"The next thing that I want to discuss is something that has been weighing heaving on my mind." Looking towards Commander Jiang, Liu Tián Qǔ said, "Commander Jiang other than the underground barracks, have you made any more discoveries?"
"No, Young Master Liu, I honestly haven't tried looking. I have been focused on the care of my wife. I also have been taking care of the preparations for the hiring of the house guards," the big man said.
"Something about this residence feels off to me. I can't explain exactly what it is, I feel. However, when you are situated and settled, and you have the time. I want you to help me to comb through this whole residence from top to bottom. It is not urgent right now. Right now, I want you to focus on the hiring process. After all that is taken care of, then I want you to help me to comb through the residence." Liu Tián Qǔ informed the Commander.
"That will be no problem, Young Master. As soon as I can, I will see to it," the Commander replied.
There was a slight hesitation before Liu Tián Qǔ said, "I don't trust all of our servants as of yet. When you are ready to do the comb through, let me know. I will find an excuse to get all of the servants out of the residence while we do a comb through of the residence."
"I understand," the Commander said.
Liu Tián Qǔ turned to the Butler and Housekeeper and asked, "How about you aunt and uncle? Have you made any discoveries?"
The Housekeeper shooked her head no and said, "No, I haven't discovered anything abnormal or unusual. Some of the servants only found more food storage spaces, that's all." The housekeeper looked towards her husband to see if he discovered anything.
The Butler also shook his head and said, "No, I haven't made any new discoveries. If I come across anything, I will inform Young Master Liu immediately."
"Okay," Liu Tián Qǔ said. In an offhanded manner, Liu Tián Qǔ asked the Housekeeper, "What kind of storage did the servants find?"
"I checked it out myself. The servants found several charmed unground storage spaces. They are pretty big and very well made, I must say." The Housekeeper replied.
"Are you sure they were charmed?" The Commander asked.
" Yeah, they are charmed. I confirmed it for myself. " said the Housekeeper.
"Then that's good. Very good. I am sure the charmed storage spaces will come in handy." The Commander said.
All of this flew over poor Liu Tián Qǔ's head. The Housekeeper and the Commander were speaking the same language Liu Tián Qǔ spoke. That Liu Tián Qǔ was sure of that, but don't ask her why she couldn't understand what they were talking about. Even if it meant her life, she couldn't have answered.
Since her predecessor was exiled and lived in isolation. There were significant gaps in the knowledge and education of her predecessor. Therefore many things that Liu Tián Qu should know. She was in the dark about.
It made her anxious to began filling her library so she could study up on everything about the Tolling Lands and the Continent of the Northern Lands. 'Maybe I should borrow books from Little Dumpling. Or maybe I should start buying books and scrolls on the Tolling Lands and the technology of the Tolling Lands. I can't go on remaining ignorant about the many things I should know. Not in my position. Liu Tián Qu thought to herself.
With a look of confusion on her face, Liu Tián Qǔ asked, "What is a charmed storage?"
At her question, everyone turned and gaped at Liu Tián Qǔ in shock. The tips of Liu Tián Qǔ ears grew hot, and a tinge of pink colored her face. "Uh... cough... I had no interest in many things before. So there are gaps in my knowledge. I am aware of that, now please stop gawking," Liu Tián Qǔ said with a sour expression on her face feeling uncomfortable under the heavy stares. "Would someone kindly explain what a charmed storage is?"
Liu Tián Qu watched in disgruntlement as everyone began to hide their amusement behind their teacups. Or find a certain spots in the lounge interesting as they looked away to hide their amusement at the blushing sour expression on Liu Tián Qus face.
Quickly collecting himself, the Butler said, "Charmed storages are food storage places that have the blessings of food preservation on it. This technology was created right here in the Tolling Lands by an alchemist, a visiting oracle, a visiting shaman, and a general. The oracle and alchemist created a preservation charm on the idea of the general. With the help of the shaman, the oracle cast the preservation charm on a storage space. The first charm was a little glitchy. After working on it some more, they were able to come up with the preservation charm that is used today on food storage spaces." The Butler explained to an attentive Liu Tián Qǔ.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
"When the preservation charm is cast upon a storage space. It turns it into a space of preservation. Food can be stored in this space indefinitely without going bad. That is what makes it possible for the Emperor to store food and military rations in every village, town, and city in the Tolling Lands. For some reason, the charm works better on underground storage spaces than spaces that are above ground. That is why most charmed storage places are underground." The Butler concluded.
"Let me see if I understand you correctly. These charms make it possible for any kind of food to be stored in these charmed spaces, and the food never goes bad?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked in excitement.
"That is about correct." The Butler said.
"This is excellent. So I could begin storing food in these spaces and never have to worry about it going bad?" Liu Tián Qǔ confirmed one more time.
"Yes, that's correct." the butler reaffirmed.
"What about charmed containers? Are they produced as well. Can I buy them if there are?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked in contained excitement.
"Charmed containers are extremely expensive, but they are sold as well." The Butler answered.
"Good, this is very good. It's getting late, so I won't detain you all any longer. Everyone may go back and get some rest. Aunty Gao, if it's okay with you. Can you briefly show me the charmed storages that were discovered before you retire for the night?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked.
"Sure, Young Master," The Housekeeper said.
As everyone began rising from the table, Liu Tián Qǔ paused. When the Commander, Butler and Housekeeper saw Liu Tián Qǔ come to a complete standstill. They also stopped to see if Liu Tián Qǔ had anymore request to make. Liu Tián Qǔ took a moment to organize her thoughts before turning to the Commander, Butler, and Housekeeper.
Finally, looking up, Liu Tián Qǔ said, "As everyone can tell, there are significant gaps in my knowledge. Things that may seem ordinary to you I have no knowledge of. There are several reasons for this. One of the reasons is for the past few years. My complete focus was on trying to get from beneath the thumb of my family and live on my own." Liu Tián Qǔ lied.
"The other reasons I rather not discuss tonight. However, sooner or later, we will address them. Right now, I would like to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. So I am asking aunty and uncle. If you come across any good books that can assist me in that endeavor while you are out and about carrying out your duties. Please bring them back for me." Liu Tián Qǔ requested.
The Butler nodded with an understanding look in his eyes, "My wife and I will make sure to do so." The Butler knew and understood the Liu Tián Qǔ's predecessor grew up isolated in exile in the Lu's manor. So, of course, there would be many things she won't know that is common knowledge.
Looking at the Commander Liu Tián Qǔ said, "Commander Jiang, there is enough on your plate to focus on. I'd rather you give your attention to those matters. However, if by chance, you run across any good books, and you remember my request. Then I ask that you please send them back. You can have them delivered to the residence, and the Butler, Housekeeper, or Zhou Yu can pay for them upon arrival. If not, then it's okay. I'd rather you focus on getting the residence secured as soon as possible. Many other people can help me secure books. Only you can help me in securing the residence.
"It's okay Young Master Liu. If I come across any useful books, I will purchase them and have them delivered to the residence. I can easily do that with no problem." The big man said with a slight smile.
"Good," Liu Tián Qǔ said before asking, "Commander, how is your wife coming along? I didn't want to ask in front of her earlier tonight. Every time I ask her how she is doing she just say fine. But I know she told you she was fine before when she really wasn't."
The big man's smile grew, and his eyes soften as he said, "Thanks for asking Young Master. She really is doing so much better. The medicine is helping tremendously, and she is moving around so much better. She insists on walking over when we come over for the sign language classes. She won't let me carry her."
Housekeeper Gao said, "When we consulted with Hou Dao, Hou Dao said that a little walking is good for your wife. However, you must be careful not to let her overdo it. It would be bad if she had a relapse before she is fully healed."
The Commander looked over at the Housekeeper in slight surprise. The Commander gave the Housekeeper a bow and said, "I thank Housekeeper Gao for your concern. I will keep watch over her along with our maids to make sure she doesn't overdo it."
The housekeeper waved away the Commanders, thanks, "No thanks is necessary, Commander Jiang. We all are wishing for the best of health for your wise."
Liu Tián Qǔ beamed at the Housekeeper and Commander. When everyone noticed the big smile on her lips that practically stretched up to her ears. The gaze in their eyes turned a little odd.
To avoid misunderstandings, Liu Tián Qǔ quickly explained, "This is what I am aiming for in my home. We are all a bunch of strangers coming together under one roof. However, I don't want us all to remain strangers with each other. I want us all to look out for each other and help each other if we can. Although none of us share the same blood. I want us to all become one big family." Liu Tián Qǔ noticed everyone's eyes turning emotional in their understanding of what she meant, so she quickly changed the subject.
"It is getting late so I will detain everyone no longer. I would have to thank everyone in advance for the help with the book situation." Liu Tián Qǔ said with a small bow of appreciation before dismissing everyone.
Everyone else departed and made their way to their courtyards to retire for the night as the housekeeper escorted Liu Tián Qǔ to check out the charmed underground spaces. Zhou Yu also left. She returned with the Butler to her parent's courtyard in the servants' quarters.