LGSLAW : Chapter 19 – Delivering Vegetables

The next morning, Miao He woke up early and energetically went to the vegetable field to pick vegetables. He carefully washed the harvested vegetables with clean water, tied them with straw bundles, and neatly arranged them in the boxes that had previously held the gifts from the Liang family. After all, premium products should look premium.

Satisfied with his work, Miao He clapped his hands and then turned to Yang Dalang. “When Second Aunt Yang comes, I’ll go with her to deliver the vegetables. You stay home and rest, don’t do anything unnecessary, understand?”

They had agreed with Dr. Ji to send the vegetables to the clinic today, and Ji Guang would accompany them to the Liang residence to avoid being turned away at the door.

Yang Dalang, unable to move around much, could only stay at home. He frowned slightly. “After delivering, come back early.”

“We still need to buy things after delivering. The soy sauce was spilled last time, we need to buy more. We’re also out of sugar and vinegar. Plus, we’ve used up all the chickens in the yard, so we need to buy more. If there are pig trotters, that’s even better for your recovery.” Miao He counted on his fingers, “Oh, I made chicken bone porridge this morning, it’s on the stove. Remember to eat it.”

Seeing the ger so excited, Yang Dalang fell silent.

He recalled the last time Miao He went to town, he was just as happy. Although Miao He had promised to stay with him, Yang Dalang knew that his rescue played a part in that decision. He saw that Miao He had a soft heart and took the opportunity to ask.

Reflecting on the changes in Miao He since his illness, despite being traceable, a hint of uncertainty lingered in Yang Dalang’s heart.

But he was his ger (Ger), and Yang Dalang had already made up his mind. If there was uncertainty, he should eliminate it.

As a hunter, he had patience and liked to strike with precision.

Yang Dalang signaled Miao He to come closer.

Miao He, full of plans for selling vegetables, smiled innocently and leaned in without any suspicion.

Yang Dalang looked down at the ger’s clear eyes, filled with curiosity. “What’s wrong?” Miao He asked.

Reaching out to hold the ger’s chin, Yang Dalang leaned down, enduring a sharp pain in his chest, but the next moment, he accurately and firmly kissed Miao He’s soft, warm lips.

“Come back soon.” After the brief kiss, Yang Dalang added.

Miao He… Miao He was stunned. The next second, his face turned bright red!

“You! You just…” Stammering, Miao He didn’t know what to say!

Seeing the ger’s ears turn pink, Yang Dalang felt reassured and touched his chest. “A bit painful.”

Miao He widened his eyes, and his face grew even hotter!

He hurt himself just to kiss me. Who, who would care about him!?

He licked his lips that had been bitten. The action was too quick; he didn’t even feel anything. Not that he wanted to feel anything, but he thought it should happen slowly after the injury healed…

Realizing he was thinking too far ahead, Miao He didn’t dare to lift his eyes and pushed him away. “If it hurts, just rest!”

But his hand was caught again. Miao He tried to pull his hand back, but Yang Dalang held it tightly, refusing to let go.

Helpless, Miao He finally lifted his eyes and glared at him.

“Be careful on the road,” said Yang Dalang steadily, his dark eyes unwavering. Miao He’s heart inexplicably started beating faster.

Miao He didn’t remember how Second Aunt Yang found him or how they got on the road. It wasn’t until they were on the donkey cart waiting at the village entrance that Miao He came back to his senses. He couldn’t help but grit his teeth, thinking how that poker face could be so good at flirting!?

Luckily, Second Aunt Yang didn’t notice anything strange about Miao He. She had learned about the two large orders Miao He had secured for Yang Da Tong the previous day, which made her appreciate Miao He even more. Seeing Miao He distracted, she thought he was worried about Dalang and comforted him.

“You don’t need to worry so much. Dalang knows what he’s doing. He’s been injured before and knows how to take care of himself.” Second Aunt Yang patted Miao He’s hand reassuringly.

Miao He’s thoughts finally returned. “Injured?”

“Going hunting in the mountains always comes with bumps and bruises. He’s had falls and bites before. Luckily, he’s always been cautious. Except for the time he got the scar on his face, none of his injuries were this serious. If it weren’t for their family tradition of hunting, his mother wouldn’t have let him do such dangerous work.”

Miao He was shocked. He had no memory of Yang Dalang being injured and wanted to ask more. But another aunt on the cart seized the opportunity to join the conversation, having eavesdropped for a while.

“If you know hunting is dangerous, take the opportunity to change jobs. Didn’t the Liang family send a lot of compensation recently? You can start a small business with that. By the way, what exactly did they send? Tell me, Miao He.”

Someone else laughed. “You’re still thinking about those things, Aunt Ming? It’s been several days already.”

“What’s wrong with being curious? Can’t I ask?”

“They sent practical things. Rice, flour, oil, and such for Dalang to recover.” Miao He answered, “And some silver to buy meat. We’re just going to buy some now.”

A brother on the cart nodded. “I’ve heard that the Liang family is kind and sincere. Compensating enough for a living makes sense.”

But some couldn’t resist a sarcastic remark. A thin, dark-skinned aunt said, “Miao He looks much fairer now, and dressed so neatly today. Where are you going?”

Indeed, Miao He’s complexion had improved significantly from the nourishment he had received lately. Especially with the magical soil-grown vegetables, even minor health issues were gradually getting better. His hair was shiny, and his complexion was rosy. Dressing neatly to visit the Liang family, he looked like a well-cared-for young master. 

So, was he being blamed again? Miao He pursed his lips. “We’re delivering some homegrown vegetables to the Liang residence. It’s a return gift, so it needs to be taken seriously.”

“Hah, do you think the Liang family lacks your vegetables? Don’t make people laugh. I’m telling you, Miao He, don’t try to impress everyone. If someone has a bad reputation, they need to be more cautious. Otherwise, people will talk.”

Second Aunt Yang immediately jumped to Miao He’s defense. “Aunt Guang! Watch your words! I’m here with Miao He; where is he being frivolous or careless? Do you think I’m blind? Watch your mouth! If you’re blind, I don’t mind giving you a slap to wake you up!”

Aunt Guang, actually the wife of Miao Er, had a sharp tongue. She didn’t believe Miao He had changed and often gossiped with her husband. Encountering Miao He going to town, she couldn’t resist saying something. But faced with the fierce Second Aunt Yang, Aunt Guang backed down. “I’m just speaking the truth. There’s a history. Can’t I talk about it?”

Second Aunt Yang glared. “Say it again if you dare!”

Miao He decided he couldn’t keep carrying this burden. He opened his small bag and said, “The Liang family couple are good people. Dalang and I are very grateful, so we’re returning a gift. I have some jujube cake from the Liang family; everyone can try it. You’ll see that returning a gift is about peace of mind.”

He then shared the jujube cake from his bag with everyone on the cart.

This was originally meant for Ji Guang, to thank him for accompanying them to the Liang family today. There was still enough left.

The jujube cake from the Liang family, made with plenty of dates and walnuts mixed with brown sugar and sprinkled with sesame seeds, was an exquisite treat for the villagers. Everyone on the cart, including Uncle Ma who drove the donkey cart, was delighted to receive a small piece, savoring it slowly. Some even carefully wrapped it up to take home for their children.

Seeing this, Aunt Guang’s expression turned sour. Miao He had shared with seven or eight people but not her.

Aunt Guang, thick-skinned, tried to beg, “Miao He, I haven’t received mine yet.”

Miao He innocently replied, “Sorry, Aunt. I was too quick earlier and gave out too much. There’s none left now. The rest needs to be delivered.”

Aunt Guang was furious. “You hold grudges, don’t you? Such a small mind. I’m worried for you.”

Miao He just smiled, showing a face that said, “So what if I do?” He couldn’t erase the original Miao He’s past mistakes, but he could ensure that those who clung to the past wouldn’t get any benefits from him.

The other aunts on the cart chuckled, not finding any fault with Miao He.

When the cart arrived at the town entrance, Aunt Guang angrily jumped off first and left.

After others got off one by one, the friendly brother from earlier patted Miao He’s shoulder before leaving. “Don’t be afraid of gossips if you’re doing the right thing. People have eyes; let them talk.”

Miao He smiled and thanked him, recognizing him as Miao Ping’s brother, Chen Rong. No wonder he was so friendly.

Later, carrying the vegetable box with Second Aunt Yang, they headed to the clinic to meet Ji Guang. Together, they arrived at the imposing Liang residence in the northern district of the town.

The Liang residence had strict security, with several strong gatekeepers. Even with Ji Guang, a familiar face, they were questioned thoroughly before someone took the vegetables inside.

Miao He didn’t expect to meet the Liang family today. He felt a bit embarrassed about insisting on delivering the vegetables. So, after delivering, Miao He left.

He gave the rest of the jujube cake and some tomatoes to Ji Guang, who happily accepted them, saying he couldn’t let his master see them. Miao He then went shopping with Second Aunt Yang.

With some money in hand, they bought soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, honey, and various beans, including red, green, and yellow beans. He even found peppercorns, black pepper, and sesame seeds and bought them despite the high price, planning to grow them at home.

They then went to the meat market, where Second Aunt Yang skillfully haggled with the sellers, buying chickens and pork, including pig trotters. Miao He watched and learned, unaware that their delivery to the Liang family had encountered an issue.  

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