Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 523 - 407: Wild Vegetables and Weeds Are Treasures Too

Zhang Guoqing got to work as soon as he thought of it.

Once again, he saw Zhang Meili bringing wild vegetables.

He decisively notified everyone to return to their hometown over the weekend; he would take them to the mountains to forage for wild vegetables.

Everyone eagerly waited, and finally, it was the weekend. Before dawn, a gust of wind swept everyone to Zhang Family Village.

Mother Zhang stayed with the women and children at the foot of the mountain to dig for wild vegetables while Zhang Guoqing, along with Mr. Zhang, his two elder brothers, and two brothers-in-law, headed uphill.

At the mountain’s base, there were hardly any wild vegetables to pick, not even the newly sprouted ones. The old captain had already ordered the village’s elders and youths to harvest them all.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, Mother Zhang suggested everyone return to tend to their own backyards. She took her two daughters to the riverside, hoping to catch some small fish and shrimp, as she enjoyed the dried small fish Zhou Jiao prepared last time.

Zhou Jiao didn’t try to persuade her otherwise. She suspected Mother Zhang and the others would return disappointed.

Holding her child, she returned to her yard, realizing she hadn’t gone back to the village. The backyard had already been tidied up by Zhang Guoqing, with quite a few seasonal vegetables and fruits planted, though only just sprouting. The last empty row seemed reserved for corn. Last year’s tender corn was devoured by the couple, leaving little behind.

Zhou Jiao, concerned about Zhang Guoqing, found him inspecting the surroundings and discovering that the wild vegetables had been thoroughly collected. He pondered that the old captain was diligent in this. If the mountain wasn’t dangerous, perhaps even Daqing Mountain wouldn’t escape their ravaging.

He weighed the fishing net, thinking it better not to go to the mountainside; the pond near the cabin was likely emptied. Who knows if his cousins had nearly stripped the dense woods bare?

With them in tow, it took a full hour to reach the dense woods.

Fortunately, the place was still overgrown, indicating that Zhang Qingshan and the others didn’t frequent it. Formerly abundant pheasants and rabbits were scarce now. He’s unsure if his blessed land could still bring him luck.

Mr. Zhang was unaware his younger son was contemplating other gains. He was delighted, looking at the wild vegetation ahead, eagerly asking everyone to take out the insect repellent Zhou Jiao had prepared.

Zhang Guoqing cleared a circle with a stick and then used a machete to carve out a safe spot, instructing his inexperienced brothers-in-law to stay there and collect wild vegetables.

Mr. Zhang and the others were thrilled, especially the brothers-in-law. They had long heard that the place was deserted, with plenty of wild vegetables. Not to mention, Zhang Guoqing found a large patch of yam, which could serve as both a staple and a vegetable—a true bounty.

Zhang Guoqing helped with the digging while keeping an eye on the surroundings. Although he visited multiple times without issues, caution doesn’t hurt.

Pressed for time, Zhang Chunming managed better, whereas Chen Xiaobin was a complete novice, unfamiliar with many wild vegetables besides a few common ones. This quickly led to an amusing scene.

Zhang Guoqing was astonished to see his second brother-in-law picking up almost any grass, stuffing it into burlap sacks. He laughed, thinking it better to let him be, as there was no dirt being packed; they’d sort it out upon returning.

Everyone quickly finished collecting and continued forward. This season’s wild vegetables were tender and delicious, making it impossible to pick them all at once. Gradually, even Chen Xiaobin learned to select those vegetables favored by the family.

Once all the carried bags were filled, the group surveyed the harvest and decided it was sufficient. They planned to head back, arriving just in time for lunch.

Zhang Guoqing lifted his fishing net, suggesting Mr. Zhang and others wait here for him. He intended to check the blessed land, hoping to catch some fish if there was no game.

Zhang the Second, upon hearing this, promptly set down his things, following behind him. He craved meat — fresh meat. Except for New Year, his family hadn’t tasted fresh meat for a long time. And not just his family, the entire county hadn’t.

Trailing Zhang Guoqing, he silently prayed to encounter a wild boar. Just one would suffice as he pondered how it would taste.

Unfortunately, no matter how stealthily the brothers approached, not even a strand of pig hair was seen.

Zhang Guoqing curiously surveyed the surroundings, lowered his head searching for animal tracks, only to find very few new prints. Could the animals have fled, perhaps scared off during the previous wolf hunt? 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Without time to think further, he tossed out the net, baiting with fish food. After a moment, he pulled it in, estimating the weight, revealing a slight smile. Yes, it’s good!

The brothers carried a net full of fish and made their way back. Just outside the woods, they met up with Mr. Zhang and the others. Barely exchanging greetings, Zhang Guoqing immediately called out to Mr. Wang.

Mr. Zhang and the others looked at him in bewilderment, wondering if the kid had lost his mind.

Soon, Zhang Guoqing’s voice echoed far away, with Mr. Wang’s replies resonating.

In less than five minutes, Mr. Wang, carrying game and accompanied by his eldest grandson, appeared before everyone.

Zhang the Second stared at the wild boar on Mr. Wang’s back, giving Zhang Guoqing a pitiful look, which made him burst out laughing.

Mr. Wang, noting the situation, had some idea. However, he was still seeking Zhang Guoqing. What’s a wild boar? With luck, he could offer one without concern for sharing.

He dropped the game and took Zhang Guoqing aside, quietly explaining the situation.

Ever since eliminating the nearby wolf pack, Mr. Wang and his son began venturing into the deep mountains. He’d been longing for the wild forest he once saw in his youth, where he found ginseng. Those two roots had allowed him to marry and have children, living half a lifetime in comfort.

Later, the Daoist at the mountainside left, the temple fell into ruin, and the wolf pack grew, making them cautious about venturing up the mountain. Nowadays, with several grandsons needing to marry and have children, he wished to visit the forest again, hoping for a one-time bounty that would secure his descendants’ livelihood.

Of course, this conclusion is based on Zhang Guoqing’s interpretation of Mr. Wang’s words.

Facing Mr. Wang’s invitation, Zhang Guoqing hesitated; he wasn’t lacking money, not willing to take risks. No matter how valuable ginseng might be, could it buy food?

Since Zhou Jiao’s distressful sobs last time, he vowed not to get involved in anything dangerous, sparing her worry. Moreover, he didn’t believe Mr. Wang necessarily wanted his involvement; he had sons and grandsons, manpower wasn’t lacking. Why share treasures with him?

Mr. Wang knew without offering some benefits, Zhang Guoqing wouldn’t act. He didn’t hide the truth from him, knowing Zhang’s nature well, honesty might work better.

Zhang Guoqing pinched his palm hard, lowering his head to suppress a smile. He never imagined having four bottles of sedatives at home would become a bargaining chip to entice Mr. Wang. Hmm, his wife was indeed extraordinary.

Keeping his emotions in check, Zhang Guoqing asked who would be going. Upon knowing Mr. Wang would bring his eldest son and eldest grandson, he was reassured; he didn’t want to be cannon fodder.

After some contemplation, Zhang Guoqing nodded in agreement. The two set a time and parted ways back home. He didn’t tell Mr. Zhang, nor did he inform Zhou Jiao until afterward.

On the way down the mountain, he pondered who might be a suitable companion.