Eldest Brother's Wife entered the room dazed, clutching the bundle. Only then did Qin Sang look up at the log cabin that had been built in a day and a night. The main structure was already up, with each room being three meters long and two meters wide; progress was remarkably swift.
She believed that in another two days, the main body of the log cabin she wanted would be completely finished.
However, the roof hadn't been done yet; presumably, they didn't know how to handle it.
There weren't even leaves in the mountains, let alone thatch.
Entering the log cabin, the strong woody fragrance wasn't pungent at all; instead, it felt heavy and secure.
"Mother, are you satisfied? But what should we do about the roof? Should we dismantle the tents?" the third son approached and asked.
Qin Sang nodded.
"No need, Mother has a way. The house is nice, and the speed was quite fast.
By the way, Third Son, everyone didn't get their water yesterday. Hurry and let everyone collect their water and grain today."
As soon as Qin Sang spoke, everyone beamed with joy. One must know that with this water, their families could finally catch a breath.
Many hands made light work. Before long, the items on the mules and horses were moved into the central room, and everyone ran back to get their own buckets and basins to collect the water and grain.
The old village chiefs also came over after hearing the news of Qin Sang's return. After Qin Sang finished distributing the water, she pointed to the large water vats.
"Village Chief, try putting this water vat into that well everyone dug to see if it can hold water by tomorrow."
The old village chief nodded.
"Alright, I hope it will be useful."
Qin Sang then mentioned the matter of the Patrol Team.
"When I left the mountains, I saw many commoners entering. They just haven't approached our area yet. I think we need to set up defenses as early as possible to prevent others from discovering us and coming to fight for our territory."
The village chief had no objections.
"Over the past two days, I've discussed it with Hunter Xu. Once your house is built, we'll build a gate at the mountain pass. Additionally, the candidates for the Patrol Team have been finalized. I'll have Hunter Xu expand the patrol range."
Qin Sang felt the village chief's considerations were quite thorough, and he always put the interests of the villagers first.
Qin Sang handed several lanterns and a hundred candles to the village chief. She also took one candle to Devilstrate. After lighting it, she dripped a few drops of wax onto the fixed stand in the middle of the lantern and then easily set the candle upright.
"These are for night patrols; they're better than walking in the dark."
The village chief looked at the smooth white candle.
"Da Zhuang's Mother, this must be very expensive. The village cannot take such a big advantage of you."
Seeing that everyone had learned, Qin Sang blew out the candle and said:
"It is expensive, but compared to everyone's lives and safety, it's nothing.
Besides, everyone patrolling also protects my family's safety, right?
If the Village Chief really feels like you're taking advantage of my family, just give me a few more pounds of meat the next time you catch a White-Haired Pig."
Ancient commoners couldn't even afford oil lamps, let alone candles with more complex manufacturing processes.
Seeing Qin Sang's persistence, the village chief finally accepted the candles and lanterns.
"Alright, then I'll thank you on behalf of the Patrol Team members. By the way, did you go back to the village to take a look?"
Qin Sang said vaguely:
"I didn't enter the village for fear of running into people. I only went home to get the water vats and the bed, taking other paths."
The village chief was a bit disappointed but still comforted her:
"It's only right to be careful. It's just that we don't know what the situation outside is like now."
At this point, everyone's faces showed disappointment. Although they didn't lack food or drink in the mountains, no matter how golden the nest, it wasn't as good as one's own humble home. Everyone wanted to go back.
"Village Chief, we've only been in the mountains for half a month. I estimate we'll have to wait a bit longer before going out to scout for news. Otherwise, it's easy to run straight into the Rebel Soldiers."
The old village chief nodded.
"Da Zhuang's Mother, you're right. Let's wait a bit longer."
After seeing off the old village chief, the other villagers also happily carried their water and flour back to their sheds.
The family welcomed Qin Sang into the house. Eldest Girl held a bowl of lean meat porridge and handed it to Qin Sang.
"Grandma."
Qin Sang took it with a smile and stroked Eldest Girl's head.
"Our Eldest Girl seems to have grown a bit taller. Tell Grandma, are you still coughing?"
Eldest Girl shook her head obediently.
"No more coughing. Eldest Paternal Aunt brewed medicine for me. I drank two bowls, and I'm hardly coughing anymore."
Qin Sang was somewhat surprised.
"Is that so? Er Fu? What medicine did you brew for Eldest Girl?"
When asked, Er Fu carefully stepped forward to answer:
"After Mother left, Eldest Girl kept coughing. I remembered the 'look, listen, question, and feel' Mother mentioned, so I checked her throat; it was very red.
I was worried her condition would worsen, so I used Honeysuckle and Prunella to boil water for her to drink. After drinking it, Eldest Girl said her throat felt better, so I let her have another bowl. I didn't add any other Medicinal Herbs."
Qin Sang nodded with satisfaction.
"You did very well. These two are harmless even if one isn't sick, and Eldest Girl's cough was caused by internal heat in the lungs. Honeysuckle and Prunella are perfect for clearing heat and detoxifying."
Hearing Qin Sang's praise, Er Fu finally broke into a smile. Si Jin, who was nearby, said:
"Mother, Second Sister not only brewed medicine for Eldest Girl but also distributed some Medicinal Herbs to the villagers. I don't know if they had water to brew them, but everyone working at our house was given a bowl."
Qin Sang nodded and looked at Er Fu.
"It seems Er Fu has quite an interest and talent for Chinese medicine. Er Fu, do you want to learn?"
The first thing in learning medicine is to be bold. Thinking about it, the others in the family had actually spent more time by Qin Sang's side than Er Fu, yet only Er Fu dared to come over and help her with disinfecting and applying medicine.
And now, the others in the family surely knew Eldest Girl was coughing, but only Er Fu dared to give her medicine. Furthermore, Qin Sang discovered that this girl, Er Fu, was faster and more attentive than her other children at identifying Medicinal Herbs; she was talented.
Qin Sang intended to cultivate her.
Tian Erfu raised her eyes to look at Mother.
"I... can I learn?"
Qin Sang smiled and took her hand.
"Why couldn't you? Physicians are rare in this world, and female physicians are even rarer. If you're willing, Mother will give you all the medical books your father left me.
You can start by learning about Medicinal Herbs, pharmacology, and medicinal cuisine. In the future, you can study gynecology and pediatrics. Who knows, our family might produce a famous physician who saves the world."
At this, not only was Tian Erfu very excited, but Si Jin, Eldest Girl, the two daughters-in-law, and the two sons were all very happy.
Third Son: "With Mother teaching you, Er Fu will surely become a famous physician."
Eldest Brother: "Once you become a physician, you won't have to work hard in the fields in the future."
Si Jin: "It's good to have a craft. Second Sister, hurry and agree to Mother!"
Tian Erfu's heart beat a little fast.
"But... but I'm illiterate..."
She spoke very softly, and as soon as she finished, Tian Wenmo stepped forward.
"Second Sister, don't be afraid. I will teach you."
Tian Erfu looked at everyone's eager eyes and then at Mother's very expectant gaze before finally nodding.
"Mother, I will definitely study hard with you."
Qin Sang went into the tent, rummaged through her bundle, and then brought out three books.