Chapter 10 Part I Fınd the newest release on novel•fire.net The next morning, He Ming and Zhenzhu finished laying the irrigation channels for the vegetables and herbs. They then headed towards the foothills behind the farm, carried a basket, accompanied by Baihu and Xiao She. Xiao She was particularly excited since he had not entered the forest for a long time. "Brother Ming, Big Sister Zhu, wait for me! I want to come too!" A familiar voice shouted from a distance. "I’m coming too, I’m coming too," Peipei and Xin Xi ran through the fields, each carrying a large basket. "Oh, are you all done with your tasks?" "Yes, I’ve left the oxen in the meadow over there. They’re tied up and I’ve cut some grass for them." "I’ve finished my chores since this morning too." "Alright then, let’s go together." Zhenzhu didn’t want to waste any time. They hurried towards the hills. Not far up the slope, they found white, yellow, and red mushrooms sprouting from the ground in clusters, some solitary, others in groups of three or four. The deeper they went into the hills, the more mushrooms they found. Erdan mushrooms, resembling goose eggs, would break out of their enclosed sheaths as they grew, revealing their slimy mushroom caps on long cylindrical stalks, smooth in texture and varying in colors from white to pale yellow to red. "Wow, there are so many Erdan mushrooms. Let’s hurry and collect them," He Ming exclaimed excitedly, eager to eat the nice smell, grilled mushrooms till he was full. "Let’s split up and gather them. Don’t wander too far, and let’s meet back here," He Ming instructed as the group’s leader. Everyone dispersed excitedly to collect mushrooms. In addition to gathering mushrooms, Zhenzhu observed the surroundings and noticed that Erdan mushrooms often grew near a specific type of tree, the Cheng Jiao Shu, common in the foothills and mountains. It seemed that Erdan mushrooms preferred areas near these trees. She also noted that the mushrooms thrived in adequately moist soil conditions. Thus, if she wanted to cultivate the mushrooms, the area would need Cheng Jiao Shu trees, proper moisture levels, and Erdan mushroom spores. To verify her hypothesis, she took a small Cheng Jiao Shu tree with its roots to try planting it at the farm. She wrapped its roots in her shirt to keep the soil intact then walked awkwardly back to the meeting point, where the others were already waiting. "Younger Sister, what kind of plant are you bringing back this time? Is that a Cheng Jiao Shu tree? Why did you dig it up?" He Ming asked in confusion upon seeing his sister carrying the tree. Was she planning to plant it? But Cheng Jiao Shu trees bear no fruit. Why would she plant it? Was she thinking of growing it to cut them down and build a house out of it in the future? But there are plenty on the mountain; there’s no need to go through the trouble of bringing it down." "I’ll explain later; let’s head back for now," she replied, glancing at the baskets everyone carried, filled to the brim with Erdan mushrooms, while hers had barely any at the bottom. Zhenzhu smiled shyly before leading the way down the mountain. Upon her struggling arrival home, her father repeated He Ming’s question. "I’m going to plant it, Father." "Why plant it? It’s just an ordinary mountain tree," her father remarked, echoing the common belief that Cheng Jiao Shu trees are useful only for firewood once they’re dead. "I need to conduct an experiment first to be sure. If it turns out as I expect, I’ll explain everything," she said before gently placing the Cheng Jiao Shu tree down. She hurried to the tool shed, grabbed some digging tools, ran to a clear area in the field, and started digging a small hole with her limited strength, then she ran back to bring Cheng Jiao Shu tree and plant it down the hole. After planting the tree, she took care to bury its roots well and water it thoroughly, clearing the surrounding area of grass to minimize competition. Then, she went to the kitchen, mashed some old Erdan mushrooms that her mother meant to throw away into water, and carried the bucket to water the area around the Cheng Jiao Shu tree. "What are you doing, Big Sister Zhu?" Xin Xi was perplexed by her actions, which seemed odd to him. "You’ll find out soon enough. Let’s go have lunch," she said, wrapped her arm around his neck then leading the little boy back home. At this time, Xin Xi did not have to wrap bandages on his face anymore, his facial scars were healing, leaving only faint marks that would likely disappear if he continued to apply the medication given by doctor. Lunch was again made from mushrooms they had gathered. Miss Wang steamed it, grilled it, fried it with vegetables and made a mellow-taste sauce. Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely, not yet tired of the mushrooms, but if they continued having it for a while, they might get tired of it. However, once the rainy season ended, they wouldn’t get to eat Erdan mushroom anymore. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, Big Brother, that I ordered the eight elements immortal flowers yesterday when I was in town. It will take about 10 days for the shop to deliver them. In the meantime, we need to prepare the planting holes." "Sure, I’ll help dig them with Father. You can mark where you want them planted with a stick." "Thank you. I’ve already marked the spots the other day. Please dig where I’ve marked." "Alright, I’ll dig it up for you tomorrow," He Lei said. Establishing a stronghold was of great importance to his family, given his constant concern for their safety. Relying solely on Baihu and Xiao She might not suffice. "Ah, and there’s one more thing. I plan to hire a teacher to teach Yu’er, Xin Xi, Peipei, Feng Yi, and Feng Xian how to read and write. Once we open our vegetable store, they could help with the accounting. Yu’er is already of age to start learning. Despite being young, he can begin to slowly learn." "That’s good. Has Zhu’er selected a teacher yet?" Miss Wang was please. , She was supportive of them getting an education. "I’ll go to the Yongyuan Kuaile School tomorrow to see if any teachers are interested in a part-time evening job to teach them," Zhenzhu said. In a few days, she could start inscribing characters. She planned to buy more pills to inscribe and earn some money to replenish her funds, which had dwindled after purchasing the eight elements immortal flowers. "Master He! Zhu’er! Are you there?" A voice called from the front of the house, causing everyone to pause and listen again. "Zhu’er! Are you there?" "Isn’t that Mi Fan’s voice?" He Ming recognized it. What was the employee of the Ruyi Pharmacy doing here? Could Master Tiao have urgent business? "I’ll check it out," He Ming said before getting up and rushing to the front door, where he found Mi Fan smiling broadly. "Young Brother Ming, I’ve brought something for Zhu’er on behalf of Master Tiao," he said, handing over a wrapped bundle. "Ah, thank you. Please, come in." "No, no, it’s okay. I need to rush back to look after the store. I’ve only come for this errand and must leave now." "Alright, then take care on your way back," He Ming took the bundle and returned to the bench where his family sat under the tree. "Younger Sister, Master Ming has sent something for you." "Thank you, Big Brother," she said, placing the bundle beside her and continuing her meal. The He family did not press her to open the package right away, respecting her privacy. After lunch, everyone went about their own tasks. He Ming, He Lei, and He Yu rested in preparation for their wind-counter punch training, while Miss Wang went to prepared vegetable seeds in the backyard. Zhenzhu carried the bundle into her room, excitedly opening it. Inside were two more wrapped bundles. The first contained an old book, not so thick, the title was ‘The Northern Great Liquor’, presumably the ancestral liquor recipe book from Peipei’s family. Eagerly browsing through, she found various recipes, there were recipes for the tender taste liquor, the burning hot taste liquor, but she was not that interested in those. What she wanted was the Yuchong liquor recipe. Finally, she found it after turning the pages. It was really there! She finally got the recipe for Yuchong liquor brewing in her hand. Zhenzhu carefully stored the book in her bedside drawer. Then she opened the second bundle, it contained a wooden box with a small pill, 1,500 taels in a cloth bag, and two pieces of paper. The first paper was a contract outlining the four conditions she proposed to Xincheng, it clearly stated every condition she proposed without any recalcitrant, signed by the Water Dragon’s leader. The second was a letter simply stating acceptance of the conditions and payment of a half deposit, written with scrawl handwriting. ‘Oh, the leader of the Water Dragon sect is indeed a man of quick and decisive action.’ Zhenzhu thought, nodding in approval. She examined the medicinal pill carefully. These were likely the detoxifying pill she was to use for inscribing the Detoxifying Character. Well then, she wanted to take the risk once. What would it feel like to create goodwill with a high-ranking leader like the head of a faction? Would it be as sweet and intoxicating as the smell of money? She stored the pill back in the box for now. In three days, she would be able to inscribe characters again. Once she completed inscribing the Detoxifying Character, her next task would likely be to start the process of setting up the Flowers Engulf Sky Formation. Zhenzhu lay sprawled on her soft bed, gazing out the window. Raindrops wove through the air like silk threads from above to the ground, encouraging seeds and seedlings she had planted to thrive and challenge the rain. These past three or four days, due to the continuous drizzle, Zhenzhu hadn’t gone out at all, confining herself to practicing spirit energy and drawing characters in boredom. Her spirit energy had now created up to 205 dark blue tier’s channels. Aside from practicing drawing characters, studying formations, and cultivating spirit energy, she hadn’t done much else, which was incredibly boring. "Miss, may I come in?" Peipei’s voice came from outside the door. Peipei entered with a tray of various pastries she had made for her. Zhenzhu smiled at her. Besides being skilled in various household tasks, Peipei had an excellent talent for sewing, and a passion for making desserts. He Yu and Xin Xi had gotten slightly chubbier because of her sweets. "I made some desserts for you." "Thank you, Peipei." Zhenzhu wasn’t very fond of sweets, possibly a habit from her previous life where beauty ideals favored slim figures, making her wary of desserts. Over time, she preferred fruits or roasted seeds instead. She took a piece of dessert, smiling at Peipei who woke up early to make these, not wanting to hurt her feelings by refusing her effort. "Peipei, sit here. I almost forgot, I have something to show you." Zhenzhu took out an old manual from a drawer for Peipei to see. "This is a liquor recipe book!" Peipei exclaimed, surprised. Had the Lady already retrieved it? "I’ve already retrieved it, but since it belongs to you, I wanted to ask for your permission first." It was someone else’s property, after all, including the recipes. If she were to use this recipe, it would be the right thing to ask for her permission. "Oh, Miss, there’s no need to ask me for permission. I am your servant." She was so grateful for what her master gave her. And how could the master ask for servant’s permission? "How could that be? It’s your property, a precious heirloom. Let’s do this: if we can successfully brew liquor according to this recipe, I’ll share a portion of the profits with you." "No, Miss, please don’t. I give it to you." The favor of saving life was unable to return, if there was anything she could do to repay, she would do without doubt. "Then let’s settle on that. If it sells, I’ll give you 10% of the profits. And if you are not willing to accept, I’ll have mother keep it as part of bride’s property." "Y... Miss, what are you saying? How could I possibly get married?" Peipei blushed deeply, embarrassed. How could she marry when she was a servant in this household? With that thought, she awkwardly excused herself and left. Zhenzhu could only smile and shake her head lightly. These people were deeply ingrained with the notion of servitude, like seeds that had grown into a large tree within their hearts, impossible to uproot. She looked out the window, the rain gradually stopped, and finally, after days of gloom, the sky cleared. She picked up the box of a pill that had been set aside. After being able to inscribe characters the day before, she had finished inscribing the Detoxifying Characters on the pill. Now, all that remained was to deliver them, but the continuous rain had prevented her from going out. With the sky clearing up, it was time to make the delivery. Zhenzhu changed into a new outfit, grabbed the box of pill then put it in the bag, prepared to head into the city. "Zhu’er, where are you going?" Miss Wang, who was sewing a shirt for He Lei, called out. "The rain has stopped today. I’m going to look for a teacher to teach Yu’er and the others." "Do you want me to accompany you?" "It’s alright, Mother. I’ll take Baihu with me." She preferred traveling alone for convenience, not having to wait for anyone. Besides looking for a tutor, she also intended to find a martial arts master to teach her the Ten Thousand Silks Concealing the Sun technique. Zhenzhu set off immediately, but her current obstacle was the muddy roads, filled with slush from days of rain, making the dirt roads slippery and filled with muddy puddles. Her journey to the city left her clothes and body covered in mud, and Baihu was in no better condition, its white fur turned brown not from falling but from Zhenzhu smearing mud on it. "Ha, ha, ha, don’t be mad. I’ll let you jump into a stream and clean up." "Baihu, little one, don’t sulk like a lady." "Alright, I’ll buy you grilled pork with fragrant dipping sauce. Deal?" Finally, Baihu nodded, albeit reluctantly. Poor you, it was all about the food. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en