Even though they were chatting about this and that,
But Luo Ge and others had noticed that one or two of those talking seemed to be glancing curiously into the courtyard.
It didn't seem like they were curious about the courtyard itself, but rather, they were looking for someone.
Sure enough, after a while, everyone got to the main point.
"Young Master, where are your guests?"
"Who are they? Are they your business friends? Here for the business?"
They had noticed the carriage entering the village that day, and from the looks of it, the guests seemed to be of no small standing.
However, out of respect for Gu Jinchen's guests, although curious, they didn't dare ask too many questions while the guests were present.
They didn't want to disturb the couple.
But today, with the guests out, they couldn't sit still anymore, their curiosity burning.
In this small village, gossip was their only entertainment.
So one by one, they gathered like a crowd of avid spectators at the Gu family's door, waiting to ask Luo Ge and her husband when they came out.
Hearing their words, Luo Ge knew they meant no harm.
However, since the Marquis and his companions were traveling incognito and didn't want outsiders to know about this matter,
She naturally couldn't be the one to spill the beans.
So, thinking this over, Luo Ge went along with the old woman's words and nodded.
"Mm, they're friends we met in the city. They happened to be in town these days, so they're staying here for a couple of days and taking a look at the workshop situation."
"They prefer quietness." Luo Ge added with a smile after thinking for a moment.
Hearing this, the crowd nodded in understanding.
"Alright, we understand."
Preferring quiet, eh? People of distinction!
They must be of great standing.
Seeing how Luo Ge and her husband were acting, it was clear that the guests were of high standing, not to be offended by a young couple like them, so they couldn't pry too much.
Ah, they were all sensible people who understood the situation.
Later, they reminded the young ones in their families not to run around making noise, lest they offend the guests' impression.
The Gu family's workshop was now a symbol of pride for their village!
Whenever they went out and heard other villages mention it, they felt a sense of glory.
Not to mention that they had heard the Gu family was planning to expand the workshop.
As fellow villagers, they would be the first to benefit if that happened – perhaps they could even work there then.
Hearing Luo Ge say this, the guests must have come for the workshop business.
After all, they had heard that the eggs produced in the workshop were selling like hotcakes out there, even favored by many wealthy households.
So if the guests came for this trip, it must have something to do with the workshop's future prospects.
And according to their earlier thoughts, that also meant it concerned their own prospects, so of course they had to be careful.
"Well, you two take care of yourselves. We won't bother you anymore."
"We'll be going now, but let us know if you need anything."
The young couple didn't know what these villagers had imagined, but seeing their expressions and hearing their words, they nodded silently.
"Oh, by the way, Young Master, Young Madam, we've heard that you're planning to expand the workshop. Is that true?"
Before leaving, someone suddenly turned back and asked.
Hearing those words, the villagers present all stopped in their tracks, turned their heads in unison, and looked at the couple expectantly for an answer.
The young couple paused upon hearing this.
However, they did have such plans, and it wasn't a secret.
So Luo Ge simply nodded in admission.
"Yes, we do have that plan."
Hearing Luo Ge's words, the crowd rejoiced.
"Then let me know how..., um..."
Someone opened their mouth, about to say something like letting them work there later, but was quickly hushed by one of the Gu clan members.
"Why so many words? Can't you see our Young Madam isn't feeling well and can't stand for long?"
"Let's go, let's go!"
They knew what that person was about to blurt out.
It was up to Young Master and his wife how they would arrange things later, no need to jabber on about it today.
After saying that, they turned to Luo Ge and her husband and bid farewell: "We'll be going now. You two should go back inside too – it's windy out."
With that, they left, dragging away any reluctant members of the Wang clan.
Seeing this scene, Luo Ge opened her mouth but ultimately just exchanged a helpless smile with Gu Jinchen.
"I'll go talk to the village chief later about buying up the land around the workshop."
"Mm."
But come to think of it, if they hadn't brought this up today, Gu Jinchen might have really forgotten to make those arrangements.
However, after the workshop expands, they would indeed need to hire people from the village.
This was their village, the root of the Gu family, where their clansmen had always supported them.
If they had the means, there was no harm in lending a hand to the village.
After the villagers had left, Luo Ge walked around the entrance for a while to stretch her body before heading back inside.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered, Li Shopkeeper came over, bringing some loquats.
"Brother Gu, Sister-in-law, ah, I came at the right time."
Seeing Luo Ge and her husband upon entering, Li Shopkeeper said with a smile.
"Big Brother Li."
Turning to see him, Luo Ge and her husband also greeted him.
Although Luo Ge was now considered one of the owners of Fuxin, given Li Shopkeeper's past help in making the connection, they still referred to each other as brothers out of gratitude and familiarity.
Since they were all acquainted, there was no need for excessive formalities and time-wasting pleasantries. As soon as they entered the main hall, Li Shopkeeper cut straight to the chase.
Placing a basket of fresh loquats on the table, he looked at Luo Ge expectantly.
"Sister-in-law, take a look."
"This fruit is called a loquat, ripening from March to June. Our southern climate is good, so this is an early batch."
"Last time I heard you say that besides grapes and such, you can also brew wine from fruits with a sour and sweet taste. So we went looking and found this."
"Do you think this fruit can be used for brewing?"
When it came to making money, Jiang Feng was dead serious.
After learning that Luo Ge could indeed brew fruit wines, he had been restless, ordering his people to search high and low for suitable fruits.
Finally, they found one that seemed appropriate.
Hearing this, Luo Ge looked at the loquats and nodded: "Yes, but you need to use the fully ripe ones."
"Loquats can moisten the lungs and stop coughing, quench thirst, and the wine brewed from them has a sour and sweet taste that can aid digestion and benefit the spleen."
"It doesn't take long to brew, around forty days at most before it can be unsealed."
Hearing Luo Ge's words, Li Shopkeeper's face lit up with delight.
Luo Ge reached into the basket and picked out a few of the ripest fruits to show him.
"When the fruits are ripe like these, they can be used. The method is not much different from the peach blossom wine we made last time."
"I'll write down the recipe for you to take back and show to the master brewers from last time. If they can't brew it successfully, you can come find me again."
Saying this, Luo Ge smiled shyly, her hand resting on her belly.
"Currently, my condition doesn't allow me to go out, so I hope Li Shopkeeper understands."
Hearing this, Li Shopkeeper quickly waved his hand.
"Sister-in-law shouldn't say such things. It's my fault for constantly disturbing you."
Luo Ge smiled and wrote down the recipe, handing it to Li Shopkeeper.
"How is this a disturbance? You're helping me earn silver."
"Take this recipe, Li Shopkeeper. I've written the measurements based on the large jars we used for the peach blossom wine before. Just follow the proportions listed and you'll be fine."
The method for making loquat wine is similar to peach blossom wine, with only the difference between flowers and fruits.
First, wash the ingredients clean and let the surface moisture dry. Then remove the skins and separate the flesh.
Next, prepare clean jars that have been treated with strong liquor. Layer the fruit flesh with rock sugar, then pour in rice wine and seal the jar for around 40 days to brew.
However, it's important to note that after sealing, the loquat wine jars should be stored in a cool, dry place and shaken 1-2 times daily.
(Note: I looked up the method online, and it says to shake the jars, though I'm not sure of the reason behind this.)
Hearing this, Li Shopkeeper nodded and carefully tucked the recipe into his sleeve. "Then I'll take this back first. Once it's brewed, I'll bring it for Sister-in-law to take a look."
"Alright."
Li Shopkeeper came and left in a hurry, only staying long enough for two cups of tea.
However, he did leave behind all the fresh loquats.
Craving them, but with the housekeeper husband present.
Seeing Luo Ge eyeing the loquats, Gu Jinchen felt helpless but doted on her, affectionately ruffling her hair.
"I'll go ask Doctor Ming. You should be able to eat them, so just wait a moment."
In traditional Chinese medicine, loquats have certain medicinal properties.
He wasn't a doctor and didn't understand these things. Moreover, there were many foods that pregnant women should avoid, so it was better to ask.
When it came to anything concerning his wife, he had to be extremely cautious.
Since Doctor Ming was in the residence, it wasn't too much trouble to go and ask.
...In the end, the result was:
"Of course she can eat them. For pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness in early pregnancy, eating loquats can help relieve nausea.
Loquats moisten the lungs and generate fluids, strengthen the spleen and aid digestion. They can also improve appetite.
Both loquat leaves and fruits are beneficial, with a certain inhibitory effect. Eating them can help prevent catching colds and chills from wind and cold."
Hearing Doctor Ming's explanation, Gu Jinchen nodded. As long as she could eat them, that was fine.
"A friend sent over quite a few. I'll have some delivered to you later." With that, he hurried back to find his wife.
Doctor Ming watched this scene, chuckling and shaking his head in amusement.
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Hehehe, sneak peek! Didn't expect that, did you?
