up with white hair, still failing to pass.She didn't want her two sons to follow the path of their three cousins, becoming enemies because of the imperial examinations.Fang Jinshu understood her moth...Chapter 1187: I Actually Forgot Such an Important Thing

As soon as she arrived at the manor, she dashed to the open space in the backyard. But that open space was no longer vacant. Several simple wooden houses had been built against the hillside behind the manor's small hills.

Temporarily used as a site for extracting salt crystals, the extraction method is confidential and can only be done this way for now.

As soon as Fang Jinshi stepped closer, Yan'er, who was drying salt outside, spotted her immediately. She dropped the work in her hands and hurried to greet her.

"Brother and sister! It's really you, you finally came to see us."

"After so long, I thought you had become a hou-fu's wife and forgotten about me, your sister-in-law."

Yannijie was particularly excited to see her. The two hadn't seen each other in ages. The last time Fang Jinshi had seen Zong Hu Gege, it was just a brief meeting. She hadn't even had time to properly catch up with the couple and chat.

Today, it seems like I won't have this opportunity again.

So Fang Jinshu felt very guilty in her heart.

Wang Yan'er particularly enthusiastically pulled her hand and led her into the house, saying as she walked.

"You're free today I didn't expect to see you at this time." The sun was about to set, and though Wang Yan'er found it strange, she was more surprised than anything else to see Fang Jinshu appear.

"Well, since you're here today, why don't you stay for dinner before you leave."

"No, don't leave tonight. Let's sisters-in-law have a good talk."

"You've been away with your aunt and her family for so long, even Little Tiger misses his aunt."

Fang Jinshi remained silent until now. Wang Yan'er finally noticed something was amiss and turned to glance at her.

"Come on, say something."

Being so enthusiastic, how could Fang Jinxiu dare to speak up

Faced with Wang Yanan's inquiring gaze, she knew she couldn't hide. She could only open her mouth and say something that would disappoint her.

"Sister-in-law, I came today to see how the salt crystal refining is going. Catching up... I'm afraid it will have to wait for another day."

One day, she didn't know which day it would be, Fu Shangyuan would send a message for her to set off. She had to infiltrate Xixia, so she had to take the lead over Zongyu.

Wang Yannei heard this and her face fell. Then she regained her composure and smiled.

"Look at that guilty expression on your face, no time for catching up then. Just pretend my words a moment ago were just hot air."

"Zong Hu told me that even though Zong Yu became a high-ranking official and was granted the title of Marquis in the capital, your lives together haven't been easy either. It must be difficult."

"Sister-in-law understands."

Hearing Wang Yan'er say that, Fang Jinshi really let out a sigh of relief. What could be luckier than being understood by family

"I'm glad you don't blame me."

"How could we blame you If it weren't for you, our family wouldn't know what to do now."

Come, don't stand at the door talking. Come in first.

Wang Yannei greeted her as she quickly stepped inside, shouting towards the inside.

"Tiger Brother, Jinxiu is here. Come out for a bit first."

In a short while, Zong Hu came out from inside. Seeing Fang Jinxiu, his eyes lit up just like Wang Yan'er when she saw her.

Both husband and wife were very happy to see her.

"Jinxiu, what brings you here today"

Unexpectedly, when Zong Hu elder brother spoke, his first question was exactly the same as what Yan'er sister asked, leaving her both amused and bewildered.

"Let me look into the situation with Salt Crystal. I'll be leaving the capital for a long time soon, to attend to something else out of town."

Upon hearing this, Zong Hu immediately nodded his head. He sensed that there was something serious in her tone and immediately put aside their casual conversation.

"The salt crystal extraction is going smoothly. Following your instructions, I've already refined five thousand jin of salt. These salt crystals have a very high salt content, Jinxiu you truly struck gold!"

Zong Hu was astonished when he first extracted so much fine salt from a large, rock-like salt crystal.

Although the price of salt is not high, it is the second most indispensable thing for ordinary people after grain. People who don't eat salt for a long time will get sick. Salt is extremely important and its profits are also very considerable.

Salt was generally managed and sold uniformly by the imperial court and local government offices. Few civilians dared to peddle salt, as the imperial court prohibited merchants and commoners from privately selling table salt.

These salts are no different from gold mines.

As more and more salt was refined, Zong Hu's heart grew heavier each day. He worried constantly about where Jinxiu and A Yu were getting so much salt from. They didn't seem like the kind of people who would risk their heads for money, doing something so dangerous.

Zong Hu's worry was almost written on his face, Fang Jinshi quickly explained.

"Elder Brother Zong Hu, these salt are just for me to have on hand in case of need. I wouldn't even sell them, let alone risk my head by selling them in Da Xi."

"I'm worried that if there's a war in the future, the court won't be able to transport salt and grain to all parts of the country on time. At that time, the prices of salt and grain will definitely rise sharply. It's just that we should prepare for hoarding in advance."

“I just didn't expect people from Wumeng not to recognize a good deal, selling these salt crystals, which are rich in salt, as garbage. Such a great bargain right in front of me, I couldn't possibly let it pass.”

"I've already thought of uses for this extra salt."

Zong Hu heard Fang Jinxiu's explanation and immediately felt much relieved.

Just keep that in mind.

"How many salt crystals are left to refine" Fang Jinshu asked.

There isn't much left, I estimate there are still about a thousand jin of salt crystal chunks, which can refine about eight hundred jin of fine salt.

Fang Jinshu nodded, it seemed like she arrived just in time.

"Zong Hu gege, take me to see the refined salt."

Zong Hu nodded. Because Fang Jinxiu had requested secrecy, he had his people at the manor dig a huge underground cellar to store the refined salt.

He was also afraid that these salts would be discovered by others, so when he refined the salt crystals, there were almost only him and Yan'er. He only let others do some unimportant chores.

The cellar was off-limits to everyone.

Wang Yan'er looked at the sky, it wasn't too early anymore. Looking at Jinxiu's posture, she probably wouldn't be able to leave for a while.

"Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, you two go busy first, I'll cook some food. I'll just stir-fry two dishes, it will be quick. When you finish your work, it will be just right to eat."

"Finish eating and then go back."

Fang Jinshu nodded this time, she didn't refuse again. It was getting late anyway, and going back would be at night anyway. She might as well eat at the mountain villa before leaving, so as not to hurt Yan'er's feelings.

Wang Yan'er saw Fang Jinshu nod, and was indeed much happier.

All the voices had gone up a notch in volume.

"Alright, alright, I'll start cooking now. You promised to stay for dinner, you can't go back on your word!"

Seeing Wang Yanzhi run far away, Zong Hu smiled helplessly.

"During the time you left home for Beijing, your sister-in-law would mention you several times a day."

"I feel a bit guilty," Fang Jinshi said, "because I've caused you trouble. It's more peaceful living in the village. Things are rather unsettled in Beijing right now."

Zong Hu immediately said, "We're all family, there's no need to be so formal."

Fang Jinshu realized that what she had just said was inappropriate and quickly stopped herself.

"Got it, Zong Hu ge. I was overthinking things. There's no such thing as a trouble-free family, right"

"That's right, let's go. I'll show you the refined salt."

Just as they were about to step into the cellar, Fang Jinshi's gaze was caught by a mound of something two people tall covered with straw beside them.

"Uncle Zong Hu, what's under this straw mat"

Zong Hu turned his head and said, "Oh, this You forgot It's the stone you bought from the merchant of Anxie Wumeng. But you didn't say what these stones were for, so I just piled them here temporarily, thinking of asking you when you came back."

Fang Jinshu thought back, she had also bought a batch of jade rough from the Wumeng people! She had forgotten such an important thing.Jinxiu doesn't want to leave, I would be overjoyed to have you stay. We could be like family."Fang Jinxiu saw that Hu Ailan's smile was distorted and couldn't help but feel pity for her."Don't you fee...