"High-quality Arisaema detected. Five mall coins per gram. Would you like to sell it?"
"High-quality Pinellia Tuber detected. Ten mall coins per gram. Would you like to sell it?"
"High-quality Asarum detected. Three mall coins per gram. Would you like to sell it?"
...
Perhaps because it was the first day, everyone was worried the news was a scam, so the Medicinal Herbs they brought weren't many. Each type only added up to about half a catty.
Qin Sang set up a display stand with the mugwort and solomons seal rhizome they had left at home. While exchanging grain for them, she told them that these Medicinal Herbs were also being collected.
Once they touched the Millet and wheat Qin Sang gave them and realized it was real, some laughed out loud with joy, some cried while holding their bags, and some even acted with a frantic madness. Without exception, after receiving the grain, they quickly left with their bags.
They were also afraid that the grain they had worked so hard to get would be stolen.
While exchanging, Qin Sang inquired:
"Have you found a water source yet?"
The other person looked at her with some caution:
"Why are you asking that?"
Qin Sang smiled and said:
"Don't be nervous. I noticed you all only ask for grain and none for water, so I thought you might have found a place with water."
Seeing Qin Sang's clothing and complexion, she didn't look like someone lacking water. Only then did the person say:
"Where could we find a water source? Even if there is one, it's just a few drops here and there in a Cave, far too little."
Qin Sang asked:
"Then how have you survived?"
It had been nearly a month since they entered the mountains. Without grain, one could eat Caoer roots, tree bark, or soil, but without water, it was impossible.
The person replied:
"We've been able to survive thanks to the Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain."
Qin Sang said in surprise:
"The Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain? They have extra water to give out?"
Seeing the grain in his hands, the man felt a bit more grateful toward Qin Sang and her group:
"Yes, every three days, someone distributes water at the foot of the mountain. You need to show your household registration to receive it, which is why we've survived until now."
"If you go, you should bring your household registration and buckets. You must bring enough people; there are people robbing others on the road."
This news was somewhat unexpected for Qin Sang.
She hadn't expected the Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain to actually distribute water to the common people. Were they really Bandits?
"Is there anything else you want to ask?"
The man asked kindly. Qin Sang quickly snapped back to her senses:
"Is Qingfeng Mountain far from here?"
The man thought for a moment before answering:
"It took me two shichen to walk here, and it takes most of a day to reach the foot of Qingfeng Mountain. Altogether, it's about a day's journey."
"If you're also short on water, I can lead the way for you."
Qin Sang scooped an extra bowl of Millet for him:
"Alright, thank you. If we have a need, I'll let you know."
The man hadn't expected to gain such a large benefit just by speaking a few more words. His hands trembled as he bowed:
"Thank you."
With this man as a fine example, the rest of the people took the initiative to tell Qin Sang what they knew about Qingfeng Mountain.
Some said they used to live at the foot of Qingfeng Mountain and that the Bandits on the mountain didn't rob commoners like them; instead, they often bought rice and vegetables from them to take up the mountain.
Some said the terrain of Qingfeng Mountain was rugged and the only way up was across a suspension bridge.
Some said that officials often went to Qingfeng Mountain to enjoy the scenery...
Qin Sang's interest in Qingfeng Mountain was because she had used their name; she didn't actually intend to go see it. However, it didn't hurt to know more about the outside world.
Living in ancient times where information was scarce, one could only learn about the outside world through word of mouth. So, Qin Sang also inquired about where they lived.
By the time all the exchanges were finished, Qin Sang had a better understanding of this mountainous forest.
Most of them lived in Caves, and some had even encountered wolf packs, losing nearly half of their villagers.
Qin Sang also drew a simple map, gaining a basic understanding of the nearby refugee settlements.
The first day of exchanging with the refugees went without trouble, but that might not be the case in the future.
After returning to the camp, Qin Sang checked the roots Er Fu had collected. There were no major issues. She also checked the unsorted roots and found two new types of Medicinal Herbs: Chuan Xiong and Chai Hu.
After going over the appearance and scent of the new Medicinal Herbs with Er Fu, it grew dark.
Qin Sang didn't see Eldest Girl, so she asked Eldest Brothers Wife, who was cooking:
"Where is Eldest Girl? It's already dark; why isn't she home yet?"
While cooking the vegetables, Eldest Brothers Wife replied:
"Eldest Girl should be at Widow Xia's house. I heard that Caoer has to go up the mountain during the day to dig for roots and can't study with Wen Mo, so Eldest Girl volunteered to teach her how to write."
Qin Sang frowned:
"How can that be? Widow Xia's house has neither oil lamps nor candles. It's so late and she's not back yet; her eyes will be ruined over time."
Hearing this, Eldest Brothers Wife also became worried:
"Then... then should I go call Eldest Girl back?"
Qin Sang waved her hand:
"Never mind, we'll talk when she gets back."
If she went now, Widow Xia might overthink things.
When it was time to eat, the little girl finally came skipping back happily, shouting from afar:
"Grandma, look at the calligraphy I wrote today."
Qin Sang crouched down, took the little girl into her arms, and began to look at the paper. Before she could offer any praise, Eldest Brothers Wife, who was bringing in the food, said:
"Eldest Girl, tomorrow don't go to Caoer's house. Teaching at night will ruin your eyes."
The smile on Eldest Girl's face faded slightly as she turned to Qin Sang and asked:
"Grandma, why can't I teach Caoer?"
Seeing that the little girl looked like she was about to cry, Qin Sang quickly comforted her:
"It's not that I'm not letting you teach. You see, Caoer's family has many people and their living space is narrow. It's inconvenient for you to squeeze in there."
"You can bring Caoer back here to teach. We have candles at home and it's bright. If there's anything you don't understand, your Little Uncle can help. Once the lesson is over, your father can walk her back. Wouldn't that be great?"
To her surprise, Eldest Girl was happy at first, but then she shook her head:
"I don't want Little Uncle to teach. I will teach."
Qin Sang was slightly surprised:
"Eldest Girl, why won't you let Little Uncle help out?"
The little girl raised her face and said seriously:
"Because I want to be a Female Tutor! Why are all tutors boys? Can't girls go to school?"
Qin Sang looked at Eldest Girl's small face in astonishment. After the recent nutritional supplements, Eldest Girl's face had rounded out, and her eyes were large and bright. Her serious expression at this moment was pure and untainted.
Qin Sang remembered being in the clearing of the camp this morning. Because her attention had been on Wen Mo, worrying if he was nervous, she had overlooked this point.
At that time, everyone studying there was a boy or a man.
There were no young girls, let alone older ones.
If not for Eldest Girl's words, Qin Sang might not have noticed this issue for several more days.
Fortunately, it could still be remedied.
Qin Sang took Eldest Girl's hands and asked with a smile:
"So, Eldest Girl wants to be a Female Tutor?"
"Yes, I want to be like Little Uncle. I don't think I'm any worse than him."
Qin Sang didn't mock the little girl; instead, she was very happy that Eldest Girl could now bravely express herself:
"Alright, then does Eldest Girl have the confidence to teach more than just Caoer?"