Those years when I was Cannon fodder

This Tree Has Spirituality

With a mischievous smile, Chu Yu confidently spoke, "Mother, allow me to take on the challenge. Once I successfully cultivate it, we can transform a small corner of our backyard into a thriving oasis and compete to see who can nurture it better."

Pausing for dramatic effect, she continued, "But for now, I won't dare to challenge your expertise. You and Aunt Qing have far more experience and wisdom than I do."

Third Madam burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Ah, our little fish is feeling quite proud, fearing that you'll be teased by me and Aunt Qing if your gardening efforts go awry."

Chu Yu playfully covered her face, feigning embarrassment and slight annoyance, "Oh, no! I just need a little time to acquaint myself with the task at hand, just a little bit."

Third Madam spared her further teasing and suggested, "Later, let Aunt Qing assist you in clearing a plot of land. You're still young and shouldn't burden yourself with such tasks. Don't exhaust yourself."

After pondering for a moment, she added, "And then, let's transfer a few medicinal herbs from our garden to ward off any lurking snakes."

Chu Yu embraced Third Madam's arm affectionately, declaring with delight, "I knew it! You love me the most."

They exchanged warm smiles, their similar features emphasizing their deep bond, as if savoring the joys of family life. Little did anyone suspect that hidden beneath this facade, each harbored their own secret intentions.

...

Qingyu appeared to be quite adept at this kind of work. She swiftly cleared the neighboring yard of weeds, creating a pathway that led directly to the courtyard gate. She then cleared a modest vegetable patch spanning about ten square meters.

This was a specific request from Chu Yu.

Whether it was merely for appearances or if she truly required this piece of land, there was no need to make it excessively large.

The land was ready, yet there was no sign of action from Chu Yu's father. Chu Yu couldn't help but suspect that the maid responsible for tending the garden might have kept the token he had given her as a gift, hiding it away somewhere.

After all, it was a meticulously chosen birthday present from her father.

Though not extravagant, it could still be considered a birthday gift from a dashing gentleman.

Chu Yu had no intention of idly waiting. She couldn't rest until the poison in her body was cured. Just as she was contemplating confronting Third Madam and directly seeking her father's attention, a wonderful opportunity unexpectedly presented itself.

"Little fish, it's been quite a while since you last saw your father. You must be missing him, aren't you?"

Another warm breeze wafted through the tranquil afternoon as Third Madam gracefully moved her fingers while casually speaking.

Chu Yu absentmindedly toyed with flower petals in her hands.

Yesterday, she accidentally discovered that these petals had a sweet taste with a hint of mint, imparting a refreshing sensation when consumed.

It was rather invigorating.

Especially when studying those intricate calligraphy scripts. This gave her a sudden idea of crushing the flower petals and extracting their juice. Would it enhance her concentration?

Amidst her investigations into the poison within her body, she had neglected her studies. During Mr. Mo's examination, her performance had been mediocre.

At that moment, Mr. Mo had scrutinized her for a while but ultimately refrained from saying anything.

Chu Yu felt a tinge of guilt as her anxious emotions proved difficult to control. Thus, she planned to seek external aid to forcibly enhance her focus.

These flower petals were part of her experiment.

If the juice didn't prove effective, she would gather other cooling substances and concoct a flower and fruit tea.

However, Chu Yu hoped to avoid resorting to flower and fruit tea altogether. After all, in this world, there were numerous plants she couldn't identify. She had no knowledge of their individual toxicity, let alone the potential chemical reactions that might occur when they were combined and steeped in boiling water.

"Why are you so engrossed? Your mother was speaking to you, and you didn't even hear!" Third Madam remarked, noticing Chu Yu's absent-mindedness.

Chu Yu glanced at the vibrant pink flower petals in her hands and instinctively replied, "These flowers are exquisite. I was thinking of using them to paint your nails, mother."

Third Madam chuckled, "Are you amusing yourself? But indeed, these flowers are stunning."

Raising her gaze, Third Madam admired the enormous tree in the courtyard that required the embrace of five adults to encircle it.

"This tree has stood here for countless years, imbued with a spiritual essence. Its blossoms are extraordinary."

Chu Yu's heart skipped a beat, sensing a deeper meaning behind Third Madam's words.

In the Qinglan Courtyard, only two such grand trees existed, their blooms appearing merely half a month ago. The number of flowers was not abundant, with few scattering upon the ground.

Yet what astonished Chu Yu was that the fallen flowers remained pristine, free of any dust. They appeared fresh and tender, evoking a sense of familiarity.

It reminded her of the time her father had presented her with a large strawberry.

Though a flower and a fruit were unrelated, Chu Yu hadn't encountered any other fruit since then that aroused such longing within her.

And now, these flower petals evoked that familiar feeling.

Not to mention their practical applications.

Frowning, Chu Yu instinctively wished to divert Third Madam's attention from these flowers. She inquired, "Mother, what were you about to tell me?"

"Do you miss your father?" Third Madam fixed her gaze upon Chu Yu, her eyes silently demanding a specific response.

Chu Yu's lips twitched, and she nodded.

"In that case, go and find your father. Let's have a family dinner, just the three of us. What do you say?"

Chu Yu was tempted to refuse immediately. Would her father agree? That remained highly uncertain!

Yet in an instant, she recognized the opportunity before her.

Deliberately pausing for a few seconds, she reluctantly replied, "Mother, allow me to finish tending to these flower petals first, and then I'll head to the front yard to find Father. Though I'm uncertain whether Father will agree."

Mother, please don't become unreasonable because of me.

Chu Yu kept that thought to herself.

"Stop dawdling and go. Your mother is waiting for good news."

Third Madam seemed entirely oblivious to Chu Yu's hesitations.

Hence, Chu Yu had no choice but to return the items to her room before departing from the courtyard.

As she left, she overheard Third Madam's eager declaration, "Little fish, I knew you'd cooperate. Just be a bit charming with your father, and he will undoubtedly join us. It has been far too long since our family of three had a proper dinner."

Clearly, this was a competition for favor.

Chu Yu contemplated the common plot device found in novels where children competed for their parents' affection.

If possible, she genuinely wished for her father and Third Madam to bond better. Perhaps they could even venture out and explore the world together. After all, they had even introduced simplified characters. She was genuinely curious about the societal advancements.

Rather than being confined to this small courtyard.

If Third Madam spent a little more time outside, she might regain her sanity. Chu Yu understood that Third Madam wouldn't be able to go shopping until after her marriage.

Hold on! Perhaps, once she became more familiar with the herbs in this world, she could attempt creating a harmless sedative and give it a try.

A rebellious idea sprouted in Chu Yu's mind.