Offering the Formula

Xu Wenwu could only support his younger brother's choice.

Qibao always felt that her fourth brother had his own ideas in mind. He was unwilling to tell them, so he must have had his own considerations.

Su Chenyu smiled and said: "Let's not worry about that now. We're all here just to have fun today. Enjoying ourselves is most important. It's a long journey up the mountain, so coming back empty-handed would feel like a wasted trip."

"Okay! I want to drink mutton soup. I'll catch one later and make mutton soup. It tastes so good!" Xiaowu said.

Su Chenyu asked: "Have any of you seen a tiger before?"

"No, we've only heard there are tigers in the mountains, but none of us know what they actually look like."

Just then, Bai Shuang nudged Qibao's arm with his head.

Qibao stroked the dog's head and asked: "Do you know where we can find a tiger?"

Bai Shuang nodded affirmatively.

Excitedly, Su Chenyu suggested: "Why don't we let Bai Shuang lead us to see one?"

Jing Chen warned: "That's not a good idea. You know how fierce tigers are. If we encounter a group of them, even if we want to face them, it would require all our strength. It's simply not safe."

Su Chenyu didn't insist further. After all, Qian Xuedong, who couldn't fight, was still with the group. If something happened to him, it could be disastrous.

"I only want to get a couple of tiger skins for my grandfather." Su Chenyu explained regretfully: "I heard that wine soaked with tiger bones can be good for older people. It strengthens their bodies, builds bones, and gets rid of the damp and cold. It's really good for you. Every winter, my grandfather's knee joints ache, and the doctors say it's because of the cold!"

At this, Jing Chen's expression grew slightly colder.

On the night Jing Chen was born, during a snowstorm in the winter, his mother used her very last bit of strength. She didn't even get to see her own baby before she passed away.

Overwhelmed with grief, his grandfather had knelt all night outside the Imperial Palace, begging the Emperor to return his daughter's body for burial in the Su family tombs.

Normally, once a daughter married, she became part of her husband's family. Since she had married the Emperor himself, even in death, she should have been buried in the Imperial Mausoleum. How could the Emperor possibly allow her body to be taken home by the Su family? Wouldn't that be seen as a huge insult to the Empire?

Many ministers at court argued against it. In the end, it was the Emperor who overruled them all, permitting the Su family to take Su Qingrou home for burial.

This decision shocked not only the officials of the previous dynasty but also left the entire Imperial Harem in disbelief. However, since the Emperor had made his choice, no amount of opposition from the ministers could change it.

As a result, the legs of Grand Tutor Su were left with a lingering cold, which seeped into his joints. With each passing winter, as he aged, his knees would ache so much it was hard to bear.

Qibao said: "I know of a traditional remedy that can help ease this kind of ailment."

Su Chenyu and Jing Chen's eyes lit up at the same time: "Qibao, what's the remedy?"

Qibao explained: "Take coarse salt and heat it until it's warm. Put it in a cloth bag and apply it to the aching joint while it's still hot. Do this every day. It will improve blood circulation, dissolve blood clots, and remove the cold from your body."

Su Chenyu said, amazed: "Qibao, how do you know so much? I've never heard of this method before!"

"My master told me about it once." Qibao replied: "I just remembered it."

Jing Chen gazed at the composed girl before him, his eyes sparkling. She has her own secrets, he thought. That mysterious water, and the master he had never met—it all seemed very odd.

There was always something new to learn from her. She was like a treasure trove, he found himself constantly drawn to her.

"Qibao." Su Chenyu said: "I really want to thank you. If this method works, I'll prepare a big gift for you!"

Qibao replied: "No need. I'm just sharing what I know. I hope it helps. Besides, we're friends, so don't worry about the small things."

Su Chenyu patted Qibao's shoulder: "Friends? I think of you more like a sister!"

Jing Chen noticed Su Chenyu's hand on Qibao's shoulder and couldn't help but frown.

Fortunately, Su Chenyu quickly took his hand away quickly.

"Hey! You little rascals! I can't believe you're stealing my grapes! Shut it up there!"

Everyone was engrossed in conversation and hadn't realized several young wolves had snuck up to eat their fruit.

When spotted, the little troublemakers bolted off into the distance.

Xiaowu chased after them relentlessly.

Seeing someone go after her pups, the wolf mother followed close behind. In an instant, the once quiet field became lively.

Before long, Xiaowu returned with two young wolves in hand.

"You think those short legs can outpace me? Think again, little ones!"

He sat back down and flipped open their mouths. Eep, they were stuffed with fat grapes.

Qibao chuckled: "Fifth Brother, if you don't mind, you might as well eat the grapes yourself! The little wolf's saliva has already washed them for you!"

"Hahaha." Everyone burst out laughing.

"Ptooey! Wouldn't I be eating its saliva then? Forget it. You two wolf pups are getting off easy today. Go away!" Xiaowu said, releasing the two wolves.

They scampered over to their mother, spitting out the grapes into her mouth—obviously meant for her.

"Wow! How loyal they are! Qibao, why are the wolves you raise so intelligent? They seem smarter than most!" Su Chenyu asked, surprised.

Shrugging, Qibao replied: "I don't know! Maybe they've got good family values!"

Su Chenyu choked on his words. It sounded reasonable, yet he couldn't quite grasp it.

Xu Wenwu shook his head with a wry smile. These wolves had been drinking his younger sister's spiritual water regularly. Naturally, they were far superior to ordinary wolves. Even he, after consuming the spiritual water, noticed his mind becoming sharper and more agile. His excellent academic performance was undoubtedly influenced by the effects of this spiritual water.

"Hey! The meat's almost done. Time to add the seasoning, right?" Xiaowu asked.

Without a word, Third Brother took out some honey and brushed it on the meat. Then he sprinkled on chili powder and cumin, continuing to turn the skewers.

Xiaoba couldn't stand the smell any longer. His nose was practically glued to Xu Zihao's arm.

"Hold on, Xiaoba, it'll be ready soon!" Qibao said with patience.

Xiaoba licked his lips and sat down obediently, his eyes fixed on the rabbit roasting over the fire.

The smell of roasting meat also attracted the wolves' attention. The pack that had been lying down quickly got up and started walking towards the group.

Su Chenyu saw this and said: "There's a lot of wolves and not much meat. It won't be enough for everyone!"

Qibao said: "It's Bai Shuang, Bai Xue. Go get the wolves and fill their bellies first, then come back here."

With a howl, Bai Shuang ran off into the plains, followed by the rest of the wolf pack.

Su Chenyu nearly spat out a mouthful of water: "Qibao, are these beautiful white wolves called 'Bai Shuang'? Who came up with that name?"

Qibao replied: "It was named by my Sixth Brother. He said the wolf used to roll its eyes at him when it was younger, so he ended up with that nickname!"

"What a genius! Truly talented!" Su Chenyu laughed in admiration.

Soon, the meat was ready, and everyone got a share.

Qian Xuedong said: "This feels great—no one to bother us, surrounded by green trees, birds singing, bugs chirping—it's like we've gone back to nature."