63, Matters of the Heart (3 more updates)
The three of them were busy in the backyard until dusk, planting a patch of green vegetables, a patch of radishes, a patch of bok choy, and even scattering some perilla in a corner.
Xie Zhinuan had picked up several jars and pots with chips and cracks; she planned to dig up some soil later to plant the perilla.
When stir-frying vegetables, adding a bit of perilla also tasted very good.
After returning to draw water for their baths, Xie Zhinuan sat in the courtyard drying her hair with a towel, contemplating the expansive yard. She thought about planting a few grapefruit or mandarin trees in the yard, setting up a fence underneath them and growing some green onions and garlic. Otherwise, such a large courtyard would be wasted.
With this in mind, Xie Zhinuan decided that when she returned from the mountains tomorrow, she would inquire in the village if anyone was selling mandarin trees or other seedlings.
It was only after her hair was dry that Xie Zhinuan returned to her room and lay on the soft bed. She glanced at Routuan sleeping in the corner and murmured softly, “Routuan, goodnight.”
The little courtyard fell silent.
This was when Xie Zhinuan finally had time to reflect on the events of the past few days.
Although it appeared she had suffered a loss,
in truth, it was the consequence of her permissiveness and calculated maneuvers.
She had gone to the county town, unimpressed by Madame Yuan’s hypocrisy, feeling that such a person was best not befriended deeply, as one could never predict when she might turn into a big trouble, biting Xie Zhinuan fiercely when least expected.
Thus, she let things take their course and broke off this life-saving debt of gratitude.
She also took advantage of Yuanbao’s desire to have her cook for his master, using their distinguished background to plan everything carefully.
In the future, the Yuan Family would not be able to pressure her with the life-saving favor. Whether she wished to treat the two elders well was a matter of benevolence; if she chose to ignore them, nobody could say anything.
At this thought, Xie Zhinuan sighed softly.
She pulled the covers over herself and fell into a deep sleep.
That night, there were others who could not sleep, but these matters had nothing to do with Xie Zhinuan.
She slept comfortably and woke up at the break of dawn.
She put on her clothes and went to the outhouse, then fetched water to wash her face and rinse her mouth. After returning to her room, she quietly entered the Spiritual Spring space to drink a large cup of it and poured some for Routuan before combing her hair and stepping out of the room.
Aunt Chen was already up, washing pots and boiling water in the kitchen.
“Miss is up!” Aunt Chen asked with a smile.
“Aunt Chen, did you sleep well last night?” Xie Zhinuan inquired.
She was preparing to cook breakfast for the noble gentleman across the way.
“Having a place where one can find refuge and establish oneself, I slept well. My grandma also slept well because she took her medicine. It’s just the silly girl who is still not up,” Aunt Chen said with some embarrassment when mentioning the silly girl.
“It’s okay, let her sleep!” smiled Xie Zhinuan.
The silly girl was not very bright, but she was diligent and obedient when asked to do something, and Xie Zhinuan was quite satisfied with that.
Sleeping a bit longer didn’t matter at all.
“Miss, how about we have pancakes for breakfast this morning?” Aunt Chen suggested.
“Sure, let’s have pancakes. Make two bowls of egg-drop soup, and heat up a bowl of the stew from last night!” Xie Zhinuan said, going to prepare the porridge.
It didn’t matter what she and a few others ate, but she couldn’t be careless with the gentleman across the way.
She personally washed rice, soaked it, and prepared everything before slowly starting the porridge.
When Yuanbao arrived, the porridge was ready. Xie Zhinuan had him take it back and told him before he left, “Add some green vegetables for your master at noon. Just eat this for the morning!”
“Alright!”
Yuanbao readily agreed.
His master had slept soundly last night, from evening till dawn, without tossing and turning or sleep-talking in pain.
Yuanbao was very polite to Xie Zhinuan.
Aunt Chen and the silly girl had both risen and had breakfast. Xie Zhinuan called the silly girl and, carrying a basket on her back, prepared to go up to the mountain to gather some fine firewood.
And to see if they could pick some wild fruit.
Now in mid-April, the mountains were abundant with wild fruits.
Chapter 65