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墨書 Inktalez
Yu Chunmiao continued to share her plans, expressing that staying at home every day was becoming quite stifling. From now on, the family would take turns resting, with four days off each month. Her mother and younger brother would form one group, while she and Qi Chong would form another. Qi Rong had gathered enough medicinal herbs and could take a break anytime; he should spend more time practicing writing and reading. The money for books and ink would come from Gong Zhong.
Although Qi Rong did not wish to become an official, he enjoyed reading and learning characters. Qi Fu always said that knowing characters was essential to understanding the world.
Qi Yuan asked, "If we take a break, what about Xian Cao Mi?"
"That's simple," Yu Chunmiao replied. "If someone wants to rest on a certain day, they just need to let us know in advance. We can finish our work the day before."
She paused for a moment before adding, "Brother, you're not too young anymore. If you don't go out and meet some girls, you might earn money but end up as a bachelor."
Her gaze inadvertently fell on Qi Chong, the unspoken implication clear—he was the family's bachelor. In this era, marrying at ten years old was considered late.
Qi Chong coughed a couple of times, dipping his brush into the ink again.
Qi Yuan scratched his head awkwardly and said, "Sister-in-law, I need your approval before I marry someone. If you don’t like her, I won’t marry her."
Yu Chunmiao teased him, "Just don’t end up in a situation where the mountains crumble and the earth merges—no amount of effort will bring you back then."
They began dividing the money. Each person received ten taels and seven hundred forty coins; plus Qi Rong's share, it was handed over to him. As Yu Chunmiao distributed the money, Qi Chong took notes beside her and made sure everyone pressed their fingerprints on the receipt.
Holding the money, Chen Ruolan's hands trembled slightly. Yu Chunmiao reassured her mother, saying, "Mother, why did you stop? Haven't you learned how to make Xian Cao Mi? Aren't you the one washing everyone's clothes? A mother-in-law washing clothes for her daughter-in-law is already a big deal; it’s great that we didn’t ask you to take the lion's share."
The elder understood how to save money; keeping it with her meant that their family would prosper more in the future.
Chen Ruolan still felt a bit shy. Yu Chunmiao smiled and said, "You should count the money tonight and tell Father-in-law in your dreams; wouldn’t he be happy to hear it?"
Finally, Chen Ruolan accepted the money and went back to her room to pray for Brother Zheng's blessings.
Qi Yuan graciously accepted his share of the money with thanks.
When it was Qi Rong's turn to collect his allowance, he held five heavy strings of coins in his hands and felt wealthier than his mother.
After their family meeting concluded, it was already time for noon when the cart arrived as scheduled at their doorstep. Qi Yuan and his partner began loading the large wooden basin filled with Xian Cao Mi onto the cart.
The partner had received his payment but did not leave; he approached Yu Chunmiao and bowed slightly. "Qi Niangzi," he said, "the shopkeeper wants to know if we can produce more Xian Cao Mi. There are many orders from other counties that are not enough to fulfill."
Every day, they prepared ten pots, a result of both stoves operating simultaneously. There were only two pots and two burners in the house.
Yu Chunmiao thought for a moment and said to Lu Boss, "That works, but we need some time. I’ll set up another stove and add three more pots."
She turned to Qi Chong and asked, "Qi Chong, how long will it take to set up the stove?"
Qi Chong calculated the time it would take to buy bricks and mud. He didn’t want to hire outsiders; only Qi Yuan could help, and he could only lend a hand. He didn’t like dealing with strangers, fearing that someone might learn his method for cultivating the celestial herbs.
After considering everything, it would take at least three days. Four days would be safer—better to overestimate just in case.
Once the assistant received confirmation, he left.
Qi Rong went out to harvest celestial herbs again. Yu Chunmiao instructed him to cut only half; if they waited a while, the area would regrow.
Qi Chong and Qi Yuan discussed where to set up the stove. They finally decided to first build a shed in the yard and then enclose it once the stove was completed.
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