“Hmm, today has truly been a rewarding day.” Jian Xiu said proudly.

Even she hadn’t realized that, in front of Zhang Zixuan, she could show such a feminine side.

Seeing Jian Xiu so happy, Zhang Zixuan instinctively followed her words and asked:

“You must have found quite a few good things today, right?”

As he asked, the distress in Zhang Zixuan’s eyes was unmistakable.

If he could, he would bear all this for her.

But soon, he would be able to stand up again.

“Indeed, I found quite a few treasures.”

As she spoke, the first thing Jian Xiu did was take out the purple ginseng from her embrace.

Handing it to Zhang Zixuan, she said proudly, “Look at this. How many years old do you think this ginseng is?”

Jian Xiu had long noticed that although Zhang Zixuan had grown up in Zhangjia Village, perhaps due to his past experiences escorting trade caravans, he had seen more of the world than most.

He knew many things.

Sure enough, the moment he saw the ginseng in Jian Xiu’s hand, his eyes widened in shock.

Without even thinking, he blurted out, “Is this purple ginseng?”

Although it was a question, his tone was filled with certainty.

“Mhm! It sure is!” Jian Xiu confirmed confidently.

She knew this because she was a transmigrator.

She could guarantee that in the entire Zhangjia Village, very few people would recognize this as purple ginseng.

At most, they would know it was ginseng, but they wouldn’t know its exact type.

Yet Zhang Zixuan had identified it with just a glance.

She had to admit—his years of escorting goods were not in vain.

After Jian Xiu confirmed it, Zhang Zixuan asked again, “It’s said that purple ginseng is extremely rare. How did you find it?”

“Did you forget? I have Keke.” Jian Xiu said matter-of-factly.

After saying that, she pulled out a root from her basket and held it up in front of Zhang Zixuan.

“Do you recognize this?” she asked.

“Is that Smilax glabra?”

“You know it?”

“Yes, it’s also a medicinal herb. But… did you only find one? I heard that Smilax glabra usually grows in clusters.”

Hearing this, Jian Xiu was even more certain—her husband was indeed knowledgeable.

She then recounted in detail how she had discovered a whole patch of Smilax glabra.

“This stuff is valuable. You don’t need to go to Renhetang tomorrow. Just lead the others to dig it up.” Zhang Zixuan said excitedly.

He hadn’t expected that Jian Xiu’s trip into the mountains would not only yield rare finds but also lead to the discovery of Smilax glabra.

“How do you know that?” Jian Xiu asked curiously.

“I heard before that if it’s dried properly, high-quality Smilax glabra can sell for over one tael of silver per piece.”

“That much? Then tomorrow, when they come, I’ll have them dig it up. We can buy it from them at a fair price. What do you think?” Jian Xiu suggested.

“That works. If we rely only on ourselves, who knows how long it will take to dig it all up? Better to let them help, and we can collect and resell it later.”

“Deal!”

The Next Morning

At dawn, Zhang Zixuan was already awake.

He had to admit, the potion from the supermarket was truly effective.

His recovery was swift. Yesterday, he could barely stand for two minutes before his legs went numb with pain.

But after just one night, his legs had improved significantly.

Not only could he walk without assistance, but he even looked almost normal.

Zhang Zixuan didn’t say it out loud, but only he knew how excited he was inside.

He had been bedridden for over two years.

He never imagined that one day, he would be able to stand again.

“Xiu’er…”

“Mhm, I made this cane yesterday. It’s perfect for you. Keep it with you.”

“Look, I can walk steadily!”

“I know, but this is different. It’s sturdy.” Jian Xiu insisted stubbornly.

Seeing no way to refuse, Zhang Zixuan reluctantly took the cane.

But the moment he held it, he was stunned.

“Xiu’er, this…”

“I cut a branch from outside and took it to my supermarket. Keke modified it for me. It’s lightweight but hides a secret.”

As she spoke, Jian Xiu leaned closer and pointed to an inconspicuous button on the cane.

“See this? This is where the real magic happens. Try pressing it!”

At her urging, Zhang Zixuan pressed the button.

In an instant, the bottom of the cane revealed a hidden blade-like spike.

“Try shaking it.” Jian Xiu said proudly.

Zhang Zixuan did as instructed.

Sure enough, he heard a faint mechanical sound from inside the cane.

“Inside this is…”

“Silver needles! If you press this button, they’ll shoot out.”

Hearing that, Zhang Zixuan lowered his head and stared blankly at the unassuming “branch” in his hand.

“Now, do you still not want it?” Jian Xiu asked smugly.

Zhang Zixuan remained silent.

He slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes filled with warmth as he locked onto Jian Xiu.

He hadn’t expected her to understand him so well.

He had struggled with how to bring it up to her.

But she knew—she understood everything.

From the moment she explained the cane’s functions, Zhang Zixuan knew that she understood him.

“Xiu’er, thank you!”

“Oh? And what exactly are you thanking me for?”

“For everything you’ve given me. Without you, I wouldn’t dare imagine how dark my life would be. I never even dreamed that I would be able to stand again…”

“Well, I want you to thank me with action!” Jian Xiu interrupted.

Hearing this, Zhang Zixuan straightened his posture.

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t afraid.

Instead, he felt relieved.

Because in that moment, he finally felt useful again.

“Xiu’er, just tell me. As long as I can do it, even if it costs me my life—”

“I only need you to train in martial arts.” Jian Xiu interrupted once more.

“What… Xiu’er, what did you say?” Zhang Zixuan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“What, was I not clear enough?”

“Xiu’er, I…”

“No, you listen to me first.” Jian Xiu raised a hand, signaling him to stop.