Chapter 1-5

Chapter 1: Marriage

March, Jinqiu County

After a gentle spring rain, the apricot blossoms, in full bloom, drifted to the ground. The slight chill in the air made Xia Mingyue instinctively draw her neck in.

Sister Lu, who was delicately applying powder to Xia Mingyue's face, paused for a moment, yet the smile on her lips remained unwavering. "Miss Xia... no, from now on, I should call you Sister Xia.

Brother Lu is handsome, young, and well-mannered. Although he doesn't return often due to his military duties, you needn't worry about food and shelter. He has recently achieved some military honors and has been promoted to captain, which means his monthly salary will significantly increase. Just wait to enjoy a comfortable life after you marry him."

Upon hearing this, Xia Mingyue lowered her gaze and fell silent. Originally from Chuzhou, she had been separated from her family while fleeing the war and had fallen into the clutches of human traffickers. After enduring numerous hardships, she had finally arrived here.

Xia Mingyue was consumed by despair, fearing she would be sold into a sordid existence, a life worse than death. This anxiety had even led her to fall ill and pass away.

She had once been Xia Mingyue from modern China, renowned for her exceptional culinary skills, which had earned her a prominent reputation both domestically and internationally. However, during a diving excursion with friends, a tragic accident had caused her oxygen tank to detach.

When she opened her eyes, she had no time to process the fragmented memories inherited from the original owner before Sister Lu purchased her for ten taels of silver, brought her home, and prepared her for marriage that very evening.

Compared to the uncertainty of being sold into a brothel, being bought as a soldier's wife--one who would never have to worry about food or shelter--was indeed a favorable outcome in the eyes of many. Yet, Xia Mingyue pursed her lips in contemplation.

Noticing Xia Mingyue's silence, Sister Lu exhaled softly and pinned a stunning peony flower to her hair. "Sister Xia, please be patient for a moment; Qiyan will arrive shortly."

Lu Qiyan was the brother of excellent character that Sister Lu had mentioned.

To celebrate Lu Qiyan's wedding, Sister Lu had slaughtered a chicken, purchased two pounds of premium pork belly, prepared two main dishes, and asked her husband, Zhao Youcai, to share a few drinks with Lu Qiyan.

Calculating the time, the bridal chamber ceremony had arrived.

As soon as Sister Lu finished speaking, Lu Qiyan strode across the yard and entered the main room.

"Thank you, Sister Lu, for assisting with my wedding," Lu Qiyan expressed gratefully.

"You are too polite," Sister Lu replied with a smile. "You and Youcai are close friends. As your friend's wife, it is my duty to help you.

Sister Xia is a bit shy and doesn't speak much, but she is truly beautiful. I have inquired about her and learned that she has read a few books and can write a few characters. She is precisely the type you said you preferred."

After lowering her voice deliberately, Sister Lu raised it again with a cheerful demeanor. "Alright, it's getting late, and I won't keep you. You should retire for the night."

"Sister Lu, take care." After Lu Qiyan escorted Sister Lu out, he closed the gate behind her.

Returning to the main room, Lu Qiyan settled onto the bench.

In the warm glow of the oil lamp flickering on the table, Xia Mingyue seized the opportunity to observe Lu Qiyan.

He possessed a tall, upright figure and striking features, particularly a straight, prominent nose and deep-set eyes that resembled tranquil pools. He could undoubtedly be described as handsome.

Moreover, every movement he made exuded a sense of gentleness and refinement. Even clad in armor and reeking of alcohol, Lu Qiyan's steadiness and composure shone through--he was a true gentleman.

This was Xia Mingyue's first impression of Lu Qiyan.

Could such a person truly be a military leader? Xia Mingyue found it hard to fathom what it would be like for someone like him to wield a sword and confront the enemy.

Ignoring Xia Mingyue's curious gaze, Lu Qiyan cleared his throat lightly. "I heard from Sister Lu that your name is Xia Mingyue and that you hail from Chuzhou."

"Yes," Xia Mingyue replied, nodding.

"Do you have any family members?"

"I have both parents, brothers, and younger siblings."

"Is there any chance we could find them?"

"It's difficult to say." Xia Mingyue answered truthfully, drawing from the memories of the original owner.

"My father originally planned to take us to Yuezhou to seek refuge with distant relatives, but we didn't expect that Yuezhou would already be in chaos by the time we arrived. So, he decided for us to head southwest, in search of a safe place to stay. Unfortunately, we encountered bandits along the way, and we became separated...."

In other words, her family was nearly impossible to find, and she had nowhere to go.

Lu Qiyan fell silent for a moment, then stood up and said, "It's getting late; you should go to bed early."

Sleep? Xia Mingyue's eyelids fluttered.

Lu Qiyan was undeniably handsome, and his demeanor seemed pleasant, but she....

She wasn't truly ready to enter the bridal chamber with him.

Xia Mingyue tugged at the hem of the loose clothing given to her by Sister Lu, contemplating whether she could use her menstruation as an excuse to decline the offer.

However, Lu Qiyan extended his hand, picked up the two benches in the main room, and placed them side by side. He didn't even remove his armor but lay down fully clothed, turning his back to the inner room.

Xia Mingyue was taken aback by this.

Did Lu Qiyan not intend to sleep with her? Was he trying to avoid any suspicion?

But... what was the reason?

Was he unhappy with the marriage? Perhaps he felt obligated to accept it since Sister Lu arranged it, but he didn't intend to treat her as a wife? Or did he simply prefer to keep his distance from women, fearing that they would slow him down in battle?

Or maybe he felt pity for her and couldn't bear to consummate the marriage just yet, wanting to wait a while....

Regardless of the reason, this situation was advantageous for her. At least she didn't have to worry tonight.

Xia Mingyue breathed a sigh of relief, extinguished the oil lamp, and lay down on the earthen kang in the inner room, still dressed.

The earthen kang had been cleaned by Sister Lu and was covered with a mattress made of reed fluff. Even the quilt was the wedding quilt that Sister Lu had brought as a dowry, making it quite warm.

Though she was extremely tired, Xia Mingyue found it difficult to fall asleep.

Part of the reason was that she had not yet fully recovered from the shock of her time travel. Additionally, she couldn't accept living with a stranger, especially since she couldn't discern Lu Qiyan's true intentions to her....

Xia Mingyue pursed her lips and glanced at Lu Qiyan, who was lying in the main room.

The night sky was clear, the moon was bright, and the stars were sparse. The moonlight streaming through the door and windows illuminated the main room, allowing Xia Mingyue to see the armor plates on Lu Qiyan's body clearly.

At that moment, Lu Qiyan's chest rose and fell rhythmically with his breathing; he was clearly asleep.

Xia Mingyue felt an inexplicable sense of peace wash over her, and she closed her weary eyes.

The next day, the rooster crowed three times.

Xia Mingyue opened her eyes.

Lu Qiyan was no longer in the main room, and the bench had been returned to its original position.

Xia Mingyue hurriedly sat up.

The sky in the east was already beginning to brighten, and Lu Qiyan was in the yard at that moment--practicing.

She couldn't tell how long Lu Qiyan had been at it, but she noticed a fine sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead in the morning light.

Xia Mingyue pondered for a moment and decided on a proper name for him: "Brother Lu."

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Chapter 2: Clear Noodle Soup

"Yeah." Lu Qiyan retracted his feet and went to the water tank to fetch water. "It's spring. If you find the water too cold, feel free to boil some hot water."

"Thank you, Brother Lu." Xia Mingyue filled a pot with water and set it to boil.

After washing up, Xia Mingyue tentatively asked, "What would you like for breakfast, Brother Lu?"

In the past two days, Sister Lu had been tidying up the courtyard and the nearly abandoned kitchen. It was now stocked with various pots, pans, and utensils, as well as essential ingredients like oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, grains, rice, and noodles. She had even stocked a dozen eggs and a bundle of green onions.

The kitchen was well-equipped for cooking.

"Anything is fine," Lu Qiyan replied nonchalantly. He wasn't picky about food as long as he could eat his fill.

After surveying the kitchen, Xia Mingyue decided to make noodles--not hand-rolled, but ramen.

She mixed flour with water, a pinch of salt, and an egg, then kneaded the dough. After cutting it into long, thin strips, she applied a little oil and let it rest for a sufficient amount of time before starting to make the ramen.

This type of homemade ramen required considerable skill. It needed to be stretched slowly and carefully, relying entirely on the strength of her wrist to ensure each strand was evenly thick, long, and smooth.

Once the noodles reached the desired thickness, she placed them in a pot of boiling water along with two beaten eggs.

As the water boiled again, the noodles swirled in the pot, glistening like silver threads, while the eggs gradually floated to the surface.

She then transferred the cooked noodles and poached eggs into a bowl, adding chopped green onions, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The steaming bowl of clear soup ramen was ready to be served.

The soy sauce glistened, the green onions were a vibrant emerald, the noodles were white and tender, and the aroma of the hot poached eggs wafted into Lu Qiyan's nostrils, making his mouth water.

"Thank you." Lu Qiyan accepted the chopsticks handed to him by Xia Mingyue. At the same time, Xia Mingyue picked up her own bowl, and Lu Qiyan began to eat.

The noodles were smooth and chewy, the broth was light and flavorful, and the poached egg was perfectly runny.... Everything was just right.

Lu Qiyan felt that this was probably--no, it was undoubtedly--the most delicious clear soup noodles he had ever tasted.

"You are an excellent cook," Lu Qiyan praised.

"It's nothing special, just barely presentable," Xia Mingyue replied modestly.

Lu Qiyan fell silent, focusing solely on his meal, slurping up the noodles and savoring the soup.

He finished a large bowl of clear soup noodles, leaving not a drop of broth behind. Although he felt full, he still craved more.

Afterward, Xia Mingyue cleaned the dishes and washed them before boiling a pot of water to make tea for Lu Qiyan.

Taking advantage of the hot water, she also cleaned the stove. It was her habit to tidy up everything after cooking.

Once everything was in order, Lu Qiyan approached Xia Mingyue and handed her two small strings of copper coins. "I need to step out for a while. Please take this money and buy some meat and vegetables. I want to invite Brother Zhao and Sister Lu's family over for lunch."

Zhao Youcai and Sister Lu had been busy helping him for a long time, and he wanted to express his gratitude.

"Okay." Xia Mingyue wiped her hands and accepted the coins. "Brother Lu, is there anything specific you want to eat? Is there anything you can't eat?"

"Just do as you see fit." Lu Qiyan thought for a moment before adding, "Brother Zhao's family doesn't seem to have any dietary restrictions. Just prepare more meat."

Everyone's lives were not easy, and meat was a rare treat.

"I'll make a note of that. I'll prepare more meat," Xia Mingyue nodded. "But I'm not very familiar with this area. I think I'll need Sister Lu to accompany me."

"Sister Lu is warm and enthusiastic. You can just go find her directly." With that, Lu Qiyan strode out of the courtyard.

Why was he in such a hurry? What was he going to do? Xia Mingyue felt a twinge of curiosity but didn't dwell on it. She simply took the coins and went to the next yard to look for Sister Lu.

Upon learning about Xia Mingyue's purpose, Sister Lu readily agreed, smiling as she said; "Sister Xia, if you have any questions in the future, just let me know directly. Don't hesitate to ask."

"Okay." Xia Mingyue smiled and took Sister Lu's arm as they set off together. Sister Lu was quite talkative, effortlessly describing the surroundings as they walked.

The alley they were in was called 'Xinghua Lane,' named after the apricot blossoms that bloomed in every home along its path. It was a relatively long and wide alley, and at the end lay West Street, one of the main thoroughfares in all of Jinqiu County.

West Street was bustling with shops selling everything one might need. On weekdays, stalls lined the street, offering snacks, groceries, and fresh vegetables from nearby farmers, providing plenty of options for shoppers.

The butcher shop that Xia Mingyue wanted to visit was just a few steps from the entrance of the alley.

The butcher's name was Hong, and his voice boomed like a bell. When he spotted Sister Lu from a distance, he greeted her warmly. "Madam Lu! Here to buy meat again? Your Captain Zhao must have achieved something great again to warrant such a feast. You should indulge in some meat!"

"He has indeed made military achievements and received rewards, so he deserves to enjoy some meat for a few days," Sister Lu replied with a smile. "But today, it's not me buying meat; it's Sister Xia who wants to purchase some fresh cuts."

Only then did Butcher Hong notice the pretty young lady accompanying Sister Lu.

His eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "Where did this lovely girl come from? Is she a relative of Madam Lu? How old is she? Does she have a partner yet?"

He had a younger brother at home who had yet to find a partner.

"This is Qiyan's new wife. You should keep your distance and not scare her," Sister Lu said, rolling her eyes at the overly inquisitive butcher.

"Oh, so she's the wife of Comrade Lu!" Butcher Hong chuckled.

Businesspeople like him had sharp ears and keen eyes. He was well aware of Lu Qiyan and his connection to Zhao Youcai.

"The meat in my shop is the freshest, most generous, and reasonably priced on all of West Street. Madam Xia, you're welcome to come and shop here more often."

As Butcher Hong spoke, he swung his large meat-cutting knife with practiced ease. "Madam Xia, what would you like today? Everything here was freshly slaughtered this morning and is sure to be delicious."

Xia Mingyue scanned the butcher block and selected a piece of pork rump. "I'll take this one. Please cut it from here."

"Okay!" Butcher Hong sliced the meat and placed it on the scale. "Three catties and six ounces is a bit high. Since this is your first visit, I'll charge you for three and a half catties and give you one hundred and forty coins."

With wars breaking out everywhere, prices had soared. Even in relatively peaceful places like Jinqiu County, prices were much higher than in the more tranquil times of previous years. A pound of meat cost forty coins.

"Thank you," Xia Mingyue said politely, paying the money and accepting the pork tied with straw rope that Butcher Hong handed her. "I'll take my leave now."

"Come again next time!" Butcher Hong called after her.

After purchasing the pork, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu continued their shopping, acquiring two cabbages, a block of tofu, some dried black fungus, and a handful of dried chili peppers from the farmers at the vegetable stalls. They also picked up some freshly baked salt and pepper biscuits.

"Are you planning to stew a big pot of food, Sister Xia?" Sister Lu guessed, raising her eyebrows slightly.

If Sister Xia wanted to make a hearty stew, radish balls are essential, and pork belly is the best choice for meat. It becomes even more fragrant with a bit of lard, but pork belly can be quite pricey.

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Chapter 3: Crispy Pork

It seemed that Sister Xia might not be good at cooking, but she was certainly thrifty.

"Sister Lu will find out soon enough," Xia Mingyue said with a secretive smile.

Sister Lu was puzzled but didn't press for details. Instead, she headed to the yard to assist Xia Mingyue.

Xia Mingyue rolled up her sleeves and began cooking.

She separated the lean meat from the fatty edges of the hindquarters. Then, she took the pure lean pork and cut it into strips about the thickness of a little finger. Afterward, she added minced ginger, salt, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns to a garlic mortar, allowing the mixture to marinate for a while. Next, she coated the meat with a batter made from sweet potato starch, eggs, salt, and more Sichuan peppercorns before frying it in a pan of hot oil.

Each time a strip of meat wrapped in batter was added to the oil, it was quickly enveloped, producing fine bubbles and a delightful sizzling sound. As the golden strips of meat floated in the oil, a rich aroma filled the entire kitchen.

The enticing scent attracted Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, who peeked over the wall and asked, "What are Mother and Aunt Xia cooking? It smells amazing!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Stop drooling, or the yard will flood!" Zhao Dahu rolled his eyes at Zhao Erhu.

"I've swallowed my saliva; it's your drool dripping onto the wall!" Zhao Erhu retorted, but he couldn't help taking a few deep breaths between his words. 'It's good to inhale this fragrant aroma,' he thought.

'Damn it, he's actually taking the opportunity to soak up all the fragrance!' Zhao Dahu was determined not to be outdone and began competing with Zhao Erhu to see who could inhale more of the delicious scent.

When the crispy pork was fried to a golden brown, Xia Mingyue removed it from the pan. Then, when the oil reached about 70% heat, she put the pork back in for a second fry. This method ensured the skin remained crispy while the inside stayed tender.

While waiting for the crispy meat to cool, Sister Lu couldn't resist the rich aroma and decided to taste a piece. The fried pork was crispy and tender, and with each bite, her mouth filled with the savory flavor of the gravy.

The seasoning was just right, and the slight numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns awakened her taste buds, cutting through the greasiness of the fried meat and adding a spicy kick. In short, this was the most delicious crispy pork she had ever eaten, and she found it impossible to stop!

She wanted to take back her earlier comment about Xia Mingyue's cooking skills! So engrossed in the deliciousness of the crispy pork, Sister Lu realized she had already devoured four pieces!

"This crispy pork made by Sister Xia is incredible!" she exclaimed, her words slightly garbled by the food in her mouth. She had come to help but ended up indulging instead, scratching her ear in embarrassment.

Xia Mingyue smiled and said, "It will taste even better later."

Sister Lu was taken aback. This was already an exceptionally delicious crispy pork; how could it possibly get any better?

Under Sister Lu's astonished gaze, Xia Mingyue began frying slices of tofu. She heated the pot, poured in water, and added the washed cabbage leaves, fried tofu slices, fried eggs, salt, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. She brought it to a boil over high heat and then simmered it on low.

As the cabbage softened and the tofu absorbed the flavors, the aroma of the fried eggs wafted through the air. Xia Mingyue then poured most of the crispy pork into the pot to continue stewing.

The enticing scent escaped through the gaps in the wooden lid once more.

The aroma made Sister Lu's mouth water, and she felt an overwhelming urge to lift the lid and taste the dish.

However, recalling her previous experience with the crispy pork, Sister Lu feared that she might end up devouring the entire pot of crispy pork stew herself. So, she fought against the temptation and continued to help Xia Mingyue by tending to the fire.

As the sun reached its zenith, Lu Qiyan returned with Zhao Youcai, Zhao Dahu, and Zhao Erhu.

"You've arrived just in time! Come on, let's eat!" Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu greeted them with smiles.

While Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu helped move the table and set out the stools, they couldn't help but steal glances toward the kitchen.

Soon, the food was served on the table.

There was a plate of cold fried tofu and shredded cabbage, a plate of dry-fried crispy pork, a plate of stir-fried black fungus, and a large pot of crispy pork stewed with cabbage and tofu. The staple food was oven-baked sesame cakes.

They took their seats one by one, picked up their chopsticks, and began to eat.

The salad was crisp and refreshing, the fried black fungus was tangy and spicy, and the crispy pork was crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.... Everything was delicious!

If they had to choose the most delectable dish, it would undoubtedly be the crispy pork stew with tofu and cabbage!

The soup was slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness and a refreshing taste. The cabbage was soft and succulent, while the tofu was both fried and stewed-the former had a delightful chewiness, while the latter was incredibly tender. The already delicious crispy pork was now infused with the rich broth. With each bite, the flavors melded together in a heavenly experience....

Lu Qiyan felt that this was the best crispy pork stew with cabbage and tofu he had ever tasted.

Zhao Youcai was equally satisfied with the meal and wanted to express his appreciation, but he struggled to find the right words. After a long pause, he finally managed to say, "Sister Xia's cooking is truly delicious, really delicious!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Brother Zhao," Xia Mingyue replied with a smile, adding more to Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu's bowls, which were nearly empty.

"Thank you, Aunt Xia," the two brothers mumbled, their mouths full as they continued to eat. When faced with such a delicious crispy pork stew, pausing for even a moment felt like a disservice to the dish!

After lunch, the two families gathered to chat for a while, discussing family matters.

Since they needed to return to the military camp before dusk, Zhao Youcai and his family left first to help him pack his belongings.

Xia Mingyue hesitated for a moment before asking, "Brother Lu, is there anything you need to bring to the military camp? I can help you prepare it."

"No need to prepare anything," Lu Qiyan replied, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket and handing it to Xia Mingyue. "Keep this."

Xia Mingyue took it and examined it closely.

The paper bore the red seal of the Jinqiu County Government. It was Xia Mingyue's household registration document.

Since the end of the Su Dynasty, wars had raged on, with warlords vying for power. Xiao Chenyu, the former governor of Yingzhou, was known for his wisdom and humility, treating the people as his own children, which earned him great respect. After years of conflict, he had secured the heartland of the Central Plains and established the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Jinqiu County was part of the Great Zhou Dynasty, while Xia Mingyue's hometown, Chuzhou, belonged to the Great Wu Kingdom at that time. Upon arriving here, she had naturally needed to handle her household registration.

'Did Lu Qiyan rush out this morning to get a registered household document?' She wondered. 'Did he also get a marriage certificate?'

Xia Mingyue carefully folded the household registration document. "Thank you, Brother Lu."

"Take this too." Lu Qiyan handed her something else. This time, it was a purse containing some coins--about four or five taels.

"I never thought about saving money before, so I don't have much at the moment. If I come back next time, I'll bring you more," Lu Qiyan explained.

'Is he planning to support me?' Xia Mingyue raised her eyebrows. But Lu Qiyan didn't seem to want to engage with the idea of marriage.

It was all rather puzzling...

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Chapter 4: Scallion-Meat Pancake

Xia Mingyue complained inwardly but nodded obediently. "I've made a note of it. I will do as Brother Lu said. Don't worry, Brother Lu.

Brother Lu, if you go to the military camp, would you like to take some crispy pork with you? We still have plenty left from lunch, and it tastes pretty good."

Regardless of Lu Qiyan's reasons, the fact that he had given her so much silver was enough for her to survive. Xia Mingyue felt it was important to remember this favor.

Lu Qiyan seemed to enjoy the crispy pork quite a bit, so this was a way to cater to his tastes.

Since Xia Mingyue had brought it up, Lu Qiyan didn't refuse. "Okay."

After receiving his answer, Xia Mingyue went to find some oil paper and wrapped most of the remaining crispy pork for him. "If Brother Lu doesn't mind, I'll make some more food next time you come back."

Next time he comes back? Lu Qiyan raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded after a moment. "Okay."

As the sun began to set, Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai set off.

Xia Mingyue, Sister Lu, Zhao Dahu, and Zhao Erhu accompanied the two men to the city gate, only returning home once they were completely out of sight.

Everyone had dinner at home.

With some vegetables still left, Xia Mingyue made pickled cabbage and tofu soup for dinner, and the staple food was the leftover oven-baked sesame cakes from lunch.

After eating and drinking, Xia Mingyue went to bed early and rose early the next day. She then tidied up the house and swept the yard.

Lu Qiyan's courtyard was not large, consisting of two rooms facing north and south-one main room and one inner room, both of which were quite old. The blue bricks were weathered and dusty from the wind and sun, and the roof tiles had accumulated a significant amount of fallen leaves and dust due to age and limited maintenance. Dense moss could be seen on the tiles when looking up.

The furnishings in the house were also very simple. There was a square table and two benches in the main room, and a brick bed in the back room. There wasn't even a box for clothes....

Speaking of clothes, Xia Mingyue tugged at her sleeve.

She had been bought, and her clothes at that time were tattered and no longer wearable. The clothes she wore now were given by Sister Lu. Although they were half-new, they were quite loose, making her look a little comical. She had to roll up her sleeves high when working.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Mingyue decided to head to West Street with the purse given to her by Lu Qiyan.

First, she visited the cloth shop.

Still wearing the oversized clothes from Sister Lu, she realized she needed to buy some fabric to make two sets of clothes since she didn't have anything else to change into.

The outer garment should be made of coarse cloth, which is durable and resistant to dirt, while the lining should be a cost-effective cotton and linen blend.

Xia Mingyue also bought two pieces of fine cotton fabric to use as undergarments.

Next, she went to the grain store and purchased staple foods such as white flour, sweet potato flour, and corn flour.

Finally, she stopped by the grocery store and bought two flat baskets, a broom woven from sorghum ears for sweeping the kang, and a pound of coarse salt.

After a busy day, her purse felt almost half as light.

Xia Mingyue also needed to buy a handy kitchen knife, a larger spatula, and an iron pot suitable for cooking and frying.

The money Lu Qiyan had given her was far from sufficient.

'I have to make money!' Xia Mingyue thought as she tightly grasped the rough porcelain bowl with three large cuts.

In the following days, Xia Mingyue made it a point to talk to Sister Lu whenever she had the chance or take walks around the street to familiarize herself with the surrounding environment.

Since the county seat was located west of the border, many soldiers' families had settled in the Xicheng District.

As a result, although Xicheng District was not as prosperous and wealthy as Dongcheng District, it had a large population and was quite lively.

Having gained a general understanding of the area, Xia Mingyue made contact the night before and went to the butcher shop early the next morning.

"I want this small piece of front shoulder meat," Xia Mingyue said, pointing to a cut of meat and gesturing to Butcher Hong.

"Okay." Butcher Hong asked as he began cutting the meat, "It's only been a few days, and Captain Lu is back again?"

Nowadays, battles were frequent on the front lines, and military pay was relatively generous. However, most of those who could join the soldiers heading to Jinqiu County had no work at home and no means of earning money. Naturally, money was tight. They only splurged on a good meal when the soldiers, who had returned after much hardship, were willing to treat themselves to meat.

"He hasn't returned yet. It is I, who wanted some meat." Xia Mingyue said, offering a simple explanation. She wanted to emphasize that she was craving meat and had bought over a pound of it.

'Tsk, this young lady seems so gentle, almost like a model housekeeper. I never imagined she could be such a spendthrift,' Butcher Hong thought to himself, though he continued to weigh the meat with a smile on his face.

Butcher Hong charged fifty-five coins for a pound and two ounces of front shoulder meat. Pork prices had risen slightly in recent days.

After buying some green onions, ginger, and garlic, Xia Mingyue got to work.

She began by chopping the stuffing and finely mincing the onion, ginger, and garlic. After adding eggs and pepper powder, she stirred it in one direction until it became a sticky mixture.

Next, she kneaded the dough into a ball, then rolled it into a long strip. She spread a thin layer of filling evenly over the surface and carefully rolled it up from one end, forming it back into dough. She then rolled it into a round bun, roughly the size of her palm, using a rolling pin. Afterward, she placed the buns into the hot oil one by one.

As soon as the dough hit the sizzling oil, it quickly turned golden brown, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.

She turned them over, frying them slowly over low heat, removing them from the oil once they were fully cooked, and then placed them back in.

After several hours of work, Xia Mingyue had filled a small basket with scallion-meat pancakes.

She picked up a few and walked toward the next yard.

Sister Lu was in the yard, picking and washing cabbage in preparation for lunch.

Even if cabbage is well stored through the winter, as the weather warms, the stalks and leaves begin to rot and become watery.

Sister Lu had peeled off nearly half of a cabbage, leaving the remaining portion barely edible.

After sending her two sons, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, to feed the spoiled cabbage leaves to the chickens, Sister Lu started peeling garlic and chopping cabbage.

"Mom," Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu asked as they worked, "What's for lunch?"

"Noodle soup," Sister Lu replied, a mix of sweet potato flour and white flour.

"Again?" Zhao Dahu frowned as he approached his mother eagerly. "Mom, I want crispy pork."

"I want it too," Zhao Erhu added, still remembering the delicious fragrance of the crispy pork from a few days ago.

Sister Lu rolled her eyes at the two brothers. "You both look like little pieces of crispy meat yourselves! You'll have to wait until your father comes home before you can eat any meat. Have you forgotten?"

Zhao Youcai's military salary was decent, but his two sons, now growing boys, had huge appetites. It was impossible to know how much they ate in grains and noodles. Sister Lu was also saving up for a dowry to marry off her sons in the future, so she was reluctant to spend money on miscellanies.

"Then... can I have an egg?" Zhao Dahu asked cautiously. "It's getting warmer now, and the chickens are laying more eggs than in winter."

"Half an egg is fine," Zhao Erhu added.

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Chapter 5: Selling

Sister Lu looked at the two boys and sighed, thinking they seemed like the reincarnations of ghosts who had starved to death.

"Even half an egg isn't enough. I'll need the eggs later," Sister Lu explained. "After lunch, I'll take these eggs over to Aunt Xia and Aunt Wu's house...."

Xia Mingyue overheard this as she entered the yard and asked, "Which Madam Wu's house are you going to?"

Sister Lu smiled as she saw Xia Mingyue. "Sister Xia, you're here! I was planning to mention this after lunch, but since you're already here, I'll tell you now. It's Madam Wu, who lives at the end of the alley," Sister Lu continued.

"Her eldest son is also in the army, and her second son studied hard, passed the scholar's examination, and is now an educated man. He works as an accountant at Yueran Restaurant, the largest in the county.

I've heard from Sister Wu lately that business at Yueran Restaurant is thriving. They're looking for a few hard-working women to wash dishes and vegetables in the kitchen. The restaurant pays 500 coins a month. I thought I'd go speak with Sister Wu to see if we could take on the work. It should be enough to cover our daily expenses."

Xia Mingyue smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Sister Lu, for thinking of me."

Sister Lu waved her hand dismissively. "Don't be so polite. Qiyan saved your Brother Lu's life on the battlefield. You're his wife, so it's my duty, as his friend's wife, to look after you too." She paused and looked at Xia Mingyue curiously. "But what brings you here today, Sister Xia? Is something the matter?"

Xia Mingyue hesitated for a moment before replying, "I came to ask a favor. I made some scallion-meat pancakes and wanted you, Dahu, and Erhu to try them." She opened the cloth covering her basket, revealing the delicious, golden pancakes inside.

Sister Lu's eyes widened with delight, and the two boys glanced at each other, eyes shining, but they didn't dare move without permission.

Sister Lu reached out and lifted the cloth. "Why is Sister Xia spending so much on this? Keep it for yourself!"

Xia Mingyue smiled awkwardly. "I wanted to ask you for a favor, but I felt embarrassed. So, I brought some food along. If you and the children don't want to eat it, I won't be able to bring myself to ask."

With a gentle smile, Xia Mingyue pressed the pancakes into Sister Lu's hands and the two boys'. "Please, have a bite first. Then I can talk to you about my request."

Sister Lu couldn't resist the invitation. She nodded, "Alright." She called to Dahu and Erhu, inviting them to sit down and eat.

The two brothers wasted no time, quickly thanking her and stuffing the pancakes into their mouths without even pausing to swallow.

Sister Lu, noticing how tempting the pancakes smelled, took a bite herself.

The crust was crisp and golden, crunching satisfyingly as she bit into it. Before the crispness could fully spread across her tongue, the savory gravy from the filling exploded with flavor, filling her mouth and overpowering her senses in the most delightful way.

The rich, savory filling and the crispy crust blended perfectly, creating a taste unlike anything she had ever experienced. She could only appreciate it fully by taking big, satisfying bites.

The two boys ate as if they hadn't had a meal in days, not pausing to speak.

Sister Lu managed to take a breath, giving Xia Mingyue a thumbs-up. "Sister Xia, these pancakes are absolutely delicious!"

Xia Mingyue smiled. "If Sister Lu thinks they're so good, then they must sell well."

"Sell pancakes?" Sister Lu paused, her mouth still full. "Sister Xia, are you thinking of starting a small business?"

"Yes," Xia Mingyue nodded. "Just like you, I'm trying to find a way to earn some money to help with the family expenses. I don't have many skills, but I'm good at cooking. I made these pancakes and thought I'd try selling them."

"If you have some time, would you be willing to help me sell them on the street?"

"Of course!" Sister Lu agreed without hesitation. "These scallion-meat pancakes are so delicious, they'll definitely sell. It's noon, and the street is full of people. Let's go while we can still catch the crowd."

Once Sister Lu made a decision, she acted quickly. She directed Dahu and Erhu to carry a small square table to the street, while she and Xia Mingyue went to collect the fragrant pancakes.

West Street was bustling, with many vendors selling all kinds of goods. There were a few fixed stalls, but most of the vendors were farmers from nearby villages, selling what they had harvested that day. As the number of vendors fluctuated, there were many empty spots at this time.

Sister Lu found a good spot, set up the table, and placed Xia Mingyue's basket on it. She lifted the corner of the cloth to reveal the fresh scallion meat pancakes and cleared her throat. Then, with a loud voice, she began to advertise.

"Scallion-meat pancakes for sale! Incredibly delicious meat pancakes, come and get them!

Once you've tasted one, you won't want to eat any other meat pancake. The crust is crispy, and the meat is fragrant! It's so delicious, your tongue will melt!

Eat one of our meat pancakes, and your men will grow strong, your girls will become beautiful, your children will be clever, and your elders will be healthy. The more you eat, the better they taste!"

Sister Lu's voice rang out with such energy and humor that soon enough, people began to gather around.

"How much are the scallion-meat pancakes?" A burly man asked, walking up to the table.

"Eight cents each," Xia Mingyue replied.

"Eight cents?" The man raised an eyebrow. "The meat pancakes over there are huge and only cost five cents each. Why are yours more expensive?"

"Because our pancakes are both more delicious and have more filling than others," Xia Mingyue said with a smile. "If you don't believe me, buy one and try it. If it's not better, I'll give you the pancake for free."

The man chuckled at her confidence. "Alright, I'll try it. But here's the deal... if it's not good, you have to give me this pancake for free. But if it tastes good as you said, I'll buy five more!"

"Deal," Xia Mingyue agreed, wrapping the scallion-meat pancake in a piece of oil paper and handing it to the man.

The man took a bite, then paused, savoring the flavor. After swallowing most of the pancake in just a few quick bites, he reached for his purse and said, "I want five more scallion-meat pancakes! No, wait! I'll take eight!"

With his large appetite, he could have easily eaten seven more, but the last one he intended to give to his master.

"Alright." Xia Mingyue took the money, and Sister Lu quickly wrapped the eight pancakes in oil paper, tying them with a thin hemp rope, before handing them to the man.

"If you like them, come back for more," she said.

"Such a delicious treat! I'll definitely be back for more!" The man agreed enthusiastically, already busy unwrapping the next piece to continue eating.

As the saying goes, 'The hardest part is always the beginning.' However, once the first customer took the plunge, others soon followed.

Especially when they saw the burly man eating with his mouth full, his face smeared with oil, and the smell of the pancakes filling the air. The crunchy sound of the crust only made the others more certain that these golden, crispy treats were worth trying.