Chapter 132: Disaster Coming One After Another ( 3 )
Knowing that people in this era treated oil like a treasure, Yao Zhi poured all the sausage, including the oil, into a small jar and handed a pair of chopsticks to her husband.
"Try it."
Fu Chenâan quickly picked up a piece and put it into his mouth. Although his tongue was burned by the heat, he was still able to taste the firm, chewy texture. It was fatty and juicy.
There was a deep, savory meatiness coming from the meat, followed by a distinct sweet-savory taste from the sugar and soy sauce. Besides these, there was also a faint floral fragrance, probably coming from the liquor.
One bite containing such deep, complex flavors was really beyond his expectations. He looked at his wife with bright eyes and exclaimed, "Wife, itâs so delicious!"
"Itâs good that you like it," Yao Zhi replied with a smile.
After the tasting, she packed the steamed buns into several bamboo baskets, while Fu Chenâan ate two big steamed buns, a bowl of steamed eggs, and several pieces of sausage. He left two-thirds of the sausage for his subordinates.
They would be working hard during this period, and he couldnât let them eat less. Having meat could improve their strength and drive them to work harder.
Yao Zhi prepared not only steamed buns for the soldiers but also water and freshly picked cucumbers. It would be good as snacks and to hydrate their bodies.
When Fu Chenâan finished his meal, he carried the bamboo basket on his back and said, "Wife, I will go help the villagers first. When I come back, I will fix our gate and fence. Just leave them to me."
Yao Zhi nodded and said, "Be careful when you work. Donât hurt yourself, and remember to take a rest. Donât overwork yourself."
Hearing his wifeâs caring words, Fu Chenâan felt as sweet as honey. He nodded and left in large strides. Since the gate was broken, he could only jump over it again.
After he left, Yao Zhi continued tending to her gardens. She had to replant the crops that were uprooted by the thunderstorm.
It took her 2 hours to replant all the crops. To ensure that the crops would survive, she watered them with the system river water mixed with 2 drops of spiritual spring water.
When she was done, she started cleaning the yard with brushes. Because of the strong winds, the yard was filled with branches and leaves. Some things were also blown into her yard.
She piled the things in the corner and planned to bring them to the village chiefâs house, in case someone was looking for their lost items.
After she was done cleaning the yard, Yao Zhi went to the kitchen and started preparing dinner.
Besides Fu Chenâan and his team, several teams were also sent to various areas that suffered from the thunderstorm to provide help.
While everyone was busy repairing houses and cleaning their fields, news from the southern area finally reached Luo City.
Sitting behind a large desk in his study room, Xue Leiting opened the envelope and read the letter. The more he read, the more solemn his expression became.
After reading the letter, he placed it down and muttered, "Itâs indeed as we feared. A large swarm of locusts was found in several areas of the southern border. It seems that the locust plague will happen in one month at the latest."
The moment the clan elders heard this, their faces turned pale. Most of the clan elders had experienced locust plagues at least two times, and they understood the devastation brought by the plague.
Hearing this, one of the clan elders said, "Family Head, in that case, itâs better to order our people to harvest the grains now."
"Even if we harvest the grains now, the kernels will be too small. It still needs at least two more months before the kernels can be harvested," another elder refused his suggestion.
"If we donât harvest it now, when the locusts arrive, we wonât even get a stalk of weed, not to mention any grains."
As the eldersâ argument became more heated, Xue Leiting finally said, "Elders, there is actually a way."
The moment he said this, all of the clan elders turned to look at him, and 1 of them asked, "Family Head, if you have a solution, please tell us."
Xue Leiting opened a box and took out a leather pouch. He opened the pouch and showed the powder inside to the elders.
"Family Head, what is this?"
"This is a medicinal powder obtained by Yaâer. This powder is made from hundreds of medicinal herbs and is lethal to pests. We only need to mix a pinch of this powder into a well and use that water to water the crops."
"The pests that come into contact with this medicinal water will die. This medicinal powderâs effect can last for 5 months. Although we canât ensure that all the crops survive the locusts, at least we can reduce our loss."
When the elders heard his explanation, they were taken aback. They discussed with each other for a while before one of them asked, "Family Head, since this powder can kill the locusts, wonât it be poisonous? The grains that come into contact with the water wonât be able to survive either."
"First Elder, although this powder is harmful to pests, it is actually beneficial to the soil and crops. My daughter has tried it on her estate, and none of the crops died after using this powder. The kernels even become fuller," Xue Leiting replied.
Hearing this, the clan elders were excited.
"Since itâs a good thing, quickly send it to our estates and let our people use it."
"Thatâs right. Quickly inform our relatives, too. We have to keep this powder in our family and canât let others get it."
"If they want this powder, they have to pay for it."
"Brother, you are right. At least 100 taels of gold for a small portion."