Chapter 628: Picking Herbs in the Mountain (2)

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

‘A Thread of Fate’ took a sip of tea. She didn’t say anything, but her ears were pricked up. She didn’t know which family Li Qingyu would choose.

Li Qingyu smiled awkwardly, “I feel that both the Zhang and Cai families are of too high a status for us. Our family really isn’t a match for either, so perhaps we should drop this marriage proposal?”

Both matchmakers were taken aback. Li Qingyu didn’t seem to like either family! Did she hope to marry her daughter into an official’s family instead?

‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’s smile faded a little. “Pardon me for asking, Sister Qingyu, did we do something wrong?”

Li Qingyu replied, “It’s not about you. It’s our family’s issue. Marriage is about matching social statuses, and our family, being just rural villagers, really can’t match up to yours. Please understand.”

The matchmakers exchanged glances, having never encountered such a situation before where such good conditions were also declined.

Li Qingyu was firm in her stance, “Thank you both for your effort, but my daughter doesn’t have such fortune, I’m sorry.”

After some persuasion, seeing that Li Qingyu remained unyielding, the matchmakers left without further argument.

Li Qingyu breathed a sigh of relief as she sent them off, hoping they wouldn’t come again.

Yang Zhenzhen, accompanied by a maid, approached politely, “Madam Chu, is Qingshuang home?”

Li Qingyu, having a good impression of Yang Zhenzhen, smiled in response, “She is. Do you need her for something?”

Yang Zhenzhen gestured to the box held by the maid, “I’ve collected a few books about porcelain for Qingshuang and brought them over as a gift.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Li Qingyu led Yang Zhenzhen to Qingshuang’s courtyard. “Qingshuang, Zhenzhen is here.”

Chu Qingshuang ran out of the house. “Zhenzhen.”

Yang Zhenzhen took the box from the maid and handed it to Chu Qingshuang. “This is for you.”

Chu Qingshuang opened the box and took out the books inside. They were all about porcelain. There were a total of five books. “So many books! 1 can’t accept this without offering something in return. Zhenzhen, can I pay you for these?” “We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends don’t need to be so formal,” Yang Zhenzhen suggested thoughtfully, “If you feel bad, how about making a set of those cute cups you use for drinking water for me?”

The cup that Chu Qingshuang drank from had a cartoonish cat design and was even colored. It was very cute and beautiful.

Chu Qingshuang agreed readily. “Alright, it’s settled then.”

Yang Zhenzhen smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

Cai Family.

‘A Thread of Fate’ walked into the Cai residence in disappointment and told Madam Cai Li Qingyu’s answer.

Madam Cai was not surprised. Li Qingyu’s attitude yesterday was already an omen. “Thank you. You can go now. If there’s anything else, I’ll send someone to inform you.”

‘A Thread of Fate’ did not receive any money. She bowed unhappily and left.

Madam Cai came to the study and said unhappily, “Master, Li Qingyu rejected the marriage proposal and the Zhang family at the same time.”

“Rejected?” Cai Yuting frowned. “Why?”

“Li Qingyu said it’s about incompatible social statuses, and she doesn’t want to aim too high,” Madam Cai actually admired Li Qingyu a little. To be able to reject such a huge benefit was not something an ordinary woman could do.

Cai Yuting pondered for a moment. “Forget it. Let’s not force relationships, nor create animosity. That young girl is still young and won’t be a significant threat for us for a few more years.”

Madam Cai nodded. “I understand.”

Meanwhile, the Zhang Family discussed the same matter and, weighing the pros and cons, decided similarly to the Cai Family.

At the Yang residence.

Yang Zhenzhen came to her father Yang Yiwen’s study, “Dad, I’ve delivered the books to Qingshuang.”

“Good.”

Yang Zhenzhen was a bit puzzled, “Dad, why did we do this?”

Yang Yiwen patted his daughter’s head gently, “There are many ways to befriend someone, and the most ingenious way is to win their heart.”

“If you befriend Chu Qingshuang sincerely and treat each other with genuine respect, in the future, even if she doesn’t directly benefit you, she will remember your kindness and consider your interests to some extent.” “Qingshuang is exceptionally talented and will surely achieve great things in the future. Plus, she has a capable older sister. You won’t lose out by maintaining a good relationship with her.”

Yang Zhenzhen understood. “Father, I understand.”

In late September, it’s time to harvest Pineilia, Cornus, Cassia Seeds, Bupleurum, Lily, and Scutellaria.

As long as he was in the capital, Yuan Hongjun would go to Dragon Ridge Mountain to pick herbs. After picking the herbs, he would plant the seeds to ensure the harvest next year.

The terrain of Dragon Ridge Mountain was dangerous and there were many ferocious beasts inside. Nine out of ten people who entered would not be able to come out. Only those with rich experience in entering the mountain would pick herbs. However, how many such people could be picked was a drop in the bucket for the entire Dragon Ridge Mountain.

Fan Yuru had never gathered herbs on a mountain and was curious. When she heard Yuan Hongjun was going, she insisted on joining him. Yuan Hongjun didn’t refuse.

Each carrying a basket with cloth bags, a small hoe, and a sickle, and accompanied by Da Bai, they headed into the mountains.

Yuan Hongjun borrowed Da Bai for this trip. With the tiger leading the way, it was much safer.

Da Bai, who hadn’t been to the mountains for quite a long time, seemed excited to see the wilderness.

Fan Yuru suddenly asked, “Why didn’t we bring Linjiang and others?”

Yuan Hongjun waved his hand. “Little Abalone isn’t going to Dragon Ridge Mountain to pick herbs. If he wants to enter the mountain, he’s going to Mount Qiyun.”

“Oh, so you’ve divided the territories?”

“That’s right. Little Abalone and 1 are arch-enemies. Every time we meet, we’re always at odds with each other. If we were to go to the same mountain to pick herbs, we’d probably end up fighting all the time.”

Fan Yuru was puzzled. “Then why did you all acknowledge Qingzhi as your master?”

“Little Abalone was shameless. Master had no choice but to accept him.”

She laughed, “I never imagined you guys could be so stubborn and mischievous..”