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The others nodded in agreement.
Jian Mo: "I think so too. Let's exchange some more during our trip to the Qin Sea Tribe. And when spring comes, let's see if we can plant some near our tribe too?"
Qing Kuo: "That's fine. I'll have someone cultivate more land later."
Jian Mo agreed, "Okay, I think the other side of the river looks good. The soil is quite fertile and fine, and watering will be convenient."
This year, he originally planned to develop the land on the other side of the river, where there was more silt and sediment, making it better for planting.
However, upon further inquiry, they learned that their tribe used a river as a dividing line. The area inside the river was considered the tribe's territory, where patrols would eliminate potential dangers. The area on the opposite bank of the river was outside the tribe's territory, and it wasn't impossible for wild animals to wander over.
Not wanting to cause trouble for others, Jian Mo abandoned the riverbank and instead started cultivating terraced fields on the back mountain.
Now that he and Wu Jiong have a real relationship, the food they bring back is eaten together at home, so a little inconvenience doesn't matter.
After the sausages were made, once the rain stopped, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong packed them into a basket, placed it on the back of the Flying-Winged Beast, and rode it back to the Qin Sea Tribe.
They had just visited the Qin Sea Tribe. The patrolling orcs recognized them and, without saying a word, led them to the cave where they had stayed last time. They even went to invite the tribe chief Shu Guang, over.
After exchanging greetings, Jian Mo said to Shu Guang, "We brought some sausages and wanted to exchange them for some flour. We also wanted to dig up some garlic roots."
Jian Mo explained what flour was, Shu Guang said, "Flour is simple; many families in the tribe should have it. Just ask around."
Kuang Ning, who had caught up from behind, squeezed to the front. "Clan leader, I know which family has it. I'll take them to ask."
Shu Guang knew they had a good relationship, so he nodded. "You can take care of them for the next couple of days. If you need any help, just let me know."
Jian Mo and his group were visiting in their personal capacities and did not represent the Riverside Tribe. It was already a great honor that Shu Guang made a special trip to see them.
After all, bears lack sleep in winter, and even bear-beastmen are no exception.
Jian Mo knew what was going on and was quite grateful to Shu Guang.
Of course, the people we should thank the most are Kuang Ning and his partner Jin Ping.
Perhaps because there were people from their own tribe present, their process of exchanging flour went very smoothly. In just half a day, they had obtained two large baskets of flour.
Some people arrived late and only got to taste the sausages they were given as samples. They expressed their regret and kept asking when they would bring more sausages to exchange for them.
Jian Mo naturally couldn't give a precise time.
Spring is just around the corner, and the Riverside Tribe will be busy again; they don't know when they'll be able to come out again.
Because the trip went exceptionally smoothly, far exceeding their expectations, they suddenly had much more time. After obtaining permission from the Qin Sea Tribe, they dug up large garlic roots and brought them back, as it was still early.
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong discussed it privately and decided to ask Kuang Ning and the others about the flour-producing plant.
That evening, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong specially invited Kuang Ning and his partner to dinner in the cave where they were temporarily staying, and even brought out some fruit wine to drink.
Jian Mo thanked Kuang Ning, "Thank you for your hard work this time."
Kuang Ning waved his hand. "It's nothing. Everyone likes you guys. When they heard you wanted to exchange something, they just took it and came over to exchange it. I didn't do anything."
Jian Mo laughed and said, "I still need your help to take care of things. If it weren't for you, I would have been in a complete mess today."
Kuang Ning agreed, saying, "I thought you guys were good at business, but it turns out you have absolutely no experience."
Jian Mo said helplessly, "We do business purely because everyone gives us face, not because we are skilled in business."
Kuang Ning: "If you're willing to give me face, it means you're qualified business people. There are so many ways to do business; as long as you have your own methods, that's fine."
Jian Mo felt his ideas were particularly advanced, and nodded admiringly, "You're right."
After finishing their meal, Jian Mo earnestly discussed with Kuang Ning the matter of finding flour-producing plants.
After listening, Kuang Ning said, "There should still be some in the wild. They're growing quite well, and they're mostly still there even in winter. But I need to ask our chieftain and see what the people in the tribe think. I'll give you the answer tomorrow."
Jian Mo nodded. "Of course."
Kuang Ning, fearing he might be displeased, explained, "The chieftain will most likely not refuse, but I just want to be cautious. After all, we are from two different tribes, and being cautious avoids causing trouble."
Jian Mo nodded in agreement. "Of course."
Kuang Ning: "Then wait for my good news."
After finishing their meal, Kuang Ning and the others said goodbye and left, telling Jian Mo to wait for their news.
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong waited patiently inside the cave.
Kuang Ning seemed to be very efficient in everything he did. The next morning, Jian Mo had just finished washing up when he rushed over. "I've already spoken to the clan leader, and he said we can go ahead as we please."
Jian Mo was still a little sleepy. "Where to?"
Kuang Ning: "Go check on the grass for grinding flour!"
Jian Mo looked outside instinctively. "Isn't everything outside covered in snow?"
Kuang Ning: "I'll take you to a snow-free spot on the mountain. Hurry up and eat breakfast, we'll go after you've finished."
Jian Mo quickly agreed, "Okay, wait a moment."
With the trip about to begin, Jian Mo wasn't in the mood to prepare anything elaborate. She simply stewed meat in a large earthenware pot, then scooped out some flour, kneaded it into flatbreads, and made the flatbreads to eat with the stewed meat.
This cooking method is quick; their meal was ready in no time.
Jian Mo invited Kuang Ning and his partner Jin Ping to eat together. After they finished eating, they didn't linger and went straight to the grass where they ground flour.
The grass grew some distance from the Qin Sea Tribe, and they ran for quite a long time, finally reaching the edge of the grassland around noon.
The grass grows on the hillside. Perhaps because it is a sunny slope, there is not much snow here, and you can see the withered grass swaying in the cold wind all over the mountain.