Xiqiu raised her eyebrows slightly and asked, "If we all use it, wouldn’t everyone in the village have to buy food to eat?"

"I’ve considered this. This year the price of grain is slightly lower than that of herbs. Selling herbs and then buying rice would be more cost-effective," Zhu Sancheng replied slowly. Xiqiu lowered her head, sipped her tea, and pondered for a moment before responding, "Since the first year we planted herbs, I remember that, after deducting the costs, the profit surplus in the village was about one hundred and twenty taels. The second year it was one hundred and eighty, and last year it was two hundred and fifty. According to you, it indeed seems more profitable than growing crops. However, it’s just thirty extra acres, not enough to significantly increase profits. Let’s not make any changes for the time being. This spring, let’s plant crops to ensure there’s some security against years of droughts or floods. Herbs can’t always fill our stomachs, and sometimes even with silver, you can’t buy food. We can’t rely solely on the weather; only what’s in our own bowl can give us peace of mind."

"Madam, you’re right," Zhu Sancheng nodded slightly, showing a look of deep thought. Xiqiu looked at him and asked again, "Has there been any activity at the Zhou Residence next door?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Sancheng’s eyes brightened, and his expression also changed a bit as he replied, "The harvest wasn’t very good last year. As for any other developments, I will go back and investigate." If they could buy the Zhou family’s estate, Zhu Sancheng felt at ease and elated just thinking about it. Managing such a large piece of land for the Madam would be quite an experience.

Knowing he had understood her, Xiqiu said no more and nodded before turning to Zou Bochang, "How are things on your end? Is this year’s growth better than last year’s? If not, then don’t plant herbs; see if there’s anything else suitable to grow."

"Madam, the land is barren, and over the past two years, I’ve observed that nothing we plant will yield a good harvest," Zou Bochang replied, furrowing his brow and looking at Xiqiu. "In my opinion, it’s better to sell it. Keeping this hundred-acre piece of wasteland and still organizing manpower for it is pointless."

Hearing this, Xiqiu’s expression turned slightly displeased, her face cooling a bit, "According to what you say, then the surrounding lands should all be barren. But why do we hear that the neighboring estate has a harvest year after year? Have you inquired into what they plant and how they plant it?"

Startled by her words, Zou Bochang paused before responding, "Madam, not having visited the estate yourself, you wouldn’t know the situation there. The surrounding land is generally low-lying, with our estate being the highest. Normally, it’s not as convenient for us to irrigate or accumulate rainwater, so it’s quite normal to have differences among the areas."

Xiqiu gave a cold smile and later called Su Dazhuang aside for a talk, "Manager Su, having visited the neighboring estate, do you think what Zou Bochang said makes sense?"

Su Dazhuang kept his head down and, after a slight pause, answered, "Madam, what Zou Bochang said is both reasonable and not reasonable." Speaking honestly yet skillfully, he paused to glance at Xiqiu, only continuing when he saw she wasn’t displeased, "Dry land can’t grow rice, but there are plenty of other crops that can be grown. As long as one manages it diligently, there’s bound to be a harvest."

What he said was quite objective, and Xiqiu nodded slightly, then asked, "Then let me ask you, if I entrusted that estate to you to manage, would you have confidence in doing it?"

Su Dazhuang paused, then replied to Xiqiu, "I would indeed have confidence. That plot isn’t too terrible, and I’m quite confident." After saying this, he paused again before adding, "But there are currently many matters in the estate, and it’s not close by, so I fear I won’t have the time to divide my attention properly, and I may fail Madam’s trust." He wasn’t inclined to expend effort.

"I understand," Xiqiu lifted her tea, "You can go back and rest. It’s rare to come to the Capital, so enjoy yourself." Su Dazhuang’s expression changed slightly, and he obliged with a bow, "Yes!"

"Wait a moment," Xiqiu called him back again, "How old are your two sons, Manager Su? Are they married?"

Su Dazhuang was taken aback and replied, "Madam, the older one is nineteen this year and the younger one seventeen; neither is married yet." Xiqiu nodded slightly and waved her hand, "You may go!"

Su Dazhuang showed a look of contemplation, glanced at Xiqiu, and then left with his head lowered.

The Su family hadn’t signed a sell-off contract; they were more like modern contract workers, maintaining their freedom. Their relationship with the family was more cooperative, differing in assignment and treatment compared to Zou Bochang and others.

"Madam," Chunliu murmured discontentedly, "Zou Bochang hasn’t made any progress over these years but has gained quite a temper."

Xiqiu smiled lightly and said nothing. Chunliu furrowed her brows and continued, "That Manager Su too, though he looks honest, yet his words are not. He initially said he had many ways, but then he went on to say he lacked the energy, clearly not intending to make the effort."

Of course, he didn’t want to make the effort. Like family and outsiders, he had no immediate interest at stake, so why should he do work for free?

"Though a hundred acres isn’t much, it’s still land. It won’t sell for a good price, and it was part of Madam’s dowry..." Chunliu, tidying up the tea cups, looked back at Xiqiu, "Madam, why not replace Zou Bochang with the Jin Dairui family, is that possible?"

The Jin Dairui family, having stayed close by these past two years, were very honest and reliable in their work; whether at the hospital or the mansion, they were capable. Sending them to manage an estate now would unsettle them, and it’s not worth it. Besides, with Yiquan having been at the Marquis Mansion these two years, I intended to bring him back this year to manage external affairs at the mansion, but thinking about it gives me a headache. She waved her hand, "No rush; they still have a few days in the Capital. I’ll figure something out."

Chunliu agreed, was about to speak, but then Bihuai lifted the curtain and entered, announcing, "Madam, Fourth Miss is here!"

"Fourth sister is here?" As the words fell, Tong Xiyan had already entered through the door, calling out, "Sixth sister!" Wearing a goose yellow overcoat and light green jacket, Tong Xiyan was already inside the Warm Pavilion.

Xiqiu went to greet her, smiling, "Fourth sister." The two sat together on the couch, and Chunliu served Tong Xiyan tea. Tong Xiyan took the tea and looked at Xiqiu, "I was bored at home, so I came to visit you, and I also brought some new fabrics for Zhi from Jiangnan. When it gets warmer, you can make some spring clothes for them."

"You needn’t have," Xiqiu laughed, and Tong Xiyan waved it off, "If you hadn’t said you make Zhi and Min’s clothes yourself, I would have had someone take their measurements and make them ready-made clothes, rather than just sending fabrics." She paused and added, "There’s plenty of fabric, take more from the embroidery shop if needed!"

Xiqiu nodded and smiled, "You send so much every season, there’s more fabric than we can use." Tong Xiyan put down her teacup and pointed at Chunliu and the others, "If you can’t use it all, just give it to them."

Xiqiu couldn’t help but laugh out loud, teasing Tong Xiyan, "Yes, yes, now I have a sister who’s rich and generous; even the ladies in the court wear your clothes." Tong Xiyan laughed as she heard this and reached out to pinch Xiqiu’s arm, "You’re such a smooth talker!"