Chapter 302: The Pinpo Fruit Trees Have Bloomed

Mr. Song bowed to Gu Xixi, his wide sleeves hanging down, 'If he ever returns one day, no matter when, could you let me see him just once?'

Gu Xixi found it hard to answer, 'This...'

Mr. Song thought Gu Xixi had reservations, and spoke sincerely, 'I am old now, long past the ability to contend for glory and boast; I only wish to see a distinguished person in my remaining years, just to catch a glimpse of their bearing, nothing more.'

Gu Xixi quickly said, 'I do not doubt your character, sir; if you want to climb higher or give yourself glory, find a ladder to step up. The students you taught years ago are enough for that.'

'Yet you stayed in Qing Tian County, devoting half your life to uplifting countless students.'

'The reason I cannot answer right away is merely because...'

Gu Xixi paused, then spoke truthfully, 'Because of my own reasons.'

Mr. Song stared blankly for a moment, looking at Gu Xixi, as if he understood something.

He apologetically said, 'I was too simplistic, causing you trouble, Miss.'

Gu Xixi laughed, 'It's fine, not really that troublesome.'

Mr. Song's expression grew wistful as he sighed, 'I understand; perhaps he was once a teacher in this village, and moreover, your...'

He glanced at Gu Xixi, then stopped speaking, somewhat sympathetically.

'Even if he were wonderful, after all, times have changed.'

Gu Xixi, however, was carefree, 'Actually, it's not entirely impossible to meet him.'

'I can promise you, if I see him again, I will surely convey your wish.'

Mr. Song smiled with relief, 'That is enough, thank you, Boss Gu.'

After another spring rain, the newly arrived warm wind coaxed the flowers of Huachi Du Cun to bloom.

Gu Xixi had nearly finished all the matters before her departure.

Whenever she had free time at home, she would pack a bit of luggage while waiting for An Qinghe to arrive.

Zhang Shen helped fold clothes while sighing worriedly, 'The capital is far away, isn't it? You've never left home this far since you were little—can you manage?'

Gu Xixi laughed, 'I can manage; you've asked me several times already, don't worry.'

Zhang Shen still felt anxious, 'Even though Xiao An is with you, having a companion on the road makes it somewhat safer.'

'But he looks like an outsider at first glance; if someone bullies you for being foreigners, can he hold his ground?'

'Otherwise, I might as well go with you; I can look after you on the way.'

Gu Xixi set down what she was holding and smiled helplessly, 'You forgot, we still have Shitou and my master at home.'

Zhang Shen murmured, 'I almost forgot—the young one has to go to school, the old one has to treat patients; nobody can leave.'

'And there's our land; we can't leave it all to hired hands, someone must keep an eye on it.'

She said this while letting out a heavy sigh, looking helpless.

'That's right,' Gu Xixi said, 'so there's plenty to do at home; how could we leave without you?'

She wrapped both arms around Zhang Shen's arm, coquettishly saying, 'You needn't worry about me; I've made several trips to the border, and now the world is peaceful—this journey will surely go smoothly.'

'As long as you stay at ease guarding our home, that's already the greatest help you could give me.'

Zhang Shen could only nod, 'Alright, I'll wait for Xiao An to come, then I'll give him a few more reminders!'

The two continued packing their things.

Little Flower walked in, lightly leapt up, and paced along the edge of the kang, looking for a favorite spot.

Since Gu Xixi gave Little Flower an external anti-parasitic medicine, even after the insects revived following Awakening of Insects, Little Flower had no fleas and could freely enter the house and climb onto the kang.

Zhang Shen looked at Little Flower and sensed something off, tilting her head to examine more closely.

'Is its belly getting a bit bigger?'

Gu Xixi also turned her head to look.

The two exchanged a glance, both showing astonishment.

Gu Xixi said, 'It usually goes out early and returns late after spring begins, but today it came back early to rest; it's not impossible...'

Zhang Shen resignedly waved her hand, 'Fine, now there's another pregnant one for me to look after.'

Gu Xixi lowered her head and chuckled secretly.

There's nothing to be done; in ancient times this condition couldn't be used to spay a female cat, so we can only follow nature's reproductive laws.

In the afternoon, Gu Xixi went down to the field to check the growth of the wheat seedlings.

Just as she stepped onto the ridge, she saw Gouwa and Shitou running toward her.

Both wore big smiles, waving and shouting from afar at Gu Xixi, 'It's blooming! It's blooming!!'

In an instant they reached her; Shitou, panting, blurted out, 'Sister Xixi, the Pinpo fruit trees have bloomed!!'

Gouwa also hurriedly said, 'Yes, it's blooming; my mother sent me to ask Sister Xixi to come quickly and have a look.'

Although Gu Xixi was pleased, she wasn't overly surprised, 'Come on, let's go together!'

The white Pinpo flowers had just opened their first batch, discovered first by Qin Dasao.

Before Gu Xixi arrived, Qin Dasao had already notified several other households.

Everyone found Pinpo flowers in their own orchards.

However, the flowers were still few; most were buds.

After inspecting them, Gu Xixi rejoiced, 'Don't worry, they will all be fully open within a day or two.'

She had seen the flower buds the last time it rained.

But that day was cold, and she had worried it might affect the first bloom.

Fortunately, this batch of grafted fruit trees lived up to expectations.

Qin Dasao patted her chest, 'Great! Blooming and bearing fruit—this first step has finally been taken!'

The other households also showed happy expressions.

Even if this year may not succeed in setting fruit, merely seeing the blossoms is enough to lift people's spirits.

And Gu Xixi saw the Pinpo fruit trees blooming; she could also go to the capital with peace of mind.

She said with a smile, "Come to my orchard tomorrow noon; I'll teach everyone how to thin the flowers next."

Everyone was joyful, each bringing out full vigor.

Considering Xiao Hua might soon have kittens, Zhang Shen complained, but as soon as Lao Langzhong returned from his rounds, she immediately dragged him over to Xiao Hua.

"Hurry up and check if she's having kittens!"

Lao Langzhong looked helpless, "My dear Zhang sister, how many times must I say it? I'm a human doctor, not a veterinarian!"

Zhang Shen said, "What's not medicine about medicine? You've even prescribed it before!"

"How to check? Figure it out yourself!"

Lao Langzhong sighed in resignation.

But he did have a method: he first reached out and pinched Xiao Hua's left front paw at the wrist, to take the pulse.

After a moment, he pressed his palm against the slightly bulging side of Xiao Hua's belly.

"Exactly, it's a happy pulse. She likely has about five kittens, and will give birth at most in half a month."

Zhang Shen exclaimed, "You can even diagnose that?!"

Lao Langzhong was speechless, "Wasn't it you who asked me to check?"

"What's with that tone? Are you doubting my medical skills?"

Zhang Shen merely gave an "oh," thought a moment, then asked, "Should I give it something to stabilize the pregnancy? Or else you could prescribe something?"

Lao Langzhong could bear it no longer, "That's overdoing it!"

"Medicine is three parts poison; for any pregnant woman, if her body and the fetus are healthy, no medicine is needed."

"Even if supplementing nutrients, it must be done in moderation; excess is harmful and useless."

He looked at Xiao Hua, "The same principle applies to cats."

Zhang Shen pondered, "So fetal medicine shouldn't be taken randomly, and tonics shouldn't be overdone either—I'll make a note of this."

In the future, when caring for Xixi, this will always come in handy.