Chef Hua
Chapter 451: Episode 247 Visitor_2

Chapter 451: Episode 247 Visitor_2

Sighing softly, she continued, "Although he didn’t state it explicitly, from what I can tell, his visits to the Escort Agency are likely to decrease. It is my duty to take on more responsibility on his behalf. However, as a consequence, my time at home will inevitably be reduced. You..."

"In any case, I won’t pick a fight with you over this," Hua Xiaomai glanced up at him, thought for a moment, and added, "Magistrate Wu from Qingping County sent us a basket full of immortal fetus fish, in quite a large amount. Those fish have a delicate and fragrant flavor that we rarely get to enjoy in Fuzhe County. When you go to the Escort Agency tomorrow, bring some to Uncle Ke, and there will still be plenty left to treat our guests."

Seeing his agreement, she then asked, "What about Magistrate Tao? How’s that situation going?"

Meng Yuhuai led her to sit under a string of bright red chilis and said indifferently, "This time, the abduction of the Warehouse Guard was not our Escort Agency’s fault, but we cannot completely dissociate ourselves from the incident. When it first happened, Uncle Ke and I went to see him, and we ended up receiving a thorough tongue-lashing from him, his dissatisfaction apparent both openly and implicitly. You must understand that having good relations with the Government is an essential part of running an Escort Agency. If this issue isn’t resolved properly, Lianshun Escort Agency won’t have a good outcome in the future. Fortunately, it was us who found those bandits, which served as some compensation in front of Magistrate Tao and his anger has subsided, allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief."

In the end, isn’t it the very livelihood they depend on? Though the Escort Masters have undeniable skills, making them a formidable force, they are ironically engaged in a business where cordial relations generate wealth. Regarding the bandits who took to the paths of crime, unless they directly cause trouble, they have to treat them as brothers and be extremely accommodating in front of the Officials. Actually... it’s quite a helpless situation.

"Mmm," Hua Xiaomai nodded, "Who asked him to be an official? In front of him, we have to be extra cautious, but as long as he is reasonable, then there’s room for discussion."

Meng Yuhuai did not say much, just smiled. Hearing Meng Laoniang shouting from the kitchen that the meal was ready, he stood up, and moved the table to the center of the courtyard.

...

The immortal fetus fish had to be prepared right away for the feast. That very night, Meng Yuhuai made his rounds to invite people, asking Great Saint Sun, Jing Taihe, and others to come for lunch in the bamboo forest near the small tavern the following noon. He himself planned to check in at the Escort Agency in the morning, and if nothing cropped up, he would return home quickly.

Approaching noon the next day, Hua Xiaomai and Meng Laoniang began bustling about in the bamboo forest as expected.

Considering that the folks of Fire Knife Village generally preferred strong flavors, the immortal fetus fish were prepared by coating them with garlic paste and deep-frying them in oil. As for a lighter way of cooking, Hua Xiaomai intended to prepare it separately in the evening for Meng Laoniang and Meng Yuhuai to try. Additionally, she had prepared wild rabbit, quail, and an assortment of wild mushrooms, and, without fuss, constructed a simple stone stove in the bamboo forest, setting up two large pots. In no time, the place was filled with steam and delicious aromas.

Jing Taihe and Hua Erniang arrived with Great Saint Sun. Since everyone was well-acquainted from living in the village for so long, there was no need for formalities. Upon entering the bamboo forest, they rolled up their sleeves and began to help immediately; Chun Xi and La Mei, usually busy working at the small tavern, relished the chance to take a break from their duties and were brimming with excitement. Luo Yuejiao, who was close to Hua Xiaomai, begged Chun Xi relentlessly until she was allowed to tag along. Once in the bamboo thicket, she chattered non-stop by the side of Hua Xiaomai and Zhou Yunyun.

From the outside, the bamboo grove appeared serene and tranquil, but inside, it was bustling with lively energy.

Meng Laoniang oversaw the arrangements, setting up two tables in the forest; the men drinking wine sat together, while the women occupied another table, only separated by a cluster of bamboo, making conversation and passing things between them quite convenient.

All being long-term residents of the same village, there was no need for inhibitions, and no overly careful phrasing was necessary in the conversation. Chun Xi and La Mei, who usually were somewhat intimidated by Meng Laoniang, now let loose and joined her in several drinks, becoming increasingly talkative as the meal went on.

The dinner started at noon and continued until the afternoon, leaving the whole party somewhat reluctant to part. Hua Xiaomai, being pregnant, felt tired after mingling for a while. Hua Erniang was anxious to go home to feed little Tie Chui, worried about delaying mealtime. After discussing with Meng Laoniang, they decided to head back to their homes at the southern end of the village. Luo Yuejiao, seemingly wanting to chat more with Hua Xiaomai, volunteered to walk with her.

As the three of them left the tavern’s door and strolled, chatting idly, they couldn’t help but tease Luo Yuejiao, who was set to be married that coming autumn. They parted at the earth road entrance to the south of the village, with Hua Erniang heading back to the Jing Family’s old house, while Hua Xiaomai, accompanied by Luo Yuejiao, went straight to the Meng Family’s courtyard.

"Sister Xiaomai, don’t tease me too much. Your cooking is good enough to manage a banquet, something I can’t match. I admit that, but what about your sewing?"

Luo Yuejiao, having been teased by the two sisters along the way, had a hard time maintaining her composure, her ears turning a shade of red as she pouted, "Don’t think I don’t know. My sister-in-law has already told me. She said that even now, you can’t even sew a proper baby carrier. At least on this point, I’m better than you, aren’t I?"

Hua Xiaomai laughed softly, "So what? It’s true that I’m not good with my hands, but I’m already married, and my mother-in-law doesn’t pick on me for it. At most, she just nags a bit, and I’ve got thick skin, so I’m not afraid of being scolded. Just a hehe and a laugh, and it’s all settled. But you? You..."

She suddenly stopped speaking and glanced toward the side of the dirt road.

Opposite the Meng Family’s courtyard, under the shade of another household’s eaves, three people squatted down. They looked to be a couple, the man and woman of a greater age, and beside them was a girl around fifteen or sixteen, seemingly tired from traveling and resting in the cool shade.

With their belongings piled up beside them and faces bearing the marks of travel, they half-closed their tired eyes, looking out of place in the village.

It was rare for Fire Knife Village to see unfamiliar faces, so Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but take a longer look at the three strangers before turning to unlock her door.

Perhaps hearing the jingle of keys, the middle-aged man among them immediately opened his eyes. (To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)