Chapter 26

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “To tell you the truth, I’ve once read a few books that recorded the terrain of the mountains. I found the water source according to the information in the books.”

Chu Second’s eyes immediately lit up with admiration. “Being knowledgeable is indeed a good thing.”

Chu Qingzhi held Chu Second’s hand. “Second Sister, if you want to learn to read, I can teach you.”

Chu Second’s eyes lit up, but they quickly extinguished. “I’m already so old. It’s not suitable for me to learn.”

Chu Qingzhi encouraged, “It’s not too late to learn. I’ll teach you to write your name tonight.”

Chu Second smiled. “Okay.”

When others heard the sisters’ conversation, they were secretly envious. They also wanted to study.

In this era, studying was the most noble thing.Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “There’s water, there’s water!!!”

There was water coming out of the one-meter pit dug by Tang Jinghong. When they saw this scene, everyone instantly admired Chu Qingzhi. Not only could she read and write, but she could also use what she learned. Now that they had found a water source, the village was out of trouble!

At the thought of this, many people suddenly felt guilty. Just now, they were still forcing Chu Qingzhi to take out the formula for making ice.

They were wrong, very wrong. They would never do that again.

The village chief was also surprised. “This is very likely a tributary!” Even the most capable water seeker couldn’t do this. To be able to find the tributary, Chu Qingzhi was indeed capable!

The village chief bowed to Chu Qingzhi, who accepted it calmly.

The village chief said solemnly, “Qingzhi, don’t take what the villagers said just now to heart. Now that you’ve helped us find a water source, you’re our benefactor. Now, the entire village owes you a favor. The same thing will never happen again.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I only have one request. I want you to be reasonable in the future.” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The village chief quickly said, “I’ll let them behave themselves in the future.”Chu Qingzhi said, “Find a few more people to dig it. It’s best if we can dig a ditch and channel the water to the village.”

The village chief immediately made the arrangements. The people were motivated and efficient. When it was dark, the water was channeled to the village.

Water kept coming out of the water source, and everyone’s water problem was resolved.

When Zhao Xiuhua saw this scene, she recalled what Chu Qingzhi said about chasing her out of the village. She fainted from the panic attack.

Zhou Qingzhong quickly ran towards his mother. “Mother, Mother…”

This reminded the village chief. “Zhou Qingzhong, your mother can’t stay in the village anymore. Go back and pack up and send her away.”

When Zhou Qingzhong heard this, he was so anxious that he knelt down to the village chief and begged, “Village Chief, please show mercy. Don’t chase my mother out of the village. She’s already so old. Where can she go?”

The village chief hardened his heart. Chu Qingzhi had just made a huge contribution to the village, so he must not disappoint her. “Your mother is vicious. If she stays in the village, I’m afraid many bad things will happen.”

Zhou Qingzhong hurriedly said, “Village Chief, my mother will change. She will change. I promise you. Don’t chase her away, okay?”

The village chief scolded mercilessly, “Who are you to make a promise? You’re not a good person either.”

Zhou Qingzhong blushed in embarrassment. Being scolded like this in public, he lost all his dignity as a man. “Village Chief, I’ll change. I was insensible in the past. I won’t do that again.”

Chu Second touched Chu Qingzhi’s arm and whispered, “Qingzhi, are you really going to chase Zhao Xiuhua away?”

Chu Qingzhi replied softly, “Let’s wait and see.”

Chapter 27

Chu Second nodded in agreement. “Fifth Sister, Zhao Xiuhua is always up to no good. No matter what we do, we have to make her learn and make her unable to cause trouble.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

As the two of them were muttering, Zhou Qingzhong suddenly walked towards Chu Qingzhi and begged, “Chu Qingzhi, plead with the village chief. In the future, our family will no longer go against you. My mother will also change.”

He was really afraid of Chu Qingzhi. His mother wanted to chase Chu Qingzhi away, but in the end, she was the one who was chased away. Chu Qingzhi was not someone they could afford to offend.

Chu Qingzhi pretended to be considering.

Seeing this, Zhou Qingzhong immediately made up his mind. “Chu Qingzhi, give our family another chance. I promise that the same thing won’t happen again.”

Chu Qingzhi asked distrustfully, “What if it happens again?”

Zhou Qingzhong quickly said, “If it happens again, you don’t have to chase us away. We’ll leave on our own.”

Chu Qingzhi hesitated for a moment before finally saying sternly, “Remember, you only have one chance. If you offend me again, there will be no room for negotiation.”

After all, she still had to live in the village. Earning a reputation as a generous person would do her a lot of good.Yes, I understand.” Zhou Qingzhong heaved a sigh of relief and quickly helped his mother leave.

Chu Qingzhi watched as the two of them left. Now that everyone in the village owed her a favor, her life in the village in the future would finally be comfortable. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

…

When the Chu family returned home, the sky was already filled with stars.

Granny Chu, Li Qingyu, and Chu Second immediately went to the kitchen to cook. The others were also busy with their own things. Only Chu Qingzhi was free. She sat on the chair and fanned herself with a fan, looking relaxed.

After resting for a while, she suddenly remembered that she had yet to sell her dress. She had been delayed saving Xu Wanrong that day.

It had been a few days. The scar on Xu Wanrong’s face should have completely disappeared.

Now it was time to think about how to sell the dress.

Perhaps she could ask Xu Wanrong for help. She was the daughter of the richest man in the county and should have a lot of connections.

After dinner, Chu Qingzhi asked everyone to gather around the table. She took out her pouch, poured out the copper coins inside, and let everyone count the money together.

The sound of the copper coins colliding was very pleasant. It was crisp and loud, making people very happy.Everyone counted together…

Every ten copper coins were tied together with hemp rope. Chu First was the first to speak. “I have two taels here.”

Chu Second said excitedly, “I have two taels here.”

Chu Third said with a chuckle, “I have three taels here.”

Granny Chu said happily, “I have one tael here.”

The others also reported. In the end, it added up to nine taels of silver and two copper coins.

Li Qingyu asked excitedly, “Qingzhi, is this the money you earned from selling ice cream bars this afternoon?”

Chu Qingzhi waved her hand and said, “I gave five copper coins to Elder Brother to buy sugar. We earned a total of nine taels and seven copper coins.”

Chu Ninth said in admiration, “Fifth Sister, you’re amazing. You earned so much money in a day.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and encouraged, “Let’s work hard together. We’ll earn more and more money in the future.”

Everyone nodded, “Yes.”The elders looked at each other and confirmed that Qingzhi was really their family’s lucky star. Ever since she returned, the family’s situation had been improving day by day. It could be said that many families in the village were not doing as well as their family.

Chu Qingzhi pushed the money in front of Li Qingyu. “Mother, put away the money. Everyone, quickly take a shower and sleep.”

Li Qingyu did not refuse because she had to manage the household.

…

In the room, Chu Qingzhi came in with a wooden board. Then, she went to the stove to take out a few pieces of charcoal. “Second Sister, come over. I’ll teach you how to write your name.”

Chu Second was a little excited. “Qingzhi, are you really going to teach me?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I’m a person of my word. Come over quickly. I’ll write it for you first.”

Chu Second rubbed her hands and walked towards Chu Qingzhi nervously. “Qingzhi, I’m very stupid. What if I can’t learn it?”

Chu Qingzhi said confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you until you can write it.”

As she spoke, she wrote the word “Chu Second” on the wooden board. “Second Sister, this is your name.”

Chu Second walked to Chu Qingzhi’s side and looked at the words on the wooden board carefully. She suddenly felt a lump in her throat. “Qingzhi, thank you. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known that my name looked like this.”

Chu Qingzhi had always wanted to ask this question. “Second Sister, don’t you have a formal name?”

Chu Second was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Just like my name, Chu Qingzhi.”

Chu Second shook her head slowly and said sadly, “Grandpa doesn’t know how to give names, so he just called us according to our birth order.”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment and said, “Second Sister, why don’t I give you a name? Chu Second doesn’t sound like a girl’s name.”

Chu Second nodded excitedly. “Alright, Qingzhi, you’re knowledgeable. Give Second Sister a name that sounds as good as yours.”

Chapter 28

Chu Qingzhi held her chin and looked up at the moon through the window. “Second Sister, do you think the name Chu Qingyue sounds good?”

Chu Second’s eyes lit up. “Fifth Sister, I like this name.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and nodded. “Second Sister, go and tell Father and Mother. If they agree, this name will belong to you in the future.”

Chu Second said excitedly, “Alright, I’ll go immediately.” As she spoke, she ran out like a gust of wind. It was obvious how happy she was.

Chu Fourth, who was next door, heard their conversation. She hesitated for a moment and ran to Chu Qingzhi. “Fifth Sister, give Fourth Sister a name too, okay?”

Chu Qingzhi pulled Chu Fourth to sit beside her. “As your sister, I will naturally help.”

Chu Fourth couldn’t help but smile. Every time she smiled, a dimple would appear on her left cheek. She was very cute. “Thank you, Fifth Sister.”

Chu Qingzhi pondered for a moment. “Fourth Sister, what do you think of the name Chu Qingning?”

Chu Fourth smiled from the bottom of her heart. She said gently, “Qingzhi, it sounds nice. Fourth Sister likes it very much.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Then this name will be yours.”Chu Fourth was touched and hugged Chu Qingzhi. “Thank you, Fifth Sister.”

Chu Second ran back, happy and excited. “Fifth Sister, Father and Mother agreed, and so did Grandpa and Grandma.”

Chu Qingzhi clapped her hands. “Then congratulations on having a new name.”

Chu Qingyue smiled. “Fifth Sister, thank you.”

Chu Qingzhi waved her hand. “It’s a piece of cake.”

Chu Fourth quickly said, “Second Sister, Fifth Sister also gave me a name. It’s Chu Qingning. Is it nice?”

Chu Qingyue called out softly twice, “Qingning, Chu Qingning, it also sounds very nice.”

Chu Fourth stood up and said happily, “Then I announce that from now on, my name is Chu Qingning. Don’t call me Chu Fourth anymore. Call me Qingning.”

Chu Qingyue smiled and said, “Alright, I promise you.”

From now on, Chu Second and Chu Fourth had names. They were Chu Qingyue and Chu Qingning.

Chu Qingning returned to her room happily. Chu Qingyue continued to learn to write with Chu QingzhiChu Qingning, Chu Sixth, and Chu Eighth were in the same room. Chu Sixth and Chu Eighth looked at Chu Qingning enviously. Chu Sixth said in a low voice, “Fourth Sister, I also want Fifth Sister to give me a name.”

Chu Qingning looked at Chu Sixth and suddenly said, “Chu Sixth, are you afraid of your Fifth Sister?”

Chu Sixth’s eyes darted. “No, Fourth Sister, it’s not true.”

Chu Qingning smiled and asked, “Then why don’t you have the courage to go and ask your Fifth Sister?”

Chu Sixth said in a low voice, “I’m afraid that Fifth Sister will reject me.”

Chu Qingning encouraged, “Your Fifth Sister is very good and won’t reject you. If you want a name, you can tell her.”

Chu Sixth nodded slightly and ran to sleep. She was not mentally prepared yet. After getting to know her Fifth Sister more, she would ask.

Chu Eighth pretended to be asleep. She actually wanted a name too. Everyone in the village had a name, but the children of the Chu family did not. She was especially envious. Now that she could get her Fifth Sister to give her a name, she chickened out.

…

Li Qingyu whispered to Chu Rong, “Qingzhi and her siblings get along quite well. When we first brought her back, I was especially worried that Qingzhi would not be used to it.”

Chu Rong lay on his back with a faint smile on his face. “Qingzhi is a good child.”

Li Qingyu said proudly, “That’s for sure. It’s her adoptive family’s loss to send her back.”

Chu Rong said unhappily, “Don’t mention that family in the future.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Li Qingyu nodded. “I understand. Now that our family is together, it’s better than anything.”

Chu Rong regretted his choice back then. “You’re right. No matter how difficult our life is in the future, we won’t send her away.”

Li Qingyu nodded.

…

The bright moon hung high in the sky, and the ground was covered in silver light.

On the mountain, Chu Qingzhi sat cross-legged, looking like she was meditating.

Under the moonlight, her hair fluttered. She looked like an immortal.

There was a huge white tiger lying in front of her. It was dozing with its eyes closed. Behind her were two big black bears sleeping. There were a few monkeys squatting on the big black bear’s back. Behind them were four wolves.

Suddenly, there was a sound in the forest.

Chu Qingzhi turned around and saw two people whooshing through the branches in the forest. The one in the front was a masked man in black, and behind the masked figure was… Tang Jinghong.

As expected, Tang Jinghong was not simple. The masked man in black in front did not seem to be an ordinary thief. Chu Qingzhi wondered if she should help.

Just as she was hesitating, the masked man in black was flying towards her.

She looked around, picked up a stone, and threw it casually. Then, the masked man in black fell to the ground.

Tang Jinghong looked up and saw Chu Qingzhi waving at him.

Tang Jinghong was speechless.

Chapter 29

Chu Qingzhi flew down from the mountain peak and asked with a smile, “Who exactly are you? Who is he? Why are you chasing him?” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Tang Jinghong suddenly felt that Chu Qingzhi was unfathomable. He sized her up. She was just a skinny girl. Other than her bright eyes, there was nothing special about her. However, the more ordinary she was, the more extraordinary she seemed.

Instead of answering, he asked, “Do you know martial arts?”

Chu Qingzhi was carefree and did not care if her secret was discovered. At most, she would find another body to possess “Don’t you also know martial arts?”

Tang Jinghong’s eyes darkened. “Thank you for helping me catch this mole.”

Chu Qingzhi sized up the person who had fallen to the ground. “He’s a mole?”

“Yes.” Tang Jinghong turned the person over and took out a folded piece of paper from the mole’s pocket. Then, he put it into his pocket.

Chu Qingzhi crossed her arms and looked at the man in front of her. “Are you from the army?”

Tang Jinghong paused. “How did you know?”

Chu Qingzhi leaned against a tree with a relaxed expression. “Tell me the truth. Otherwise, I’ll snatch it.”

Tang Jinghong said, “I’m indeed from the army, but I’m also from this village. It’s just that my identity in the army is sensitive, so I didn’t reveal it. I came home mainly to recuperate…”

After he finished speaking, he suddenly covered his chest with his hand. His face turned pale and he broke out in cold sweat. He knelt on one knee.Chu Qingzhi stood up and looked at Tang Jinghong. She asked, “Did your old illness relapse?”

Tang Jinghong gritted his teeth and endured the pain. “Didn’t you say before that my illness was caused by overwork? With my family’s situation, not to mention recuperating, I don’t even have time to rest. My illness is getting worse and worse.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded in agreement. She walked towards Tang Jinghong and slapped his back. Tang Jinghong immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.

Chu Qingzhi explained, “Don’t misunderstand. This is to help you clear your blood. Only then will you feel better.”

Tang Jinghong quickly felt that his heart was no longer in pain. “Your… medical skills are not bad.”

Chu Qingzhi quickly said, “Don’t be in a hurry to praise me. Your body is in bad condition. It’s not easy for it to return to normal.”

Tang Jinghong said, “Then can I trouble you to see what exactly is going on with my body?”

Chu Qingzhi walked over. “Give me your hand. I’ll take your pulse.”

Tang Jinghong stretched out his hand cooperatively.

Suddenly, the man in black on the ground moved. Then, Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong knocked him out at the same time.

Chu Qingzhi felt a little awkward. She coughed and said, “Come to my house tomorrow to get the prescription. I don’t have a pen and paper now.” After saying that, she jumped up and flew back to the mountain.

Tang Jinghong looked at Chu Qingzhi’s graceful figure. “I’m afraid her qinggong exceeds mine.”

He reached out and grabbed the man in black before heading in the opposite direction.

Chu Qingzhi sat down cross-legged and leaned against the white tiger. She adjusted her position and looked at the full moon in the sky in a daze.In the camp at the outskirts of the capital.

When the guard saw Tang Jinghong return with someone, he quickly went forward. “General, you’re back.”

Tang Jinghong threw the man in black to the guard. “Watch him closely. Also, tell Dr. Fang that I’m looking for him.”

The guard replied respectfully, “Yes, General.”

Tang Jinghong returned to the tent and took out the paper he found from the man in black. He unfolded it and looked at it. “As expected, it’s a map of the distribution of the army in the capital.”

What did anyone want this for?

This thing would only be used when attacking the capital. Although the world was not particularly peaceful now, it was still a long way before a war would break out.

Tang Jinghong frowned slightly, puzzled.

After a while, footsteps were heard at the entrance of the tent. Fang Zerong’s voice was heard. “General.”

Tang Jinghong put away the map. “Come in.”

Fang Zerong lifted the curtain and walked in. “General, what is the matter?”

Tang Jinghong stretched out his hand. “Take my pulse.”

Fang Zerong immediately looked worried. “Has your old illness relapsed?”

Tang Jinghong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he said, “It did just now, but someone cured me with a slap on my back.

Fang Zerong was frightened and immediately went forward to check. At the same time, he muttered in his heart, “Who dares to hit the general?”

After taking his pulse, Fang Zerong was surprised. “General, is the other party a divine doctor?”

Chapter 30

Tang Jinghong raised his eyebrows. “Why did you say that?”

Fang Zerong said excitedly and in admiration, “Her palm strike was neither light nor heavy. It just so happened to force the contaminated blood out of your heart. This way, after taking the medicine a few more times, your internal injuries will be cured.”

Tang Jinghong thought to himself, “You are actually a divine doctor!”

Fang Zerong said expectantly, “General, I want to see this divine doctor. Can you take me to see her?”

Tang Jinghong said thoughtfully, “We’ll see.”

…

Chu Qingzhi came out of the room and stretched. “Second Sister, Fourth Sister, why are you cleaning the house so early in the morning?”

Chu Qingyue said happily, “Today, our future sister-in-law will come with the matchmaker and her mother to discuss the marriage.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. Her eyes were bright and curved and looked very beautiful. “That’s a good thing. Get Father and Mother to prepare more food and wine to liven up the occasion.”

As Chu Qingning cleaned, she replied with a smile, “Father and Mother have already gone to the county to buy wine and meat.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi felt that she should express her goodwill, so she said, “I’ll go make a dress for my future sister-in-law.”

Chu Qingning looked at the three sisters and pointed at Chu Qingyue. “She’s as tall as Second Sister.”Chu Qingzhi measured Chu Qingyue’s size with her eyes and remembered it. “I’m going to make clothes. Remember to call me for breakfast later.”

Chu Qingning smiled and replied, “Okay.”

When she returned to her room, Chu Qingzhi took out the good fabric Chu Rong had bought and cut it seriously. She made a set of clothes for her future sister-in-law as a gift.

Chu First and Chu Third were making ice cream bars at the back of the house. The burning sun indicated that today was another hot day. They made some ice cream bars for the guests to eat on the way back.

Chu Third was 17 years old this year, but he was already as tall as Chu First. However, he was thinner and not as strong. He had a certain yearning for marriage. “Brother, how long has it been since you last met my future sister-in-law?”

As Chu First worked, he thought, “About two months.”

Chu Third suddenly said sadly, “Brother, after you get married, we won’t be able to sleep together.”

The corners of Chu First’s mouth twitched. It was not good for his brother to be too clingy to his eldest brother. “When the time comes, we’ll find you a wife and you’ll get married too.”

Chu Third chuckled. “Brother, do you like her?”

Chu First’s eyes lit up as he blurted out, “Of course I like her. Otherwise, why would I want to marry her?”

Chu Third said with a smile, “I wish Brother and Sister-in-law a happy life in advance.”

Chu First’s eyes were filled with anticipation.

…

At noon, a matchmaker, a middle-aged woman, and a young girl walked into the Chu family’s house.The young girl was wearing rough clothes, but it could not hide her youthfulness. She had a round face and looked likable.

It was meant to be a joyful occasion, but the three of them did not look happy.

Granny Chu and Grandpa Chu were in the courtyard. As soon as they entered, the two of them greeted enthusiastically, “Quick, take a seat.” Then, they shouted, “Qingyu, Chu Rong, Chu First, our future in-law is here.”

The three of them quickly walked out of the house. Chu First had changed into his best clothes today and was very clumsy. After glancing at the three of them, he greeted them and stood at the side.

However, the young girl did not look at Chu First. She pulled a long face and was obviously not happy.

Seeing that the three of them did not sit, Chu Rong quickly said, “Everyone, sit. Let’s sit down and talk.”

The fragrance of meat filled the entire courtyard. The matchmaker took a deep breath and swallowed her saliva. She waved her hand and said, “There’s no need to sit. I’m here mainly to…” She looked at the middle-aged woman who had her head lowered and looked unhappy. “We’re here to break off the engagement.”

The word “break off the engagement” caught the Chu family off guard. Everyone’s expressions instantly stiffened.

Chu First slowly raised his head. There was confusion on his face.

Chu Qingzhi was making clothes in the room. When she heard this, she walked out quietly and did not attract anyone’s attention.

Seeing that this news had dealt a huge blow to the Chu family, the matchmaker found it difficult to continue. However, the girl’s mother was determined to break off the engagement, so she had no choice.

“Qingyu, you have too many children in your family. Moreover, you just brought one back. How are you going to live in the future?”

The insinuation was that this family was too poor and they did not want their daughter to suffer.

Li Qingyu persuaded. “Future in-law, we promise that we will build a house for them when they get married. We won’t let your daughter suffer.”

She had fifty to sixty taels of silver in her hand, more than enough to build two houses.

The middle-aged woman waved her hand. “Qingyu, we’ve known each other for a few years. I know your family’s situation very well. Back then, I only agreed to our children’s engagement because your family was kind. However, you have too many children. It’s not cheap to build a house.”

Li Qingyu continued, “Our family has already saved enough money to build a house.”