Chef Hua
Chapter 304: Issue 176: Be Careful with Candles and Fire

Chapter 304: Issue 176: Be Careful with Candles and Fire

The room had a brazier lit, and inevitably, a few tiny sparks of charcoal were scattered on the floor, burning hot. If one stepped on them by accident, it would be surprising if they didn’t scorch the skin.

Meng Yuhuai saw Hua Xiaomai getting out of bed barefoot again, and before he could speak, he had already gently and skillfully lifted her into a chair, his eyebrows knitting together, "How many times have I told you not to walk around on the floor barefoot? Why won’t you listen?"

Hua Xiaomai was too busy to chat with him and waved her hands dismissively, "I didn’t get burned. You worry too much. I’m asking you something!"

"You know about Qi State. After taking the mountain road, one must also travel by waterway. Even if the weather’s good and nothing goes wrong, it will still take at least twenty days to get there." Meng Yuhuai lowered his head and saw the light from the lamp reflecting in her eyes, like two fires blazing. The rest of his words became difficult to voice, "This round trip... we definitely won’t make it back in time for Chinese New Year..."

"When are you leaving?" Hua Xiaomai’s heart sank a little, and she bit her lip before asking again.

She knew well that anyone in this line of work inevitably had to travel far. If someone stayed at home all year round, it would mean they were either not valued or the Escort Agency had no business and couldn’t keep going. She had heard before how Meng Yuhuai was often out on Escort Master duties, but... back then, they weren’t yet married. How could their current situation compare?

"... The day after tomorrow." meng someone spoke quietly, noticing the corners of her lips drooping. He reached out to touch her face and gently smiled, "Are you worried that with me not at home, my mother might give you trouble and you’ll have nobody to support you? But I saw how you stood your ground that day. You didn’t give her an inch; it’s clear you can handle yourself without my worry."

"That’s not what I’m worried about," Hua Xiaomai sighed and leaned forward to wrap her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder and speaking gloomily, "I’ll be careful not to provoke mother and make her angry, especially during the New Year. She probably won’t do anything to me. I’m just feeling... We’ve only been married a month, and the first New Year we should be celebrating together, you’re going to be away. I’m unhappy, is that okay? The last time you went on an Escort Master duty, you ran into pirates, and it scared me..."

Meng Yuhuai’s heart softened immediately, but he was not good at saying sweet words to comfort her. He just wrapped his arm around her and gently patted her back. After a while, he said, "I’ll be back in a month or two. Then I’ll stay a few more days at home—If anything happens at home that you can’t handle on your own, go and ask Great Saint for help. He’s willing to help and certainly won’t stand by and watch."

"I understand," Hua Xiaomai replied, and then suddenly, as if she remembered something, she pushed him away, hopped off the chair, and ran out, this time not forgetting to put on her shoes.

"What are you doing now?" Meng Yuhuai hurriedly followed her and saw his wife run straight into the kitchen. She quickly lit the lamp and moved several jars and baskets from a cool place, picking through their contents. On closer inspection, they were nothing more than pickles, salted fish, and sweets that wouldn’t spoil for a long time.

"Take these things with you to eat on the road," she said, busy working without looking up, "I heard this is called ’road provisions.’ People who travel need to bring some with them."

Meng someone stood by the door, at a loss for what to say, and after a while, he spoke softly, "You don’t need to rush. I’m not used to that, my mother never prepared such things for me."

"You and mother might have the same way of doing things, but with me, we have to start a different tradition," Hua Xiaomai naturally turned back to smile at him, "I know you Escort Masters are particular. If you don’t come across a reliable and safe inn, you’d rather sleep outdoors. And if you’re unsure about the food, you’d rather go hungry. These homemade items, if packed in a bamboo basket, won’t spoil for two or three months, and you’ll eat with peace of mind. You can share some with your brothers in the Escort Agency if you want; just don’t go short yourself."

"Even if that’s the case, you don’t need to rush it. You can still pack them tomorrow," Meng Yuhuai simply went over and crouched beside her, "it’s too late now, and if you don’t rest soon, you won’t be able to wake up early."

"I want to sort them out early to avoid a last-minute scramble and possibly overlooking something. Besides, don’t I need to pack your things tomorrow evening?" Hua Xiaomai insisted, and only after she had packed up all the items, did she follow him back to the room.

...

A day later, Meng Yuhuai indeed led people toward Qi State. Before leaving, he instructed the Escort Agency not to take on any new business until after the New Year. With his departure, the Meng Family’s courtyard was left with only Hua Xiaomai and old Lady Meng.