Free Web NovelChapter 430: Chapter 430: Hunting in the Mountains
When soaking in a hot spring, it’s not advisable to have a full or empty stomach, nor should it be for too long. Yi Roujing decided to soak for half an hour. Baozi was still asleep, and even if he woke up, Xu Ancheng would take him to the bath.
Inevitably, the new-style swimsuits caused a stir in the women’s bath. Ding Anmin made a set for herself, and Feng Lishu also had one, but the three colors were different.
"That’s not nice; you’ll have to teach me how to make it when we get back." Yuan Xiangyu’s cheeks were slightly red, but her eyes couldn’t move away, especially since Yi Roujing had such a good figure, a perfect hourglass. "Ancheng is truly lucky."
"Wow, it’s a bit hot." Shu Yujie had already cleaned herself and stepped into the hot spring, but only after acclimating a bit could she sit down.
Yi Roujing felt the temperature with her hand; the hot spring was about forty degrees. Not long after sitting, she felt much of her fatigue melt away, and a faint sulfur smell lingered in her nose. It’s such an enjoyment.
The hot spring was indeed quite large; seven women got in, and it only occupied a third of the space.
"Don’t soak for too long. I’m timing it; it’s 3:35 now, and we should all be out by 4:10 at the latest," Ni Yan’an, as the host, diligently looked after everyone. She picked up the watch lying by the pool and checked the time, advising everyone.
The room’s sound insulation wasn’t great, especially after the men next door arrived in the men’s bath, loud shouting and sounds of diving. Jiang Bomeng was the loudest, interspersed with the chattering of little children.
After the hot spring, they dried off and changed into clean, comfortable clothes. Just stepping out of the women’s bath, a cool breeze hit them, utterly refreshing. Even though the sun had not yet set, the summer heat was gone. Because they lived on the mountain, people still had to wrap a thin, light scarf to avoid catching a chill.
They just arrived at the farm today, primarily to rest and recuperate. Dinner started at 5:30. There wasn’t much nightlife in this era, but being on the mountain, they built a small bonfire in the yard—bright and warding off wild animals. A large group of people sat around talking and sipping some fruit wine, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The fruit wine was brought by Yi Roujing, brewed last year by her mother-in-law Li Hongying. The plum wine and grape wine were genuine, filled with a rich fruity aroma that both men and women enjoyed.
However, Wu Guofang didn’t take a sip all night; someone had to stay sober. That was his purpose for coming along.
With the help of the fruit wine, Yi Roujing began to feel drowsy around 8 p.m. After returning to the room, she fell into a sweet sleep. When she opened her eyes again, the sky outside was still grey. She picked up the watch beside her pillow and saw it was 4:38, still early, but having gone to bed early, she didn’t want to sleep anymore.
Rising quietly, Xu Ancheng still woke due to the slight movement. Yi Roujing walked to his side and kissed his forehead, then the couple got up together. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
They weren’t the earliest risers; Ni Yanqing and Wu Guofang were already exercising in the courtyard.
"Up so early?" Ni Yanqing was a bit surprised to see Xu Ancheng and Yi Roujing.
"Can you take me hunting?" Yi Roujing asked, "I can take care of myself."
Ni Yanqing had tested Yi Roujing’s skills. Though they hadn’t sparred, he knew Hua Yiran wasn’t her match. Without hesitation, he agreed, "Yiran is coming too, so you’ll have company, but you can’t act independently. You must stay with the group."
Ni Yanqing agreed but still reminded them of the principles to follow.
"Understood." Yi Roujing saluted, then turned and winked at Xu Ancheng.
"Hey, didn’t you agree?" Ni Yanqing noticed Yi Roujing’s little glance and awkwardly asked.
"I didn’t agree so quickly," Xu Ancheng laughed, "but eventually I will agree. To be honest, Jing has more mountain experience than I do. I really don’t have much grounds to oppose."
Yi Roujing proudly went to see what she could help with for breakfast, happily assisting with selecting vegetables and starting the fire. Even though her cooking skills were limited, she was efficient at helping out.
The breakfast menu was decided by Ni Yanqing—rice porridge, eggs, mantou, stir-fried vegetables, and cornmeal pancakes. They made a substantial amount, "Eggs, mantou, and pancakes, we should take some when we go to the mountain. We probably won’t be back by noon; these will be our lunch too."
"Shall we make some rice balls?" Yi Roujing suggested, "It doesn’t require culinary skills to make rice balls. I’ll make them, and the kids can try something new."
Yi Roujing began washing rice, steaming the white rice, and took out a few salted duck eggs, peeled them, sliced some pickled vegetables, and got some meat floss that Li Hongying made for Baozi.
When the rice was cooked, she wrapped it with the crushed salted duck egg, pickled vegetables, and meat floss, forming them into round balls and placing them in lunch boxes. She made enough for four aluminum lunchboxes and kept some on plates for breakfast.
The novelty of the rice balls and their hearty fillings were well-liked by both women and children.
At 6:30, Ni Yanqing, Xu Ancheng, Zhou Zeyuan, Wu Guofang—the four men—and Yi Roujing and Hua Yiran—the two women—set off with their tools and food.
The ones staying on the farm included Jiang Bomeng, who was skilled in martial arts. He also wanted to go to the mountain but knew the importance of protecting those who stayed behind, so he reluctantly stayed, planning to find time to go the next day or the day after.
Even though Baozi was young, he was very sensible, with Ding Anmin and Ding Anguo watching over him. Yi Roujing had no reason to worry.
Beidai Mountain was extensive. Yi Roujing knew it couldn’t be compared to the mountain owned by the Dingping Production Team. Wu Guofang hadn’t yet taken his official post, so he didn’t have a firearm, but he did bring a hunting rifle. Ni Yanqing had brought one too, and the weapons were sufficient, with plenty of medicinal powder and tools, so this journey should go smoothly.
Besides carrying medicinal powder sachets and a simple first aid kit, Yi Roujing had a dagger for self-defense, found in the Xu Family’s storeroom. After inquiring with Xu Zongyin, it was directly given to her. While it wasn’t razor-sharp, it was very keen.
When hiking, comfortable shoes are crucial. Thanks to Ni Yanqing, Yi Roujing wore military boots that matched her size perfectly—stylish and most importantly, very comfortable.
A quarter of an hour after leaving the farm, Yi Roujing didn’t see any wild animals but did come across many herbs and wild vegetables. She collected some and even found fresh Gastrodia elata nearby. Fresh Gastrodia elata stewed with chicken is a nourishing delicacy. Indeed, the mountain is a treasure trove.
Hua Yiran didn’t recognize many of these, but as Yi Roujing dug and collected herbs along the way, she wasn’t shy about asking questions, learning to identify some medicinal plants, knowing which could reduce inflammation, which could stop bleeding, and even which could be used in cooking.
However, after entering the deep mountain, Yi Roujing focused on her surroundings. She didn’t take a second look at the herbs unless they were rare.
