packed closely layer upon layer

Bright and bright

one deed as tiny as hair(small contributions)

sell plums and bore holes in the stones(sell plums without kernel)

the quiet and natural influence

supply each other's needs through trade

clinching proof of effectiveness(marked effect)

be on pins and needles(sit on pins and needles)

Work very hard regardless of weather

thatched cottages

Drunk

have no way out(There is no help for it.)

call it by fine-sounding name of

at marked prices(with net prices clearly marked)

facial expression

be all adrift(look blank)

rack/cudgel one's brain

work in rush and get into a muddle

irritatingly slow(exasperatingly slow)

make a name in history(stamp one's name on the page of history)