Step One: Seed Harvesting. At Cold Dew, select seed pods from sturdy trees in the Western Regions. Dry them in…
Step One: Seed Harvesting. At Cold Dew, select seed pods from sturdy trees in the Western Regions. Dry them in shade, remove impurities, and store in sealed earthen jars.
Step Two: Germination. At Qingming, soak the seeds in warm water for three days. Rub them in sand to crack the husks, then sow in shallow soil.
Step Three: Cultivation. Water the seedlings every ten days. After three years, transplant to dry ground. Prune dead branches in spring and mound earth around the roots in winter against the cold.
First order of business: travel beyond the frontier and procure five jin of hu-yang poplar seeds. Wrap them in oiled paper. Cost: two lengths of plain cloth.
Also: the wind and sand out past the border will scour your face raw. Do not forget to pack a good skin salve, or you will come back looking like dried bark.
Check the pack carefully before setting out. Do not forget. Do not forget.