Fu Yunqing remained silent for a long moment before speaking. “The border has seen frequent conflicts lately. The court not only lacks soldiers, but even provisions are running low. Soon, they will likely levy more grain. When that happens, food prices will skyrocket. You’d better prepare early and stock up, or this winter will be hard to endure.”
Fu Yunqing didn’t know why he was telling her this—perhaps because she had two children and life was difficult—but who in this world truly had it easy? Watching the people suffer, seeing soldiers fall in battle, yet being unable to stabilize the nation or protect the borders, all while dragging along a sickly body, he felt helpless.
Pei Luo frowned. “The harvest is almost here. Even if the court collects grain, the prices shouldn’t rise dramatically, right?” Normally, grain prices drop about twenty percent during harvest. How could they possibly surge?
Fu Yunqing sighed. “This year, floods in the north and locusts in the south have damaged most crops. So, throughout the Qi kingdom, food prices will likely surge before autumn. If you don’t stock up, life will be difficult.”
Natural disasters compounded with human mismanagement—this year, Qi truly faced a harsh blow. Pei Luo could already imagine crowds of displaced villagers everywhere.
“In a few days, I’ll stock up on grain. Since you’re knowledgeable about court affairs, you’re clearly no ordinary person. This isn’t a place to stay long. Once your injuries heal, it’s best for you to leave as soon as possible.”
Fu Yunqing was clearly not ordinary. Pei Luo didn’t want to stir trouble, so it was better he left early.
Fu Yunqing nodded, understanding her concerns. “Rest assured, I left signs along the way for my family’s guards. They will arrive soon and will not trouble you.”
“I’m Pei Luo. If you don’t mind, you can call me by name. Being called ‘miss’ feels awkward,” she said casually.
Fu Yunqing, always mindful of propriety between men and women, hadn’t asked her name for fear of offending her, but didn’t expect her to volunteer it.
“In that case, just call me by my name as well,” he murmured internally.
Pei Luo didn’t fuss. “Today, I’m going into the mountains to gather herbs. You stay home and watch the kids. Try not to go out. I’ll probably be back by evening. There are a few buns left from yesterday; if you’re hungry at noon, eat a little. I’ll cook dinner when I return.”
This time, Pei Luo planned to dig more herbs and hunt, hoping to stockpile food. Her silver wasn’t enough; she needed to earn more.
Fu Yunqing frowned. “It just rained. The mountain paths are slippery, and many wild beasts roam there. Can a weak woman like you go in and come out alive?”
“It’s fine. I’m just exploring the outskirts; it won’t be dangerous,” she lied. Fu Yunqing was relieved she wasn’t venturing deep into the mountains. However, the mountain paths were treacherous after rain. If he went along with her in his weak state, he might slow her down. After thinking it through, he gave up on the idea of accompanying her.
Ignoring the villagers’ gossip, Pei Luo went up the mountain alone. Many villagers were still collecting mushrooms and bamboo shoots in the outer areas. Even further in, she saw several hunting parties.
While walking and searching for herbs, she noticed the black soil hadn’t yet been planted. She intended to transplant some herbs there. She had bought a packet of mixed medicinal seeds from the pharmacy yesterday. Finding a secluded spot, Pei Luo entered her space, planted all the seeds, including some vegetable seeds, and watered them with spiritual spring water before exiting the space.
Unfortunately, the plot of vital soil was small—about half an acre. Three-quarters were planted with medicinal herbs, leaving a small section for fruits and vegetables. She wasn’t sure how much would grow. The medicinal seeds contained over ten varieties, many rare, including ginseng seeds, though she wasn’t sure if they would sprout. The vegetable and fruit seeds would certainly grow; after all, vital soil was no ordinary soil.
Legend said vital soil was the clay Nüwa used to create humans—a living, spiritual soil. Though she didn’t know if it was the same, the stone tablet called it vital soil, so it must be nearly accurate.
Pei Luo listened to the surroundings and observed the plants, not wanting to miss anything valuable. Perhaps because of the recent rain, she encountered no small animals today. She did run into a wolf pack, but she safely hid in her space; otherwise, she might have become their prey.
The wolf sightings suggested the nearby area was empty of small animals. Still, Pei Luo collected plenty of medicinal herbs and discovered a small Clematis. Though tiny, if nurtured in her space, she could propagate more golden-threaded Clematis, which could bring great wealth.
Golden-threaded Clematis is an extremely rare wild treasure, usually growing in untouched deep forests. Even though it had been artificially cultivated in the past, wild specimens remained invaluable.
Further in, she found more precious herbs: Sanghuang and Bamboo-jointed Ginseng. Sanghuang, a medicinal fungus, was known as “forest gold.” In her previous life, she had bought a large wild Sanghuang at great expense. Though this one was small, precious herbs were always rare and hard to cultivate. Sanghuang required warm, humid environments, with soil mixed from mulberry branches, medicinal residue, and Eucommia tree bark. It was complicated to grow.