Chapter 99 Wei Mai

Chapter 99 Wei Mai

The freshly sacrificed meat of the three animals was placed on the altar, set aside.

After Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse jointly made the first cut with the knife, an experienced butcher stepped forward to divide the pork, mutton, and beef into small pieces, evenly distributing them to the families who came to participate in the ancestral worship ceremony.

The mutton was in short supply, with each family receiving less than a pound, while the pork and beef were more abundant, with each household getting a large piece.

The three types of meat combined filled a whole basket, an amount of meat that many villagers had never seen even during the New Year celebrations.

Especially the beef, without special permission, most people might never get a chance to taste it in their lifetime.

In front of the Du clan's ancestral hall, everyone was beaming with joy. While the adults could barely suppress their drool, the children couldn't hold back their excitement and eagerly clamored for the meat.

After all the meat was distributed, the butcher left a few pounds for the host family in a well-chosen spot. Since the autumn weather wasn't cold enough to preserve the meat for long, Qiu Huanian didn't allow too much to be kept.

After the exhausting ancestral worship ceremony, Qiu Huanian returned home and took off the elaborate ceremonial attire, asking old lady Jin to cook the beef brisket.

Since his transmigration, he had only eaten beef at special banquets, and now he was craving it.

"Divide the leftover beef into two halves. Slice one half thinly and stir-fry it with scallions, using high heat to bring out the scallion's aroma and keep the beef tender."

"Cut the other half into small pieces, simmer it over low heat to extract a clear broth, and make a beef brisket soup with white radish."

With a master who knew and loved good food, old lady Jin's cooking skills had improved significantly over the past half year. After Qiu Huanian gave a few instructions, she understood perfectly.

Qiu Huanian rested for a while and then got up again. Du Yunse also understood and picked up the prepared basket.

"We're going out. Jin San, keep an eye on the courtyard. Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng, don't go out to play."

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse left the house, avoiding the crowd, and went to the graveyard near Du Village.

Mei Zhengchun's grave was there.

Earlier, they had worshipped the ancestors of the Du clan at the ancestral hall, and now Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse came to pay their respects to Mei Zhengchun separately.

After setting up the offerings, burning paper money, and kowtowing, Qiu Huanian said to Du Yunse, "Yun Se, stand farther away and keep an eye out to make sure no one comes over. I want to have a few words alone with my mother."

Du Yunse squeezed his hand, didn't ask any questions, nodded, and left.

Qiu Huanian watched his figure walk far away, entering the woods, then turned back and sighed deeply.

"Mother, I've come to see you."

He paused and smiled softly.

"Although I've always known who I am, in this world, with the memories and identity of the original Qiu Huanian, I am indeed him."

"While I influence this world, I am also being influenced by it bit by bit. Fortunately, these are all choices I've made actively."

"Mother, I will find out your identity and learn what those words you couldn't say were. One day, I will bring your family and everything you hoped for back here to honor you openly."

"It won't be long."

"..."

Qiu Huanian packed up and went into the woods to find Du Yunse. Du Yunse, taking advantage of his height, had picked some wild fruits, red and yellow ones, filling his lap. When Qiu Huanian saw this, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Why did you suddenly decide to pick fruits? You look like a monkey."

This statement truly wronged Du Yunse. Even with his lapel filled with a pile of fruits, Du Yunse's demeanor and grace remained impeccable.

If he were a monkey, he would be an immortal one.

"I remember you like these fruits, and since there were some left in the woods, I picked a few."

Qiu Huanian walked over, picked one, wiped it with his sleeve, and took a bite.

The fruits of this season were already fully ripe, their rich juice bursting in the mouth, with a soft and mushy texture that was uniquely delightful.

Qiu Huanian turned the fruit around and offered it to Du Yunse, who also took a bite.

The two of them shared a few fruits bite by bite, and the remaining ones were placed in the basket to take back for the family.

Although they had become Township Lord and a scholar, neither Qiu Huanian nor Du Yunse developed any meaningless aristocratic habits.

They did not waste, nor did they fuss unnecessarily; all food obtained from the land was the best.

When Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse returned home, they encountered Wei Liuhua who had come to visit.

Wei Liuhua had taught Jiu Jiu needlework for a long time and was close to her. Previously, when they were in the city, Jiu Jiu had specially sent gifts to Wei Liuhua.

"Sister-in-law, why didn't you bring Youge today?"

"Youge was too tired after playing all day and fell asleep on the kang. Yunhu is watching him."

Qiu Huanian came over and sat down, asking old lady Jin to wash the fruits.

"Sister-in-law, will you stay for dinner? The meal at home is almost ready."

Wei Liuhua smiled and shook her head, "We also got a lot of meat at home. I’ll go back and cook after finishing here."

Wei Liuhua's family was now among the top in Du Village.

After Zhao and others were driven out of the village, most of the land and brick houses were left to Wei Liuhua and Yunhu. Wei Liuhua, with her superb embroidery skills, took on work herself and saved a few taels of silver over the year.

"Brother Hua, I want to ask, can both boys, girls, and young lads study in our clan school?"

"I said all children, so naturally, they can."

Wei Liuhua sighed in relief, "Some people in the village are saying only boys can study, that 'all children' was a slip of your tongue. I thought I’d ask you directly to be clear."

Qiu Huanian smiled, "Regardless of gender, the importance of reading and understanding is the same. I myself and Jiu Jiu are literate, and since I’m funding the clan school, why would I only allow boys to study?"

Although in the Yu Dynasty only men could take the imperial exams to become officials, reading was not just for the exams. The school Qiu Huanian funded would naturally follow his own ideas.

"Sister-in-law, are you planning to send Youge to study?"

"Youge is over four years old. I’ve inquired, and he should be ready to start learning next year."

Wei Liuhua was not reluctant to spend money on her child's education, but Youge was young and a young lad, making it hard to find a school outside. With the clan school, he could study right at home.

"I used to think young lads didn’t need to study, that learning a skill was enough. But after getting to know you, Brother Hua, I realized the importance of reading and understanding."

Qiu Huanian nodded, "I’ve already found a piece of land by the small river behind the village. Once the school is built and a teacher is hired, Youge can start studying."

Wei Liuhua said, "It’s the slack farming season now. The villagers will surely help build the clan school, which will save a lot of trouble."

After discussing the clan school, Wei Liuhua brought up another matter.

"Brother Hua, now that the ancestral worship is over and you have some free time, my younger brother Wei Mai has achieved some results with the sugar beets he planted this year. When do you think you'll have time to meet him?"

Wei Liuhua's family lives in a mountain valley where people often grow sugar beets. The sugar beets Qiu Huanian used for making sugar before were collected by Wei Liuhua.

Qiu Huanian discovered that a small portion of the sugar beets there had mutated, becoming sweeter than the ordinary ones. After meeting Wei Mai last autumn, he decided to buy an acre of land there and hired Wei Mai to specifically grow sugar beets, hoping to cultivate a variety that could be used for sugar extraction, similar to those in later generations.

"I have free time in the next few days. Tell him to come over when he's ready."

Wei Liuhua smiled, "That boy is being mysterious, feeling like he's grown something good. He's asked me several times when Brother Hua would have time. He's going to be overjoyed now."

Qiu Huanian also became interested. In the cold northern regions, sugarcane cannot be grown. If Wei Mai could indeed grow sugar beets suitable for sugar extraction, it would be a tremendous boon, directly solving half of the Yu Dynasty's sugar needs.

He reminded himself that this was not something that could be achieved in a year or two, but as long as a good start was made, the rest would be a matter of time.

That evening, Qiu Huanian's family enjoyed a hearty meal of beef, and Jin San and his grandchildren also had some, eating to their heart's content.

Jiu Jiu was going to visit Chi Qinghe at the Song residence the next day, so after dinner, she went back to her room to pack her things.

She had bought many books and small trinkets like hairpins, preparing to give them to Chi Qinghe.

Seeing Qiu Huanian come in, Jiu Jiu put down what she was holding and stood up to greet him.

"Keep packing, I'm just looking around," Qiu Huanian said, noticing Jiu Jiu continuously stuffing things into a box. "You've bought quite a lot."

"I used my usual pocket money, and before I knew it, I had saved up a lot. When we were in the village, Sister Qinghe always gave me things. Now that I can, I want to buy more for her."

Qiu Huanian patted Jiu Jiu's head.

"Our Jiu Jiu is now the daughter of a Jieyuan's family."

Jiu Jiu smiled shyly, "It's all because of my brothers' achievements. I haven't done anything, just benefiting from their success."

"You're still a child. What do you need to do? Just focus on studying and growing up well."

After Du Yunse became a Jieyuan, more people were eyeing Jiu Jiu for marriage.

Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian were still young and had no children of their own, so for those seeking marriage alliances, Jiu Jiu was the most suitable candidate.

Unlike the previous small-scale attempts and messages sent through intermediaries, now some people directly approached Du Yunse to propose marriage, including those from well-off families.

Almost all the unmarried younger sons and grandsons of officials below the third rank in Xiangping Prefecture had inquired.

Even though Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian repeatedly declined, people still felt their family conditions were good enough to negotiate.

Qiu Huanian privately lamented to Du Yunse, "I finally understand what it means to have a daughter sought after by a hundred families. Jiu Jiu is still so young, and you've only just become a Jieyuan, yet it's already like this. When Jiu Jiu gets older and you rise higher in your career, I can't imagine what it will be like."

Du Yunse pondered, "These people are just attracted by the title of Jieyuan. The quality of the suitors is uneven, none of them are the best among their families, not suitable matches. We're in no hurry for Jiu Jiu's marriage."

Qiu Huanian nodded but remained uneasy.

"When we get to the capital, where powerful families are everywhere, if someone tries to pressure us into..."

Du Yunse kissed his forehead.

"Brother Hua, don't worry. I've worked hard to get where I am today, not to let you suffer."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but it quickly softened as he looked at Qiu Huanian with a gentle smile.

At Hu Qiuyan's house, Baoshan was tidying up, taking out the gifts he had received one by one.

"Madam, everything is here. I spent three taels of silver, you see..."

Hu Qiuyan took out a key from her waist, opened the cabinet, and counted out three taels of broken silver.

"Return everything early tomorrow, and never do such foolish things again."

Baoshan nodded repeatedly, "I was blinded by stupidity before, but now that I understand the consequences, I wouldn't dare. I'm waiting for Yun Kang to succeed in the future and become a respected elder."

"Wouldn’t life be better then than receiving some gifts?"

Hu Qiuyan hummed in agreement, her eyes fixed on the gifts on the table.

"Who sent these? Can you tell me now?"

"This cigarette case and this agate bracelet were sent by two shopkeepers in the city. They didn’t ask me to do anything, just wanted to be friends."

Hu Qiuyan said, "They haven’t asked yet, but they will in the future. Otherwise, why would they suddenly send you gifts to befriend you?"

Baoshan nodded repeatedly, "I know, I know."

"The rest of the items, including the silver, were sent by an acquaintance."

"An acquaintance?"

"Do you remember the Chengxiang Jewelry Shop in the county town? A few years ago, we went there to buy you a bracelet."

Hu Qiuyan frowned, "Isn’t that where Qiaoxing’s husband works as the manager? How do you have any connection with Qiaoxing? Have you forgotten how the Zhao family offended Brother Hua?"

Qiaoxing is Zhao's eldest daughter, Du Yunjing's elder sister, who married into the county town. After Du Baoquan and others were expelled from Du Village, they went to the county town to seek refuge with Qiaoxing.

Baoshan quickly waved his hand, "It was the owner of Chengxiang Jewelry Shop who personally approached me. It has nothing to do with Qiaoxing or her husband."

"Then you should keep your distance. Qiaoxing is no good. She helped Zhao torment Liuhua for many years. Our family’s good fortune depends on Brother Hua and Yun Se. Don’t foolishly offend anyone."

"I’ll return everything tomorrow and tell him that the clan rules prohibit it, so the matter of writing the plaque can’t be done. I’ll never interact with him again."

Hu Qiuyan was finally satisfied.

"Alright, the beef in the pot should be tender by now. Let’s eat."

...

Wei Liuhua’s brother, Wei Mai, had been preparing all along. Hearing that Qiu Huanian was free, he came the next day with a large bundle of things.

He clumsily paid his respects to Qiu Huanian and immediately asked him to look at the beetroots he had brought with him.

Wei Liuhua couldn’t help but scold him, calling him a silly boy.

Qiu Huanian was also eager to see the newly grown beetroots and immediately asked old lady Jin to bring a small chopping board and a kitchen knife. After washing them, he cut one in half.

The bright red flesh was neatly arranged, and the crimson juice oozed out along the knife, feeling sticky.

Qiu Huanian tasted a bit of the juice, and his eyes lit up.

The sweetness was much higher than last year. With a little more progress, it could definitely be used to extract sugar.

Wei Mai excitedly said, "Township Lord, I’ve been following your instructions, planting, recording, and comparing. I’ve figured out the best way to grow beetroots. Give me another year or two, and I’ll definitely grow the beetroots you mentioned for sugar extraction!"

Wei Liuhua tapped his head, "You really know how to boast."

Wei Mai covered his head, "Sister, I'm telling the truth."

Both Wei Liuhua and Qiu Huanian couldn't help but laugh.

Qiu Huanian examined the beetroots and the picture-based records brought by Wei Mai, asked detailed questions about the planting process, and accepted the seeds given by Wei Mai.

"Last year, I also planted some seeds at the manor outside the prefecture city, but unfortunately, they weren't as sweet as Wei Mai's. It seems breeding still needs to be done in your hometown."

Since Wei Mai had achieved results, Qiu Huanian naturally wasn't stingy.

He gave Wei Mai ten taels of silver as a reward and also gave him two exquisite small silver locks as gifts for Wei Mai's pair of twins.

"Go back and use your heart and mind to farm. If you really grow beetroots that can be used to extract sugar, your family's good days are definitely ahead."

Even after leaving Qiu Huanian's house, Wei Mai's smile stretched from ear to ear, impossible to suppress.

Wei Liuhua teased her brother, "Stop laughing, it's not a done deal yet. Remember Brother Hua's words and do a good job."

Wei Mai scratched his head, "I'm just happy. Our ancestors have been digging food out of the soil in that poor mountain hollow. Who could have thought that farming could have so many intricacies and could lead to wealth?"

Wei Liuhua smiled, "When you succeed, your wife and my little nephew and niece will have good days, and our parents can also enjoy life."

Wei Mai said, "I also want you to enjoy life. When I succeed, I can support you."

Wei Liuhua chuckled, "Where do I need support now?"

Wei Mai pouted, "Don't think I don't know. Brother-in-law is a good man, listens to you, and is hardworking and capable, but he is too indecisive and too filial."

"After this year's autumn harvest, didn't he secretly send two dan of grain to his father and siblings in the city? You were uncomfortable, how could I not know?"