Chef Hua
Chapter 441: Episode 242 Message_2

Chapter 441: Episode 242 Message_2

What was clearly a big trouble, he spoke of it as though he was going off to receive a reward, seeming almost unable to wait as he pulled Meng Yuhuai’s arm and strode out the door.

...

Just like that, more than ten days flickered by.

The summer day was as hot as fire, baking the ground until it was both scalding and hard, the scent of the soil overturning and filling the air, each breath was scorching.

There wasn’t a breath of wind in the afternoon, and the ridges of Fire Knife Village were as busy and bustling as usual, but not a single figure could be seen on the village paths. The young maids and brides mostly hid at home, waiting for the sun to be less fierce before taking the heat-relief soup they had prepared to the men.

The Meng Family’s courtyard was filled with chili plants in every corner, creating a natural red canopy of shade, with the shiitake mushrooms on the wooden racks being sun-dried until their fragrance wafted everywhere.

Hua Xiaomai sat in the shade by the wall, pinching a needle in her hand, carelessly poking it every now and then, but her mind was obviously elsewhere. Every so often, she would turn her face to look at Old Mother Meng on the other side, intending to say something several times, lips twitching, but in the end, she remained silent.

Meanwhile, from the kitchen came the rustling and bustling of activity. Shortly after, Zhou Yunyun came straight to her side holding a large coarse pottery plate, and with a beaming smile pushed it forward, "Master, look at how I’ve cut this beef. Can it be used to make that ’Lantern Shadow Beef’ you talked about the other day?"

"Hmm, practice for another month or two before asking me that question again." Hua Xiaomai glanced at it dismissively and spoke with an indifferent tone.

Zhou Yunyun then slightly pursed her lips, "Master, I see you’re not very spirited. Did you not rest enough at noon?"

"Not really." Hua Xiaomai answered flatly, holding the piece of cloth up to the light for inspection, but then frowned, "Tch, got the stitch wrong again..."

"Hey, taking you as a daughter-in-law has really opened my eyes. I never knew there were people as clumsy as you in this world!" Old Mother Meng’s loud voice came from across the yard, "Lucky I only gave you two pieces of scrap cloth for you to practice on, otherwise you’d ruin everything!"

"Pfft!" Zhou Yunyun couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this, but when she looked up and saw Hua Xiaomai’s unpleased face, she quickly suppressed her laughter, "Master, your mind has been elsewhere these past few days... let me tell you something delightful. Our little restaurant’s bamboo grove has been neatly this morning. I’ve been there once, it’s secluded and lush. As soon as you step inside, the summer heat fades by half, and the fish pond has already started to be stone-lined..."

"With Chun Xi and La Mei watching over it, the progress there is naturally swift; I’m not worried." Hua Xiaomai managed a slight smile, looked down at the needlework in her hand again, immediately became irked, and threw it all aside on a whim.

"So, if you’re not sleepy, nor thinking about the little restaurant... Are you worrying about Yuhuai?" Zhou Yunyun cautiously put her smile away, while on the other side, Old Mother Meng looked up.

"Don’t meddle." Hua Xiaomai snapped softly, then involuntarily sighed.

How could she not worry? The man had not come home for over ten days; the situation was anything but normal. She dared not rashly make a visit, so all she could do was stay at home waiting for news, telling herself to stay calm, but how could her heart be still, without the slightest ripple?

No matter what, those were bloodstained thieves, and who knew how many there were? Her man was highly skilled, and she believed in him, but...

Great Saint was now overseeing the purchases for Zhenwei Garden, and every few days he had to go to the County to procure supplies, ensuring that the ingredients for sauces were always the freshest.

With his frequent coming and going, he often heard quite a bit of news related to the Escort Agency, and he seemed to know that Hua Xiaomai was worried; he never forgot to stop by the Meng Family courtyard to inform her.

Three to five days ago, he had come over once, saying that the thieves were indeed very cautious and secretive, hadn’t shown themselves for many days, and after taking many twists and turns, had sent a message demanding a ransom of one thousand Silver Taels from the Warehouse Guard’s wife, and insisted on receiving only broken silver; otherwise, she should not expect to see her husband again.

Which ordinary household could come up with so much money? Clearly, this was a ransom demanded from the Government Office. The implication was also very obvious: Magistrate Tao, we know you don’t care about the life of a mere servant, but with so many eyes watching, would you allow the thieves to wantonly take a life? It’s your call.

As expected, Magistrate Tao flew into a rage and ordered additional manpower to scrutinize the area inside and outside the city. Lianshun Escort Agency, of course, could not expect to have a moment of peace.

Who knew what the situation was like now?

Thinking of all this, Hua Xiaomai felt an unbearable headache, fiercely shaking her head trying to dispel the negative emotions, then turned to Zhou Yunyun and said, "Don’t talk nonsense, yesterday I asked you to memorize the selection notes for various ingredients; recite them to me now."

"Oh," Zhou Yunyun answered, and indeed began reciting softly, "Use the rear thigh for stir-fried pork, the tough short ribs for braised meat, take chicken broth from an old chicken, water shield should be picked from the head..."

"Tsk, what nonsense are you talking about? Water shield is clearly..." Hua Xiaomai wasn’t paying attention, her brow furrowed in confusion as she began to scold, but stopped mid-sentence.

"Water shield... indeed, we use the tender leaves from the top," Zhou Yunyun timidly glanced at her expression, "I’ve memorized it several times."

"You’re right, it’s my mistake, sorry," Hua Xiaomai nodded her head, then dejectedly banged the table hard, "What’s wrong with my brain today? Why am I so confused!"

"If you’re not feeling energetic, just go and rest; what’s the use of overexerting yourself?" Old Mother Meng chided from a distance once again.

Zhou Yunyun carefully grasped Hua Xiaomai’s arm and gave it a couple of shakes, "Master, don’t panic, I heard while cooking at Sauce Garden this noon that Great Saint went to the County again today, he should be back soon; if he has any news, he’ll definitely come to tell you immediately."

"I know, continue reciting," Hua Xiaomai nodded once, took two deep breaths trying to remain calm, but her heart continued to thump uncontrollably.

Zhou Yunyun hesitated for a moment, about to speak, when suddenly all three heard a series of hurried footsteps approaching rapidly from outside the courtyard.

Hua Xiaomai jumped up, startled to her feet. (To be continued. If you like this book, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com.)