Ms. Doctor Divine

Well…

How could Yan Danqiu be expected to know how to hunt? She likely had no choice but to resort to less subtle means.

Given the current predicament in Yan Danqiu’s family, any mishap involving her mother would be highly unfortunate and challenging to explain in the future. Sensing the villagers’ reluctance to become entangled in such matters, those with greedier intentions dispersed. Some who were genuinely hungry went to procure meat, a commodity not scarce in the North Village.

Gu Chaoyan returned home without further incident.

Surveying her home, everything seemed undisturbed.

Feeling more at ease, she knocked on the door, but there was no immediate response. It occurred to her that they might be hesitant to open the door.

“Open the door, it’s Sister,” Gu Chaoyan called out.

After a brief pause, voices from inside signaled their recognition. She brought the items inside, opened the door, ushered Yan Danqiu in, and closed it behind her.

“Did they cause any trouble?” Gu Chaoyan inquired of Dao Seeking, aware of the village gossip.

Everyone was privy to the rumors circulating.

“I went and told them that I had something important to share with you. I invited you to come to my house tomorrow,” Yan Danxia explained. While uncertain about the details, she sensed that significant events were afoot when the villagers ceased their commotion.

Gu Chaoyan shrugged off the speculation. To her, it was likely just trivial matters.

“Today, I had a fruitful harvest. I met an old acquaintance who claimed to be my father. He guided me to that location and taught me how to cultivate these plants. There are herbs that are several hundred years old and some suitable for home cultivation,” Gu Chaoyan shared the events of the day. Despite their differences, they were a family, and she respected that bond.

“…..”

“In a couple of days, I’ll head to the county city and seek assistance from the Lin Family,” Gu Chaoyan declared.

“…”

“Go and conceal these items. I’ll skin this rabbit, and Danxia, you can cook it later,” Gu Chaoyan instructed as she placed the basket on the ground and retrieved the rabbit.

Yan Danxia and Yan Dandong were taken aback.

The rabbit, gray and marked by numerous wounds, still bore traces of blood on its fur.

Yan Danxia’s eyes welled with tears. “Elder sister.”

“Don’t cry. We’re improving, and there’s nothing to cry about. The mountains are teeming with wild rabbits and pheasants. Once I’m better, we can go together to catch some pheasants and make soup,” Gu Chaoyan reassured them gently.

“Alright!” The two sisters agreed enthusiastically, sensing that better days were on the horizon.

Yet, they couldn’t help feeling sorry for their elder sister. After all, she, too, was just a girl, now forced to hunt for their sustenance.

While they hid the items, Gu Chaoyan skillfully skinned the wild rabbit.

After finishing, she handed it to Danxia, insisting she take a break without worrying about conserving materials. There was no need to skimp now that they were eating well—everyone’s health took precedence.

Gu Chaoyan served Ms. Wang some tea, and a glimmer returned to her previously dim eyes. Ms. Wang expressed her desire to get up and try.

“Okay.” Gu Chaoyan assisted her, and though weak, Ms. Wang managed to rise, appearing noticeably better than before.

Gu Chaoyan assisted her to sit down at the dining table, ensuring they could share a meal together.

“Mother, we have meat today,” Dan Dong exclaimed joyfully.

“Where did the meat come from?”

“We went to the mountains and hunted wild rabbits. There’s plenty of wild game up there, making it easy to hunt.”