Chapter 361: Chapter 361

"Ni Zi, Ni Zi, I went up the mountain to have a look. The herbs we planted are ready for harvest." Erya came to Gong Ruini early in the morning to share her discovery.

Ever since Erya and the others learned that Gong Ruini and her family not only picked wild herbs but also cleared land to plant herbs on the mountain, the whole family truly turned out to help with clearing the land.

Gong Ruini was worried for quite some time, concerned that they might cut down all the trees on the mountain to plant herbs.

Although herbs are profitable and contribute to greening, their contribution to vegetation isn’t as important as trees. Official source ıs novel※fire.net

Before Gong Ruini could express these concerns to Gong Tao and the others, she discovered the village had already held meetings to establish rules regarding families clearing land and planting herbs on the mountain.

The rule was not to cut down trees; otherwise, the family would be prohibited from planting herbs.

In this way, even if some had had the idea, they were left with no choice but to abandon it, especially considering the village committee’s authority was still quite high at that time.

Thus, those wastelands on the mountain were neatly planted with herbs. The path up the mountain became much easier to walk, making villagers feel assured after taking a stroll around their own herb fields before and after work each day.

Although this takes considerable effort, picking herbs can earn money, not only covering children’s schooling expenses but also saving some money for building a house and accumulating funds for children’s marriage expenses.

Everyone was busy earning money for their families, so there was less inclination to go out wandering.

When no one goes wandering, a lot less gossip and trouble arises, allowing Gong Ruini and her family to breathe easier.

Once the village sees the herbs are ready for harvesting, the whole village is notified with excitement for a money-making plan.

Ah, it’s time to harvest herbs? Gong Ruini was more than prepared, having sharpened swords in anticipation of heading up the mountain. During these days, she always felt uneasy and sensed something happening in her hometown.

There’s something too calm, as calm as the stillness before a storm.

Therefore, to preserve the green mountains, Gong Ruini expressed that preparations with sufficient ammunition were necessary.

"Starting from tomorrow, go all out in picking herbs." Zhao Guangran felt like practicing martial arts was a fate worse than death, feeling he would collapse at any moment while walking.

But upon hearing that they could go up the mountain to pick herbs, he was thrilled.

"Zhao Guangran, you still have so much energy." Cai Ming’s face turned sour upon seeing Zhao Guangran in this state.

This guy always complained of exhaustion while practicing martial arts and behaved as though he was suffering abuse, yet upon hearing about making money, he suddenly transformed. Cai Ming’s mood was surely affected.

Poor kid, if you’re going to act, do it completely. How can you slip up so easily?

Indeed, this kid had been slacking long enough; getting caught today was deserved. "Uncle, he must be punished severely, otherwise he’ll surely keep making mistakes."

At critical moments, a stab is necessary; huh, let’s see who makes fun of her for being fat before, not knowing that for women, weight is a taboo topic.

Zhao Guangran daringly broached it, and Gong Ruini would never forget it; knowing how much effort she had put into firming her belly and calves.

She especially dared not indulge in food, fearing her belly might stand out too much.

Why is Gong Ruini saying this, Zhao Guangran puzzledly looked at her. He reflected that he hadn’t done anything to offend Gong Ruini recently, yet she seemed to target him.

Alright, just realizing that revenge was optimal, this guy hardly knew what mistakes he had made.

Seeing his confused expression, let him continue reflecting, only then can he treat her well.

"Yes, punish elder brother; he always slacks off." Zhan Banxia absolutely supported Gong Ruini, enthusiastically waving flags at her words.

This was his own brother, truly selling out a sibling without fail to ensure quality completion.

"Run a few laps around the village, then chop a couple of bundles of firewood by noon." Cai Ming was utterly ruthless.

For someone who habitually slacks off, getting caught red-handed isn’t easy, and today the opportunity was perfect for punishment.

No way, Zhao Guangran was stunned; he wanted to plead for mercy.

"Go." Zhao Xuran prepared the wood chopping tools and handed them to Zhao Guangran.

This is his own brother, Zhao Guangran felt like he was abandoned by the whole world, lacking in brotherly love.

Standing there pitifully, Zhao Guangran murmured, "I want to go up later to pick herbs."

Right, how could he be so silly, picking herbs is lucrative.

"You can deduct money." Zhao Xuran indicated there was a solution.

Ah, deducting money, Zhao Guangran felt an ache over this; if his brother said deduct money, it wasn’t a trivial sum.

Deciding whether to pay or earn money, Zhao Guangran pondered long, "I’ll deduct money."

"Oh." Zhao Xuran wasn’t surprised at this choice, "Then deduct money."

"Deduct ten yuan," Zhao Xuran casually suggested a figure without much thought.

Ten yuan? Must be a mistake, Zhao Guangran’s mouth dropped wide open, "Brother, that’s deceiving."

"Ten yuan, could you earn that much in a day harvesting herbs?" Zhao Guangran huffed at Zhao Xuran, feeling his brother was overly unreasonable.

"That’s your choice, so be it." Zhao Xuran didn’t allow Zhao Guangran a chance to amend it, decisively settling the matter.

Excessive, his brother became reckless; Zhao Guangran felt familiarity, watching his brother’s actions.

No, his brother’s conduct resembled Ni Zi, as Gong Ruini was often unreasonable before.

If signs of losing were apparent, help in the form of his brother would be summoned immediately.

Now his brother didn’t need assistance, effortlessly pushing him down.

"Brother, I feel I should train harder, not solve it with money." Zhao Guangran hesitated over losing so much, realizing running and chopping wood wouldn’t consume much time.

"Changed your mind?" Zhao Xuran asked Zhao Guangran nicely if he intended to alter his mind.

Zhao Guangran merely suggested it without hopes; his brother’s decisions weren’t easily revised.

But unexpectedly, Xuran allowed a change, "Really, can I change?"

Wait, recalling his earlier mistake, didn’t he just fail to clarify first, hence being trapped by his brother?

"What do I pay?" Before Xuran spoke, Zhao Guangran worriedly inquired, "Then I’ll decide."

Good, knowing to ask thoroughly; good, lessons from taking a fall taught caution, avoiding a repeat mistake.

"The cost is deducting five yuan." Zhao Xuran candidly revealed with evident regret.

See, that rascal brother tricked him, Zhao Guangran breathed a sigh, "I’ll accept running, chopping, plus a five-yuan fine."

Heart aching, Zhao Guangran’s punishment wasn’t evaded, plus a five-yuan fine; misfortune piled high.

"Brother, you’re so harsh." Zhao Guangran whispered grimly toward Zhao Xuran.

Xuran turned to Cai Ming, "From now, whoever slack-off gets that penalty."

Gong Ruini laughed heartily, knowing the rule squarely targeted Zhao Guangran; pity poor Guang Ran, how’d he have such a brother.