I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

Chapter 442: Bean Fragrance Road

After the breakfast business was booming and the chain store business was thriving, bringing rich profits to the manor, Chen Jia and Chen Jue's business minds were still keen to capture new business opportunities. They focused their attention on the common soybeans and mung beans, and found that these small beans actually contained huge potential. From the cultivation of bean sprouts, to the production of bean products such as tofu, edamame, and stinky tofu, to the production of soybean oil, bean cakes, and the sale of edamame, a series of industries around soybeans and mung beans gradually took shape in their ideas. They were determined to fully explore the value of soybeans and mung beans, carry forward their development, and create more income for the manor and the farmhands.

In the afternoon of that day, the sun shone through the window onto the table in the study. Chen Jia and Chen Jue were sitting around the table, which was filled with books and materials about beans. Chen Jia was flipping through an old agricultural book, and suddenly her eyes lit up. She said to Chen Jue excitedly, "Husband, look at this book. It says that soybeans and mung beans can not only be eaten directly, but can also be processed into a variety of delicious and valuable products. Bean sprouts are easy to grow and have a crispy texture. They are very popular vegetables. Tofu is also very versatile and can be made into a variety of dishes. Our estate has plenty of land and labor, so why not try to expand the bean industry?"

Chen Jue nodded slightly, put down the scroll in his hand, and said with a focused look: "Madam, your idea is wonderful. Soybeans and mung beans are indeed treasure ingredients, and the value that can be tapped is very large. If we can do a good job in related industries, we can not only enrich the product variety of the manor, but also greatly increase income. However, the technologies and processes involved in these industries are different, and we need to study and learn in depth."

Chen Jia bit her lip lightly and said thoughtfully, "Husband, we can start with growing bean sprouts, which is relatively simple. We can ask experienced farmers in the village to guide us and learn how to grow bean sprouts, including seed selection, soaking, germination and other steps. For the production of tofu and other soy products, we can ask professional tofu masters to teach us the skills. As for soybean oil extraction and bean cake production, we may need to purchase some special equipment and consult relevant experts."

Chen Jue shook Chen Jia's hand in agreement and said, "Madam, let's do this. Let's act as soon as possible. I will contact the old farmer and the tofu master right away, and you will be responsible for arranging the purchase of the materials and tools needed to cultivate bean sprouts and make soy products."

In the following days, Chen Jue asked around and finally invited an experienced farmer and a skilled tofu master from the village. When the farmer and the master arrived at the manor, Chen Jia and Chen Jue warmly welcomed them and took them to visit the site where the bean industry was to be developed.

Chen Jia said to the old farmer, "Uncle, we want to grow bean sprouts. Please tell us more about the key points and precautions of growing them."

The old farmer smiled and nodded: "Mrs. Chen, Mr. Chen, when growing bean sprouts, seed selection is crucial. You need to choose beans with full grains and no pests or diseases. When soaking, you need to control the time well. Soybeans are usually soaked for 6 to 8 hours, and mung beans for a shorter time. During the germination process, you need to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, and water them regularly."

Chen Jue listened carefully, nodded and said, "Uncle, is there anything particular about the container for growing bean sprouts?"

The old farmer thought for a moment and said, "The container should be breathable and well-drained. You can use a bamboo basket or a plastic basket. Put a layer of gauze or towel on the bottom of the basket, spread the soaked beans evenly on it, and then cover it with a layer of wet cloth to block light and keep it moist."

Chen Jia and Chen Jue wrote down the old farmer's suggestions one by one. Later, Chen Jia said to the tofu master: "Master, we want to learn how to make tofu, hairy tofu, stinky tofu, tofu brain and other soy products. I hope you can pass on your skills to our farmhands."

The tofu master smiled confidently and said, "Mrs. Chen and Mr. Chen, rest assured. The key to making tofu lies in selecting beans, grinding, boiling, and adding brine. For hairy tofu, you need to master the fermentation time and temperature, and for stinky tofu, you need to prepare a unique brine. For tofu pudding, the brine making technique is very important, which can determine the tenderness of the tofu pudding. I will teach you in detail."

Under the guidance of the old farmer and the tofu master, the farmhands began to learn and practice bean sprout cultivation and bean product production. Chen Jia and Chen Jue also often visited the site to check the progress and help everyone solve problems they encountered.

Chen Jia watched a farmhand selecting beans, walked up to him and said, "Brother, you must be careful when selecting beans. Don't use beans that are damaged or spoiled, otherwise it will affect the quality of the bean sprouts."

Chen Jue was paying attention to the tofu-making process and said to another farmhand, "Brother, when grinding the slurry, you must pay attention to controlling the thickness. If it is too coarse, the yield of soy milk will be low, and if it is too fine, it will easily clog the filter."

After a period of learning and practice, the farmhands gradually mastered the basic techniques of bean sprout cultivation and bean product production. The first batch of bean sprouts was successfully cultivated, with thick and tender roots. Chen Jia looked at the bean sprouts and said to Chen Jue with satisfaction: "Husband, look how well these bean sprouts are growing. We can sell them at the breakfast stalls in the manor and the surrounding markets to see how they are received."

Chen Jue nodded and said, "Madam, these bean sprouts are of good quality and will definitely be popular. Tofu and other soy products are also very successful. We can further study how to improve their taste and quality. For example, we can put more effort into the marinating of tofu and make the fermentation of hairy tofu more perfect."

They first launched bean sprouts and some bean products at the breakfast stalls in the manor and the surrounding markets, which really attracted many customers. One customer tasted the bean sprouts and gave a thumbs up, saying: "These bean sprouts are really fresh, crispy and tender, much better than what I bought before."

As bean sprouts and bean products became more popular, Chen Jia and Chen Jue began to consider expanding their soybean oil and bean cake production businesses. Chen Jia said to Chen Jue, "Husband, our bean sprouts and bean products have received good market response, and now we can start soybean oil and bean cake production. I heard that soybean oil is of high quality, and bean cake can also be used as feed, which is another considerable source of income."

Chen Jue nodded and said, "Madam, you are right. I have contacted some experts. They will come to guide us to purchase suitable oil pressing equipment and teach us the techniques of oil pressing and bean cake making. We must ensure that every link is done to the best."

After arriving at the manor, the expert introduced in detail the use of the oil pressing equipment and the process of making bean cakes. "Mr. Chen, Mrs. Chen, this oil pressing equipment needs to be maintained regularly to ensure the oil yield and quality. When making bean cakes, the temperature and pressure must be controlled to make the quality of the bean cakes more stable."

Under the guidance of experts, the farmhands began to learn how to press oil and make bean cakes. Chen Jia and Chen Jue also closely followed the progress.

Chen Jia looked at a farmhand operating the oil pressing equipment and said, "Brother, you must be careful when operating the equipment. Follow the steps taught by the master. If there is any problem, stop immediately."

Chen Jue said to another long-term worker who was in charge of making bean cakes: "Brother, pay attention to the formation of the bean cakes. If the temperature and pressure are not appropriate, the shape and quality of the bean cakes will be affected."

After continuous trials and adjustments, the first batch of soybean oil and soybean cake was produced. Chen Jia and Chen Jue checked the quality of the products and smiled with satisfaction.

Chen Jia said, "Husband, this soybean oil is bright in color, and the quality of the bean cake is also good. We can contact the surrounding shops and farmers to promote our products."

Chen Jue nodded and said, "Madam, I have arranged for someone to make the contact. Moreover, we can also sell edamame as a product. Now is the season when edamame matures, and there will definitely be a market for fresh edamame."

With the launch and sales of soybean and mung bean related products, the estate's income increased significantly and the lives of the farmhands became better and better.

A farmhand happily said to Chen Jia and Chen Jue: "Mr. Chen, Mrs. Chen, thank you for leading us to develop the bean industry. Now our income is much higher than before, and our life is more promising."

Chen Jia smiled and said: "This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. We will continue to work hard, constantly improve technology, expand the market, and take our bean industry to a higher level."

Chen Jue also said: "That's right, we need to fully tap the value of soybeans and mung beans, let our products enter a wider market, and bring deliciousness and benefits to more people."

Under the leadership of Chen Jia and Chen Jue, the manor's bean industry flourished and became one of the important pillars of the manor's economy.