Chapter 154 Fan Luo County (1)

After one month of harvesting, the scorching weather arrived. It was the seventh lunar month. Although the paddy fields were all completed, there were more things related to water to be taken care of.

Not to mention the lack of harvesting of the lotus seeds, during the harvest time, they didn’t have much time to care for the lotus lake. So, after one month of neglect, the fishes, crabs, and shrimps had overpopulated the lake.

“Old Xia, it seems we caught more fish and shrimps this year than last year…” Aunt Lao stood in the shade of the willow tree by the lake, waving her leaf fan. Cheerily, she asked Old Xia, the manager of the lake. He had been busy all morning and was currently taking a break under some shade by the lake. She turned to see the boats full of fish moored nearby. The smiling servants were agilely moving the fish to the carriage drawn by two horses.

“Of course, we’ve been catching fish for two whole days and delivered several boats, but there’s still a lot.” Old Xia took in sips of herbal tea. Wiping his sweat, he answered happily.

“Great! Let me choose two from the next batch. Better to have two crabs for my husband. The old man has been requesting them for a while.” Aunt Lao opened her money bag where she kept dozens of copper coins. It should be enough for her to buy a few fish and crabs. Later on, she would cook a great meal for her husband.

“No need. Madam already reminded me. You guys can freely pick from the last boat.” Old Xia hurried to stop Aunt Lao when he saw that. Every year, they would catch the fish in the lake twice, and Her Ladyship would always keep part of them for the villagers to choose and buy. However, the prices of the fish for the villagers were very cheap. For example, they had to pay around thirty coins for half a kilogram of fish in the market; however, it cost only eight coins in the private mansion for the same amount.

“Really? Then it’s really good! When will you sell the fish? I must come early. Old Xia, remember to save the big ones for me.” Aunt Lao happily put away her purse and reminded Old Xia. If you can read this, it means this chapter was stolen from pure tl .com

“No worry! Don’t you see they are all big fish and shrimps on the boat? I don’t want to catch the small ones.” Old Xia knocked his tobacco pipe, smiling until his eyes narrowed, watching the beautiful lake in front of him where the magnificent beams of sunlight reflected. “It seems we’ll need two more days. When we catch the final batch, the Town Elder will knock the gong at the ancestral hall to remind you guys.”

“Old Xia, we’re done.” After the servants had transported the entire boat of fish, they waved at Old Xia. “I heard that the major kitchen will stew beef brisket today. We have to hurry to get a serving before it runs out!”

“Beef brisket? Really good food! I heard that your major kitchen cooks so well. Is the chef from the imperial kitchen? Tsk tsk… My husband eats much better than when he stays at home, doesn’t he?” Aunt Lao fanned herself, smiling. “It’s getting late. We should get back. Old Xia, you should hurry for beef brisket! Ah, it’s better if you ask the chef how to cook it. I stewed it once during New Year, but no one in my family said it was delicious.”

“No problem! You come with me. Your husband is there, isn’t he? Let’s try the chef’s lunch. You’ll see.” Old Xia chuckled, putting his pipe away. He brushed the willow flowers on his shoulder then clasped his hands behind his back, signaling to Aunt Lao.

“How could I do that? I know the rules of the Private Mansion. It’s really strict!” Aunt Lao shook her head.

Although Shuilian had told her to visit the place when she had free time, she knew the momo and the maids in the private mansion are all from the Prince Mansion. They were much more strict than the ordinary rich families. Previously, she did come and talk to Su Shuilian together with Aunt Tian. However, since the three towns had been merged into one, that young woman had had so many things to do. Recently, she heard that the silk workshop was officially working, which made Su Shuilian visit Xiu Feng more regularly. Moreover, Aunt Lao was also busy with her farm. After she was done with her family’s paddy field, she had come to work at the main house’s fields for a dozen days. It has been almost a month since she’s seen that girl.

“You’re not going there to break anything, are you? Let’s go! At most, I will give you my bowl of beef brisket.” Old Xia picked up his straw hat, walking away from the lines of willow trees.

Aunt Lao burst out laughing, shaking her head. Since her eldest daughter-in-law had left to visit her mother’s house. If she went home now, she would have to reheat and eat the porridge she cooked this morning for lunch. Thus, Aunt Lao decided to follow Old Xia to the main house. She wondered if she would have a chance to meet Shuilian and hug her three kids!