Chapter 331: If You Want Wealth, Build Roads First
Yao tasted the fragrance of tea for the first time; it was a flavor he had never experienced, the tea scent spreading from his mouth between his lips and teeth into his throat, slowly flowing into his heart, a sweet, marvelous feeling.
He was a rough man who drank only Mountain Spring Water, even ice water, never caring about hot water; his food was also very simple, but he had never known that water steeped with leaves could be so tasty.
It's simply unbelievable!
He gulped down a large bowl of tea in one go, and only after finishing did he grin, reaching to touch the water stain at his mouth, "So delicious, Goddess, this flavor is truly wonderful."
"If you like it, have more; Ying, would you like to try as well?"
Ying had been wanting to try for a while, feeling a bit aggrieved, but Qinghuan gave the first bowl to Yao, which made him jealous, "Qinghuan, I also want tea made by your own hands."
When those words were spoken, everyone laughed; Nan Qinghuan quickly nodded, took a bowl, "Alright, I'll ladle for you. Come, everyone taste this tea; from now on the tea leaves can be drunk continuously."
Here, Ying's tribe members tasted tea for the first time, learning of tea leaf civilization, and the Rongdi Tribe was also bustling nonstop.
After Rongdi and Li Xiang returned from the tribe, he personally led the clan to weed in the Farmland; Li Xiang stood on the field ridge, watching the scene of work here, and at that moment he finally understood why Qinghuan stayed here.
Because he found happiness; after helping these clan members and seeing their satisfied smiles, the hope shining in their eyes—this was the happiness he could experience.
Today he talked with Rongdi for a long time and gained hope for the local development; in the future he could become the second chief here.
Rongdi promised him sufficient authority.
In fact, he didn't care about any authority; he stayed here mostly for Qinghuan.
As long as Qinghuan is happy, watching her joyfully together with Ying, he isn't afraid of the ancient hardships, because he will help; mutual assistance creates achievement.
He realized that seeing his beloved happy gives more fulfillment than possessing her; it's a strange feeling—letting go is also a kind of happiness, and he also released himself.
He magnanimously let go, yet he was reluctant to leave Nan Qinghuan here; he feared she would suffer hardship or grievance, and since she wants to help the locals live better lives.
Then he will help her.
Whatever junior sister wants to do, he supports her.
As long as he can stay here and watch her happy and joyful, he is content.
A breeze brushed by, bringing a whiff of forest; Li Xiang grew to like this place more and more.
So enlightenment is this state of mind.
He had always wanted to flee, always wanted to take Nan Qinghuan away from here; he despised everything here, thinking these primitives were uncivilized and extremely barbaric.
But this time he realized it wasn't so; Rongdi are Beastmen, he also understood reason, and moreover, to let their clan enjoy a life like the Ying Tribe, Rongdi worked hard.
If even a Beastman can do so, what reason does a modern person have not to change? Change is for better days.
Since he decided to stay, he will treat these people as his friends, helping them, which also fulfills himself.
"Li Xiang, I heard that after you went to the Ying Tribe you lived in peace together?"
Behind him, Ji Nü hurried over to question him; she became angry upon seeing Li Xiang because she had also heard that the Divine Medicine was taken by Rongdi and given to Nan Qinghuan.
Why did he do that? Isn't it fine that the female died? Li Xiang glanced at Ji Nü, knowing that this woman had always tried to sabotage them.
"It's the chief's decision; why are you angry?"
"Do you know that there is only one Bodhi Root; once eaten it's gone, and Rongdi will lose many years of life."
Li Xiang, hearing this, finally saw tears glistening in the woman's eyes; could it be… such a melodramatic twist, even in antiquity? "You're not a lone wolf's woman; what does Rongdi have to do with you?"
"It's all your fault; didn't you say you wanted to take Nan Qinghuan away? What do you mean now? How can we live peacefully with them? It's impossible."
"Whether it's possible or not, you can't decide; she's just a woman, the tribe's affairs need fewer words."
"You…"
Ji Nü grew even angrier when she saw Li Xiang leave; she only worried that without the Bodhi Root Rongdi would die early, yet Rongdi seemed indifferent.
Her resentful heart felt clogged and uneasy.
"Rongdi, oh Rongdi, you really love that woman; even though she's like that, why do you still…?" Ji Nü felt very upset; she was about to pursue Li Xiang when Duo Luo arrived from behind, holding a Scepter.
"Stop."
Ji Nü saw Duo Luo rush forward, "High Priest."
"I heard everything you just said; the chief's decision may be right. Don't go looking for Li Xiang again, and don't think of bothering him. If Rongdi can live peacefully with Ying, we can too. I heard there are tea leaves and roads there; these are things our tribe lacks. If peace is needed for a good life, then why not peace?"
"Peace, huh, High Priest, you don't harbor hatred toward the Ying Tribe?"
"I've never harbored hatred; if it lets Li Xiang stay here peacefully to help our tribe develop, that's a good thing, understand?"
Ji Nü seemed to understand, "I know the High Priest's thoughts; you like Li Xiang, but he doesn't like you; Li Xiang only likes Nan Qinghuan."
Those words made Duo Luo's face darken, yet he still smiled, "He will stay here."
After Duo Luo left, Ji Nü intended to find Rongdi, but seeing them talk she dared not.
She felt sorry for Rongdi giving the Bodhi Root to that woman; what will he do? She must find a way to get another Bodhi Root!
In the Farmland, Li Xiang met Rongdi and shared his current thoughts; he told Rongdi that their tribe also needs to prepare Road building, to finish the road to the Ying Tribe before Winter arrives, so that travel between both sides will be convenient thereafter.
"If you want wealth, first build roads; junior sister's idea is correct. Once their road is completed, we'll connect ours, so the surrounding major tribes can travel freely. You like trading, right? We'll take our goods to the Ying Tribe in exchange for what we want. I heard they have Salt, Iron Knife, and Green Copper; we can trade corn and other food for them. What do you think?"
Li Xiang also entertained the idea of Road building; he thought that if it could be finished before Winter arrives, travel thereafter would be convenient.
Since development is needed, staying requires Road building first!
Upon hearing Li Xiang, Rongdi finally realized how important Road building is; he smiled, "Alright, we'll build roads, but tell me how to build them."
He doesn't understand any of this.
Li Xiang thought for a moment, "We'll need to ask senior brother and Ying for help."
Hearing this, Rongdi furrowed his brows; they had just reconciled and were already seeking help—would they be refused? He even asked, a bit insecurely, "Will Ying be willing to help?"
??
End of Chapter
