Returning to the Clouds
The countdown to the harvest of grain in Qixia'ao hangs in everyone's mind.
Ling Zhan's gaze never left that treacherous path leading into the depths of the clouds, day and night.
The 15th, according to her estimate.
Dusk.
The guards at the watchtower on the back hill almost thought they were seeing things!
At the end of the treacherous, misty path, a figure appeared indistinctly! He rubbed his eyes, confirmed it was him, and immediately let out a suppressed gasp. Then, three urgent gong sounds rang out—the signal that he had returned safely!
The entire valley was instantly set ablaze.
People dropped what they were doing and rushed toward the entrance to the hidden path.
The first to emerge from the thick fog was Ling Feng. His muscular body seemed to have become even thinner, and his bronze face bore the marks of profound weariness, but his eyes shone with an astonishing light, like tempered iron, gleaming with an indescribable mix of awe and reverence.
The enormous backpack he was carrying was stretched to the point of being almost deformed.
The rough burlap sack was bulging and weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Next was Shen Hong. The young man's face showed not only the marks of time and fatigue, but also a sense of excitement and bewilderment at the world around him.
He gripped a scroll that was clearly a newly made rubbing tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Daya followed closely behind, her little face covered in dust and her hair disheveled, but her eyes were unusually calm and bright. Her basket was filled with plant roots and seeds carefully wrapped in oilcloth, and a refreshing and uniquely clean fragrance of grass and trees wafted out, which was invigorating.
The little stone, like a monkey returning to its nest, grinned and perched on the back of a pheasant with incredibly bright feathers and a robust body.
The chicken carried him on its back, its clucking full of energy.
What caused the crowd to erupt in huge cheers and gasps was the nine Asura Guards behind Ling Feng!
Each of them carried an unimaginably heavy backpack.
Once inside the valley, everyone helped unload the rough burlap sacks, which were filled with grains, each grain plump and round, golden and gleaming, seemingly glowing in the twilight, far superior to the ordinary millet found at the foot of the mountain!
Even more unbelievable is that four of them worked together to drive away three huge black mountain boars that were plump and strong, with glossy black fur, sharp tusks, and grunting and panting!
Each one moves like a small mountain, exuding a wild and powerful aura.
Two other people were carrying a makeshift cage made of rough wood and rattan, which contained a dozen or so birds that cooed, had glossy feathers, were significantly larger than ordinary chickens, and had sharp eyes!
"Food! It's food!"
"Good heavens! There are pigs too! Huge pigs!"
"Those chickens...they look unusual!"
"They're all back! Not a single one is missing!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and sobs.
Old Zhao rushed forward, his hands trembling as he touched the heavy grain sack that seemed to contain life, tears streaming down his face.
Ling Feng walked up to Ling Zhan, knelt on one knee, his voice hoarse yet loud, filled with a deep sense of awe.
"Madam! I have fulfilled my mission! The place at the top of the clouds... has been found! The stored grains... far exceed my expectations! Millet, beans, and dried sweet potatoes are all stored in a dry stone chamber, in excellent condition, with plump grains! I have done my best to bring them back, and more can be retrieved later! In addition, I found three wild boars in the pig herd and fourteen healthy poultry in the poultry area, all of which have been brought back!"
He paused, his voice filled with barely suppressed shock.
"That place...that place...I have never seen such a beautiful and blessed land! The vegetation is exceptionally lush, the birds and beasts are robust and intelligent, and even breathing is...exceptionally easy! We have truly broadened our horizons!"
The Asura Guards behind him bowed in unison, their eyes burning with fervor.
The gaze directed at Ling Zhan was filled with a deeper awe and an almost pilgrimage-like longing.
That paradise-like land!
This gave them boundless confidence in the future of Qixia'ao!
Shen Hong excitedly added, "Mother! The route map has been copied! A simplified layout of the granary has also been drawn! Deep inside... there seems to be some unexplored areas, which I will study further!"
The wonder of that land, though he had visited it with his mother, was still deeply imprinted in his heart.
Daya stepped forward, her voice soft yet clear, carrying an undisguised excitement.
"Mother, the medicinal herbs in the storehouse are in good condition, and the quality is... excellent! Several of them are the main ingredients for wound medicine that are currently in short supply, and their medicinal properties seem to be even stronger than those recorded in the classics! These roots and stems can be planted as soon as possible, and they will definitely survive. The seeds for early spring have also been sown."
The refreshing medicinal fragrance emanating from her basket seemed to be the best proof.
Little Stone held up the pheasant, as if showing off: "Mom! Jinbao even chased away a lot of birds for us! Lanying and Black Ball didn't want us to leave!"
When those animals were mentioned, a complex emotion flickered across Ling Feng's usually cold and hard face.
As they left, the little golden monkey named Jinbao bared its teeth and made threatening screams at them, the "outsiders," but squeaked reluctantly at Shen Hong and the others.
The grayish-blue wolf cub named Lan Ying chased after Da Ya's trouser leg for quite a distance, whimpering pitifully in its throat, until Dou Ya called out softly and it stopped, watching them longingly as they disappeared into the clouds.
The greedy little black bear, Black Ball, kept chasing after the remaining honey jar in Shen Hong's backpack, whimpering and grumbling.
Ling Zhan's gaze swept over the tired but spirited group, over the mountain of grain sacks brimming with life, over the wild and energetic wild boars and birds, and finally landed on Ling Feng, Chen Hong, Daya, and Xiao Shitou.
A smile finally appeared on her lips, a smile like the first crack in a frozen river, carrying a heavy sense of relief.
"good!!"
He helped Ling Feng up, his gaze sweeping across the entire area. "Ling Feng, along with the Asura Guards, Shen Hong, Shen Suihe, and Shi Xiaoyong, have rendered outstanding service! The survival of the valley is thanks to your selfless sacrifice! Old Zhao!"
"exist!"
"Immediately inventory and store them! Pigs and poultry should be kept in separate pens and carefully cared for! Be careful not to let them go into the filthy areas, as these are the foundation for the valley's reproduction!"
"Old Yang!"
"I am here!"
"Rewards will be given according to merit! Tonight, we'll have a feast in the valley to celebrate our victory!"
"yes!"
A deafening cheer erupted from the valley!
The gloom that had shrouded the area for days was completely dispelled by this harvest, which was full of vitality and hope, as if it had returned from a fairyland.
The food crisis will be easily resolved!
The roots of Qixia'ao have grown even deeper!
That cloud-topped land, revered and described by the Asura Guards as "a place of outstanding natural beauty," became a mysterious legend filled with power and hope in the hearts of everyone in the valley. Ling Zhan's gaze finally fell into the depths of the clouds, that land that belonged only to her and nourished all things.
Star Core Zero is recuperating there!
It can only be a temporary supply station, not the final destination for the people of Qixia'ao.
With the abundance of food, Qixia'ao regained its vitality, and the layout of the prefectural city quietly began.
In the study of Chen Tongzhi's official residence in Linzhou Prefecture.
Amidst the wafting aroma of tea, Chen Tongzhi stroked his beard, listening to the woman's clear and logical presentation.
She called herself Lady Su and was the manager of Chen's Embroidery Workshop.
His brows held a deliberately restrained arrogance and an inescapable melancholy.
Chen Tongzhi was secretly pleased!
The slight smirk at the corners of the mouth when stroking the beard.
It seems to be an irony of Miss Su, who would rather be a "widow" than submit to Master Zhou, and now wants to live under his wing.
"...I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's grace in granting my niece Susu and me a way to survive."
Su Wan spoke in a gentle and humble voice, “After much thought, I believe that the shop’s survival is entirely due to your blessings and protection, sir. If the shop name still bears the old surname, I’m afraid… I’m afraid it will cause trouble and tarnish your reputation.”
She then revealed her fear at the opportune moment.
Chen Tongzhi's eyes flickered slightly; this was exactly what he had been worried about.
Su Wan immediately offered a suggestion: "This humble woman dares to ask Your Excellency to bestow upon me a new name, so that I may share in your good fortune and official luck! The entire shop is willing to follow Your Excellency's lead, and the profits will be presented to Your Excellency quarterly!"
That's exactly what I wanted!
Prefect Chen stroked his beard and pondered, his gaze sweeping over the banner on his desk that read "Gentle Breeze and Pleasant Weather": "How about calling it 'Gentle Breeze Silk Shop'? It means 'benefiting merchants and people, spreading throughout Linzhou'!"
Su Wan inwardly scoffed, but outwardly bowed deeply with tears of gratitude.
"Thank you for bestowing this name upon me, Your Excellency! 'Huifeng Silk Shop'... It sounds grand and auspicious! I, your humble servant, will certainly work diligently to bring you honor!"
A few days later, Huifeng Silk Shop opened for business.
The shop was elegant, and two elegantly dressed women—Madam Zhang and Madam Li—were selecting fabrics.
Su Wan, dressed in the attire of a stewardess, stood respectfully in attendance.
A new employee carefully wiped the hanging plaque that read "Honest and Fair to All Ages," with the inconspicuous signature "Supervised by the Chen Family."
Madam Zhang pointed to the plaque: "Oh, this plaque is quite impressive, and the inscription reads... 'Supervised by the Chen Family'?"
Madam Li smiled knowingly: "Indeed. I heard that the 'Gentle Breeze' plaque from yesterday's opening was written by Master Sun himself?"
Su Wan stepped forward at the opportune moment and said humbly, "Madam has great insight. It is precisely because Lord Chen is so considerate that he specially asked Master Sun to bestow his calligraphy as a constant reminder for us to manage our affairs diligently and not to fail the Lord."
At this moment, Mr. Chen, the accountant sent by Chen Tongzhi, came over with an account book and reported in a deliberately affected tone: "Manager Su, Liu Zhubu's residence has ordered two bolts of Hangzhou silk to make funeral clothes. As you instructed, it has been recorded in the 'Distinguished Guests Register' and a gift box has been prepared."
Su Wan nodded, her tone gentle yet firm.
"Sir, you've worked hard. The fabric is the newest pattern, and the gift box is wrapped in brocade with a dark cloud pattern. I will personally check it. I'll trouble you with this task."
A glint of light flashed in Mr. Chen's eyes: "Yes."
The tentative voices of thugs could be heard from outside the door.
The waiter reacted quickly, walking to the door and calmly saying, "Our shop is called 'Huifeng.' We are grateful for the patronage of Lord Chen of the Prefectural Government. The plaque was personally inscribed by Master Sun. The owner is a relative of Lord Chen. Please come back another day if we have distinguished guests inside."
Silence fell instantly outside the door, and the footsteps faded into the distance.
Madam Li lightly tapped Madam Zhang with her fan: "Look at Lord Chen's influence, it's like a pillar of strength."
Su Wan wore a humble smile, as if it were perfectly natural: "Madam is too kind. Please look at this piece of Suzhou brocade..."
Just after Huifeng Silk Shop successfully opened and established itself for some time.
Suburbs, "Mulberry and Cotton Fields".
As dawn broke, a thin mist enveloped the thirty acres of cotton fields, which were somewhat barren but meticulously tended.
A thin figure, dressed in faded coarse cloth clothes and with a matching cloth wrapped around his head, was forcefully stuffing the last few heavy, fluffy white new cotton into an old wheelbarrow.
Her movements were swift and skillful, with a composure beyond her years; she was none other than Da Ya, Shen Suihe, who had just turned fourteen.
At this moment, however, her identity is that of a widowed child bride—He Niangzi.
She patted the bulging cotton bale, carefully examined the hemp rope, and muttered to herself with a hint of farmer's satisfaction.
"The dew is heavy... This batch of cotton bolls is doing well, they're blooming thickly... It's done."
In the early summer morning light, the simple wooden sign for "Sangzi Miantian" stands quietly.
She pushed her creaking wheelbarrow toward the city.
The wheelbarrow was parked in the corner behind the "Huifeng Silk Shop".
The back door is worn and faded, a stark contrast to the pristine front.
Daya raised her hand and tapped three times lightly in a specific rhythm.
The door opened a crack, revealing Wu Ma's wary face.
Seeing that it was Daya and Mianhua, she lowered her voice and asked, "He Niangzi? Today's goods?"
Daya unloaded the cotton bales, her voice equally low: "Good morning, Aunt Wu. The first batch of cotton has just been harvested, thirty jin."
Her face held a calmness beyond her years, as if she were already accustomed to this kind of clandestine transaction.
Aunt Wu quickly inspected the goods: "Hmm, authentic." She then promptly stated the amount and paid.
Daya took the copper coin, weighed it in her hand, and then put it away: "The fifth day of next month, the usual time?"
"Yes, the same as always. Be careful on the road." Wu Ma dragged her cotton-padded coat into the house and quickly closed the back door.
Daya pushed the empty cart, her figure disappearing into the thin mist.
This quiet and taciturn "young widow," like the cotton she carefully tended, quietly blended into the background of the prefectural city.
The inner hall of Huifeng Silk Shop.
It was rare for Magistrate Chen to come on "inspection." He sipped his tea and picked up a piece of fine cotton cloth.
"Manager Su, this material is better than the goods from other regions last month."
Su Wan stood respectfully to the lower seat and said humbly, "You flatter me, sir. The cotton we used was just harvested a few days ago. Thanks to you, sir, we found a reliable local cotton farmer to supply us, 'Sangzi Cotton Field' on the outskirts of the city."
Prefect Chen asked casually, "Oh? Local cotton? Are those cotton farmers reliable? Did they get a bad price?"
Su Wan replied frankly, "Reliable. She's a young lady surnamed He..."
She paused, a perfectly timed sigh in her voice, "She was a child bride, her life was hard. Her husband died, and she had to raise her mother-in-law alone on thirty acres of poor land. People called her 'Grain Maiden.' She only asked for a fair price and was diligent in delivering cotton. I bought it at the market price, and the accounts were clear. I dared not let the shop suffer losses, nor dared I tarnish your reputation."
Prefect Chen stroked his beard and nodded, a look of pleasure on his face at the prospect of "benefiting his hometown."
"Yes, local farmers, we know them well, and their prices are fair, very good. I trust you to handle things."
He was quickly drawn to the newly arrived brocade.
Su Wan lowered her eyes.
"Yes, sir."
I feel at peace.
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