After a night, the kudzu root powder finally settled to a near-complete sedimentation.

A large vat of water was filled to the brim, but only a small amount of powder had settled at the bottom. Gu Nanjiao slowly poured out the water and impurities from the vat, then scooped out the kudzu root powder from the bottom in chunks and placed it in a winnowing basket to dry.

After a day and a night of drying, the kudzu root powder was finally completed.

Gu Nanjiao quickly made a cup. She tasted it and found it quite good. She then made another cup for Lu's mother and younger sister to try.

Lu's mother truly hadn't expected that this wood-root-like firewood could be made into something as white and fluffy as flour, and that it was even edible. Gu Nanjiao had told her that kudzu root powder had many benefits.

Women who regularly consume kudzu root powder can improve their complexion and beauty; the elderly who regularly consume it can strengthen their spleen and lungs and prevent osteoporosis; and children who consume it can improve their intelligence and brain function.

Most importantly, kudzu root can also be used in medicine, for example, to clear heat and stop diarrhea.

Lu's mother felt that her son had married a treasure, and she only hoped that her son could cherish it and live a good life with Jiaojiao.

Having learned from her previous experience, Gu Nanjiao originally wanted to use a cart to go up the mountain, but after searching around, she found that the Lu family was so poor that they didn't even have a cart. Helpless, Gu Nanjiao coaxed and tricked Lu Xiaomei into going up the mountain.

Although Lu Xiaomei is small, she is quite strong, and having her around can be of some help.

While digging for kudzu roots, the two unexpectedly discovered winter bamboo shoots.

The winter bamboo shoots were quite large, each weighing about two pounds. Seeing such big bamboo shoots, Lu Xiaomei exclaimed excitedly:

"Sister-in-law, it's winter bamboo shoots."

Gu Nanjiao was also very happy and quickly instructed Lu Xiaomei:

"Quickly check if there are any more around here, dig up more, we'll have bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork for dinner."

"Yay!" Hearing about food, Lu Xiaomei dug even harder, working even harder than when digging for kudzu roots.

Lu Xiaomei is very skilled; she digs right every time, leaving Gu Nanjiao in awe.

"Little sister, you're amazing!"

Lu Xiaomei shook her head proudly, "Of course. When I was little, I often dug for bamboo shoots with my brother. There are techniques to digging for bamboo shoots."

"Really? What's the technique? Tell me about it," Gu Nanjiao asked, feigning curiosity.

“Winter bamboo shoots like to grow in sunny places. You should first look at their leaves. Yellow leaves mean that the shoots underneath are growing well. If you follow this method, you’re guaranteed to dig them up every time,” Lu Xiaomei said proudly.

"Impressive, sister-in-law, I've learned a lot." Gu Nanjiao immediately gave Lu Xiaomei a gesture of admiration upon hearing this.

"Sister-in-law, watch from the side, I'll dig it up for you, you should learn from me." Upon hearing the praise, Lu Xiaomei immediately puffed out her chest.

Gu Nanjiao wanted to laugh at Lu Xiaomei's antics, but she managed to hold it back. What a little brat! She couldn't help but praise her.

The two sisters-in-law returned home laden with their purchases, in high spirits.

As soon as Lu Xiaomei entered the door, she called out, "Mother—"

Hearing the sound, Lu's mother, who was washing clothes, immediately wiped her hands on her apron.

"What's going on? Why are you all in such a rush?"

"Mom, my sister-in-law and I even dug up some winter bamboo shoots today!"

"My sister-in-law doesn't know as much as I do! I dug all the winter bamboo shoots by myself, isn't that amazing?" As soon as Lu Xiaomei entered the door, she started chattering and sharing her day's harvest.

"Amazing!" Lu's mother also gave a thumbs up, and Lu's younger sister became even more excited.

The family's laughter filled the entire courtyard.

Lu Yanzhao had just arrived at his doorstep when he saw this scene. His eyes flickered slightly, but he did not go in to break the peace and warmth. Instead, he stood quietly outside the door.

He thought to himself, "How long has it been since my house has been this lively?"

Since her father passed away, her mother has been grieving and ill, and her younger sister has also been depressed. She started working for others at a young age, and at night she would go into the mountains with hunters to hunt wild animals to sell for money.

Finally, he turned sixteen and his family had saved up a little money, so he returned to school. He thought it was the beginning of something wonderful, but Gu Nanjiao turned out to be a stumbling block to his plans.

He used to hate her, but now she seems alright. His mother and sister are very satisfied and happy.

Even he himself began to waver. The thought that it might be better to continue living like this with her suddenly startled him.

"Why are you standing here instead of coming inside?" The door suddenly opened, and Gu Nanjiao's appearance interrupted his thoughts.

As darkness fell, Gu Nanjiao could no longer clearly see his face, but she sensed that Lu Yanzhao had been grinning foolishly at the door.

Gu Nanjiao wondered if she was seeing things.

Lu Yanzhao did not answer Gu Nanjiao, but turned aside and walked past her.

Only he knew that his face was burning hot.

Dinner was, of course, bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork. Although it was only one dish, the Lu family still felt like it was Chinese New Year.

After the meal, Gu Nanjiao made three bowls of kudzu root powder: one for Lu's mother, one for herself, and one for Lu's younger sister, but not one for Lu Yanzhao.

A hint of displeasure flashed through Lu Yanzhao's mind.

He was quite surprised to see the white powder turn into a transparent gel after being mixed with hot water!

"Is this the kudzu root powder you mentioned?" Lu Yanzhao turned his head and glanced at Gu Nanjiao before asking.

"Yes, this stuff is good for women; it's good for beauty and skin health. It can also be used in medicine."

"Oh?" So it was for women. Hearing Gu Nanjiao's words, for some reason, his displeasure quickly disappeared.

"Here, have a taste?" At this moment, Gu Nanjiao made another bowl and placed it in front of him.

Lu Yanzhao looked at the white, transparent substance in front of him, hesitated for a moment, then scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth. It was smooth and had a faint fragrance.

"It would taste even better with honey. I'll go to town tomorrow and bring some back," Gu Nanjiao said, watching Lu Yanzhao eat with relish.

...

"Is anyone home?" A voice called from outside the door, and the whole family was stunned. Who would come over so late at night?

Gu's mother hurriedly went out to open the door, and Gu Nanjiao took advantage of this opportunity to tidy up the kudzu root powder and cover it with a winnowing basket.

The visitor was Zhang San, who had come to deliver the game and share the profits with Lu Yanzhao.

In winter, the hunters in the village would go into the mountains together, because many hands make light work. The game they caught would be taken to a buyer by a designated leader. The money would be divided equally among the hunters.

Five people went into the mountains last time, but they encountered wolves and Lu Yanzhao was injured, so they returned early. As a result, they didn't catch much game, and the money they made was also small; each person only received one or two taels of silver.

Having one or two taels of silver is quite good. It's enough for an ordinary family to live on for two or three months.

Lu Yanzhao handed the money to his mother and told her to keep it.

Lu's mother waved her hand and refused: "Your earnings will all be given to Jiaojiao to manage from now on."

"Now that you're married and have a wife, things can't be the same as before. Your little family needs to set aside some money for yourselves."

Upon hearing this, Gu Nanjiao quickly said to Lu's mother, "Mother, I'm still young. You should worry about things at home. So, I don't want this money."

After a brief tug-of-war with Lu's mother, she put the money away.