Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Finally hearing some good news, Lin Chunyan’s face lit up with a smile, and she hurriedly asked them to take a rest.

This was Li Youfu’s first time going out, and Lin Chunyan, unsure if he was accustomed to it, stayed behind to ask him a few more questions.

Li Youfu’s legs were still somewhat inconvenient, but he didn’t utter a single word of complaint throughout the journey. He followed Uncle Zhang closely, observing his every move, and when Uncle Zhang told him to go west, he never glanced eastward.

Uncle Zhang had a high opinion of him, "The young man is quite perceptive."

Praised, Li Youfu’s mouth curved into a wide grin.

Lin Chunyan made a bowl of scallion oil noodles for each of them. After frying the wild scallions until they turned golden brown, she added a little soy sauce and sugar, then poured it over the noodles. The flavor was simply exquisite.

Neither of them had eaten or slept well outside, so they eagerly waited to have a hearty meal at the stall. Neither of them hesitated, and the bowls of noodles were quickly devoured.

Mrs. Zhang mentioned their intention to rent a shop, "We’ve been looking for two or three days, but haven’t found one that suits us."

She was genuinely worried. Initially, she hadn’t given it much thought, but now that they had decided to open a shop, they naturally wanted one that met their needs.

After finishing his bowl of noodles, Uncle Zhang spoke up, "We do need to rent a shop. I’ve seen many people who disembarked from boats wanting to eat here, but our stall is too simple. Renting a shop will definitely make our business more prosperous."

The boatman had come with them. With the weather warming up, his business had improved, and this time he had specifically turned down other jobs to ferry Uncle Zhang and the others.

With so much cargo, Uncle Zhang wasn’t entirely comfortable using someone else’s boat.

When the boatman heard that Lin Chunyan was interested in the shop on the west side of the dock, he shook his head disapprovingly, "That couple is just barely getting by with that shop. It’s more of a dream than anything. Sometimes they go hungry, and they’ve long since lost the will to live."

Mrs. Zhang sighed deeply, but without experiencing their hardships herself, she couldn’t find the right words to comfort them.

After settling the accounts, Lin Chunyan let them return to rest. Taking advantage of the quiet, she went to the willow grove by the dock.

The willow buds had just started to sprout. Picking them to use for tea or cooking was a common practice.

Lin Chunyan planned to make willow leaf ointment.

After waiting for a while, she saw Old Lady Song shuffling over with a basket, her steps unsteady.

Lin Chunyan had noticed her coming this way a few days ago and had deliberately waited here.

Old Lady Song merely lifted her eyelids when she saw Lin Chunyan, not even bothering to greet her.

Lin Chunyan didn’t mind and started chatting with her, "Are you going home to stir-fry or mix them? I plan to make willow leaf ointment and will bring you a jar later."

Old Lady Song finally turned her gaze to Lin Chunyan and said, "Young lady, don’t waste your effort. We definitely won’t rent that shop, and even if we did, the rent would be very expensive."

Lin Chunyan smiled, confirming that they truly had no interest and weren’t just trying to raise the price. She then gave up, "I understand. This is a matter of mutual consent, and there’s no point in forcing it. Rest assured, we are also looking at other shops."

After picking the willow leaves, she washed them with clean water, boiled them for about half an hour, and then strained the liquid through fine cotton cloth.

She simmered the liquid over low heat until it became thick, then turned off the fire and stored it in a jar.

She also picked some willow branches and wove them into a vase, placing it on the large table in the courtyard.

Having woven baskets before, making this vase was relatively easy.

In a few days, the wildflowers on the mountain would bloom, and she could pick them to decorate the vase.

The family’s supply of soap beans was running low, and Lin Taohong wanted to wash her hair. She borrowed some from the neighbor, and Lihua, somewhat bashfully, gave her some, "We don’t have much left either."

Most of their money had been spent, and she didn’t want Zhao Niangniang to buy more soap beans for her.

Lin Taohong didn’t think much of it, but only later did she notice Lihua’s embarrassment.

"Let’s buy some soap liquid soon; we’ll need it at home, though it’s quite expensive."

They only used facial creams during winter, and the rest of the time, they applied lard.

Lin Chunyan checked the sky, finished making the willow leaf ointment, and stored it. If anyone developed rashes or got stung by bees, this ointment would be very useful.

"I’ll visit the butcher to see if I can buy some pig pancreas."

Making her own pig pancreas soap was much cheaper than buying it.

Lin Taohong skipped along beside her, and at Lin Chunyan’s suggestion, picked some peach and cypress branches, "Using these branches to boil water for washing hair works just as well."

She pointed to the sesame leaves nearby, "Those can also be used for washing hair."

Lin Taohong’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she ran over and picked a bunch, "I’ll give some to Sister Lihua later."

"You two really get along well."

Lin Taohong had always admired Lihua. When Lihua was a successful maid, the silk clothes she wore and the jewelry she adorned herself with would keep Lin Taohong talking for days.

While Lin Taohong picked the sesame leaves, Lin Chunyan also gathered some bamboo leaves.

These bamboo leaves could be used for tea, just like the willow leaves, to clear the mind and reduce heat.

Boiling them into a medicinal drink could also promote urination, relieve constipation, and detoxify the body.

Mrs. Zhang’s palms and soles were often hot, especially in winter. These days, she occasionally felt itchy and would rub her hands together.

Lin Chunyan planned to boil bamboo leaves for Mrs. Zhang to drink, which would alleviate her symptoms in no time.

Every plant and tree in nature seemed to possess a spirit, helping people live better lives.

The butcher saw Lin Chunyan buying pig pancreas and assumed she was going to cook again, "Many villagers bought those offal before, trying to learn how to make the braised offal you made. Now, they don’t come to buy anymore."

Especially during the New Year, many visitors came to pay respects, and the aroma of the braised offal lingered in the threshing ground for several days, leaving a lasting impression on many.

Thinking that Lin Chunyan could make it, they figured that even if they couldn’t replicate the taste perfectly, learning just half of her skills would still satisfy their cravings.

"I was wondering why the offal was all sold out when I came by a few days ago."

The butcher chuckled, "They didn’t like the taste, so they stopped coming. I’ve saved the rest for you."

Lin Taohong rolled her eyes, knowing that the butcher was just being nice. In reality, he probably kept them because no one else wanted to buy them and he didn’t want them to go to waste.

Lin Chunyan only took some of the offal. Seeing that there was still a lot left, the butcher tried to persuade her to take more.

Lin Chunyan shook her head, "It’s spring now, the best time for wild vegetables and game. The offal is just for a treat."

Once they were far away, Lin Taohong spat on the ground, "What a person! When we asked him to save it for us a few days ago, he was so stubborn. Now he wants us to buy everything."

Lin Chunyan just smiled. After washing the pig's pancreas, she chopped it into pieces and ground soybeans into powder.

In the courtyard, she set up a large pot, stir-fried the soybean powder, then added alkali powder and slowly mixed it with the pig's pancreas.

Her efforts drew the attention of everyone working nearby. Mrs. Zhang sighed, "I wonder if it will be edible?"

Lin Chunyan chuckled, placed the mixed pig's pancreas in a small wooden box, and pressed it down firmly.

After five or six days, the pig's pancreas soap was ready.

When the mushrooms started to sprout, Ding Hui Niang picked a basket and brought it over, refusing any payment and only taking a block of tofu in return.

"Gada’s father loves this."

Everyone who heard this thought Ding Hui Niang was deeply devoted, and Gada’s father was indeed fortunate.

"Didn’t Ping’an’s father used to be very fortunate too? But he didn’t know how to cherish it."

These mushrooms were very fresh. Lin Chunyan made mushroom soup twice, adding cabbage and radish, using only simple oil and salt for seasoning, yet the flavor was incredibly delicious.

After Lin Second Aunt’s house was built, many people helped build Liu Niangzi’s house, and Wei Rou finally had a break, preparing meals at home and bringing them over.

Liu Niangzi went up the mountain every day to dig various wild vegetables, which she cooked with meat, making it equally fragrant.

Although the food wasn’t as good as what the second family provided, the villagers didn’t mind much. With many hands, the house was quickly built.

"I heard that Ping’an’s father always watches Hong Niangzi. Whenever someone buys tofu from her, he tells others that Hong Niangzi pushed Shi Liu’s father down."

"Tsk!" Mrs. Zhang sighed, "Hong Niangzi used to have a fiery temper. Could she really have been beaten into submission, just waiting to be bullied?"

"She hasn’t said anything, but Maiya couldn’t stand it and chased Ping’an’s father away with a pole."

Sun Niangzi, who now lived in the village, knew these details well and lowered her voice, "People in the village are saying that Shi Liu’s father died suspiciously, fearing that Hong Niangzi might have done it."

Mrs. Zhang didn’t believe it, "She isn’t an impulsive person. After we started the tofu business, she dared to be angry but not speak up, even avoiding us. If she had a strong temper, how could she have let Shi Liu’s father beat her for so long?"

"I don’t believe it either. They’ve been together for so many years and have two children. How could she push him down so easily?"

As they spoke, Zhao Huaizi came in, holding two pheasants, "I hunted them on the mountain. I’ll need Yan Niang to help cook them."

The other chicken was for labor, and Lin Chunyan was happy to take the job, taking the two pheasants to the kitchen to prepare them.

Seeing that there were still some mushrooms left from Ding Hui Niang’s basket, she decided to stew them with chicken.

Perhaps due to the different season, the wild pheasant and mushroom stew tasted different from the winter version.

The chicken was tender, cooked slowly over a low flame, and the mushrooms absorbed the rich flavor of the chicken. One bite made her wish she could swallow her tongue.

She put some of the chicken soup in a small jar, along with the willow leaf ointment, and gave them to Song Dama the next day.

Song Dama and Song Daye refused, "Since you said you won’t rent the shop, don’t waste your effort."

Lin Chunyan smiled, "I already discussed it with Dama. I’m just bringing it for you to try."

Wang Yingniang, seeing the old couple’s stubbornness, later advised Lin Chunyan, "Find another place."

Lin Chunyan didn’t insist. After setting up her stall, she followed them around.

Song Dama and Song Daye looked at the chicken soup without touching it.

Since their two children passed away, they had been living in a daze, even hoping to die of hunger or cold.

But after years of eating bland food, the aroma of the chicken soup made their stomachs growl simultaneously.

The smell irresistibly filled their nostrils, and they could see the mushrooms and bamboo shoots floating in the soup, the layer of oil already removed to avoid upsetting their stomachs, showing thoughtful consideration.

Song Dama looked at the willow leaf ointment, remembering how her daughter used to make it. One year, she was stung by a bee while drying clothes in the yard, and the swelling was reduced by applying this ointment.

Thinking about it, Song Dama’s eyes welled up.

Song Daye, standing beside her, sighed, "Let’s try it. Since heaven hasn’t taken us, we might as well live a few more years."

He picked up his chopsticks first, tasting the wild pheasant and mushroom stew. Having not eaten anything with oil for a long time, his taste buds were heightened, and the aroma almost made him cry.

Song Dama followed suit, tasting the mushrooms and bamboo shoots in the soup, which had absorbed the meat’s flavor and were just as delicious as the meat.

If they rented the shop to them, it would definitely be very popular.

The old couple finished the meal in silence. Song Dama washed the dishes and then asked Song Daye, "Should we rent it to them?"

Song Daye was reluctant, mainly because the shop was a symbol of hope. Keeping it unchanged made it seem like their family was still looking forward to a new life.

Song Dama didn’t press further.

After the pig's pancreas soap was formed, everyone carefully examined it. Mrs. Zhang took it first to wash clothes.

It wasn't that she particularly enjoyed washing clothes; she just found it novel and wanted to give it a try.

Others gathered around, watching as the small piece of soap cleaned the soot from the clothes.

"This thing really works."

"It can also treat chilblains."

Mrs. Zhang was overjoyed, carefully putting away the small piece of pig pancreas soap and wrapping it up.

"It's just a bit troublesome to make."

"What is simple?" Lin Chunyan held an orange in her hand, peeled it, and put a segment in her mouth, savoring its sweet and sour taste.

On New Year's Eve, Mr. Zhao had sent them a few oranges. They each ate a small piece, and the rest they couldn't bear to eat until the Lantern Festival.

This time, Dog Egg's father returned from his trip with many more oranges, enough for them to enjoy.

Lin Chunyan closed her eyes in contentment as she ate, feeling the warm east wind on her body, making her feel comfortable all over.

She wouldn't throw away the orange peels either. The ones from before the New Year were already dried and stored, to be used in cooking to remove fishy odors and enhance flavor.

With more oranges this time, there were even more peels. Lin Chunyan dried them again and stored them in a burlap bag, hanging it from the beam.

When summer came, she could use these dried peels to make tangerine peel tea.

Not finding a suitable shop right away, Lin Chunyan didn't rush.

"We have to take our time and look around."

Sisters Zhao Linglan helped weave the mats, and Lihua, who had recovered from her illness, also came to help.

Unlike the skilled sisters Zhao Linglan, Lihua had gone through hard times. Li Youfu was delighted when he returned from his trip, and even his limping gait seemed more confident.

Lihua felt a pang of bitterness and wanted to help out.

In secret, Mrs. Zhao cried and made a pair of shoes to give to Mrs. Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang gave her a sidelong glance, "Don't hide any needles inside, do you?"

Mrs. Zhao spat at her, "Wear it or not, I'll alter it later for your little girls to wear."

If it weren't for her good fortune, she wouldn't bother with her at all.

After eating the willow buds a couple of times, they became too old to eat.

But there were plenty of other things to eat in spring, so Lin Chunyan didn't feel too bad about it. She picked some fresh shepherd's purse and said she would make dumplings.

At the Winter Solstice, they used blanched and pickled shepherd's purse, which was already delicious, but the fresh one was even better.

She no longer sought out the old couple, but when she set up her stall, they came to her.

Old Lady Song was a bit uneasy, looking around behind Old Man Song.

They seemed to be looking for someone. Lin Taohong wasn't very friendly to them, remembering how they had been chased away last time.

Old Man Song, however, remained composed, and after searching without success, he felt quite disappointed.

Seeing their anxious faces, Lin Chunyan asked, "Are you looking for someone?"

Old Lady Song nodded awkwardly, "We're not sure if Constable Sun is here."

They had gone to the yamen but found it difficult to get in.

Someone suggested they come to Lin Chunyan's stall, which turned out to be easier than going to the yamen.

Lin Chunyan shook her head, "I haven't seen him today. If you have urgent matters, I can call you when he comes."

Old Lady Song kept thanking her, tears welling up in her eyes.

Old Lady Song quickly walked over, her face filled with worry, and told Lin Chunyan what had happened.

"I just got the news, no wonder they're so anxious."

Even though she lowered her voice, Lin Chunyan was still taken aback by what she heard.

"Arrange a ghost marriage?"

Old Lady Song nodded with difficulty, "It's what my late mother-in-law did. Knowing I refused to accept that adopted son and cut ties with them, she panicked."

She spent a lot of money to find Madam Dong, who somehow arranged a ghost marriage with Old Lady Song's deceased daughter.

They say the money has already been given to Old Man Song's clan, and they are about to dig up the remains and place them together.

Old Lady Song and Old Man Song were very worried. They argued with the clan for a long time but got nowhere, so they decided to report it to the authorities.

However, even if it came to light, it wouldn't be easy to win. They were too weak, and the clan had already agreed, making it official.

They wanted to find Constable Sun privately, whether to threaten or plead, anything to prevent their daughter from suffering such a fate.

After hearing this, Lin Chunyan couldn't help but burst into angry curses. She rarely showed such emotion, which left Old Lady Song and Lin Taohong stunned.

Meizi tugged at Lin Taohong's sleeve and whispered, "I always thought you and your elder sister were from different mothers, but now I believe it."

Lin Chunyan was still fuming after her outburst and began hoping for Constable Sun to show up. He was usually around, but when something important happened, he never appeared.

Unable to wait any longer, fearing Madam Dong might succeed, she left her stall and went to find Sun Anyuan.

Sun Anyuan thought it was about the shop, "I found another place to rent out..."

Just as she began to speak, Lin Chunyan interrupted, "I wonder if Constable Sun is on duty today? I have some urgent matters to discuss with him."

Seeing the urgency on Lin Chunyan's face, Sun Anyuan knew something serious must have happened. He comforted her while walking out, "He might be out investigating. There was heavy snow in the north a few months ago, causing several disasters. It’s said that refugees have been wandering into our area."

Many people were fleeing to their region, and the county magistrate, fearing trouble, ordered the constables to patrol more frequently, arresting anyone suspicious.

Lin Chunyan let out an anxious sigh, "When will he be back?"

"Who can say for sure?" Sun Anyuan's voice remained calm, trying to reassure her, "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Lin Chunyan then explained the matter of the ghost marriage, "We can't just let her be defiled; even in death, she should find peace."

Sun Anyuan thought for a moment, "This might be beyond my brother's jurisdiction. If you trust me, I'll take my men and look into it."

The reason why Old Song and his wife could not intervene and watched their daughter be defiled was due to their lack of power, leaving them vulnerable to the bullying of their clan members.

Lin Chunyan hesitated, "But won’t this cause you trouble?"

Sun Anyuan had already called Da Zhuang, "This is what we do every day. We've seen far worse."

Da Zhuang grinned at Lin Chunyan, "Miss Lin, the snowflake pastries you sent last time were delicious. Brother Yuan mentioned you also sent pepper plum wine during the New Year, but unfortunately, we didn't get to taste it."

Lin Chunyan quickly responded, "Once the plums and apricots ripen, I'll make some wine and send some over."

Sun Anyuan glanced at them, "You’re already asking for things before we’ve even finished the job. You’re spoiled."

Da Zhuang and Hu Zi chuckled but did not dare mention it again.

Lin Chunyan went to call Mrs. Song and repeated what Sun Anyuan had said, "Constable Sun is very enthusiastic and willing to help. He will accompany us, perhaps it will be useful."

Mrs. Song and Old Song exchanged glances, looking at the tall and strong men from the security agency. Just their presence was intimidating enough.

Sun Anyuan bowed, "Let’s go quickly. If we wait any longer, that Dong woman might succeed."

Mrs. Song and Old Song snapped back to reality, leading Sun Anyuan and his men with unsteady steps.

Lin Taohong slowly peeled an orange, watching Lin Chunyan bustling about, and sighed, "I wonder what she’s trying to achieve."

"To ease her conscience, perhaps," Lin Chunyan wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Knowing about it, she couldn’t just stand by. Even a stranger would lend a hand in such a situation."

Lin Chunyan waited anxiously, unable to settle down even after returning home. She decided to go to the backyard.

The mustard greens in the backyard were ripe, and Lin Chunyan picked them, planning to make pickled vegetables.

The pickled vegetable dumplings and hotpot in winter were unforgettable. Zhao Linglan and her sister came to help make the pickled vegetables and learn how to do it, saying they wanted to make some at home too.

"In the past, I never knew these things could be pickled. Eating them now doesn’t seem like much, but when the season changes, you’ll wish you had more steamed buns."

Mentioning steamed buns, Lin Chunyan thought of meat rolls, "Filled with meat, tofu, and vegetables, rolled up and sliced, they are even better than meat buns."

The texture of meat rolls was different from meat buns. The outer layer was soft and flaky, and the filling was delicious, and most importantly, they were easy to make.

Everyone became excited, washed their hands, and went to the kitchen to help. After kneading the dough, they added the filling, rolled it up, and sliced it.

After steaming, each bite was fragrant and juicy, filled with the aroma of meat.

Everyone couldn’t stop eating, and Lin Chunyan herself ate three before stopping.

There was still plenty left, so she gave some to Aunt Lin and Sister Sun to take home for their families.

She also gave some to Ding Hui Niang.

Holding the meat rolls, seeing the oily meat juice inside, their mouths started to water.

"I don’t know what goes on in your head, but we never think of such things."

Lin Chunyan explained the recipe to them, "Next time, if you don’t want to steam meat buns, try making these instead; they are equally satisfying."

Perhaps it was planted too early, but the pumpkin seeds hadn’t sprouted yet. Lin Chunyan remembered that pumpkins were usually easy to grow, and not seeing the seedlings made her anxious.

Fortunately, she believed in not putting all eggs in one basket and only planted half of the seeds.

Mrs. Zhang noticed her checking the plot several times a day and couldn’t help but comment, "I told you it was too early when you planted them. The weather isn’t warm enough yet. These melons and beans are usually planted around Qingming."

Lin Chunyan regretted it deeply and was in low spirits for several days.

Fortunately, the mountain’s Chinese toon trees were ready to be harvested.

Lin Chunyan was pulled by Wang Yingniang, and the two of them carried baskets to find a Chinese toon tree, using a climbing hook to pick the leaves.

The Chinese toon leaves were a beautiful mix of red and green. Stir-fried with eggs or mixed with tofu, they tasted especially good.

When setting up her stall, Lin Chunyan brought the Chinese toon leaves. When someone ordered cold dishes, she mixed them with tofu and served them.

"Miss Lin, haven’t you found a suitable shop yet?" Qin Laozhang asked, holding a wine pot and eating the cold dishes.

Lin Chunyan shook her head, "With the weather warming up, it’s not as urgent. We can take our time."

Qin Laozhang didn’t press further. The freshly picked Chinese toon leaves, paired with tofu, were so flavorful that he nodded in approval.

"It’s a pity that the season is so short. In just ten days, the Chinese toon will become old."

Lin Chunyan agreed, "We should enjoy it while we can. Next time we want it, it will be next year."

As they spoke, she coated the Chinese toon sprouts in batter and fried them.

These were called fried Chinese toon fish, though they contained no actual fish. The sprouts, once fried, had a crispy outer layer and tender inner leaves, tasting as fragrant as fried fish.

Lin Taohong took a few pieces of fried Chinese toon fish and nodded in approval, "Even these leaves can be fried."

She had only intended to eat a few pieces, but she couldn't stop. It was only after Mrs. Zhang glared at her a few times that Lin Taohong reluctantly stopped.

"I'll go up the mountain and pick some more to have my sister-in-law fry for me when I get back," she muttered softly.

On the other side, Qin's old father-in-law waved his hand, "Bring me some of those fried toon fish too, let me taste what they're like."

His matchmaker, Chen's old father-in-law, who had come in the morning, saw two plates of toon leaves on the table and sat down with a pair of chopsticks, muttering to himself.

"I was looking for you, but you weren't around. I guessed you'd be here. I heard your daughter-in-law is pregnant?"

At this, Qin's old father-in-law smiled, "Yes, indeed. When we go back, I'll bring her some things. She craves all sorts of sour and spicy foods; her appetite is insatiable."

Hearing this, Lin Chunyan brought out the remaining lotus root powder, "This is quite nutritious, but it shouldn't be consumed in large quantities. A half bowl a day is enough."

She explained that it took two baskets of lotus roots to make this much powder, and it also contained sesame and peanuts. Qin's old father-in-law cherished it as he held it close, "Thank you so much."

He didn't just say it out of politeness; he paid the full price and even thought about buying more if it tasted good.

When He Niangzi came for a meal and saw Qin's old father-in-law holding the lotus root powder, she wanted a jar too, "I've had it before; it has a sweet, fresh taste of lotus. Do you still have any?"

Lin Chunyan shook her head regretfully, "There's only half a jar left. It was originally for our family, but we gave some to him because his daughter-in-law is pregnant."

He Niangzi felt very disappointed but said nothing. She ordered a bowl of noodles with two salted duck eggs and started eating.

Her young son, like He Niangzi, ordered the same thing. Without needing help, he cracked a hole in the salted egg, poked it with his chopsticks, and golden oil flowed out.

He quickly stuck out his tongue to lick it. The salted egg had a rich, salty aroma, and the yolk had a slightly sandy texture when bitten.

He Niangzi had already finished one salted egg and was eating her noodles, but she didn't forget to ask Lin Chunyan for a few more.

"To take home for when I don't feel like cooking, to serve with porridge."

Lin Chunyan teased, "Aren't you afraid your chef will notice?"

He Niangzi laughed heartily, "Now he's convinced. Whatever I bring home, he eats more than I do."

Thinking about it, she asked Lin Chunyan for a few more salted eggs, "In case it's not enough."

That morning, Lin Chunyan and her family had also eaten salted eggs with porridge, accompanied by a few dishes of pickled vegetables, which made for a particularly fragrant meal.

In less than half a day, the fried toon fish and toon tofu were sold out. Lin Chunyan had planned to bring some to Song's old mother, but now she would have to wait until next time.

The matter at his place was also resolved easily. Sun Anyuan led people over, and without lifting a finger, the Song clan members were so frightened they dared not speak another word.

Dong Pozi was also pragmatic. No matter how much Song Niangzi's former in-laws demanded, she didn't dare dig up the coffin of the young lady again.

Sun Anyuan and Dazhuang warned them sternly before leading the people away.

With this matter settled, Song's old mother and father finally had a peaceful night's sleep. Upon waking, they began to discuss their plans.

Song's old mother wanted to rent the shop to Lin Chunyan, but Song's old father was still hesitant.

"She's doing this on purpose. I can't stand such a petty person."

Song's old mother snorted, "It doesn't matter if she's doing it on purpose or not. At least our Juan'er's remains are safe. Otherwise, they would have been placed in someone else's coffin by now."

Thinking about it, Song's old mother's eyes welled up with tears.

Song's old father was embarrassed. He knew Lin Chunyan meant well. They had already refused her offer, and her young lady had found another shop elsewhere. There was no need to keep insisting on this place.

To be honest, their shop was in a remote location with nothing inside. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn't want to rent it either.

But she was a person of integrity.

He sighed and looked out the window at the shop, "I always feel that if we don't move, Juan'er and the others are still with us, and we still hope to open a shop and live a good life."

Why was fate so unfair? Why did it have to be their young ones who died?

Juan'er and the others were still young; they hadn't lived long enough.

Song's old mother cried for a while, "Old man, I dreamed of Juan'er and her brother last night."

Song's old father was startled. Over the years, they had thought of Juan'er and her brother every day and night, but they had only dreamed of them a handful of times.

Perhaps they couldn't find their way home and were reluctant to appear in dreams.

"What did Juan'er say?" Song's old father asked eagerly.

Song's old mother shook her head, "They didn't say anything. Juan'er just held her brother's hand, stood there, and smiled at me."

After waking up, Song's old mother felt uneasy, "I'll go offer incense to Juan'er and her brother later."

Song's old father remained silent for a long time before saying, "They must be going to a better place. They don't want us to worry anymore."

He sighed deeply and walked out with his hands behind his back.

Song's old mother called out to him, "Where are you going?"

"To find that Lin Xiaoniang. Since she has done us a favor, we should rent the shop to her."

Lin Chunyan closed her stall as usual. When she got home, she saw several baskets of toon leaves in the courtyard.

"Did you go up the mountain again?"

Wang Yingniang shook her head with a smile, "I had to make pastries when I got back, so I didn't have time. These were sent by Gada Niang and Lihua."

As she spoke, Liu Niangzi arrived with half a basket of toon leaves. Although she brought less than Lihua and Ding Hui Niang, it was still a gesture.

Lin Taohong was delighted, "Sister, today you made fried toon fish, which was delicious. I said I would go up the mountain to pick more toon leaves to fry when I get back."

Lin Chunyan picked out some tender leaves, which could be fried and eaten later. The slightly older ones she planned to make into Xiangchun sauce.

After washing the Xiangchun buds and drying them, she chopped them up, minced garlic and ginger, but unfortunately, there was no wild garlic at home, so she had to use the cultivated garlic.

She heated oil in a pan, added a spoonful of homemade soybean paste, then put in the chopped Xiangchun, along with Sichuan pepper and other seasonings, and finally added a spoonful of white wine. She sealed it in jars with oil and wax.

Stored in a cool cellar, this would last until next year.

The remaining leaves that were not jarred, Lin Chunyan directly stuffed into steamed buns.

"Try the taste of this Xiangchun sauce."

The people in the courtyard had already eaten quite a few fried Xiangchun fish, and they wondered if other young leafy vegetables could also be fried.

When Lin Chunyan brought the steamed buns with Xiangchun sauce, she nodded.

"Like mushrooms, enoki, green peppers, lotus slices, perilla, Sichuan pepper leaves, and hawthorn leaves, all can be fried and eaten."

"I'll try it when I get home." Zhao Zilan was already eager to start.

At this time, the Sichuan pepper leaves and hawthorn leaves on the mountain were sprouting. After working hard, the two sisters walked straight to the eastern mountain of the village.

With the days getting longer, the two sisters were afraid of returning too late, so they quickened their pace.

After picking half a basket, they came down and didn't forget to detour to Lin Chunyan's house to give her some hawthorn leaves.

Lin Chunyan did not fry the leaves again; instead, she washed and prepared the hawthorn leaves, planning to stir-fry them for tea.

A drizzle fell in the middle of the night, and Snowball was taken to Mrs. Zhang's room, but he kept running over and meowing at their door.

Listening to the rain, Lin Chunyan slowly fell asleep, feeling that spring was wonderful everywhere.

Hearing from Aunt Lin that they were going to build a kang (a traditional heated bed), she walked around the village but couldn't find anyone skilled in this craft.

In the end, they found someone from town. When Lin Chunyan went to see, she realized it was someone she knew.

It was the husband of Fang Niangzi, who made pancakes for their family. He used to lie in bed sickly, but after having money to see a doctor and taking several doses of medicine, his cough was cured.

Fang Xiangong recognized Lin Chunyan, and if it weren't for the pear syrup recipe she provided, he wouldn't have recovered so quickly.

Without her, they wouldn't know what kind of life they would be living now. Whenever she had free time, Fang Niangzi always made one or two pairs of shoes for Lin Chunyan.

Now, Lin Chunyan's home was full of various shoes and socks. When she first arrived in this world, she wore straw shoes every day, changing them every one or two days. Now, she had all kinds of shoes, comfortable and breathable.

Seeing an old acquaintance, Lin Chunyan was very happy. Fang Xiangong only then learned that the people who invited him to build the kang were Lin Chunyan's second uncle and aunt.

He refused to take any money, knowing that Lin Chunyan's family took the pancakes to help them, otherwise, with her skills, making pancakes would be simple.

Fang Xiangong did not come alone; his son, who was only five or six years old, followed behind to learn the craft. The whole family was working hard to improve their lives.

Seeing this, Uncle Lin brought back Silang and Wulang, who were still running around, to learn carpentry.

Seeing an old acquaintance, Lin Chunyan asked about the ground dragon, as winter was too cold, and just thinking about how even breath could almost freeze made her shiver.

"There aren't many people doing ground dragons here, but further north, more people do it."

Originally, there were few people who made heated beds, and they just toughed out the winters.

Later, after many people froze to death, they gradually started building heated beds.

Lin Chunyan couldn't hide her disappointment. Seeing this, Fang Xiangong said he would research it.

His expression clearly showed that he was determined to make the ground dragon.

Lin Chunyan, fearing she might cause trouble, quickly suggested putting a bread oven inside the house.

The temperature of the bread oven was very high, and every time they baked bread or roasted something in winter, the kitchen was warm.

She even thought about setting up a bed in the kitchen.

Fang Xiangong, not knowing what a bread oven was, became fascinated after seeing it and studied it for a while before nodding.

"As long as the smoke is properly vented, it can be placed indoors. But it's getting warmer soon, so I'll come back in the fall."

Fang Xiangong was knowledgeable; this bread oven looked unremarkable, but it could reach very high temperatures and cook things quickly and well.

He hesitated, wanting to ask Lin Chunyan if he could learn this skill and build one at home.

Lin Chunyan saw through him and explained the details carefully.

To her, this was just a tool like pots and pans. If someone wanted to use it, she was happy to teach.

Fang Xiangong learned earnestly, his face flushed with excitement, never imagining that he would learn such a skill just by coming to build a heated bed.

He realized he was being rash; this skill could support a family, and he had learned it so easily.

When leaving, Fang Xiangong solemnly bowed to Lin Chunyan, insisting on bowing to her as his master.

For Aunt Lin's family, he did not take a single coin for building the heated bed, and it turned out to be very beautiful.

Liu Niangzi, seeing this, approached Fang Xiangong, "We're all from the same village, and I'm good friends with your master's mother. When we build our heated bed in a few days, you must come."

Fang Xiangong quickly nodded and said that he would offer a discount for the village.

This news spread quickly, causing a stir.