Chapter 80: Proposing a Draft

Zhou Yu naturally had no objections and even sent Xu Xia to start the fire.

Heated wok, cool oil. First, the spices were tossed in to fry, and a bold, fragrant aroma immediately wafted out. Then came the scallions, ginger, and garlic. Once they turned slightly golden, the rabbit meat was added and stir-fried.

The smell grew increasingly rich and delicious. Xu Xia couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. “Miss Qin, your cooking is truly top-notch!”

“The countryside method is rather rough,” Qin Ying replied with a smile. “It’s just about enjoying a hearty meal.”

After the stir-fry, she added nearly a full pot of hot water and instructed Xu Xia to bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. “This rabbit is older and a bit tough, so a longer stew will make it more tender.

“Also, our rural stove tends to burn hotter, and water evaporates quickly. Keep an eye on it. When it’s about right, I’ll come add the vegetables.

“And over there, we’ve already kneaded the dough. We’ll make flatbreads to go with the meal. You don’t need to worry about that. If I can’t make it back, I’ll have my mother come help.”

Xu Xia agreed cheerfully and tended the fire with enthusiasm.

Qin Ying returned to stew the rabbit meat at home. She also used a small pot to prepare a batch of brine and marinated two rabbit heads, adding some Cornus officinalis (dogwood fruit) to enhance the flavor.

What they didn’t know was that next door, Zhang Jinzhi was also discussing rabbit meat with Zhou Yu.

“Uncle Chen Jiu even sought out his subordinates and repeatedly emphasized that in the future, when the rabbits are fully grown, they should just keep them for themselves and not share them with the other villagers.”

Zhou Yu nodded slightly. “If our actions cause resentment among the villagers, then it’s counterproductive.

“But I’ve noticed the rabbits next door are really thriving—not only are they larger than ours, but their fur is also glossier.

“I’m thinking, if they can really popularize their rabbit-raising method…”

“Sir!” Zhang Jinzhi interrupted anxiously, “If it weren’t for that incident before—”

“Calm down,” Zhou Yu raised a hand to stop him. “This matter must be well thought out before moving forward.

“Those who take in rabbits must sign an agreement in front of village elders and the other villagers. That way, everyone can rest assured.”

Zhang Jinzhi sighed twice. “You mean well, sir…”

Zhou Yu set down his brush and sighed. “Jinzhi, although everyone now has some grain, enough to avoid hunger, we’re still lacking in oil and fat. And the winters in the mountains are cold.

“If they raise rabbits, not only can they add some fat to their diet, but the rabbit fur will also be very useful in winter.

“You know, rabbits reproduce quickly. If raised well, they can really benefit the people.”

“You’re right,” Zhang Jinzhi nodded slowly. “But you should still discuss this carefully with the neighbors. After what happened last time, the mother and daughter likely still feel uncomfortable.”

Nearly an hour later, Qin Ying came over to add vegetables to the stew, sprinkled in some salt, and stuck the flatbreads to the side of the stove. Realizing that the group was large and the food might not be enough, she said she’d ask Aunt Zhao to come help make more flatbreads.

Just as she was about to leave, Zhou Yu came out and called to her. “Miss Qin, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Qin Ying didn’t know why but still asked, “Please go ahead.”

“It’s about raising rabbits…” Zhou Yu had just started when he saw Qin Ying’s brows furrow slightly.

“Sir,” Qin Ying curtsied and interrupted him. “To be honest, I’ve been thinking about this matter for quite some time.

“I wrote a proposal. I’ll bring it to you shortly. If you think it’s viable, you can take the lead on it.

“But it’s just a humble suggestion. If it’s no good, consider it something to make you smile.”

Zhou Yu’s eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on his face. He readily nodded. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”

Qin Ying bowed again and returned home.

Shortly after, Aunt Zhao came over carrying a basin of dough. She also brought Qin Ying’s rabbit-raising proposal and couldn’t help but say, “These days, whenever Yingzi had free time, she’d jot things down. First she wrote it on a small slate, revised it who knows how many times, and once it was finalized, she borrowed paper and ink from Mr. Zhang to copy it properly…

“Sigh, even outside the busy farming season, she’s never really idle.”

Zhou Yu saluted her, which startled Aunt Zhao so much she almost dropped the basin. She stammered, “Uh, I was just telling the truth… Yingzi… Yingzi is a good child… Not easy for her!”

“I know,” Zhou Yu replied seriously. “Don’t worry. I’ll consider this matter carefully, and I definitely won’t let Miss Qin be caught in the center of controversy.”

Aunt Zhao nodded repeatedly and hurried off to make flatbreads.

Zhou Yu then gave Zhang Jinzhi a look, and the two of them went into the inner room.

Zhang Jinzhi quickly said in a low voice, “I noticed that Miss Qin has a gift for learning, so I sent her some books and writing materials. But she wouldn’t accept them. She only borrowed the books and returned everything else.”

Zhou Yu nodded slightly. “I know. No one’s accusing you of doing nothing.”

He unrolled the proposal and studied it. As he read, he couldn’t help but slap the table and exclaim, “Excellent!”

Zhang Jinzhi craned his neck to look. The more he read, the wider his eyes grew. “Wonderful! Miss Qin is truly a remarkable woman!

“With this, all sorts of disputes can be avoided!”

Zhou Yu smiled broadly. “Indeed!” Of course, some details still needed refinement, but there was no need to say that aloud.

He spread out more paper and began copying the draft, adding his own thoughts as he went. Once finished, Zhang Jinzhi exclaimed, “Now it’s even better!”

Suddenly, Xu Xia’s cheerful voice rang out from outside. “Is it ready?”

Aunt Zhao replied happily, “It’s done. You can start eating now. You two carry on—I’ll head over first!”

Zhou Yu stepped out of the room smiling and said to her, “Aunt Zhao, please tell Miss Qin that her proposal is excellent. I’ll announce it in a few days.”

Aunt Zhao grinned from ear to ear, then suddenly smacked her forehead. “Oh, look at my memory—I almost forgot! Yingzi told me to let you know that both rabbit heads are done. She doesn’t mind not giving them to others, but Uncle Chen Jiu and Aunt Wang have helped us a lot, so she wants to give each of them a rabbit head.”

“Even I’ve been eating your family’s food,” Zhou Yu chuckled. “No need to tell me about something like that.”

“That won’t do,” Aunt Zhao said quickly. “She originally planned to gift one to you, sir, but ended up short one rabbit head. She had to at least let you know.”

Zhou Yu replied, “Alright, alright, just go ahead and give them. You’re treating us this time—we’ll definitely return the favor later.”

Aunt Zhao happily went home and immediately told everyone that Zhou Yu had approved Qin Ying’s proposal.

Qin Ying was also very happy.

Zhao Hu didn’t understand and asked, “What is it? What is it?”

An’an also stretched her neck curiously and asked, “What is it? What is it?”

Aunt Zhao tapped both of their heads. “Let’s set the table first. We’ll talk while we eat!”

“I know!” An’an raised her little hand and beamed. “It must be something good—something really good! Mama is the best!”

Would you like the next chapter translated as well?