The magistrate of Yunxi County, who was standing nearby, quickly replied, "Your Highness, this is Shen Qingtang. When Yunxi County was short of water before, it was Shen Qingtang who helped us find a water source and taught us how to dig a well! This time, with the locust plague, it was Shen Qingtang who came here specifically to help!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Che's gaze deepened.
This woman named Shen Qingtang was making him more and more curious.
After scattering insect repellent powder in the fields of Yunxi County, Shen Qingtang did not stop at "driving away" the locusts. Looking at the locust corpses scattered along the field ridges, she suddenly had a new idea.
She instructed her spirit servants to collect the locusts that were not completely dead and bring them back to the makeshift workshop, and then retrieved modern food processing equipment from the space.
"These locusts are rich in protein and can be used as food after being cleaned."
Shen Qingtang explained the process to the villagers who had gathered around, while demonstrating the procedure.
First, blanch the locusts in boiling water to kill the eggs and bacteria; then remove the hard shells from the wings and legs, leaving the plump bodies.
Finally, they are marinated with salt and spices, or fried or baked. Soon, the workshop is filled with a fragrant aroma, and the golden and crispy dried locusts are placed in bamboo baskets, making people's mouths water.
The villagers were initially reluctant, but after taking a bite, they were amazed by the crispy texture. The fried locusts were salty and flavorful, while the baked ones had a subtle meaty aroma.
There is absolutely no odor.
Shen Qingtang also repackaged the dried locusts into small bags and sold them as "special snacks" through the "Carefree Young Master's" trade routes to various places. This not only solved the problem of the locust plague, but also opened up a new source of income for the villagers.
Xiao Che, standing by the edge of the field, witnessed this scene. His amazement was even greater. She could not only use insect repellent powder to effectively control locusts, but also turn waste into treasure by turning locusts into food. Her courage and wisdom far surpassed that of ordinary women.
Xiao Yue, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain herself. Lifting her skirt, she quickly ran to Shen Qingtang's side and praised her with bright eyes: "Shen Qingtang, you are so amazing! Not only can you drive away locusts, but you can also turn them into food. How are you so smart!"
Shen Qingtang wiped the light sweat from her forehead and said in a calm tone, "I just didn't want to waste it. I'm glad it can help everyone."
She always kept her distance from the excessive enthusiasm of strangers, and her slightly furrowed brows only added to her aloof and detached demeanor.
Seeing this, Pei Wuwang, who was not far away, walked over slowly, took the tools from Shen Qingtang's hands naturally, and said in a low voice, "Are you tired? Take a rest for a while."
His gaze toward Xiao Che held a scrutinizing quality, but he said nothing more.
He recognized the seventh prince of Beishuo.
However, they also knew that there was no need to deliberately start a conversation at this moment.
Xiao Che met Pei Wuwang's gaze and nodded slightly. There was no extra communication between the two, but there was a silent understanding between them.
As the locust plague gradually came under control, Xiao Che finally found an opportunity to proactively ask Shen Qingtang for advice on locust control and the utilization of locusts.
“Miss Shen, if this method can be promoted, it will surely solve the locust plague in many parts of the world. I humbly request that you tell me the formula for the insect repellent powder and the method for treating locusts. Bei Shuo is willing to reward you handsomely.”
His tone was sincere, even pleading, as locust plagues were common on the northern border. He believed that if this method could be obtained, countless people could be saved.
Shen Qingtang pondered for a moment, but did not refuse directly. Instead, he wrote down a simplified version of the insect repellent powder formula and processing procedure and handed it to her: "There is no need for a large sum of money. I only hope that Your Highness can use this method to truly help the disaster relief, rather than to make a profit."
When she looked up, she inadvertently caught a glimpse of the faint blue lines on Xiao Che's neck. Combined with his pale face and occasional coughs, she was suddenly alarmed. These were symptoms of "methamphetamine," a venomous poison that lurks in the body and gradually erodes the internal organs, even more dangerous than the chronic poison Pei Wuwang had previously been poisoned with.
"Your Highness suffers from chronic chills and persistent nighttime coughing, doesn't he?"
Shen Qingtang suddenly asked.
Xiao Che's pupils contracted, and he looked at her in shock: "How did you know, young lady?" This was a hidden ailment of his for many years, which even the imperial physicians were helpless against, and he had never mentioned it to outsiders.
"I only have a basic understanding of medicine." Shen Qingtang didn't explain further, but a sense of challenge ignited in her heart. Although this ice poison was dangerous, it was not incurable. Perhaps by studying this poison, she could further improve her medical skills.
At this moment, Lu Jin and Lin Peirou, who were being used by Shen Qingtang as "poison testing tools," were spotted by Xiao Yue's servants.
The two men, covered in wounds, lay in their makeshift cell. Upon seeing someone arrive, they immediately cried out, "Help! Shen Qingtang is a demon! She uses us as guinea pigs, feeding us poison every day!"
Lu Jiaojiao chimed in, her voice shrill: "Exactly! She pretends to save the people, but behind their backs she does all sorts of bad things! She's just a hypocrite who seeks fame and fortune!"
Xiao Yue frowned and looked at Xiao Che beside her: "Brother, is what they said true? How could Shen Qingtang..."
Xiao Che shook his head, his eyes resolute: "Don't believe them. If Shen Qingtang were really as they say, why would she go to such lengths to save the people of Yunxi County? These people must have committed many evils to be punished by Shen Qingtang."
Although he didn't know why Shen Qingtang used them to test poison, he preferred to believe in the kindness and wisdom he had witnessed with his own eyes.
When Shen Qingtang learned of this, she simply smiled faintly. She never cared about being slandered by malicious people, after all, the innocent will always be proven innocent.
Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Che had developed a deeper sense of curiosity and admiration for this mysterious and powerful woman.
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