Historically, locusts prefer droughts and dislike water, and since the Southern regions are mountainous with abundant water and rice, locust plagues were nearly non-existent.
It wasn't until crops like corn and sweet potatoes were introduced from America, prompting increased development of mountainous dry lands in the Jiangnan Mountain Area, that a breeding ground for locusts' oviposition, hatching, and outbreaks was created.
The mountain lands of Lin Family Manor were originally barren, but because Lin Wanwan brought potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, the clan members developed much of the barren mountain land this year, inadvertently providing an agricultural basis for the breeding of locusts.
Moreover, Xiao Chong's vigorous promotion of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn with the court's power accelerated this process.
