A Good Country Wife
Chapter 418 - 412_1

Chapter 418: Chapter 412_1

"Since that’s the case, I must definitely go too, don’t forget to invite me when the time comes. I’m someone who loves to join the fun," Commandery Princess Roujia seemed determined to see this through, mostly out of boredom and curiosity, yet with sincere intentions as well. It was clear that Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan had not given up and still intended to make things difficult for Lin Yue, otherwise, they wouldn’t have made such a request.

"Certainly, as long as the Commandery Princess doesn’t disdain it." Lin Yue, of course, would be overjoyed to have Commandery Princess Roujia come, even if Roujia didn’t need to do anything. Merely her presence would intimidate the likes of Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan, who harbored ill will.

As he emerged from the Lin Residence, Zhao Erhu waited outside anxiously. It had not been easy waiting for Lin Yue to come out. He hurried over to receive her, yet Commandery Princess Roujia insisted on accompanying Lin Yue, taking her by the hand and ushering her into her carriage, and escorted Lin Yue to the small courtyard she was renting.

"Is this where you live?" Commandery Princess Roujia looked at the small courtyard in front of her. Although it was a residence with three sections, it seemed rather small in her eyes. However, since it was where Lin Yue lived, she refrained from commenting further. Just that today Lin Yue had agreed to Chen Ruyu’s and Zhang Peilan’s request to invite everyone over to play, and such a small place, setting aside the issue of face, simply lacked enough space to accommodate so many people. Commandery Princess Roujia was still unaware that the courtyard was rented. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know what to think.

"Yes, I’m currently living here temporarily. If the Commandery Princess doesn’t mind, please come in and sit for a while." Lin Yue invited with a smile, knowing that Commandery Princess Roujia, born into nobility, was probably lowering herself by entering such a small courtyard. Yet, since the princess was already at the doorstep, it would be impolite not to invite her in to sit. Whether she found it acceptable or not was beyond anyone’s control.

"Sure, since I’m at your home, I’ll come in and sit for a while. You must treat me well." Commandery Princess Roujia thought she had nothing to do at the moment and would be idle anyway. She laughed and said while pulling Lin Yue inside first.

Zhao Erhu, although unaware of Commandery Princess Roujia’s origins, knew she was of very noble status. He just didn’t understand why she was so good to his wife. However, someone of such status likely had no ulterior motives towards his wife, and besides, he noticed that Commandery Princess Roujia seemed quite fond of his wife, probably because they got along well. Nevertheless, he resolved to ask his wife for details later to put his mind at ease.

Commandery Princess Roujia followed Lin Yue into the courtyard, noting that although it was small and there weren’t many servants, it was spotlessly clean and furnished with elegance. Far from appearing desolate, it had a warm and cozy feeling. Commandery Princess Roujia nodded unconsciously.

Lin Yue led Commandery Princess Roujia into the main hall and personally brewed some tea and brought it over. The tea leaves were half a pound of the top-grade ones she had left, as she only had such a small amount left and didn’t even drink it herself on normal days. Now that Commandery Princess Roujia had lowered her status to visit, it was only right to serve her with the best. "Commandery Princess, this is tea I’ve made myself. Please try and see if it suits your taste."

When Commandery Princess Roujia heard that the tea was personally made by Lin Yue, she was surprised and took a couple of sips. The tea that even the tea-obsessed Elder Master Jiang treasured so dearly—though she was not an expert on tea, Commandery Princess Roujia, a Royal Princess herself, had some knowledge in the field and could certainly tell its quality. She was amazed, finding the woman in front of her extraordinary despite her peasant origin. It was puzzling how such a persona could have been cultivated in such a remote place.

"Yueyue is too modest, this tea can certainly be considered top-grade. The tea I’ve had in the palace is nothing better than this. I did not expect that you, Yueyue, would be so skilled in the art of tea. It is truly impressive," Commandery Princess Roujia praised with a smile. The Great Zhou Dynasty highly esteemed the culture of tea, and anything related to it was regarded as refined and noble. Therefore, Lin Yue’s homemade tea was not only respected but also considered a matter of great elegance.

"I’m glad the Commandery Princess likes it." Although Lin Yue had never bought such high-quality tea leaves for herself, she was quite confident in the ones she made. Not only did she find them satisfying, but the tea leaves had also won the favor of Jiang Ziqi and Elder Master Jiang, so they couldn’t be that bad. Hearing Commandery Princess Roujia’s praise, she was not surprised.

Lady Roujia stayed in the main hall and chatted with Lin Yue for a while. Seeing that it was about time for lunch, Lin Yue invited Lady Roujia to stay for the meal. Lady Roujia agreed readily, which surprised Lin Yue somewhat.

Since Lady Roujia was staying for lunch, the food naturally could not be left to the servants to prepare. Lin Yue would cook personally, but there would be no one to accompany Lady Roujia if she went to the kitchen. Lady Roujia didn’t mind at all and, instead, followed Lin Yue into the kitchen with a grin.

"I heard from Jiang Ziqi that Yueyue’s cooking skills are so good that the dishes she makes are delicious enough to make one wish to bite off their own tongue. Today, I’ll finally have the opportunity to taste it for myself."

Upon hearing Lady Roujia’s comment, Lin Yue realized the reason Lady Roujia decided to stay. Lin Yue felt that Lady Roujia was overstating her abilities. Although she considered herself quite skilled in cooking, Lady Roujia, with her status, had tasted all sorts of delicacies, and Lin Yue’s skills might not necessarily surpass those of the cooks at the Princess Residence.

"Your Highness, don’t listen to Brother Jiang. I’m just a countrywoman, and even if my cooking is good, it has its limits. However, I can make a few home-cooked dishes. I hope Your Highness won’t be disappointed."

"Not at all, not at all. I’ll help you, and take the chance to learn a thing or two from you." Lady Roujia said this purely out of a passing interest.

Lin Yue originally intended to dissuade Lady Roujia, as the kitchen was no place for a noble princess like her. However, seeing Lady Roujia’s eager expression and having understood her temperament after spending half the day together, Lin Yue let her have her way.

Lin Yue also knew that Lady Roujia was accustomed to exotic delicacies. Although Lin Yue had learned from Master Wang, the chef from a restaurant, she thought that Lady Roujia might be tired of such extravagant dishes. Simple but unique and innovative home-cooked dishes might be a better choice, which was why Jiang Ziqi enjoyed coming over to their house for meals as well.

Indeed, as Lin Yue expected, Lady Roujia was very happy and satisfied with the home-cooked dishes Lin Yue had prepared with care, having helped herself to three bowls of rice. She ate until she was almost too full before reluctantly setting down her chopsticks, "Yueyue, Jiang Ziqi didn’t lie to me this time; your cooking is too delicious. I’ll be coming often, and you must not find me bothersome."

If it wasn’t for the special regard Jiang Ziqi had for Lin Yue, and considering Lin Yue, although a farmwife, was cunning and cared for by a husband who obviously doted on her, Lady Roujia would have likely not agreed. Otherwise, Lady Roujia would even want to kidnap Lin Yue to her house to become a cook. The cooking was simply too good, even better than what the Imperial Chef in the palace could make.

"Your Highness speaks too kindly. As long as Your Highness is willing, why would I find it bothersome? I will welcome you, more than you can imagine."