Chapter 39: Explosive News

Lingzhi, a fungus held in high regard, symbolizes good fortune and prosperity while offering significant health benefits. In ancient times, only the noble classes possessed the financial means to consume it. If one could cultivate Lingzhi, the annual revenue generated would be immeasurable.

Although this was a highly lucrative path, as Luo Hui'an had pointed out, all income from their third branch of the family had to be surrendered to the communal treasury. Given Old Lady Luo’s temperament, she would hardly be generous enough to spend it on Luo Hui'an. Furthermore, Tong Chuxue was unfamiliar with the rest of the Luo family, and whether they were trustworthy remained a significant question mark.

"Luo Hui'an, I have a question to ask you, and I hope you won't be offended." Tong Chuxue looked at him with a hint of caution.

"It is quite alright. Please, speak." Luo Hui'an smiled slightly, then signaled to his younger sister, Luo Huiqing, who understood and headed off to the shade of a distant tree.

"I have a business opportunity. It is a guaranteed success with massive profits. I wonder if you have any interest in joining me." Tong Chuxue intentionally obscured some details; she was only testing his thoughts for now and saw no need to reveal everything.

From the cautious look on her face, Luo Hui'an caught a glimpse of her intent. The "major business" she spoke of was likely on par with the cultivation of dendrobium.

"What are the conditions?" Luo Hui'an asked. Massive profits were often accompanied by massive risks; he did not believe she would invite him into this business without any strings attached.

Tong Chuxue smiled brightly upon hearing this. She knew that speaking with Luo Hui'an required little effort, as he possessed an uncanny ability to understand the subtext of their cryptic exchange. She leaned in slightly and explained a few more details.

After hearing her out, Luo Hui'an’s expression turned solemn. "Allow me some time to think."

This reaction was within her expectations. She knew such demands were not something an ordinary family could accept; for many, it was no different from demanding their very lives.

Once they finished their conversation, they returned from the mountains to the Luo residence. Luo Huiqing entered ahead of them. Standing at the door, Luo Hui'an said to Tong Chuxue, "Whether the risk is worth it, only time will tell."

Tong Chuxue nodded, full of confidence. "It will definitely be worth it."

The next day, Tong Chuxue went to see Tong Shan early in the morning.

"Uncle Village Chief, I have something important to discuss with you," Tong Chuxue said cheerfully.

"What is it, coming over so early?" Tong Shan chuckled.

However, after hearing her plan, his smile vanished. He was shocked, his eyes filled with worry. "Must it really come to this?"

Tong Chuxue remained exceptionally firm, her attitude resolute. "Uncle, it must be so. If everyone feels they have a backup plan, they will not commit themselves fully. This venture carries risks, as you well know, but consider what success would mean for Qingshan Village."

"But your conditions are far too harsh. I fear..." Tong Shan remained deeply concerned.

"Uncle, this is entirely voluntary. I would never force any family to join me. However, this involves many secrets; if I do not set these terms, I cannot rest easy."

"I understand your meaning, but... very well. You must explain it clearly to everyone yourself. I will not interfere further; after all, it is your business." After thinking it over for a long time, Tong Shan agreed to her terms, though he was uncertain how many villagers would be willing to follow her.

In the afternoon, all the villagers of Qingshan gathered in the clearing at the center of the village, the Luo family among them.

Upon seeing Tong Chuxue, Zou Hongping spat on the ground. "Why is it this wretched girl again? Always causing trouble for everyone."

The second branch's daughter-in-law, Tian Zhaodi, was equally displeased. She still remembered that it was right here that she had learned of her son’s poisoning. "Sister-in-law, the Village Chief asked us to come, so we must show some respect. Let’s hear what she has to say."

Tong Chuxue stood upon a rock and scanned the crowd. Everyone from the Luo family’s third branch was present. She cleared her throat and began, "I have gathered you all here today because there is a matter of great importance to discuss."

"I possess a secret formula that can generate great wealth. However, I lack the manpower, and as everyone knows, Qingshan is the poorest among the surrounding villages. So, I thought it would be better to bring everyone together to earn this fortune."

"Today, I am here to recruit families willing to join me."

The villagers' first reaction upon hearing of a "big business" was not ecstasy, but skepticism. Coming from a young girl, it lacked credibility.

"Little Xue, you aren't joking, are you? If you have such a good thing, why not keep it for yourself? Are you really trying to help us, or are you just trying to trick us?"

"Exactly. And you haven't even said what this business is."

"We won't touch anything illegal. If the authorities catch us, what then?"

There were all sorts of murmurs in the crowd. Tong Chuxue understood their concerns, but she had yet to reveal the most important part.

"I know you don't trust me yet, but I cannot reveal the specific nature of the business just yet."

"Everyone, mark my words today: if you follow me and we succeed, I guarantee you will never have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of your lives."

Such a bold declaration caused an uproar, but the vast majority remained unconvinced.

It was only a few families in the village who were so destitute that they had nothing to lose who, clinging to a faint glimmer of hope, spoke up. "My family is willing."

Tong Chuxue smiled brightly. "Don't be in a rush. I am not forcing anyone to decide today. I will give you three days. After three days, those willing to sign up can go to Uncle Village Chief’s house to register."

"However," Tong Chuxue raised her voice, "I have one requirement: any family that wishes to work with me must sell all their farmland!"

If the vague nature of the business had already discouraged many, this demand to sell their land felt like cutting the flesh from everyone present.

It was land! It was their lifeblood!

A farmer toils for a lifetime, and all their worries revolve around that patch of earth. If they sold their land, they wouldn't even have a meal to eat. How could they accept this before even earning a single cent?

"Tong Chuxue, you just open your mouth and ask us to sell our land! We are all farmers; how are we supposed to live if we sell our land?"

"I think you’ve gone mad! What family would sell their land for your business? If we lose, we’ll have nothing left!"

Listening to the commotion, Tong Chuxue did not offer much explanation. She merely said coldly, "Business inherently carries risks. To achieve great things, one must take great risks. If you do not sell your land, you will be working while constantly worrying about your fields; how could you possibly perform well?"

"Whether you accept it or not, I will not force anyone. Those who are willing, go register with the Village Chief."

"That is all. You are dismissed."