"Oh, how come they all froze to death?"
"Mulberry tree, oh mulberry tree, you can wither in winter and bloom in spring in Xicang, but if you move a little north, can't you take root in Yongzhou?"
The snowy wind was as sharp as a knife, freezing cold to the bone. The wind blew on my face, causing my skin to hurt.
Jiang Yushu felt distressed and could not help but sigh, with her mouth and nose covered and no smile on her face.
"Sister, be careful, go slowly." It was inconvenient for outsiders to get close, and only Jiang Mingcheng occasionally gave him a helping hand. He spent the entire day studying in his study, and only went out to get some fresh air and relax.
"Well, the mountain road is not flat, you have to be careful." She forced herself to be brave, but the biting cold wind made her nose and throat uncomfortable.
On several nearby mountains, the mulberry trees, so highly anticipated, had all withered and died. Jiang Yushu was devastated, unable to conceal her disappointment. She threw away the withered mulberry branches, gathered her cloak, and sighed, "Everyone, the mulberry silk industry may not work in Tuning."
Jiang Mingcheng, along with yamen clerks and several wealthy merchants, surrounded the county magistrate and comforted him, saying, "Don't be discouraged, sister. Wait until next spring and try planting some more. May God reward your hard work."
The others all said, "This is our first time planting, so it's bound to go wrong. Let's try again next year!"
"Be more careful next time."
"Could it be that the soil and water here are not suitable for growing mulberry trees?"
"It's possible."
"Do we have to plant the trees somewhere else?"
…
The wealthy businessmen headed by the Mei and Wen families were wealthy and all wore mink cloaks. Although they were distressed and had a headache, they were fortunate that they had invested little in their first attempt and were not unable to bear the losses.
Wen Yizhai, a descendant of a royal merchant family, said respectfully, "It's not possible to succeed overnight in this unfamiliar business. Good things take time. I'd like to try again next year."
Mei Tianfu was overweight and heavily dressed, looking bloated and clumsy. He was supported by servants on either side, panting heavily as he followed his companions. He shouted nonchalantly, "We only planted a few thousand trees this year, so the loss is bearable. We didn't expect to plant all of them all at once. If they die, they die. We'll try different species next year!"
Jiang Yushu blinked hard, brushing off the snow that had fallen from her eyelashes. Unwilling to give up, she cheered up and said loudly, "Right! It's just a one-time failure. Don't be discouraged for now. Try again next year!" She was the first to return to Sangshan Village, thinking as she walked:
"Mulberry trees may survive the winter in Heqin, but not in Tunin. What everyone just said makes sense. Perhaps the tree species is not suitable, or perhaps the soil and water are not suitable. Next year, we should try planting a smaller number on a low slope in the valley." After a pause, she said helplessly, "If we still don't succeed next year, we'll have to give up and avoid huge losses."
Everyone agreed and slowly returned to the village to rest against the north wind.
Anyway, it was not their own loss, so the petty officials felt sorry but not heartbroken; the wealthy businessman did not focus on mulberry silkworms this year, but mainly on farming. After years of business experience, he let the loss of a batch of mulberry trees go after the heartache subsided.
Therefore, Jiang Yushu became the person who felt the most sorry for the death of the mulberry tree.
After all, it was the magistrate who insisted on it. If he lost, not only would he lose face, but he would also feel bad.
She concealed her disappointment and melancholy, pulled her boots from the snow, and said with a smile, "Everyone has worked hard all year, and with New Year's Eve just around the corner, let's put our official business aside for a while and go home to spend some quality time with our families. As usual, all official business will be discussed after the Lantern Festival."
"Yes." It was the end of the year, and they could finally have a break for half a month. The clerks and yamen runners were overjoyed. After returning to the county government office, they were rewarded according to their merits. Everyone received a New Year gift and went home happily to celebrate the New Year.
Nighttime: Side Hall of the Back Courtyard
There was a raging storm outside, and a small iron pot was placed in the middle of the round table in the hall. The charcoal fire underneath the pot was burning red, and the mutton soup in the pot was bubbling. Next to the pot were several dishes waiting to be cooked, steaming hot and fragrant, which made people's appetites growl.
At the same time, a pot of wine was warmed on the table, with the aroma of wine everywhere, for the uncle and the husband to drink together.
Jiang Yushu and her husband sat next to each other, and opposite them was Jiang Mingcheng. There were no servants serving them in the hall, and the three of them chatted casually.
"Mingcheng, come, eat more." Although she disliked her stepmother and her stepdaughter, she did not dislike her gentle and honest brother. She stood up and served him a spoonful of mutton. "It's the middle of winter, and it's the perfect time to eat mutton."
"Hey, sister, please sit down. Don't bother. I can serve myself." Jiang Mingcheng stood up and took the dish with both hands. He ate until he was warm all over and drank until his face flushed and sweated. He praised, "This pot is better than the copper stove we have at home. It's more enjoyable to eat with."
Jiang Yushu smiled and quickly poured a plate of mutton slices into the pot, followed by a handful of potato vermicelli. "Is it fun? This is how you should eat in winter. It warms you up!"
"This kind of pot was your sister's idea. I really wonder why her head is so full of weird ideas? From big things like national economy and people's livelihood to small things like pots and pans, she always has new insights. What's more, she especially likes to 'tinker' and can't sit still." Guo Honglei drank leisurely, his eyes bright as stars under the candlelight.
"Hahaha~" Jiang Mingcheng, slightly tipsy, said with a touch of pride, his eyebrows beaming, "My eldest sister is naturally intelligent and studious since childhood. She's proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and is especially good at growing flowers. We have a greenhouse at home that used to be filled with orchids of all kinds, blooming year-round. It was so beautiful!"
Guo Honglei nodded and said, "When we return to the capital in the future, we must go and visit it."
"Well, you're most welcome!"
That's right, the greenhouse was indeed carefully tended by your elder sister, and it has nothing to do with me. Jiang Yushu felt guilty and sighed, and said gently: "Okay, who can praise my sister so directly like you?"
Jiang Mingcheng was very proud that his elder sister could actually become an official. She was truly a heroine. "I'm just telling the truth."
In fact, Guo Honglei had visited the greenhouse of the Jiang Mansion before - led by his then fiancée. Back then, Jiang Yushan lied that most of the orchids were planted by herself. He believed it and admired the girl's patience for a while.
It's not appropriate to bring up such old things, so as not to spoil the fun.
The food in the pot keeps boiling, emitting steam and a fragrant smell.
Guo Honglei quickly stopped reminiscing, quietly pushed his bowl aside, and looked at her with a raised eyebrow, his meaning clear: Are you only focusing on your brother? My bowl is empty too.
Jiang Yushu understood, glanced at him with a hint of anger, and casually helped him fill the bowl. Then, she rested her chin on her left hand, picked up the spoon with her right hand, and slowly stirred the vermicelli in the pot to prevent it from sticking, and fell into deep thought.
"Thank you." Guo Honglei was about to serve her some more, but when he saw that she still had half the bowl left, he frowned. "Why aren't you eating? You've only eaten a few bites for several meals in a row. Aren't you hungry?"
No one answered for a long while.
Jiang Yushu was preoccupied and had no appetite. She stared at the vermicelli in a daze.
"Sister?" Jiang Mingcheng wiped his mouth. "Sister?"
"lady?"
"Master Jiang?"
Jiang Yushu frowned, concentrating on thinking, not paying any attention at all, just thinking they were chatting.
Guo Honglei shook his head helplessly and said to his brother-in-law, "Look, you're in a daze again." He raised his glass and shook it in front of her eyes.
"ah--"
Jiang Yushu woke up with a start, startled. The long-handled spoon in her hand trembled and hit the edge of the iron pot with a clang. She patted her chest and said, "What are you doing? You scared me!"
"You're so lost in thought, what are you thinking about? I called you several times but you didn't hear me."
She calmed herself down and replied seriously, "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that when I go home for the New Year the day after tomorrow, I could take the opportunity to ask a friend to buy some mulberry saplings. I'd choose a different variety than the ones I have now, and plant them next spring to see if they can survive the winter."
Guo Honglei laughed and sighed, "It's almost Chinese New Year, and you're still thinking about mulberry trees? Can't you think about it after the New Year?"
"Silkworms are my idea. It's a matter of great importance, so I have to think about it carefully."
Jiang Yushu looked calm, but she was anxious and blamed herself. "I originally thought that if mulberry trees can grow in Heqin, they should be able to survive in Tuning. Unexpectedly, although they can survive, they can't survive the winter, causing considerable losses. If they fail again next year, we will have to give up."
"You've done your best. Don't blame yourself."
"Brother-in-law, you don't know, but my sister has been very sad ever since the mulberry tree froze to death." Jiang Mingcheng's face flushed from drinking. He leaned forward and whispered, "She's been muttering about 'silkworms, silkworms' a lot lately. It's like she's been possessed."
"Ahem, I heard it." Jiang Yushu looked at her brother sternly. "Your face is red. Are you drunk?"
"No, I'm not drunk!" After saying that, Jiang Mingcheng raised his glass again, clinked it with his brother-in-law, and drank it all in one gulp.
Guo Honglei smiled, "Not bad, you're good at drinking."
Jiang Mingcheng grinned happily, feeling dizzy.
"He's already drunk, and you're still praising him!" Jiang Yushu advised, "A little drinking is good for your health, but too much is harmful. After finishing this pot, don't drink any more." As she spoke, she picked up the pot, weighed it, poured the last glass, clinked glasses with her husband and brother, and said regretfully, "We're going home the day after tomorrow, and you have to stay in the camp. We can't celebrate the New Year together again. Come on, drink it up, and celebrate the holiday in advance!"
"good!"
The two men were happy to accompany him.
She held her breath, drank it slowly, and said at the end, "It's too strong, spicy and choking. It's not as good as green plum wine."
"You just like sweet things." Guo Honglei poured her a glass of water.
Jiang Mingcheng thought for a moment and asked with concern, "Brother-in-law, can't you really go home for the New Year?"
Guo Honglei shook his head and replied gently, "I've already visited my family three times this year. Unless there's something unforeseen, it's not advisable to take leave so frequently."
She glanced at it briefly, quickly fished out the cooked vermicelli, and explained, "It can't be helped. In a border military camp, during festivals, everyone celebrates together. Even the commander stays in the camp, let alone your brother-in-law? If we want a family reunion during the New Year, we'll probably have to wait until he's discharged and returns home."
"Alas." Jiang Mingcheng was very reluctant, "It seems that we can only get together after the New Year."
"That's fine. You can go back to Heqin with your sister. Hongxuan is a chatterbox. He will drink and chat with you. I don't think it will be boring."
"good."
In the eyes of the brother-in-law, his brother-in-law, who is in charge of the family at a young age and has made many military achievements, is a great hero who stands tall and upright. He is simply admirable!
Jiang Mingcheng picked up the wine glass, but it was empty. He sniffed the aroma of the wine.
Seeing this, the eldest sister comforted her, "Not only Hongxuan, but also Hongzhe. Ah Zhe has recovered from his illness. Although he can't drink, he is full of poetry and books. You can discuss academic matters with him."
"Ah, yes!" Jiang Mingcheng smiled excitedly, "He also passed the imperial examination. Next year, when I return home, we can go to the capital together to prepare for the Spring Imperial Examination."
"That's great, you two should take care of each other!" Jiang Yushu nodded in agreement. "Let's set off early and travel at our leisure. We'll definitely need to visit relatives and friends when we get back to the capital. If Ah Zhe rushes off, he might get sick."
Guo Honglei trusted his wife completely, trusting both her character and her abilities. "Please take charge of my third brother's exam and help him arrange it. I hope he can pass the exam and bring honor to the Guo family."
"OK!"
Guo Honglei said, "I also wish Mingcheng success in his studies and great success in his studies."
"Thank you very much. I hope it will be as my brother-in-law said."
So, one morning at the end of December, the brother and sister led a team of guards, bid farewell to Guo Honglei, and returned to Heqin to celebrate the New Year.
Guo Honglei still stayed in the camp. The soldiers spent New Year's Eve together, slaughtering sheep and drinking hot wine to celebrate the festival.
The mulberry tree was frozen to death, and his wife was very sad. She was depressed and disappointed for several days, which made him concerned.
After the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, the Lantern Festival is over, and in the blink of an eye, it is the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, the wind and snow gradually weaken, and spring is coming.
In early March, Guo Honglei led a team of soldiers on a business trip. Every time he passed by Sangshan, he would subconsciously turn his head to look.
This day was no exception.
After traveling for half a day, both the riders and the horses were exhausted.
Guo Honglei reined in his horse and shouted, "Whoa!"
The soldiers walked along the road at the foot of the mountain, leading their horses, drinking water or wiping sweat off their faces.
Several personal guards gathered around the leader, followed his gaze, and turned their heads to look, saying casually, "General, are you looking at the mulberry tree again?"
"Alas, it's all dried up. What a pity."
“Last year when I passed by, I could still pick mulberries to eat, but now there are only dead trees left.”
"There's no fruit to eat this year."
…
After a while, some thick and some thin dead branches hung down from the low slope, swaying in the spring breeze, brushing against the horses' ears and causing them to shake their heads.
Guo Honglei swung his whip nimbly, accurately knocking down the dead branches, and said with a stern face: "Hmph, these mulberry trees are so disappointing that they can't even survive the winter? The efforts of the tree planters are wasted." This made her very sad.
The guards were amused by what they heard and echoed, "Yes, he is not up to the task and has no future!"
"Look at other trees. No matter how heavy the snow is, they will sprout new buds when the weather warms up."
"The mulberry trees can't withstand the ice and snow of Tunin. From now on, it will be difficult for brothers to eat mulberries."
Guo Honglei smiled helplessly and whipped the horse from time to time to clear away the dead branches blocking the road.
The others were not idle either, they were having fun, crackling their whips, snapping dead branches, and falling leaves.
A quarter of an hour later, they had rested enough and were trotting on their horses, about to pass the last Mulberry Mountain.
After years of military service, Guo Honglei has become an excellent rider. He half-lies on the horse's back and rides faster and faster.
It was a chilly spring day, and suddenly a strong wind blew, bending the branches of a mulberry tree on the slope and suddenly hitting the faces of passers-by!
Again. Guo Honglei frowned, then, quick-witted and without hesitation, he whipped his whip.
However, this mulberry branch did not make the crisp "crack" sound of a dead branch breaking, but instead broke into two pieces with a muffled "thump", revealing a green color at the broken end.
That flash of green passed by.
Hmm?
Guo Honglei noticed it keenly, but he only came to his senses after he had ridden away. He reined in his horse in surprise and said, "Stop!"
The followers stopped in surprise and looked around cautiously, "General, what's wrong?"
"Don't worry, it's not an enemy situation." Guo Honglei rode his horse closer, whipped his whip swiftly, pulled the branch of the tree below, and looked closely:
The brown branches, gray and bare, when broken, the broken ends are green. Looking carefully, the raised parts of the branches are slightly green, which are the tender leaves that are about to sprout.
The author has something to say: Guo Honglei: Good! It seems that there are a group of trees that are doing well (＾－＾) V
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