Jacqueline Spann was digging Chinese motherwort at the foot of the hill. These days, she came to the mountains every day to collect medicinal herbs. Clayton Xavier had taught her how to identify herbs and how to process them, but she hadn't learned much—only recognizing some simple ones. She would take them home, wash and dry them, then sell them to the collection station.
Although it didn't earn much money, she had no other way to make a living, so she could only save penny by penny, hoping small amounts would eventually add up.
She had overheard the conversation between Little Nan and Amanda Chapman, and knew they were raising six rabbits. Jacqueline didn't take it to heart; now that policies had relaxed, many villagers raised extra poultry and livestock. As long as nobody reported it, there wouldn't be any trouble. The authorities were turning a blind eye to such things.
Not wanting to greet Little Nan, she remained silent, hunching over as she dug for herbs.
