Chapter 86 - 86: Exploring the Cave 1

Translator: 549690339?????? —

This one is called Sophora Japonica; it’s just the right season to pick it.” Wei Ruo explained.

“Sophora Japonica? What’s it used for?”

“Sophora Japonica is remarkably effective in treating scrofula, a disease with a high mortality rate, hence it’s quite valuable. However, it is overlooked by many due to its similarity to common weeds. It gets its name because its flowers resemble dried grass in summer.” Wei Ruo explained.

’I didn’t expect such a common-looking plant to be so useful.” Xie Ying bent down to help Wei Ruo pick it.

“Moreover, Sophora Japonica can be used to make herbal tea. It makes a tasty drink when boiled with lotus leaves and Phyllostachys extract.” Wei Ruo added.

Ruo Ruo, you know how to make herbal tea too?” Xie Ying asked.

“Making herbal tea is quite simple. You just put the ingredients in water and boil them together. There’s not much technique required. I can also make herbal jelly and turtle jelly – those are a bit complicated but they’re great for cooling down in the summer.” Wei Ruo said.

“Ruo Ruo, you’re like a treasure! I want to take you home and hide you away!” Xiumei, standing nearby, couldn’t help but interject: “Miss Xie, kidnapping is illegal. If you’re thinking about taking our young miss home, I’ll report you to the authorities!”

Xie Ying pouted, “Do you think I could kidnap your young miss with you around? Why don’t I give you some silver, and you tie her up for me?” Xiumei immediately asked Wei Ruo for advice, “Miss, Miss Xie offered me silver. If she offers a lot, can I consider it?”

Wei Ruo nodded, “You can consider it. If the offer is substantial, I might even cooperate and let you tie me up, then share the spoils with you.”

Xiumei agreed, “Uh-huh, yeah! After we get the silver, I can go to the Xie Residence to rescue our young miss!”

Xie Ying was taken aback: “How dare you two plot to steal my silver right in front of me!”

As she spoke, she raised her hand, pretending to throw the freshly picked Sophora Japonica at Wei Ruo. But after a glance, she couldn’t bear to do it, instead, she changed direction and threw it forcefully into Wei Ruo’s medicine basket.

Xie Jue, standing five steps away, couldn’t help but laugh as he watched the interactions of the three girls.

Miss Wei was indeed a lively and attractive character, no doubt capable of taming his headstrong sister.

After a while, Wei Ruo spotted a cave.

Wei Ruo curiously headed towards the cave, Xie Jue hurriedly intercepted,

“Miss Wei, don’t go there, it’s dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” Wei Ruo looked back at Xie Jue with puzzled eyes.

“The caves around Xingshan County are large and deep. The internal structures are complicated, I’m afraid of the possible presence of wild beasts or snakes, rats, insects, ants, etc.” Xie Jue explained.

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Sir Xie, but I’m still keen to take a look. Rest assured, my maid is extremely capable. We also have experience dealing with snakes, rats, insects and ants, so we have the strength to handle any issues.” Wei Ruo replied.

Convinced by the resolve in Wei Ruo’s words, and for safety’s sake, Xie Jue decided to accompany them into the cave.

“I’ll stay behind you, in case of danger, I can help,” said Xie Jue.

“Then I’m going too.” Xie Ying swiftly stepped forward.

Xie Jue quickly grabbed her arm, “Yingying, why are you going?” “Why can’t I go if you all are? I’m very capable too.” Xie Ying claimed. Although she had no martial arts training, her skills in horse-riding and archery were not to be underestimated, making her more capable compared to the average lady.

“But there might be snakes, rats, insects, ants in the cave, aren’t you scared?” Xie Jue asked.

“If Ruo Ruo isn’t scared, why should I be?” Xie Ying retorted fearlessly.

“If Yingying wants to go, I have an insect repellent ointment here.” Wei Ruo promptly took out a ceramic container from the bag she brought with her. Upon opening the container, there was a light yellow wax-like substance inside.

Wei Ruo lightly rubbed the ointment on her fingertip, then applied it to Xie Ying’s wrists and behind her ears.

Xie Ying sniffed her wrist, “It smells wonderful, like a delicate fruit scent, sweet and very pleasant.”

“Yes, I prepared this scent deliberately. I recently learned perfumery and applied it in this ointment. The original ointment had an undesirable medicinal smell.” Wei Ruo explained.

“You’re applying what you’ve learned, Ruo Ruo. You’re amazing!” Xie Ying couldn’t help but praise Wei Ruo again.

Xie Jue behind sight was also amazed. The young Miss Wei was really interesting, like an inexhaustible treasure, continuously surprising people.

Xie Jue looked at Wei Ruo, his eyes filled with admiration and approval, and unconsciously a smile appeared on his face.

Xie Ying asked Wei Ruo, “Ruo Ruo, can you put some of this ointment on my brother as well? I dont want him to be bitten by ants either.”

Wei Ruo handed the entire box to Xie Ying, “Here, you can have it.”

“If you give it to me, what about you?” Xie Ying asked.

I still have some, I made several boxes at once.” Wei Ruo answered.

All right, then!” Xie Ying didn’t hold back, she took Wei Ruo’s ointment and turned around to hand it to Xie Jue.

“Just smear a little bit, use it sparingly. After you’re done, you have to give it back.”

Yes, yes, I know.” Xie Jue answered with a smile.

After everyone applied the insect repellent ointment, they entered the cave together. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Xie Jue took the lead, protecting the three girls behind.

The cave was somewhat narrow and the route complex. After a while, Wei Ruo suggested, “Let’s get out. This isn’t the cave I’m looking for. The path is narrow and diverges further in, it’s dangerous to continue.”

Although Xie Jue and Xie Ying didn’t know the reason, listening to Wei Ruo’s reasoning, they decided to leave without lingering. They turned their direction and exited the cave.

After exiting, Xie Jue asked Wei Ruo, “What kind of cave are you looking for Miss Wei? When I was a child, I used to play around here a lot and am familiar with the surroundings. Perhaps I can help.”

Looking at Xie Jue’s earnest face, Wei Ruo pondered for a while then shared her thoughts: “I want to find a spacious cave that is temperate, warm in winter and cool in summer.”

A large space that’s warm in winter and cool in summer…” Xie Jue thought earnestly, “Along this trail, halfway up the mountain, there seems to be a cave that fits your requirements.”

“Do you remember the way, Sir Xie?” Wei Ruo hurriedly asked.

“Yes, I remember. I’ll lead the way.” Xie Jue replied.

Thank you, Sir Xie!” Wei Ruo expressed her gratitude.

“There’s no need to be so formal with me.” Xie Jue looked at Wei Ruo, his smile gentle.

After the pleasantries, Xie Jue took the lead, guiding Wei Ruo, Xiumei, and his sister towards the mountainside.

After bypassing a few large rocks, they reached the broad entrance of a cave.

Still, Xie Jue led the way, with the three girls following behind him….