Anzhi Hall.
Jin Shanyao specially found two rough porcelain basins, planted the two ginseng plants, and placed them in a shady spot in her bedroom.
The remaining herbs were cleaned, placed in a winnowing basket, and then hung on a rack to dry.
Because it wasn't the right season, they couldn't find some herbs, so they had to make multiple trips to gather them little by little, and also bring back some deer antlers along the way.
After his eighteenth ascent up the mountain, Lu Chi's legs were trembling. "Master," he said, "I want to stay and guard the oxcart."
The old ox, grazing, raised its head and stared intently at Lu Chi. It tried to make itself inconspicuous, hoping its master would forget what this 'person' wanted.
He's really showing off... bang bang bang, I'll use you to watch the oxcart.
Jin Shanyao's eyes darted around. "Yes, the whole family is looking for herbs on the mountain. Why should it eat tender grass down here? "Jin Shanyao patted Lu Chi's shoulder with satisfaction.
"Go and unload the oxcart, let the old ox come with us to dig for medicinal herbs."
Shocking news! The old ox has a mouthful of tender grass stuck in its throat. Is it going to dig for medicinal herbs??? Is its master serious?
The old ox hurriedly spat out the tender grass in its mouth and mooed at the Jin Shanyao.
Jin Shanyao her hand and slapped him. "You can use the oxcart, but if you can't dig, use your hooves. This is the hardest time for the family."
"How can Lush Mountain be fed if there's no money? Keep talking nonsense, and we'll have a beef tongue feast tonight."
The mooing stopped abruptly, leaving Lu Chi completely bewildered.
Their eyes met, and a murderous aura rose. Lu Chi cried out in alarm. In the blink of an eye, the old ox bellowed and charged straight at Lu Chi. Shameless human, today it's either you or me.
"I'll show you what it means to dig for herbs with cow hooves!" Lu Chi roared as he ran up the mountain. His back no longer ached, his legs stopped shaking, and he was even faster going up the mountain than he had been a few days ago.
Qing He and Qing Yang exchanged a glance. "Will Master be alright?"
"It's alright, Lu Chi can climb trees," Jin Shanyao her head helplessly. They were all her subordinates, and she couldn't show favoritism.
Qing He and Qing Yang were alright; they had done hard labor since they were young, and only enjoyed a few days of happiness after following Jin Shanyao. Even though they went up the mountain to dig for medicinal herbs every day, they never felt tired.
Moreover, their master gave each of them a ginkgo leaf, which they placed in their water pouches. When they were tired, they would take a sip and feel warm all over, giving them plenty of energy.
The group climbed halfway up the mountain and indeed saw Lu Chi riding on a tree, while the old ox below was drooping its head and desperately ramming against the tree.
Seeing Jin Shanyao, Lu Chi clung to the tree trunk as if he had seen a savior, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Master, Master, I beg you, please take this mad bull away quickly!"
The old ox paused, "Mad bull? Who are you talking about? It's this one!"
"Well, you shameless human! You can't beat them, so you resort to insulting the cow, can you?" It took several steps back, its eyes filled with a death-defying madness.
With a moo, it charged straight at the tree trunk... A scream... and time seemed to stand still.
Jin Shanyao tail with one hand, holding it firmly in mid-air. "Ouch..." came another miserable cry as the old ox's tail burned with pain.
It wanted to cover its tail but had no hands, so it could only huddle between its hind legs, looking rather pitiful.
Its large eyes seemed to glisten with tears. Jin Shanyao forward and wiped away its tears. "Good boy, finish digging up the herbs before you start fighting it. Don't waste time."
" Jin Shanyao, what time is it? You're still thinking about digging for medicinal herbs? This ox..." Seeing the old ox's gaze sharpen, Lu Chi quickly changed his tune and chuckled, "The ox's doing fine, ha..."
There's no way around it; those who achieve great things can be flexible and adaptable.
After the brief farce, everyone started digging for herbs. As always, Jin Shanyao led the way, while the others dug behind. Dahuang and Xiaoli were in charge of making the sika deer line up.
Meng Anzhi was in charge of cutting off the deer antlers. The cut antlers had to be marked, as her aunt would test her on the age and efficacy of the antlers later.
As for why the sika deer lined up to have their antlers cut, people were already used to it; after all, they'd seen so many strange things that they no longer found it unusual.
Collecting medicinal herbs, drying them in the sun, and processing them into medicine.
Before long, the day arrived for Meng Anci to take the prefectural examination.
The examination was held in Qingzhou Prefecture and presided over by the prefect. Fifteen students from Willow and Poplar County passed the county examination, which was considered a lot compared to other counties.
Before leaving, the oxcart was crammed full of medicinal herbs. Qing He had just put the luggage down when she turned around and saw her master carrying the young master out of the study.
The young master was still holding a book in his hand, his eyes never leaving the cover. Qing He sighed inwardly, "Such a good child, he's gone silly from studying!"
Jin Shanyao tossed Meng Anci onto the oxcart like throwing away a bundle, then stuffed a cushion behind him. Just as she was about to lift Meng Anzhi onto the oxcart, she saw that Meng Anzhi had already jumped on.
Meng Anzhi laughed, "Auntie, I'm all grown up now, I don't need to be carried anymore."
Jin Shanyao gently pinched her little face, then slapped the cow's rump. Old Yellow Cow mooed and wobbled out of the yard, with Dahuang and Xiaoli following slowly behind.
"Oh, and tell Lu Chi not to go anywhere before I get back."
Qing He stopped closing the door. "Yes, Master. Be careful on your journey."
With Jin Shanyao, she thought, "What's there to be careful about on a day's journey?" Leaning against the dried herbs, she held a willow twig in her hand, idly stroking the book.
Meng Anci finally raised her head and looked at her helplessly, "Auntie, you're bothering me."
"Oh..." Jin Shanyao responded lightly. Not only did she not take the willow branch away, she also twirled it on the book. Meng Anci a deep breath. His aunt was being silly again. When would she ever grow up?
Disturbed from reading, Meng Anci simply closed the book and looked at the scenery along the roadside. Jin Shanyao handed him a water pouch filled with ginkgo leaves, saying, "Have a couple of sips."
The little cub has been working so hard these past few days that it has dark circles under its eyes and has lost weight. If it weren't for her ginkgo leaves nourishing it, its brain would probably be smoking by now.
Meng Anci took the book and gulped down two large mouthfuls. The tightness in his chest instantly disappeared, and his mind became much clearer. He was about to pick up the book to continue reading.
But Jin Shanyao and pulled him into her arms, forcing him to look at the sky and the ground but not at his book.
The oxcart traveled quickly, heading straight for the Drunken Immortal Pavilion upon entering Qingzhou Prefecture. The sharp-eyed waiter immediately recognized Jin Shanyao, as she was the only one who had ever traveled by oxcart and stayed at such a high-class restaurant.
The waiter greeted her with a smile, "Miss Jin, are you staying in the same room again this time?"
Jin Shanyao tossed him the ox rope, gave a soft "hmm," and led the child inside. Xiao Er parked the oxcart in the backyard and trotted back.
"Miss Jin, how many nights will you be staying this time?" he said, blinking his eyes and glancing at the cats and dogs.
Jin Shanyao understood and smiled knowingly, "Let's stay for four days, and leave after the prefectural examination."
"Oh my, could it be that the young master is taking the prefectural examination? Good heavens... how old is he? He's truly remarkable." The waiter looked shocked.
He offered a few sincere compliments, then led the group upstairs to rest.
Jin Shanyao smiled and stopped her, "Give me the key, we still have some time and want to go out for a walk."
The waiter handed over the key, and surprisingly, he found several copper coins in his palm.
Jin Shanyao, "Could you please find a dry warehouse and store the medicinal herbs from my car there? My cat and dog will guard it tonight."
The waiter, beaming with joy after receiving the money, said, "Alright, don't worry, miss, I'll take care of it right away."
Jin Shanyao her Drunken Immortal Pavilion, and said to the bewildered little cub, "Let's go see the Imperial Examination Hall first, and then we'll go to the clinic to see if we can sell any medicinal herbs."
When Meng Anci heard that he was going to the examination hall, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. His hand, which was holding Jin Shanyao's, was slightly sweaty. Jin Shanyao noticed something was wrong and stopped and squatted down.
Looking at Meng Anci earnestly, he said, "The road to the imperial examinations is long. Becoming a candidate for the lowest level is only the first step. If you're afraid of even the first step, how will you proceed in the future?"
She stroked Meng Anci's fluffy head. "Don't be nervous. Take the exam seriously. Giving it your all is what you should do. Whether you pass or not is up to fate, it has nothing to do with you."
Meng Anci looked puzzled. "Auntie, how can failing the exam be fate?"
Jin Shanyao and said, "Because you're not the examiner. All things beyond our control are left to fate."