Chapter 136 is back
Lu Yao and Rong Yan had lunch, took a short rest, and then walked back with their backpacks.
As they walked, they picked ripe ficus pumila fruits and looked for anything worth digging in the forest.
As the sun set, they returned to Fushan Village, carrying baskets filled with fruits.
However, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, they used wild vegetables to cover the entire view to avoid being pointed at and questioned.
After returning home, Lu Yao took advantage of everyone's inattention to "smuggle" some more out of the space and fill the backpack.
"Is this something you can use to make ice jelly?"
Ye Jiayue and the others knew why Lu Yao had come up the mountain today. She took out a piece of the herb and examined it carefully. "Should we just cut it open?"
Lu Yao gave her a thumbs-up. "I picked the female fruit. Just cut it open, take out the seeds, and dry them in the sun."
When the group heard that this fruit was the raw material for making delicious ice jelly, they immediately came over curiously to check it out. Lu Yao took a look, then went to the stone table in the courtyard and brought out a chopping board, kitchen knife, spoon, and dustpan. "Watch me make it."
She split the fruit in half vertically, scooped out the seeds with a spoon, and put them into a winnowing basket. "It's very simple."
The people waiting to help nodded one after another. Except for the white milk which was a bit unpleasant, everything else was fine.
It's very simple and anyone can do it.
Xiao Yunhao and Xiao Xinyue also said that they could help. Lu Yao did not refuse, but just asked them to be careful not to let the juice get on her body, and then she let them do it.
After arranging all this, Lu Yao started cutting the fruit again, but the kitchen knife fell into Ye Jiayue's hands.
"You're tired after a day. Go sit over there and rest for a while." Ye Jiayue smiled at her.
Lu Yao said that she was not very tired.
Lan Xin took a cut Ficus pumila fruit and took out the seeds. She glared at her and said, "After a busy day, you still have to go up the mountain. Don't we know how tiring it is?"
Lu Yao smiled awkwardly and tried to explain, but Liu Manyun stopped her, "You and Xiaorong go back to your room and rest first. I'll call you when the meal is ready."
Seeing them say this, Lu Yao stopped insisting and gave a brief explanation before returning to her yard with Rong Yan.
"Sleep for a while first?"
Lu Yao asked the man.
Rong Yan smiled back: "Listen to Sister Yao."
He can do whatever he wants, but he still has homework to do.
After a day of relaxation, he felt a little panicked.
In fact, Lu Yao didn't feel tired. Even if she was asked to rest now, she couldn't fall asleep. The two of them simply stayed in the room and looked at their phones.
Rong Yanhui was extremely curious about that world. Now that he had the opportunity to get close to it and understand it, he felt so excited that he was trembling.
This is the phone Lu Yao used before.
After the end of the world, due to the Internet and power outages, the only use of mobile phones is to kill time, except for thinking about family and the past. However, in order to survive, they are busy like dogs every day and have no free time to think about anything else. They only take out photos when it is late at night or when they are not on a mission, and think about the scenes of family gatherings in the past.
However, the electricity supply at the base is also limited, and the battery of the mobile phone will be used less and less.
Fortunately, Lu Yao thought of this problem in advance and bought a number of large-capacity solar power banks. As long as there is sunshine, she doesn't have to worry about not being able to charge her mobile phone, computer, and tablet.
What they were looking at now was the photo album on their phone, and Lu Yao introduced each photo to Rong Yan.
In fact, this was not the first time Rong Yanhui looked at his phone and the photos on it, but there were too many albums and he had not finished looking through them all.
"This was taken when our family was out having fun," Lu Yao pointed to a photo and introduced it. "This is the meat my dad grilled. Isn't it horrible? My mom and I didn't dare eat a single bite for fear of poisoning."
Rong Yanhui saw her exaggerated look and couldn't help laughing: "Isn't my father-in-law very sad?"
"He doesn't even eat it himself," Lu Yao laughed, "but he always wants to show off his skills to redeem himself."
Unfortunately, he was never able to grill a decent skewer until his death.
"Your family has such a great relationship." Rong Yanhui couldn't help but envy.
Lu Yao nodded, then shook her head. Rong Yan was puzzled, so she explained, "According to my dad, he and mom are true love, and I, your daughter, am an accident."
At this point, she couldn't help but feel angry: "Every time you want me to try poison."
She wouldn't be fooled.
Rong Yanhui's smile became even more pronounced. He suddenly turned to look at Lu Yao, his expression becoming serious. "Sister Yao, we can be like our father-in-law and mother-in-law."
Lu Yao nodded. She naturally believed this.
"I will treat you well, just like my father-in-law," Rong Yanhui continued, "You've suffered a lot following me over the years, and I will definitely not do that again in the future."
Lu Yao continued to nod. She believed this.
This man was dragged down by the Shen family. Otherwise, his current achievements would certainly be great.
but,
It’s not too late now.
"Does this count as a long-term investment?" Lu Yao couldn't help but joke, "Brother Rong, you have to keep working hard. I'm looking forward to the returns."
Rong Yanhui was now accustomed to and understood the unfamiliar words and phrases that would occasionally pop out of Lu Yao's mouth. Hearing him say this, he patted his chest and promised earnestly, "I will definitely make you rich, sister Yao, and you won't regret investing in advance."
Well, that's what I should say, right?
Lu Yao gave Rong Yanhui a thumbs up and said, "Not bad, Brother Rong."
Rong Yanhui chuckled foolishly, he was just learning and applying what he learned.
Well, you know what, some words are really appropriate and useful.
"Brother Rong, I'm just looking forward to enjoying delicious food and drinks." Lu Yao teased.
Having said that, she was just joking.
When two people form a family, there is no one who should or should not do anything. If you want to live a good and smooth life, you not only need to sincerely trust and tolerate each other, but also need both of you to work hard together and put your efforts into one direction. Brother Rong is working hard, and as his wife, she naturally cannot sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
The two looked at the photos for a while, talked for a while, then packed up and went next door.
Here, because everyone worked together, the two baskets of ficus pumila fruits were almost processed. They scooped out two winnowing baskets just for the seeds.
"Mom, look!" Little Xinyue waved at her with a spoon in hand, claiming credit: "I made quite a few."
"Yueyue is amazing," Lu Yao walked over and rubbed the little girl's head. Seeing the small pile of seeds in front of the little girl, she said exaggeratedly, "Did Yueyue make all this? Our Yueyue is amazing!"
Little Xinyue grinned, her eyes almost narrowed into a line, "Mom, I've grown up."
After hearing what the little girl said, Lan Xin also smiled and praised: "Yes, Yueyue can help with the work."
"Our little girls and little boys have grown up," Ye Jiayue was not stingy with her praise, praising Haohao, Huaibai and the others, and finally said, "We will be blessed in the future."
When the children heard their words, they were so happy that their backs straightened unconsciously, but they did not show it on their faces and tried hard to remain reserved.
When the adults saw this, they all found it funny, but they managed to hold it back.
The children have to save face, so the adults have to cooperate as much as possible.
While they were still cleaning the lychee fruits, Lu Yao went to the kitchen to help prepare dinner.
In the kitchen, Liu Manyun and Qin Tianxiao were busy. When they saw Lu Yao come in, they were about to chase her away. Lu Yao instantly felt aggrieved: "Aunt, second aunt, you guys are disgusted with me."
Qin Tianxiao laughed heartily: "I just dislike you!"
Liu Manyun also pursed her lips: "You know we don't like you now, why don't you get out quickly."
Lu Yao was getting excited, and she was going to be in the kitchen today.
"Okay, you've been busy all day. Come try our cooking today," Liu Manyun patted her shoulder, "Your second aunt and I have learned a lot recently."
Seeing this, Lu Yao exclaimed in admiration: "Really? Then we are blessed tonight."
Qin Tianxiao raised his chin slightly, very proudly: "I guarantee you will want more after you eat it!"
"I'm looking forward to it." Lu Yao pretended to be drooling, but her hands were constantly moving, helping to pick and wash vegetables.
"You kid."
Qin Tianxiao and Liu Manyun were helpless, but they liked Lu Yao even more.
“Dinner is ready!”
Following Qin Tianxiao's shout, everyone in the Rong family and Lu Mingxiu washed their hands in an orderly manner and then went into the house.
Seeing Lu Yao coming out of the kitchen, someone was delighted: "What delicious food are we having for dinner?"
Qin Tianxiao, who came out later, looked at Rong Yunan and sneered, "Your uncle and mother made this ourselves. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Rong Yunan's expression froze instantly: "Mom, why are you cooking?"
Didn’t the two old ladies give up their positions recently?
"What? Are you disgusted?" Qin Tianxiao raised his eyebrows. As long as the other party dared to nod, humph, forget about having dinner tonight.
"How could that be!" Rong Yunan quickly shook his head. "I really miss the food you and Auntie cooked," he said flatteringly with a smile. "I just feel sorry for you. You and Auntie have worked so hard."
No one knows a son better than his mother. How could Qin Tianxiao not understand his own son?
She rolled her eyes at the boy, walked past him and went straight to the main room.
Rong Yunan chuckled twice and hurried to catch up, "Mom, how can I help you?"
"Just help with the food."
"Then you've found the right person. I might have eaten it."
"I don't know who thinks I'm not a good cook."
"Who is it? It definitely isn't me!"
“…”
The mother and son came into the main room chatting and laughing, which made others laugh.
Lu Yao did not follow them into the house, but took a look at the processed lychee seeds.
Two winnowing baskets are placed under the recessed eaves at the entrance of the main room, so it doesn't matter even if it rains.
After everyone was present, they started to eat. After taking a few bites, they heard a knock on the door.
Liu Manyun frowned: "Who could it be at this time?"
After saying this, Rong Yuqing looked at her son beside her and immediately understood what she meant. She shouted outside, "Who is it?"
"Boss, open the door, it's me."
A familiar voice came from outside the door. Rong Yuqing recognized the owner of the voice and his eyes lit up, "Mom, it's my second uncle!"
After saying that, he walked out quickly and opened the gate.
"Second Uncle Mozhu, you're back!"
Looking at his dusty uncle, Rong Yuqing was pleasantly surprised. "Are you exhausted? Come in quickly."
Mo Zhu had already parked the carriage and followed him into the courtyard. Everyone in the main hall came out to welcome the two great heroes.
"Dad, was the journey okay?"
"Uncle, are you hungry? We are just having dinner."
Ye Jiayue directly fetched water, "Second Uncle, Mo Zhu, you two should wash up quickly."
After saying that, he went back to the kitchen and brought out two sets of bowls and chopsticks. They were home now and must not have eaten yet.
"You've all worked hard," Liu Manyun said, "eat something first."
She was very curious about the trip to the state capital and wanted to know what happened there, but seeing how tired they looked, she didn't ask.
There is still a long way to go. It won’t be too late to sit down and chat slowly after they have eaten and rested.
Rong Bingwu and Mo Zhu washed their faces hastily with the water, followed them into the main room, drank a bowl of porridge, and then sighed: "Home is still the best."
"Uncle, did the journey go smoothly?"
"Why are you back so soon?"
Someone came to report the good news yesterday, and they came back today. They must have been on their way non-stop.
Rong Bingwu did not hide it: "After the results were announced and we sent my elder brother and the others off, we rushed all the way back. Fortunately, the weather was good, so it only took two days."
When they went there, they were worried that the third brother would not be able to bear it and would be affected by the physical exertion, so they moved relatively slowly. When they came back, it was just him and Mo Zhu, so they had no scruples and rushed back without stopping, just to tell them what happened in the provincial capital as soon as possible.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Being able to compress a three-day journey into two days must have been very tiring along the way.
Rong Bingwu chuckled as he ate a piece of braised meat: "We are strong and healthy, we can handle it."
Once he started talking, Rong Bingwu didn't stop and began to talk about what happened after he left Fushan Village.
"Our journey was quite smooth. We arrived at the destination and found accommodation. Mo Zhu went out to gather information and familiarize himself with the environment. I stayed with Lao San in the inn and didn't go anywhere else."
"There are many candidates who are also taking the provincial examination staying in the inn. Every day, I can hear their lively discussions without leaving home."
At this point, he smiled proudly and said, "Our waterwheel is now famous throughout Ganzhou."
He briefly recounted the students' comments and debates about the waterwheel, then added, "Yaoyao once said that controversy is the root of popularity. Our waterwheel is incredibly popular right now."
Rong Yuqing smiled and said, "Uncle, you should have listened to what my father said. The waterwheel will soon be promoted throughout Dayong."
Rong Bingwu said with a smile that the emperor had vision and courage, and that everyone's hard work was worth it.
Although the starting point is for oneself, it is an indisputable fact that it benefits the people.
Hearing about the waterwheel also had a certain influence on the students. Even the topic of the wheel in this provincial examination was related to people's livelihood, and the marking focused on practical matters. Everyone present was very excited.
Judging from the situation, the current emperor must be a pragmatic person who sincerely wants this country to become prosperous and strong.
This is good news for them.
These days, without the teaching guidance of Rong's uncle, these young men who are determined to take the imperial examinations will still supervise each other's learning, discuss with each other, and set questions for each other, trying their best to make things as difficult as possible. As long as they can stump others, everyone can satisfy one of the requirements of the question setter.
As a result, these people are eager to test each other and defeat them.
Rong Yanhui naturally did not fall behind. The questions he asked were not tricky, but they always made people think more. Everyone can learn a lot from the analysis of the last issue.
Rong Yan and Lu Yao would chat for a while every night after the child fell asleep. Of course, it was mainly Lu Yao who talked and Rong Yan who listened.
There is no limit to the content of the chat. It is free to express whatever comes to mind. There are various analyses of the current dynasty, different policies of modern society, local customs and habits, environmental advantages and disadvantages, as well as the development of national poverty alleviation work, etc. Regardless of whether it is in the original work or the crystallization of modern wisdom, as long as Lu Yao can think of it, she will say it.
In just a few days, Rong Yanhui felt that he had undergone a qualitative improvement from the inside out, both in terms of the expansion of his thinking and the improvement of his knowledge.
Lu Yao felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride in Rong Yanhui's ability to draw inferences from one instance. He absorbed all kinds of knowledge like a sponge, and even Rong's uncles were amazed. At the same time, she felt disgust and hatred for those people in the Shen family.
Everyone listened to Rong Bingwu's story while eating, exclaiming from time to time, and some of them regretted not going with him.
Rong Bingwu smiled and said, "Once we return to the capital, we won't have to travel across mountains and rivers to take exams in other places anymore."
The capital is located in Yingtian Prefecture where their household registration is located. They can take the exam just by going out, so there is no need to go through so much trouble.
Rong Bingwu finished talking about his experiences and energy along the way, then asked about the situation at home, and finally said: "Tomorrow, Boss, come with me to see the village chief."
This was something they had discussed. They had lived here for more than ten years. Although they had no contact with the villagers of Fushan Village, the village chief had taken care of them, allowing them to live a stable and comfortable life over the years. Those recipes could be considered as gifts to them.
The next morning, Rong Bingwu and Rong Yuqing went to see the village chief.
Village chief Li was still guessing the purpose of the two men's visit when he was shocked by Rong Bingwu's subsequent words.
"Rong... Master Rong, are you telling the truth?"
Village chief Li didn't dare to address the people from the Rong family as casually as before. After thinking about it, he decided to use "master" instead to avoid making mistakes. But what he cared about more at the moment was what the other party said. He never expected that it was about the recipe. Maybe he was too old and his eyes were blurry and he heard it wrong?
Rong Bingwu didn't care about the address and just repeated what he had said before.
Confirming that he had heard correctly, Village Chief Li almost burst into tears.
Their Fushan Village was better off than other villages, but life was not easy either. After deducting a portion of the grain they had to hand over every year, they had to tighten their belts to make up for the remaining grain, and sometimes they could not even make it to the next year. Fortunately, they had the treasure mountain behind them.
Thinking about what I said to the exiled prisoners, although I have selfish motives, I really don’t want them to do things recklessly without knowing anything and end up in an accident.
Seeing the village chief like this, Rong Bingwu felt a little headache. He looked at his eldest nephew beside him and signaled him to go forward.
Rong Yuqing was also quite uncomfortable, but who could blame him for being the younger generation?
He coughed lightly and said, "Village Chief, let's talk about the shop and the recipe first."
When Village Chief Li heard this, he wiped his eyes and said, "Yes, yes, look at me, an old man. I'm sorry to have made you laugh."
He looked somewhat flattering: "I wonder how to make the recipe you mentioned..."
The other villagers who rarely went to the city might not know how popular Rongji was in Xikang County, but as the village chief, he knew it all too well. If the other party was really willing to give them the recipe, then...
He knew that many people were thinking about this recipe.
"Over the years, thanks to the care of the village chief, our family has lived quite happily in Fushan Village. This recipe belongs to my cousin's family. They are willing to share it with us. First, we want to thank you for your care, and second, we want to do something good for the people of Fushan Village. I hope everyone's life can be improved."
"This..." Village Chief Li was delighted, but then felt ashamed. He shook his head, "This is not possible."
Over the years, the only thing he did was to warn the villagers not to use their status to bully the exiles. He did nothing else. He got such a big advantage just because of this, and he felt really guilty.
I heard that many people had come to him before and offered a large sum of money to ask for the recipe, but they were all rejected. Now he just didn't have the nerve to accept it for free.
but,
He also knew that for Fushan Village, this was another opportunity, an opportunity that could change everyone's lives and even their destiny. If they missed it, they would regret it to death.
That's why he wanted to see what they needed, and Fushan Village would definitely try its best to satisfy them.
Rong Bingwu shook his head: "Village Chief, if you want to take over, I won't say anything else."
He always likes to be straightforward and direct, which saves trouble for everyone.
"Honestly, I'd be lying if I wasn't envious of this recipe. If Fushan Village had it, the villagers' lives would be much better. However, we really can't take it for nothing."
Although they are poor, they are also strong-willed.
It would be a lie for Village Chief Li not to be tempted by this no-cost business, but he was afraid. He was afraid that if he couldn't control his greed, it would be like being poisoned, out of control, and eventually rotten...
"Speaking of which, the promotion of these water trucks wouldn't have been so smooth without your and the villagers' help," Rong Bingwu said. "Besides, you guys didn't spend a penny."
Village chief Li was puzzled.
Rong Yuqing immediately cleared up his confusion.
"We've rented the shop in the county town for a year. If you want to take it over, you can just sublease it. From now on, you will have to pay the annual rent yourself."
Hearing about the rent, Village Chief Li said repeatedly: "This is what we should do. This is what we should do."
In the end, he accepted the gift, but they had to pay the rent they had paid before.
but,
We still have to discuss it with the villagers. Although, no fool would refuse such a good opportunity.
After formally speaking, Rong Bingwu also told the other party about their general arrangements for the future, saying that it would not be long before they and their families would leave together.
Village chief Li knew that they were leaving, but when he heard the people involved say it in person, he still felt a little reluctant.
"After this farewell, I probably won't have the chance to see you again in this life."
Ganzhou and the capital are more than two thousand miles apart.
Rong Bingwu was also a little sad, but he also comforted her: "If you are worried about me, why bother to see me in person?"
Village Chief Li thought about it and said, "On behalf of all the villagers, I would like to thank you all first. For Fushan Village, your kindness to us is like a rebirth."
Whether it is the waterwheel or the recipe, the descendants of Fushan Village have benefited greatly from them.
For the Rong family, what they are doing now is just a small effort, and they are not trying to gain the gratitude and favor of the people of Fushan Village. However, it is a very comforting and happy thing for them that they can remember and be grateful.
Rong Bingwu exchanged pleasantries with Village Chief Li for a while, and left with a resolute attitude in the other's reluctant gaze.
Only after coming out of Village Chief Li’s house did he let out a long sigh.
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