If some livestock could be exchanged, it was actually quite necessary. Take Yuan Hua and his wife just now: both of them had come to teach, and they would certainly have children in the future. They also had to farm, so if they were given too much livestock, they would have no time to feed them. After all, simply tending to these creatures every day required plenty of energy.
The couple discussed it for a while before finally asking only for chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs, along with one cage of rabbits and six sheep. They wanted neither donkeys nor pigs, planning to exchange those for money to raise their children in the future.
Chickens and ducks did not require much care. They could simply be left to roam freely in the courtyard, and feeding them was convenient too—grain or rice bran would do. Most importantly, chickens and ducks could provide not only meat but also eggs, which were highly nutritious. They were indispensable.
Cats and dogs could be used to guard the house. Tossing them some leftovers was enough; there was no need to care for them deliberately.
Rabbits bred quickly. They could provide not only fur but also meat, and sprinkling some alfalfa around was enough to feed them. In the future, they could become the family's main source of meat.
As for why the couple wanted six sheep, Yuan Hua explained that he was worried his wife might not have enough milk after giving birth. At that time, sheep's milk could help make up the difference. It was also preparation for raising their child.
The young couple had thought everything through very carefully. Tian Qiao indicated that he understood, then took out a little notebook and wrote it down.
After hearing their plans, the other families made