The sky drizzled lightly, and the northwest wind blew fiercely, cutting through the face like a knife. In full view of everyone, Jiang Yuqing couldn't use a protective shield and had to tightly wrap herself in a cloak, secretly channeling her spiritual power to feel a bit more comfortable.
Jiang Wenyuan led a group and entered a lamb restaurant.
The lamb dishes in the northwest were rough and simple, seasoned only with scallions, ginger, and salt. The soup, on the other hand, was simmered to a milky white color.
All the lambs here were free-range on the vast grasslands, resulting in a soup that was flavorful but not gamey. When a spoonful of bright red and fragrant chili oil was added, and a bowl was consumed, the whole body felt warm.
When eating the meat, accompanied by the restaurant's homemade wild chive flower sauce, and taking a few bites of the soft bread soaked in the soup, the taste was heavenly and unmatched.
The group of people ate until sweat dripped from their foreheads.
Suddenly, panic erupted from the nearby table. A man clutched his throat, bent over, and showed a look of pain.
His companions stood up one after another, patting his back and applying pressure to his chest, but it was of no avail. The man's face turned purple.
It seemed that he had something stuck in his throat.
Jiang Yuqing tugged at her father's sleeve and said, "Father, perform the Heimlich maneuver, quickly! I taught you during the New Year."
Jiang Wenyuan responded, "Oh," and then regained his senses, loudly saying, "Let me try!"
The man's companions had no better solution, so they could only try anything in desperation. Perhaps this man actually knew what to do.
They saw Jiang Wenyuan walk behind the man, embracing him and making a fist with one hand, placing the thumb on the upper abdomen, just above the navel. The other hand held the fist hand and quickly pressed inward and upward, applying pressure to the abdomen.
After a few attempts, the man quickly coughed up a lamb bone. After a severe bout of coughing, he finally caught his breath.
The man who was saved by Jiang Wenyuan clasped his hands together and bowed ninety degrees, saying, "Many thanks for the rescue, sir! I am Zu Di, a captain of the Vanguard Battalion under General of Brave Cavalries. Your great kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Please leave your name, so that I may repay the favor in the future."
Jiang Wenyuan waved his hand and said, "No need to be so formal, Captain Zu. It was just a small effort on my part.
Besides, if it weren't for you and your comrades shouldering heavy burdens and guarding this frigid border for decades, I wouldn't be able to leisurely enjoy lamb soup here today."
The man next to him in a green robe burst into laughter and said, "This big brother speaks his mind. I like that.
If you don't mind, could you join us for a drink? I am Wei Lingjun, also under the command of General of Brave Cavalries."
Jiang Wenyuan hesitated for a moment and said, "Under normal circumstances, it would be no problem, but today I have my family with me, so it might not be convenient."
Jiang Yuqing, who was a military doctor in her past life, loved interacting with soldiers the most. They had straightforward and genuine personalities, just like the few individuals in front of her.
She said, "Father, you should have a drink with them. I can take care of myself!"
The man in the green robe said, "See, even your daughter agrees." Then he turned to the little girl and asked, "Little miss, would you like to join us?"
Tuanzi readily replied, "Sure!" Immediately, he held his large bowl and slid off the table, running over with a clatter. He climbed onto a long stool and sat obediently, completely at ease.
This action made everyone around laugh. Jiang Wenyuan helplessly patted his daughter's little head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "My daughter is mischievous, sorry for the trouble."
A few men didn't mind and said, "I actually think it's great. She's not at all reserved, just like the children from our Northwestern region."
After they all sat down, Jiang Yuqing blinked her big eyes and asked Wei Lingjun, "When I was in the capital, I met a friend named Wei Lingyun. She is the daughter of the Brave Cavalries General. Your name sounds similar to hers, right?" Upon hearing this, Wei Lingjun was astonished, "She's my sister. You actually recognize her?"
Jiang Yuqing nodded, "Yes, yes. She even invited me to visit your home. You have a huge martial arts training ground there, and Sister Wei's martial skills are amazing."
Wei Lingjun was even more surprised. Their family's official position in the capital might not be prominent, but it wasn't something that anyone could be invited to their residence by his sister.
This little girl and her father's background seemed extraordinary. Wei Lingjun swallowed and asked, "So, who are you, then?"
Jiang Wenyuan clasped his hands and said, "I am Jiang Wenyuan, the Magistrate of Qingzhou, and this is my daughter, Linghui."
Wei Lingjun's chopsticks almost dropped, "You... You're the renowned Marquis of Qingzhou, Lord Jiang. And this is Miss Linghui County?"
Jiang Wenyuan waved his hand, "Just some empty titles that don't really count." Even so, when everyone stood up to show their respect, Jiang Wenyuan stopped them.
Wei Lingjun excitedly said, "My sister mentioned you in her letters, saying that you are small in stature but exceptionally skilled."
Jiang Yuqing felt a bit embarrassed by the praise and gestured with her small hand, "No, it's not like that. I'm not really that skilled."
The adults enjoyed their meal and drinks, while Jiang Yuqing quietly ate and drank her soup. Once she was full, she sat obediently without making a fuss or causing any trouble.
The soldiers also understood the situation. After drinking a certain amount, they stopped and switched to eating meat and soup. By the time they were satisfied, both sides had gained a certain understanding, which could be considered a good start.
Before parting ways, Jiang Yuqing asked Wei Lingjun, "Brother Wei, I know military camps are restricted areas, and ordinary people aren't allowed in. But when I have free time, I still want to visit! I swear I won't cause any trouble. I heard that your military camp often has wounded, especially during times of war when there's a shortage of military doctors. I have learned some surgical skills and would like to help."
Wei Lingjun was pleasantly surprised, "Really? You're willing to go?"
"Huh?" Tuanzi was surprised. It seemed different from what she had expected. "Won't you find me too young?"
Wei Lingjun cheerfully replied, "How could that be? You're the esteemed Doctor Qiu's top disciple. We've heard that even dead people can be brought back to life by you. People who want to see you for treatment have to wait for several months in line."
After returning, I will talk to my father and several other generals. If you have time, please send us a message, and we will come to pick you up."
Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Okay! Let's settle it like this."
After bidding farewell to Wei Lingjun and others, in the carriage, Jiang Wenyuan asked his daughter, "Are you really going to the military camp?"
Jiang Yuqing nodded and waved her hand to create a soundproof barrier around them. She firmly said to her father, "I must go when I have the opportunity. My medical skills can be best utilized there."
She rubbed her head against her father's and said, "I know you're worried about me, but you've forgotten about your daughter's abilities. Most people can't defeat me now. Don't believe me? Watch this!"
She touched a small thorn on her wrist, and the thorn, named Xiao Jing, felt her call and immediately woke up from slumber. It raised a leaf and gently tapped the woman's forehead. Then it nodded to Jiang Wenyuan and greeted him.
Jiang Wenyuan was instantly shocked speechless.
Jiang Yuqing explained, "Xiao Jing is my spiritual pet, just like Bai Xiaoshi. They were both left to me by another master. Although Xiao Jing is small now, its combat strength is formidable. Ordinary martial arts experts would only end up beaten when facing it. So, Father, you don't need to worry about my safety."
Jiang Wenyuan touched his daughter's forehead and sighed, "As long as you understand. You have things you want to do, and if I try to stop you, I'll only hinder your wings. However, no matter when or where, Father hopes that you prioritize your own safety. I only have one daughter like you, and I want you to have a safe and happy life."
Jiang Yuqing nodded earnestly, "I will."
After leaving Yumen County, the father and daughter went to the Gobi Desert. Apart from some poplar forests and red willows, there were only scattered desert jujube trees and camel thorns, making it desolate and unsettling.
Jiang Yuqing secretly used her spiritual power to nourish the passing plants, giving them a hint of vitality so they could better survive the cold winter.
Jiang Yuqing said, "Father, in the future, we can plant trees here, filling the area with trees. When they grow into a green Great Wall, it can effectively block the blowing sand."
Jiang Wenyuan touched his daughter's soft hair and said, "That will be a huge project, and we must be prepared to work like Yu Gong moving mountains."
Turning north, they saw the boundless grassland. Unfortunately, it was already early winter, and the grassland was dry and yellow, lacking the magnificent scenery of "the sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, and the wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep."
Because the herdsmen had already driven their cattle, sheep, and horses to a certain valley in the east to spend the winter, they didn't see that scene.
After passing through the grassland, they arrived at Sha Qing County. Jiang Yuqing discovered many wild black goji berries here.
These berries were extremely valuable because they were rich in anthocyanins. In her past life, they were sold at sky-high prices, and even in the present era, they were considered precious.
She dug up more than ten plants and took them into the spiritual realm, intending to improve the variety. In the future, Sha Qing County could be transformed into a black goji berry cultivation base.
Jiang Wenyuan plucked a branch and held it in his hand before heading to the Sha Qing County yamen to discuss the matter with the county magistrate.
Tears of joy welled up in the eyes of the county magistrate upon hearing the news. If they could truly grow valuable black goji berries, Sha Qing County would soar to new heights, and the county magistrate would ride the wave of success.
If it were someone else, the county magistrate might not have believed it, but considering the person before him was none other than the Marquis of Qingzhou, known for cultivating high-yield crops, he realized it would be foolish not to seize this opportunity.
Jiang Wenyuan emphasized once again that he had brought some new crop varieties suitable for the region and planned to conduct experimental cultivation in Suzhou next year. He asked the county magistrate to select a suitable location for the trial fields.
The county magistrate was overwhelmed with happiness, almost fainting from the excitement, and repeatedly assured Jiang Wenyuan that he would definitely comply.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wenyuan and his daughter went to a market. This time, Jiang Yuqing noticed that merchants from the interior were buying various furs such as wolf and fox pelts.
However, the sheepskins brought by the shepherds were cheap and had few takers. The fur traders explained that the wealthy in the interior disliked sheepskins due to their strong odor and deemed them not classy enough.
Jiang Yuqing, on the contrary, thought that these sheepskins were valuable items. She persuaded her father to buy all the sheepskins, leading to the purchase of more than ten carts full. Under cover of night, they were all transported to the Lingjing Estate.
She then instructed the shepherds to send any remaining sheepskins or other fur to the county yamen in the capital city, leaving their addresses for future transactions.
The shepherds were overjoyed and promised to comply. With winter approaching, they were eagerly anticipating selling the furs to earn money for winter provisions.
Jiang Wenyuan allowed his daughter to have her way and asked if she had enough money. If not, he had more.
Jiang Yuqing replied that it was more than enough. After all, she had looted a substantial amount of gold from the mines in Daizhou and was now a wealthy woman. This sum of money was merely a drizzle to her.
