Chapter 13 Picking Herbs

The method for preparing bamboo shoots is very simple.

Although Su Yun hadn't processed bamboo shoots in a long time, the memories from her childhood remained in her mind, and she started working automatically as soon as she got started. She gripped the sharp kitchen knife and used the blade to make a forceful cut in the middle of the bamboo shoot. The black skin of the bamboo shoot naturally cracked open layer by layer with the sharp knife. Then, she peeled off the skin layer by layer along the cracks. With swift, quick movements, the clean and tender bamboo shoot was revealed.

Su Yun picked up the plump, white bamboo shoot, nodded with satisfaction at her work, and then tossed it into a large basin filled with water that had been prepared nearby.

Soaking bamboo shoots in cold water can slightly remove their bitterness; this is a little trick for preparing bamboo shoots.

Because of her skill, Su Yun quickly prepared a large bowl full of white bamboo shoots.

Looking at the bamboo shoots soaking in cold water, Su Yun rolled her eyes, walked into the kitchen, and moved the cutting board and knife directly to the yard, placing them on a low table. She planned to cut the bamboo shoots directly in the yard, which would save her trouble and prevent her from carrying the bamboo shoots back and forth into the kitchen.

Bamboo shoots are easy to slice. Just place a small bucket under the coffee table, and the sliced ​​bamboo shoots will fall accurately into the bucket of cool water with a gentle push of water.

Although the bamboo shoots were soaked in cold water to remove bitterness, it was still far from enough to completely remove the bitterness. They still needed to be boiled in hot water.

After Su Yun had almost finished slicing the bamboo shoots, Ye Feng helped start the fire. Cooking bamboo shoots is very simple: just pour the sliced ​​bamboo shoots into a pot full of water, bring it to a boil, add three large spoonfuls of salt to the boiling water, cover the pot, and let the water continue to boil for a while.

Cook for about three minutes.

Since there was no watch at the moment, it was difficult to estimate the time. Su Yun could only roughly judge how well the bamboo shoots were cooked based on their color.

After letting the lid sit for a while, and waiting for a curious little bird by the wall to fly over, chirp twice, and then fly away, Su Yun felt it was about time.

Lifting the pot lid, the boiling water released a ring of white steam, and the steam billowed out the aroma of bamboo shoots. Smelling the fresh fragrance of bamboo shoots wafting from the pot, and recalling the deliciousness of stir-fried bamboo shoots and braised bamboo shoots, Su Yun couldn't help but sigh again. Fortunately, he had transmigrated in spring, a relatively peaceful season. As long as he was willing to work, he would never go hungry.

Moreover, that bamboo forest is so dense that even if she hollows out half a mountain, the strong bamboo will still be able to grow strong into the fields next year.

Even though the bamboo forest is only a small area, its roots have already spread for miles around. So, to prevent it from becoming too lush, it's not unreasonable for it to eat more of its offspring.

Thinking of this, Su Yun couldn't help but smile. Hehe, I'll go to the bamboo forest again tomorrow. Bamboo shoots should be eaten while they're still tender. I'll also check if there are any mousetraps or traps. Maybe I can catch another rabbit!

Let's use a trap instead. This time, she absolutely refused to let Ye Feng make a move.

As Su Yun watched the bamboo shoots in the pot cook until they were almost done, the broth turned a slightly milky white, and the bamboo shoots began to soften. Su Yun then scooped them out, putting some back into cold water to keep them fresh for the next few days, and spreading the rest out on a winnowing basket to dry.

After finishing all this, Su Yun planned to take a short break to catch her breath before making lunch.

Let me have a drink of water first. I feel like I've been busy all day and haven't had a single sip of water yet. My throat is practically parched.

On the octagonal table in the main room sat a hot water kettle and a small iron kettle. Su Yun had found them while searching abandoned houses. They were the kind of old iron kettles she used when she was a child. The patterns on the outside were worn away and they looked very dilapidated. Unexpectedly, after washing them clean, they could still be used. The heat retention was quite good, so she could drink hot water anytime. It was wonderful!

On the contrary, the plastic shells were already weathered, and with the slightest touch, the mercury liner inside was exposed, making it seem like it was about to shatter at any moment, which frightened her so much that she dared not move.

Su Yun picked up the cup and gulped it down in one go, instantly feeling her parched throat soothed.

Su Yun let out a breath, feeling completely satisfied.

She glanced at Ye Feng, who was lying under the door frame basking in the sun, blinked, and thought for a moment.

She picked up another old-fashioned enamel teacup, which she had also dug out—it was a pair with the one she was holding.

Thinking about it, Su Yun naturally poured Ye Feng a glass of warm water. Although Ye Feng didn't have the habit of drinking boiled water and it didn't seem to have any adverse effects, Su Yun was still a little worried about the bacteria in the tap water, so she specially prepared a water glass for him.

Ye Feng drank with her for a few days without showing much resistance. Instead, he gradually got used to it and drank the boiled water from the kettle just like her.

She gently filled the glass with warm water and placed it on the small table next to the recliner so he could drink it when he woke up.

He held a glass of water, sat on the bluestone steps beside the night breeze, and slowly drank it.

The early spring sunshine was not harsh at all, but gentle and soft. It filtered through the treetops and scattered across the yard, forming patches of light with a beautiful golden hue, decorating the entire yard little by little and making this dilapidated yard more vibrant.

Under the golden sunlight, there is a slightly swaying recliner in the courtyard, and an old, worn-out wooden tea table exuding a sense of history, with one person and one teacup.

Beside me were chili peppers drying on a winnowing basket and clothes neatly hung out to dry, which inexplicably gave me a sense of warmth and home.

Su Yun tilted her head and thought for a moment, then picked up her teacup and slowly walked to the small chair on the other side of the coffee table to sit down, sitting next to Ye Feng, enjoying this moment of leisure.

Half asleep and half awake, Ye Feng seemed to sense the movement beside him. His ears perked up slightly, as if he was about to be startled awake. Looking at Ye Feng nestled in the recliner, his face was pale, his usual sharpness and indifference gone, leaving only the frail weakness after being seriously injured.

Looking at that slightly trembling ear, Su Yun felt a strange itch in her heart and couldn't help but reach out and gently rub it.

Held in her hand, the soft, black, fluffy ears instantly captivated her heart.

Oh my god!

This is an amazing feel!

This feeling is just too good—it's just too good.

Unlike before when she would sneakily touch it while showering, this time her hands were dry, allowing her to directly feel the soft downy texture of the little ears. The soft, fluffy texture was so cute that Su Yun's heart skipped a beat. She had only intended to soothe the ears, but the soft touch stimulated her to the point of losing her mind, and she couldn't help but stroke them a few more times.

Then, the cat ears jumped uncontrollably, and Su Yun looked down and met a pair of sleepy, golden eyes.

Orcs have very keen ears, easily hearing any sounds around them. They are also very sensitive, so he woke up almost the instant Su Yun's hand touched his ear.

For a moment, she instinctively wanted to dodge, but then realized it was Su Yun's hand. So she hesitated for a second and let that soft little hand gently touch her.

The gentle palm of his hand caressed the sensitive nerves of my ear, tickling me and creating a stimulating and pleasurable sensation that almost made me dizzy. It was a novel experience I had never had before.

The stimulation made the cat's ears twitch uncontrollably.

Su Yun felt guilty and quickly let go of the thief's hand, her heart pounding like a drum.

Even the night breeze couldn't help but open its eyes.

So, the two locked eyes, and Su Yun felt incredibly embarrassed, as if she'd been caught red-handed. She could only cough awkwardly a few times, "There's a leaf up there, let me get it down for you..."

Ye Feng's face was still sleepy and pale. He had lost his usual sharpness and was now just a cute, innocent boy. He had just woken up and was clearly not in a daze yet. He just blankly said "Oh—".

Su Yun guiltily picked up her cup and took a sip of water to cover up her embarrassment. "I'll go check on the rabbit. It's almost... almost time for lunch."

"Hmm—" Ye Feng responded softly, his ears drooping slightly, burning red. He was secretly glad that he was black, so the redness wouldn't be visible.

Su Yun, embarrassed, lowered her head and ran away, not daring to look at him at all. She regretted it in her heart, thinking, "Oh dear, why can't I control myself?"

Su Yun hid in the kitchen, but her mind was filled with Ye Feng's hazy eyes as she woke up, and those soft cat ears.

She felt her cheeks turn bright red, but thankfully she ran fast enough that she probably wasn't seen.

Getting caught touching someone's ear in the act—what an embarrassing moment! Luckily, I ran away quickly and cleverly came up with an excuse, even though it was a terrible one. But with my simple-mindedness, I don't think they'll suspect anything, right?

Su Yun, still clinging to her own illusions, secretly peeked through the window to see Ye Feng's reaction. Ye Feng didn't seem to react much; he simply mimicked her actions, holding the teacup and awkwardly drinking water from it, his face still showing the bewilderment of someone who had just woken up. He seemed to have no doubt about her claim of taking the leaves.

Thank goodness, Su Yun reassured herself. It was nothing, otherwise she really wouldn't have been able to control herself and would have awkwardly dug out a three-bedroom apartment with her toes.

The awkward crisis was averted, and it was clear that the other party showed no signs of distress.

Su Yun's courage grew again, and her thieving heart began to itch again. Her mind kept replaying the soft, adorable touch of that little ear that melted her heart.

Looking into her misty eyes and droopy ears, Su Yun only wanted to say one thing: Mom! Next time, I! Will! Dare!

Back in the kitchen, as usual, I finished processing the rabbit, chopped it into small pieces, and marinated it with salt and white wine for a while to remove the fishy smell.

Then pour water into the iron pot and bring it to a boil. Put the chopped rabbit meat into the boiling water and wait for the blood to come out. Skim off the blood foam. After the blood has mostly come out, take the rabbit meat out and set it aside.

Because there was no oil, Su Yun had to render oil on the spot. She carefully picked out all the fatty meat, heated the pot, and then poured a bowl of fatty meat into it. "Sizzle—" As soon as the fatty meat entered the pot, it began to ooze oil against the hot surface. In order to make sure that not a single drop of oil was wasted, Su Yun used an iron spatula to press down on the white pieces of meat, not letting go of any possible drop of oil.

Soon, the fat began to seep out, and the fatty meat gradually turned yellow and crispy, emitting an enticing aroma. Su Yun pressed it down a few more times, scooped out a small half bowl of oil, and saved it.

Ah, this oil is hard to come by. Most of the oil in the mountain village has gone bad and can't be eaten. It's okay to use it for starting a fire or lighting lamps, but it's impossible to eat it.

Having finally obtained such a small amount of oil, Su Yun cherished it greatly. She immediately and carefully poured the oil from the bowl into a jar, sealed it tightly, and then carefully placed it in the cupboard and locked it away.

To prevent the smell of oil from attracting rats or insects, and also to prevent it from being stolen.

Seeing that there was still some oil left in the pot, Su Yun directly poured in a few prepared chilies and stir-fried them until fragrant. Then she poured in the blanched rabbit meat, stir-fried it over high heat, and then added salt and rock sugar.

Unfortunately, the available seasonings were very limited, so Su Yun could only do his best. Even so, after the rabbit meat was stir-fried, it revealed a golden color and began to emit an enticing aroma.

Finally, Su Yun thought for a moment, then poured in a small bowl of strong liquor. Instantly, the pot made a "sizzling" sound, fully releasing the rich aroma of the rabbit meat.

Seeing that the rabbit meat had all changed color, Su Yun grabbed a handful of bamboo shoots from the cold water, and while the fire was blazing, put them into the iron pot and stir-fried them. The tender white bamboo shoots absorbed the excess oil and the broth, becoming soft and delicious, and exuding a rich aroma in the air.

Smelling the aroma in the air, Su Yun poured in water, covered the pot, and began to braise the rabbit meat.

After about ten minutes, the sauce gradually reduced, and finally, it was served on a plate!

Looking at the freshly cooked rabbit meat, golden in color and with an enticing aroma, Su Yun, who had been busy all day, was already starving. She couldn't resist picking up a piece, taking a bite, and her eyes immediately lit up. Wow! This rabbit meat was fragrant, tender, and flavorful, with oil dripping from her mouth. It was absolutely delicious!

The aroma was so enticing that she couldn't resist picking up a second piece. Just as she was about to put it in her mouth, she seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around, only to see Ye Feng about to come to the kitchen to help.

Every move she made while secretly eating was seen by the other party. Looking at Ye Feng's resentful and deep eyes, Su Yun felt very guilty and couldn't help but blush. She coughed and explained, "Cough cough, I just wanted to see if it tasted good enough. You should try some too."

Hmph, she was clearly stealing food. Night Breeze drooped its tail, thinking, "She touched my ear and ran away, what a liar! Humans really are the most cunning, the most, most treacherous."

Night Breeze secretly wrote down some bad things about her in her little notebook.

But when Su Yun held up the piece of rabbit meat, smiling and beckoning him to come and try it, he couldn't resist and took a bite of the succulent rabbit meat. The meat, with its perfect balance of fat and lean, was braised to perfection. With a gentle bite, the juices and broth spread throughout his mouth. It was so incredibly delicious.

This was the first time he had ever eaten such delicious rabbit.

It was more delicious than any rabbit he had ever eaten before.

This human being in front of me is so kind!

Another stroke was crossed out in the notebook.

"And this bamboo shoot, Ye Feng, you try it." Su Yun picked up another bamboo shoot.

The night breeze, unable to resist, opened its mouth again to catch the meat. The tender bamboo shoots, soaked in the meat juices, were not only fragrant with meat but also incredibly crisp and refreshing, with a taste that was in no way inferior to rabbit meat.

Night Wind stared wide-eyed and let out a gasp of surprise.

Su Yun watched the kitten eat contentedly and couldn't resist wanting to feed it herself; it was so cute.

Sure enough, after the kitten put the food in its mouth, its eyes lit up slightly, and it let out a soft exclamation of praise.

"Ah, these are bamboo shoots? They're quite different from the ones before... no, completely different..."

Ye Feng let out a rare sigh of surprise, truly astonished by the bamboo shoots. "So this is how they're eaten?"

Su Yun's eyes crinkled with laughter, "Yes, it's a bit of a hassle, but it's delicious!"

"Okay!" Night Breeze nodded, indicating, "Then let's go dig some more tomorrow, oh, and rabbits too."

The fact that tomorrow's plans were made on the spot is the greatest affirmation from a foodie.

The last pot of rabbit meat was served and was completely devoured by the two of them in just one noon.

After a satisfying meal, Su Yun looked around and, seeing that it was still early, decided to go out and find some herbs.

Now that we don't have to worry about food for the time being, we might as well take this opportunity to look around and see if there are any herbs or anything. The hemostatic herbs are not very effective, and with the wind blowing around at night these past few days, the wound keeps oozing blood, which is why it hasn't healed completely. This is something that keeps me worried.

Perhaps topical application and oral administration are necessary?

Su Yun was slightly worried. Actually, she didn't know much about herbs. This incident served as a wake-up call for her. It was best to keep some first-aid medicines on hand, just in case someone had a fever or other minor ailment.

However, I don't know which year of the apocalypse it is now. The resources available in this dilapidated little village are really limited. Perhaps we should try to stock up on some herbs.

Su Yun thought for a moment and decided to first go to the surrounding fields to find some herbs and see what vegetables could be transplanted. It was time to plant the land in the back, because if the vegetable garden wasn't ready by the next rainy season, the planting season would be over.

After tidying up the kitchen, Su Yun took advantage of the night breeze being asleep, grabbed her outing gear—a three-piece set, a bag, a stick, and a knife—and tiptoed out of the house, bypassing the night breeze.

Just as she reached the door, Ye Feng, who had been dozing on the recliner after finishing his meal, woke up, yawned, and followed behind her without saying a word.

I thought I could avoid waking him up and let him rest a little longer.

"You should rest at home," Su Yun said, frowning as she turned around.

Night Breeze lowered his head, remained silent, and followed quietly behind, clearly not intending to give up the idea of ​​going out with her.

"I'll just go check by the stream; it's perfectly safe." Su Yun began to patiently persuade him, saying softly, "Your injuries haven't healed yet, so you shouldn't go out. Just stay home and rest."

The night wind was somewhat silent, but its steps followed her with unusual determination, listening to her constant persuasion, before finally uttering a soft, "I'm better than you—"

Su Yun, he's absolutely right. I'm speechless.

But I still have to refuse, "But you're injured—"

"No buts." Night Wind gently shook his head in denial. "Even if I'm injured, I'm still stronger than you."

He ignored Su Yun's objections and insisted on following her out the door.

The human before him looked extremely weak, with a slender figure, as if he could snap her in two with a single pinch. For some reason, he, who was normally uninterested in the plight of humans, was particularly unwilling to see her harmed.

The thought of the dangers she might face...

So Ye Feng followed him subconsciously every time.

Consider it repayment for the care she had given him these past few days. Ye Feng silently made a decision in his heart: he would go out with her.

Su Yun's petite figure blocked the doorway, her body almost completely enveloped in the other person's shadow. The two were worlds apart.

Well, I have to admit, Night Wind is right.

He is indeed much better than her.

Recalling the figure of Ye Feng hunting this morning, his speed and precision were like a bolt of lightning.

Indeed, he was no match for someone as inexperienced as himself. Su Yun looked up and saw the determined expression on Ye Feng's face. He sighed silently in his heart and finally resigned himself to his fate.

"Then you can't move around recklessly. If there's any danger, we should run away instead of fighting, understand?" Su Yun also made her only request.

Looking at the small figure in front of him, yet with an unwavering determination in his eyes, Ye Feng didn't insist any further, only responding softly with a reply: "Mm."

And so the two made a pact to go out together.

Because Ye Feng was injured, Su Yun didn't plan to go too far. Besides, she didn't recognize many herbs, only the most basic and common ones: [unclear text - possibly a type of herb], centella asiatica, [unclear text - possibly a type of herb], honeysuckle, and isatis root...

These can be seen by the roadside and water, so there is no need to go into the mountains and forests.

You can grab one anywhere on the roadside.

Su Yun finally decided to go to the river to take a look. He walked along the familiar road and found that the roadside was lush with vegetation, and there were quite a few medicinal herbs hidden among them.

The first plant discovered was the □□ leaf, scientifically known as Plantago asiatica.

Because the leaves of this grass look like a crouching toad—small, round, and green—lying on the ground, everyone calls it the toad leaf.

Actually, it only looks a bit like a flower. Once it grows flowers, with a few thin, wheat-ear-like flower stalks extending out, it doesn't resemble a flower at all.

Along the way, many leaves grew sporadically, each one growing exceptionally lushly.

I don’t know if it’s because no one has paid attention to it for many years, but the leaves of this plant are growing exceptionally large. The broad, green leaves form a circle, with exceptionally thick and long stamens in the center.

Su Yun had been uprooting things along the way. This kind of grass was particularly effective at clearing heat and detoxifying. When she was a child, her grandmother would always pick a handful of it from the roadside, wash it clean, add some white sugar, boil it in water, and drink it to cool her down and clear her heat.

This kind of grass can be washed clean and dried.

The herbs can be preserved for a long time after being dried, and they might come in handy if you have a headache or fever. Thinking of this, Su Yun became particularly enthusiastic and almost picked all the leaves along the way.

In addition, there are scattered red spots, which are named for their characteristic tall red flowers.

When they were little, they especially liked red flowers, which were the main ingredient in their pretend play. Because red flowers are small and delicate, they are a perfect decoration for their imaginary dinner. A plate of green with a touch of red in the middle looks especially beautiful.

Actually, besides being a cute decoration for playing house, *A touch of red* can also treat diarrhea and abdominal pain. It's a kind of miracle cure and a must-have in every home.

Moreover, it's early spring now, and the leaves of the little red clover are tender and soft, perfect for making soup. Su Yun picked a bunch of tender leaves, planning to cook a bowl of soup for herself when she got home tonight.

Following the country road where she usually washed clothes, Su Yun found that the stream was overgrown with weeds and plants. She even found centella asiatica, dandelions, and a large patch of wild mustard greens.

One is for clearing heat and detoxifying, and the other is for lowering blood lipids and blood pressure.

Along the way, although I have gained a lot, it seems that none of it has had much effect on the wounds inflicted by the night wind.

Su Yun sighed with a touch of melancholy.

Suddenly, a bundle of tender green grass caught her eye, and Ye Feng naturally handed her the bundle of wild grass he had picked: "Here you go, I picked this."

It turned out that Ye Feng wasn't idle either; he often took every opportunity to help her with whatever he could, such as washing dishes and hanging laundry...

So along the way, Ye Feng also picked a lot of wildflowers and weeds, holding a small handful in his hand and tying them together neatly. However, there were still many useless weeds and unknown wildflowers scattered among them.

Since he didn't explain to Ye Feng in detail that he was picking herbs, Ye Feng might easily assume that he was just randomly picking wild grass and flowers.

Then, secretly, according to my own preference, I picked a bunch and handed it to her.

Looking at the small, adorable bunch of flowers in her hand, Su Yun smiled and carefully put it into her bag. Ah! It's practically a figurine that the kitten brought her!

She must cherish it!

She planned to go back and immediately find a bottle to put it in, so that it would last longer.

Seeing Su Yun happily put away the bouquet of flowers, Ye Feng felt inexplicably happy. He pulled the weeds even more cheerfully, and his long tail swayed gently, revealing a hint of his owner's joy.

Su Yun didn't correct him, letting him pick the flowers and grasses along the way while she continued to look for useful herbs. She also picked a few hemostatic herbs, which were almost consumables. It seemed that there were no herbs she wanted in this area. Su Yun stood on the small slope. Further ahead was the stream where she often washed clothes, where the vegetation was lush.

If we follow the stream, we should make a significant discovery.

She wanted to go and see.