Song Tan’s Chronicle - Chapter 143.2

As everyone ate, someone praised the Seventh Granduncle’s cooking and asked, “Sancheng, since you even invited a chef, are there more tasks coming up? Don’t forget to call me when you need help!”

Song Sancheng chuckled, looking sincere, “Of course, I’ll count on everyone when there’s work. Now, it’s not up to me to decide; I have to listen to Tan Tan.”

Someone burst out laughing, “Tan Tan has only been in the fields a few times. What does she know? Matters like these still need your judgment.”

As soon as this was said, another chimed in, “That’s right! I’ve been meaning to say, why are you planting those weird peaches? No one around here has heard of them. If you’re going to plant, it should be flat peaches. They may look ugly, but they fetch a high price.”

“Actually, you’re wrong. Grapes should be planted instead; grape seedlings are cheaper!”

“If you ask me, you didn’t plant enough seedlings. Look at other peach orchards—they’re packed tightly. Yours look too sparse, and peach trees grow slowly…”

Everyone chatted enthusiastically as they ate, discussing as if it were their own land.

However, from their words, it was clear they didn’t consider Song Tan, the real decision-maker, seriously.

Wu Lan’s face darkened. She took a deep breath and was about to say something, but Song Tan patted her arm.

“Mom,” she whispered, “There’s no need to say much now. Once the fruits are harvested and we really make money, people will naturally listen to me.”

In fact, they wouldn’t even have to wait for the fruit harvest. When the vegetables ripened next month, whether they made money or not, the villagers would see for themselves and slowly guess.

It was an age-old problem in the village—elders thought the younger ones lacked experience, men believed women couldn’t handle things, and adults didn’t take children’s opinions seriously.

Of course, this wasn’t unique to the village; it was the same all over the country. It wasn’t necessarily good or bad, but there was no point in arguing now.

Wu Lan sighed, “I understand…”

Then she perked up proudly, “You underestimated your mother, didn’t you? This year’s vegetables… We still have to see if it’s luck or our land’s quality. If we can maintain this quality in the future, we can proudly boast about it.”

“There’s no point in bragging now. What if the quality drops later? I’m not willing to lose face like that.”

“We should make a fortune quietly.”

However, while she stayed quiet, some of the older women steered the conversation toward Song Tan’s personal matters:

“Oh my, Tan Tan, you’re working in Ning City. Why not find a local partner? A young girl like you coming back to farm is too hard.”

“Exactly! How old are you now, Tan Tan? I have a nephew…”

Song Tan: …

She wasn’t intimidated; instead, she replied boldly, “Sure, Aunt. If you have any handsome relatives, bring them over. If any of them can dig in the tea fields for a month, I’ll be willing to meet them…”

Her response caused a burst of laughter.

Even the Aunt who suggested it smiled, “How can you be so shrewd? I bet your father wouldn’t want to do that tea digging himself…”

Digging tea fields was usually done in the scorching summer. The intense heat made it tough to endure! If any young man had that kind of perseverance, he’d be highly regarded anywhere.

Song Tan smiled warmly, “You see, Aunt, I’m good-looking and strong. Shouldn’t I be picky?”

Village conversations were like this—many people spoke without much thought, just letting the words flow.

Everyone was used to this straightforward style; the more open and honest you were, the more they respected you.

At this point, everyone knew—this young girl from the Song family, Tan Tan, had high standards. Not just anyone would dare try to introduce someone to her!