Before Marriage (Four)

  "The sweet potato is short in shape, sweet in taste, and has two kinds of skin: red and white. It's commonly known as 'red burn' and can be used not only as a staple food but also as a vegetable dish. Moreover, it has medicinal properties, including tonifying the middle, harmonizing blood, generating fluids to quench thirst, and strengthening the spleen and kidneys. Of course, what's most notable is that it's easy to grow and highly productive..."

  "It is recorded in the agricultural book that it spreads quickly, with roots at every node, and produces several thousand catties per mu. It is several times more productive than other grains, and can be planted after locust disasters, war-torn land, and severe droughts when other grains are not suitable..."

  "In addition, sweet potatoes can be steamed, boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried, or roasted... with many ways of eating. Once skillfully cooked, it can become a delicious dish on the table. Moreover, it can be cut, dried in the sun, or stored in a cellar for a long time without going bad..." Under the warm sunshine of spring, Jiuniang was enthusiastically explaining to several old farmers who were listening intently.

  For the sweet potato that solved China's famine and food shortages in her past life, promoting population growth, she really has a good impression, and hopes that this thing can also be useful in this life.

  Because in this time and space, although the sweet potato was introduced earlier than in the previous life, it is not widely cultivated. Perhaps people's understanding of sweet potatoes is still not deep enough. What she needs to do now is to let more people know about sweet potatoes and cultivate them.

  This can also be considered as her contribution to this society as a traverser... Uh, of course, the direct beneficiary is still Wenfu. In fact, her starting point was also Wenfu. If she could increase some economic benefits for Wenfu, wouldn't her future be more stable?

  But she, who was focused on speaking, didn't notice that several people had already stood outside the courtyard gate at some point. The two men in front were wearing a red silver silk dark patterned brocade jacket and a black sleeve arrow long gown respectively, with different temperaments but equally extraordinary and outstanding, not ordinary people at first glance.

  Sharp-eyed Zhen discovered the two intruders, and she couldn't help but glance around. When her gaze fell on the two men at the door surrounded by several sword-carrying guards, her face first showed surprise, then immediately pushed the one sitting at the door sipping tea and admiring Jiu Si'er, Jiang Shi.

  Jiang was taken aback and stared at her.

  Zhen pointed at the gate.

  Jiang's gaze swept past, and when he saw the two of them, his face couldn't help but show a hint of surprise, and he quickly stood up.

  "Third Sister..." Zhen Shi called out softly.

  It was clear that they were waiting for her instructions, and she alone called the shots.

  But...

  "Eldest sister..."

  Jiang looked at the door again, and finally put down his plan to rush up immediately. He then called out softly to Jiu, who was speaking with great enthusiasm.

  No need to mention others, the fourth prince Ouyang Rui was also fine, last time he followed Ouyang Jing to Wen's house, he was quite gentle, but for Yang Guofeng who was about to become her legitimate son-in-law, she had some reservations.

  What if she went forward to welcome her, but the other party still had that cold face on, uh... where should this future mother-in-law put her face then...

  "What's wrong, Mother?" Jiuniang was taken aback, stopped explaining and looked at Jiang Shi.

  Jiang didn't say anything, he just smiled and looked towards the door.

  Jiuer followed her gaze and looked over, when her eyes fell on the door, she suddenly widened her eyes.

  No way...

  But how could it be otherwise? It's absolutely true, the unbearable moment has arrived ahead of time.

  She couldn't help but feel annoyed with Jiang for a moment. As her mother-in-law, didn't she think that doing this was a bit out of place?

  It's impolite for men and women to meet before marriage.

  "The noble guest has arrived, let's go and welcome him together!" Jiang said with a smile.

  "Hmm..."

  The ninth sister nodded, but didn't move immediately. Instead, she raised her head, stretched out her slender neck over several old farmers and looked towards the gate of the courtyard.

  The old farmers who were listening to her speak were naturally surprised, looked at her, and then turned their heads towards the door. When they saw these people dressed in unusual clothes, they couldn't help but widen their eyes immediately.

  And so those few people at the entrance were thoroughly exposed in the public eye.

  In an instant, he became the focus of everyone's attention. Ouyang Rui smiled lightly, but Yang Guofeng couldn't help but frown.

  This girl is really not idle for a moment, even small things also want to think about...

  "Let's go, brother. Your little princess is watching you." At this time, Ouyang Rui on the other end had already smiled and spoken up.

  Yang Guofeng took another look at the girl who was as tender as a spring flower in the warm sunshine and finally nodded.

  Watching the two men approaching with a swagger, Jiang couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, but Jiu Sier beside her lowered her head.

  She was naturally sharp and how could she not see that unusual hint in Yang Guofeng's deep black eyes.

  Alas, she has already offended her future husband. In his heart, he must think poorly of her, but she can't change this situation and doesn't know how many difficulties await her in their future married life...

  After exchanging greetings, Mr. Chiang invited the two men to sit in the house.

  Upon entering the house, Jiang and Zhen exchanged pleasantries with the two men, while Jiu retreated under the pretext of personally brewing tea for their esteemed guests.

  Arrived at the kitchen, couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, wiping away the sweat beads on his forehead, it really wasn't humanly possible.

  Yang Guofeng didn't say anything, nor did he ask a single question, but his eyes were too sharp, and she was already feeling guilty, so it really felt like the seconds were like years.

  The most annoying thing is that Ou Yang Rui always has a look of watching a good show on his face...

  "Miss, Madam has brewed tea for you, hurry up and take it over, they're waiting in front!" Just as she was relaxing, Zhou's mother suddenly came in and said to her.

  Uh...

  She was taken aback, what rhythm is this, won't they let her go?

  "Miss, the water is ready."

  That little girl with the green hair was still following and cheering, and quickly brought over a pot of boiling water and tea leaves, smiling triumphantly.

  She had no choice but to grit her teeth and go along with it.

  She slowly re-entered the main hall, trying to ignore the deep, mysterious eyes that occasionally glanced over at her, forcing herself to calm down and composedly help several people pour tea.

  The tea was poured quickly, this time... should be okay, she turned around and wanted to leave again...

  "Miss Wenjiu..." But at this time, the ruthless Ouyang Rui stopped her again.

  "What instructions does the Fourth Prince have?" She had no choice but to stop in her tracks and ask respectfully with her head bowed.

  "'I dare not instruct,' Ouyang Rui smiled like a fox, glancing at Yang Guofeng beside him, 'it's like this, after hearing your words just now, my elder cousin wants to ask a question...'"

  "Oh..." Jiujier was stunned, looking at Yang Guofeng. When her gaze fell on the slightly twitching corner of Yang Guofeng's mouth, she suddenly had an epiphany - Ou Yangrui... must be... doing it on purpose...

  "I'd like to ask you, can this sweet potato really grow anywhere, even in barren land?" Just as Jiujie was stunned, Yang Guofeng suddenly spoke up.

  "Indeed!" Hearing him ask this, Jiu sister naturally discarded all distractions and replied very seriously, "Sweet potatoes are cut into blocks and buried before the Cold Food Festival, and in late spring, the vines are pruned and divided for planting. They have low requirements for season and land, and when encountering drought, they have strong drought resistance and can be irrigated with a little well water. When encountering floods, after the water recedes, other grains are not suitable for sowing, but sweet potato vines can be cut and planted. In the event of a locust disaster, even if the sweet potato leaves are damaged, because the tubers are buried underground, the locusts cannot reach them. After the locust disaster passes, new shoots will still grow, and sweet potatoes will be produced. Sweet potatoes can be said to be the 'first treasure' for saving famine..."

  Looking at the serious and delicate little face in front of him, listening to that crisp and clear voice, Yang Guofeng suddenly felt that the future wife his aunt had chosen for him was not bad.

  It seems that this little brain is not just full of cunning and tricks...

  He listened, looked and thought, yet didn't realize that his behavior was already quite out of place.

  That made her face flush with embarrassment, and Jiang Shi and Zhen Shi also felt a bit awkward, not knowing how to react.

  If this were to reach the old lady's ears, the two of them would definitely be given a good scolding. Although the two young people are about to get married soon, but this pre-marital meeting is not in line with etiquette.

  But they two people did this irregular thing because they didn't want to face this cold-faced king...

  Among those present, only one was calm and composed, even seeming to take pleasure in it, that is Ouyang Rui.

  It seems that this brother of his really has a different attitude towards this little princess, and he's distracted. But suddenly, he thought of another charming figure, and the smile on his face couldn't help but freeze for an instant...

  However, Yang Guofeng did not notice his thoughts, because he clearly saw the blush on that delicate little face, and only then realized his own rudeness.

  He couldn't help but take another two glances before moving his gaze away, nodding, "Thank you, Miss Xie Wenjiu!"

  Hmph...

  But in her heart, she didn't feel a shred of guilt. Didn't they already have an affair two years ago? What's the point of doing that again?

  "Mother, I'll go wash some more fruit!" Jiuniang took the opportunity to slip away.

  Chiang nodded hastily this time.

  The ninth sister turned around and went out the door.

  Not only that, but Yang Guofeng's gaze also drifted past, falling on the feet of Jiu Sier, who was turning to leave. The pair of crimson butterfly-embroidered shoes caught his eye, causing his gaze to sink slightly...

  Later until the two left, Jiuniang did not come out again, and Jiang naturally did not let anyone call her again, because she found that this future son-in-law was a bit cold, but also polite.

  Jiang arranged for Da Zongguan Wen San to take care of some trivial matters and then made arrangements for him to return home.

  Today she really gained something, not only did she handle the affairs on Zhuangzi well, but also planted that sweet potato. After Jiujie's repeated emphasis and Yang Guofeng's attention, she began to have hope for this sweet potato, who knows if it will become a source of income for Zhuangzi.

  In addition, there is another important thing, which is understanding Yang Guofeng.

  It can be seen that Li Taijun is delighted on the surface about the marriage between Jiu Sier and Yang Guofeng, but in fact, she is not at ease. However, after today's performance, she can let the old man completely put his mind at rest, because this Yang Guofeng seems to have taken a liking to Jiu Sier.

  The old man stepped down, and she and her husband dared to be proud of it openly, didn't they? Hehe...

  ……

  Time flies, and it's already April. The people in the Wen Mansion have started to bustle about for the ninth sister's wedding. The ninth sister is naturally busy too, but it's unclear whether she's busy with her dowry or paying attention to her cousin Xu Wei's arrival, as well as the matter of the white wax tree.

  The elder brother's first trial indeed came, but it was not ideal, so the re-examination is even more important; and that white waxworm has also reached its first spawning period, she naturally wants to start arranging for the collection of the first batch of wax flowers twenty days later...

  ……

  Digression

  Guys, I won't sleep tonight, write...write...

  Peony's kiss, dear, for this update ticket from Weimei, dear, for this reward from Yunyue, dear, for these five shiny diamonds, I'll work hard!