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Chu Lianghong said, “Then come quickly, I’ll take you there.”

“Alright.” Chu Qingzhi told Chu Qingning, “Fourth sister, can you take the vegetables back? I’m going to pick lotus roots and water caltrops, and maybe catch some fish.”

“Sure, leave it to me.”

Chu Qingzhi walked briskly towards Chu Lianghong. “Uncle Lianghong, do you have fish in your pond?”

“Yes, but the pond is deep, and it’s not easy to catch them. If you can, feel free to fish.”

“Do you need fish at your home? If so, I’ll catch a few extra.”

“That would be great; two fish would be enough for us.”

“I’ll catch a couple more, then.”

“Sure.”

Upon reaching Chu Lianghong’s pond, Chu Qingzhi grabbed the lotus leaves and pulled up about ten catties of lotus roots from the pond.

The children gathered around to watch, all with wide eyes. Chu Lianghong was also astonished at her strength. “Aren’t lotus roots supposed to be dug out from the mud? How did you pull them out just like that?”

“Yeah, Sister Qingzhi looks so slim. How is she so strong?”

“It’s probably because she knows martial arts, right?”

“Oh, right-”

The children excitedly discussed amongst themselves, amazed at Chu Qingzhi’s Hercules strength.

The water caltrops grew at the edge of the pond, looking like water hyacinths. Standing on the bank, Chu Qingzhi effortlessly collected a large bunch of water caltrops from the water to the shore.

“Wow!”

“Wah wah!!”

“Wah wah wah!!!”

The children’s exclamations grew louder, their admiration for Chu Qingzhi evident.

“Qingzhi, let us help you pick the water caltrops.”

“I’ll help too.”

The children gathered around to help pick the water caltrops.

Standing by the bank, Chu Qingzhi noticed a group of fish coming up for air. She quickly pulled the largest five out of the water onto the shore.

The fish, stunned at first, started to thrash about after a moment, splashing water everywhere and drenching everyone.

Chu Lianghong brought some straw and strung the fish, offering them to Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi didn’t accept them immediately. “Aren’t you going to weigh them?”

Chu Lianghong waved his hand, “No need. These are a gift from me; you don’t need to pay.”

Chu Qingzhi still refused. “That’s not good. Uncle Lianghong, it’s better to weigh them?”

Chu Lianghong thrust the fish upon Chu Qingzhi. “Take it. The villagers have all received your help. It’s just a few fish. They’re not worth much.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t want to owe him a favor and insisted, “Uncle Lianghong, I still have to give you the money. How about this? Tell me a number and 1’11 give it to you. Otherwise, I won’t want it.”

Chu Lianghong did not expect Chu Qingzhi to be so stubborn. He thought for a moment and said, “Then give me a hundred copper coins.”

Chu Qingzhi nimbly took out a string of copper coins and handed it to Chu Lianghong. “Uncle Lianghong, thank you.” Only then did she take the fish.

Chu Qingzhi didn’t say anything else. She joined the children to pick water caltrops.

Chu Qingning walked over. “Fifth Sister, how is it going?”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “I’ll just pick the water caltrops and then we can head home.”

Chu Qingning joined her in picking the water caltrops. “These water caltrops are quite big.”

Chu Qingzhi explained, “The pond is fertile, so they grow big.”

Chu Qingning suggested, “We should plant water caltrops in our pond too.”

“Good idea.”

After picking the water caltrops and carrying the fish and lotus roots, the sisters headed home together.

Shuiyun County.

In the room, Fan Yuru was holding a dress in front of her, asking Rong Shiyu, “How does this look on me?”

She was holding a light blue dress with butterfly orchids embroidered on it. It was vivid and very beautiful.

Rong Shiyu examined it and said honestly, “It looks good.”

Not fully satisfied, Fan Yuru tossed it on the bed and took out another dress, a dark red one with a palace-style design. “I think I should dress more grandly.”

“This one is suitable for a royal banquet,” Rong Shiyu disagreed. “It’s good to dress up, but this one is a bit too much.”

Fan Yuru threw the dress aside and sat on the bed, deflated. “Then what should I do?”

Rong Shiyu pointed, “Wear the light blue one you showed earlier. It’s pretty and appropriate for your status.”

Fan Yuru picked up the dress again, examined it, and finally settled, “Fine, I’ll wear this one.”

After changing, the two women left the room to meet with Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang, who were already waiting outside. They boarded the carriage and headed to Chu Village.

Rong Shiyu, who had never been to a village, expressed concern, “Is the road to the village difficult to travel?”

Bao Linjiang commented inwardly on her being overly delicate. “The road from the county to the village is paved with bluestone by my master. It’s very smooth. It won’t jostle you too much.”

Rong Shiyu pouted, “I’m not worried about that. I’m concerned about my makeup getting ruined if the ride is too bumpy.”

“Don’t worry, it won’t happen.”

“Oh-”

After a while, Yuan Hongjun announced, “We’re turning towards the village now.”

Both women curiously lifted the carriage curtains to view the scenery. On both sides of the road, there were forests and bamboo groves, with flowers and grasses planted closer by. The beautiful road seemed to lead to an idyllic paradise.

Fan Yuru exclaimed, “Is Qingzhi living in such a beautiful place?”

Yuan Hongjun straightened his back, proudly stating, “Of course. How could my master’s dwelling not be beautiful?”

“Makes sense!” All four agreed.

The carriage moved slowly, eventually entering Chu Village.

The villagers were now accustomed to seeing carriages and continued with their work without much curiosity, unlike before when they would gather around to watch.

The bluestone road led all the way to the factory entrance for ease of transporting goods, and Chu Qingzhi’s house was also accessible by the paved road, allowing the carriage to enter the village smoothly.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang got out of the carriage first, followed by Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu.

Surprised by the village scenery, the women admired the view.

Chu Village was shaded with green trees, with well-arranged houses. Most notably, near the village entrance, there were four ancient-style bungalows that looked exceptionally beautiful. The village had no signs of decay or disorder, clean and tidy, with small flowers blooming along the roads and fruit trees laden with fruits, vibrant and thriving, impressively beautiful.

Rong Shiyu remarked, “This village is so beautiful.”

Fan Yuru agreed, “I told you. Only a beautiful place can nurture a beautiful girl like Qingzhi.”

After admiring the village scenery, their attention turned to a group of people nearby.

The group opposite was also observing them.

While Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were known to the villagers, Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu were not, sparking curiosity. The villagers guessed they must be friends of Qingzhi, as no one else would likely have such distinguished acquaintances..