The herbal clinic wasn’t crowded. Yu Chunmiao carefully placed the three banxia roots on the counter in front of the doctor.
“Doctor, does your clinic buy herbs? Could you take a look and see if you’ll accept these banxia?” she asked politely.
The elder physician examined the roots for a moment and shook his head. “We don’t take these. They should go to a pharmacy. In Chengdong, there’s Huichuntang Pharmacy—they’ll probably buy them.”
Yu Chunmiao pressed on. “And… with this quality, roughly how much would one jin go for?”
The doctor hesitated. In his line of work, herbal merchants never reveal prices lightly—it’s standard practice.
Yu Chunmiao’s sharp eyes immediately caught his hesitation. Back at the horse club, whenever someone inquired about prices, the owner would make the same face.
“I came with my mother-in-law a few days ago for treatment—you might remember? Her illness requires long-term care, and we don’t have much money. We’ve been scouring the mountains just to earn a little. You don’t have to tell me the exact price—just give me a rough idea so I have some guidance.”
At crucial moments, a little “playing the poor, pitiful girl” was a killer move. She wore tattered clothes and looked truly pitiful—but everything she said was true.
Just then, Chen Ruolan coughed softly, perfectly timed—whether by chance or intention, Yu Chunmiao didn’t know.
The elder doctor studied the two of them. He did remember them. Though the young girl wore rags, her face was beautiful. And she cared deeply for her mother-in-law—a rare virtue in these harsh times. He had seen too many people give up treatment because they were poor.
He was quietly moved and said casually, “With that quality, don’t sell for less than 25 coins per jin… and don’t expect more than 30 coins.”
Chen Ruolan’s heart skipped a beat. This stuff really could be sold. More profitable than clams, even! Perhaps now her son’s leg could be healed.
Yu Chunmiao stood, bowed deeply, and said cheerfully, “Thank you, thank you! I’ll go straight to Huichuntang and check. May the good doctor be blessed with health and long life!”
The elder doctor waved his hand, smiling. “Alright, alright. Just be careful not to get the juice near your mouth or nose while digging.”
Chen Ruolan bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, kind doctor.”
Before leaving, Yu Chunmiao bought two days’ worth of medicine for her mother-in-law, spending eighty coins.
At Huichuntang Pharmacy, they handed the roots to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper took one look and immediately said, “27 coins a jin. How much do you have? I’ll take it all.”
Yu Chunmiao was delighted. She wasn’t skilled at bargaining, and this was perfect. After confirming the preparation instructions—clean off the dirt and dry the roots—they returned home.
Back at the kitchen, Qi Chong was preparing to cook coarse rice.
“Wait!” Yu Chunmiao stopped him. “Today we’re eating white flour noodles with some lean meat.”
Chen Ruolan emptied the basket and said, “I’ll go pick some vegetables. Chong’er, knead the dough.”
Qi Chong glanced at their happy faces and guessed correctly: the banxia had a market.
That meant he wouldn’t need to go to the county himself.
Yu Chunmiao hummed happily, carrying a bag of rice, her smile lighting up the morning.
“Us ordinary folks,” she sang, “really, really happy…”
Her joy was contagious—and she loved hugging people.
Qi Chong walked over, teasing, “You’re so happy?”
Yu Chunmiao nodded, holding up the rice bag. “Yes! Banxia sells for 27 coins a jin! And we’ve already saved half a tael from selling clams. From now on, saving money will be much faster.”
She then poured the rice into the rice bin, her smile bright as sunlight.
Qi Chong chuckled. Not enough happiness for him yet?
“Chong’er, will you make breakfast tomorrow too? I want white rice porridge.”
He stepped closer and said, “Of course. Does that make you happy?”
Yu Chunmiao stood tall, eyes crinkled in joy. “Of course! You cook, and I can sleep in. Perfect!”
After saying that, Yu Chunmiao carried the meat to the backyard to wash it.
Qi Chong, watching her, muttered to himself: She’s clearly not done being happy yet.
He huffed and went back to knead the dough, while Yu Chunmiao finished washing the meat and chopped it on the board. Half would be cooked today, the rest saved for tomorrow.
Chen Ruolan gathered a handful of fresh greens from the garden, washing them carefully. The banxia roots could be sold, so she needed to clean them properly. After washing, she still had to water the garden—busy, but blissfully so.
“Mother, I’m back!” Qi Rong arrived at the kitchen, carrying his basket and looking for water.
Yu Chunmiao dropped the knife and ran over, wrapping him in a hug. “Rong’er, banxia sells for twenty-seven coins a jin! We’re going to be rich soon!”
Qi Rong froze, glancing nervously at his older brother’s sharp gaze. “Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law, let go of me! Don’t hug me—I mean, hug my brother, spare me!”
Yu Chunmiao paused, realizing—oh right! Qi Chong was taller and stronger, easier to hug. Hmm… maybe later would be better. She let go and went back to cutting meat.
Qi Chong’s emotions went from jealousy to anticipation, then disappointment—a rollercoaster of feelings—but in the end, he focused on kneading the dough.
At noon, the lean-meat-and-vegetable noodles were a hit. The noodles were springy, the meat tender, and the greens cooked just until soft, still crisp and fragrant.
Yu Chunmiao slurped her noodles, giving Qi Chong a thumbs-up. “Your cooking is amazing! Did you prepare that pork belly too?”
Qi Chong felt a quiet satisfaction. “Mother, in the afternoon, I’ll go pick some garlic sprouts from the garden for cooking.”
Chen Ruolan nodded. Life had definitely improved since Yu Chunmiao arrived. For three days in a row, they had meat—even if the clams counted too.
Qi Rong, for his part, forgot the awkwardness of being hugged and dug into his meal, thinking about the banxia he’d gather in the afternoon—so they could have meat every day.
“Brother, the basket I dug this morning… how heavy do you think it is?” he asked eagerly.
The basket sat by the table. Qi Chong picked it up, hefting it twice. “About fifteen jin.”
Yu Chunmiao held her thumb up at him. “You dug over three hundred coins’ worth this morning! Amazing! Next time I’ll buy meat just for you.”
Qi Rong puffed out his chest proudly. I deserve at least one hug from Sister-in-law.
“Don’t get too proud,” Qi Chong said, tossing a bucket of cold water toward him. That’ll motivate him for the afternoon work.
Qi Rong shot his brother a determined look. Challenge accepted.
“Check the brush carefully—your sister-in-law is afraid of snakes,” Qi Chong added casually, the emphasis on sister-in-law deliberate.
Qi Rong clenched his fists and pounded his chest. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.
At the mention of snakes, Yu Chunmiao shivered. “Rong’er, you have to check thoroughly… I won’t dare go into the mountains otherwise.”
Chen Ruolan chuckled. “Don’t worry. If a snake meets him… it’s as good as done for it.”
After a hearty meal, the two younger family members felt energized. For the sake of silver coins, they slung their baskets over their shoulders and got ready to head out.
“Wait!” Qi Chong called to Yu Chunmiao, holding a few strips of cloth. “Which hand do you use for the trowel?”
“Right hand,” she replied.
He carefully wrapped her palm and thumb, “This will protect your hands, so they don’t get soaked and sore.”
Watching him work so meticulously, Yu Chunmiao felt warmth flood her chest. Their hands brushed, sending a shiver up to her head.
This man… is surprisingly thoughtful.
Meanwhile, Qi Rong watched, thinking his brother would probably wrap his hands too. I’m a man! I don’t need this kind of protection.