Chapter 822: Popular Qi
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Since Qiao Xuan no longer needed the fields, it would be unfair to force the buyers to sell them back. This realization left the two families seething with anger, and the two arrogant men in charge became the subject of ridicule and jokes in the village.
As the fields underwent development, Shao Dalang and Ms. Fang would frequently visit and inspect them. Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan, Qi, and Taotao ventured back into the mountains.
Qiao Xuan still had plans for the valuable tea seeds that were needed to fill the vacant area in Zhang Village. She intended to start cultivating the seeds after the New Year, allowing them to be transplanted around March.
Recalling the abundance of wild lemons in the mountains, Qiao Xuan decided to dig them up, stimulate the roots by breaking the branches, and temporarily cultivate them in the garden. In early spring, they could be transplanted to orchards on the outskirts of the province.
The lemons and their juice were essential for enhancing the flavors of the drinks served at the dessert stores. Qiao Xuan aimed to have at least 30 or 40 mu of lemon orchards.
Furthermore, this season marked the return of plump wild animals in the mountains, accompanied by a variety of wild fruits. It was the perfect time to venture into the mountains and gather resources. Qi’s hunting skills had improved, and he had grown stronger with a sharper sense, leading to a bountiful harvest for their family.
Pheasants, hares, deer, muntjacs, grouse, and wild pigeons, which Qiao Xuan enjoyed, were harvested almost daily. Although it was more convenient to store the meat during this season, there was still an excess that needed to be addressed, prompting the family to resume making smoked meat.
During their hunts, they even encountered wild deer, and Qi managed to bring back three fully-grown deer to the village, causing jealousy among the villagers. Wild boars were also hunted, as their meat was perfect for smoking.
In addition to the game from the mountains, Qiao Xuan and her family also acquired many large smoked fish. Their stockpile of smoked meat from the previous year had lasted for almost half a year, attesting to its delicious taste. Whether it was steamed, fried, stewed, made into claypot rice, or used as fillings for other dishes, the flavors were exceptional.
The antic.i.p.ation for the next hunting season grew within the family, keeping them busy with preparations. Meanwhile, the villagers couldn’t help but feel envious of Qi’s hunting abilities, making him quite popular among them. People from their own village, neighboring villages, and even distant areas approached Ms. Fang and Eldest Uncle, expressing their interest in arranging marriages for Qi. Some individuals were also interested in Taotao.
Ms. Fang felt a mix of pride and helplessness in response to the attention Qi and Taotao received. She cautioned Eldest Uncle not to make any promises regarding their marriages at this time.
Eldest Uncle’s expression turned serious as he responded, “It’s a matter of great importance, and I don’t take such promises lightly. We must approach it with caution and thoroughness.”
Ms. Fang rolled her eyes and scoffed, “l have my doubts. You tend to change your mind too easily, and I wouldn’t put it past you to make promises just to save face.’
Eldest Uncle was displeased by her remark. “That’s not true. I’m not that foolish.”
However, he nearly made a mistake soon after.
Ms. Fang approached Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, seeking their a.s.sistance in arranging marriages for Qi and Taotao.
The dynamics had shifted. Shao Yunduan’s success and Qiao Xuan being County Magistrate Qiao’s daughter, along with their profitable land purchases, had attracted the attention of many villagers..