Chapter 161: Nature's Bounty
Chapter 161: Nature's Bounty
Sui Sui slept soundly and peacefully. Perhaps it was because children had fewer worries, their minds were simpler, and they slept more soundly.
Not even Tang Lingheng's ruckus outside, which caused the pilgrims to complain, could wake Sui Sui.
When she first woke up and didn't see her mother, Empress Qi, Sui Sui pouted unhappily.
Aunt Xiang quickly put down her work and rushed to comfort the little girl.
Aunt Xiang's gentle pats were warm and soothing, and Sui Sui's sadness didn't last long.
Hearing footsteps outside and smelling the familiar scent approaching, Sui Sui poked her little head out from Aunt Xiang's side and, seeing that it was her mother, Empress Qi, she jumped down joyfully, exclaiming, "Mother!"
The happiness in the child's voice was unmistakable.
Upon hearing this, the Empress of Qi's mood instantly improved.
She quickly walked over, picked up Sui Sui, and happily nuzzled her, saying, "Mother is here, my good girl."
Tang Lingheng's constant noise was a source of annoyance for the Empress Qi.
However, if it were Sui Sui making a fuss, the Empress Qi felt that she would most likely feel relieved and proud.
Her child had grown so brave that she could argue with others.
What a wonderful thing!
After waking up and spending some extra time with her mother, Sui Sui finally let her mother carry her to get some water.
As they walked, the Empress Qi chatted with Sui Sui, "Autumn Auntie has made you a jujube and cherry sweet tea. Try it later and see if you like it. If there's something you particularly enjoy, you can ask Aunt Xiang to add more."
Jujubes and cherries were both luxurious treats.
Moreover, Sui Sui had never had the opportunity to taste them before.
Now, hearing about cherries and recalling the taste and texture she experienced the day before, she couldn't help but swallow her saliva in anticipation.
Sensing the little girl's greed, Empress Qi gently caressed Sui Sui's cheek and smiled, "Later, Mother will accompany Sui Sui in drinking it, okay?"
Sui Sui obediently nodded and, after a moment's thought, added, "Mother should drink more!"
The innocent words of a child were always the most heartwarming.
The Empress Qi couldn't help but break into a wide grin.
Soon, the two of them sat down to enjoy their sweet tea.
The tea was made with a base of sour plum and osmanthus, enhanced with jujubes, red dates, and dried cherries.
It tasted sweet and fragrant, and the added ingredients were all nourishing and healthy.
The dried cherries had been sun-dried, giving them a delightful chewiness.
The day before, when she had learned that there was only one cherry tree, the Empress Qi had been quite anxious.
Now, having sought divine guidance and feeling more at peace, she finally had the peace of mind to appreciate the gifts of nature that Spring and Summer offered.
After taking a couple of sips, the Empress Qi turned to Sui Sui and asked, "Is it good?"
For a child, anything sweet and sugary was undoubtedly delicious!
So, when her mother asked, Sui Sui vigorously nodded her head, "It's delicious, Mother."
The way the little girl nodded was adorable, and the Empress Qi couldn't resist reaching out to caress her.
After enjoying their tea, the two finally got up to continue listening to the sutras.
As they stepped out, they noticed several young monks carrying tools and heading towards the back mountain.
Many pilgrims were also following suit, equipped with similar tools.
This piqued the Empress Qi's curiosity, and she turned to Autumn Auntie with a quiet question, "What's going on?"
Autumn Auntie replied softly, "They're going to the back mountain to dig for wild vegetables. Spring is the season when wild herbs and medicines are at their most vibrant. This area of the back mountain is particularly abundant, so the young monks have gone to gather them. Some pilgrims also expressed interest in experiencing the activity, but for safety reasons, they are only allowed to gather in this designated area. The young monks, however, are permitted to venture further."
"Young masters and mistresses, even the least skilled among them have some foundation in martial arts. Moreover, they travel in groups. Even if they do encounter wild beasts, they can handle themselves for a while. However, the same cannot be said for the pilgrims. Especially among them are young masters and mistresses from wealthy and influential families. If something were to happen to them, the temple would surely face a major incident."
"However, there is an enclosed area at the back of the temple where vegetables and various fruits are grown. It is also home to numerous wild vegetables, more than enough for many people to forage. Wild vegetables? Queen Qi has indeed tasted them before. Some have a pleasant texture, and when prepared well by the head chef, they can be quite delicious. Occasionally, during the right season, they can be enjoyed fresh. For them, it's merely a way to vary their palate, but for many ordinary people, it's a precious gift from nature."
Queen Qi didn't have any particular interest in foraging for wild vegetables. She watched for a while and noticed that many people seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially the children who were probably experiencing this for the first time. They were exceptionally lively, eager to explore every corner of the grassland.
As for digging for wild vegetables? They would rather play and connect with nature.
Watching the children enjoy themselves, Queen Qi became thoughtful. She wondered: Would Sui Sui like to play like this?
Children are naturally drawn to the outside world and its excitement.
Without making the decision herself, Queen Qi lowered her head and asked Sui Sui, "Sui Sui, would you like to join them in digging for wild vegetables?"
Sui Sui had foraged for wild vegetables before. If she hadn't, she would have starved long ago. Hearing her mother's question, she wasn't particularly keen on the idea. It wasn't that she disliked working, but digging for wild vegetables reminded her of the difficult and bitter life she had endured in the past.
Sui Sui had been telling herself that those days were behind her. Now, she had her mother, brothers, and a home. Life was comfortable, and she was no longer the pitiful child she once was.
However, if her mother wanted to go, Sui Sui would be willing to set aside her own preferences and accompany her. Her mother's happiness was the most important thing.
With these thoughts in mind, Sui Sui asked softly, "Does Mother like to eat wild vegetables?"
Did she like them? Occasionally, when they were fresh, they could be pleasant. But eating them regularly? Perhaps not. Some of them had a rather unpleasant texture, although Doctor Liu had said that they had good medicinal effects.
Still, Queen Qi thought to herself, she wasn't ill, so why bother eating wild vegetables?
Not wanting to hide her true feelings, she answered honestly, "Not particularly. I only eat them occasionally for a change of taste."
Hearing her mother's dislike, Sui Sui finally felt relieved and gently shook her head. "Then let's not go, Mother. Digging for wild vegetables is tiring and exposes us to the sun. They don't taste very good, and some are bitter and unpleasant."
Queen Qi had only wanted to let her child play freely. Hearing Sui Sui's words, she suddenly realized how her innocent question might have unintentionally evoked Sui Sui's memories of her past hardships!
Thinking of this, Queen Qi took a deep breath, intending to comfort Sui Sui and then take her to listen to the sutras. Just then, a gentle voice called out from behind them, "Wife."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
