Chapter 5: Your mosquito repellent is the real deal

In fact, as long as there is labor, it is bound to be arduous

"What’s wrong with never having seen money before?" Han Yue said with a smirk, thought for a moment, and then added, "Actually, I can’t sell all three hundred plates; I need to reserve some for people to try out, and there are also discounts for bulk purchases. So I estimate I can sell a total of over two hundred pieces."

Wow, my lord, you are truly impressive, to know so much!

Alas, the long night stretches on, making it difficult to fall asleep, and the incessant bites of mosquitoes are truly bothersome. Concerned for the villagers, I have specially prepared mosquito coils using a family heirloom recipe, with a renowned origin, to bring warmth!

"Yingning, my lord, you are so wicked; I just want to make incense sticks."

Pouting won't help, be honest, don't stare at the kitchen knife. We will only make this much mosquito repellent today. Tomorrow, let's first go to the market to gauge the situation. If the sales are good, then we can consider expanding production

Truly a fierce woman of the Tang Dynasty, with just a single word, she can choke someone to death

"What are you doing here?" Han Yue asked in a daze, momentarily stunned.

The moon was bright and the stars were numerous, the dog barked at the gate, and Han Yue quickly arrived at Uncle Tian's house, relying on his memory

If it were not for the light emanating from the wooden gate, he would almost have thought he had encountered a ghost in the middle of the night, mistakenly wandering off the path and ending up at someone else's grave

After pondering for a long time, Han Yue hesitated and said, "How about one coin for one plate?" He had just crossed over and was not very familiar with the purchasing power of currency in the Tang Dynasty, so he could only make a rough estimate.

Since military action has proven ineffective, it is necessary to engage in a dialogue to discuss the underlying principles involved

A total of three hundred large plates, which looks quite impressive. No further words are needed; the product is ready, and the next step is packaging

I knew it! Uncle Tian smiled broadly, his eyes shining, and exchanged glances with Aunt Tian, both nodding in agreement.

The young couple took advantage of the firelight to place the mosquito coils into the box, one plate after another

Hehe, my dear husband, you are so mischievous. You just want the villagers to try it out first, yet you have to come up with such formal words. My dear husband, you are truly mischievous.

At this moment, Han Yue suddenly felt that although Aunt Tian was a bit fierce, she was actually quite a good person.

A large quantity of mosquito coils has finally been produced. However, the process was quite something. (They say that when men and women work together, it’s not tiring; who is the genius behind this claim? Step forward, and I assure you, I won’t harm you)

What simple words, what profound feelings of hometown

Han Yue originally thought that after cutting three large bundles of mugwort along with dozens of mint and fennel, he would have to work until late into the night. However, to his surprise, less than an hour after returning home, all the ingredients were completely used up by the little girl.

Without saying a word, he raised his hand and gave the little child a few slaps. The family of three performed a mixed doubles act as if no one was watching, causing the child to cry even more heartily

"Your mosquito coil is the real excrement."

... ...

The fierce woman erupted in anger, her voice shaking the very roof, startling Han Yue into a shiver

"Mm, money will come soon, money will come soon," Han Yue replied perfunctorily, finally feeling exasperated. He waved his hand and said, "Go on, go on, don't just stand there. The fifty trays that were put in first over there are ready, go get a stick and pull them out. Oh dear, be careful with my ancestors, don't let any sparks jump on you."

Mixing the clay is even more exhausting. Although the amount used is very small, the quantity of mosquito coils produced is substantial. Moreover, the requirements for the clay in making mosquito coils are quite high; it needs to be continuously pounded to achieve a sticky consistency. Only then can it be mixed with mugwort to form a good shape, ensuring that it does not break during the baking process

Han Yue coughed up blood in despair, feeling deeply conflicted and utterly devoid of interest in life

Poor little Dou Dou has been made your child bride, and in a year, she hardly gets to eat a few full meals. Oh heavens, why don't you strike this little bastard with lightning

Saying this, he hurriedly pulled out two plates from under his arms and quickly handed them over

The only regret is that the family is too poor, so the mosquito coils are really not something that happened. In the end, Dou Dou still took out a small wooden box from under the bed, which is said to be a piece of ancestral furniture

Dou Dou chuckled adorably, sticking out her tongue. Suddenly, her eyes twinkled, and she whispered, "Husband, remember to go to Uncle Tian's house first. Aunt Tian is the one who loves small favors the most. If you send her two plates, she will surely boast about it to the whole village by tomorrow."

Dou Dou, leave ten plates unpacked, I need them to give as gifts

In fact, Han Yue had already noticed that there was an oil lamp lit inside the house, but out of politeness, he still called out a few times from outside the wooden gate. In his memory, this was how rural life was in later generations; when visiting someone in the evening, one had to announce their presence at the door first

It is often said that the children of the poor take on responsibilities early, and this statement holds true; the young girl is indeed exceptionally capable

At this moment, the door curtain of the inner room was lifted, and Uncle Tian came out barefoot.

I said, isn't your sudden startle quite frightening

"My lord, can't we do it first? After all, they are not tired, is that alright..."

"My lord, what price do you think we can sell our mosquito coils for at the market?"

Sir, can these mosquito coils really be sold for money

In the next moment, the shouts of the fierce woman from the Tang Dynasty echoed into the heavens, as if countless thunderclaps had erupted: "Han family's little third, what is your intention in bringing two lumps of dung to my door?"

Unfortunately, he underestimated the cultivation of Aunt Tian.

"Are you still going to kill me? What a small-minded person you are! Remember, if you want to gain something, you must first give something. If you want the mosquito coils to sell well, you have to give them away for free." Han Yue found it both amusing and frustrating dealing with this little miser, realizing that he wouldn't be able to explain the concept of free marketing to her anytime soon. Helpless, he decided to take matters into his own hands, picking out ten high-quality mosquito coils and tucking them under his arm as he stepped out of the door.

My lord...

If there is no hope in life, what do women need men for

Damn it, I miscalculated, I take back what I just said, this is just a foul-mouthed shrew, I curse you to have a son without an anus. While he was cursing and swearing, a seven or eight-year-old kid squatting on the ground with his bare bottom suddenly pointed at the feces he just produced and shouted: "Uncle Han Yue, come look, I just pooped, and it's steaming a lot..." Damn it, he was instantly slapped in the face, and Han Yue was dumbfounded. Who said that the children born by them have no anus? Have you not seen that little kids are bold enough to poop in the living room?

Knowing that the girl was anxious, fearing that the hard work she had put in would amount to nothing. In fact, Han Yue was also somewhat uncertain, but he had to reassure the young girl.

"One coin, one coin, and another coin, in the blink of an eye, it adds up to one hundred coins, hehe..." With each tray placed, the little girl would murmur a count. Han Yue listened closely and understood that she was counting; they were calculating profits even before the products had been sold. This concept is quite ahead of its time.

"Absolutely do not give it to Tian Ergou's family, they are nothing but freeloaders, taking advantage of others without any gratitude."

Damn it, in the middle of the night, bringing up the kitchen knife again. This woman is not worth keeping; she gets excited at the mention of money. This flaw is unacceptable and needs to be corrected

Enough, enough, there is no need to say more, everything is under my husband's control

After doing all this, the little girl proudly clapped her small hands and instantly scooted over to Han Yue's side. Not only did she come over, but she also asked questions left and right, which was simply annoying

Seeing the little girl acting cute and charming, Master Han realized that this family law could not be enforced for the time being. Which man could bear to be harsh towards a delicate and soft little girl?

Hmm, a single sentence instantly silenced Han Yue's displeasure.

One must say that the little child is clever, speaking effortlessly and hitting the mark with every word

Han Yue was sweating profusely, his whole body drenched and exuding a pungent odor. Nevertheless, he had no choice but to remain by the fire, his eyes wide open, staring intently at the plates of mosquito coils, fearing that any one of them might crack.

Uncle Tian, are you at home

Uncle Tian furrowed his brows in contemplation, his eyes fixed intently on the ring in his hand, repeatedly smacking his lips. As a simple and honest man from the countryside, he dared not hastily draw conclusions about things he had never encountered before

Therefore, it is necessary to have a set of regulations and to adopt a strategy

This is the simple rule of the farmers, as well as the courtesy that a traveler should possess

Oh, where did you learn to act cute and shake your shoulders like that? You are quite skilled at it. If it weren't for my training at the KTV back in the day, I might have been completely taken in by you today

Hmm, is it starting to shoot now? Han Yue instantly felt proud, unable to resist snapping his fingers and playfully pinching Dou Dou's cheek. With a lewd grin, he said: "Little lady, I have even more impressive things in store for you. Just wait until you grow up, hehe"

There is nothing much going on. Isn't it summer now? There are many mosquitoes, which can be quite bothersome. I have made some mosquito coils using a family recipe, and I would like you to try them. Light one up at night, and you will sleep peacefully.

Uncle Tian, have you slept...

"Sit still here, or I will use the family rules to deal with you and spank your little bottom."

What is a mosquito coil?

What? One article, one plate? Then wouldn't these three hundred plates mean, mean ... ... " Dou Dou exclaimed in surprise

... ...

This object, curved and twisted, resembles, um, resembles... Uncle Tian continued to ponder, looking at its appearance, eager to summarize it with a descriptive term

Mugwort must be pounded into a paste, which is a labor-intensive task. With no tools for grinding medicine at home, it relies entirely on striking with stones. Repeating this mechanical action hundreds of times has left Han Yue feeling quite troubled

"My lord, the sky has turned completely dark, where are you going again?" Dou Dou chased to the door and asked weakly.

Next, it is time for baking

At the moment when the moon is bright and the stars are numerous, a bonfire was lit at the doorstep.

"Nonsense, what feels uncomfortable is the mosquito."

Oh, this girl, I truly underestimated you; it turns out you are well-informed about everything

With both hands pressed down, I firmly pinned the girl to the ground, snatched the kitchen knife away and threw it far aside. It is quite frightening to suddenly brandish a weapon in the middle of the night

After a while, the couple finally finished disciplining their son. Uncle Tian shook his hand and then spoke: "Han family's little third, what urgent matter brings you here in the middle of the night? If you have something to say, speak quickly. There are no outsiders at the village entrance or exit, and Uncle will not refuse to help if he can."

Han Yue pondered for a long time while pinching his chin, considering that this mosquito coil is ultimately a new product, and opening up the market requires a certain amount of time. The sales aspect, in particular, involves many intricacies.

Being busy throughout the night, the joy of success is still quite refreshing

This is truly ... ... so lively ... ..." Han Yue looked up to the heavens in silence, feeling utterly bewildered.

What else is there? You keep rambling on for half a day just to go out, it's really annoying, just say it!

Well, a cup of tea will suffice!

"My lord, this mosquito coil is truly delightful; just the scent of it is so comforting"

Han Yue organized a half-day language session and finally explained the reasoning behind it to Dou Dou. It is unclear whether the little girl understood, but her gaze towards him seemed to have changed somewhat.

Come back early, it's dark at night, Dou Dou is scared

... ...

Before the words had left her lips, a clattering sound erupted from within the room, and in the blink of an eye, a little girl appeared wielding a knife

I never expected that I, Han Ye, a dignified rogue standing seven feet tall, would be outdone by a mere little girl, bringing shame upon myself to the point of embarrassment in front of my grandmother's house

Aunt Tian also came over to take a closer look, but she was even more distressed. Upon hearing that it was made from a secret recipe, she was so frightened that she didn't even dare to touch it. And yet, she still considered herself a fierce woman. Han Yue couldn't help but look down on her.

That mound of steaming rice is quite large; what size of hole would be needed to pull it out

Hmm? Little girl, you are not being obedient. How dare you doubt your husband? Remove that word 'ma' and say it again to me.

"Stop, come back to me! Do it one more time, my back is not good." Han Yue raised his hand and pulled her back.

Father, Father, I know that this thing is twisted and bent, resembling a flattened dumpling

"You little brat, you brought trouble to the house, I'll beat you to death!" Aunt Tian swiftly grabbed the laundry stick and swung it at the little kid, who immediately began to cry out for his mother, as if performing in a play

Gathering courage, just as I was about to respond, I heard the fierce woman inside shout again: "Just come in and sit down instead of standing at the door making a fuss, aren't you afraid of attracting ghosts"

It is impossible not to keep an eye on her, as the little girl is squatting beside, supervising with a face full of happiness. Everyone, take a look at this girl; her eyes are shining, her pupils sparkling, round on the outside and square on the inside, clear and bright, resembling two beautiful copper coins. There is no doubt that at this moment, her eyes are filled only with the incense coils, and there is absolutely no sign of her husband.

In order to enhance the deterrent effect, he deliberately smiled wickedly, gesturing with his right hand at her waist, and said, "Hehe, my dear lady, I ask you, are you afraid or not"

My lord, please wait a moment. Dou Dou will go cut some mugwort right away, and we will do it once more

In fact, the production of mosquito coils mainly involves time-consuming processes in the initial stages, while the subsequent baking does not take much effort, taking only about two tea lights to complete the baking of all the mosquito coils

Han Yue felt slightly irritated, thinking to himself, "I have roamed the streets of the future, never have I endured such trivial grievances." Just as he was about to retort, the fierce woman spoke like a machine gun, and then continued:

Several large wooden basins are placed in the room, filled with many clothes, indicating that Aunt Tian has taken on quite a bit of work again

"Ten plates? Giving them away? Are you out of your mind? Why would you give away perfectly good mosquito coils?" Women are all protective of their possessions, adhering to the principle of only taking in and not giving out. The same goes for little girls. Upon hearing that Han Yue was about to give away ten plates of mosquito coils, she immediately became very stingy, clasping her hands around the box, pouting and saying, "No way, ten plates are worth ten coins. If you want to give them away, you'll have to kill me first..."

One must say that Dou Dou is truly a nimble little girl; not only is she quick with her hands and feet, but she is also particularly obedient. Before Master Han's words had even finished, she had already started working, and in no time at all, she had neatly arranged fifty trays of mosquito coils to one side.

Understood

If there is a shortage of food, you can fill it yourself from the vat, consider it a loan, just remember to return it next year

"More than 200 coins? That's quite impressive!" Dou Dou exclaimed again.

Who is it, standing at the door in the middle of the night, making such a commotion

In a single sentence, a total of three hundred handmade mosquito coils were produced, primarily made from small beans

To say that the rural fence gate is high-end, one only needs to give it a gentle push, and it immediately creaks and rattles, more responsive than a doorbell

"Are you still recruiting at your home?" Han Yue rolled his eyes, pushed open the wooden door, and walked into the courtyard, taking a few steps to reach the main room

Therefore, the mugwort is basically crushed into a paste.

Little Dou Dou did not respond at all, suddenly darting up from the ground and rushing into the room.

He felt a soreness in his lower back and pain in his waist after only a short while of work, as if his two arms were not his own

This scene is very beautiful, evoking a sense of poetic charm; unfortunately, it is currently the height of summer, during the dog days, when even the dogs are too hot to move.

My lord, does this mean we are about to become wealthy!

Speak up, you little bastard of the Han family, what are you sneaking around for in the middle of the night? Let me make it clear, I won't lend you any money, and even if I had some, I wouldn't lend it to you, you little bastard

At that moment, she was sitting in front of the basin, vigorously scrubbing against the washboard. Han Yue entered, and she didn't even lift her head.

The people of the Tang Dynasty had never seen something like mosquito coils. Nowadays, the common folk are generally poor, and if you foolishly bring such an item to the market, whether it will be successful is truly debatable

Men should speak more cautiously, which alleviated much of Han Yue's awkwardness. However, he has also become wiser, understanding that when dealing with rural people, one should avoid vague statements and speak directly; nothing should be ambiguous.