In the end, it was Zhao Gao who ensured they could make it home safely. Zhao Gao carried the heavy, overflowing basket Zhao Yan had filled, walking with a steady gait, while Zhao Yan followed behind him, carrying the basket Zhao Gao had filled with Codonopsis. As for the priceless wild ginseng, Zhao Yan had hidden it inside his tunic; only by keeping it close to his body did he feel at ease. Otherwise, he feared he might lose it without even noticing, which would have been a devastating loss.
Once home, Zhao Yan began to sort the medicinal herbs he had gathered that day without a moment's rest. He had to hurry; it was midday, the time when the sun was at its most blistering, making it the perfect opportunity to dry his herbs. The sooner they were dried, the sooner he could earn money.
Four days later, the herbs were mostly dried, and Zhao Yan prepared to leave for town immediately. This time was different from the past; Zhao Yan was setting off alone, not with Zhao Gao. He already knew the way to town, and without Zhao Gao, he could manage on his own; there was no need for Zhao Gao to accompany him every single time. Moreover, Zhao Gao had other work to attend to and couldn't always be free to go to town with him.
Chapter 68