The Peasant Wife: The Prime Minister's Beloved

If these gifts from nature can be properly collected, dried and stored, they will undoubtedly become a valuable reserve in cold or scarce days.

It is not only a kind of survival wisdom, but also a cherishment of the gifts of nature.

So she nodded slightly and reached out to take the gift that Mrs. Xiong handed to her with great anticipation.

At that moment, a hint of imperceptible tenderness and determination flashed in Chen Xi's eyes, but he never spoke out his plan and the warm considerations of this moment.

Seeing that Chen Xi accepted her sincere feelings, Sister Xiong's face, which was full of traces of time, suddenly blossomed into a flower-like smile.

That smile contained three parts of gratitude and seven parts of relief, as warm but not dazzling as the winter sun.

There was an indescribable light in her eyes, as if the stone that had been hanging in her heart for a long time had finally fallen to the ground. The relief and joy she felt were self-evident.

Chen Xi thought to himself that although Sister Xiong was an ordinary woman in the village, she was simple and kind, and never got involved in any unnecessary disputes.

In this small village, there are always some women who like to get together and weave an invisible net with words to capture and magnify the misfortunes and shortcomings of others, using them as topics of conversation after dinner.

Chen Xi was deeply disgusted by this kind of behavior, and believed that it was a blasphemy and disrespect for human nature.

But Sister Xiong is completely different. She always works silently and warms others with her actions. Such qualities are particularly precious in Chen Xi's eyes.

Therefore, she decided to lend a helping hand, not only because of the gift from the forest after the spring rain, but more out of recognition and respect for Mrs. Xiong's personality.

"Then I'll be welcome. Thank you, auntie."

During the simple greeting, Mrs. Xiong's smile was mixed with warmth and understanding. She gently patted the back of Chen Xi's hand, and her eyes conveyed a tacit understanding that did not require any words.

"Why are you being so polite to your aunt? I won't bother you anymore."

Afterwards, she turned around and said goodbye, with a slightly hurried pace, as if she was fully aware of Chen Xi's habit of not wanting others to disturb his peace.

After taking a few steps, Mrs. Xiong looked back unconsciously, her eyes full of the care and reluctance unique to an elder. Then she sighed, quickened her pace and disappeared around the corner of the alley.

Where Chen Xi couldn't see, Mrs. Xiong swallowed silently.

Chen Xi looked at Mrs. Xiong's receding back and gently closed the door. The room was instantly surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere.

Turning and walking into the house, his eyes were unconsciously attracted by the warm scene.

Two young faces were pressed tightly against the edge of the table, and two pairs of clear eyes seemed to be able to penetrate the thin layer of steam and stare straight at the plate of temptingly colored and fragrant braised meat.

Their expressions were full of longing and anticipation, their little mouths slightly open, swallowing saliva from time to time, their childlike innocence and greed made people laugh.

"Sister, when can we start eating? My stomach is already singing the Empty City Plan and is growling in protest!"

Xiaochen's voice was soft and urgent, with the childishness that is unique to children. He pointed at the plate of braised meat with his finger carefully, for fear of disturbing the tranquility of this delicious meal.

After saying that, he patted his flat belly in all seriousness. That action was full of innocence and naivety, making people want to go up and rub his head.

Hearing this, Chen Xi inadvertently raised a gentle smile at the corner of his mouth, with a doting look in his eyes.

"You two little greedy cats, there's really nothing I can do with you."

After she finished speaking, she pretended to be serious and warned: "But before enjoying the food, remember to wash your hands first. You know, if you accidentally eat something dirty, your stomach will get angry."

As soon as these words were spoken, the two little guys seemed to have pressed the start button. They immediately jumped up from the stools and rushed to the bathroom, leaving behind a string of silver bell-like laughter that echoed for a long time in this small but love-filled little house.

Chen Xi had a gentle smile on his face and a doting light in his eyes. He quietly watched the figures gradually moving away until they completely disappeared from his sight.

Then, she turned around lightly and looked towards the space in the yard that was bathed in the afternoon sun. There, Chen Rong was swinging an axe vigorously. Sweat slid down his forehead and dripped onto the dry ground, making a subtle but firm sound.

Chen Xi's clear voice penetrated the air, with a barely perceptible hint of joking: "Chen Rong, stop fighting with Mu Tou, go help your brother-in-law, help him into the house, everyone is waiting to wash their hands and eat."

"Okay!" Chen Rong answered cheerfully, his voice filled with the vitality unique to young people.

He put down the axe in his hand, patted the sawdust on his collar, an unruly smile jumped onto his cheeks, and he quickly ran towards the door outside the house.

At dinner time, the warm lights shine on the dining table, and the aroma of the dishes is intertwined with the warmth of home, creating an indescribable sense of happiness.

Xie Tianyi's eyes were gentle and concerned. He gently picked up a piece of vegetable and put it into Chen Xi's bowl. Then he asked in a low voice: "Did they not cause any more trouble for you on the mountain today? I was always worried about you being alone outside..."

Chen Xi shook his head, his smug look could not be concealed, "No, they seemed to be keeping their distance on purpose. As soon as I felt their breath approaching, I nimbly hid in the bushes beside me. I knew what they were thinking, they were just curious about what was so special about the herbs I picked, but I didn't do what they wanted, and instead took this opportunity to play a little trick on them."

Upon hearing this, Chen Rong's young face was immediately filled with curiosity and confusion, and her round eyes sparkled with a desire for knowledge. "Sister, what do you mean by 'playing a trick on someone else'? How did you do it?"

His words were full of childish curiosity, as if he was eager to solve this little mystery.

She deliberately selected some weeds that looked very similar to herbs.

These weeds have long and slender leaves with fine serrations on the edges. Their color is no different from that of herbs in the sunlight, and it is almost impossible to distinguish them without careful observation.

These weeds are dug up one by one and carefully spread around the real herbs to create the illusion that the area is full of precious herbs.

Make sure every detail is perfect so that those greedy herbalists will believe it at first sight and flock to the disguised place.

As expected, not long after, a group of hurried figures broke into this quiet valley, their eyes full of greed and excitement, holding various tools, searching everywhere.

"As soon as they saw the 'trap' I had carefully laid out, their eyes suddenly lit up with ecstasy, as if they had discovered a treasure. They rushed over impatiently and began digging frantically."