Chapter 146-150

Chapter 146: Price

Jiang Yihe clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to defend himself. "But I had no choice...." He insisted, his voice laced with desperation. "My daughter was unruly——she caused a huge disaster. I had no other option but to do this...."

Master Ren’s sharp gaze bore into him, cutting off his excuses. "If a daughter is not properly raised, the fault lies with the father," he stated firmly. "You claim she was unruly, yet what does that say about your role as her father? A child's actions reflect the upbringing she receives. Did you truly guide her, correct her, and nurture her with patience?"

Jiang Yihe opened his mouth to argue, but Master Ren continued, his voice laden with disappointment.

"And even if she were truly beyond control, does a father simply discard his own flesh and blood so easily? Does a parent not bear responsibility, no matter how difficult the child may be?"

Master Ren’s brows furrowed deeper as he continued, his words striking Jiang Yihe like blows.

"As for your wife, she may not be without faults, but she has been by your side for years. Even if she has no great virtues, she has still shared your hardships. To cast her aside without regard for how she will survive in this world——is that the action of a righteous man?"

The old master sighed heavily, shaking his head. "What you have done is unkind and unjust. Even if the higher authorities had not removed you, I would have scolded you the moment I learned of these things!"

Master Ren’s voice trembled with suppressed anger. Despite his age, his outrage made his face flush red, his hands trembling slightly. After a deep breath, he exhaled in resignation.

"Forget it." He waved a weary hand. "You are already thirty years old. A man of your age should understand these principles. If you have walked this path, it means your heart has already been set on it. No amount of lecturing will change you now."

With that, Master Ren turned away, his hands clasped behind his back as he slowly walked out of the room, his disappointment palpable.

Jiang Yihe remained frozen in place, his mind blank. The words 'Expelled..., expelled...,' echoed in his head, repeating over and over like a nightmare.

Outside, the sound of horses neighing and scholars bidding each other farewell drifted through the air. The realization struck him like a thunderclap——while they were setting off toward their futures, he had been cast aside.

Then, suddenly, he laughed.

It was a sharp, bitter laugh, hollow and laced with madness.

He had been removed from the list.

Just before the Autumn Examination, just as he was poised to make a name for himself, to bring honor to his family, everything had been taken from him.

The Imperial Examinations were held twice every three years——this year’s autumn session, then another in the spring. Under normal circumstances, if a scholar missed one, they could try again the following year.

But this?

This wasn’t just a delay. Being expelled from the examination list meant permanent disqualification...! His name would be blacklisted, his reputation permanently tarnished. Each time he tried to register in the future, he would be rejected.

His path had ended here.

Because of what? Because of the troubles he had faced in recent months?

But those troubles——his debts with the gambling house, the severance of ties with his father Jiang Zhuguo, and his divorce from Madam Tian——had all been for the sake of his future. He had done it all to free himself, to climb higher, to reach beyond the life of a lowly peasant.

He had done nothing wrong.

Nothing!

Those who whispered about him, who judged him, came from wealthy families——sons of officials, landlords, and merchants who had never had to worry about their next meal. They studied without concern for money, while he had to scrape together every coin just to survive.

What did they know of his struggles?

They despised him because he was a farmer’s son. They resented him because he had dared to dream beyond his station. They feared him.

Because if a peasant like him could rise to their level, then what made them special?

His hands trembled as rage filled him. One day, they would pay.... They would all pay...!

With a roar, he lashed out. Books, papers, inkstones——all of it went flying. He grabbed the wooden chair and slammed it against the floor, breaking it into pieces. His hands reached for the pillows, the lamp, anything he could throw. He tore the room apart in his fury.

Outside, a young servant peeked in, eyes wide with alarm. But he dared not enter.

The master's orders had been clear——as long as Jiang Yihe didn’t burn down the house, he could do as he pleased. The boy swallowed hard and took a step back.

But still, he couldn't help but wonder——why was Jiang Yihe so angry? Shouldn’t he have expected this from the moment he made such disgraceful choices?

The servant shook his head. 'I really don’t understand him...'

Eventually, the chaos subsided.

Jiang Yihe sat on the floor, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. His hands trembled as he rubbed his face. The red haze of rage began to fade, leaving only cold emptiness behind.

Slowly, he picked himself up, using a broken chair for support. He forced himself to gather his scattered belongings, stuffing them haphazardly into his bag.

With his possessions packed, he hoisted the heavy bag onto his shoulder and stepped out of the academy.

The autumn sky was clear, the morning sun bright and golden. A perfect day.

Jiang Yihe clenched his teeth.

Such a beautiful day..., yet so cruel.

He took a deep breath, then stepped forward. Without looking back, he strode eastward, disappearing into the streets.

*****

That same morning, Wu Xiong set off toward Xia Mingyue’s home.

He had something important to discuss with Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo——the events of the previous day.

But of course, he wasn’t going empty-handed.

His bamboo basket overflowed with autumn’s bounty: crisp, sweet apples freshly picked from the orchard, golden pears bursting with juice, and bright red jujubes, their crunchy sweetness irresistible.

Even that wasn’t enough. So, he bought more——plump, ripe pomegranates with thin, ruby-streaked skins, their seeds glistening like tiny jewels.

The basket was soon too full to carry, so he called for a wheelbarrow.

Still not satisfied, Wu Xiong continued adding to the pile. Fresh chestnuts. A thick cut of pork. Then, spotting a fishmonger, he selected two lively fish, their scales shimmering under the morning sun.

His younger brother, trailing behind, watched with raised eyebrows. Finally, he quipped, "Brother Xiong, anyone who sees this will think you're proposing marriage!"

Wu Xiong’s hand shot out, smacking the back of the boy’s head. "Idiot!" He scolded. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

His expression darkened. "Miss Jiang has suffered enough. I'm just making sure she has what she needs."

Then, seeing a nearby vendor selling duck eggs, Wu Xiong considered for a moment. Autumn was the best time for pickling eggs——cool enough to prevent spoilage, yet warm enough for proper fermentation.

Maybe Xia Mingyue could pickle some for them.

As he imagined cracking open a salted duck egg, its golden yolk glistening with oil, his stomach rumbled involuntarily.

His younger brother snickered. "Thinking about food already?"

Wu Xiong glared. "Greedy fool! Madam Xia and Miss Jiang are busy enough without you adding to their workload."

__________________________

Chapter 147: Pork Ribs and Chestnuts Stewed Rice

But having said that, the suggestion wasn’t bad at all.

After purchasing the duck eggs, Wu Xiong planned to ask Madam Xia and Miss Jiang to pickle them. When the time came, he could personally collect the salted duck eggs, which would also give him another reason to bring them something in return. It was a small, thoughtful cycle——one that allowed him to maintain a connection without seeming overly intrusive.

Wu Xiong grinned at the thought as he carefully wrapped the small basket of duck eggs, ensuring they were secure for the journey ahead.

The younger brother, who had just been scolded moments ago, looked at Wu Xiong’s expression and felt utterly speechless.

It was hard to be him these days!

Not long after, they arrived at Xia Mingyue’s house.

By coincidence, Jiang Zhuguo was out, running errands for Xia Mingyue. She had gone to the market to buy some seasonings, leaving only Xia Mingyue at home. Seeing this, Wu Xiong wasted no time and quickly moved all the goods from the cart into the small storage room in the western part of the house.

Xia Mingyue was momentarily stunned by the sheer amount of supplies Wu Xiong had brought. "This is... far too much," she said, her brows slightly furrowed in surprise.

“Save them for later,” Wu Xiong replied in a hushed tone. Then, lowering his voice further, he added, “And, Miss Jiang——please remind her to eat well and take care of herself.”

Xia Mingyue understood immediately. Most of these goods were meant for Jiang Zhuguo.

She nodded knowingly and then raised an eyebrow, “Did Madam Tian take the silver and give it to Jiang Yihe yesterday?”

So that was why Wu Xiong seemed so troubled——he felt bad for Jiang Zhuguo. That’s why he had specially bought all these things.

Wu Xiong let out a sigh and nodded. “It looks like she did. They were headed toward town, so that’s the most likely scenario.” He hesitated before adding, “If things don’t go as planned, don’t tell Miss Jiang.”

Xia Mingyue understood. Jiang Zhuguo had likely already figured things out on his own. Whether or not the truth was spoken aloud didn’t matter much at this point——it was merely a thin layer of pretense that could be torn at any moment.

“Understood.” Xia Mingyue nodded. She didn’t need further explanation.

She quickly got to work organizing the supplies, making sure everything was neatly stored away. After finishing, she brought out a jar of pickled mustard greens that she had made a few days ago and handed it to Wu Xiong.

“These are freshly pickled mustard greens——crisp and refreshing. They go well with rice or porridge. Take them home and let Aunt Han have some,” she said with a smile.

Wu Xiong’s face brightened instantly. “Thank you, Madam Xia! My mother has been talking about your pickled beans for days. Now that we have mustard greens, she’ll be happy for at least a week.”

“Then when the salted duck eggs are ready, I’ll send them over,” Xia Mingyue offered.

“No, no, I’ll come to get them myself.” Wu Xiong seized the opportunity and added, “Madam Xia, you’re busy every day. Just leave these small errands to me. Besides, if I stop by more often, it’ll be good for your business.”

Although Xia Mingyue managed her work in an open and generous manner, earning widespread respect for her efforts in helping widows and those in need, there were always jealous individuals watching her success with envious eyes.

Wu Xiong saw this as an opportunity to subtly deter any troublemakers.

Xia Mingyue pondered his words and found them reasonable. After a moment of thought, she agreed. “Alright, then. I appreciate the help, Brother Wu.”

“Madam Xia, you’re being too polite! I’m also benefiting from this arrangement.” Wu Xiong chuckled. “If you really feel bad about it, just prepare something delicious for me when I visit.”

This way, he’d have a justifiable reason to come by often, and he could bring home food to make his mother happy. It was the best of both worlds!

“Deal,” Xia Mingyue agreed readily.

She wasn’t sure about other benefits, but when it came to food——she had plenty to share!

Once Wu Xiong and his companion left, Xia Mingyue took a deep breath, glanced at all the supplies, and methodically organized them again.

The duck eggs were set aside for pickling. Most of the fresh fruits were moved to Jiang Zhuguo’s room. Then, she began prepping the chestnuts and spare ribs for lunch.

She peeled and washed the chestnuts, chopped the ribs, and soaked them in water to remove the blood.

As she busied herself, Jiang Zhuguo returned home.

“Sister Xia, I’m back!” She called as she entered.

“Zhuguo, come help me add some fire to the stove,” Xia Mingyue responded.

Jiang Zhuguo set down the seasonings she had bought and hurried to assist her. “Sister Xia, what delicious dish are you making today?”

“Wu Xiong brought over a lot of ingredients, so I thought I’d make some stewed rice,” Xia Mingyue said as she scooped a large spoonful of oil into the pot.

Jiang Zhuguo’s hands, which were busy adding firewood, paused slightly.

So Brother Wu had been here. That meant he had also been to Jiangjia Village.

Yet, Sister Xia hadn’t mentioned anything about Jiang Yihe.

That could only mean one thing——her mother had ultimately chosen to send the silver to Jiang Yihe.

It was fate. Some consequences had to be borne by those who set them in motion.

Jiang Zhuguo lowered her gaze. But when she looked up again, all traces of sorrow had vanished. She simply smiled and said, “Then lunch is going to be delicious.”

Xia Mingyue returned the smile and continued her work.

She fried the ribs in oil, rendering out the excess fat. Once the surface turned golden brown and the meat shrank slightly, she added seasonings——rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, pepper, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, cloves, dried tangerine peel, star anise, and fennel. After a quick stir, she poured in boiling water and let the mixture simmer over low heat for half an hour.

When the ribs were tender, she added the halved chestnuts, diced carrots, mushrooms, and washed white rice, letting them soak up the rich broth before sealing the pot for slow cooking.

As the rice absorbed the flavors, a mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen.

Jiang Zhuguo, still tending to the fire, inhaled deeply and grinned. “This stewed rice smells amazing.”

“Since it smells so good, you better eat plenty.” Xia Mingyue chuckled as she scooped a large portion into a bowl.

“We have to eat more,” Sister Lu chimed in as she placed two small dishes of pickled vegetables on the table. She smiled knowingly. “Otherwise, it would be a waste of someone’s kindness.”

Her words held an underlying meaning——one that those who understood could pick up on.

Jiang Zhuguo, however, misunderstood, thinking she was referring to her and Xia Mingyue. She simply nodded, took the large bowl from Xia Mingyue, and carried it to the dining table.

The meal began.

The ribs were tender, with the perfect balance of fat and lean meat, falling apart with the slightest pressure. The chestnuts were sweet and powdery, blending harmoniously with the umami of the mushrooms and the slight sweetness of the carrots.

But the star of the dish was the rice——each grain had soaked up the rich, flavorful broth, bursting with taste in every bite.

Xia Mingyue found herself eating two full bowls.

Jiang Zhuguo, still a growing lady, devoured a bowl and a half before finishing the meal with crisp, juicy apple slices.

In the afternoon, Xia Mingyue began pickling the salted duck eggs.

She boiled peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, fennel, star anise, cassia, and salt in water, let the mixture cool, then added white vinegar before submerging the clean duck eggs in the brine. Finally, she sealed the jar with a thick layer of yellow clay.

Now, all she had to do was wait——for time to transform them into something delicious.

__________________________

Chapter 148: Spicy Soup

Given the current weather conditions, the waiting time would be around a month. Estimating the duration, Xia Mingyue carefully stored all the pickling jars in a cool, well——ventilated area to ensure optimal preservation.

As October arrived, the northwest wind swept through the town, signaling the arrival of late autumn. The air grew crisp, and the chill seeped into homes. Xia Mingyue, always practical, had already layered herself in a padded jacket and switched to a thicker quilt at night. Concerned for Jiang Zhuguo’s well-being, she made her a sturdy, cotton-padded coat, purchased new fabric, and diligently sewed a fresh quilt to keep her warm during the colder months.

Meanwhile, her businesses——the Xia Ji stall and the oden food stall cart——continued to thrive, their popularity unwavering. The central kitchen, which served as the heart of her operations, functioned smoothly, ensuring a steady flow of freshly prepared food for eager customers. Everything was falling into place.

Feeling content, Xia Mingyue finally had a moment to assess her finances. She sat down and meticulously counted the silver taels and coins she had accumulated.

What she discovered left her astonished.

Had she truly saved seventy or eighty taels already?

Doing the math, she realized that at this steady pace——after deducting daily expenses——she would easily reach one hundred taels by the end of the year!

A hundred taels!

With that sum, she could purchase a small shop by spring. And if her business continued to grow at its current rate, she could afford an even larger establishment by next autumn.

The thought filled her with excitement. Money, property, expansion——none of it seemed out of reach anymore. The future was bright, and she was determined to seize every opportunity to propel her business forward.

Yet, as she pondered her next move, she faced a dilemma. The market in Jinqiu County had already reached saturation. With multiple Xia Ji stalls and oden stall carts scattered throughout the area, expanding the franchise further would be unwise.

If she wanted to increase profits, she needed a new strategy.

A fresh concept. A new food category.

Something innovative that would capture the attention of customers and create another wave of culinary excitement.

But what?

After spending half a day lost in thought at home, Xia Mingyue decided that she needed inspiration. Rather than overthinking, she would take to the streets and observe the local market firsthand. Sometimes, the best ideas came from simply watching people and understanding their needs.

Thus, she embarked on a journey through the bustling town, exploring food stalls, watching vendors, and taking note of what excited the crowds. This endeavor stretched into three or four days. Each morning, she left early, and each night, she returned home late, visibly deep in thought. She would head straight to her room and stay there for hours, lost in her calculations and ideas.

Her unusual behavior did not go unnoticed.

Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu exchanged glances, their concern growing with each passing day. What was she planning? Was she facing a problem she couldn’t solve? After much discussion, they decided that Sister Lu would discreetly accompany Xia Mingyue the following morning, hoping to gain some insight.

But before they could act on their plan, something unexpected happened.

At dawn, instead of heading out as usual, Xia Mingyue was already in the kitchen, bustling about with newfound energy. The sounds of cooking filled the air——sizzling, stirring, chopping. From time to time, the distinct scrape of a large spoon against the bottom of a pot echoed through the house.

A tantalizing aroma began to waft from the kitchen, teasing the senses of everyone nearby.

Jiang Zhuguo and Sistwr Lu, eager to help, attempted to step inside, but Xia Mingyue waved them away with a polite yet firm refusal. Left with no choice, they busied themselves in the central kitchen outside, yet their curiosity only grew stronger.

"What is she making?" Sister Lu sniffed the air, tilting her head.

"It smells different from her usual dishes." Jiang Zhuguo nodded in agreement.

Even Wu Jin, the family’s loyal dog, abandoned his usual spot by the stove where his treasured bone lay untouched. Instead, he trotted over to Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu, his nose twitching as he, too, peered curiously towards the kitchen.

The sight of the two people and the dog eagerly stretching their necks to catch a glimpse inside was amusing enough to make Sister Zhou and Sister Song chuckle in amusement.

Moments later, the mystery was revealed.

Xia Mingyue emerged, carefully carrying several large basins filled with steaming, golden-brown food.

The first held long, thick strips, as golden as the morning sun, glistening with a slight sheen of oil. They were crispy on the outside yet appeared soft within.

The second basin contained small, pan-fried dumplings. Unlike traditional steamed ones, these had been fried on both sides, forming a golden crust that made them look even more appetizing.

The third pot was full of The third basin was the most intriguing——a deep, reddish-brown soup with a rich, slightly thick consistency. Floating within were shredded tofu, bits of gluten, finely chopped wood ear mushrooms, day lilies, sweet potato vermicelli, and a fragrant layer of sesame oil and aged vinegar.

With a triumphant smile, Xia Mingyue announced, "Fried dough sticks, pan-fried dumplings, and spicy soup."

Curiosity turned to excitement.

She quickly retrieved chopsticks, spoons, and bowls, inviting everyone to taste the new dishes.

The first bite of the fried dough stick was an instant delight——crispy on the outside, light and airy within. The slight saltiness of the dough combined with the rich, golden crunch made it irresistibly satisfying.

The pan-fried dumplings, familiar yet different, had an added layer of crispness, making them even more enjoyable.

But the real star was the spicy soup.

A single sip sent warmth coursing through the body. The deep, slightly spicy broth was rich with umami, perfectly balanced with fragrant vinegar and the crisp textures of mushrooms and vegetables. The aftertaste lingered, subtly spicy yet incredibly comforting, making it impossible to stop at just one sip.

As they continued eating, someone discovered the ultimate combination——soaking torn pieces of fried dough sticks into the spicy soup.

The result was divine.

The crispness of the fried dough softened just enough to absorb the flavorful broth, creating a texture and taste that was both hearty and incredibly satisfying.

Sister Lu, Jiang Zhuguo, and the others couldn’t stop praising the dish, eagerly reaching for more. Even after finishing their first bowl, they ladled themselves another, completely immersed in the rich flavors.

Watching them enjoy her creation, Xia Mingyue smiled knowingly.

Spicy soup was irresistible.

Just like she had once experienced in her past life as a celebrity chef, she had come to realize that true culinary joy wasn’t just found in high-end, rare ingredients——it was in the simple, everyday foods that people craved, the meals that carried warmth and comfort through every sip and bite.

Hulatang, or spicy soup, had its origins in the Northern Song Dynasty, originating from Xiaoyao Town in Xihua County, Zhoukou City. Made from wheat flour, beef, and mutton, it was infused with nearly thirty different spices and herbs, including Sichuan peppercorn, cinnamon, angelica, hawthorn, and licorice. Each ingredient was carefully measured and balanced to create a broth rich in both taste and medicinal properties.

__________________________

Chapter 149: Is Unpalatable

A bowl of Hulatang is more than just a simple dish——it is a symphony of flavors, rich and bold, encapsulating the hearty essence of the Central Plains people. Every sip carries the depth of history and tradition, a taste passed down through generations.

For Xia Mingyue, Hulatang was one of the many hidden culinary treasures she had discovered during her travels in search of authentic street food. She had scoured countless alleys, tasting and learning, and this particular dish had been an unexpected but delightful find.

However, the version she prepared for Jiang Zhuguo and the others today was slightly different from the traditional recipe. Instead of using beef or mutton, she opted for a broth made by simmering mutton bones to create a similarly rich and flavorful base. To enhance the taste and add layers of texture, she tossed in a handful of boiled peanuts. Every now and then, a single peanut would crunch under their teeth, releasing a burst of nutty richness that made the soup even more satisfying.

After tasting her own creation, Xia Mingyue nodded in approval. The balance of spice, heat, and umami was just right.

"When do you plan to sell this spicy soup at the food stall, Sister Mingyue?" Sister Lu asked, her eyes bright with interest.

A moment later, she hesitated, her expression turning slightly concerned. "But..., this spicy soup needs a proper staple food to go with it. Fried dough sticks or pan-fried buns would work well, but if we add those, the three people managing the food stall may not be able to handle the extra workload."

She wasn’t wrong. Fried dough sticks were completely different from the steamed dumplings they currently sold. Unlike dumplings, which could be made in advance and kept warm in a steamer, Youtiao had to be freshly fried to taste good. And making them on the spot would require at least one extra person.

Additionally, Hulatang wasn’t a dish customers could grab and go. It needed to be ladled into a bowl, served, and eaten at the stall.

"Won't we need to hire at least two more workers?" Sister Lu reasoned.

Jiang Zhuguo, who had been listening attentively, spoke up as well. "Right now, the stall already serves steamed dumplings, wontons, and noodle soup with three different broths. If we add more dishes, won’t it become too much? There’s a limit to how many things we can sell at once. Our tables and chairs are also limited, and if we spread ourselves too thin, our earnings might not actually increase. On the contrary, we might lose efficiency and suffer losses."

It was a fair concern. Expanding too fast could backfire.

Xia Mingyue smiled, pleased by how business-minded they had become. "That’s why I’m thinking of turning this into a breakfast stall."

Over the past few days, she had roamed every street in Jinqiu County, observing the market. There were many places selling breakfast——steamed buns, meat pies, tofu pudding, and soy milk——yet none of them truly stood out. She had tasted each one and found them mediocre. If they set up their own breakfast stall with carefully crafted dishes, it would no doubt attract customers.

Sister Lu’s eyes lit up in understanding. "That’s a great idea!"

Jiang Zhuguo also nodded in agreement. The Xia Ji stalls and oden stall carts currently operated from mid-morning until early afternoon, completely missing the lucrative breakfast crowd.

If they could dominate the morning market, it would be a game-changer.

"When the time comes, we’ll serve freshly ground soy milk alongside fried dough sticks and pan-fried buns. Everything will complement each other perfectly," Xia Mingyue added enthusiastically.

"That’s right!" Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo agreed, excitement growing.

The group immediately began discussing the preparations needed to launch the breakfast stall.

Meanwhile, Wu Jin, the neglected dog, slunk back to his corner, gnawing at the remaining half of his bone. He heaved a dramatic sigh, his ears drooping.

No one ever considers a dog’s feelings. No one ever makes delicious food just for him. Life is unfair....

*****

Once the decision was made, there was no time to waste.

Xia Mingyue quickly set to work, hiring a carpenter to craft long tables and chairs. She visited the grocery store to purchase bowls, spoons, and chopsticks. A small stone mill was acquired for grinding fresh soy milk, and she ordered a large iron wok——perfect for frying youtiao and pan-fried dumplings.

Everything was falling into place. Soon, they would take their new breakfast menu to the streets for a trial run and gauge customer response.

That day, Xia Ji’s stall on East Street was particularly lively.

Many of the customers were students from the county school, their presence noticeable in their crisp scholar robes.

Liu Fulin, who was helping at the stall, smiled as he observed the group. "It doesn’t seem like today is a school holiday. How come so many of you are here?"

A student sighed dramatically as he set down his bowl of noodles. "Chef Wei from the school canteen took leave and went home. The assistant cook didn’t dare to take charge, so... there was no food today. The Masters had no choice but to let us eat outside."

Another student grinned. "Honestly, it’s a blessing in disguise. Now we have an excuse to feast at Xia Ji instead of suffering through cafeteria food!"

Liu Fulin chuckled. "Surely it’s not that bad?"

"You don’t understand!" The student leaned in conspiratorially. "It’s not just bad——it’s unbearable! If a dish can be boiled instead of stir-fried, they’ll boil it. If they can skip seasoning, they won’t add a single grain of salt. Even the meat is so flavorless it’s a crime!"

"That sounds terrible," Liu Fulin said sympathetically. "Why doesn’t anyone complain? Surely the Headmaster knows about it?"

"Oh, he knows," the student groaned. "But Master Dai insists that students should 'focus on their studies, not their stomachs'. He believes indulging in good food breeds greed and distracts us from learning."

Another student scoffed. "What he really means is 'just shut up and eat whatever you’re given.'"

The group erupted into laughter.

"Anyway, I don’t know how long Chef Wei’s leave will last, but I hope they let us out to eat for a few more days!" One student said, stuffing his mouth with dumplings.

"We can afford to eat out, but there are many students from poorer families who depend on the canteen meals. They’ll probably have to hire a new chef soon."

"Yeah..., if only they could find someone who actually knows how to cook."

A mischievous glint appeared in another student’s eye. "What if they hired Madam Xia instead?"

Laughter erupted again.

"You’re dreaming!"

"You might as well ask the Emperor to cook for us!"

Meanwhile, not far away, a young man who had been quietly listening to their conversation picked up his bowl of wontons and left hurriedly. He walked briskly toward a nearby carriage and climbed inside.

Inside the carriage, a man dressed in elegant robes took the bowl eagerly. His name was Zhou Zhiqing, a scholar from the county school.

He wasted no time. Lifting the steaming bowl, he blew on the wontons before devouring them in large, satisfied bites.

After finishing half the bowl in one go, he finally sighed in contentment. "Xia Ji’s food is still the best...."

The warmth of the soup spread through him, soothing not only his hunger but also his soul.

__________________________

Chapter 150: Shame

"Yes," the book boy nodded eagerly. "It's much better than the food at the county school. When I was there just now, I saw many students eating at Xia Ji’s stall, which shows how popular her food is."

Headmaster Zhou's expression shifted slightly. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over him. "You’re sure no one recognized you?"

"I kept my face covered, and the students were too busy eating and chatting to pay attention to me," the boy assured him.

Only then did Headmaster Zhou let out a sigh of relief.

If the students found out that their Headmaster——the very one who outwardly agreed with Master Dai’s ascetic philosophy——was secretly sneaking out to enjoy better food, it would be utterly humiliating. What would they think of him? That he was a hypocrite? That he only preached about restraint while indulging in the very pleasures he discouraged?

Seeing Headmaster Zhou’s troubled expression, the book boy hesitated before voicing his thoughts. "Since the Headmaster dislikes the food prepared by Chef Wei so much, why not take this opportunity to hire a new cook? That way, when Chef Wei returns, he’ll see the difference, realize his shortcomings, and be motivated to improve his cooking skills. Wouldn’t that be a win for everyone?"

Headmaster Zhou sighed, stirring the steaming bowl of wontons before taking another bite. "Do you think I haven’t considered that?"

The warm broth slid down his throat, soothing yet stirring his frustration. "But Master Dai...."

Dai Changnian was a man of strong convictions——unyielding, rigid, and deeply principled. Once he decided on something, he stuck to it with unwavering determination.

Even if Headmaster Zhou did hire a better chef, Master Dai would undoubtedly object. He would argue that luxurious food only led to indulgence, that it distracted students from their studies, and that a simple diet was best for cultivating discipline. The moment he found out, he would protest endlessly. And knowing his nature, he would likely find a way to force the new cook out.

"It’s not that simple," Headmaster Zhou muttered, shaking his head in resignation.

His face held the kind of grievance one might expect from a man forced to endure something unbearable yet powerless to change it.

The book boy scratched his head thoughtfully. "You know, Headmaster.... I’ve always thought that the reason Master Dai holds such strict views on food is that he’s never actually tasted anything delicious before."

Headmaster Zhou paused, raising an eyebrow. "Go on."

"If Master Dai had experienced truly good food, he wouldn’t be so dismissive of it. Right now, he probably just assumes that all food is bland and unremarkable, so he sees no reason to care about it. But if he had a meal that truly delighted his taste buds, I bet he’d change his mind."

The more the book boy spoke, the more convinced he became. "That’s it!" He declared.

Headmaster Zhou found himself nodding in agreement. There was logic to what the boy was saying. Maybe, just maybe, if Dai Changnian were exposed to exquisite flavors, he would come to appreciate the value of well-prepared meals. If that happened, then perhaps——just perhaps——the entire county school would no longer have to suffer under the tyranny of unseasoned, uninspired food.

But there was a problem.

The world was full of diverse tastes. Finding a dish that could change the mind of someone as stubborn as Master Dai would not be easy.

And that meant they needed a truly exceptional cook.

Headmaster Zhou tapped his fingers against the side of his wonton bowl, deep in thought.

*****

That afternoon, as the carriage came to a slow stop, Xia Mingyue was just preparing to leave her home. She had planned to visit the market to buy osmanthus oil, which she used for combing her hair.

She hadn’t expected visitors.

Stepping out onto the stone path, she noticed a middle-aged man climbing down from the carriage. He was dressed in a long robe, his appearance refined, with a dignified air yet a kind expression.

The moment their eyes met, he gave a respectful bow. "I wonder if you are...."

Xia Mingyue tilted her head slightly before responding, "I am Xia Mingyue. And you are?"

"I am Zhou Zhiqing, the Headmaster of Jinqiu County School," he introduced himself with a slight smile.

Xia Mingyue’s brows lifted in mild surprise. The county school’s Headmaster? What business could he possibly have with her?

"Please, come in." She quickly gathered herself and led him into the courtyard, motioning toward a wooden bench. "I must admit, I did not expect a visit from you, Headmaster Zhou. May I ask what brings you here today?"

As she spoke, her mind raced. She had very few dealings with the county school, save for her occasional encounters with students like Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang.

Could it be that their recent visits to Xia Ji had drawn the school’s attention?

Was Headmaster Zhou here to reprimand her? To warn her against selling food to the students?

Her posture stiffened slightly, and she braced herself for a lecture. If she had to endure a scolding, so be it. But she wasn’t about to stop her business just because some overly strict scholars disapproved of her cooking.

However, to her surprise, Headmaster Zhou hesitated, looking almost... embarrassed?

"Madam Xia," he began, clearing his throat, "I have often heard that you are a highly skilled cook and that the food you prepare is not only varied but also exceptional in taste."

Xia Mingyue’s eyebrows inched higher.

He continued, "The county school’s canteen is currently without a head chef, as Chef Wei has taken a leave of absence for over twenty days. I would like to invite you to temporarily take his place and cook for the students during this time."

He quickly added, "Of course, I understand that Madam Xia’s business is thriving, and you may have little interest in taking on such a role. The salary of a canteen chef is modest, but rest assured, I have personally prepared a compensation of ten taels of silver. Additionally, there are four assistant cooks in the canteen, so you would not need to do everything alone——your role would mainly be to oversee and direct them."

Xia Mingyue was momentarily speechless.

She had anticipated many things from this meeting——criticism, a warning, maybe even an ultimatum to stop selling food to students.

But an invitation to cook in the county school’s canteen? That, she had not expected.

Ten taels of silver was an extremely generous offer, especially for just twenty days of work. Headmaster Zhou’s words carried genuine sincerity, and it was clear he had gone to great lengths to prepare for this request.

For a moment, she considered it. The breakfast stall she was planning would take some time to fully set up. In the meantime, perhaps this could be a worthwhile endeavor.

However....

Xia Mingyue tapped her fingers lightly against the table and said thoughtfully, "To be honest, Headmaster Zhou, I have been in the market long enough to hear certain rumors about the county school’s canteen."

She didn’t finish her sentence, but the look she gave him spoke volumes.

Headmaster Zhou let out an awkward chuckle. "I understand Madam Xia’s concerns. There are... complexities to the situation. However, I believe that if you agree to this arrangement, those issues can be resolved."

There was an unmistakable confidence in his tone.

Xia Mingyue studied him for a moment before finally nodding. "Since Headmaster Zhou has made such a request, I will accept it."

Headmaster Zhou’s face lit up with relief. "Thank you, Madam Xia!"

But," she added, her lips curving into a sly smile, "we should discuss the matter of wages...."