142, Good Deeds (2 updates)
Perhaps it won’t even cover the cost.
Manpower and material resources, there’s just so much to do.
On the surface, collecting old clothes seems cheap, but if you don’t pick and sort them quickly, people won’t be willing to take them.
“Okay, I’ll lead people into the mountains to look for herbs first; don’t collect old clothes for now. After I find the herbs, you can start buying old clothes. Then we’ll get a house specifically for washing clothes!”
“Good!”
Yuan Liuwang quickly agreed.
He couldn’t stay at Xie Zhinuan’s for too long since he had other chores to attend to, and as he left, he was still reluctant to part.
He really enjoyed talking to Xie Zhinuan; her voice was gentle, and every word she said hit the nail on the head. Many times, he listened with great interest, full of admiration.
“Then I’m off!”
Xie Zhinuan smiled as she saw him to the door.
Urging him to hurry on his way.
After Yuan Liuwang had gone far, Xie Zhinuan turned around to head back to the shop, only to see that the old beggar was still in the corner, leaning against the wall, bathed in sunlight. She didn’t know if he was asleep or simply not feeling the heat.
“…”
Xie Zhinuan didn’t say a word.
She turned and went back to the courtyard, where she brewed a pot of tea. Only when it had cooled down a bit did she carry it out, and the old beggar was still there.
“…”
Xie Zhinuan approached.
The old beggar, hearing footsteps, opened his eyes and raised his hand to shield them, looking at Xie Zhinuan, “Young lady?”
“It’s so hot today; I’ve brought you some tea!” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
“…”
The old beggar was surprised, but he took out his bowl, which was clean and tidy, “Thank you, young lady, you have such a kind heart; you will be rewarded!”
“I don’t care about that!” Xie Zhinuan poured the tea for him.
Both bowls were filled, and the teapot was emptied.
“Take your time drinking it!” Xie Zhinuan said nonchalantly, smiling as she turned back to the shop.
The old beggar held the bowl and lightly sipped, his eyes suddenly brightened, “This tea tastes really good!”
No, it must be the water used to brew the tea that was good.
Just like the noodle soup earlier that day, drinking it was refreshing and delightful.
Not only that, his chronic ailments seemed to hurt less as well.
He was unrivaled in medical skills, yet he couldn’t taste what was added to the tea. How did such ordinary tea leaves brew such a sweet and mellow tea?
Xie Zhinuan didn’t know about this; she returned to the backyard, tidied up, and prepared to go back to Xiaohe Village.
She needed to cook a few good dishes for the gentleman across the door tonight.
A few days ago, in the pond, Yuanbao had released many perch, and catching one to steam would be perfect.
She had picked a tangerine from the backyard earlier that morning. It was ripe, slightly sour but sweet, perhaps because she had watered it with Spiritual Spring Water; it was more refreshing than any she had tasted before.
She planned to pick a few tangerines for the noble young man across the door, asking him to return the peels after eating them. She intended to use them for cooking rice porridge, making soups, brewing tea, soaking in alcohol, and cooking.
[Adding a few pieces of tangerine peel to porridge can make it not only fragrant but also appetizing. When making meat or rib soup, a few pieces of tangerine peel can enhance the flavor and cut the greasiness. Clean tangerine peels cut into strips and brewed with boiling water, or along with tea leaves, offer a refreshing taste that can stimulate the appetite, relieve pressure, and invigorate. Preserving cleaned and dried tangerine peels in white liquor, the resulting tangerine liquor can clear the lungs and reduce phlegm. Clean fresh tangerine peels, soak in water for 2 days, cut into thin strips, and then pickle with sugar for 20 days; it is not only delicious and refreshing but can also help sober up.]
And Xie Zhinuan felt that the vegetables grown in her backyard with Spiritual Spring Water were better than those bought outside. As long as she put in the effort, she could create delicious delicacies.
Humming a tune, Xie Zhinuan called out, “Silly girl, hurry up and harness the Mule Cart; we’re heading back!”
Chapter 144