Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

However, before this, no one acted rashly, instead making intense and methodical preparations. They had to ensure the safe transport of these precious sweet potatoes and the people accompanying them. Every detail had to be meticulously considered, and no mistakes were allowed. After all, these sweet potatoes were not only crucial to the immediate livelihoods of the people in Northwest China, but also a vital guarantee for their future food security. Therefore, from planning the transportation route, arranging protective measures, to organizing the supply chain, no single step could be overlooked.

In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, Qi Jianlin and his companions awoke from their slumbers. After a quick wash, they gathered around to enjoy breakfast. The table was filled with the aroma of food, and everyone ate with gusto.

After breakfast, everyone began their busy day. Some followed Niu Dabao to the vast fields to work. Bent over, they toiled diligently, plowing, weeding, and fertilizing. Sweat soaked their clothes, but smiles of satisfaction filled their faces. Others, armed with bows and arrows and hunting knives, headed toward the distant mountains and forests, hoping to capture some delicious prey to supplement their meals. Others, however, prepared supplies for the return journey and cared for the horses.

In comparison, Qi Jianlin and his team seemed somewhat idle. However, this wasn't the case. While they didn't appear to be busy with anything important, their schedules were packed every day. Every hour, even every minute, was filled with endless chores awaiting their attention. These seemingly insignificant tasks, over time, gradually took up a significant portion of their time.

While others might find these days dull and mundane, for Qi Jianlin and his friends, this is a real and fulfilling life. While there aren't any earth-shattering feats, it's these small steps of dedication and hard work that make up their rich and colorful life.

Qi Jianlin and his companions followed the Fourth Prince closely in the bustling, ever-changing capital. While not a daily struggle for survival under the glare of swords and spears, the world was still filled with thrilling power struggles and intrigues.

In the capital, mutual calculations, deceptions, and intrigues were commonplace. In this world of profit, power became the scrambled goal. To the high-ranking royal relatives and dignitaries, ordinary people were mere insignificance, to be manipulated at will. Wave after wave of the poor were drawn into this seemingly endless game of power. For as long as the powerful wielded wealth and power, those willing to serve them would flock like a stream of fish.

The poor, however, are forced to make a living. To ensure they and their families have enough to eat and live a more stable life, they have no choice but to bow to the powerful, even selling their dignity to become their slaves. This is all forced by life; if they want to survive, they must endure such humiliation.

However, despite the complex and trivial matters these past few days, and the need to deal with various situations, compared to the previous days of constant fear and uncertainty, it can be considered comfortable and ordinary. At least for now, there is no need to worry about the safety of life. I can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a moment of peace.

Sunlight streamed down on the fertile land as Qi Jianlin and Niu Dabao bent over, toiling diligently in the fields. Their hoes rhythmically turned the soil, digging out sweet potatoes one by one, then carefully selecting those that needed replanting.

As they worked, they exchanged knowledge about sweet potatoes. "This sweet potato is so precious from head to toe!" Qi Jianlin said with a smile, plucking a tender green leaf. He gently pulled off the tender part and placed it in a basket nearby. "Take these tender leaves home and stir-fry them for a delicious meal!" Niu Dabao nodded and agreed, "Yeah, and the sweet potato stems, cut into small pieces, are also a great home-cooked dish."

As he spoke, Niu Dabao picked up a handful of sweet potato stems, selected the tender parts, and expertly cut them into small pieces with a knife, ready to take home for cooking. The remaining older stems were chopped into small pieces to feed the chickens and piglets in the pigpen.

"Look, our chickens and ducks love these sweet potato leaves and stems! Every time we spread them out, they scramble for them." Qi Jianlin watched the chickens and ducks happily pecking at the food, a pleased smile on his face. Indeed, these sweet potato leaves and stems are not only nutritious but also delicious, making them a hearty feast for the poultry. With an ample supply of food, the chickens and ducks are growing rapidly and will soon lay more fresh eggs.

Of course, the most anticipated aspect is the fruit that grows from the roots of the sweet potatoes—the sweet potatoes themselves. After a period of careful care, the rhizomes will gradually expand and grow, eventually becoming large, heavy, bright red potatoes. Whether steamed, boiled, baked, or fried, these sweet potatoes possess a unique flavor, sweet and delicious, leaving a lasting impression. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial to human health, making them both delicious and nourishing. Furthermore, the yield is often substantial, with a single harvest yielding several or even dozens of tonnes of sweet potatoes, enough to sustain a family for a long time.

Qi Jianlin and Niu Dabao stood in the fertile fields, chatting excitedly, their spirits rising as they praised the sweet potatoes in the fields, as if they were the most precious and delicious treasures in the world.

Although Qi Jianlin now works for the Fourth Prince, he once spent unforgettable years in this rural village. A deep love for this vast land is ingrained in him. Recalling his childhood, his family was large, with his grandparents, siblings, and uncles all living together in one large household. However, due to poverty, food was always in short supply. Furthermore, his grandparents showed favoritism, doting on his younger uncle's family while his honest father worked diligently in the fields from dawn to dusk.

But despite all this hard work, every harvest season still struggled to feed the family. Even more heartbreaking was the year of severe famine, when the harvest failed, my grandparents cruelly decided to sell my younger brothers! I had raised my younger siblings, and my parents, busy with the farm, had no time to care for the family. So, the responsibility of caring for them fell squarely on my young shoulders.

At noon that day, the sun shone brightly, making the air feel a bit hot. I hurried home, eager to see my adorable brother, Qi Jianlin. However, the house was unusually quiet, with no sign of him.

I felt a little uneasy, so I hurried to my grandparents' room. When I pushed open the door, I was shocked by the sight - my brother was sitting at the table, eating eggs with great relish!

You know, this kind of scene is completely unprecedented for our family. For years, even if my brother took an extra bite of rice, let alone an egg, my grandmother would scold him mercilessly, even to the point of being embarrassed. But now, my brother can enjoy a meal so comfortably in my grandparents' house. How could this be possible?

Qi Jianlin was already over ten years old at this point, and a sensible child. When he saw me walk into the room, his cheerful expression instantly turned to anxiety. Perhaps he realized the unusual nature of the situation and wondered what would happen next.

I gathered myself, walked over to Qi Jianlin and said, "Brother, come back to our room with me. Don't disturb grandpa and grandma's rest here." However, before I could finish my words, grandma turned around, her face instantly drooping, and she shouted at me in a bad mood, "What do you want to do with me! Just let him stay here and don't go anywhere!"

Qi Jianlin stood there, listening to his grandparents' conversation with a puzzled look on his face. Although he had no idea what was going on, his keen intuition told him that something was amiss. So, he cautiously said to his grandparents, "Grandma and Grandpa, since my younger brother is staying here, I'll stay too. I can help keep an eye on him, so he doesn't get naughty and disturb your rest, or accidentally break things around the house."

However, grandma seemed extremely impatient. She waved her hands vigorously and shouted, "Go, go, get out of here quickly! Your brother is alone here, why do you need to join in the fun!" As she said that, grandma quickly walked up to Qi Jianlin and pushed him out without saying a word.

As Qi Jianlin was pushed out, he couldn't help but wonder: Grandpa and Grandma were so eager to get rid of him, yet they insisted on keeping him. There must be something fishy going on! Could they be plotting something behind Mom and Dad's back? The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he felt. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted towards his family's fields.

Qi Jianlin ran breathlessly along the way, his face flushed red. When he finally reached the edge of the field, he didn't even bother to stop. He shouted at his parents, who were working in the fields, "Dad, Mom, come back soon! Dad, Mom, come here soon!" His voice echoed across the empty fields, as if filled with endless anxiety and worry.