Hearing what Duan Yixin said, Chi Xinru squatted next to her. When she saw Duan Yixin taking out a large black object from the river in the shape of an oval plate, she asked, "What is this? Is this the pearl you are talking about?"
Duan Yixin shook her head and explained, "This is called a freshwater pearl mussel, which produces pearls. I will show you how to get their pearls without killing the mussels."
After saying that, Duan Yixin began to carefully collect the pearls inside the mussel. Chi Xinru got tired of squatting, so she looked around. When she saw a boulder, she went to sit on it and watched Duan Yixin collect the pearls.
When Duan Yixin took out the oval-shaped pearl, she showed it to Chi Xinru and said, "This is a pearl. Natural pearls come in many shapes, but round pearls can be used as jewelry. As for other shapes, they can be ground into powder and used as materials for cosmetics or medicines."
Looking at the bright white pearl, Chi Xinru couldn't help but reach out and take it from Duan Yixin's palm. She raised it against the morning sunlight and saw the pearl's surface sparkling.
After Chi Xinru was stunned for a moment, she looked at Duan Yixin and said excitedly, "Xin Xin, this pearl is so beautiful! How did you know that there are such beautiful pearls in these ugly black things?"
"I discovered it by accident yesterday." Duan Yixin lied without blushing.
Seeing how carefully she collected the pearls, Chi Xinru sighed and said, "Xin Xin, you are so awesome. If it were me, I wouldn't have the patience to get the pearls one by one."
"This black thing is called freshwater pearl mussel. They keep the river free from pollution and any harmful substances. It is indeed difficult and time-consuming to collect pearls without harming them, but they are important for nature." Duan Yixin said with a slight smile on her lips.
While Duan Yixin concentrated on collecting pearls, Chi Xinru was busy admiring them. Two hours later, Duan Yixin filled a big box with pearls, put them in a bamboo basket, and said, "I'm done for today."
After speaking, she cleaned the tools and put them into the bamboo basket. Chi Xinru followed her today, so she couldn't put the box and tools into the warehouse. She would rather carry a heavy box than reveal her secret.
Duan Yixin picked up the bamboo basket and said, "I'm going to look for edible plants and medicinal herbs. Is there anything you want to do?"
Chi Xinru shook her head and said, "I don't have any plans. Before my elder brother comes back, let's do what you want to do."
"All right." Duan Yixin nodded, and the two of them left the river.
At the same time, the urgent memorial sent by the local magistrate has arrived at the county government's office.
The messenger held the memorial in both hands, knelt down under the main seat, and said, "Da Ren, this is an urgent memorial sent by the Local Magistrate of Chunshan Township."
The county magistrate sat on the main seat and motioned to his assistant to get the memorial. The assistant went to receive the memorial from the messenger and said, "Thank you for your hard work. You can go to the Yamen and rest for today."
The messenger clasped his fist, stood up, and left the county government office. After the messenger left, the assistant handed the memorial to the county magistrate. The county magistrate opened the memorial and read it.
A few minutes later, he frowned deeply, closed the memorial, and said furiously, "Those bandits really thought there was no more law in this world! How dare they kill and kidnap wantonly?!"
Seeing that the county magistrate's face was red with anger, the assistant quickly handed him a cup of tea and said, "Da Ren, please calm down. Be careful about your health."
The county magistrate took the tea, drank it quickly, put down the teacup, and said, "Get the horse carriage ready. I'm going to visit Li Junwang."
Knowing the importance of this matter, the assistant didn't dare to delay. He bowed slightly at the county magistrate and said, "Yes, Da Ren."
After the assistant left in a hurry to prepare the horse carriage, the county magistrate straightened his official hat and robe. Soon, the assistant came over and said, "Da Ren, the horse carriage is already waiting for you."
The county magistrate nodded, took the memorial on the large table, and walked out of the county government's office. With the help of his assistant, he got into the horse carriage. After the door of the horse carriage closed, the coachman flicked his horsewhip, and the wheels started rolling on the uneven streets.
The assistant watched the horse carriage drive away and muttered, "I hope Li Junwang can do something about this."
It takes two hours by horse carriage from the county seat to Li Junwang's Mansion, which is located on a private property of the royal family outside of the county seat. When the horse carriage finally stopped in front of the luxurious mansion, the county magistrate got out with the help of the coachman.
He raised his head and looked at the wooden sign hanging on top of the double door. Thinking of Li Junwang's character, the county magistrate straightened his robes before walking up the stairs.
Two guards stopped him and said, "Da Ren, our Wangye is currently entertaining guests. Please come back another day."
Hearing what he said, the county magistrate became anxious. He forced a smile and said, "Sir, please help me tell Wangye that I am here to report an urgent matter."
The guards looked at his forced smile. After a moment of silence, one of them sighed and said, "Da Ren, please wait a moment."
The smile on the county magistrate's old face became more sincere, and he said, "Thank you, Sir."
The guard nodded to the other guard and then walked into the mansion.