The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 835 - 834: Chaos and Turmoil

Old Granny Zhang couldn’t help but swallow her saliva when she smelled the aroma, and she sat up.

She picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece, and put it in her mouth. As soon as she chewed, her eyes lit up. Though Old Granny Zhang herself was skilled at making pickles, this kimchi was different. It was sour, spicy, and crunchy, making her mouth water.

"Quick, get me a bowl of porridge or noodle soup—" Old Granny Zhang said as she ate another piece, even feeding one to Wang Yongzhu.

When Wang Yongzhu first tasted the kimchi, the sourness made her close her eyes. But then the spiciness bloomed on her tongue, the mixture of sour and spicy combined with the crisp texture whetted her appetite.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but glance at Old Madam Ding, surprised to find such a skilled artisan in this county town.

Upon hearing Old Granny Zhang ask for food, Old Madam Ding quickly agreed. She put her bundle in the room, and washed her hands to go into the kitchen to cook.

Old Granny Wu also hurried to help.

Watching the two women busy in the kitchen, Old Granny Zhang nodded with satisfaction. "These two women are not lazy at all."

Since it was just the four of them for lunch, Song Chongjin had already said there was no need to take food to the Academy today.

Old Madam Ding deftly made a bowl of noodle soup, cutting the cabbage leaves into small pieces and seasoning it lightly with sesame oil.

She also made pancakes and stir-fried several small dishes. Leaving a portion for Old Granny Wu, she brought the rest to the table in the courtyard.

Old Granny Wu had set the table in front of Old Granny Zhang in advance and after looking over the food, she picked out two dishes and placed them in front of Old Granny Zhang. "The old lady should eat these two, they help with digestion. Though kimchi stimulates the appetite, it shouldn’t be eaten too much."

By this tone, it was clear she remembered the doctor’s instructions well.

Old Granny Zhang wanted to negotiate for two more pieces of kimchi, but Old Granny Wu was firm, not allowing even one extra piece. She sternly told Old Granny Zhang to take better care of her health to honor her children’s filial piety.

Old Granny Zhang was irritated but looking at her daughter beside her, she could only endure it.

Wang Yongzhu nodded to Old Granny Wu, initially assuming she was only good at rough work. It turned out she had real skill. Yan Zhongren indeed did not exaggerate; with such quality, their high price was justified.

With two women handling the work, everyone felt more relaxed.

Wang Yongzhu, while taking care of Old Granny Zhang, mainly chatted with her. There were plans to bathe Old Granny Zhang, which she vehemently refused.

She was only running a fever, not crippled. How could she let her daughter care for her? It would only make her daughter worry even more.

Especially with two women now, Old Granny Zhang feigned not needing help but secretly felt pleased.

With housework managed, everyone had more free time. Song Chongjin still took food to the Academy each day, while Wang Yongzhu stayed in the courtyard with Old Granny Zhang, who basked in the sun while Wang Yongzhu continued her dyeing project.

Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding kept to themselves, understanding boundaries well. When Wang Yongzhu was in the courtyard, unless called, they stayed in the kitchen or their room.

The next day, Madam Gu heard of Old Granny Zhang’s illness and brought five or six eggs to visit.

Wang Yongzhu felt extremely embarrassed and forced a package of mountain goods on Madam Gu before she left.

The following day, Gu Zikai also brought pastries and medicinal herbs to visit. Although Wang Yongzhu couldn’t identify the herbs, Xiao Tiantian quickly scanned them and recognized their excellent quality.

Wang Yongzhu initially planned to refuse, but Gu Zikai insisted they were brought from his home, not available for purchase, and were excellent for nourishing blood and health, intended to help Old Granny Zhang recover.

Since it affected Old Granny Zhang’s health, Wang Yongzhu reluctantly accepted, secretly thinking of how to return the favor.

Thankfully, those herbs were accepted because within days, Old Granny Zhang was able to walk, talk, and her complexion improved. However, after a chilly breeze from an unsealed window at night, she had another fever that evening.

Fortunately, Old Granny Wu discovered it early and urgently woke Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin.

Song Chongjin immediately ran to get the doctor, who diagnosed her with a chill.

Her body was still frail and couldn’t withstand even a minor cold.

When her fever finally subsided, seeing Old Granny Zhang weakly lying on the bed, Wang Yongzhu nearly broke down.

Song Chongjin remained composed, asking the doctor if there was any way to save her, regardless of the cost or difficulty.

The doctor mentioned that with a piece of top-quality Hundred-Year-Old Ganoderma as a medicinal primer, and their family-exclusive life-saving pill, Old Granny Zhang’s life could be preserved. With various premium herbs for recovery, no exposure to cold, wind, or excessive heat within half a month, and proper care, her longevity wouldn’t be affected.

Where could they find Ganoderma? Desperate, Wang Yongzhu disregarded potential discovery by the system and contacted Xiao Tiantian to trade for it with points.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Tiantian revealed that among the herbs brought by Gu Zikai was a small piece of genuine Hundred-Year-Old Ganoderma.

Overjoyed, Wang Yongzhu found the herb and searched for the Ganoderma in front of the doctor.

After much effort, she found the Ganoderma, only to see the doctor eyeing the pile of herbs with envy.

Upon asking, the doctor admitted these herbs were extremely rare and of excellent quality, many he had never seen in his lifetime.

The doctor began to treat Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu with greater respect, assuming they must be from noble families or wealthy homes.

With the Ganoderma, the doctor selected several herbs, boiled them into a concentrated medicine, and prepared a pill to feed Old Granny Zhang.

Wang Yongzhu, now extremely cautious due to the sudden deterioration of Old Granny Zhang’s condition, had Xiao Tiantian verify the pill, ensuring it was beneficial for Old Granny Zhang before administering it.

The medicine proved miraculous; within half an hour, Old Granny Zhang’s breathing stabilized, and she slept soundly.

After another pulse check, the doctor confirmed she was out of danger.

The household had been turned upside down.

Since then, Wang Yongzhu barely left Old Granny Zhang’s side, meticulously checking doors and windows before sleeping each night.

Given Old Granny Wu’s timely discovery of the fever, Wang Yongzhu appreciated her and Old Madam Ding with a piece of cloth each to make new clothes and rewarded Old Granny Wu with Five Hundred Coins.

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