In the village, it was not customary to bring gifts to a hot pot feast. For instance, at Miao Li’s gathering, Yang Dalang wouldn’t have brought a gift if it hadn’t been combined with Miao Liang’s wedding. However, townspeople who were more particular about etiquette would bring something.
Thus, Manager Jin, under Old Master Qu’s direction, selected a set of porcelain vases as a gift. There were four of them, in varying sizes, in a simple grey with horizontal stripes close to white, which was the best porcelain of the time.
Miao He accepted them happily. Regardless of the price, the vases matched the wooden floor of their hall perfectly. Adding some gentian or mugwort from outside would bring a fresh and lively atmosphere to the room.
Next, Manager Fang from the pharmacy presented fabric as a gift. He jokingly asked Miao He if he had improved his sewing skills, suggesting he practice with the fabric instead of using secretly bought clothes. Miao He could only laugh awkwardly while being teased by everyone.
Old Doctor Ji’s gift was a bottle of medicinal wine, excellent for treating internal injuries from hunting—perfect for Yang Dalang. Miao He happily accepted it on behalf of Yang Dalang, who had just returned from a conversation.
Li Ming’s group had an even more interesting gift. They pointed out that the wooden fence in front of Yang Dalang’s house did not match the new house. They offered to bring over green bricks during the off-season to build a new wall. Miao He hurriedly declined, but Fatty urgently insisted, saying it was necessary so they could keep coming back for meals, making everyone laugh.
Finally, Liang Yuanwai, with a mysterious smile, said, “Brother Yang, seeing you build a new home and live happily, I am truly happy for you. With your and He Ge’er’s skills, you will surely achieve great things. However, you do need more help, so I thought some dogs would be perfect for you!”
With that, a servant brought in a small wooden box from outside. Inside were four puppies, rolling around and barking adorably.
Da Bai, who had been lazily lounging on the cat tree, immediately perked up. What new thing has come in?
Miao He was genuinely delighted, “Puppies! We were just thinking of getting some.”
Previously, Yang Dalang mentioned asking Hunter Liu about dogs, but Liu’s dog had already given birth the year before, and the puppies were already gone. This wish was temporarily set aside. Unexpectedly, it was fulfilled today. These were all littermates, short, fat, and spirited, promising more than Da Bai.
(Da Bai: ???)
Liang Yuanwai laughed proudly, “This was chosen by my wife. These dogs are excellent for hunting and guarding. They’ve been specially selected.”
His wife, holding their chubby son, nodded with a smile, “That’s right. Our son loves the vegetables from He Ge’er’s garden and has become less picky. We thought you should have dogs to protect your vegetable field, or I might lose sleep worrying.”
Everyone laughed at this, but the underlying warmth and affection were evident.
After settling the puppies, Yang Dalang and Miao He took the guests for a tour of their peanut, mung bean, and herb fields. The mulberries and strawberries along the roadside were open for the guests to pick and enjoy, giving them a full country experience. They finally reached the unfinished orchard.
Manager Jin listened to Miao He’s simple future plans and couldn’t help but sigh, “When the peach and plum blossoms cover the mountains, living here will be more comfortable than the homes of the wealthy in the county. Truly enviable, and the food will be even better.”
Old Doctor Ji also smiled, “Indeed. This is truly a treasure land. Liang Yuanwai, you picked an excellent spot! Even I am tempted to move nearby. Imagine just walking a few steps to get some fruit from He Ge’er. How wonderful!”
Young Master Xu, who had been quiet, suddenly asked, “Will this whole mountain be turned into an orchard in the future?”
Miao He, holding Yang Dalang’s hand, nodded, “Yes. We’ve only managed a small part so far. Hopefully, by next spring, after we finish preparing the mountain in winter, we can plant fruit trees.”
Feeling more at ease, Miao Ping laughed, “Great! This winter, Dahu and I will definitely come often to help. Next spring, we’ll plant the whole mountain! Remember to share the fruits with us. The berries we just picked are already delicious.”
Unbeknownst to anyone, someone was silently considering this seriously.
Yes, if he moved nearby, cultivating a good relationship, he wouldn’t need to buy each item individually—peanuts, potatoes, roasted chicken, pickled plums, mung bean soup—they could all be conveniently available! It was a permanent solution!
Moreover, the doctor said that his sister-in-law needed a quiet place to recuperate. This place was perfect: quiet, not too far from the canal, with delicious food to improve her appetite. It was an excellent choice!
Later, Young Master Xu was satisfied with his purchase of several jars of pickled plums and boarded his boat home, contemplating his new idea as he left Miaoshui Town.
Unaware of the changes this might bring to their lives, Miao He and Yang Dalang were thrilled that Young Master Xu’s contributions amounted to eight taels of silver!
This included money for pickled plums, peanuts, potatoes, chestnuts, and other farm products, as well as payment for the hot pot feast. Since they were not well-acquainted, Xu Ming opted to give practical silver.
Putting the counted silver back into the money jar, Miao He smiled, “With all this, we now have fifteen or sixteen taels!”
Yang Dalang took the money jar and hid it safely. “Yes, in a few days, we’ll buy sheep.”
Oh, right, they had to buy sheep. Initially, they planned to buy a donkey cart since Yang Dalang carried the vegetables himself when delivering them, without using a cart.
Miao He blinked, “How much will that cost?”
“A ewe costs about four to five taels. One with a lamb will be more expensive.”
“It feels like we can never save enough money.” The plan to buy a cart was delayed again.
Yang Dalang patted Miao He’s head, “We’ll earn more, then we’ll have enough.”
Miao He nuzzled his hand and agreed, “By the way, what were you discussing with Old Master Qu earlier? You even walked away to talk.”
Yang Dalang was silent for a moment before responding.
Miao He found it strange, “Is it something you can’t tell me?”
Yang Dalang pulled Miao He into his arms, hugging him tightly. “After delivering the vegetables, I will stay at the teahouse.”
“Stay at the teahouse? Why?”
“To learn. With Manager Jin.” Yang Dalang’s deep voice explained.
Miao He, surprised, quickly understood. Despite the success of the hot pot feast, Yang Dalang still felt responsible and inadequate. He wanted to change, to step out of his comfort zone and work harder.
“You…”
Miao He felt both heartache and admiration. He relied on the miraculous soil and had become somewhat lazy, but Yang Dalang was willing to endure hardship and learn new business skills, likely aiming to protect him in the future.
Seeing the faint guilt in Yang Dalang’s eyes, Miao He couldn’t help but throw himself into his arms.
“You’re already amazing, truly amazing! I couldn’t find anyone better.”
“Xiao He…”
Yang Dalang whispered hoarsely, and words were no longer needed.
The warm touches and greedy desire spoke for themselves.
***
While Miao He’s hot pot feast ended successfully, the atmosphere at Miao Jue’s house was like a frozen hell. The lively scene before the banquet contrasted sharply with the cold, sparse conclusion. This banquet ended up being an unprecedented waste of money and face for the village.
After the banquet, back in the hall, Miao Jue angrily threw a cup to the ground, shattering it!
Yet, he couldn’t utter a word of reprimand. Who could he blame? How could he blame anyone?
He had organized this banquet from start to finish. He crafted all the excuses and details himself.
Now, the passing carriages had humiliated him. Could he accuse them of sabotage?
No, they were simply passing by. Just passing by.
The thought of it made Miao Jue feel a burning sense of shame and anger.
It was just because of money! They were all ignorant fools!
Yes, his only loss was money!
If he had more money, how could those ignorant villagers dare to laugh at him?
At this moment, all of Miao Jue’s sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren stood silently in the hall, punished by his strict discipline.
They also felt the banquet was unnecessary and embarrassing, but they dared not let the authoritarian Miao Jue know.
Sensing his mother’s tug on his clothes, Miao Yuan stepped forward cautiously, “Grandpa, the villagers are mostly uneducated, reckless, and ignorant. Seeing how ungrateful they were today, why should you be angry with such stupid and ungrateful people?”
Miao Jue paused slightly at his words.
Miao Yuan gauged his reaction and continued, “What does it matter if carriages passed by or went to the Yang family? It only shows that the Yang family is good at currying favor with the town folks. If they have no real skills and are crude and insignificant, they will ultimately be ignored. Now you are educating the villagers and running the workshop, benefiting the community. Eventually, they will realize your worth.”
A string of praises made Miao Jue finally respond, “Yuanzi has grown wiser. You’re right; it ultimately comes down to one’s abilities. However, village rumors must be managed, so this upcoming exam is especially important. Yuanzi, as long as you pass the scholar exam, everything will be fine. You must study hard and achieve good results, understand?”
Miao Yuan’s face stiffened for a moment before he respectfully agreed.
However, could Miao Yuan, bearing the expectations of over a dozen family members, really perform well under pressure?
Let’s wait and see. Miao Chuo, standing silently nearby, smirked coldly in his heart.
Meanwhile, Miao Yuan’s mother, who was also standing silently, had a strange glint in her eyes.
Who knows what she was thinking?
TMI : The title of this chapter is ???, agritainment resort, it’s a basically agriculture + entertainment. Agritainment involves offering entertainment opportunities within an agricultural environment. So I changed for Country Feast, it’s better
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D-day 9 !! ?o?.(??? ??)
You can also give me your suggestions for my next project (September). I’ll be happy to work on it ?
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I am waiting for Miao Yuan’s family next dramas ?
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