Chapter 19: Mulberry Silkworm

The rain stopped and the sky cleared.

Bai Caoshi was action-oriented. She would do whatever came to her mind immediately.

She used a gourd ladle to store some purple rice that she had bought yesterday and went straight to Yang’s house. As the saying went, it was easier to do things in return for courtesy.

The last time she came was in the evening, so she didn’t go in. Now, she saw a few big mulberry trees in the courtyard. The crown of the trees became more beautiful after the rain. The branches and leaves were lush, and there were bunches of gratifying fruits hanging on the trees.

Furthermore, there were green vegetable beds, smooth stone well railings, tall acacia trees, purple-red mulberries… The scenery depicted by famous poets appeared in front of her, and Bai Caoshi had a dreamy taste. Great, it was time for the mulberries to ripen.

She shouted into the courtyard. The Yang family had come out, including Yang Dali’s two sons. The third girl stood at the back quietly.

“Yo, Bai Caoshi is here.” It was Madam Zheng who spoke, acting very intimate.

Bai Caoshi gifted the purple rice first and smiled. “I went to the market yesterday and bought some food. I wanted to send some to you.”

“How can I accept this?” Although Madam Zheng said that, her hand was very honest as she took it. “I just accepted your chicken soup the day before yesterday.”

Yang Dali also said, “Bai Caoshi, sit in the room.”

Bai Caoshi waved her hand and looked at the third girl. “Uncle, Aunt, I came here today to ask the third girl to help me make a few sets of new clothes.”

“I…” The third girl was about to say something when Madam Zheng glared at her. “Bai Caoshi, you must be joking. How can the third girl’s skills compare to yours?”

Bai Caoshi was helpless as she was about to ruin her image again. She spread her hands and inadvertently revealed the scars on them. “I have no choice. I know that the third girl is also very busy, so I want to pay two copper coins a day and not let her do it for nothing.”

“How… how can I accept this?” Madam Zheng was in conflict. Should she accept the money or not?

It was the eldest brother of the Yang family who spoke. “Mother, we’re neighbors. It’s only right for us to help each other. It’s not a big deal to do needlework.”

Upon seeing this, Madam Zheng stopped bickering. “Third girl, be quick and do it before the wedding.”

Bai Caoshi was shocked. The third girl looked like she was only twelve or thirteen years old. Was she going to get married? This was an evil feudal society.

“Then I’ll thank Uncle and Aunt first. When the time comes, let the third girl come to my house.”

After a few more small talks, the rest of the Yang family entered the house, leaving only the two girls in the courtyard.

Bai Caoshi glanced at the mulberry tree from time to time, wondering how to start.

However, the third girl was a penetrating person. She pulled Bai Caoshi to the tree and said, “Sister, my mulberries are ripe. I’ll pick some for you.”

Okay, here comes the ladder.

“Then I’ll thank you. I heard that mulberry branches can also live if they’re inserted into the ground. I also want to raise a mulberry tree. It’s festive just looking at the fruits.” Bai Caoshi had thoughts on the mulberry tree.

The third girl had already climbed up the tree and was using Bai Caoshi’s gourd ladle. “If you want to attempt layering, spring and autumn would be better. However, Sister has taken mulberries. After washing them and removing the flesh, you can also obtain seeds. You can sow them in spring, summer, and autumn.”

The third girl, who did not seem to talk much, became eloquent when she mentioned mulberries. Even her naturally red face became lively.

“Then I’ll ask you if I see anything I don’t understand.” Bai Caoshi broke off a small piece of the mulberry branch for the system. “By the way, the third girl, my mother said that you raise silkworms. Can you let me take a look?”

The third girl came down from the tree. She filled the gourd ladle with mulberries and gave it to Bai Caoshi. “Sure, follow me.”

The silkworm room was in a room with silkworm racks stacked together. The third girl brought over a silkworm board made of bamboo strips. On the mulberry leaves were fat white silkworm babies.

Frankly speaking, Bai Caoshi was a little shocked as the silkworm babies were so densely packed but she still praised, “You’re really capable.”

The third girl played with the silkworm baby lovingly, but there was a sad expression on her face. “Unfortunately, when I get married, my mother will sell them all.”

She must be a real silkworm lover, that’s why she couldn’t bear to part with them. Bai Caoshi blurted out, “How old are you? Are you going to get married?”

The third girl looked at her in disbelief. “Sister, I’m fourteen years old this year. Moreover, only when I’m married will my family get a betrothal gift so that we can find a wife for my brother.”