"Buds?"
“It actually… sprouted?”
Guo Honglei was startled. He frowned, pinching the branch and examining the buds over and over again. Then he looked up and observed the trees on the low slope. He was so focused that he became confused and asked, "Is this a mulberry tree?"
"ah?"
Several guards came closer, all looking up at the gray, bare tree, and answered uncertainly, "It should be?"
“It seems so.”
"Yes, that's right! General, please look, it looks exactly like the mulberry trees around it."
"Of course! The mountains around here are all planted with mulberry trees!"
"It's just that the trees we just passed by are all dead, but this tree is alive. Look, it's about to sprout."
…
A team of sturdy and robust frontier cavalrymen, the soldiers at the rear halted their horses in bewilderment, awaiting orders, while the crowd in front approached the low slope, curiously pulling at mulberry branches, you breaking off a section, I breaking off a section, plucking off buds and sniffing them, and after a while, they all reported in unison:
"General, this is a mulberry tree!"
"It's alive and about to sprout."
Guo Honglei suddenly laughed. As he let go, the soft branches swayed back and forth, swaying in the spring breeze. He dismounted and hurried uphill. After a brief inspection, he said with a smile, "It seems that not all the mulberry trees we planted last year were frozen to death. At least this small patch survived the winter successfully."
"Hahaha, we have mulberries to eat again this year!" The personal guards surrounded the leader and wandered in the low mulberry forest, as leisurely and comfortable as a spring outing.
"Okay, let's go back to camp!"
"yes!"
Soon, Guo Honglei came down the mountain, mounted his horse and rode back to the camp.
As they passed a nearby village, he thought for a moment, cracked his whip a few times, and then cheerfully ordered, "You guys, tell the villagers right away that the mulberry trees are about to sprout, lest they fail to notice and mistake the living trees for dead ones and chop them all down."
"Yes." The subordinates took the order and rode into the village to report the news.
The next morning, the magistrate led several minor officials out of the city to investigate.
In March, spring comes to the earth, and grass and trees all over the fields begin to sprout, and the earth is full of green.
"Look! The mulberry trees are sprouting!"
The officials were delighted and surprised, and rushed to get closer to observe: "Oh, this, this - it's really sprouting!"
"Unfortunately, only this hill of trees has survived. The rest have all died and need to be removed and replanted."
"Although it's a little less, it's better than being completely wiped out."
"It proves that Tunin can plant mulberry trees!"
…
Jiang Yushu leaped with excitement. Lifting her official robe slightly, she quickly climbed the low slope and found herself amidst a mulberry forest dotted with sprouting buds. She was overwhelmed by the sight and excitedly announced, "I remember these saplings were purchased from the Central Plains. They're said to be more cold-resistant, and they really are! Hahahaha."
The followers beamed and sighed, "Haha, actually, everyone specifically bought cold-resistant saplings, but after winter, they discovered that this kind is the most cold-resistant."
"Now we can finally solve the problem! Let's change them all to something that can survive the winter."
Jiang Yushu's face lit up with joy, and the pent-up worries and anxieties over the dead mulberry trees vanished. She was filled with energy, climbing the slope briskly, so fast she could have outshone most of her male subordinates. She cheerfully ordered, "Yes, switch! Yang Han, arrange this as soon as possible. Tell the relevant merchants and mulberry farmers to remove the dead trees and plant Central Plains species instead. A year's plan begins in spring, so don't waste the farming season."
The new chief clerk, Yang Han, who had just taken office at the beginning of the year, was also full of energy and worked closely with the county magistrate who had promoted him. He replied respectfully, "Yes, I will do it as soon as possible!"
Half an hour later, at the top of the mountain
The spring breeze is slightly cool, and is filled with the unique scent of newly turned soil and sprouting plants, full of vitality.
Jiang Yushu was panting, her cheeks flushed with sweat. She looked down at the mulberry forest below and said with joy and anticipation, "I hope that after replacing the Central Plains species, most of the mulberry trees will have successfully survived the winter by this time next year!"
Who wouldn't want Tunin to be prosperous? The others also hoped the silkworm industry would succeed, nodding their heads. "I hope so!"
"Well," she suddenly remembered something and couldn't help asking, "The villagers who reported the news said that it was a group of border troops who first discovered the mulberry trees sprouting?"
The followers understood each other tacitly and smiled, "Yes."
"The old villagers recognize him. He is General Guo from the Tuning Guard."
"General Guo is so thoughtful."
Jiang Yushu gazed at the horizon, feeling relaxed and happy. She smiled silently, feeling thankful and thinking: "He has always been quietly paying attention to everything I care about. If it weren't for my concern, why would he, a grown man and a general with a busy military career, care about whether the mulberry trees have sprouted?"
In a blink of an eye, it’s already mid-March.
As the weather grew warmer, Jiang Yushu no longer needed to wear a padded jacket under her official robe, and she also changed into thin boots, making her movements much easier.
At noon that day, she returned to the back court from the front hall. She had just washed her hands and was about to have lunch when she heard the servant report:
"Madam, the Fourth Master is here."
"What?"
She asked in surprise, "Didn't he just return to Xicang at the end of last month? Why is he in Tuning again?"
The maid laughed happily, "I heard from the Fourth Master's servant that the herbs he collected last time have been sold, so he came to buy more. In addition, the Fourth Master brought gifts for you and the Second Master on the way."
"Oh!" Jiang Yushu nodded in surprise, and said with a smile, "It's amazing that Fourth Brother is so thoughtful. What gift is it?"
"It seems to be a specialty cake from the capital."
When the brother-in-law comes, the sister-in-law can't just ignore him.
Jiang Yushu stood up and walked out while saying, "It's been a long journey, I guess they haven't had lunch yet. Tell the kitchen to cook a few more dishes."
"yes."
After a while, she stepped out of the moon-shaped door and saw her brother-in-law leading two servants. Both servants were holding a pile of gift boxes.
"sister in law!"
Jiang Yushu stopped and smiled, "Fourth brother, I was just about to go out to pick you up. Did you have a smooth journey?"
Guo Hongxuan, tall and muscular, dressed in a blue robe with brown stripes, strode with his head held high, a truly dashing presence. Far more energetic than when he was a scholar, he was radiant. He had just dismounted, sweat dripping from exhaustion, and replied in a booming voice, "Not bad, it went quite smoothly. Alas, how dare I trouble my sister-in-law to greet me? I know the way myself."
"I heard that the medicinal herbs we purchased last month have been successfully sold out?"
Guo Hongxuan nodded. "We ordered the goods at the end of last year. The price was right, so they sold quickly."
"Business is booming! Manager Guo is really good at business!"
"Thank you so much. It's just luck, hehe." Guo Hongxuan didn't care about the low status of merchants at all. He immersed himself in studying business opportunities, and despite the hardships he endured, he also enjoyed it. He rubbed his hands and said, "I will start with the medicinal materials business, and wait and see. When I find the right time, I will start the cloth business and see if I can open a silk and satin shop."
As expected, everyone has their own ambitions, and they can't be forced. Jiang Yushu looked at her motivated brother-in-law with a feeling of deep emotion, and encouraged him, "Everything is difficult at the beginning. Now that you've entered the industry and are doing well, you should be able to achieve your goals in time. However, it's best to seize the opportunity before making a move. The cloth merchants are currently waiting and watching, and it will probably take at least two or three years for Tuning's mulberry silk industry to become a major industry."
"Thank you for the reminder, sister-in-law. I will be careful."
Guo Hongxuan pointed to the gift box held by the servant and said, "By the way, I've teamed up with a friend in the capital to run a medicine store. I asked him to buy some cakes and fruits from my hometown for you, brother and sister-in-law to try."
Jiang Yushu thanked him and praised him, "Good, that's thoughtful. You're becoming more and more stable. Your second brother praised you a few days ago."
"real?"
"Why would I lie to you? Of course it's true."
"Hehehe." Guo Hongxuan scratched his head awkwardly and muttered, "I used to make Second Brother angry all the time and got scolded countless times. Now, I'm not used to being praised unexpectedly. Hey, I thought he would never approve of me going into business."
"He just wants you to live a peaceful and leisurely life, and he's worried that you'll suffer while traveling outside."
Guo Hongxuan nodded vigorously, "I understand! I know my family is doing this for my own good. Please rest assured, brother and sister-in-law, I am not afraid of hardship, and I will be careful to avoid being at a disadvantage."
"That's right."
"Is my second brother here?"
"He's in the camp and has been busy lately." Jiang Yushu urged, "Go back to your room and wash up, then come for lunch later."
"Okay!" Guo Hongxuan became "Shopkeeper Guo" as he wished. He walked quickly towards his guest room, feeling so happy that he walked with the wind.
Jiang Yushu watched her brother-in-law walk away, then sighed and laughed, "It seems that he not only likes it, but is also very suitable for business."
The attendant nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the Fourth Master is a man who loves making friends and is good at socializing. No wonder his business is so prosperous."
Within a few days, new saplings arrived, and the mulberry farmers were busy planting them and taking good care of them. By early autumn, large areas of mulberry mountains were covered with swaying green leaves, and the mulberry trees were growing well.
During the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, Jiang Yushu would go home whenever she could, as she couldn't bear to disappoint her children.
This year, Guo Honglei happened to take a leave to visit his family and rushed home to see off his brother-in-law and his third brother who was going to the capital to take the exam.
On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, sweet fragrance wafted from the Guo Mansion kitchen, and the cooks were working together to make mooncakes and reunion cakes.
As the autumn wind blows, it is time to fly kites.
In the pavilion of the Guo Mansion garden, Wang sat on a low couch, flanked by her son and daughter-in-law. In front of Ji Yingru lay a small rocking cradle, inside which lay a baby intently sucking its fingers.
The baby girl was named Guo Xiaofu. She had the same physique as her parents, was thin and small, fair and tender. She wore an exquisite thin jacket and a gold and jade safety locket, and her eyes were bright and lively.
The three brothers Guo Honglei and Jiang Mingcheng sat side by side, while the two sisters-in-law Jiang Yushu sat next to each other, chatting and laughing, having a great time.
In the open space outside the pavilion, Guo Ye led his twin brother and sister to follow his cousin. Guo Yu skillfully adjusted the spool and, with the help of the wind, quickly released the kite into the sky, causing his cousins to applaud and cheer, and jump for joy.
Wang was delighted to see the whole family reunited, enjoying the joy of family life. She said kindly, "Mingcheng, I'd like to ask you to take good care of Azhe. Alas, we've been away from the capital for over a decade, and everything feels unfamiliar. Fortunately, you're traveling with us. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to bear the thought of our third son taking the exam alone, having traveled thousands of miles."
"Madam, you are too kind. We are clearly looking out for each other!" Jiang Mingcheng hurriedly stood up and replied. He and Guo Hongzhe had become close friends and they often discussed academic matters until late at night.
Jiang Yushu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Honglei and I have already made arrangements. When Azhe returns to the capital, he will be taken care of by his many relatives and friends."
Recalling her distant hometown, Wang sighed. The pain of being stripped of her title, confiscated, and exiled to the frontier was something the old man could never let go of. She felt both melancholy and relieved. "Well, that's good."
At this moment, a child in the open space shouted in frustration: "Oh, it's tangled!"
"Brother, hurry up and pull it down." Guo Xiaoyan looked up at the kite entangled in the branches, feeling anxious.
Guo Yu tentatively tugged on the kite string and soothed him, "Don't worry, I'll help you right away."
The adults in the hall turned their heads to look. Seeing this, Guo Hongxuan jumped over the railing, rolled up his sleeves, and walked towards his nephews and nieces with a smile, "Hahaha, you're at a loss? Come, Fourth Uncle will help you!"
"Hey—be careful!"
Guo Hongxuan still has a childlike innocence. He led his nephews and nieces to run around in the open space, shouting, laughing and flying kites.
Wang shook her head helplessly and said to Jiang Mingcheng, "My fourth child is just like that. He has a volatile temper and made the guests laugh."
"No way?" Jiang Mingcheng knew exactly what the old man wanted to hear. "Actually, I've always admired that kind of generosity and cheerfulness."
"Hahaha, really?" Wang smiled, but then warned, "Good boy, you must not learn from him! Men should be steady."
Beside them, Jiang Yushu and Ji Yingru lowered their heads and worked together to amuse the baby.
"Xiaofu, look, what is this?" Jiang Yushu shook the rattle.
The baby girl turned her head towards the sound, with her thumb still in her mouth, looking adorable and innocent.
"It's a rattle." As a new mother, Ji Yingru gazed at her baby daughter lovingly, "This child sucks her fingers every day and doesn't get tired of it."
Jiang Yushu said happily, "All children are like this. Back then, Ye'er also sucked his fingers all day long. I was curious and wrapped his hands with a handkerchief. He couldn't eat and was so angry that he cried."
"Hahaha, let me try it too!" Ji Yingru took out the handkerchief.
Guo Hongzhe was born weak and originally thought he wouldn't live to adulthood. Unexpectedly, he not only lived to marry but also had a daughter. Overjoyed, he doted on her, even doting on her. Hearing this, he hurried over to the rocking table and said, "In my opinion, the child loves to eat. Let her eat as much as she wants. She'll get tired of it sooner or later. Don't wrap her hands. It would be bad if she starts crying."
Ji Yingru pursed her lips and replied happily: "Okay, then I won't cover it!"
The next moment, Guo Hongxuan's wife, Liu, holding a baby, slowly walked into the pavilion.
Liu, whose maiden name was Hui Niang, was of medium height, with fair skin and a gentle appearance. She stood still, knelt before her mother-in-law, and said, "Mother." Then she greeted her sisters-in-law and finally bowed her head to the men.
"Hui Niang is here, please sit down." Wang was kind to her daughter-in-law, but she ignored the baby in her arms. If Jiang Mingcheng hadn't been there, she would have been angry and sullen.
Jiang Yushu patted the stool next to her and said, "Sit down!"
"Hey." The wet nurse waited outside the pavilion. Liu Hui Niang sat down, holding the child steadily. After carefully arranging the swaddling clothes, she looked at the child carefully and praised, "Xiao Fu has become whiter and plumper. Look at her eyes, how bright they are."
Ji Yingru concealed her pity and looked at the child in her sister-in-law's arms: another baby girl, named Xiaoxi, with pretty features, but a pale complexion and a pointed chin. She calmed herself down and complimented him, "Xiaoxi looks much stronger. You really know how to raise a child!"
"Third sister-in-law, you're too kind." Liu Huiniang's words were as soft and gentle as dough. She said worriedly, "Xi'er can't seem to gain weight. She's so skinny and tiny. It really makes me worried."
"If you take good care of it, it should become stronger." Jiang Yushu looked at her fourth brother's wife quietly, thinking sympathetically:
The fourth son had not yet married, but he had a concubine and an illegitimate daughter.
As a wife, she hadn't given birth to any children yet, but her illegitimate daughter was born first. What was Hui Niang's mood when she took the initiative to persuade her husband to take the illegitimate daughter home and raise her by her legal mother?
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