"Father, Second Uncle is amazing!" Yuan Bao nibbled on a bun and said that.
Lu Lin nodded, "Yeah! Your Second Uncle is amazing."
Yuan Bao raised his head and said, "I want to be like Second Uncle when I grow up."
Lu Lin tilted his head and thought to himself, 'Why Yuan Bao doesn't say he wants to become someone like me, his own father! I'm just as amazing as Cai, aren't I?'
Lu Lin said with a sour tone, "Yuan Bao, don't you want to become someone like Father?"
Yuan Bao cast a sidelong glance at Lu Lin and said in disdain, "But father, you are afraid of snakes and worms."
Lu Lin, "…"
Chen Xiao Mi walked in and happened to hear the conversation between the father and son.
Seeing that Lu Lin's expression was bad, Yuan Bao made a face and took to his heels.
Lu Lin said with a sour tone, "Cai becomes a hero in the county now, everyone is talking about him."
Chen Xiao Mi smiled and comforted Lu Lin, "You are the one who contributed the most!" Without you, he doesn't have a book to sell."
Lu Lin touched his chin and thought to himself, 'That is true, I guess I'm the unsung hero.'
His Royal Highness Cheng is Coming
The return of Chen Xiao Mai made Yuan Bao very excited.
As soon as Chen Xiao Mai came back, Yuan Bao threw himself at Chen Xiao Mai and screamed with excitement.
Chen Xiao Mai seemed to be touched too. He screamed together with Yuan Bao. Then they rolled on the ground like two dogs.
Lu Lin's heart melted on seeing them rolling and screaming in the sunshine, he appreciated sweet moments like this.
After Chen Xiao Mai came back, Yuan Bao followed Chen Xiao Mai like a shadow, he always sweet-talked Mai into making snacks for him.
Yuan Bao's sweet talks worked great on Chen Xiao Mai, Mai had been busy in the kitchen since he came back.
Lu Lin, on the other hand, seemed to be anxious about this. He was worried that Yuan Bao would become a fat boy if he carried on like this. Lu Lin always thought only babies and kids were supposed to be chubby, but he wasn't that bothered about his kids' appearance.
"Little Uncle, where's that Brother Ji who sneaked into your room? Is he staying in the capital city?"
Chen Xiao Mai nodded and said in disappointment, "Yes, now he is studying in one of the best academies in the capital city."
"Why does he have to go to an academy to study? Father and Second Uncle study at home."
Chen Xiao Mai puffed up his cheeks and said, "I don't know! I heard that good students in the academies will all become successful scholars and officials in the future, perhaps he wants to become a government official.
Yuan Bao gnawed at his fingernails and said, "I have zero interest in studying, those soft writing brushes gives me headaches."
Chen Xiao Mai tilted his head and said, "Yeah! I don't like reading either. Second Brother always forces himself to study, I'm glad no one is forcing me. Maybe Brother Ji is forcing himself to study because his family is poor?"
Yuan Bao nodded and said, "That makes perfect sense, Brother Ji isn't business material, maybe study is his only option."
"Little Uncle, let me ask you a question, will Brother Ji ever come back?"
Chen Xiao Mai nodded and said, "Yes, he said that he would come back to see me when he makes his dream come true."
Lu Lin listened to the conversation between Mai and Yuan Bao for a while, many thoughts whirled around in his mind. 'Ji Yun An told Mai that he would come back for Mai once he made his dream come true, is that a promise or just some casual talk?'
Lu Lin looked at Mai and shook his head. He thought, 'Well, I shouldn't be thinking so much now, they are both so young. We don't want to part with Mai any time soon anyways. Plus Mai is so adorable, I'm sure he will marry well.'
Lu Lin walked away with a grin when Mai and Yuan Bao started to talk about buying an official title for Ji Yun An. He knew that was not going to happen, for influential and privileged families like the Ji Family, reputation was what they valued the most. Of course they wouldn't get involved in buying official posts.
…
Ji Cheng Kang returned to the camp with the 900 taels of silver that Ji Yun An had given him.
Ji Cheng Kang used the 900 taels of silver to improve meals for the soldiers, settle down the veterans and buy more military supplies.
The atmosphere in the camp was much better and everyone worked harder.
Ji Cheng Kang did not expect that he would benefit from his nephew so quickly.
Liu Yun walked in and said, "General Ji."
Ji Cheng Kang glanced at Liu Yun and said, "Is everything all right? No one is causing trouble in the military camp, right?"
Liu Yun shook his head with a smile, "No, everyone is behaving well. No one is allowed to go to Lu Lin's winery if anyone committed an offence."
The soldiers would volunteer to work at Lu Lin's winery on their days off for perks like free wine and food. And everyone was behaving very well since Liu Yun implemented the collective punishment policy.
Liu Yun was amazed that the soldiers got along so well with Lu Lin, sometimes he felt like Lu Lin was held in esteem as high as General Ji now.
"General Ji, this story is just so addictive!"
At night, the soldiers would spontaneously make a fire and ask Old Eight to tell the story.
Listening to the story at night had become the main entertainment of everyone.
"That story is really interesting," Ji Cheng Kang turned his hose up at Cai and Ji Yun An's success when the story first swept the capital city. However, it didn't take him long to change his mind. Soon his friends started to visit him, asking for more chapters.
"Young Master Ji is amazing!" Liu Yun said.
Ji Cheng Kang shook his head and said, "Let's be honest here, the unsung hero here is Lu Lin but don't get me wrong, Cai and Yun An have done a great job as well."
Liu Yun nodded and said, "Our county magistrate governor seems to have many special ideas. The plough he designed has definitely benefited the society, I'm sure he can invent more stuff if he puts some effort, but it seems like he is only interested in studying recipes."
Liu Yun frequented Chen Xiao Cai's restaurant quite often recently. The food had definitely won his heart and he stopped complaining about Lu Lin spending too much time studying recipes.
…
Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, another two years had passed. Lu Lin chose to retain his post in Sha County.
Officials needed to associate with high-ranking officials if they aspired to get a promotion, because only the high-ranking officials had the opportunity to present themselves before the emperor.
Lu Lin didn't have the l high aspirations to get a promotion, so he didn't bother to associate with any high-ranking officials.
Even though Lu Lin made his name known thanks to the plough, the emperor attended to numerous affairs every day, so Lu Lin didn't get a promotion this time.
The people of Sha County were very happy that Lu Lin was staying in his post. During the past few years, the lives of the people in Sha County had improved significantly. Many villagers were worried that their standard of living would suffer a decline if a new county magistrate came.
The villagers from several villages in Sha County joined forces and sent Lu Lin a plaque with inscription to celebrate his merit.
Lu Lin was very excited and felt that he was a talented official.
In the past few years, many villagers had earned money by planting fruit trees and raising silkworms.
No villager lived in straitened circumstances anymore, a lot of villagers had even renovated their houses.
Ji Cheng Kang also hoped that Lu Lin would stay in his post. After all, Ji Cheng Kang had worked well with Lu Lin over the years.
…
"General Ji," Chen Xiao Cai and Lu Lin cupped their hands towards Ji Cheng Kang.
Ji Cheng Kang smiled and said, "Hello, Magistrate Lu, Young Master Chen!"
Chen Xiao Cai bought several shops and established a commercial street years ago, and the commercial street had become a hit.
Young Master Chen had become a household name across Sha County. Everyone thought that Chen Xiao Cai was a business genius.
Lu Lin, as the county magistrate, was very unreachable for the villagers. In contrast, Chen Xiao Cai, who had more contact with the villagers, was more approachable.
"General Ji, what can we do for you?" asked Lu Lin.
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Sorry for calling you in such a hurry, here is the thing, His Royal Highness Cheng is coming to Sha County to send military supplies."
Lu Lin frowned and asked, "Is it the emperor's Uncle Cheng?"
Lu Lin knew the royal family a little. The deceased emperor fought hard for the throne, most of his brothers had died in that political storm, only Cheng and another prince had survived.
"I heard that Uncle Cheng is not young anymore! Why would the emperor send him for this mission? It's a long journey from the capital city to our Sha County, what if Highness Cheng is worn out?"
Ji Cheng Kang smiled bitterly and said, "Highness Cheng requested it on his own initiative."
Lu Lin couldn't help but sigh, "That's strange, most people would try their best to shirk a mission like this!"
Ji Cheng Kang shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Actually, there is some facts that Highness Cheng wishes to hide."
Lu Lin asked suspiciously, "I'm all ears! What is it?"
"Highness Cheng's wife passed away two years ago. The Empress married her cousin to Highness Cheng as his new wife, but the Imperial Concubine Hua also married her cousin to Highness Cheng as a concubine. Highness Cheng dared not to offend either his new wife or his new concubine. " Ji Cheng Kang couldn't help but shake his head.
Lu Lin was rendered speechless.
"Highness Cheng is in his fifties now, right? Cousins of the empress and Imperial Concubine Hua must be well under twenty! I can't believe the women in the imperial harem would go this far to win more political power!"
Chen Xiao Cai couldn't help but chime in, "That sounds horrible! Now no one is happy in that marriage!"
Lu Lin glanced at Chen Xiao Cai and said, "Things are like this in those royal families!"
Ji Cheng Kang sighed and said, "You guys can only carry on like that in front of me, all right? Watch your tongue once you walk out from my camp!"
Lu Lin and Chen Xiao Cai nodded.
"Highness Cheng is likely to stay in Sha County for a while."
Lu Lin permitted a dry smile, "Poor Highness Cheng, he would rather stay in a poor and remote area than his sumptuous manor."
"Are you sure, General Ji? But our county is poor, we don't have anything to treat him to! What if we offend him?" Chen Xiao Cai asked worriedly.
In the past few years, Sha County had developed quite well, but Chen Xiao Cai had been to the capital city and he was well aware about the gaps between Sha County and the capital city.
"I'm not sure now. Hopefully His Highness will go back to the capital city not long after he arrives."
Lu Lin said calmly, "No need to worry about something that's not happened. If His Highness decides to stay, we just do our best to receive him."
Ji Cheng Kang nodded. "That's the spirit! I heard Highness Cheng is the most kind prince and he won't get angry easily."
Lu Lin rolled his eyes and thought about the hearsay about the deceased emperor. It was said that the deceased emperor used tricks to frame his brothers to pave the way for himself to get the throne, he let go of Highness Cheng because Highness Cheng's mother had a humble origin and Highness Cheng showed no ambition.
Lu Lin firmly believed this Highness Cheng was leading a charmed life.
Hen-pecked Highness Cheng
Knowing that Highness Cheng was coming, the villagers in Sha County were excited.
Many of the villagers in Sha County had not travelled before, the only official they had met was Lu Lin. It was not hard to imagine how excited they were when they heard the news.
"The Emperor's uncle is coming to our county! Big shot!"
"I cannot believe I can meet a prince in my lifetime!"
"Is there anything we can do to welcome this prince?
…
Lu Lin held his chin in his hands, buried in thought.
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Lu Lin and asked, "What are you thinking about? You look worried."
Lu Lin said with concern, "I'm thinking about how to entertain the prince when he is here."
Chen Xiao Mi pursed his lips and said, "You are overthinking again, maybe you won't have to entertain the prince. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are more than happy to entertain this prince."
Lu Lin glanced at Chen Xiao Mi and said with admiration, "It makes sense!"
Lu Lin was just a seventh-ranking petty official who was not the ideal person to receive a big shot like Highness Cheng. Chances were the higher-ranking officials in the neighboring towns would fight for the opportunity to receive Highness Cheng.
The county yamen wasn't exactly dilapidated, but it had nothing to do with splendid and imposing. He didn't think any prince would condescend to stay in that shabby residence.
What was more, Highness Cheng was here to deliver the military supplies, of course it was Ji Cheng Kang who was supposed to receive him.
The more Lu Lin thought about it, the more relieved he became.
Chen Xiao Mi held his chin and said, "Do you think General Ji's guess will become true? Will Highness Cheng stay in Sha County because he is afraid of the drama at home?"
Lu Lin smiled and showed a gloating look, "I'm not sure, but General Ji knows the inside stories."
Chen Xiao Mi tilted his head and asked suspiciously, "How can this be? Is it because his new wife and concubine are both ugly?"
"I don't think so. The Empress and the Imperial Consort wouldn't marry ugly woman to Highness Cheng, they are using these women as honey-trap to win over Highness Cheng's political influence."
Lu Lin thought to himself, "It is said that there are over three thousand men in the Emperor's harem, and that is not a good thing. Some Emperors who have a weak political foundation would favor all of them equally to win over the consorts' maiden families' support. I don't understand why everyone wants to become the emperor, sounds tiring.'
Highness Cheng's new wife and concubine were arranged by the Empress and Imperial Consort Hua who were locked in the harem battle, Highness Cheng couldn't afford to offend anyone, so he had been trying his best to avoid seeing his wife and concubine.
"Highness Cheng, should I say he is too lucky or too unlucky?" Chen Xiao Mi shook his head and let out a sigh.
Lu Lin nodded in agreement.
A burst of laughter came over. Lu Lin followed the sound and looked over. It was Chen Xiao Mai and Yuan Bao who were playing hide-and-seek in the yard.
Yuan Bao was captured by Mai and let out a scream.
Lu Lin thought to himself, 'The two little ones at home are so calm, I should learn from them.'
Lu Lin had already told the two little ones that Highness Cheng was coming, but neither of seemed to have taken it to heart.
Probably a pot of chicken soup was more appealing to the kids than Highness Cheng.
…
Chen Xiao Cai returned to his own residence after he visited Lu Lin.
Lu Lin lived in the county yamen, which was the government's property. Chen Xiao Cai bought a property near the county yamen.
In the past few years, Chen Xiao Cai's business had become bigger and bigger, and he had hired more and more employees, he provided accommodation for some of the employees. Therefore, he needed a spacious residence than the county yamen.
Seeing Chen Xiao Cai come back, Shen Chi walked to the door holding a baby to greet Cai.
"Cai, I heard the workers talking about Highness Cheng is coming to Sha County, is it true?"
Shen Chi gave birth to a boy last year, Chen Lei. He had another baby boy named Shen Nian this year.
In the past, Granny Shen hoped that Shen Chi would marry someone who was willing to surname their kid as Shen. However, Granny Shen didn't mention a word to Shen Chi and Chen Xiao Cai after they got engaged, because she didn't want to show any disrespect towards Chen Xiao Cai.
A few years ago Chen Xiao Cai promised Granny Shen on her deathbed that he would give one of their kids the surname of Shen and the Shens could carry on the family lineage. Hearing that, Granny Shen died with satisfaction.
After Shen Chi gave birth to the second baby, Chen Xiao Cai planned to take Shen Chi and the two little ones back to Big Stone Village to pay respects to Granny Shen at her grave. But now it looked like they were going to have to postpone this plan.
"Chi, I'm sorry we need to postpone this plan. Maybe Lin Ge is going to receive Highness Cheng, I'm a little worried," Chen Xiao Cai said.
Shen Chi nodded and said, "That's all right, I'm worried as well. Plus Nian is still so little, I'm afraid this is not the best time for us to travel that far anyways, let's postpone the plan. Let's stay at home and try to help Lin Ge if Highness Cheng decides to stay with him."
Shen Chi then sighed with emotion, "I didn't expect a prince would come to a place like Sha County."
Chen Xiao Cai scratched his head and said mysteriously, "Lin Ge said this was because this prince was too hen-pecked."
Shen Chi blushed and said, "Cai, you are so funny, but you can't say this nonsense in front of other people! It would be troublesome if it reached the prince's ears."
Chen Xiao Cai smiled and said, "Don't worry, Chi, I'm just being silly in front of you."
Shen Chi blushed and nodded.
…
The villagers were very excited when they heard that the prince was coming to bring greetings and supplies to the soldiers. However, their enthusiasm had died down as days passed by.
After all, the prince's visit had nothing to do with the villagers.
Lu Lin waited for more than 30 days and finally here came His Royal Highness Cheng.
It turned out Highness Cheng had taken quite a few detours on the way for sightseeing, that was why he was way behind the schedule.
The prefectural magistrate showed up early that day to welcome Highness Cheng and his escorting team, but Highness Cheng didn't even bother to lift his sedan curtain to say hi to anyone.
Even the prefectural magistrate didn't get to meet Highness Cheng, let alone Lu Lin.
Lu Lin had been preparing for a long time and he was in a despondent mood when he realized that he didn't have to worry about anything now.
"We don't have to receive Highness Cheng, right? " Chen Xiao Mi asked.
Lu Lin nodded and said, "His Highness went to the camp directly. He turned down the prefectural magistrate's offer and he said he was here to deliver military supplies and he would love to stay with the soldiers to better know what the soldiers have gone through, even General Ji seems to be very surprised by that."
Chen Xiao Mi said suspiciously, "This prince is amazing!"
As the saying goes, It is easy to turn thrift into extravagance; it is difficult to turn extravagance into thrift. Chen Xiao Mi respected Highness Cheng for the willingness to try to know the soldiers' life better. Sometimes he would recall the hard days he and his brothers had gone through when they were younger, and he didn't have the confidence that he could survive days like that because he was so used to a comfortable life now.
"Yeah, I totally agree! For a prince who is swimming in luxury, that's very bold of him to choose to live under the same roof and eat at the same table with the soldiers," Lu Lin suddenly regard this hen-pecked prince with special respect.
…
A few days later, Ji Cheng Kang came to the county yamen a chubby man.
Although the man's outfit was simple in style, one could tell that it was made with a rare and expensive fabric. Ordinary people in Sha County couldn't afford that.
Ji Cheng Kang shot a warning glance at Lu Lin as soon as their eyes met, Lu Lin immediately guessed it must be Highness Cheng!
Ji Cheng Kang and the man entered the room and chatted with Lu Lin, it turned out Highness Cheng found life in the camp a bit rough, he asked Ji Cheng Kang to arrange a better accommodation for him.
Lu Lin readily offered to accommodate Highness Cheng, he offered the maid bedroom but Highness Cheng said a guest bedroom would be more than enough.
"General Ji, what's going on?"
Ji Cheng Kang frowned and said, "The prince is not used to living in the camp, and he doesn't want to go back to the capital city. Please take care of him for a few days, and don't tell anyone he is staying with you, he wants people to think he is still in the camp."
Lu Lin nodded and said, "Okay."
Lu Lin thought to himself, 'Poor Highness Cheng! I know how the military camp stench! I bet the soldiers were feeling uncomfortable staying with a prince!'
Lu Lin originally planned to ask Yun Niang to make some delicious food for Highness Cheng, but Highness Cheng had brought his own cooks. Lu Lin let out a sigh of relief when he saw that, it was a huge responsibility to be responsible for a prince's diet.
A few days later, Lu Lin heard the soldiers who volunteered to work at his winery talking about this prince, they all showered praise on how approachable this prince was!
Lu Lin snickered on hearing that.
Yes, Highness Cheng was very approachable, he would sleep till noon in the county yamen, and he would take a nap in the rocking chair after lunch.
Highness Cheng was very interested in Dash's rocking horse, but the rocking horse was a bit too small for an adult, so Highness Cheng had stifled the eagerness to sit on Dash's rocking horse.
Highness Cheng had brought a bird with him, he would play with the bird after nap, his life was so free and unfettered.
According to Ji Cheng Kang's request, Lu Lin only told the people in the Yamen this chubby old man was Highness Cheng's subordinate.
People in the county yamen wasn't that interested in Highness Cheng's subordinate, they just left him alone happily.
Highness Cheng had done nothing but eating, sleeping, napping, playing with birds since he came. Lu Lin couldn't help but exclaim in his heart that this Highness Cheng slept more than Yuan Bao and Dash combined.
"Big Brother, Big Brother, I'm coming," Chen Xiao Mai dashed into the house.
Highness Cheng, who was dozing off on the rocking chair, was woken up.
Chen Xiao Mi frowned, "Mai, how many times have I told you to keep quiet!"
"Oh, sorry, the guest is sleeping again?" Chen Xiao Mai lowered his head and murmured.
"Master, I'm sorry, my little brother is just being so reckless," Chen Xiao Mi said.
Highness Cheng smiled at Chen Xiao Mi, "It's okay."
Chen Xiao Mai tugged at Chen Xiao Mi's sleeves and said, "Big Brother, Big Brother, why don't you spend time with me these days?"
Chen Xiao Mi was afraid that Chen Xiao Mai would accidentally offend Highness Cheng, so he asked Chen Xiao Mai to stay in Chen Xiao Cai's house these days. Chen Xiao Mai, however, would always run back to the county yamen.
Chen Xiao Mi said helplessly, "Mai, I'm busy."
"Let's have hotpot, please, please," Chen Xiao Mai said.
Chen Xiao Mi said helplessly, "Go ask your second brother."
Chen Xiao Mai said sullenly, "Second Brother is working now."
"What is hotpot?" Highness Cheng asked curiously.
Chen Xiao Mai glanced at the chubby old man beside him and said with pride, "You don't even know what hotpot is?"
Chen Xiao Mi pinched Chen Xiao Mai and smiled embarrassedly, "Master, hotpot is a specialty here."
"Oh," Highness Cheng was so intrigued. At his age, he would love to try new food. "What kind of specialty is it?"
"It's prepared with a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table, containing a variety of vegetables and meat," Chen Xiao Mai said.
Highness Cheng nodded with a smile.
Chen Xiao Mai shook Chen Xiao Mi's hand and said, "Brother, are you going with me?"
Highness Cheng smiled and said, "Master Chen, your little brother wants to have lunch with you, why not go with him? I'll invite myself and join you guys as well, hehe…"
Hearing that, Yuan Bao ran out like a duck. "Count me in, count me in!"
Chen Xiao Mi pressed his forehead and thought to himself, 'This is going to be great, Mai, Yuan Bao, Highness Cheng and I at the dining table together…
Gourmet Food of Sha County
Chen Xiao Mi took Chen Xiao Mai, Yuan Bao, Highness Cheng and his two guards to the restaurant Chen Xiao Cai newly opened to try hotpot.
Highness Cheng's eyes sparkled as he saw the gate of restaurant, "Such nice decoration!"
Highness Cheng who had travelled all the way from the capital city to Sha County had seen poverty unfolding along the way, he didn't have much expectations about Chen Xiao Cai's restaurant in the beginning but the decoration had made him interested.
Chen Xiao Mi smiled. The decoration of the restaurant was mainly based on Lu Lin's opinion. Chen Xiao Cai had added a touch of the fancy restaurants in the capital city to the final decoration as well.
Compared to the big restaurants in the neighboring counties, this hotpot restaurant stood out the most.
The employees in the restaurant had no idea who this chubby middle-aged man was, so they only handed menus to Chen Xiao Mi, and of course the menu was snatched by Chen Xiao Mai.
Yuan Bao leaned in and said, "Little Uncle, I want to eat meat and meat."
Chen Xiao Mi reached out his hand to grab the menu for Highness Cheng, but Highness Cheng smiled and said, "It's all right. Let the kids order. They look like experts in this field."
Chen Xiao Mai ordered a lot of meat, and Chen Xiao Mi handed the menu to Highness Cheng, who ordered a few vegetable dishes.
Soon, the trained waiters lit up the fire and put the double-flavor pot on the fire.
Highness Cheng clapped his hands on seeing the special pot, "Oh wow, this is the first time I've seen a pot with a curved wall in the middle, how interesting!"
Chen Xiao Mi smiled and said, "Yes, master, we can have spicy soup base on one side and non-spicy soup base on the other side. This is my husband's idea, because the kids in the family can't handle spicy food yet."
Soon all kinds of dishes were served one after another.
Highness Cheng asked with great interest, "How do you eat this?"
Chen Xiao Mai cast a sidelong glance at Highness Cheng, which made Chen Xiao Mi shudder with fear.
"Hotpot is so easy to eat. You just pour whatever you want to eat in the soup and you wait patiently until they float, then you dip them in the sesame sauce in front of you, then you go onomnommom," Chen Xiao Mai said.
Highness Cheng nodded his head with excitement.
Chen Xiao Mi put sliced Chinese Yam and potatoes into the soup.
The taste of the hot pot was beyond imagination. Highness Cheng fell in love with the taste immediately.
He pointed at the sliced Chinese Yam and asked, "What is this?"
"This is muddy stick," Chen Xiao Mai explained.
There were a lot of Chinese Yam grown on the mountains in Sha County, most of them would go wasted before Lu Lin came. And now the villagers started to harvest them and sell them to make money since Lu Lin educated them about how to eat Chinese Yam.
"Muddy stick?" Highness Cheng looked rather shocked.
"Don't listen to him, master, this is Chinese Yam," chimed in Chen Xiao Mi.
The cooked yam was very soft and tender, and it would just melt in your mouth.
Chen Xiao Mi smiled on seeing the Chinese Yam, he recalled the first time Lu Lin served him and his brothers this 'muddy stick', they were all very skeptical and they had fallen in love with the taste.
Highness Chen tried some other fresh vegetables and meats, he enjoyed this thing called hot pot very much.
"Master Chen, I need to thank your little brother for introducing such a wonderful thing to me! And why didn't you recommend such a delicious thing to me earlier?!"
Chen Xiao Mi said helplessly, "Master, this is just a specialty in our local county, how could this be compared to all the exquisite dishes in the capital city!"
Highness Cheng smiled, "Relax, I was just joking with you."
Chen Xiao Mai didn't hear a word what his brother and Highness Cheng just said, he was concentrating on getting quail egg from the pot. He wasn't great with his chopstick skills, but he just kept on trying. Then Highness Cheng showed off his great chopsticks skills and 'stole' the quail egg from Mai.
Mai pouted. Highness Cheng was amused by Mai, and he ordered another serve of quail eggs and promised Mai that he wouldn't steal anymore.
Chen Xiao Mi was so amazed by Highness Cheng's appetite, his eyes kept travelling back and forth from Mai to Highness Cheng. It was kind of endearing how the two of them gorging themselves.
Highness Cheng went back to the county yamen perfectly content. He would frequent this hotpot restaurant every other day since this meal. Sometimes he would just come to the restaurant first thing after he woke up.
…
Lu Lin tactfully reminded the old man that this hotpot was delicious, but it might cause constipation.
Highness Cheng nodded and thanked Lu Lin for the reminder, but he still went his own way.
One day, when Lu Lin went to the hotpot restaurant, he heard two employees saying that there was a rich master who had been coming to the restaurant and leaving a big tip every day.
Lu Lin couldn't help but shake his head, 'What have I done! The way Highness Cheng eats hot pot, he will suffer indigestion and constipation in no time!'
Seeing the situation, Lu Lin understood that any form of persuasion would be invalid. So he talked to Highness Cheng's head cook and told him to cook some herbal tea for Highness Cheng.
A few days later, Highness Cheng who was suffering swelling and aching gum pain finally decided to take a break from hotpot.
…
"What are you boys drinking?" Highness Cheng smacked his lips when he saw Chen Xiao Mai and Yuan Bao drinking something from an exquisite tea set.
"Honey lemon tea, Lin Ge said that it could help us to maintain beauty," Chen Xiao Mai said with a proud tone.
Highness Cheng now suddenly realized the two boys in front of him were actually two Bio boys.
"Good boy, let me have some, yeah?" Chen Xiao Mai looked at Highness Cheng and hesitated for a moment.
Highness Cheng took out an ingot of silver and put it in front of Chen Xiao Mai. "Give me a few sips, and this is for you."
Chen Xiao Mai beam with smiles, he pushed the teapot to Highness Cheng, "Here, have as much as you want."
Highness Cheng had never drunk sweet fruit tea before, he had no idea that tea could be sweet, it was perfect for someone who had a sweet tooth like him. Soon he had finished the whole teapot, and he told Mai that he would like to buy more from him next time he had this fruit tea.
Chen Xiao Mai nodded, he took the silver and hid it as his private money. He did not mention a word to Lu Lin.
…
Yuan Bao sat on the small stool, eating an egg pancake while Dash was nibbling on a piece of brown sugar steamed cake.
The steamed cake was too chunky for little Dash, he was struggling to finish it.
Two days ago, Highness Cheng went to the County Yamen kitchen to check on his lunch, he happened to see the brown sugar steamed cakes and he took the liberty to try one or two pieces, well, three. He loved that taste.
The famous pastry shop Paddy-Sweet Cottage in the capital city had similar steamed cakes, but Highness Cheng found those cloy easily, the ones in that small kitchen just had the right amount of sweetness.
Highness Cheng then saw the egg pancake in Yuan Bao's hands.
"Yuan Bao, what are you eating?!"
"Egg pancake."
"Did you buy it outside?"
Yuan Bao shook his head and said, "No, Little Uncle made it for me."
Highness Cheng nodded and said, "Ah~ that silly boy is a great cook, isn't he?"
"Little Uncle is not a silly boy! And yes, he is a great cook, the steamed cake Dash is eating is also cooked by Little Uncle."
Highness Cheng elder nodded and said, "I'm sorry, I apologize. Where's your Little Uncle now?"
"He should still be in the kitchen," Yuan Bao said.
Highness Cheng narrowed his eyes when he heard this then he disappeared from the yard. Not long after, he showed up again with an egg pancake in hand. Chen Xiao Cai added his exclusive sauce, eggs, meat, potatoes, and lettuce in the pancake. Highness Cheng savored every bite.
When Chen Xiao Mai returned to Chen Xiao Cai's home, Chen Xiao Cai saw that Chen Xiao Mai had a jade pendant on his neck. Chen Xiao Cai had seen many good things at this point, and he was startled when he saw that pendant.
"Mai, where did your jade pendant come from?"
"Uncle Chubby gave it to me," Chen Xiao Mai said.
Chen Xiao Cai was shocked and asked, "Why did he give this to you?"
"He wants to eat an egg pancake."
Chen Xiao Cai was rendered speechless.
Chen Xiao Mai pointed at the pendant and asked, "Second Brother, is this jade worth a lot of money? Could it be fake?"
Chen Xiao Cai said, "It's not fake."
…
Lu Lin later found out this, he tried to return the pendant to Highness Cheng, but Highness Cheng said it was a gift to Mai and he told Lu Lin to take it easy.
Highness Cheng had stayed in the county yamen for more than ten days now, and he showed no sign of leaving.
And he had fallen in love with barbecue now, he had been staying up late and talking to the other customers in the restaurant.
Highness Cheng was enchanted by the barbecue grill. Lu Lin soon made a set and gave it to the prince as a gift.
Highness Cheng appreciated this gift so much, but he didn't get the undertone of receiving a gift, he still showed no sign of leaving.
Chen Xiao Mi looked at Lu Lin and said, "The prince seems to be interested in many things! But why would he want Dash's rocking horse?"
"I don't think he actually wants to have Dash's rocking horse, he just took that one and he would ask the craftsman to build a bigger one for him when he arrives in the capital city."
…
Highness Cheng did not want to leave, so Lu Lin naturally did not rush him. However, Ji Cheng Kang could not be calm anymore.
Ji Cheng Kang came to the County Yamen with a few letters.
"Magistrate Lu, where's Highness Cheng?"
Lu Lin blinked and said, "He went out for grilled fish, don't get me started, firstly he fell in love with hotpot, then barbecue, and now grilled fish I'm worried about his stomach!"
Ji Cheng Kang pressed his forehead, "I didn't see this coming, I thought Highness Cheng would leave Sha County in a few days, but now it looks like he is having such a good time!"
"Young Master Chen's restaurants are very popular! I heard there are even people from the neighboring towns come to our county to try all the delicious food."
For that reason, Chen Xiao Cai had built an inn.
Lu Lin smiled and said, "Cai is going great. I see all those letters in your hand, let me guess, they are all for Highness Cheng, aren't they?"
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Yeah! I hope these letters are all rushing Highness Cheng to go back. Magistrate Lu, I'm so happy about this, Highness Cheng's guards are staying in the camp, I really don't have money to feed the extra mouths, and I feel so uncomfortable to order them around!"
Lu Lin looked at the letters in Ji Cheng Kang's hand and asked, "Are they from the Imperial Consort and the Empress?"
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Yeah! Hopefully Highness Cheng will leave Sha County soon."
Lu Lin smiled, "Highness Cheng is great, but I agree, he belongs in the capital city."
To the rich women in this time and space, the most important thing was to have a son. The Empress and the Imperial Consort married their cousins to Highness Cheng, of course they wanted their cousins to have sons and inherit the title one day.
As Ji Cheng Kang and Lu Lin spoke, Highness Cheng walked in with a few satay skewers.
Lu Lin exclaimed in his heart, 'Oh, Your Highness, you really don't care how people see you, do you?'
Highness Cheng glanced at Ji Cheng Kang and pouted, "General Ji, what are you doing here?"
Ji Cheng Kang looked at Highness Cheng's disdainful expression and felt a little bitter in his heart. "Your Highness, I'm here to deliver these letters."
Highness Cheng took the letters sullenly.
Ji Cheng Kang saw how sullen Highness Cheng was, he doubted these letters would be burned without being read.
"Come with me."
Ji Cheng Kang braced himself and followed the prince to the guest room.
"Your Highness, not only the ladies are worried about you, but the Emperor also wants you to go back." Ji Cheng Kang sighed in his heart, how he wished Highness Cheng would leave soon.
Highness Cheng sighed, "I have nothing to do in the capital city, I'm in no rush to go back! It's the Empress who asked the Emperor to urge me to go back, I knew it!"
Highness Cheng waved his hand with frustration and changed the topic. "Do you know that there is a commercial street in Sha County? it's established by Magistrate Lu's brother-in-law, Chen Xiao Cai, right?"
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Yes."
"Have you tried the restaurants? All the food is amazing, I want to meet his chefs even. I have been to the barbecue restaurants and talking to other customers in the past few days, there are even people from other counties who come to try the food! That's impressive!" Highness Cheng talked eloquently.
Ji Cheng Kang felt honored that Highness Cheng was praising Sha County.
The prince rolled his eyes and said, "I heard that all the recipes were actually created by Lu Lin."
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "It seems like this is the case. Not only the recipes are created by him, but all kinds of barbecue grills and pots are also designed by him."
Ever since they had a commercial street in Sha County, the people in Sha County felt happier, they could find jobs easier, and they had more entertainment.
Highness Cheng stroked his chin and said, "Magistrate Lu is an interesting character, he is the one who has invented that farm tool called trolley, right? How come he still hasn't got a promotion?"
Ji Cheng Kang smiled awkwardly and said, "Maybe Magistrate Lu doesn't aspire to get a promotion."
Highness Cheng rubbed his chin and was buried in thought.
Ji Cheng Kang had no idea what this prince was thinking, he just wished Highness Cheng would pack up and leave soon.
Highness Cheng is Leaving
After Ji Cheng Kang paid a visit to Highness Cheng and delivered all those letters, he waited patiently for another few days. However, Highness Cheng prince seemed to have completely forgotten about the letters, he still showed no sign of leaving.
The Imperial Consort was getting more impatient than Ji Cheng Kang, not only did she write another letter to Highness Cheng, but she also wrote a letter to Ji Cheng Kang.
She asked Ji Cheng Kan that why Highness Cheng was still in Sha County, what had kept Highness Cheng from coming back.
Ji Cheng Kang made a face and murmured, 'Food, Your Highness, food is keeping His Highness from going back to the capital city.'
Even the Emperor had written a letter urging Highness Cheng to go back, even though he knew his Uncle Cheng was just trying his best to stay away from his new wife and concubine.
Chances were the Emperor felt sorry for his uncle's marriage, he didn't use any harsh words in the letter, he just expressed that he appreciated Highness Cheng's hard work and couldn't wait to see him when he came back.
"Have you talked to Highness Cheng lately? Did he show any sigh of leaving?" Ji Cheng Kang glanced at Lu Lin and said.
Lu Lin pouted, "This is the fifth time that you asked me this question today, I haven't talked to him in the past thirty seconds, no."
Although Highness Cheng kept saying he felt reluctant to say goodbye to all the delicious food, they all knew the underlying reason was he was hen-pecked.
"Did the Imperial Consort send another letter?" asked Lu Lin.
Ji Cheng Kang nodded, "Yeah! The third letter."
Lu Lin squinted, 'So that's like 300 missed calls.'
"Honestly, General Ji, my hands are tied. Highness Cheng just keeps using the food as an excuse."
Ji Cheng Kang let out a sigh and lowered his head.
Lu Lin couldn't help but think how much money he was going to make if he opened the restaurant in the capital city, too bad he didn't have time to go there now.
Lu Lin looked at Ji Cheng Kang and said, "General Ji, do you really want Highness Cheng to go back?"
Ji Cheng Kang smiled bitterly and said, "The prince's mission is over and it's time for him to go back."
Ji Cheng Kang had a hard time discipling Highness Cheng's guards, he didn't want to step on any toes considering all the guards were from influential and privileged families in the capital city, but he didn't like to feed so many extra mouths!
Lu Lin then promised Ji Cheng Kang that he would do whatever he could to help him.
He handed the recipe of the hotpot soup base to Highness Cheng, Highness Cheng accepted the recipe with satisfaction and this time this prince quitted playing dumb, he told everyone that he was leaving soon.
Highness Cheng packed so many boxes full of food before he left, the way this prince loved food remined Lu Lin of Chen Xiao Mai.
…
As soon as the prince left, Lu Lin let out a sigh of relief. Although it was his honor that a prince appreciated him so much, Lu Lin always felt very reserved in his own house when a prince was living under the same roof with him.
"Finally!" Chen Xiao Mi slumped down on the bed with a sigh, feeling like he had put down a heavy burden.
"Are you that tired?" Lu Lin looked at Chen Xiao Mi and asked.
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "A bit." When Highness Cheng was there, he had to watch Das, Yuan Bao and Mai's mouths, especially Mai's.
"Mai seems to have received a lot of presents from Highness Cheng," said Lu Lin.
Mai was very good at cooking. Every now and then, Highness Cheng would exchange presents for food.
The presents were mainly ornament like jade pendants, little curios, calligraphies and paintings.
The things that the prince used were naturally the best. Lu Lin thought all those presents were worth at least a thousand taels of silver.
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Highness Cheng really gets along well with Mai."
At first, Chen Xiao Mi was worried that Mai might accidentally offend Highness Cheng, and he was surprised how much Highness Cheng adored Mai, the two of them always chatted and laughed together, Mai would even call Highness Cheng Uncle Chubby, and Highness Cheng would just give Mai a smile.
Lu Lin nodded, "Yeah! Everyone loves Mai."
Back then, when he and Chen Xiao Mi first started doing business, they sold gloves on the market. It was Mai who modelled the gloves and greeted the customers.
…
Lu Lin got a promotion not long after Highness Cheng left. Lu Lin now was a sixth-ranking magistrate.
Lu Lin and Ji Cheng Kang discussed this and they both agreed it was Highness Cheng who had helped him behind the scenes.
Lu Lin and Ji Cheng Kang were right, Highness Cheng wrote the Emperor a letter and mentioned it was Lu Lin who had invented the Curved Iron Plough three years ago, and there were significant improvements on the living standards of Sha County. The Emperor was surprised, because Highness Cheng seldom vouched for anyone, so he promoted Lu Lin. He meant to make Lu Lin a fifth-ranking magistrate, but other officials raised objection saying that Lu Lin bought his official title and he didn't deserve such a big promotion.
Lu Lin was very excited when he found he just got a promotion. Although Lu Lin did not have any lofty ideals and high aspirations, he was still happy when he heard the great news.
"We should thank Highness Cheng!"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah!"
Lu Lin got the promotion a few days after Highness Cheng left. Highness Cheng must have written the letter to the Emperor a long time ago.
"I wonder where Highness Cheng is now."
Chen Xiao Mi blinked and said, "I doubt he will travel fast, he doesn't want to go back in the first place, I think he will take many detours."
Lu Lin scratched his head and said, "Who would expect a princewould be so hen-pecked!"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded.
…
"Your Highness, we have arrived Wind Town," a guard reported to Highness Cheng.
"Wind Town, good name, this town seems to be much more prosperous than Sha County. Let's stay here for a few days and try the specialty dishes here."
When Highness Cheng was in Sha County, he had eaten a lot of food that he had never eaten before. He was very happy about that experience, and he had raised expectations about the street food.
Highness Cheng would stop at every town and try their specialties, however, he was greatly disappointed.
He wasn't impressed by any dishes they had had so far, he even wanted to go back to Sha County.
Fortunately, his guards had convinced him to resume the journey otherwise it would cause a great disturbance.
"The dishes are very ordinary!" Highness Cheng put down his chopsticks with disappointment.
Highness Cheng now needed new stuff to keep him interested.
"Your Highness, how can restaurants in such a small place compare to the ones in the capital city." The head of the guard said helplessly.
Highness Cheng frowned and thought about it for a while. 'Yeah, what the guard said was right. It's abnormal that Lu Lin has created so much new and interesting stuff, I should lower my expectations now.'
"The capital city may not as much delicious food as the Sha County," Highness Cheng shook his head.
The guards gazed at each other in speechless despair.
…
Lu Lin received a letter from Wind Town this day.
"Who is this letter from?" Chen Xiao Mi asked.
Lu Lin said helplessly, "It's from Highness Cheng's chef. They made hotpot for Highness Cheng, but the taste is not quite right even though they have followed the recipe step by step. So, they are asking me what I can do."
"What do you think?"
Lu Lin shook his head, "If they have followed the recipes, then I think it's all in Highness Cheng's heart, or maybe just his mood."
"Highness Cheng even said that he wanted to come back to Sha County!"
Chen Xiao Mi's eyes twitched, "Amida Buddha! Will His Highness will come back for some food?"
Lu Lin shook his head, "No, fortunately, the guards have convinced him to resume his journey."
Chen Xiao Mi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Exactly, I'm afraid His Highness's new wife and concubine will hate us if they find out His Highness has come back to us for some food! " Lu Lin shook his head.
Chen Xiao Mi blinked and said, "Yeah! Let's pray, pray Highness Cheng will take no detours on the journey!"
…
After Highness Cheng left, Chen Xiao Cai also sighed in relief.
Chen Xiao Cai was afraid that the staff in the restaurant would accidentally offend this distinguished guest, so he had warned the staff, but he couldn't tell the staff who that chubby old man really was, Chen Xiao Cai found that very hard to do.
Chen Xiao Cai rewarded the staff after Highness Cheng left Sha County.
Lu Lin rubbed his chin and said, "Cai and Shen Chi are going back to Big Stone Village soon."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah! They have been planning for this trip for a long time, they have postponed it due to Highness Cheng's visit."
Lu Lin touched his chin. The people in this time and space valued paying respects to graves.
Granny Shen passed away several years ago. Shen Chi didn't go back even once since he left hometown with them, it was indeed time he should visit his grandmother's grave.
"Xiao Mi, do you want to go back?" Lu Lin asked.
Chen Xiao Mi shook his head and said, "No, Cai can visit our parents' grave for me. What about you?"
Lu Lin shook his head, "No."
Lu Lin thought to himself, 'The host's parents have already died when I transmigrated over, I'm not attached to them.'
Lu Lin thought for a while and said, "I will ask Cai to visit my parent's grave and burn incense for me."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "That sounds good, I'm sure Cai is more than happy to do that."
Lu Lin had occupied the host's body anyways, he felt he should do something for the host's parents.
…