Making A Fortune Through Hunting To Support My Wife - Chapter 34

Xu Jing slept soundly until dawn, and when she opened her eyes, the next day had arrived.

The two rose early. As per their daily routine, Song Yu cooked while Xu Jing handled the firewood and chores.

“Are we eating garland chrysanthemum today?”

As Xu Jing tended the fire, she saw Song Yu return from the vegetable garden with vibrant green garland chrysanthemum. Her nose wrinkled instinctively, she could almost taste that peculiar scent in her mouth and nose already.

Back in her previous life, she had a friend who loved eating this in hot pot, but she never cared for it. She thought she’d escaped it by coming here, but she hadn’t expected to encounter it in this ancient world as well.

“Yes, Grandma loves it. She was mentioning it a few days ago. I saw quite a lot has sprouted, so I figured I’d just stir-fry it,” Song Yu replied.

Xu Jing gave a non-committal “oh,” then remembered something and said, “Isn’t there a bit of pickled radish left? I’ll just eat that then.”

Song Yu’s hand paused while washing the vegetables. She glanced at Xu Jing and said, “It’s gone. The new batch isn’t flavored yet, it’ll take a few more days.”

Xu Jing clicked her tongue and said listlessly, “That’s a pity. Garland chrysanthemum it is, then.”

In addition to the stir-fried chrysanthemum, Song Yu also prepared a dish of shredded cabbage seasoned with spicy cornelian cherries. She wasn’t about to let Xu Jing eat only plain rice for breakfast.

After a simple morning meal, the sun rose and the morning mist dissipated. Mother Lu, the Chen mother and daughter, and a group of men arrived to help with the labor.

With the foundation laid and blue bricks being stacked, the house began to rise at a pace visible to the naked eye. The Xu family’s new home changed day by day, drawing the envy of the villagers.

That day, Big Head from Wang Hu’s family came by, telling Xu Jing that his father had something to discuss with her.

Xu Jing was busy enough to be run off her feet, but she found some time after dinner to visit Wang Hu’s house.

In the Wang family yard, many sun dried mud bricks were stacked neatly, while some wet ones were still drying, tended to by the Wang boys. Wang Hu’s injured leg hadn’t fully healed, but he could move around on crutches. He exchanged a few pleasantries with Xu Jing.

“Jing-ge, I know you’re busy with your house and shouldn’t be bothered at a time like this.”

Xu Jing shook her head. “Brother Wang, don’t say that. I was only able to build this house because of the connections you helped me make to earn the initial capital.”

“That was your own skill,” Wang Hu said with a faint smile. Xu Jing’s humble demeanor and way of doing things were truly comforting.

It made him feel all the more that leaving this matter to Xu Jing was a good choice. He began to explain the business at hand.

“The distinguished guest who bought the tiger last time sent word again. Apparently, some of his guests want to enter the deep mountains themselves to hunt a few deer for sport. They need a few hunters familiar with the woods to lead the way.”

“I inquired carefully. It’s not some wealthy young master looking to cause trouble in the mountains. The guests seem to have a military background, likely some high-ranking official from the camp who’s bored and wants to get some fresh air and hunt.”

At this point, Wang Hu sighed slightly. “If it weren’t for my leg injury, I would definitely be taking this job with you.”

“My boys’ hunting skills aren’t up to par, and I wouldn’t dare let them go into the mountains with you. You have the best skills and know Mount Dayue well. If you bring along Old Hunter Sun, there shouldn’t be any mishaps.”

“I think you’re the best person for this. Jing-ge, do you want to take the job? If not, I’ll tell the guest so they can look elsewhere.”

Xu Jing hadn’t expected Wang Hu to be acting as a middleman to find her work. She thought it over, thanked him first, and said frankly, “I’m certainly willing to take it. I can ask the second grand uncle of the clan to look after the house building. It’s not like I’m truly tied down.”

She couldn’t pass up an opportunity that could both earn money and potentially expand her network.

“As for the hunting skills not being up to par, that just takes practice. Brother Wang, if you trust me, why don’t I take Big Head into the mountains this time so the young man can see the world?”

Wang Hu waved it off. “The boy is reckless. Without me watching him, his mother wouldn’t be at ease. I know you’re trying to return the favor by helping my family, Jing-ge. But to be blunt, if the guest has a bad temper, I’d be worried about getting you into trouble. If you want the job, take it. I’m happy just being the messenger.”

Understanding his meaning, Xu Jing simply said, “If this trip goes smoothly, I’ll invite you over for a drink.”

Wang Hu laughed.

They chatted more about building houses, the Wangs were planning to build as well, so they had much to discuss. Finally, Wang Hu said, “If my boys had half your ability, I wouldn’t have to worry about their marriages or housing. But once you have a child of your own, you’ll be worrying just like me.”

To Wang Hu’s teasing, Xu Jing only smiled without saying much. Wang Hu took it as the shyness of a young man. He settled the matter as the middleman, saying he would notify Xu Jing once there was news.

That evening, Xu Jing told Song Yu about the matter.

“I think the house building is more or less on the right track. Over these days, everyone has been working meticulously and honestly. With Second Grand uncle helping to keep an eye on things, nothing much should go wrong. Even if it does, it can wait until I get back. I reckon this trip will only take three to five days.”

After she finished speaking, Song Yu was silent for a while before asking softly, “Are you short on money?”

“I have enough, but after the house is done, there won’t be much left. I originally planned to go into the mountains more often once the house was finished to hunt more and buy some land. After the autumn harvest, the grain is in, and families short on cash are more willing to sell their fields.”

“You know, it’s late autumn now. Once winter sets in, it’ll be hard to go into the mountains. Even if we go, the animals and insects will be hibernating, and the predators will be fierce and hard to deal with. Only the furred ones are active in winter, and they aren’t as well-fed as they are now in autumn.”

Xu Jing rested her head on one hand, her voice gentle as she explained her thoughts. Song Yu seemed drawn into this quiet vision of the future. Hearing no response for a long time, Xu Jing turned her head to look at her. In the dark room, her keen eyesight could still see Song Yu’s face.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you have any thoughts? You can tell me.”

Song Yu was lying flat. Aware of the gaze, she didn’t move, her eyes fixed on the roof. After a long silence, her voice rang out quietly.

“Do as you wish.”

Getting such a response felt a bit dull to Xu Jing. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she felt Song Yu hadn’t been in high spirits lately, being less willing to talk to her.

Xu Jing simply rolled over to face Song Yu and, through the blanket, poked her arm.

“What’s wrong lately? Something on your mind? You’re talking less and less.”

“Nothing. You’re overthinking.”

Xu Jing looked at her skeptically. A thought struck her, and she asked uncertainly, “Could it be your period is coming? That always makes people irritable. But I recall you still have some time…”

A flash of shame and anger crossed Song Yu’s eyes. They were both women, though she was dressed as a man, yet when the other said it out loud, it felt…

Feeling even less inclined to deal with her, Song Yu simply rolled over, leaving Xu Jing with the back of her head.

Xu Jing clicked her tongue, feeling this scene and atmosphere were oddly familiar. Finally, a realization dawned on her. She moved a bit closer to Song Yu and whispered.

“Could it be you’re still angry about my nonsense from before?”

Saying this, Xu Jing began to piece things together, recounting the details as she remembered them.

“That morning with the stir-fried chrysanthemum, you knew I didn’t like it. Did you make it on purpose? And yesterday, you saw a black smudge on my face but didn’t say a word, just waiting for Aunt Lu to see it and tease me…”

Xu Jing listed out Song Yu’s little acts of “malice” over the past few days. Although Song Yu didn’t reply, Xu Jing felt her body stiffen visibly, confirming her suspicions.

“Such a temper? Silently playing tricks for revenge?”

There was a hint of a smile in Xu Jing’s voice, a touch of teasing. “Don’t go making yourself sick with anger.”

Song Yu remained silent, silently scooting further toward the inner side of the bed. Xu Jing’s eyes filled with amusement. She reached out a “wicked” hand and hugged her through the blanket, threatening playfully in her ear.

“Bad girl. If you don’t give me an explanation today, I won’t let you sleep.”

Song Yu trembled at the sudden movement, her body going a bit soft. She couldn’t help but let out a small cry.

“Quick, tell me. Was it intentional? You bad girl.”

“No… no.”

“Still stubborn? Xiao Yu, don’t you know your expression becomes unnatural when you lie?”

“Besides the chrysanthemum, I also fried cabbage. And yesterday… you were talking to me, but you walked away too fast…”

“Is that your explanation?”

Faintly, a soft “mm” came from the girl in her arms.

Xu Jing snorted softly. “I knew it.” Then she added mischievously, “It’s so dark in the room and you have your back to me, I can’t see your face at all. I was lying just now.”

Xu Jing felt a light punch on her arm.

“I spoke nonsense and upset you, you played tricks for revenge. Let’s call it even. You’re not allowed to be secretly angry and stop talking to me in the future. Do you hear me, bad girl?”

The girl in her arms gave another “mm,” agreeing to the truce.

After a good night’s sleep, Xu Jing began preparing for the mountain trip. She arranged her affairs, entrusting the house to Second Grand-uncle and Mother Lu.

A few days later, Wang Hu sent word that the guests were arriving soon and asked if she was ready. Xu Jing had her hunting gear in order and was waiting to lead the way.

It was a crisp autumn day with a bright sun, a perfect day for an outing.

The distinguished guests arrived at Dayue Village that day. Two carriages drove slowly down from the official road toward the village entrance. Xu Jing and Old Hunter Sun, both carrying their gear, were already waiting. Seeing the carriages arrive right on time, they knew these were the guests.

The carriages stopped under a large tree at the village entrance. The first carriage was clearly more prestigious than the second, with an exterior that was low-key yet dignified. The driver hopped down first and set a footstool for the guests.

The first to jump down was a young female guard. Her appearance was ordinary and unremarkable, but her hand rested instinctively on the hilt of the saber at her side.

The second person to descend was likely the distinguished guest, surprisingly, a young woman with a heroic air. Her hair was bound in a jade crown, and she wore a narrow sleeved long robe with exquisite embroidery at the cuffs and collar. She wore thick-soled boots with cloud patterns, and her skin was a healthy wheat color. Her phoenix eyes swept over them with a sharp edge.

Her gait was steady and powerful, her back straight. She looked lean and agile, clearly possessing martial arts skills, not a typical lady from a wealthy family.

Wang Hu’s mention of a military background fit perfectly. Xu Jing guessed she was the daughter of some general. Although the Great Kang Dynasty wasn’t as strictly traditional as ancient Earth, Xu Jing had rarely heard of female soldiers or generals. Even if they existed, her news in this remote countryside was limited.

After all, at the bookstore previously, the mention of female officials was news to her, there was nothing of the sort in the original host’s memory. The high officials of the court were as distant from Dayue Village as the sky, discussing such things wasn’t as practical as talking about the salted radishes for the next meal.

While Xu Jing was speculating about the identity of the guest, a man in his forties got out of the second, more ordinary carriage. He had a purple toned complexion, habitually squinted eyes with prominent wrinkles, and a short beard. He looked quite capable.

He looked somewhat like a steward, yet not quite. His finger joints were thick and deformed, and some of his nails were even pitted or cracked, with traces of blue and red around the edges.

Xu Jing and Old Hunter Sun hurried over, stopping at a respectful distance. They exchanged a look, and it was Xu Jing who stepped forward to greet them.

She cupped her hands toward the young woman at the center and smiled. “You must be the guests Brother Wang Hu introduced, here to hunt deer in Mount Dayue? Would you like to head straight into the mountains, or would you prefer to rest at my humble home first?”

Hearing her composed speech, the young woman looked over with a hint of surprise. She arched a brow and gave a brief appraisal. “I didn’t expect to find a hunter with such polished speech in the countryside.”

“You flatter me,” Xu Jing replied with another bow.

The young woman nodded slightly, then looked at the peaceful village. “The weather is good. Let’s head straight in.”

The female guard instructed the drivers and servants to take out the luggage. The hunting gear was carried by a servant and the middle-aged man with the purple toned skin.