[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl":3,"chapter-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-21":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Great Jin's Most Iron Rice Bowl",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1896795,2531,"Chapter 21: The First Extra Income","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-21",21,"\u003Cp>\"Brother Yu, I'm here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui had finished lunch not long ago and was resting in a rocking chair behind the storeroom door; seeing Hua Changxi arrive at this hour surprised him: \"Sister Changxi, why have you come at this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi smiled and said, \"I feared delaying your affairs, Brother Yu, so I rushed over as soon as I finished my duties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui's eyes widened: \"You've already finished your duties?\" Cleaning five hundred medicinal herbs was no easy task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi nodded: \"Mm, finished.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui marveled somewhat at Hua Changxi's capability, glanced at the sky, then asked, \"Have you eaten lunch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi offered a shy smile but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her like this, Yu Gui sighed deeply; considering she was still young, he rose and went to the adjacent room, soon returning with a paper parcel: \"Take this and eat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi took the paper parcel: \"What is this?\" Opening the parcel revealed a roasted chicken leg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui said, \"I was saving this for my dinner; it's only because you're my sister that I'm giving it to you—I wouldn't give it to anyone else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi swallowed her saliva, rewrapped the chicken leg, and handed it back to Yu Gui: \"I cannot eat Brother Yu's dinner. Brother Yu, do not worry about me; I can endure hunger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui's expression stiffened; he pushed the paper parcel back: \"If I give it to you, just eat it. Do you think your Brother Yu is someone who lacks for a mere chicken leg?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his demeanor, Hua Changxi stopped being polite; smiling, she opened the parcel and began to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meals in the Labor Hall were plentiful and filling, but meat was scarce, served only once every ten days; needless to say, she truly craved meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While eating, Hua Changxi watched the others busy in the storeroom: \"Brother Yu, everyone else is working while you rest here; won't they take offense?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui smiled proudly: \"Sister, your Brother Yu is different from those people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi asked curiously, \"How are you different?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pride appeared on Yu Gui's face: \"The storeroom supervisor, Eunuch Yu, is your Brother Yu's father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was something Hua Changxi had truly not expected; surprise inevitably showed on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Yu Gui's gaze was exceptionally serious; he missed no change in Hua Changxi's expression, and seeing only surprise without any hint of contempt, he continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Brother Yu is an orphan; before entering the Labor Hall, I was merely a beggar in Jingcheng whom anyone could bully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since childhood, I knew that children without parents to care for them are the most base, so I found myself a father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With a father comes a backer; with a backer, I finally gained a foothold in this storeroom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui looked at Hua Changxi with a smile: \"The reason you, Sister, can freely select medicinal herbs in the storeroom is that your Brother Yu chose his father well; without this connection, whatever herbs the storeroom assigned you, you would have to process them—how could you pick and choose?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi had not expected Yu Gui to have such a background; after a moment's thought, she said, \"Brother Yu, you are very formidable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui laughed: \"Do you not think acknowledging a eunuch as one's father is shameless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi knew that mostly only eunuchs acknowledged older eunuchs as fathers; estimating that Yu Gui harbored reservations about this matter, she immediately said, \"Why say such a thing? A eunuch is still a human being, and any human has the right to be a father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This perspective on the matter was something Yu Gui had never considered before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although no one in the storeroom dared to provoke him, he knew that everyone looked down on him in their hearts and avoided him whenever possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he himself felt some contempt for his own actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, he consoled himself with the benefits gained from relying on Eunuch Yu, but today, Sister Changxi's words gave him a sudden sense of enlightenment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, so what if he was a eunuch? A eunuch is merely a man with a defect; any man has the right to be a father, and serving as Eunuch Yu's son was nothing to be ashamed of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui's gaze toward Hua Changxi softened further; just for what she had said, his care for her over this period was worthwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Changxi, no wonder you caught my eye; today, Brother will impart some life experience to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When getting by in the Labor Hall, face is the least important thing; when it must be sacrificed, do not hesitate for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clinging to face while suffering terribly is a bloody lesson learned by countless laborers; let me tell you, losing face but gaining real benefit—that is what makes a winner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi fell silent for a moment: \"Can I not have both face and real benefit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surviving was important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surviving with dignity was also important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui's eyes widened: \"Sister, you are a bit greedy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi chuckled and said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Hua Changxi had nearly finished eating, Yu Gui finally rose and led her into the storeroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were over a hundred cartloads of medicinal herbs needing reclassification and arrangement; at this moment, more than ten laborers in the storeroom were working so hard they were sweating profusely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yu Gui lead a young lady inside, several male laborers immediately burst into laughter; their laughter instantly drew the attention of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shoo, shoo! This is my sister; what are you laughing at? Get back to work quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yu has a sister now; when will we find ourselves a sister too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi could clearly feel everyone in the storeroom sizing her up with ambiguous gazes; for the sake of the 'Annotations on the Hundred Herbs Classic,' she could only suppress her discomfort, repeatedly telling herself to endure it and it would pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui did not care much about the male laborers' teasing; on the contrary, having a young lady wholeheartedly rush to help him made him feel extremely honored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Yu Gui merely scolded them lightly with a laugh, without strictly forbidding it, though he was secretly observing Hua Changxi's expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only the year before last that he had become Eunuch Yu's son; while his life in the storeroom had indeed improved considerably over these two years, no young lady had ever voluntarily approached him before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, when Hua Changxi appeared before him, intentionally currying favor and calling him 'Big Brother' at every turn, even knowing her motives were impure, he still found it gratifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quite liked Sister Changxi's nature; it was just that she was too young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui looked at Hua Changxi again; the sister was beautiful and could converse well with him—perhaps he should wait a few years for her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst such wandering thoughts, Yu Gui led Hua Changxi to a pile of medicinal herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the laborers' laughter in the storeroom, Yu Gui felt it necessary to display his masculine strength before Hua Changxi, so he said, \"Sister, perhaps you should not work; your Brother Yu has plenty of strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the bundles of medicinal herbs, Hua Changxi smiled and said, \"Did I not come specifically to help Brother Yu? If I do not work, would I not have come in vain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, without waiting for Yu Gui's response, she began moving the medicinal herbs according to their classifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each bundle of herbs weighed at least a hundred jin, yet Hua Changxi lifted one bundle with each hand effortlessly, then carried them swiftly to their designated locations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnessing this scene, the laughter in the storeroom gradually ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having grown up as a beggar, Yu Gui was extremely sensitive to changes in people's emotions; looking at Hua Changxi working hard with her head down, he keenly perceived that the earlier laughter had angered her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was she angry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Sister Changxi look down on him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this possibility, Yu Gui felt somewhat angry; after a moment of silence, he ultimately said nothing and joined the work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the gazes lingering on her shifted away, Hua Changxi began transporting medicinal herbs while secretly tasting every herb she could reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Annotations on the Hundred Herbs (Perfected): Tasted Herbs 1221\u002F]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Annotations on the Hundred Herbs (Perfected): Tasted Herbs 1222\u002F]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>┊\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the numbers change continuously, Hua Changxi's mood gradually shifted from gloomy to partly cloudy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as everyone was transporting herbs, another laborer arrived, pulling more herbs into the warehouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui and the male laborers of the warehouse had to go receive them; since the workload had increased again, none of the group were very happy, and they were all muttering curses under their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Changxi, rest for a while; continue only after we return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they left, Hua Changxi darted swiftly through the warehouse, tasting every herb she had not yet touched at maximum speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi discovered a pile of withered medicinal herbs stacked at the far end of the warehouse; when she approached for a closer look, her pupils trembled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among that pile of withered herbs, there was actually Spirit Grass!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spirit Grass is a spiritual plant, and not an ordinary one at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spirit Grass possesses no attribute, making it usable by all cultivators; it is the primary ingredient for refining Spirit Pills, and depending on its age, Spirit Grass can vary in grade, reaching up to fourth-tier spiritual plants at its highest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, if Spirit Grass is not stored properly, once removed from the soil, its spiritual energy dissipates rapidly, eventually turning it into withered grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi picked up a stalk of Spirit Grass; although withered, seeing the warehouse staff pile it up like miscellaneous waste still made her feel somewhat pained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Hua Changxi saw Yu Gui and his group returning to the warehouse, so she quickly returned to her original position and continued transporting herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Hua Changxi's help, Yu Gui, who would have otherwise been busy all night, finished his duties shortly after nightfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hua Changxi exhausted and drenched in sweat, Yu Gui felt somewhat embarrassed, yet thinking again of her looking down on him, he felt very uncomfortable in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Changxi, thank you for your help; tell me, how would you like me to repay you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui displayed no emotion on his face, still smiling cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi smiled and said, \"I am already very happy just to be able to help Brother Yu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui neither affirmed nor denied this, asking again with a smile, \"You truly want nothing? Once you pass this village, there will be no such shop again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi hesitated for a moment before speaking: \"Brother Yu, I noticed quite a few withered herbs piled in the corner of the warehouse; are those herbs being discarded?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trace of disappointment flashed in Yu Gui's eyes: \"Those herbs were discarded due to improper storage; someone specialized will come regularly to haul them away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said, \"Brother Yu, I have never seen those herbs before; may I take some back to study them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui suddenly laughed: \"Sister Changxi, you came to help me; could it be that you were aiming for the herbs in the warehouse all along?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi's expression changed, and she said angrily, \"Brother Yu, how could you think of me that way? If I were truly aiming for herbs, why wouldn't I take some good ones? What use is there in taking withered ones back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gui thought about it and felt she had a point, yet in his heart he still passed judgment on Hua Changxi, believing she was approaching him with ulterior motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead and choose; consider it your reward for helping me today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, do not blame me for not reminding you: laborers are not permitted to take any herbs out of the Medical Bureau, not even withered ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Yu Gui strode away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him depart into the distance, Hua Changxi frowned; she did not understand what she had done to offend him, since everything had been fine before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too lazy to overthink it, Hua Changxi hurried to the warehouse corner, picked out all the Spirit Grass—twenty-odd stalks in total; although withered, they should still retain some residual spiritual energy within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the Spirit Grass, Hua Changxi left the warehouse; as she departed, she did not see Yu Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yu is really something; Sister Changxi is leaving, and he does not even see her off,\" a person in the warehouse said, smiling cheerfully as they watched Hua Changxi leave all alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the Spirit Grass, Hua Changxi glanced once more at the data: [Annotations on the Hundred Herbs (Perfected): Tasted Herbs 2524\u002F].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today's hard work had not been in vain; her gains were enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>",2153,"2026-06-12T02:51:22.172Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","dec6b5479354143b20994b524aa70747f6b128d82ce41861ca78b7e607e6e09a","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-22","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-20",558,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-cover.jpg"]