Presently, eating is of utmost importance. Food is vital to the people; it dispels all worries.
Having a good meal of mutton fat noodles warms you inside out, bringing comfort from within, radiating through every pore.
After tidying up the kitchen and living room- somewhat resembling a homely scene; Feng Qingxue sent her sister off to play, unwrapped the parcel brought from the Lu Family home, planning to dismantle all the old clothes that could be disassembled.
Father Lu usually wore Lu Jiang’s old clothes, so the primary task was to alter clothes for the two children.
The two children are growing, so even when altering clothes, they mustn’t hug too tightly; they should be given somewhat more generous dimensions.
As she picked up the first piece, an old army cotton jacket, Feng Qingxue immediately saw a black lacquer snuffbox with a flower and bird pattern, laid neatly atop the cotton pants underneath the jacket.
The box had a hidden clasp, with no lock.
Upon opening, Feng Qingxue saw a jade ruyi nestled in red velvet lining.
Judging by its size, it seemed to be a handheld piece, shorter than a palm. By modern standards, it might barely classify as glutinous jade. It was characterized by some clear cotton-floss streaks. However, its underlying texture was exquisite, its color vibrant green, and it was carved very delicately. At first glance, the head of the ruyi - shaped like a cloud formation - bore three beads even greener and more luminous than the rest of the piece, comparable to icy jade. The handle of the ruyi, meanwhile, was carved with a divine dragon frolicking amidst the sea of clouds, culminating in a Lingzhi-mushroom shaped tail adorned with the symbol for longevity. Every stroke was vivid and lifelike.
This piece appeared to be an example of Qing Dynasty palace craftsmanship, somewhat akin to Qianlong’s style. As to whether it actually belonged to that period, Feng Qingxue couldn’t be certain immediately; she wasn’t very proficient in such matters after all. While placing the jade ruyi back into the box, she accidentally flipped it, revealing a cinnabar seal and a poem on the bottom.
Unfortunately, both the seal and the poem belonged to Qianlong.
Of course, this seal wasn’t intended to be an imperial jade seal, but rather Qianlong’s personal seal.
This ruyi piece had been flawless, but the addition of this seal and poem disturbed its balance, tarnishing its elegance.
A jade ruyi that had been handled by Qianlong? Feng Qingxue chuckled, closed the box, and put it away.
By presenting this jade ruyi, Father Lu conveyed a sense of an old family elder rewarding the younger generation with a ruyi for good behavior, along with the notion of not letting the younger generation’s efforts go unrewarded.
It seemed the Lu House was more than an ordinary landlord; their ancestors must have some unknown history.
She should ask Lu Jiang when he comes back next time.
It wouldn’t be advisable to ask anyone now.
Contemplating Lu Jiang, who should have reached the barracks by now, Feng Qingxue felt a warm sweetness. Irrespective of gender, unless espousing singlehood, everyone seeks a good life partner.
First, she would finish knitting his cotton shoes over the next two days, then go to town to mail them to him, including some long-lasting food items.
What foods could be stored for a long time? Smoked goods, like bacon and sausage.
Based on the perception she garnered from Lu Jiang’s casual remarks, while the army provided adequate food, the meat supply was significantly limited. They would primarily eat white cabbage and radish throughout the winter, lacking any nourishing elements.
Her man should, of course, be well-fed and nourished, this way only he can endure intense training, and avoid any errors on the battlefield.
Moreover, Lu Jiang, being in the army, needs to establish good relations with everyone. Winning their favor will prevent anyone from criticizing his background.
At present, shipping costs were not high, and besides, Lu Jiang had left her a whopping two thousand yuan. With such low commodity prices, this money should last a very long time.
Feng Qingxue had planned meticulously, considering all aspects, except the possibility of Wang Jiao changing her mind and wanting to marry Lu Jiang. Little did she imagine that as she was biding her time, Wang Jiao wouldn’t hold back, and pay a visit.