"That's true. Would the other vegetables be ready by the new year?"
"Tough to say. If there's a possibility of early maturity, we can harvest them. However, they'll definitely be ready on the 15th of the first lunar month."
"The 15th is fine; it's an important festival. If you manage it well, it'll be a great achievement."
"This is my honor.
"If you have no other instructions, I will take my leave." Gu Chengrui said.
"Go. If there's anything, report it in time." The Emperor nodded.
After Gu Chengrui left, the Emperor ordered Eunuch Li to bring all the vegetables to the imperial kitchen. At dinner, he wanted to taste the quality of the vegetables and see if they differed from those grown near the hot springs.
On the other end, Zhou Ying had just returned home when the little beggar Gou'zi—renamed Qi Tong—ran out to welcome her, saying, "Madam, you're back! This servant will help you carry your luggage."