Harvest

Spring sowing, autumn harvest; summer weeding, winter storing.

Such was the cycle of the farming seasons.

When next year's harvest came, the fields stretched far and wide, millet hanging from every stalk, bending the green branches beneath its weight.

"Good!"

"This should be enough for us to eat for a long time, right?"

Yue Qiu's eyes shone as he gazed over the fields of millet.

"Millet alone won't do!"

Verdant Green Maiden stood beside him and said slowly, "We also need vegetables, meat, and money. So... have you learned all those skills I taught you?"

"Once you learn those skills, you can earn money during the slack season and help support the household."

"I'm learning."

Yue Qiu nodded.

But since Verdant Green Maiden had brought it up, Yue Qiu could not help sighing. "Madam Verdant Green Maiden, I have to say, you know so much!"

"Setting aside silk gathering and weaving, you even know craftsmen's trades. You're incredible!"

"Live long enough, and you learn everything."

After hearing him out, Verdant Green Maiden did not seem particularly proud. She merely spoke slowly.

Yue Qiu clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Live long enough?

If not for that mottled gray hair of hers, anyone who saw her would think she was younger than him!

"Madam Verdant Green Maiden, you're still so young! You're a natural talent, no need to be modest."

"..."

Verdant Green Maiden said nothing more.

She turned and walked toward the house. "Come on. Bring Old Li over tomorrow to have a look."

"Get the tools ready when we get back. Tomorrow, we harvest!"

"Right."

Yue Qiu swung his arms, brimming with energy.

The next day, when Old Li saw the fields full of millet, his old face wrinkled up, every crease blooming with laughter. His hands trembled