Chapter 33 – The Mighty Strongman

Chapter 33 - The Mighty Strongman

"I'll have to venture into the mountains more often or go to town for trading. I'll have to entrust the task of preparing medicine for my husband to you, Mother," Liushì hastily agreed.

"There's no need to be so formal, just leave the household matters to me with confidence! I've memorized all these herbs, there won't be any mistakes!" Qin Xiaoyao nodded with a smile.

"Today's twelve remedies cost one tael and two maos of silver, more than what I earn. If we want to preserve our savings, we must work harder," she continued solemnly.

Madam Liu's expression turned grave as well.

"Mm-hm. Our entire family will strive together, and we will surely be able to afford Que'er's medications," she declared resolutely.

In the past, she wouldn't have dared to say such words, let alone entertain the thought.

But now, her daughter-in-law had become diligent and resourceful, full of ideas.

Together with Yun'er, she had also mastered the art of weaving grass shoes, providing an additional source of income for their household.

With these skills, they were now fully capable of supporting the family.

Song Yun nodded in agreement, her heart filled with a sense of responsibility and self-confidence.

She cherished this newfound feeling. In the past, she could only assist with household chores like gathering firewood, washing clothes, or tending to the fire.

But now, she was a skilled artisan. Once her proficiency in weaving grass shoes improved, she too would contribute financially to the family.

Qin Xiaoyao was content with their positive response.

Next, he removed the salt, sugar, lamp oil, and vegetables he had purchased from the basket.

Lastly, he took out the enormous chunk of lard.

Liu Shi, upon seeing the items her daughter-in-law brought out, couldn't help but swallow her saliva.

"The lamp oil can be added to the lamps right away. Put some in every room, and we won't have to stumble around in the dark anymore at night."

"In addition, there's no need to ration salt and sugar. Spices don't get consumed in large quantities at once, so we can always buy more when they run out."

"Moreover, regarding the lard from the pig, Mother, you and Yun'er can render it this afternoon. Then we won't have to worry about lacking oil for stir-frying or making pancakes anymore."

After a moment of thought, Qin Xiaoyao continued, "As for the pork cracklings, don't store them all away. Take some out, mix them with sugar, and let everyone give them a taste."

At this point, a smile lit up Qin Xiaoyao's face.

"The rest should be kept in jars. When cooking vegetarian dishes in the future, add some to the wok – they'll lend a delightful flavor!"

Madam Liu smiled in response.

"Best to avoid it."

"The hour is advancing, Yun'er and I shall start preparing the meal then," I proposed.

"Very well! I'll make another trip to the back mountain then, to check if Dahu and the others are slacking off. While I'm at it, I'll also fetch another load of yams."

Indeed, she had mentioned to Liu about enlisting Li Daniu and Liu Daniu's help in digging up the yams.

"Go ahead, be careful on the way."

"I will, Mother."

Only then did Qin Xiaoyao take up the yoke and rope to step out.

She made her way to the back mountain, traversing a long stretch of rugged terrain before reaching the spot where she had previously dug for yams.

Upon seeing that Li Daniu and her husband were still there, both diligently working, Qin Xiaoyao felt content.

"Hard work!" she called out, drawing their attention.

Both Li Daniu and Liu Daniu turned simultaneously, wiping away beads of sweat.

"It's almost time for lunch, Sister San Ya. Why are you here?" Li Daniu asked Qin Xiaoyao.

Didn't she say she would come in the afternoon?

Was she worried about them?

"Come here and help carry the yams you've dug back."

"It's getting late. That's enough work for the morning. You can go back and have lunch," Qin Xiaoyao said with a smile.

She then stepped forward to collect the yams.

Both Liu Daniu and his wife's faces lit up with joy.

However, glancing at the scattered pile of yams on the ground, Liu Daniu held back for a moment before speaking up.

"There are so many yams, Auntie Song. You won't be able to carry them all in one trip. We'll lend you a hand and deliver them with you."

Since they were being paid for their labor, they couldn't just take the money for nothing.

Anyway, they were headed back to the village, so it wouldn't hurt to give her a lift.

Li Daniu glanced at her husband sideways, feeling somewhat resistant.

But when she saw Qin Xiaoyao looking over, she quickly put on a smile and nodded amiably at Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Xiaoyao found Li Daniu's appearance amusing.

"Let's forget about Daniu. After all, she's a woman. If Brother Liu Daniu is willing to help, please lend me a hand in carrying a load," she suggested.

Li Daniu felt as if she had been granted a reprieve, and her gaze toward Qin Xiaoyao now held a hint of gratitude.

Liu Daniu glanced at his wife, understanding that she was exhausted, and didn't push the matter.

"Alright then! I'll go cut down some trees for the poles!" he offered.

He then went to the side to chop down branches suitable for use as poles.

Qin Xiaoyao didn't interfere further. She asked Li Daniu to assist her in gathering the harvested yams in one spot.

Afterward, Qin Xiaoyao began binding the yams she intended to carry away.

When Liu Daniu returned, he saw Qin Xiaoyao skillfully tying most of the yams into two sturdy hemp ropes.

Estimating with his eyes, he reckoned that the combined weight of the two bundles could easily reach four hundred pounds.

The remaining yams on the ground probably wouldn't even amount to two hundred pounds when combined.

"Liu Daniu, are these bundles—too heavy?" he asked.

When Qin San Ya had left with over two hundred pounds of yams earlier, he had been astounded.

Now she wanted to challenge herself with double that weight?

Was this woman stronger than a man like him?

Recalling how energetically Qin San Ya had worked in the morning, Liu Daniu suddenly felt a twinge of embarrassment.

He seemed to be no match for her work efficiency.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and patted the bundled yams. "It's fine, this should be just about right."

"Bring me the branches so we can bundle the rest of the yams. Then we can set off together," she said cheerfully.

"Aye, okay!" Liu Daniu responded instinctively.

By the time they realized their mistake, it was already too late to regret.

Next, Qin San Ya skillfully bundled up the remaining yams.

"Let's go! We should make it back in time for lunch!" Qin Xiaoyao said, then headed to her two bundles of yams.

Under the astonished gaze of the couple, she lifted them onto her shoulders.

Then, she stood up and started walking forward.

Liu Daniu quickly regained his composure and hastily picked up his own share of yams to follow.

Li Daniu, on the other hand, took responsibility for carrying the two hoes and holding the two sickles.

On the way back, Qin Xiaoyao strode ahead with swift steps.

Liu Daniu, trailing behind her, could only grit his teeth and persevere.

As for Li Daniu, despite carrying only two hoes and two sickles, she struggled to keep up.

At this moment, both Liu Daniu and Qin Xiaoyao were filled with resentment.

Was Qin San Ya insane? Didn't she know to rest on the way?

Of course, Qin Xiaoyao wasn't mad. She had utilized her supernatural ability and truly didn't feel the burden of four hundred pounds on her shoulders.

Besides, it was indeed getting late. She wanted to hurry back with the mountain yams and have lunch.

Eventually, the trio entered the village and made their way to the Song family's residence.

Along the way, people who saw them together inquired about their situation.

Upon learning that Liu Daniu and his wife were helping Qin Xiaoyao, the villagers were quite astonished.

This further solidified the connection between Li Daniu and Qin Xiaoyao.

By the time Li Daniu realized something was amiss, it was already too late for her to alter the situation.