Chapter 292: Chapter 293: Fishing Again

After a monumental effort, the two of them finally hauled the five- or six-pound grass carp onto the bank.

Seeing the fish still flopping on the grass, Luo Luo, the energetic little boy, immediately pounced on it, trying to pin it down with his body. But he couldn’t handle the fish’s strength and was sent tumbling to one side.

Though it hurt a little, he didn’t cry or fuss. He just scrambled back up and tried again.

But a freshly caught fish was no easy opponent. One moment it would leap up and smack Luo Luo on the backside, the next the fish and the little boy would be rolling on the ground together.

Jin Qianqian was laughing so hard she nearly doubled over, and the nearby maidservants were all covering their mouths, trying to stifle their giggles.

Ancient Wen Heng paid him no mind, simply holding the fish’s head down to remove the hook. He then tossed it back onto the grass and let his son continue to play.

"Good thing I brought plenty of extra clothes for him. By the time he’s tired himself out, this outfit is going to be a complete mess," Jin Qianqian said, taking the hook he had just baited with a worm and casting it back into the river.

"This is good for him. It’s much better than being cooped up in the back courtyard all the time.

But that boy has far too much energy. In a little while, we can hire Master Wu for him."

Jin Qianqian blinked at him. "Isn’t it too early? He’s just a little kid. His body is still growing."

Ancient Wen Heng went to the riverbank to wash his hands before sitting down beside her. "They’ll be sensible about it. When we’re older, let’s find a place like this to retire."

Jin Qianqian shot him a look. "Isn’t it a bit early to be thinking about that? Don’t forget, we’re only in our early twenties."

"I’ve already thought it all out. When I reach my forties, we’ll find a beautiful, scenic place and live out the rest of our days in peace."

Ancient Wenheng believed that by that time, they would want for neither money nor power. With their children grown, it would be the perfect time to retire and enjoy life.

It was a lovely thought, but unfortunately, he had forgotten to factor in the unpredictable nature of the future.

Jin Qianqian retorted, "A lovely thought, indeed... Quick, I’ve got a bite!..."

"..." Ancient Wenheng glanced at his still-damp hands and resignedly stood up to help her with the rod.

Jin Qianqian watched nervously from the side. "Should I call someone over to help? This one feels pretty big."

The veins on Ancient Wenheng’s hands were bulging from the strain. He called over Lin Dapeng and Jiang Shiniu, the two sturdiest of all the male servants. With their help, it still took a tremendous effort to drag the fish to shore.

"Looks like I haven’t lost my touch for fishing," Jin Qianqian said, her face alight with smug satisfaction as she gazed at the huge catfish, which had to be over ten pounds.

Ancient Wenheng shot her a look. "From now on, you’re not to go fishing alone. Even if you get the itch, you must have someone with you."

Recalling the powerful pull on the line, Jin Qianqian nodded. "I know. Do you think I’m a fool? Besides, it’s not like we can go out alone these days anyway."

Ancient Wenheng remarked, "This fish must be the king of this river. I’d guess it’s close to twenty pounds!"

When Jin Qianqian saw Luo Luo about to make a move on the new fish, she quickly scooped him up. "You’re no match for this one. Just watch from the side."

"Well, now! How did you manage to catch that?" A white-haired old man walked over. "Everyone in our village knows there are big fish in this river, but no one’s ever actually pulled one out."

"And you are, sir?" Ancient Wenheng asked, studying the man. ’He’s dressed like a farmer, but he doesn’t have the look of one. His skin is too smooth and fair for that.’

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"I’m just a useless old codger who’s retired here. You can just call me Old Liu.

You haven’t told me who caught this fish yet."

Ancient Wenheng pointed to the exhausted grass carp lying nearby. "Mr. Liu, we caught this one just now. We also caught that grass carp earlier."

"Hah, and both of them big ones! I fish here every day, and all I ever catch are palm-sized ones. I didn’t know the river could be such a bully," Liu Donglai said, pointing at the water accusingly. "What, does the river play favorites based on looks now?"

"It was probably just a fluke," Ancient Wenheng said, unwilling to admit that Jin Qianqian was simply luckier than most people.

But to his surprise, Old Liu scoffed. "What fluke? Luck is a real factor. Otherwise, even if there was a copper coin lying on the road, some people would never be the one to find it."

Ancient Wenheng saw the man’s eyes glued to the catfish on the ground and, for reasons he couldn’t explain, blurted out, "Mr. Liu, would you like to stay and have some fish with us?"

"You’re going to cook them both right now?" Liu Donglai’s eyes sparkled. Even if he hadn’t caught the fish himself, getting a few bites would be satisfying enough.

"In that case, your pot isn’t going to be big enough. I’ll have someone go back and get a bigger one. I won’t eat for free—I’ll have them bring some side dishes, too."

With that, he let out a shout towards the distance, and soon enough, someone was running back toward the village.

"Which rod did you use to catch this? Quick, let me give it a try." Liu Donglai’s hands were itching to fish, and he completely ignored the tackle he had brought himself.

Jin Qianqian felt they had caught enough for one day, so she readily handed over her fishing rod. "It’s just something I threw together. If you don’t mind, sir, please feel free to use it."

Liu Donglai accepted it. "Thank you, young lady. Once I catch a fish, I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely."

Jin Qianqian just smiled, thinking it was no big deal, and paid his words no mind.

After fetching some water to give the two fish a quick cleaning, Ancient Wenheng took up a knife and, waving off any help, began deftly filleting and chopping. He and Jin Qianqian started working together in perfect sync.

She grabbed a handful of sun-dried chilies from their estate and laid out the prepared bean paste and chili sauce.

"Let’s do ’one fish, five ways’!" Jin Qianqian said as she sorted through the spices. "We can use the fillets for a pickled mustard green fish stew, and the big head can be used to make soup.

How about we grill the belly, fry some fillets, and make some fish balls?"

Ancient Wenheng naturally had no objections. He gave the grass carp a quick cleaning and handed it over to the female cook to debone for the fish balls.

While keeping an eye on his bobber, Liu Donglai watched them with curiosity. ’This young couple is interesting,’ he thought. ’They do most things themselves, and they work so well together. It’s clearly not their first time.’

’And the servants nearby don’t seem to find it strange at all, which means they’re all used to this behavior.’

Just then, the person who had gone to fetch the pot and ingredients returned. Jin Qianqian had them set the pot on a freshly built earthen stove, lit the firewood that someone had just gathered, and got to work.

As the aroma grew stronger and stronger, Liu Donglai could no longer sit still. He handed the fishing rod to the person beside him and ambled over to the stove, his hands clasped behind his back.

"What are you making there, young lady? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like it."

Jin Qianqian wasn’t used to having someone watch her cook. "I’m making a pot of pickled mustard green fish stew here, and the fish soup is simmering over there. Sir, if you’re tired, please go have a seat. I’ve set out some pastries over there."

Spotting Luo Luo playing happily on a Persian carpet, Liu Donglai decided to walk over to Ancient Wenheng, who was grilling the fish.

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