The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 32: Frugality

Qu Qingjiang led Zhao Changxia through the moon gate into her room, closing the door quietly and exhaling heavily once they were inside.

Zhao Changxia lowered her voice, saying, "Using this medicine in the kitchen won't be dangerous."

Qu Qingjiang, fiddling with her fingers, looked at Zhao Changxia with burning eyes and said, "Actually, I just wanted you to keep me company."

Zhao Changxia's heart skipped a beat, then she told herself not to overthink it. A child's intentions and expressions might not be as complex as an adult's thoughts.

Qu Qingjiang moved a chair beside the embroidery frame, pulled Zhao Changxia down to sit, and poured her a bowl of water, saying, "Just sit here. You don't have to do anything. If you want to sleep, I can bring you some bedding!"

Zhao Changxia suspected there was another motive and said with a hint of amusement, "This method of keeping company is quite special."

Qu Qingjiang blushed and muttered, "Actually, I just feel like there are no mosquitoes with you around."

Zhao Changxia: "..."

She looked at the insect-repelling sachet hanging at her waist and realized what was going on. Qu Qingjiang had been bothered by mosquitoes and had only thought of having her nearby after discovering that the mosquitoes were gone.

Zhao Changxia was relieved that she hadn't read too much into Qu Qingjiang's words. Although she was amused and somewhat exasperated, she didn't argue with Qu Qingjiang. Instead, she took off her sachet and said, "It's probably the effect of this mosquito-repelling sachet."

Qu Qingjiang noticed a familiar scent and asked, "Does it contain mugwort?"

Zhao Changxia didn't know what was inside, but since Qu Qingjiang had already assumed it contained mugwort, she let her continue to think so.

"Keep it. Rest early tonight and use this medicine after dark tomorrow. There are only four drops of it, and its effect lasts about three hours, so don't waste it."

Qu Qingjiang took the sachet and the eye medicine, feeling the weight of these valuable items. Zhao Changxia was so generous with them, and Qu Qingjiang felt she had done too little for Zhao Changxia in return.

Qu Qingjiang returned the medicine and said, "June, you should keep it for yourself! I can just skip embroidery tonight. Such precious and miraculous medicine should be saved for you in case of emergencies."

The sachet was plain, just a small gray bag with a red sheep totem, not very eye-catching.

But why did she find this totem familiar? It seemed like she had seen it somewhere before...

Zhao Changxia said, "Once something is given, it shouldn't be taken back. You keep it, and you can decide whether or not to use it."

Since it was getting late, Qu Qingjiang, reluctant to waste the medicine, gave up on continuing her embroidery. However, the sachet kept her mind occupied.

She worried she might upset Zhao Changxia, so she asked hesitantly, "Could you teach me how to make such a sachet? I want to make one for my father. Although it won't help with his illness, if it can reduce the mosquitoes, he might sleep better at night."

Zhao Changxia, understanding that Qu Qingjiang was a filial child, wasn't surprised by this request. She replied, "I'll get you another one tomorrow."

Qu Qingjiang's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, June!"

Feeling grateful, she thought about whether she should give Zhao Changxia some processing fees or see if she lacked anything and provide it to her.

However, Zhao Changxia usually appeared content with whatever she had, and as long as her wages and food were sufficient, she would do any dirty or hard work without complaint. So, it seemed like she was lacking nothing.