Chapter 44
Old Mister Wu entered the room and sat down. Jiang Yun Zhu brought him four dishes, one fried boiled pork, one Kung Pao chicken, one fried cabbage, and a braised mixed platter, which included boneless duck feet, pig tails, duck gizzards, and four kind of beef tendon.
It was with a bowl of rice and a bowl of seaweed egg drop soup.
These four dishes looked ordinary, but were unordinary in every aspect.
Like this stir-fried cabbage. Old Mister Wu had eaten it all over the country, even in the imperial dining room in the palace many times. But to cook it to such a degree, the total amount did not exceed two hands.
And this braised mixed platter. This was duck feet, right? Looking at the curled up appearance, it seemed that the bones had been removed. This was the first time Old Mister Wu had seen duck feet like this.
Old Mister Wu was curious. So he clipped up a duck feet and ate it first.
Flavorful, spicy, elastic, waxy!
He ate a piece of pig tail.
Different tastes, but equally delicious and enjoyable.
Stir-fried cabbage, sure enough, it was as he guessed. This technique had reached perfection. Basically no seasoning was added. Only the taste of cabbage itself. Still, it was extremely refreshing and sweet.
Old Mister Wu couldn't help but glance at Jiang Yun Zhu. He asked, "You made it?"
"Yes, is old Mister enjoying it?"
Old Mister Wu stared at her. If this skill hadn't been taught by a famous teacher and practiced hard for many years, it wouldn’t reach this level at all. Of course, there was another possibility, natural occurrence and the complexity became simplified. This girl was born with this kind of wisdom.
Old Mister Wu felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was the latter. He couldn't help but feel his heart move. He had been wandering for half his life and didn't even have a successor. This girl...
Thinking of this, his expression was much better and said, "It's delicious."
Jiang Yun Zhu's eyes were covered with a layer of water. It was really not easy to get these words from Old Mister Wu. If old Mister was happy eating, will he help with old Mister Chen’s illness? Of course, she wouldn't say it out loud. It would indicate that she was too eager for quick success.
It was better to wait for Old Mister Wu to mention it himself.
"Eat more if it tastes good." She just said.
Old Mister Wu was already hungry. He only ate two bites and his appetite grew. Immediately, he stopped talking and started to eat.
There were four dishes, each weren't much. Shortly later, he ate all the dishes, a bowl of rice, and finally drank half a bowl of soup.
After eating, he sat there stroking his stomach. Only to belatedly remember that he had to be 70% full after eating. His current state wasn't suitable for maintaining his health.
It was all because the dishes were so delicious. Resentfully, he picked up the tea bowl and drank tea slowly.
This tea didn't taste good, he thought.
It was indeed so. The Jiang Family could only buy some tea leftovers. So there wasn’t much good taste.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu and the others started to eat. Old Mister Chen had bad eyesight. Mrs. Chen told him what dishes were on the table and then asked him which one he would like to eat.
Old Mister Chen spoke and Mrs. Chen helped him.
Jiang Yun Zhu watched from the side and quietly took a peek at Old Mister Wu. Old Mister Chen's eyes’ illness was obvious. Didn't he want to help take a look? Or did those dishes not impress him?
Indeed, those dishes were just some home-cooked dishes. Old Mister Wu had high standards, so it went without saying he wouldn’t take a fancy.
Jiang Yun Zhu wondered if she should make him the dish she prepared in her dream.
In the dream of the Marquis of Anping, Lin Ting An wanted to ask Old Mister Wu to check an illness. Finding someone was one matter. How to persuade him was another.
Jiang Yun Zhu knew that Old Mister Wu loved to eat and play. So she carefully contemplated a dish to try to impress him.
It was a pity that no one found him in the end and her dish had no place to display.
Now was the chance.
But how to cook that dish reasonably still required careful consideration.
Jiang Yun Zhu’s mind wildly wandered. What she didn't know was that after Old Mister Wu finished eating those dishes, he already wanted to check old Mister Chen. It was just when he thought how Shen Feng Ming probably kidnapped him to check old Mister Chen and if he checked, wasn't it following his wishes?
Not checking. Not checking. At least for now.
After Shen Feng Ming leaves, he will check.
This was how he thought.
"Old Mister, you’re alone. Where do you plan to go on such a cold day? If there is nothing important, why don't you stay here for a few more days." Jiang Yun Zhu suggested.
This was how Old Mister Wu wanted, so he nodded immediately.
The two hit it off right away.
There were two side rooms in the courtyard. Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng lived in one, and the other room was originally used for storing sundries. Jiang Yun Zhu immediately cleaned it up and gave it to Old Mister Wu to live in.
At 1pm, Gu Yan Zhou came to teach Jiang Lin and others how to read.
After Jiang Yun Zhu studied for a while, she lied that she had learned it and then stopped learning from him.
Today, she was walking back and forth in the main room.
"The little lotus just revealed its sharp points, and an awaiting dragonfly stood on it." Gu Yan Zhou taught Jiang Lin and others to recite ancient poems.
Hearing this, Jiang Yun Zhu finally found a reason. Sitting at the table, she said to Gu Yan Zhou, "These two lines of poems sound very nice. What’s more, listening to you reading it, I seem to see a pointy lotus in a pond. The leaf has just emerged from the water and a dragonfly is standing on it."
Gu Yan Zhou's starry eyes flickered, "Good poetry really makes people feel like they are there."
Jiang Yun Zhu spoke as if she thought of something, "With you saying that, I suddenly thought of cooking. Could cooking be the same?"
Gu Yan Zhou was stunned for a moment and put down his book, "Of course, there is a female cook named Fan Zheng in the Fifth Dynasties. She excelled at making dishes into beautiful scenery.
The ‘Wangchuan Picture’ she made was praised as ‘there are mountains and rivers on the dishes, and poetry overflows on the dishes’.
Wangchuan was the place where Wang Wei lived in seclusion. The scenery was beautiful.
Wang Wei was a famous poet. He had written many poems describing the place where he lives. For example, the famous phrase ‘the grass is so green in the rain, and the peach blossoms are as red as the water’ and so on.
Fan Zheng made dishes like the scenery in his poems. It was lifelike and realistic. What's more rare was that there were 20 guests on the table. The dishes in front of each of them were different, but they could be connected together. Quite ingenious. "
Jiang Yun Zhu was yearning for it and said, "I want to try it too."
Gu Yan Zhou smiled. It wasn’t that easy. Throughout the ages, there had been only one Fan Zheng. But he couldn't bear to throw cold water on Jiang Yun Zhu, so he said, "Okay. If you need help, you could tell me."
Jiang Yun Zhu did just that, "Can you tell me more about Wang Wei's poems. I'll see if I can get any ideas."
Of course, Gu Yan Zhou was fine with it. He immediately recited.
He was the top scholar and knew all these poems by heart.
When Jiang Yun Zhu heard the phrase ‘Through pines the bright moon glows, Upon the stones the clear spring flows.’
Mentally she exclaimed it was here. She immediately said, "This sentence is very nice."
Gu Yan Zhou explained to her the source of this poem and the situation Wang Wei was in when he wrote it.
The two of them were chatting and laughing. It seemed they were having a good time. At the side, Yang Sheng pouted at Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming saw the two people in the main room. He got up and walked out.
Yang Sheng followed slowly.
"Miss Jiang." Shen Feng Ming entered the room and said to Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu raised her head and looked at him suspiciously.
Shen Feng Ming glanced at the table, "How is Miss Jiang's calligraphy?"
Jiang Yun Zhu: ... felt like being checked by a teacher for her homework, even though the teacher only taught her for a few days.
"Ms. Jiang is very smart. She has already learned a lot about recipes and bookkeeping." Gu Yan Zhou responded with a smile.
"Oh?" Shen Feng Ming looked at him with a scrutinized gaze.
Gu Yan Zhou withdrew his smile. His expression became tense. He felt a strange sense of oppression. He examined Shen Feng Ming; a handsome face and a tall and straight figure. Especially with a special vibe around him, like a mountain and like a sea.
This person was just a merchant from the capital? Gu Yan Zhou pursed his lips. He had traveled to the capital for a study tour before and had met some noble sons in the capital. But there was no one like Shen Feng Ming.
"Miss Jiang, wasn't Yu Yu teaching you how to read before? Now that we're back, let him teach you. As for Gentleman Gu, I think the exam is more important." Yang Sheng was getting impatient with their exchange and directly told Jiang Yun Zhu.
Speaking of the word ‘Yu Yu’, he felt very unaccustomed. He had never called Shen Feng Ming like this.
It suddenly dawned on him. Jiang Yun Zhu's name had the character for pearl. While Shen Feng Ming's alias was ‘jade’. Pearl and Jade. It really was fate.
He was pleased with his unique realization.
Of course, the others didn't know that his mind had already run thousands of miles. When Shen Feng Ming and Gu Yan Zhou heard what he said, they all looked at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Last time, they argued about this matter. This time, there was no need to argue. Just wait for Jiang Yun Zhu to make a decision.
Jiang Yun Zhu was looking for an opportunity to tell Gu Yan Zhou about this. So she stated, "The exam is certainly more important."
"But..." Gu Yan Zhou wanted to explain.
However, Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Thank you, Gentleman Gu, for your teaching these days. In fact, I have already discussed it with my mother a few days ago. Once we save some money in a few days, we’ll send Jiang Lin and the others to school.
As for me, I think that keeping accounts and knowing the recipes is enough."
"Miss Jiang, you don't have to lower yourself so much. With your intelligence, you will surely achieve something in time." Gu Yan Zhou persuaded her.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt ashamed. The ‘smartness’ she showed was because she had modern education for more than ten years. If she was asked to delve into classical literature, she really couldn't do it .
But she couldn't explain this clearly. So she said, "I think it's good if I concentrate on one thing. Otherwise I always feel like I don't have enough time."
Everyone knew that she liked to cook and study dishes. So she used this as a shield.
"Concentrate on one thing?" Gu Yan Zhou repeated, feeling that he still underestimated Jiang Yun Zhu. That’s right, people's energy was limited. So do what one likes and then do it well. Wasn't it good?
"I was too abrupt." He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and said with ease. His eyes were flowing like spring water, making people feel like spring breeze.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled at him, and thanked, "I still want to thank Gentleman Gu for teaching us all these days."
Then she turned to Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman Shen, I..."
She felt that she had made it very clear.
"En." Shen Feng Ming nodded.
This incident passed over like this. Then Jiang Yun Zhu began to tinker with her dish.
When Gu Yan Zhou learned that she was really going to make a dish that corresponded to that poem, he became interested and watched from the side.
Yang Sheng found it interesting and stood at the side.
After a while, even Old Mister Wu came. He pushed Gu Yan Zhou and Yang Sheng aside and stretched his neck to watch Jiang Yun Zhu’s movement.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...with so many people watching, she was under a lot of pressure.
Fortunately, she had been preparing this dish for a long time in her dream at the Marquis of Anping Mansion and had cooked it a good few times. Despite the occasional mistakes, the general direction was right .
First, make the moon. For this, use white radish. Of course, it wasn’t just carving the white radish into the shape of the moon. Got to make a pot of broth. Then pour the soup on the prepared white radish to let it slowly become cooked and tasty.
Once it came out of the pan, some chicken oil was sprinkled on top to make the white radish look as bright and moist as a white jade plate.
The method of making this radish was based on the method of boiled cabbage in modern state banquets. The broth used various meaty things. Still, the final radish wasn't oily at all. Though it looked extremely light, it was actually full of flavor.
Just this piece of radish was enough to fill splendor in Old Mister Wu's eyes. Sure enough, the great way made everything the most simple!
Then Jiang Yun Zhu started to make pine trees and cliffs.
In the middle when it was time to prepare dinner, she went to make dinner.
"Make this first. What rush is there for dinner!" Seeing that the dish was about to be finished, Old Mister Wu said anxiously.
"The guests have ordered meals at noon." Jiang Yun Zhu responded.
Old Mister Wu really wants to say, no matter who orders the meal, they have to wait. But thinking of his current identity as just an old man passing by, he held back. He wasn't afraid to tell Jiang Yun Zhu that he was Wu Xing Wei. But what if Jiang Yun Zhu found out and asked him to cure old Mister Chen's eyes. Should he agree or not?
He didn't want to go along with Shen Feng Ming's wishes. So, he could only patiently wait until scratching his head.
After much difficulty, Jiang Yun Zhu finished cooking dinner and continued on this dish.
Until the Moon Rabbit ascended to the east, this ‘Bright Moon and Clear Spring’ was finally finished.
Jiang Yun Zhu took it out of the kitchen. A bright moon hanging on the cliff could be seen. It complemented the bright moon in the sky. There was a tall and straight pine forest with a few rocks in the middle. On the rocks, a winding clear spring flowed slowly.
The cliffs, pine forests, and stones were all lifelike. The most peculiar thing was the clear spring, which was really flowing slowly and sparkling under the reflection of the moonlight.
"'Through pines the bright moon glows, Upon the stones the clear spring flows'. What a wonderful 'bright moon and clear spring'." Yang Sheng praised first. Seeing this dish, he seemed to have really seen the beauty described in the poem.
Gu Yan Zhou looked at this dish in surprise. He did say that Fan Zheng once made the ‘Wangchuan Picture’. But in the end, it was hundreds of years ago. He had never really seen it. However, Jiang Yun Zhu made this ‘bright moon and clear spring’ and he saw it with his own eyes.
At this time, Shen Feng Ming was present. There was a hint of surprise on his face.
Old Mister Wu was even more amazed. He looked here and there before finally patting his head and said, "I can’t bear to eat it."
"It tastes better than it looks." Jiang Yun Zhu told.
Old Mister Wu only felt that what she said was like the temptation of the devil. He tentatively spoke, "Then how about, let me try it?"
Jiang Yun Zhu handed him the chopsticks.
Old Mister Wu wanted to taste the radish for a long time. So he immediately picked it up with chopsticks.
Unexpectedly, the radish was nice and soft. He easily picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. There was no spicy taste of radish at all. Only various fresh aromas and sweet taste of radish. Quite refreshing.
"Delicious!" He immediately praised it.
Seeing that a piece of the moon was missing, others started to pick up the chopsticks. The cliffs, pine forests, stones, and even the clear spring were all dishes. Each dish had a different taste. Still, they all have an extraordinary taste. As they ate their way through it, there was a feeling of Suzhou gardens. One step, one scenery. It was quite sensational.
Soon, the dish was eaten up.
Yang Cheng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu with burning eyes. He felt that if his superior couldn't handle it, he would step forward and bring Jiang Yun Zhu back to the capital. At least he would be able to eat delicious meals every day in the future.
He felt that his mother would like Jiang Yun Zhu.
At this moment, he suddenly felt a chill. Turning his head, he saw Shen Feng Ming staring at him. He let out a laugh.
Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't in the mood to watch other people's reactions. She only kept her eye on Old Mister Wu. Was the old mister satisfied? Would he cure the illness?
Old Mister Wu was extremely satisfied, but he still couldn't treat old Mister Chen's illness.
He pondered for a while and asked Jiang Yun Zhu, "Do you want to take me as your teacher?"
Jiang Yun Zhu stood there in a daze. This was completely different from what she thought! Old Mister Wu wanted to take her as his apprentice? This was certainly an opportunity that many people only dream of. But she didn't want to study medicine.
"Old Mister can cook?" Jiang Yun Zhu hoped that old Mister Wu would say that he knew medical skills .This way, she can hop on the chance and begged him to cure old Mister Chen's eyes. Then everyone was happy.
Old Mister Wu hesitated for a moment before nodding. Use tortoise to make soup was cooking, right? Although, he hadn't caught that tortoise yet, but sooner or later he will catch it.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "In the future, if I have a chance, I will definitely ask the old Mister for advice."
This was a tactful refusal.
Old Mister Wu wasn't angry either. There would be chances.
The two chatted with each other for a while. It was getting late and everyone dispersed.
Jiang Yun Zhu had been busy all afternoon and was really tired. She didn't think about anything else. Just went to wash up and get ready for bed.
Gu Yan Zhou went home. Yang Sheng took that plate of Jiang Yun Zhu's dish back to the room. He wanted to figure out how the clear spring flowed.
Shen Feng Ming went to wash up. After washing up, he prepared to sleep.
Next to the well in the yard, he suddenly stopped. After a while, a person popped out from behind the house. It was Old Mister Wu.
He observed for an entire afternoon and finally understood why Shen Feng Ming had tied him up to check old Mister Chen. He had intentions toward Jiang Yun Zhu.
He snorted coldly. It was rumored in the central capital that the commander of the Qilin Guard, Shen Feng Ming, wasn't close to women. Why was he playing tricks with a girl here? And hiding his identity! Afraid that the girl will come to his door in the future?
Then he might as well just kill the person and be done with it.
Anyway, he was used to killing people.
On top of that, he wanted him, old Mister Wu to help cure illnesses and please the girl? Dream on!
Shen Feng Ming felt that Old Mister Wu's face wasn't well-intentioned. He frowned slightly.
"You want me to help treat illness?" Old Master Wu asked Shen Feng Ming.
"Yes." Shen Feng Ming agreed.
"Stay away from that girl." Old Mister Wu directly demanded.
Shen Feng Ming stared at him. His gaze was cold.
Old Mister Wu became anxious. This sanctimonious beast in clothes! Of course he wouldn’t believe that Shen Feng Ming really liked Jiang Yun Zhu. He only thought he was trying to trick Jiang Yun Zhu.
A gust of north wind blew past, making people's bones tremble. He spoke, "Want me to heal the illness? Alright, you stand here for one night first, otherwise, I will not heal anyone related to you in the future.
Even if I die! "Old Mister Wu wasn't afraid of death. He had seen life and death through the years of being a doctor.
His words were intended to make things difficult for Shen Feng Ming. One was to avenge the kidnapping. Secondly, was to prove Shen Feng Ming's hypocrisy.
"If I stand, will you treat the old Mister?" Shen Feng Ming asked.
"If you stand, I may help treat his illness. If you don't stand, then..." Of course it will be treated, but it will be treated later.
Shen Feng Ming couldn't read his mind. He only knew that his temper was weird. After a slight hesitation, he stated, "Okay!"
"I knew you..." Before Old Mister Wu finished speaking, he heard the phrase ‘Okay’.
He was stunned. He really didn't expect Shen Feng Ming to agree.
Shen Feng Ming stopped talking, put down the basin, and stood there. It was as if he really planned to stand there all night.
Old Mister Wu scanned him up and down. Then he snorted, turned, and went back to his room.
After a while, Yang Cheng was going to sleep. Seeing that Shen Feng Ming hadn't entered the room yet, he went out to look for him and found him standing there motionless.
"What are you doing?" Yang Sheng asked.
Shen Feng Ming didn't want to explain to him, "You’re going to sleep?"
"And you."
"Do not bother with me."
"What don't bother with you..."
Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming looked at each other. The rest of the words were suppressed. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "You can do whatever you want. I'll go back to sleep." He knew that there must be a reason for Shen Feng Ming’s actions. Since he didn't say anything, he wouldn't ask.
Still, he went back and brought him a big cloak. This cloak was made of silver fox fur. It was windproof and the best way to keep him warm.
Jiang Yun Zhu was lying on the bed. Maybe it was because she was too tired from making the ‘Bright Moon and Clear Spring’ today or maybe it was because Old Mister Wu didn't say that he would treat old Mister Chen at the end, she kept tossing and turning.
She opened her eyes, wanting to see what time it was. Through the window, she saw… a person?
She hurried to the window and carefully checked.
Through the moonlight, she confirmed that it was indeed a person. He was standing by the well. It was Shen Feng Ming!
What was he doing? Several thoughts flashed through Jiang Yun Zhu's mind, but none of them seemed reliable.
She watched him, wanting to see what he was going to do. Maybe when he would return to the room.
The result… he just stood there like a statue.
Nothing will happen, right? She quickly put on her clothes, lifted a lantern, opened the door, and walked into the courtyard.
The sky was dark. The lantern emitted a warm yellow light, shining on her face.
Shen Feng Ming looked toward her direction when there was movement in her room. Seeing her approaching with a lantern at this moment, his eyebrows and eyes slightly raised.
The warm yellow light was getting closer and closer, as if dispelling the darkness and coldness from his body.
"Are you okay?" Jiang Yun Zhu raised the lantern and asked.
"I’m fine." Shen Feng Ming replied.
"Then you?" Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to ask what he was doing.
Shen Feng Ming stared at her. Because she raised the lantern up, the light illuminated her eyebrows and eyes more clearly.
"I never thought of getting married before," he said.
Jiang Yun Zhu was stunned. Where did this come from? However, it seemed that in the dream, he was still alone even seven years later.
Shen Feng Ming lowered his eyes, "My mother didn't like my father. The same for my father. The two of them would quarrel every day. When I was young, I didn't understand why they are still together since they hate each other so much.
I'm tired of them arguing.”
At this point, he stopped. He had never told anyone these words, but now he wanted to tell her.
Jiang Yun Zhu had never seen Princess Danyang and Academician Shen. But she had heard that they seem to be politically married. The Shen Family was a major household and had a pivotal position in the Xia Dynasty. At that time, the current emperor was still an unfavored prince.
When his younger sister married into the Shen Family, it was equivalent to having the support of the Shen Family.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know what to say. Since ancient times, matters in the emperor's family had been like this.
She frowned and pursed her lips.
Old Mister Wu entered the room and sat down. Jiang Yun Zhu brought him four dishes, one fried boiled pork, one Kung Pao chicken, one fried cabbage, and a braised mixed platter, which included boneless duck feet, pig tails, duck gizzards, and four kind of beef tendon.
It was with a bowl of rice and a bowl of seaweed egg drop soup.
These four dishes looked ordinary, but were unordinary in every aspect.
Like this stir-fried cabbage. Old Mister Wu had eaten it all over the country, even in the imperial dining room in the palace many times. But to cook it to such a degree, the total amount did not exceed two hands.
And this braised mixed platter. This was duck feet, right? Looking at the curled up appearance, it seemed that the bones had been removed. This was the first time Old Mister Wu had seen duck feet like this.
Old Mister Wu was curious. So he clipped up a duck feet and ate it first.
Flavorful, spicy, elastic, waxy!
He ate a piece of pig tail.
Different tastes, but equally delicious and enjoyable.
Stir-fried cabbage, sure enough, it was as he guessed. This technique had reached perfection. Basically no seasoning was added. Only the taste of cabbage itself. Still, it was extremely refreshing and sweet.
Old Mister Wu couldn't help but glance at Jiang Yun Zhu. He asked, "You made it?"
"Yes, is old Mister enjoying it?"
Old Mister Wu stared at her. If this skill hadn't been taught by a famous teacher and practiced hard for many years, it wouldn’t reach this level at all. Of course, there was another possibility, natural occurrence and the complexity became simplified. This girl was born with this kind of wisdom.
Old Mister Wu felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was the latter. He couldn't help but feel his heart move. He had been wandering for half his life and didn't even have a successor. This girl...
Thinking of this, his expression was much better and said, "It's delicious."
Jiang Yun Zhu's eyes were covered with a layer of water. It was really not easy to get these words from Old Mister Wu. If old Mister was happy eating, will he help with old Mister Chen’s illness? Of course, she wouldn't say it out loud. It would indicate that she was too eager for quick success.
It was better to wait for Old Mister Wu to mention it himself.
"Eat more if it tastes good." She just said.
Old Mister Wu was already hungry. He only ate two bites and his appetite grew. Immediately, he stopped talking and started to eat.
There were four dishes, each weren't much. Shortly later, he ate all the dishes, a bowl of rice, and finally drank half a bowl of soup.
After eating, he sat there stroking his stomach. Only to belatedly remember that he had to be 70% full after eating. His current state wasn't suitable for maintaining his health.
It was all because the dishes were so delicious. Resentfully, he picked up the tea bowl and drank tea slowly.
This tea didn't taste good, he thought.
It was indeed so. The Jiang Family could only buy some tea leftovers. So there wasn’t much good taste.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu and the others started to eat. Old Mister Chen had bad eyesight. Mrs. Chen told him what dishes were on the table and then asked him which one he would like to eat.
Old Mister Chen spoke and Mrs. Chen helped him.
Jiang Yun Zhu watched from the side and quietly took a peek at Old Mister Wu. Old Mister Chen's eyes’ illness was obvious. Didn't he want to help take a look? Or did those dishes not impress him?
Indeed, those dishes were just some home-cooked dishes. Old Mister Wu had high standards, so it went without saying he wouldn’t take a fancy.
Jiang Yun Zhu wondered if she should make him the dish she prepared in her dream.
In the dream of the Marquis of Anping, Lin Ting An wanted to ask Old Mister Wu to check an illness. Finding someone was one matter. How to persuade him was another.
Jiang Yun Zhu knew that Old Mister Wu loved to eat and play. So she carefully contemplated a dish to try to impress him.
It was a pity that no one found him in the end and her dish had no place to display.
Now was the chance.
But how to cook that dish reasonably still required careful consideration.
Jiang Yun Zhu’s mind wildly wandered. What she didn't know was that after Old Mister Wu finished eating those dishes, he already wanted to check old Mister Chen. It was just when he thought how Shen Feng Ming probably kidnapped him to check old Mister Chen and if he checked, wasn't it following his wishes?
Not checking. Not checking. At least for now.
After Shen Feng Ming leaves, he will check.
This was how he thought.
"Old Mister, you’re alone. Where do you plan to go on such a cold day? If there is nothing important, why don't you stay here for a few more days." Jiang Yun Zhu suggested.
This was how Old Mister Wu wanted, so he nodded immediately.
The two hit it off right away.
There were two side rooms in the courtyard. Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng lived in one, and the other room was originally used for storing sundries. Jiang Yun Zhu immediately cleaned it up and gave it to Old Mister Wu to live in.
At 1pm, Gu Yan Zhou came to teach Jiang Lin and others how to read.
After Jiang Yun Zhu studied for a while, she lied that she had learned it and then stopped learning from him.
Today, she was walking back and forth in the main room.
"The little lotus just revealed its sharp points, and an awaiting dragonfly stood on it." Gu Yan Zhou taught Jiang Lin and others to recite ancient poems.
Hearing this, Jiang Yun Zhu finally found a reason. Sitting at the table, she said to Gu Yan Zhou, "These two lines of poems sound very nice. What’s more, listening to you reading it, I seem to see a pointy lotus in a pond. The leaf has just emerged from the water and a dragonfly is standing on it."
Gu Yan Zhou's starry eyes flickered, "Good poetry really makes people feel like they are there."
Jiang Yun Zhu spoke as if she thought of something, "With you saying that, I suddenly thought of cooking. Could cooking be the same?"
Gu Yan Zhou was stunned for a moment and put down his book, "Of course, there is a female cook named Fan Zheng in the Fifth Dynasties. She excelled at making dishes into beautiful scenery.
The ‘Wangchuan Picture’ she made was praised as ‘there are mountains and rivers on the dishes, and poetry overflows on the dishes’.
Wangchuan was the place where Wang Wei lived in seclusion. The scenery was beautiful.
Wang Wei was a famous poet. He had written many poems describing the place where he lives. For example, the famous phrase ‘the grass is so green in the rain, and the peach blossoms are as red as the water’ and so on.
Fan Zheng made dishes like the scenery in his poems. It was lifelike and realistic. What's more rare was that there were 20 guests on the table. The dishes in front of each of them were different, but they could be connected together. Quite ingenious. "
Jiang Yun Zhu was yearning for it and said, "I want to try it too."
Gu Yan Zhou smiled. It wasn’t that easy. Throughout the ages, there had been only one Fan Zheng. But he couldn't bear to throw cold water on Jiang Yun Zhu, so he said, "Okay. If you need help, you could tell me."
Jiang Yun Zhu did just that, "Can you tell me more about Wang Wei's poems. I'll see if I can get any ideas."
Of course, Gu Yan Zhou was fine with it. He immediately recited.
He was the top scholar and knew all these poems by heart.
When Jiang Yun Zhu heard the phrase ‘Through pines the bright moon glows, Upon the stones the clear spring flows.’
Mentally she exclaimed it was here. She immediately said, "This sentence is very nice."
Gu Yan Zhou explained to her the source of this poem and the situation Wang Wei was in when he wrote it.
The two of them were chatting and laughing. It seemed they were having a good time. At the side, Yang Sheng pouted at Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming saw the two people in the main room. He got up and walked out.
Yang Sheng followed slowly.
"Miss Jiang." Shen Feng Ming entered the room and said to Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu raised her head and looked at him suspiciously.
Shen Feng Ming glanced at the table, "How is Miss Jiang's calligraphy?"
Jiang Yun Zhu: ... felt like being checked by a teacher for her homework, even though the teacher only taught her for a few days.
"Ms. Jiang is very smart. She has already learned a lot about recipes and bookkeeping." Gu Yan Zhou responded with a smile.
"Oh?" Shen Feng Ming looked at him with a scrutinized gaze.
Gu Yan Zhou withdrew his smile. His expression became tense. He felt a strange sense of oppression. He examined Shen Feng Ming; a handsome face and a tall and straight figure. Especially with a special vibe around him, like a mountain and like a sea.
This person was just a merchant from the capital? Gu Yan Zhou pursed his lips. He had traveled to the capital for a study tour before and had met some noble sons in the capital. But there was no one like Shen Feng Ming.
"Miss Jiang, wasn't Yu Yu teaching you how to read before? Now that we're back, let him teach you. As for Gentleman Gu, I think the exam is more important." Yang Sheng was getting impatient with their exchange and directly told Jiang Yun Zhu.
Speaking of the word ‘Yu Yu’, he felt very unaccustomed. He had never called Shen Feng Ming like this.
It suddenly dawned on him. Jiang Yun Zhu's name had the character for pearl. While Shen Feng Ming's alias was ‘jade’. Pearl and Jade. It really was fate.
He was pleased with his unique realization.
Of course, the others didn't know that his mind had already run thousands of miles. When Shen Feng Ming and Gu Yan Zhou heard what he said, they all looked at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Last time, they argued about this matter. This time, there was no need to argue. Just wait for Jiang Yun Zhu to make a decision.
Jiang Yun Zhu was looking for an opportunity to tell Gu Yan Zhou about this. So she stated, "The exam is certainly more important."
"But..." Gu Yan Zhou wanted to explain.
However, Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Thank you, Gentleman Gu, for your teaching these days. In fact, I have already discussed it with my mother a few days ago. Once we save some money in a few days, we’ll send Jiang Lin and the others to school.
As for me, I think that keeping accounts and knowing the recipes is enough."
"Miss Jiang, you don't have to lower yourself so much. With your intelligence, you will surely achieve something in time." Gu Yan Zhou persuaded her.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt ashamed. The ‘smartness’ she showed was because she had modern education for more than ten years. If she was asked to delve into classical literature, she really couldn't do it .
But she couldn't explain this clearly. So she said, "I think it's good if I concentrate on one thing. Otherwise I always feel like I don't have enough time."
Everyone knew that she liked to cook and study dishes. So she used this as a shield.
"Concentrate on one thing?" Gu Yan Zhou repeated, feeling that he still underestimated Jiang Yun Zhu. That’s right, people's energy was limited. So do what one likes and then do it well. Wasn't it good?
"I was too abrupt." He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and said with ease. His eyes were flowing like spring water, making people feel like spring breeze.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled at him, and thanked, "I still want to thank Gentleman Gu for teaching us all these days."
Then she turned to Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman Shen, I..."
She felt that she had made it very clear.
"En." Shen Feng Ming nodded.
This incident passed over like this. Then Jiang Yun Zhu began to tinker with her dish.
When Gu Yan Zhou learned that she was really going to make a dish that corresponded to that poem, he became interested and watched from the side.
Yang Sheng found it interesting and stood at the side.
After a while, even Old Mister Wu came. He pushed Gu Yan Zhou and Yang Sheng aside and stretched his neck to watch Jiang Yun Zhu’s movement.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...with so many people watching, she was under a lot of pressure.
Fortunately, she had been preparing this dish for a long time in her dream at the Marquis of Anping Mansion and had cooked it a good few times. Despite the occasional mistakes, the general direction was right .
First, make the moon. For this, use white radish. Of course, it wasn’t just carving the white radish into the shape of the moon. Got to make a pot of broth. Then pour the soup on the prepared white radish to let it slowly become cooked and tasty.
Once it came out of the pan, some chicken oil was sprinkled on top to make the white radish look as bright and moist as a white jade plate.
The method of making this radish was based on the method of boiled cabbage in modern state banquets. The broth used various meaty things. Still, the final radish wasn't oily at all. Though it looked extremely light, it was actually full of flavor.
Just this piece of radish was enough to fill splendor in Old Mister Wu's eyes. Sure enough, the great way made everything the most simple!
Then Jiang Yun Zhu started to make pine trees and cliffs.
In the middle when it was time to prepare dinner, she went to make dinner.
"Make this first. What rush is there for dinner!" Seeing that the dish was about to be finished, Old Mister Wu said anxiously.
"The guests have ordered meals at noon." Jiang Yun Zhu responded.
Old Mister Wu really wants to say, no matter who orders the meal, they have to wait. But thinking of his current identity as just an old man passing by, he held back. He wasn't afraid to tell Jiang Yun Zhu that he was Wu Xing Wei. But what if Jiang Yun Zhu found out and asked him to cure old Mister Chen's eyes. Should he agree or not?
He didn't want to go along with Shen Feng Ming's wishes. So, he could only patiently wait until scratching his head.
After much difficulty, Jiang Yun Zhu finished cooking dinner and continued on this dish.
Until the Moon Rabbit ascended to the east, this ‘Bright Moon and Clear Spring’ was finally finished.
Jiang Yun Zhu took it out of the kitchen. A bright moon hanging on the cliff could be seen. It complemented the bright moon in the sky. There was a tall and straight pine forest with a few rocks in the middle. On the rocks, a winding clear spring flowed slowly.
The cliffs, pine forests, and stones were all lifelike. The most peculiar thing was the clear spring, which was really flowing slowly and sparkling under the reflection of the moonlight.
"'Through pines the bright moon glows, Upon the stones the clear spring flows'. What a wonderful 'bright moon and clear spring'." Yang Sheng praised first. Seeing this dish, he seemed to have really seen the beauty described in the poem.
Gu Yan Zhou looked at this dish in surprise. He did say that Fan Zheng once made the ‘Wangchuan Picture’. But in the end, it was hundreds of years ago. He had never really seen it. However, Jiang Yun Zhu made this ‘bright moon and clear spring’ and he saw it with his own eyes.
At this time, Shen Feng Ming was present. There was a hint of surprise on his face.
Old Mister Wu was even more amazed. He looked here and there before finally patting his head and said, "I can’t bear to eat it."
"It tastes better than it looks." Jiang Yun Zhu told.
Old Mister Wu only felt that what she said was like the temptation of the devil. He tentatively spoke, "Then how about, let me try it?"
Jiang Yun Zhu handed him the chopsticks.
Old Mister Wu wanted to taste the radish for a long time. So he immediately picked it up with chopsticks.
Unexpectedly, the radish was nice and soft. He easily picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. There was no spicy taste of radish at all. Only various fresh aromas and sweet taste of radish. Quite refreshing.
"Delicious!" He immediately praised it.
Seeing that a piece of the moon was missing, others started to pick up the chopsticks. The cliffs, pine forests, stones, and even the clear spring were all dishes. Each dish had a different taste. Still, they all have an extraordinary taste. As they ate their way through it, there was a feeling of Suzhou gardens. One step, one scenery. It was quite sensational.
Soon, the dish was eaten up.
Yang Cheng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu with burning eyes. He felt that if his superior couldn't handle it, he would step forward and bring Jiang Yun Zhu back to the capital. At least he would be able to eat delicious meals every day in the future.
He felt that his mother would like Jiang Yun Zhu.
At this moment, he suddenly felt a chill. Turning his head, he saw Shen Feng Ming staring at him. He let out a laugh.
Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't in the mood to watch other people's reactions. She only kept her eye on Old Mister Wu. Was the old mister satisfied? Would he cure the illness?
Old Mister Wu was extremely satisfied, but he still couldn't treat old Mister Chen's illness.
He pondered for a while and asked Jiang Yun Zhu, "Do you want to take me as your teacher?"
Jiang Yun Zhu stood there in a daze. This was completely different from what she thought! Old Mister Wu wanted to take her as his apprentice? This was certainly an opportunity that many people only dream of. But she didn't want to study medicine.
"Old Mister can cook?" Jiang Yun Zhu hoped that old Mister Wu would say that he knew medical skills .This way, she can hop on the chance and begged him to cure old Mister Chen's eyes. Then everyone was happy.
Old Mister Wu hesitated for a moment before nodding. Use tortoise to make soup was cooking, right? Although, he hadn't caught that tortoise yet, but sooner or later he will catch it.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "In the future, if I have a chance, I will definitely ask the old Mister for advice."
This was a tactful refusal.
Old Mister Wu wasn't angry either. There would be chances.
The two chatted with each other for a while. It was getting late and everyone dispersed.
Jiang Yun Zhu had been busy all afternoon and was really tired. She didn't think about anything else. Just went to wash up and get ready for bed.
Gu Yan Zhou went home. Yang Sheng took that plate of Jiang Yun Zhu's dish back to the room. He wanted to figure out how the clear spring flowed.
Shen Feng Ming went to wash up. After washing up, he prepared to sleep.
Next to the well in the yard, he suddenly stopped. After a while, a person popped out from behind the house. It was Old Mister Wu.
He observed for an entire afternoon and finally understood why Shen Feng Ming had tied him up to check old Mister Chen. He had intentions toward Jiang Yun Zhu.
He snorted coldly. It was rumored in the central capital that the commander of the Qilin Guard, Shen Feng Ming, wasn't close to women. Why was he playing tricks with a girl here? And hiding his identity! Afraid that the girl will come to his door in the future?
Then he might as well just kill the person and be done with it.
Anyway, he was used to killing people.
On top of that, he wanted him, old Mister Wu to help cure illnesses and please the girl? Dream on!
Shen Feng Ming felt that Old Mister Wu's face wasn't well-intentioned. He frowned slightly.
"You want me to help treat illness?" Old Master Wu asked Shen Feng Ming.
"Yes." Shen Feng Ming agreed.
"Stay away from that girl." Old Mister Wu directly demanded.
Shen Feng Ming stared at him. His gaze was cold.
Old Mister Wu became anxious. This sanctimonious beast in clothes! Of course he wouldn’t believe that Shen Feng Ming really liked Jiang Yun Zhu. He only thought he was trying to trick Jiang Yun Zhu.
A gust of north wind blew past, making people's bones tremble. He spoke, "Want me to heal the illness? Alright, you stand here for one night first, otherwise, I will not heal anyone related to you in the future.
Even if I die! "Old Mister Wu wasn't afraid of death. He had seen life and death through the years of being a doctor.
His words were intended to make things difficult for Shen Feng Ming. One was to avenge the kidnapping. Secondly, was to prove Shen Feng Ming's hypocrisy.
"If I stand, will you treat the old Mister?" Shen Feng Ming asked.
"If you stand, I may help treat his illness. If you don't stand, then..." Of course it will be treated, but it will be treated later.
Shen Feng Ming couldn't read his mind. He only knew that his temper was weird. After a slight hesitation, he stated, "Okay!"
"I knew you..." Before Old Mister Wu finished speaking, he heard the phrase ‘Okay’.
He was stunned. He really didn't expect Shen Feng Ming to agree.
Shen Feng Ming stopped talking, put down the basin, and stood there. It was as if he really planned to stand there all night.
Old Mister Wu scanned him up and down. Then he snorted, turned, and went back to his room.
After a while, Yang Cheng was going to sleep. Seeing that Shen Feng Ming hadn't entered the room yet, he went out to look for him and found him standing there motionless.
"What are you doing?" Yang Sheng asked.
Shen Feng Ming didn't want to explain to him, "You’re going to sleep?"
"And you."
"Do not bother with me."
"What don't bother with you..."
Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming looked at each other. The rest of the words were suppressed. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "You can do whatever you want. I'll go back to sleep." He knew that there must be a reason for Shen Feng Ming’s actions. Since he didn't say anything, he wouldn't ask.
Still, he went back and brought him a big cloak. This cloak was made of silver fox fur. It was windproof and the best way to keep him warm.
Jiang Yun Zhu was lying on the bed. Maybe it was because she was too tired from making the ‘Bright Moon and Clear Spring’ today or maybe it was because Old Mister Wu didn't say that he would treat old Mister Chen at the end, she kept tossing and turning.
She opened her eyes, wanting to see what time it was. Through the window, she saw… a person?
She hurried to the window and carefully checked.
Through the moonlight, she confirmed that it was indeed a person. He was standing by the well. It was Shen Feng Ming!
What was he doing? Several thoughts flashed through Jiang Yun Zhu's mind, but none of them seemed reliable.
She watched him, wanting to see what he was going to do. Maybe when he would return to the room.
The result… he just stood there like a statue.
Nothing will happen, right? She quickly put on her clothes, lifted a lantern, opened the door, and walked into the courtyard.
The sky was dark. The lantern emitted a warm yellow light, shining on her face.
Shen Feng Ming looked toward her direction when there was movement in her room. Seeing her approaching with a lantern at this moment, his eyebrows and eyes slightly raised.
The warm yellow light was getting closer and closer, as if dispelling the darkness and coldness from his body.
"Are you okay?" Jiang Yun Zhu raised the lantern and asked.
"I’m fine." Shen Feng Ming replied.
"Then you?" Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to ask what he was doing.
Shen Feng Ming stared at her. Because she raised the lantern up, the light illuminated her eyebrows and eyes more clearly.
"I never thought of getting married before," he said.
Jiang Yun Zhu was stunned. Where did this come from? However, it seemed that in the dream, he was still alone even seven years later.
Shen Feng Ming lowered his eyes, "My mother didn't like my father. The same for my father. The two of them would quarrel every day. When I was young, I didn't understand why they are still together since they hate each other so much.
I'm tired of them arguing.”
At this point, he stopped. He had never told anyone these words, but now he wanted to tell her.
Jiang Yun Zhu had never seen Princess Danyang and Academician Shen. But she had heard that they seem to be politically married. The Shen Family was a major household and had a pivotal position in the Xia Dynasty. At that time, the current emperor was still an unfavored prince.
When his younger sister married into the Shen Family, it was equivalent to having the support of the Shen Family.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know what to say. Since ancient times, matters in the emperor's family had been like this.
She frowned and pursed her lips.
omg are we nearing a confession?
ReplyDelete"I never thought of getting married before," he said.
ReplyDeleteHe is so direct in strangely way. 🤣