer of such a bountiful potato harvest.

With such a high production rate and the plans to scale up cultivation on their own land next year, she knew it was crucial to inform the Crown Prince. Taking credit for it themselves wouldn’t be right, so they needed to share the news with the Crown Prince and request that he report it to the Emperor.

However, these potatoes were essentially their family’s property. Even if they had to contribute a portion to the Imperial Plantation for seed testing, the majority would remain with their family.

In her interspace, Qiao Xuan had also harvested some potatoes. When the time was right, she would incorporate them without drawing too much attention to it.

After gathering strawberries and potatoes, Qiao Xuan and her servant picked a basket of assorted fresh vegetables before heading home.

Upon their return, she instructed Qing Yan to send a basket of strawberries to Zhao Shu and extended an invitation for him to join them for dinner the following evening.

For tonight’s meal, Qiao Xuan prepared some spicy shredded potatoes, beef brisket with potatoes, potato pancakes, and two other potato-based dishes for Shao Yunduan.

Last year, they could only taste the potatoes sparingly, but this year, there was no need for restraint. They could enjoy them to their heart’s content.

It truly was a bountiful harvest!

As Qiao Xuan excitedly shared the news of the abundant potatoes with Shao Yunduan, his eyes sparkled with astonishment and delight.

To make her point even more persuasive, Qiao Xuan encouraged him to witness the potatoes for himself, almost as if she were showing off.

When Shao Yunduan saw the basket of potatoes, Qiao Xuan jokingly referred to them as “two fruits,” causing him to nearly burst into laughter.

Last year, he had heard his wife proudly extol the virtues of their abundant and delicious potatoes, how they could serve as both vegetables and a staple food. Planting them had truly been worth it, she had insisted.

However, he hadn’t anticipated just how abundant the harvest would be!

The difference between hearing about it and witnessing it firsthand was staggering.

Hearing about it might elicit surprise, but seeing it left one utterly stunned!

In a year of scarcity, these potatoes could potentially save numerous lives!

“…This is incredible! We must discuss how to inform the Crown Prince,” he remarked.

There was no way to keep such a matter hidden.

Qiao Xuan held his arm, raised her chin, and proudly said, “Let’s wait a bit longer. We can discuss it when the potatoes look even better and are ready for harvest!”

These potatoes could remain in the ground for another 500 meters, allowing them to accumulate more starch and improve in quality.

There was no need to rush.

Shao Yunduan nodded in agreement. “Then we’ll wait a bit longer, as you say.”

Qiao Xuan smiled warmly. “I’ll try making more dishes to see how they taste. Since it’s a bountiful year, you can enjoy as much as you want.”

Shao Yunduan grinned. “I’ll gladly follow my wife’s lead!”

The following evening, Zhao Shu was invited over for dinner, and several dishes made from potatoes were served.

Zhao Shu had grown up in a wealthy family in Jiangnan, a prosperous region with abundant resources, goods, and even access to overseas markets. Despite his extensive knowledge, he had never tasted potatoes before.

While there might have been potatoes in Jiangnan, they had never been part of his culinary experience.

Zhao Shu was genuinely intrigued by the dishes Qiao Xuan had prepared. They tasted exquisite, and when he heard about the potato yield, he was genuinely astonished, despite his limited knowledge of farming.

Uncle Qing, who was assisting at the table, couldn’t conceal his amazement. The situation seemed almost too unbelievable!

Unable to contain himself, he asked Qiao Xuan for some potato seeds to plant in the South.

Qiao Xuan had the same idea in mind when sharing this news, so she readily agreed.