Chapter 18
Is That Possible?
The east?
When Zhao Zhan was hunting, he would always subconsciously avoid the east side, which was beyond the cave.
This was because he had once encountered a pack of wolves there by chance. Fortunately, he didn’t make a sound and escaped in time. Otherwise, if he got into a tough spot and had to kill one, the vengeful wolves would remember his scent and hunt him down in the future at all costs.
However, when she suggested it, there was no hesitation at all to immediately agree.
Three days later, the heavy rain stopped.
Yue Jiaojiao stayed in the cave for another two days. When the mud on the mountain had dried up, Zhao Zhan carried her out of the door.
Zhao Zhan held Yue Jiaojiao with one hand and used his free hand to hold a basket. Inside the basket were a bow and arrows, a chopper, and a sharp dagger.
After walking for about the time it takes for the morning dew to dry, Yue Jiaojiao patted Zhao Zhan’s shoulder to stop him. She pointed at a patch of withered yellow plants in front of them, her eyes shining. “Zhao Zhan, look! There are a lot of soybeans over there!”
When she saw the soybeans, Yue Jiaojiao thought of tofu, dried beans, baked gluten, and all sorts of other bean products. Especially more so for the baked gluten, if she sprinkled a handful of chili powder on it, she could eat several skewers in one sitting.
Zhao Zhan picked up his pace and walked up to the patch of soybeans. He took out a stool from his basket and placed it under the shade of the tree for Yue Jiaojiao to sit properly. He looked at the little things wrapped in pods in front of him and asked, “These are soybeans? Can I eat it?”
Yue Jiaojiao was taken aback and asked, “You don’t know about soybeans?”
The tofu had been made since the end of the Han Dynasty, but not even soybeans had appeared in this place.
“I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve seen this thing on the mountain.” He picked a sickle from the basket and held it in his hand. “But since they’re edible, I’ll cut them all down and bring them back.”
“Yes, soybeans are good stuff. You can make soy milk, tofu pudding, tofu, and a lot of other things. I’ll teach you how to make them when we get back.”
“Teach me?”
Zhao Zhan couldn’t help but be surprised. Could it be that what she said about the marriage was true? Was she really not going to leave?
Yue Jiaojiao had no idea that Zhao Zhan was overthinking everything.
She just wanted to eat but was too lazy to move. She also wanted to use these things to earn some money to improve her living conditions.
Although Zhao Zhan had already done enough, she didn’t mind lending a hand in improving her quality of life.
The yellow beans that Yue Jiaojiao had discovered were scattered all over the place and when added together, it was more than enough for the both of them.
Other than taking care of Yue Jiaojiao during the meal, Zhao Zhan had not stopped at all. By the time he had harvested all the beans and tied them up, the sky was already showing signs of turning dark.
Zhao Zhan didn’t dare to delay the imminent and immediately returned to the cave with Yue Jiaojiao.
For the next five days, Zhao Zhan stayed in the mountains, leaving early and returning late.
The beans were cut off, and the soybeans in the pods had to be thrown out separately, cleaned, and kept.
He woke up before the sun rose, prepared breakfast, and warmed it in a jar. Then, he would go and tend the beans. In the afternoon, he took some time to go back and make lunch for Yue Jiaojiao. He took care of her after she finished eating and even cleaned up the dishes before going out again.
He had been busy for four to five days, and the cave was now filled with a few big sacks of soybeans.
In the past few days, Yue Jiaojiao had also gotten a clear understanding of the dynasty she was in, the Darong Dynasty. It was different from any other country that existed in history. She only knew that this year was the 23rd year of the Kang Yuan era. As for who the other emperors were or the great clans, Zhao Zhan was not clear, and Yue Jiaojiao did not care.
In any case, Willow Village was far away from all the political drama. As long as the world was peaceful, she would be able to live comfortably.
“Jiaojiao, I’ve collected all the soybeans.” Zhao Zhan’s wheat-colored face had darkened a little after being exposed to the wind and sun for the past few days. His eyes were extremely bright as he spoke to her. “I’ve also made the stone mill you mentioned. I’ve placed it in the courtyard at the foot of the mountain.”