Mountain Search

The next morning, Fu Mei Li woke up bright and early. She was quite excited to go up the mountains to find Lingzhi mushrooms.

She knew they were not easily found, but she felt it was doable with a methodical approach, even if it would take her a few more days of searching.

Haoran wasn't in the room anymore, and she wasn't surprised. These brothers always woke up early and did their physical exercises in the back courtyard. In fact, she could hear them practicing even now.

She didn't bother peeping at them, though, despite the temptation of seeing those beautiful and sweaty, half-naked bodies again. She really didn't want her husbands to consider her as a shameless woman!

Mei Li ran to the kitchen to help Aunt Li prepare their breakfast and to pack some dried rations for lunch. She knew it would be a long and tiring day today, but she was optimistic. She and Haoran must find that Lingzhi mushroom!

The four brothers sent Fu Mei Li and Jin Haoran off at the gate after breakfast. Weimin still had a worried look on his face. "Wife, be careful up there, okay? Second brother, you must not let anything happen to the wife!"

Haoran merely nodded and gestured to Mei Li to get going.

The surrounding mountains were not that far away and could be reached within twenty to thirty minutes of walking. Haoran carried their lunch and water in a bamboo basket on his back while Mei Li was empty-handed.

They passed by the rice fields, and several of the villagers greeted Haoran as they walked along. As usual, Haoran just nodded at them and didn't bother saying anything else. She just smiled politely at them as she wasn't familiar with any of them.

Mei Li and Haoran's destination was the second peak of the western mountains. There were five peaks in total, and the second peak was the largest in terms of area coverage. They decided to go there first since Haoran confirmed that there were many Handkerchief trees there.

On the way, Mei Li was busy describing to Haoran the characteristics of old or dying Handkerchief trees. They decided to look for these trees with the eye-catching white flowers first rather than Maple trees because it was currently spring.

Maple leaves only show off their brilliant red and orange hues during autumn. Now, they would blend in with the rest of the greenery. A Handkerchief tree's unique white flowers, however, were easier to spot.

Not long after, Mei Li and Haoran entered the second peak of the west mountains. The ground started sloping upwards, and there were many more trees around.

Mei Li inhaled the unique earthy scent of the mountain forest. The bright sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The temperature became a little bit colder. Mei Li could also hear more insect and bird calls here. She found everything quite refreshing.

Mei Li also eagerly examined the flora around her. During their walk, she found plenty of plants and herbs that sparked many useful ideas in her head. She couldn't help but appreciate how this mountain was full of treasures!

Still, she was mindful of her surroundings and never strayed far from Haoran. She restrained herself from gathering the useful herbs and plants she saw. It wasn't time for that yet. She must focus on finding the king of mushrooms.

Mei Li and Haoran went up higher and higher. Sometimes, there will be a break in the trees, and she could see the sprawling view of the village and the rest of the valley.

More than an hour after entering the mountain forest, when Mei Li was gasping for breath, they finally found a copse of Handkerchief trees.

When her breathing finally returned to normal, she smiled at Haoran. He indeed knew his way in here. "Big brother Haoran, you're so good! There are many huge Handkerchief trees here."

Haoran could see her excitement, and a small smile played on his lips.

When Mei Li was about to dash towards one of the largest and oldest looking trees she saw, Haoran grabbed her arm and held her back.

Haoran took his role of protecting this little woman seriously. It was currently spring and the time for many animals, big and small, to go out of their dens to mate or forage. Although this area was still considered a safe zone by the village hunters, and there weren't any sightings of wolves or tigers here, there might still be the occasional wild boar that could harm her.

"I'll go first," Haoran told Mei Li.

Mei Li was taken aback and, after a while, she nodded. In her excitement, she forgot the dangers of the forest. Thankfully, Haoran reminded her on time.

Haoran proceeded forward on full alert with Mei Li close behind him. They approached the taller and bigger trees as that would mean they have grown here for many years. Soon enough, Mei Li and Haoran were surrounded by Handkerchief trees with their white flowers in full bloom.

Despite her cautious mood, Mei Li couldn't help but be enchanted by the beauty around her. It wasn't for nothing that these trees were planted as decorations in modern times.

Handkerchief or Dove trees were stately specimens with rounded crowns and robust branches. The white flowers interspersed with the green leaves were abundant, and they fluttered softly in the breeze. Everywhere she looked was as pretty as a picture!

Mei Li's gaze then landed on the broad back of the man in front of her. His protective stance made her feel safe and reassured. If Haoran turned back at this moment, he would have seen the gentle look his wife was giving him.

After a moment, Haoran stopped in front of a towering Handkerchief tree. Its crown of leaves was rounder and fuller than the rest. Its trunk was three times bigger than those near it. Mei Li estimated that it was around 15 meters tall and 6 meters wide.

When Haoran confirmed that the surroundings were safe, Mei Li walked around the tree trunk. She inspected the base of the tree carefully and even went around it thrice. Unfortunately, there wasn't any Lingzhi in sight.

Mei Li wasn't discouraged. This was but the first old tree they found. She didn't expect they would find the mushroom that easily anyway.

"Big brother Haoran, let's go find more Handkerchief trees like this or those bigger than this. Watch out for stumps or fallen logs in the area as well. If you find a Handkerchief tree with darker and brittle bark, surrounded by lots of dead branches, or slightly leaning to one side - let me know immediately."

And so, just like that, Fu Mei Li spent the whole morning going to three copses of Handkerchief trees in the area with Jin Haoran's guidance.

Noon came and Mei Li's legs were trembling from all the walking she did. Despite the chill inside the forest, her back and forehead were covered in sweat. She was once again gasping for breath and she was parched.

Worst of all, she still did not find a speck of Lingzhi mushroom!