Chapter 234 Finally Ascending the Mountain
Liu Wei felt his reputation tarnished by Gao Jiaojiao pointing at his nose and scolding him. In the countryside, who was inherently superior to whom? No matter how powerful his family was, its influence couldn't reach the countryside.
"What? Am I wrong? You've got a bit of money and hired two servants, and you act like this? If I report you, it's an open and shut case. Keep your fingers off my face in the future, or I'll go to the county and cause trouble if I'm unhappy."
Gao Jiaojiao's expression changed. Nowadays, people truly feared being reported. Just a trip to the authorities would strip them raw, and even if their family had influence, it would be too far away to help.
"Hmph, whatever you say goes? We are friends who help each other. Say less of that nonsense."
After speaking, Gao Jiaojiao immediately went inside. She didn't dare to court further trouble. However, she couldn't swallow her anger, and a vicious glint flashed in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Liu Dandan paid no attention to Gao Jiaojiao and the other's exchange. She was fiercely pinching Zhao Ling's private parts, determined to make Zhao Ling suffer a silent loss and teach her a good lesson.
Zhao Ling, being pinched, could only dodge back and forth, her back scraping painfully against the ground. She felt some parts of her body swelling up.
Liu Wei wanted to play the role of a knight in shining armor, but Wei Tianming beside him stopped him.
"Why are you rushing into a fight between women? Liu Dandan has a sense of proportion and won't go too far."
Shang Wenqi heard Wei Tianming's words and looked at him. After a single glance, he quickly lowered his eyes. A moment later, Shang Wenqi walked over to Liu Dandan.
"Dandan, that's enough. We should eat now."
Even if Shang Wenqi hadn't said anything, Liu Dandan would have been too exhausted to continue pinching. She was truly drained of all energy. Standing up from Zhao Ling, she didn't forget to give her another kick.
"Stay far away from me in the future, or I'll beat you up again."
After speaking, Liu Dandan rubbed her arm and headed towards their small kitchen. Shang Wenqi glanced at Zhao Ling and then turned to leave.
Zhao Ling slowly sat up, her body aching. Her clothes were so dirty that their original color was indistinguishable.
"It's time to eat, Liu Wei, hurry up and serve the rice."
Hearing the word "eat," Zhao Ling's stomach rumbled in response. She quickly looked at Liu Wei, her expression as pitiful as could be.
Liu Wei hesitated for a moment before turning away. He barely got enough to eat himself every day; how could he share his food? Heaven knew how much he longed for a full meal.
Zhao Ling could only glare resentfully at everyone else having food. But she was too weak to cook. She slowly walked back to her room, changed her clothes, and left the educated youth dormitory, slamming the door.
After days of hard work, Ye Shengge had already collected a good amount of medicinal herbs. The herbs at the foot of the mountain were mostly picked clean, and her yard was filled with drying herbs.
"Hmm, these medicinal materials are handled well. Have you been studying diligently recently?"
Elder Fan, holding his ruler, was putting on airs in the house. Elder Dang, holding his large tea mug, watched from the side.
Ye Shengge secretly rolled her eyes. As soon as the farm work became less busy today, her master came to check her homework.
Zi Yisheng leaned against the doorframe, observing the little girl's expression. She was so adorable that it melted his heart.
"Master, you don't seem to value my time. I have to herd sheep every day, collect herbs, and help pick vegetables when I come back. Where would I find time to read?"
What Ye Shengge said was the truth. She was very busy every day. While this busyness might not seem like much to an ordinary person, it was quite tiring for her.
Recently, she only had time to enter the space to harvest the mature crops and plant new ones, with no extra energy left.
"Hmph, come here, I need to take your pulse. You've been taking medicine for over ten days, and you're still so weak."
Elder Fan genuinely cared for his little disciple. Elder Dang also walked over.
Zi Yisheng quickly moved a table over, asking the little girl to sit. He hoped that she would recover quickly so they could spend more time together.
Ye Dad and Ye Mom also crowded around. Having moved to a new house and working on the farm daily, they had indeed neglected their daughter's health.
A moment later, Elder Fan and Elder Dang exchanged glances, a faint smile appearing on their faces.
"Good. Your condition has improved significantly compared to before. Perhaps the climate and water here are very nourishing."
Actually, Ye Shengge knew it was because she had been drinking the well water. In her past life, she had also drunk the well water for over half a year before her health improved considerably. The well water seemed to have a gradual warming effect on the heart.
"Elder Fan, Elder Dang, do you think Shengge has a chance of making a full recovery?"
In fact, Ye Mom didn't hold out much hope for her daughter's complete recovery. After all, no matter how many methods they tried in her past life, they were ineffective, let alone in this era of limited technology.
"Absolutely. This girl has already recovered more than half. As long as she continues taking her medicine and doesn't suffer any severe shocks, she will definitely live like a normal person."
Ye Mom excitedly clasped her daughter's hand. This was the voice she had longed to hear for twenty years; she had waited for too long.
Ye Dad and Ye Mu'en also teared up. No one could comprehend the daily fear and anxiety they had endured over the years.
"Thank you, both esteemed elders. Shengge is truly fortunate to have met you."
The heavy stone that had been weighing on Zi Yisheng's heart was finally lifted. If the little girl were to leave him prematurely, he couldn't imagine the meaning of life afterward. Fortunately, fortunately!
"Then can I go for a walk in the mountains? It would be good for my health."
Ye Shengge seized the opportunity to press her luck, only to be met with a unanimous refusal from her family.
The busy farming season had officially ended. Everyone was busy bagging the dried grain, as they were soon to pay their public grain tax. Bai Rong Brigade had a heavy grain quota for the past two years, leaving only enough to last for three months after paying the tax.
In the past, Zi Yisheng wouldn't lower the grain quota for Bai Rong Brigade despite his help. He would only prevent the authorities from taking too much. He would then privately provide some subsidies to ensure the villagers had enough to eat for six to seven months.
This was unavoidable. Giving too much grain would make Bai Rong Brigade a target of envy.
This year was even better. Zi Yisheng had already sent a batch of grain back in advance, ensuring that everyone would have enough to eat until the next distribution.
After paying the grain tax, the village chief and the brigade leader breathed a sigh of relief once the remaining and stored grain were calculated. Their gratitude towards Zi Yisheng grew even stronger.
After planting another batch of crops, the entire village became idle.
Ye Mu'en then led A Can and a few others up the mountain. Ye Shengge could only watch them leave her behind.
Zi Yisheng, seeing the little girl's wronged expression, could only take her up the mountain as well. However, they only ventured a short distance up the mountain.
Even so, Ye Shengge was overjoyed. There were hardly any herbs left to collect at the foot of the mountain.
Zi Yisheng didn't bring anyone else, cherishing this rare opportunity for the two of them to be alone.
"There are more medicinal herbs in the mountains, but no overly precious ones."
Zi Yisheng shook his head, looking at the girl's regretful yet greedy expression. Their family wasn't lacking money.
"We're not short of money. If you like precious medicinal herbs, I can find someone to send them to you later."
Ye Shengge shook her index finger, putting on an expression that said, "You don't understand."