Time is always passing inadvertently, as the weather slowly cools down, the hot summer is gradually coming to an end, and autumn is quietly approaching and before you know it, it has entered the middle of August.

Autumn is also the harvest season of the year, in the north of the Ming Dynasty, after the wheat harvest, most of the crops with a short growth period such as millet, sorghum, beans and so on are almost ready to be harvested. This was Liu Fan's first harvest since the land reform, and Liu Fan felt the need to conduct inspections to ensure the safety of this harvest.

On August 13th, the autumn was crisp and cloudless, which was a rare good weather. Liu Fan personally took Wu Tao, Li Xiaohu and others to the countryside, wanting to have an in-depth understanding of the production and living conditions of the people in Jiaozhou.

The first few people came to Jiaodong Town, the Jiaodong area was originally the sphere of influence of the Zhao family and the salt merchant Wang family in Jiaozhou, and most of the land in Jiaodong was also under the names of these two families, but since Liu Fan exterminated some salt merchants in Jiaozhou and subdued the Zhao family, the land in Jiaodong has belonged to the garrison. After the last land reform, most of the land has been distributed to the people, leaving only some mountain and dry fields. The land that these people also did not want to cultivate was Liu Fan's experimental field. Among them are corn and potato seeds brought by Bella from the south.

Under the guidance of the civil affairs officer of Jiaozhou Town, Liu Fan and several people came to the experimental field, looking at the golden corn fields and lush potato fields, Liu Fan couldn't help asking, "Zhang Yupeng!" The crops we tested are growing very well! I think there will be a big harvest this year! You're doing a great job! ”

Zhang Yupeng, the civil affairs officer of Jiaozhou, replied respectfully: "I still have to thank the principal!" These newly introduced crops are drought-resistant, easy to manage, and do not pick the land, we have tried before, and the corn fields that are growing well can produce nearly two stones of grain per mu, and the yield is nearly twice that of corn. Moreover, according to the observation of his subordinates, the growth period of corn is only three months, and the requirements for the time of day are not high, so there is no need to rush to plow, and even February to April can be planted. In addition, the management of corn is also very simple, the growth rate of corn seedlings is very fast, and the plants are very tall, not easy to be covered by weeds, and the branches and leaves are thick and strong, and they will not lodging even if the wind is strong. When the corn is ripe, the cob is also strong, the kernels do not fall off, it is easy to harvest, and it is easy to dry and store. Whether it's porridge or cake, it tastes great! It can completely replace corn as the main food crop! ”

Liu Fan glanced at Zhang Yupeng with some surprise, he never thought that this Zhang Yupeng was still a talent, and couldn't help but praise, "Hmm! Yupeng, you observed very carefully, and almost all the advantages of corn were said! Not bad! So how about you talk about this potato? ”

Zhang Yupeng bowed and replied, "Yes!" Headmaster! Unlike corn, this potato is not grown from seeds, but needs stems to germinate and grow, which is very peculiar! The growth cycle of potatoes is about the same as that of corn, and it takes about three months! The yield is slightly higher than that of corn after comparison, and the yield per mu is a little more than two stones, about 500 to 600 catties. The advantage is also that it is easy to manage, which is ideal for mountainous and hilly areas. Moreover, this potato has a sweet taste, and it is delicious whether it is steamed, cooked, or fried, and it can be used not only for food but also for cooking. The only drawback is that it is not suitable for storage, and once it sprouts, it will be slightly toxic! Pity! Pity! ”

Liu Fan nodded and said, "That's true!" Storage is a big problem, and with our current methods, there really isn't a good way to increase the shelf life of potatoes! But you can try slicing it and drying it and grinding it into powder! That might be a little longer! ”

Zhang Yupeng nodded and said, "Yes!" Headmaster! I'll send someone to do it! After a deep groan, Zhang Yupeng opened his mouth and said, "My lord! This potato is not as good as corn, but there is one thing that he can't compare to any other crop! ”

"Oh! What a plus! Liu Fan asked with some surprise when he heard this

Zhang Yupeng's face became serious, and he said slowly: "Potatoes grow at the bottom, and even if the plants above are damaged in the later stage, the impact on them is not too great!" I think it's a great thing to grow in war-torn places. For example, Henan and Liaodong and other places are perennial wars, and once ordinary crops encounter war in the harvest season, the farmers' hard work for a year is almost in vain! Unlike potatoes, it grows underground and will not be affected much even if it is in war, and this kind of thing is laborious and time-consuming to excavate, and it is not easy for enemy troops to snatch it! Once it is popularized in war-torn areas, it will become a life-saving food for the people! ”

Liu Fan's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "Hmm! Yupeng, what you said makes a lot of sense! Ha ha! You've solved a big problem for me! Good! Good! Good! I read the wrong person! I've got credit for you! Manage these precious seeds carefully, and I will be of great use in the coming year! ”

Zhang Yupeng was also full of joy when he heard Liu Fan's praise, patted his chest and promised, "Don't worry, principal!" Students will be optimistic about these things! ”

Liu Fan patted Zhang Yupeng on the shoulder and said, "Hmm! Accumulate more experience, and next year I plan to vigorously promote these two high-yield crops, and if nothing else, this responsibility will be handed over to you! ”

Zhang Yupeng blushed and replied loudly, "Yes!" Headmaster! ”

After leaving Jiaodong Town, Liu Fan continued to take everyone to wander among the vast villages and towns in Jiaozhou, and with the arrival of the harvest season, Liu Fan sometimes rose up and took everyone to the countryside to help farmers harvest grain. Liu Fan's pro-people attitude caused huge repercussions in the Jiaozhou area, and almost all the people of Jiaozhou knew the deeds of Liu Fan and others. The simple people of Jiaozhou were deeply moved by Liu Fan and others, and the people had an account in their hearts, who was good to them and who was sincere in helping them, in fact, they knew better than anyone else. In the later period, Liu Fan and others would cause a huge sensation everywhere they went, and enthusiastic farmers took out their best food and were usually reluctant to eat pork, chickens and ducks to entertain Liu Fan and others.

Half a month Liu Fan traveled to all areas of Jiaozhou, even the military households by the sea did not miss out, this trip Liu Fan not only mastered the first-hand information of the Jiaozhou area, paved the way for the future implementation of new crops, but also deeply understood the suffering of the people, with Liu Fan's support and support, some ruffians, clan bullies and landlords and gentry of the remnants of the forces have reined in their minions, dare not oppress the people anymore! It ensures the smooth progress of the autumn harvest in Jiaozhou's rural areas! At the same time, it also gained the most important people's hearts! With this bumper harvest, the people have gained tangible benefits and are even more supportive of Liu Fan's new policy! Jiaozhou has also been completely stabilized (to be continued.) )