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Chu Qingzhi ventured to the barren land adjacent to the medicinal garden.

The three wolves followed her, their demeanor bold and majestic, yet when Da Bai, exuding an air of dominance, approached, the three wolves could only stand aside.

Da Bai glanced approvingly at his three underlings, content with their growing sense of subservience.

It then looked at Chu Qingzhi before lying down, lazily yawning and beginning to doze off…

The three wolves exchanged looks, then daringly started to massage Da Bai, who seemed to enjoy it, growing even more pleased with his minions.

Listening to the soft snoring, Chu Qingzhi turned to see the three wolves taking turns massaging Da Bai—a treatment fit for a king.

“You sure know how to enjoy yourself,” she remarked, her gaze shifting to the now fully-grown wolves. “I’ve never seen wolves act so submissively. This is a first for me.”

Remembering Ren Buqing’s request to find wolf cubs, she said, “Da Bai, three wolves, go into the forest and see if you can find any unwanted little wolves. Bring a few back for me.”

Da Bai stood up, rubbed against Chu Qingzhi affectionately, and then led his three subordinates into the forest.

After they left, Chu Qingzhi focused on the land before her.

What was once barren now thrived as a vegetable garden, transformed under Chu Qingzhi’s nurturing. Seeds planted nearly a month ago, now under her spiritual care, flourished into a lush green carpet, brimming with life.

Turning her attention to the pond, Chu Qingzhi noted the water caltrops floating on the surface, their tender leaves reaching for the sun.

Chu Junbao, accompanied by other children, ran over, surrounding her, “Sister Qingzhi, what are you looking at?”

“The pond,” she replied.

“Grandfather Chu put many fish in there a few days ago,” Chu Junbao

informed, pointing towards a corner, “Look over there, Sister Qingzhi, the fish are surfacing.”

Chu Qingzhi saw them, estimating over a hundred fish. “Junbao, I have a money-making task for you. Interested?”

Sure!” Chu Junbao stood attentively, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the distant grass, “Cut five pounds of grass every day and feed it to the fish in the pond. I’ll give you ten copper coins. How does that sound?”

“Great, we’ll start cutting grass right away.” The children, undeterred by the modest sum, were thrilled at the prospect of earning money.

They excitedly ran off to cut grass.

Chu Qingzhi looked towards the long ditch that snaked its way to the foot of the mountain, next to the well.

The ditch extended into the mountain, ending at a small waterfall. With the pond already full and the fields not requiring water, the end of the ditch was blocked with stones. To use the water, one simply had to move the stones, allowing water from the waterfall to flow into the ditch and into the pond. Impressed with the meticulous work done by Xiao Chen and his team, Chu Qingzhi appreciated their diligence.

Heading back to the village, she made her way to Chu Lianghong’s home, “Uncle Lianhong, I’d like to buy some lotus seeds to plant in my pond.”

Hearing Chu Qingzhi’s voice, everyone in Chu Lianghong’s household came out to greet her warmly. “The lotus seeds we harvested have already been eaten. If you want some, we’ll go to the pond and gather them right now.”

With that, he led Chu Qingzhi towards the pond.

Arriving at the pond’s edge, Chu Lianghong immediately rolled up his trousers, ready to wade into the pond to collect lotus seeds.

Chu Qingzhi quickly stopped him, “Uncle Lianhong, let me do it.” She raised her hand, and with an invisible force sweeping through the air, all the lotus pods flew to the shore.

Chu Lianghong, witnessing this spectacle, laughed and remarked, “You martial artists are truly remarkable, harvesting lotus pods without even entering the water.”

The children watching Chu Qingzhi were filled with admiration.

Chu Lianghong fetched a basket, gathered the lotus pods into it, and handed it to Chu Qingzhi, “The lotus pods are yours, no need to pay.”

Chu Qingzhi accepted the basket and headed home, “I’ve left the money on the table in your courtyard.”

Everyone hurried to look, and indeed, there was a piece of silver on the table.

Chu Lianghong took the money and chased after Chu Qingzhi. “Qingzhi, wait.”

Chu Qingzhi’s voice drifted back from afar, “If you don’t accept the money, I won’t take anything from your home anymore.”

Reluctantly, Chu Lianghong ceased his pursuit, “Then take more next time.”

At the pond’s edge, Chu Qingzhi sprinkled the lotus seeds into the water, “Next year, we can harvest lotus roots.”

With some seeds leftover, Chu Qingzhi took them back home.

In the workshop area, Shen Ruyue’s office.

Shen Ruyue had just finished teaching the two children for an hour, “Songnian, are you sure you don’t want to study at the school?”

After returning from the capital, she had asked the children if they wanted to learn to read and write, potentially to assist her in the future. Both children readily agreed, and Li Qingyin was extremely supportive, even personally thanking Shen Ruyue.

Xu Songnian earnestly replied, “Big cousin-in-law, I’m not cut out for school.

Right now, all I want to do is earn money to provide a better life for my mother and sister.”

Xu Wenlin quickly added, “I’ll work hard to earn money too.”

Shen Ruyue smiled, “Then study hard with me. Once you can assist me, I’ll pay you a generous salary.”

“Thankyou, big cousin-in-law.”

Clean up now. It’s getting late; head home before your mother starts worrying.”

“Ok.”

Before heading home, Xu Songnian needed to prepare food for the three wolves and headed to the kitchen.

Just then, Chu Qingzhi, carrying the lotus seeds, entered the kitchen, where Xu Wenhn was waiting for Xu Songnian. Upon seeing Chu Qingzhi, her eyes lit up, “Fifth cousin.”

Hearing her voice, Xu Songnian turned to look, “Fifth cousin.”

“Wenlin, Songnian.”

Wenlin eagerly took the basket from Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth cousin, do you need help shelling the lotus seeds? I can help you!”

Xu Songnian added, “Fifth cousin, after I finish preparing the wolves’ food, I’ll come help you with the lotus seeds.”

This reminded Chu Qingzhi, “The wolves are grown now. Later, you can take one home.”

“Can I really take one home?” Xu Songnian was thrilled; he had been looking forward to this day.

Yes, but you must take good care of it and never mistreat it.”

Xu Songnian promised, “Don’t worry, fifth cousin. I’ll take good care of it.”

Li Qingyu, carrying a basket of eggs, walked in, “Songnian, Wenlin, your cousins are back. We’ll have a good meal tonight. You can go home after dinner.”

Su Songnian shook his head, “Mother is waiting at home. If we’re late, she’ll worry.”

Li Qingyu assured, “I’ve already sent someone to tell your mother. Don’t worry.”