One Problem
“Of course!” Shao Xiaoqi replied with trust and determination in his voice. “Fifth Brother would never be wrong!”
His fifth brother was the Cultivated Talent, who had learned quite a bit and knew a lot. If he said that the mushrooms were fine, then they were definitely fine.
Qiao Xuan nodded in agreement and said with a smile, “Qi is right!”
Shao Taotao showed a look of realization. “That is true!”
Shao Yunduan. “…”
What a blame he had to take!
The four of them went home together, as they were talking.
Qiao Xuan could not help but keep asking Xiaoqi what was happening in the mountains.
Shao Xiaoqi felt a bit regretful. “I wasn’t so lucky today. I got nothing. I wish I had trapped some wild rabbits, roosters or some other small birds, so that we could eat some meat tonight! This place is too close to the village, and hence, there aren’t many wild roosters around. In a couple of days I will go to the Wangqing Mountains, where we are definitely going to get a lot! Few people visit there, so we are definitely going to get many wild animals…”
He was not only good at setting up traps, but also at shooting arrows. He was good at some Kung Fu, which was all taught by the deceased Grandpa Zhao.
But Grandpa Zhao kept telling him that unless he was defending himself, he should never reveal that he was good at shooting and Kung Fu.
Grandpa also told him not to reveal this secret to anyone in the family!
He had no idea why, but Grandpa was very nice to him, so if he made the promise to Grandpa Zhao, he would definitely keep it.
Therefore, even though he had made arrows and bows with bamboo, he was not going to do anything like this when he was lingering in the village, fearing that someone would see him. He only showcased his skills when he was deep in the mountains.
Qiao Xuan was apparently very interested in what she was told. She asked with a smile directly. “It sounds very interesting! Qi, next time you go to Wangqing Mountains, take me with you, okay? And Fifth Brother too!”
Shao Yunduan frowned slightly as he threw a look at her. So, she had become addicted to walking in the mountains?
He could not help but caution them. “It is very dangerous in the deep mountains, Qi, you…”
Before he could finish his ‘you shouldn’t go there’, Qiao Xuan said with a smile, “Are you scared?”
“Of course I am not.” He was not going to admit even if he was!
“Nor am I !” Qiao Xuan said to Shao Xiaoqi. “Look, your Fifth Brother wants to join us too!”
Shao Xiaoqi got totally happy and he struck his chest. “Okay, don’t worry, Fifth Brother, and Fifth Sister-in-law, everything will be fine when I am with you. I won’t take you to any dangerous places!”
Shao Taotao cheered and chimed in as well. “I want to go with you too!”
Shao Yunduan. “…”
That was another blame he had to take.
Anyway, since he could say nothing more, he would just drop the topic here.
When mushrooms and brackens were brought home, Ms. Fang spoke highly of Qiao Xuan. But she wasn’t sure about those mushrooms either.
Qiao Xuan passionately proved that those mushrooms were fine after feeding them to the roosters. Only then did Ms. Fang get assured.
For dinner, they made fried mushrooms, mushroom soup, pickles with spring baboom and bracken. All were very fresh and tasty, and were highly appreciated.
They had never expected that the mushrooms could taste so good.
There were many mushrooms growing in the mountains. They would serve as very good dishes, if they were well-distinguished.
Also, though fresh mushrooms could not stay fresh for long, they could be dried and stored, ready to be eaten whenever, throughout the whole year.
Therefore the following day, the interested Qiao Xuan, together with Shao Xiaoqi and Shao Taotao went into the mountains again. Shao Yunduan had no choice but to follow after.
It was another day full of harvest. Within half a day’s time, mushrooms, brackens and wild bamboos filled up their hemp bags!
It seemed as if those mushrooms did not have to be found, but appeared right in front of their eyes directly. They could find the mushrooms wherever they wanted.
Both Shao Xiaoqi and Shao Taotao were cheerful.
“We are so lucky today!”
“True!”