Chapter 174: The Unpredictable Weather and the Search for Snake Dens

Chapter 174: The Unpredictable Weather and the Search for Snake Dens

The weather was unpredictable; one day it threatened snow, making travel treacherous, so a pig was sold. But two days later, the sun reappeared.

Gulan Shi took out the pillows to dry them under the noonday sun for just over an hour before putting them away in the afternoon.

Pei Yan removed the straw from the earthen bed in the west room, spreading it out on the threshing ground to dry. The fifteen hens were confined to their cages, not allowed to roam freely inside the house.

When it snowed, it was bitterly cold; when it didn't, there was worry about drought or floods affecting next year's harvest. But how could one predict the whims of the heavens?

Gulan Shi sat in a sheltered corner, basking in the sun, needle and thread in hand, planning to sew two pairs of underpants. New clothes weren't needed this year; last year's garments, without a single patch, still looked new. The same went for shoes; last winter's footwear was sturdy and warm. After a good wash, they would be presentable enough for visiting relatives.

Yesterday, seeing that there was still good fabric left, he thought of sewing a small garment for each of them, along with a pair of cloth socks. By the time the New Year came around, they would be wearing new clothes from head to toe.

Pei Yan's underpants required more fabric, but after nearly two years of marriage, Gulan Shi was used to it and felt no embarrassment. After cutting the fabric in the morning, he even called Pei Yan over to measure his waist.

At the threshing ground, Pei Yan leaned the wooden pitchfork against the wall and carried a bamboo basket to gather straw. He wanted to redo the earthen bed for the hens, laying down a layer of straw so that even if the surface became too hot, the hens wouldn't scatter everywhere.

After finishing his tasks, he noticed Gulan Shi sitting nearby and fetched a stool to join him.

With someone close by, Gulan Shi, accustomed to the proximity, continued his work and asked, "What do you want for dinner?"

Pei Yan thought for a moment and said, "Steamed buns, roasted, with two salted duck eggs sliced, and half a pot of Napa cabbage meatball soup."

Two days ago, Gulan Shi decided that simply reheating the buns every day lacked variety. So he heated up the pot, placed the buns at the bottom, and let them cook for a while. The result was similar to roasting them, with a crispy outer layer and a unique flavor.

Napa cabbage meatball soup wasn't difficult to prepare either. Shred the cabbage leaves, slice some meat, stir-fry the meat until cooked, then add the mixed dough and shredded cabbage to the boiling broth. Once cooked, a steaming bowl was perfect for cold weather.

"Alright," Gulan Shi agreed. "I'll add an egg today. We're out of tofu. Do you want mushrooms?" Seeing Pei Yan nod, he added, "Then soak a handful of mushrooms in hot water."

Pei Yan got up, following Gulan Shi's instructions, soaking some mushrooms and also grabbing a handful of dried daylilies to soak together.

With about two hours left until dinner, he returned to sit beside Gulan Shi, his eyes following the movement of the needle. He said, "I want to go to the mountains."

"To chop firewood?" Gulan Shi didn't stop his work. Firewood was expensive in winter, and selling a cartload in town could fetch several dozen coins.

Pei Yan replied, "No, I want to look for snake dens. If I can't find any, I'll dig up some winter bamboo shoots instead."

Gulan Shi paused, looking up at him. "Poisonous snakes."

"I'll be careful. If I encounter a venomous one, I'll kill it immediately upon uncovering it. It might earn less money, but it's better than selling firewood." Pei Yan spoke earnestly.

Seeing Gulan Shi's hesitation, he continued, "A loom costs three taels of silver. Xu Muto is already working on it, and once it's done, we'll have to pay him. Let's not mention the money earned in the first three seasons. Considering the winter lasts three months, we can earn three taels from eggs and salted duck eggs. We only have the nine taels from selling the pig left, but we haven't fallen behind too much. Next year, we want to build another room, so it's best to prepare early."

"I won't force you. It's best if you can find something, but if you can't, just come back."

Poisonous creatures were dangerous, but their high price was tempting. Working diligently in the fields for a year, aside from food, they could save a little money steadily. They didn't dare dream of great wealth, as they only had four acres of land and a vegetable plot outside.

The reason they hadn't gone to the mountains to search for snake dens all winter was partly due to the snow and partly because they needed to take good care of the hens at home. There were more pigs in the backyard than last year, and other matters always seemed to get in the way, preventing them from finding the opportunity.

In summer, they caught scorpions, and in winter, they sought poisonous snakes. Gulan Shi sighed softly; only Pei Yan had such courage, never fearing poisonous creatures.

Knowing he couldn't dissuade him, he smiled and said, "Alright, remember to bring medicine and keep your distance. If it's a large snake, kill it right away."

Snake dens were hidden, so a shovel was necessary to dig them up. This year, after catching scorpions in the summer, Pei Yan bought some antidote and insect repellent powder in town. There was still some left unused, stored in the house.

Seeing Gulan Shi's agreement, Pei Yan's heart settled. His desire to catch snakes was strong, but he knew his limits. He wouldn't take unnecessary risks for a bit more money.

And he had been acutely aware of danger since childhood. Later, he joined the military, and during battles, if he didn't possess this skill, he might not have survived, no matter how fierce he was.

There was no need to explain these things to Gulan Shi; he knew well enough himself.

Taking advantage of the early hour, Pei Yan got up to gather his tools. As he left, Gulan Shi followed behind, reminding him to return early if he couldn't find anything. It got dark early, and the mountain paths were difficult to navigate. There would be soup waiting for him when he returned.

Reassuring Gulan Shi that he wouldn't take unnecessary risks, Pei Yan turned back several times. Only when Gulan Shi finally went back inside did Pei Yan smile and head toward the hillside.