Li Xu stood on the ridge of the field, stunned by the sight before him.
In the morning, the sun's rays were not yet too intense.
It was the perfect time to work.
The still-vibrant green leaves of the Aconite plants swayed in the wind, forming a rolling wave of green.
The villagers worked in pairs. One person was responsible for digging, the other for gathering.
A gentle pry of a hoe turned over the soil, revealing clusters of Aconite tubers beneath. They resembled small radishes, with dark brown skin.
"Watch closely. There's a proper way to dig up Aconite."
Elder Ma was also digging up Aconite. When he saw Li Xu, he greeted him warmly and demonstrated. "You have to place the hoe about ten centimeters from the plant and go in at an angle so you don't damage the tubers."
With a practiced scoop and pry, he unearthed five or six whole Aconite tubers.
