In years of famine and drought, their village even rejected fatty meat.

Chapter 87 The Temptation of 12 Silver Dollars

Chen Dao was not surprised that everyone agreed. It was a simple matter: with the current weather, crops could not be planted, and the land was just sitting idle. Renting it to Chen Dao would earn him two taels of silver to pay taxes, while not renting it out would only result in a waste.

Chen Dao's reason for renting land from villagers is quite simple: as grain prices in the city continue to rise and his livestock numbers continue to increase, Chen Dao has begun to consider the issue of food self-sufficiency.

The chickens and ducks that Chen Dao had painstakingly raised were mostly taken by Liang Shang, who monopolized the grain. This was absolutely unacceptable to Chen Dao.

Therefore, Chen Dao began to consider the matter of producing his own grain. The severe cold weather was of course the biggest trouble affecting farming for the villagers, but for Chen Dao, it was not a problem. His golden touch could completely cultivate grain varieties that could withstand low temperatures.

Chen Dao didn't consider growing his own food in the past because he was concerned about his own safety. Now that he has enough ability to protect himself, it's time for him to consider food self-sufficiency.

"Everyone."

Chen Dao looked at the delighted crowd and said, "This two taels of silver is not only for renting your land, but also for your help with the work."

Everyone was taken aback by these words, and for a moment they couldn't understand what Chen Dao meant.

Sitting next to Chen Dao, Li Zheng reacted quickly and asked, "Brother Dao, are you going to plant crops in those fields?"

"Not bad!"

Chen Dao nodded.

"That won't do."

Chen Sheng shook his head and said, "Brother Dao, in this weather, even the most cold-resistant winter wheat cannot be planted. You simply cannot grow any grain in the field."

Winter wheat also exists in this world, and the suitable sowing temperature for winter wheat is around 15-18 degrees Celsius. Although farmers in this world cannot accurately judge the temperature, they know very well that the current frigid weather will absolutely not allow winter wheat to germinate and grow normally.

"I have my own way."

Chen Dao said calmly, "All you need to do is help me plow the land and sow the seeds."

After saying that, Chen Dao added, "Of course, I will provide meals during the work period, and everyone who helps with the work will be able to eat their fill."

"Is it true?"

As soon as Chen Dao said this, everyone's eyes lit up.

Everyone has seen how good the food is at Chen Dao's house. If Chen Dao provides meals, people would do anything for him, let alone help with plowing the fields!

"Brother Dao, does he really provide meals?" Village Chief Chen He couldn't help but ask. Hearing that Chen Dao would provide meals, even he, the village chief, was tempted.

There's nothing we can do; in this kind of year, even the village chief's family doesn't have any surplus grain!

"real."

Chen Dao nodded and gave an affirmative answer: "Not only will meals be provided, but you'll be full."

"I'll do this job!"

Chen Sheng readily agreed. In this weather, he figured he might as well stay home and do some work, since at least he could at least get a full meal.

"I did it too!"

"Brother Dao is so generous! I'll do anything you need me to do!"

"Brother Dao, I'll work for you!"

"..."

Without a second thought, all the able-bodied men agreed. Renting their land to Chen Dao for half a year would earn them two taels of silver to pay taxes, and they could also get enough to eat while helping with the work. It would be foolish not to agree to such a thing.

"also……"

After a moment's thought, Chen Dao said, "Everyone probably knows that I raise a lot of chickens and ducks at home, right?"

"know."

Everyone answered in unison.

It's common knowledge that Chen Dao raises chickens, and everyone knows that Chen Dao's current good life is due to raising chickens.

"I need some help to raise chickens."

Chen Dao said, "This chicken-raising job not only provides meals, but also pays wages."

Chen Dao's words immediately excited many young adults.

"Brother Dao, I'm willing to help you raise chickens."

"I'm willing too."

"Brother Dao, my family used to raise chickens, I can help you with this!"

"..."

Without even asking how much they would be paid, everyone expressed their willingness to help. They had all seen how well Chen Cheng and the others ate while working for Chen Dao, and they wanted to have steamed buns with them every meal, even if they weren't paid.

"Everyone, please don't panic."

Chen Dao gestured with his hands to signal everyone to quiet down, then said, "Men aren't really suited to raising chickens, so I need to find some women in the village to help!"

A young man glanced at his crotch and his face fell.

The other young men also showed disappointment on their faces; the women's work was no longer their concern.

As for why Chen Dao only wanted women, the reason was simple: the chickens were raised at his home, and besides himself, his house was full of women and children, making it inconvenient for men to frequently come and go.

Furthermore, caring for livestock does not require much physical strength, but rather a lot of care, and women are better at this than men.

"village head."

Chen Dao turned to Chen He and said, "I need five women to help me take care of my livestock. As for the compensation, they will provide meals every day and pay one tael of silver per month!"

One tael of silver!!!

Everyone's eyes widened involuntarily, and they all gasped in shock!

"One or two taels of silver a month? That's a lot!"

"Brother Dao, you've given too much!"

"I wish I could become a woman right now."

"..."

Upon hearing about the reward of one tael of silver, the crowd glanced at their crotches and felt an urge to become women right now. They couldn't help it; the temptation of one tael of silver was simply too great.

Unfortunately, there was no gender reassignment technology in this era, and everyone could only watch helplessly as this great opportunity slipped away.

but……

Many young men, however, seemed to be deep in thought, their eyes gleaming as they considered whether or not to help the women in their families secure this opportunity.

"Don't worry, Brother Dao!"

Chen He readily agreed, "I can definitely help you find the person."

Chen He didn't think any woman in the village could refuse a job that included daily meals and a monthly stipend of one tael of silver. It was only because there were only able-bodied men here at the moment that the women would be scrambling to get the job.

"I have another request."

Chen Dao added, "These five people must be honest and kind, and priority should be given to those whose families are already struggling to make ends meet."

Chen Dao is always willing to help impoverished villagers whenever he can, and the chicken-raising job he offers is undoubtedly one of the best-paying jobs of our time.

Such well-paid jobs are often the hardest hit by connections. Chen Dao did not want Chen He to give this job to his relatives or people he was close to. Instead, he hoped to take care of the most disadvantaged families in the village, which is why he made these requests.