Chef Hua
Chapter 382: Episode 213: Go Find Him_2

Chapter 382: Episode 213: Go Find Him_2

For the entire afternoon, wherever Meng’s old mother went, she was always steadfastly followed by someone who, though smiling and incessantly chattering, remained tender and obedient in her manner and tone yet wouldn’t budge an inch. In a nutshell, she insisted that Meng’s old mother agree to let her go to Provincial City.

Meng’s old mother felt as though she was dragging a small tail that she couldn’t shake off or lose. As dinner time approached, her daughter-in-law showed no signs of giving up, and it was unclear whether Meng’s old mother was annoyed by her pestering or believed her lies, but she finally lost her patience and said sternly, "If you want to go, then go. Your legs are on your own body, who’s stopping you? But don’t say I didn’t warn you, if something goes wrong on the way, crying and screaming won’t help you, you’ll have to weigh the consequences yourself!"

Hua Xiaomai breathed a sigh of relief, coaxed her with a couple of soothing words, and seeing that there was still time, she went to the kitchen to quickly prepare dinner for her. Then she simply packed a couple of clothes, took two silver notes and secured them on her person, only carrying a few pieces of broken silver and a handful of copper coins in her purse, and without further delay, hurried off to Fuzhe County.

...

Due to Meng Yuhuai traveling far from home, Ke Zhenwu, the rightful owner of Lianshun Escort Agency, had no choice but to return to hold the fort. Having been idle for several months, he felt his bones had become lazy. The day before, he found the time difficult to pass and sent Zuo Jinxiang early to cook dinner, so after eating, everyone could disperse and go home to rest.

When Hua Xiaomai arrived at the Escort Agency, Ke Zhenwu, utterly bored, was idly chatting with the folks in the courtyard. He was somewhat surprised to see her suddenly running over and quickly approached her saying, "Girl, why have you come at this hour? You know that Yuhuai has gone to Provincial City. Could it be... something happened at home?"

"No, everything’s fine at home." Hua Xiaomai didn’t waste time with small talk and cut straight to the point, "Uncle Ke, do you know where Yuhuai stays in Provincial City and where the Yuan Family lives?"

"Whenever someone from Lianshun Escort Agency goes to Provincial City, they always stay at Dong’an Inn overnight. It’s convenient as the innkeeper and they are familiar with each other, right? And yes, I do know where the Yuan Family is—but why do you ask?" Ke Zhenwu looked skeptical and suddenly noticing the small bundle on her shoulder, he understood, "Say, girl, you’re not thinking of going to Provincial City to find Yuhuai, are you?"

"Yes." Hua Xiaomai nodded hurriedly, "Didn’t he want to take me there for a visit? I rejected his kindness yesterday and after much thought, I felt uneasy. It’s better to go there once. It’s too late for today, but if you agree, I’ll talk to Sister-in-law Zuo later and bother her for a night’s stay, then head to Provincial City early tomorrow."

"You girl..." Ke Zhenwu couldn’t help but laugh, "He was so excited yesterday, and you poured cold water on him, and only now you decide to wake up? I guess you gave your mother-in-law quite the lecture, huh? Well, well, since you want to go, as your uncle, it’s only right for me to arrange things for you. Fortunately, the Escort Agency isn’t busy these next few days, so tomorrow I’ll have Da Zhong escort you—how can I be at ease letting a young daughter-in-law travel to Provincial City alone?"

Da Zhong, who wasn’t far away, overheard Ke Zhenwu’s words and agreed heartily, smiling, "Sure, I’ll take sister-in-law there tomorrow, no objections!"

"No need!" Hua Xiaomai quickly waved her hands, "It was originally my own mistake, and if I were to trouble Brother Da Zhong to follow, I would feel too guilty. Besides, it’s only a day’s journey. I could hire a carriage, and by evening, I’ll be there. I’ll be extra careful on the road, avoid troubles and spectacles, and make sure everything goes smoothly."

Men aren’t always as detailed in their thoughts, and seeing that she had already planned everything, Ke Zhenwu no longer insisted and smiled, "That works too. Here’s what we’ll do: I know a reliable coachman in the city, after we eat, I’ll have Da Zhong go and inform him so he can come pick you up early tomorrow. He’s a dependable person, and I’ll instruct him to take extra care of you."

Hua Xiaomai thought it over and secretly agreed that this was indeed a better approach; therefore, she no longer declined and graciously thanked him.

That evening, she stayed at the Lianshun Escort Agency, sharing a room with Zuo Jinxiang, and the night passed without words. The next morning, before dawn, the Zhang surnamed coachman, whom she had met through Ke Zhenwu, was already waiting outside the gate. Hua Xiaomai, carrying her bundle, boarded the carriage, exchanged a few words to break the ice with the man, and they immediately sped off along the imperial road towards the Provincial City.

The carriage rumbled along the road, inevitably jostling about. As Hua Xiaomai urged Mr. Zhang to drive faster, the carriage swayed even more violently, tossing her about until she felt her insides had shifted, chaotically entangled, making her quite uncomfortable by the time they entered the city at dusk.

The carriage stopped in front of Dong’an Inn, where Hua Xiaomai settled the fare with the coachman and kindly advised him not to travel at night, suggesting he stay overnight and return to Fuzhe County the next day. Then, she eagerly stepped into the inn.

Dong’an Inn was of moderate size within Tong’an City, comprising about seven or eight rooms, well-lit and clean. It was dinner time, and a few groups of itinerant merchants occupied the tables in the shop, making up the majority of the clientele.

Standing behind the counter, the middle-aged shopkeeper suddenly saw a young woman entering alone. Observing her womanly hairstyle, he could not immediately determine her background, so he approached with a smile and politely asked, "Madam, are you stopping briefly or staying the night? Just you... alone?"

Hua Xiaomai widened her eyes at him, returning his smile: "May I ask if there’s a guest by the surname Meng from Fuzhe County here?"

The shopkeeper, puzzled, pondered for a moment before it clicked, "Madam, are you looking for Leader Meng of the Lianshun Escort Agency? You are..."

"I am his family member." Hua Xiaomai nodded.

"Oh—" Realizing, the shopkeeper slapped his forehead, "You’ve come to the right place, Leader Meng is indeed staying at our inn. He arrived around this time yesterday, went out early this morning, and hasn’t returned yet! If you’re his family, why not..."

As he spoke, he glanced upstairs.

Hua Xiaomai thought that Meng Yuhuai must be here in the Provincial City on important business and might return only after dinner if the Yuan Family were to detain him for hospitality. Having traveled all day, the hunger pangs made her anxious, so she simply chose a table and sat down, looking up with a smile she said, "Would you mind bringing up a couple of your specialty dishes? I’ll wait for him here in the lobby." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)