The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 798 - 797: Up the Mountain

Chapter 798: Chapter 797: Up the Mountain

Liu Xiaoqiao was better at dealing with people. Knowing how to please her mother-in-law, she took on the task and proactively said, "Mother, Uncle is visiting our family for the first time. Since we’ve accepted his gift, shouldn’t we, as his niece and nephew-in-law, also show our respect this evening?"

"Although my cooking skills don’t match yours or Third Sister-in-law’s, I do have a few specialty dishes for Uncle to try."

Since her mother-in-law and sister-in-law had gone to the county, Liu Xiaoqiao was left in charge. Without them overseeing things, life should have been harmonious and smooth.

But without them, small inconveniences emerged.

In the past, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law would handle everything meticulously. She just had to follow their arrangements.

When they left, she suddenly found it difficult to adjust. Though familiar with the business from last year, there were still aspects she struggled with.

There were many hiccups, making it frustrating.

Looking back, she realized her sister-in-law had quietly solved all these seemingly minor issues last year.

Not to mention, although they were new to the business last year, with her sister-in-law’s support, they only had to focus on collecting mountain goods.

This year, though Boss Zhang still bought their goods, something felt off.

Especially last year, their mountain goods were stored well despite the circumstances.

This year, possibly due to the heavy spring rains or some other reason, the goods discolored after being stored for a while.

Wang family’s brothers were so alarmed that they dared not collect too much. They had to sell them in town every two or three days.

Everyone was more exhausted than last year.

Without Old Granny Zhang to oversee and arrange things, though they had the same number of people, everyone seemed busier and more tired.

Liu Xiaoqiao slowly realized that her mother-in-law’s adamant orders and arrangements always worked well, perhaps due to her lifelong experience. There was much to learn.

Thus, her attitude improved significantly compared to when they were all together before.

Lady Jiang didn’t think much, habitually following Liu Xiaoqiao and gently inviting Yang Zongbao for dinner.

Old Granny Zhang looked at Yang Zongbao.

Yang Zongbao waved his hand and pointed to the mountains, indicating he was going to find a location for the tea garden.

Old Granny Zhang, biased as she was, saw that her cheap brother was preoccupied with his daughter’s matters and eagerly responded, "You have good intentions, that’s enough! Your Uncle has things to do; invite him when he’s free! For now, get his clothes and shoes ready."

Liu Xiaoqiao and Lady Jiang quickly agreed, taking the fabric from Old Granny Zhang and heading home.

The children, not having seen Wang Yongzhu for several days, surrounded her, chattering away.

Wang Yongzhu gave each child a small piece of malt candy. They thanked her joyfully and went outside to show off to their friends.

Yang Zongbao, being efficient, didn’t want to delay once deciding to go into the mountains.

He packed a few items and was ready to set out.

Wang Yongzhu noticed he only had a machete, some ropes, flint, and a small bag of salt.

With such simple equipment and no dry food, he was ready to enter the mountains.

"Uncle, wait a moment. Let me and Mother prepare some dry food for you. There’s nothing to eat in the mountains—"

Yang Zongbao smiled, gesturing that, for a hunter, the mountains were a home full of food.

Seeing his attire, Song Chongjin felt a twinge of excitement, recalling the simpler times of being a hunter.

He called out to Yang Zongbao, went back inside to change into short attire, and shouldered his beloved bow, saying, "Uncle, take me along too!"

Wang Yongzhu was also tempted. "Take me too!" She ran inside to change.

Yang Zongbao quickly looked to Old Granny Zhang. Taking the son-in-law was fine, but he was reluctant about his delicately nurtured niece. Yet, he couldn’t refuse, so he looked to Old Granny Zhang, expecting maternal concern.

Unexpectedly, Old Granny Zhang had no intention of stopping them. Instead, she called out, "Bring extra clothes, it’s cold in the mountains at night. Take the steamed buns from this morning. Don’t rush; your Uncle and Chongjin will wait for you!"

Yang Zongbao...

He never expected his cheap sister to be such a doting mother!

Not long after, Wang Yongzhu emerged, neatly dressed in indigo attire, her hair tightly braided, with no jewelry in sight.

She had a dagger at her waist, a coil of rope, and carried a leather water sack she’d commissioned last year.

With a small pack on her back, she looked quite spirited.

Yang Zongbao showed a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

Old Granny Zhang handed Song Chongjin a bundle of buns and pickles, watching the three as they left.

Only after they disappeared from view did she tidy up, change her clothes, pick a package of snacks, and slowly walk to Lizheng’s house.

The mountain air in spring was incredibly fresh and humid.

Recent rains had left the ground moist, morning dew still clinging to the leaves, and birds sang from the branches, flying away at the slightest noise.

Occasionally, rabbits would emerge, nibbling on grass while keeping an ear out for danger, ready to dart away at the slightest sign of trouble.

Yang Zongbao, wanting to be considerate of Wang Yongzhu, intentionally slowed his pace. To his surprise, she soon sped ahead with agile movements, showing no need for assistance.

He shook his head with a smile and followed.

The Yang Family Village was next to Qilidun and Dahei Mountain, which Yang Zongbao was familiar with.

Song Chongjin knew Dahei Mountain like his backyard.

But now, neither could match Wang Yongzhu, who had Xiao Tiantian activate the Scanning System, expanding its range to scan comprehensively, analyzing which slopes nearby were most suitable for a tea garden.

Xiao Tiantian sulked about being downgraded to this level, but dutifully completed the scan, quickly marking the most suitable spots on the map for Wang Yongzhu’s choice.

Wang Yongzhu looked at the extensive scan covering over ten kilometers and saw three suitable spots.

One was farthest away, the other two were closer, with one right near the Dahei Mountain entrance.

She examined the locations, leading the way nonchalantly while glancing back at Yang Zongbao, conversing with Xiao Tiantian, "Xiao Tiantian, can my uncle’s throat still be treated?"