Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1322: Half a Day in the Mountain

Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan spoke with a warm smile, “We have a lot to discuss, but if you’re too busy, just let me know, and I’ll have Qingyan assist you with any errands. We have plenty of time, so there’s no need to rush!”

Songshi, ready to carry out his responsibilities, couldn’t allow Qing Yan to step in. He couldn’t even consider it.

“I can handle it myself, Madam. Please don’t worry.”

Qiao Xuan nodded, still smiling, and didn’t press the matter further.

In the upcoming year, Qiao Xuan planned to plant a variety of fruit trees, including pomegranates, persimmons, grapes, apples, peaches, loquats, walnuts, dates, pears, hawthorns, and more. If she weren’t concerned about drawing too much attention, she would have included dragon eyes, lychees, mangoes, and grapefruits!

Nevertheless, even if she couldn’t plant them all, she had them in her interspace.

She also intended to raise chickens, ducks, geese, and possibly a few more goats if conditions allowed. This would provide a steady supply of eggs, meat, and even goat’s milk.

With poultry and livestock, they could be largely self-sufficient. Living in the capital wouldn’t mean they lacked vegetables and meat.

Since the main courtyard wasn’t yet fully furnished, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan prepared to depart. However, it was still early, and Qiao Xuan wanted to take a hike in the nearby mountains.

Autumn, especially in the advanced season, was the perfect time for mountain hikes.

“If we’re lucky, we might stumble upon some mushrooms in the mountains! There tend to be more mushrooms in the northern forests during autumn, and they’re usually plump!”

With her presence, good luck was almost guaranteed.

Shao Yunduan smiled and agreed, “Sounds like a plan. Let’s enjoy lunch here before heading up the mountain. We can ask Lixia and Liqiu to prepare a bowl of noodles.”

It had already been half a day, and going up the mountain on an empty stomach was out of the question.

Qiao Xuan agreed with a smile and requested Lixia and Liqiu to use the servants’ kitchen to prepare some food.

Although there was a kitchen for the master in the main courtyard, it had not been fully furnished yet. Everything was still in the process of being set up, and Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan planned to stay here for a few days.

Before long, Lixia and Liqiu arrived with freshly rolled noodles, which were slender and pale, emitting a tempting aroma.

There wasn’t any broth, but there was meat, minced and stir-fried with garlic, green onions, and chili. The dish was garnished with a handful of coriander, and when served, it was steaming hot and fragrant.

The two of them enjoyed their meal, and then Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan prepared to carry a basket and head up the mountain.

Lixia and Liqiu had become accustomed to this routine. They knew the Old Master didn’t want them to be a bother.

However, Qing Yan felt a bit uneasy. He couldn’t help but quietly ask his two sisters, “Sister Lixia, Sister Liqiu, isn’t it risky for the Old Master and Madam to go up the mountain alone? We could assist by carrying the basket for them. If the terrain is challenging, we could scout ahead…”

Lixia burst into laughter. “You’re very clever and thoughtful, but there’s no need to worry so much. The Old Master and Madam enjoy mountain climbing, and they prefer doing it on their own.”

Liqiu chimed in, smiling, “Our Old Master and Madam are quite strong. If they say they don’t need help, then they don’t. Let’s just stay here and enjoy the peace of this manor. It’s quite nice to explore around!”

Upon hearing their reassurance, Qing Yan smiled and felt relieved.