Chapter 126: Giving a Gift Contribution

The weather grew increasingly chilly.

Fortunately, the new house was already built, with flues beneath the walls and a thin hollow layer within the walls themselves. The heated kang bed was in place, so this winter, staying inside would mean warmth and comfort.

Wei Renshi had already begun planning what excuses he might use to keep himself indoors throughout the winter.

It had been over a month since Wei Renshi returned from the eastern capital, Luoyang.

Tender green sprouts had already appeared on the soil in the greenhouse, and quite a few new animals had been born at the breeding farm. Thanks to good feed and a clean environment, they were thriving.

The manure from the breeding farm was taken to fertilize the fields, where the crops grew vigorously. Earthworms multiplied greatly in the soil beneath. After harvest, leftover vegetable stalks were collected, and wild earthworms from the fields were gathered. Some of these could be sold as medicinal herbs, while others were chopped up and mixed with fermented vegetable stalks and straw to create feed for the chickens and ducks raised on the farm.

Chickens and ducks loved this feed; those raised on it grew strong and healthy, with tender, flavorful meat and plentiful eggs. They could be kept for egg production or sold as meat.

Using earthworms to feed poultry meant their droppings could also be collected and returned to the fields, further enriching the soil.

Every step in this cycle was purposeful, with no waste and excellent results. Together, they formed a beneficial loop—each link connected and reinforcing the next, creating mutual gains.

Starting from spring plowing, Wei Renshi had gradually built this model of circular agriculture, which now had taken initial shape.

But this alone was not enough.

Taking advantage of several consecutive sunny days, Wei Renshi hired workers to dig several large fish ponds in Changgu Valley, beginning to stock them with fish.

When spring arrived next year, the ponds would be surrounded by mulberry trees.

“What’s the use of raising fish? If you want to eat fish, just go fishing in the river,” Gou Er remarked by the pond, watching fish fry being poured in.

The others remained silent but looked somewhat puzzled.

Among the gathered were many respected elders from Changgu Valley, as well as some able-bodied men.

Wei Renshi explained to them, “This is for small households like ours. But what about when big families hold grand banquets or restaurants serve many dishes? When fish is needed in large quantities, it must be bought. Our farmed fish are large and of good quality, so people will come to Changgu Valley to buy them. And the fish ponds are just part of the plan. When we plant mulberry trees around them next spring, that’s when the system will be complete.”

“Mulberry trees?” The crowd truly looked puzzled now. Zheng Lizheng spoke up for the group, “What do fish ponds have to do with mulberry trees?”

“Silkworm fish ponds,” Wei Renshi replied.

Everyone was momentarily taken aback. Elder Liu Awen asked, “Wei sir, what exactly is a silkworm fish pond?”

“It’s not a thing but a method of farming,” Wei Renshi explained. “Mulberry trees are planted on the pond banks and nearby areas. Mulberry leaves feed silkworms for silk production. The silkworm droppings and pupae serve as bait for the fish in the pond. The fish pond mud, enriched by fish excrement, fertilizes the mulberry trees. This creates a cycle: planting mulberry on pond banks, feeding silkworms with leaves, feeding fish with silkworm pupae, and using pond mud to nourish the trees. Each element supports the other, achieving both fish and silk production.”

“The pond mud is extremely fertile. Using it to grow mulberry trees results in healthy trees and high-quality leaves. Silkworms fed on these leaves thrive and produce better silk. More silkworm droppings and pupae are generated, which feed the fish well, making them fat and delicious. The fish excrement enriches the pond mud, which further nourishes the mulberry trees... Ah, I’m getting dizzy trying to follow it all!” Elder Liu mused aloud.

“I know, it’s called... circular agriculture. Yes, exactly circular agriculture!” Zheng Lizheng said to Elder Liu. “Like the pig manure fertilizing the fields in the breeding farm, with earthworms and stalks recycled as feed—each link connects to the next, benefiting the following step, forming a circle where every part gains.”

“That’s right,” Wei Renshi said to the crowd. “You are all respected elders of the village, so I want to share this with you. Everyone can participate, invest their share, and cooperate with me. When profits come, we’ll distribute dividends based on each person’s contribution.”

After speaking, Wei Renshi looked at the assembly. Having seen and heard the explanations from Zheng Lizheng and himself, they seemed to understand.

Zheng Lizheng continued, “Think about it. With Wei sir’s skills, he could do everything alone and keep all the profits. But he chose to include everyone, to uplift us all and lead us to better days. During busy farming seasons, you’ll plant crops as usual, and in off-seasons, you can work in these ventures for wages. At year’s end, there will be profit sharing, too.”

“So we won’t neglect farming, but gain additional income. We’ll become both farmers and businessmen. And we won’t have to sell the produce ourselves; Wei sir’s enterprises will handle sales and distribute dividends accordingly. The more you invest, the more you earn; the less, the less you get. It’s all additional income,” Zheng Lizheng explained. “Think it over and come to my house in ten days to register your shares.”

Afterward, the group exchanged looks. Elder Liu slowly stepped forward and said, “I understand what Wei sir has explained. He’s done well for himself but cannot bear to see us continue in hardship, so he wants to help us. I’m grateful for his kindness. I’ll take on fifty mulberry trees by this fish pond and dig another pond—how many shares would that earn me?”

“It’s hard to say now; it will be converted into money value. Once everyone has registered, we’ll see how many shares yours represent,” Zheng Lizheng replied with a smile.

In Changgu Valley, two respected elders—Zheng Lizheng and Elder Liu—led the way.

With their endorsement and the villagers’ trust in Wei Renshi, many began signing up to invest.

Zheng Lizheng advised them to consider carefully and register with him in ten days.

Looking at those familiar faces, Wei Renshi silently hoped that Changgu Valley would never again see an old woman forced to sell her granddaughter to support her grandson through a harsh winter of acorn bread.