The serfs preferred working for Wei Wei to offset their taxes, but Wei Wei genuinely couldn't find enough tasks for them at the moment. Although she had many seeds that needed planting, for safety reasons, she chose to cultivate them in the castle garden. Aside from doing some of the work herself, the gardener was primarily responsible, so there was no need for the serfs to assist.
As for the earlier plan to collect manure for fertilizer, that had already been prepared and was now left to naturally ferment. The task of burning fire manure had also been taken over by Felix.
As for building the house, the architect, who was very stubborn in his field, was still drawing up the designs, so construction couldn't start yet.
Wei Wei wanted to suggest letting the serfs rest for now, but that wasn't in line with the customs of the time. Serfs who didn't work were terrified of not being able to offset their taxes. After much thought, Wei Wei assigned them the task of digging irrigation channels.
The temperature in Sardinson County wasn't high, and the annual rainfall wasn't abundant, so relying on rain alone couldn't meet the water needs of the fields. Her land wasn't too far from the river, but watering still required the serfs to carry buckets back and forth, a process that took several minutes each trip. Since they could only carry a limited amount of water at a time, watering a single field required multiple trips, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Instead of wasting time on this, Wei Wei decided to have the serfs dig channels. Once the channels were completed, watering would become much more convenient.
The serfs, relieved to have work and not have to worry about paying extra taxes, had no complaints about her arrangement. Moreover, Wei Wei was willing to pay them a small wage—two small copper coins a day. While this might seem insignificant, it was more than they had ever received before when working for their lord. Two copper coins were enough to buy some coarse black bread mixed with bran, allowing them to have a full meal. As a result, the serfs worked enthusiastically, and the progress on the irrigation channels was completed on schedule every day without the need for supervision.
Wei Wei had to thank Felix for this. If he hadn't specifically chosen these honest and hardworking serfs, others might have tried to delay the work to stretch out the days they could earn the copper coins.
As the carriage passed the fields, Wei Wei took a moment to observe the progress of the digging. She estimated that the channels would be completed in a few days and felt satisfied. She decided to reward the serfs with a bonus once the channels were finished and their quality confirmed.
She also needed to consider what work to assign them afterward to keep them busy and prevent them from getting restless.
As Wei Wei pondered her plans, the carriage bypassed the last stretch of fields and entered the pastures.
The so-called pastures were essentially vast grasslands. Those in the Sardinson estate who raised horses, cattle, and sheep would bring their livestock here to graze. However, the majority of the animals belonged to Felix, as serfs were only allowed to keep a very limited number of livestock, given that they had to pay taxes on them as well.
The carriage stopped at the slope Wei Wei had chosen. It was a gentle slope facing the expansive grasslands of the pastures. Perhaps because the fields lay beyond the slope, the herders kept their animals at a distance to prevent them from straying and damaging the crops. From afar, the herds of horses, cattle, and sheep looked like tiny dots scattered across the green landscape, leisurely grazing.
The slope, untouched by the animals, was covered in wildflowers. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers through the air.
Seeing the field of wildflowers, Dolores, who was usually reserved, showed a rare burst of liveliness. She eagerly jumped out of the carriage and ran up the slope with a cheer.
Wei Wei stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the sky. It was a cloudless day, and the warm sunlight made it perfect for basking outdoors.
Perhaps they should have brought Caroline after all. A child that young needed plenty of sunlight for calcium and growth, rather than being cooped up indoors all day.
The thought crossed her mind briefly, but she quickly dismissed it.
The maids approached Wei Wei to ask where she wanted to set up the picnic. They wisely knew whose opinion mattered most in this situation.
Wei Wei glanced up the slope and pointed to a spot near a tree at the top. "Let's set up there."
The maids went to prepare, while Felix's valet and the coachman began unloading items from the carriage. Despite being a spontaneous picnic, they had brought quite a lot—water jugs, wine, and even blankets and spare clothes were packed into a large trunk. One might have thought they were preparing for a multi-day trip.
For today's work, Wei Wei had specifically brought a coarse linen dress and a pair of long boots suitable for outdoor activities.
The dress was designed with laces for easy wear. She quickly slipped it on over her clothes, tied the laces at the front, and completely covered her original outfit.
Linen fabric was breathable and lightweight, so wearing an extra layer didn't feel hot. Moreover, linen was considered a fabric for the lower classes and was inexpensive, making it perfect for workwear.
Once dressed, Wei Wei placed a pair of scissors in a basket and prepared to gather flowers.
Felix, who had watched her preparations, quickly grabbed a basket and followed her. "I'll help too."
Wei Wei was a bit surprised. Picking flowers didn't seem like a task suited for a man, especially one of his status.
She kindly suggested, "It's a rare day off. Maybe you should sit up there, enjoy some wine, and take in the view."
Felix replied, "I'd rather spend time with you."
"Alright then."
The slope was mostly covered with small daisies, interspersed with a few cornflowers. From a distance, it looked like a sea of white dotted with specks of color.
Unlike the less visually striking daisies, Dolores preferred the multi-layered petals of the cornflowers, which came in shades of pink, blue, and purple. She wandered through the field, carefully picking the colorful cornflowers and weaving them into a flower crown.
Wei Wei's target, however, was the daisies. Daisies themselves had medicinal properties, such as removing melanin and softening skin cells. Regular consumption could lead to fairer skin, while also improving liver function, clearing toxins, and enhancing overall complexion.
Although daisy essential oil was relatively rare, it did exist and was more suitable for making essential oils compared to cornflowers.
With a clear goal in mind, Wei Wei didn't hesitate to cut the flowers. She snipped them off, leaving behind bare stems, and tossed the blooms into her basket before moving on to the next.
Of course, she didn't strip every plant bare. Like pruning flowers in a garden, she left some of the less perfect blooms behind to allow the plants to recover.
This efficient method allowed her to gather flowers quickly. By the time Dolores finished her flower crown and came over, Wei Wei's basket was already half filled with daisies.
Felix, who had been following her lead, had also gathered a considerable amount.
When Dolores approached with her flower crown, she noticed the baskets full of flowers and remembered the purpose of the picnic.
Her smile faded, and she looked at them hesitantly, unsure if she should join.
Wei Wei quickly noticed the change in the young girl's mood.
She looked up from the flowers and waved her over, her gaze falling on the flower crown in Dolores's hands. "Is that for me?"
Dolores nodded and walked over, crouching down beside her.
Wei Wei admired the pink-centered cornflower crown and complimented, "It's so beautiful. Can you put it on me?" Dolores's skill at making flower crowns was indeed impressive, suggesting she had done this many times before.
Dolores happily placed the crown on Wei Wei's head. It fit perfectly, resting on the fishtail braid she had styled that morning, giving her a very natural, woodland look.
Wei Wei couldn't see it herself, but she turned her head and asked, "How does it look?"
Before Dolores could respond, Felix chimed in, "It's stunning. You look as beautiful as Chloris, the goddess of flowers and spring."
Though Felix's compliment was a bit exaggerated, Wei Wei gave him a pleased smile.
"Thank you for the flower crown. I love it," Wei Wei said to Dolores. "Could you make another one? I'd like us to wear them together."
Dolores seemed tempted but hesitated. "I want to help you."
"It's alright. Your brother is here to help me."
Felix puffed out his chest proudly. "Yes, I'm here."
Dolores glanced between him and Wei Wei, who was smiling encouragingly, and finally said with a blush, "Then call me if you need help."
"I will. Go ahead." Wei Wei wanted to pat her head but refrained, as her hands were dirty from the flowers.
As she watched Dolores walk away, Wei Wei glanced up the slope to ensure the maids were keeping an eye on the young girl. Satisfied, she returned to her work.
The maids, having finished setting up the picnic, came down to help. Wei Wei instructed them to bring baskets for gathering flowers and also fetched a large crate for herself.
While picking flowers, Wei Wei discovered that the slope was a treasure trove of medicinal plants. It would be a shame not to gather some while she was here.
Recently, in addition to reading books on agriculture and daily necessities, Wei Wei has been studying European herbal medicine. She had learned about many local herbs and even memorized their medicinal uses. Now that she had help gathering flowers, she decided to collect some herbs for further study.
Felix, noticing that she had stopped picking flowers and was now digging up what seemed like useless weeds, approached curiously. "What are you doing with these weeds?"
"They're not weeds; they're medicinal herbs," Wei Wei explained, holding up a plant she had just dug up. "This one, for example, is called yarrow. It can stop bleeding and relieve pain. Made into a salve, it can help wounds heal faster. It can also be used to treat snake bites."
Of course, yarrow could also be used to make essential oil.
Felix looked at the plant in her hand, unable to see how it could be as powerful as she claimed.
But that didn't stop him from lavishing praise on her. "You even know about herbs."
Wei Wei lied without batting an eye. "I studied medicine before, so I'm quite interested in these things."
"You know so much," Felix said, not pressing further. He assumed Wei Wei only had a basic knowledge of herbs, unaware that she was highly skilled in medicine—far more so than most doctors of this era.