In the capital city.
There were several restaurants added hotpot in their specialties.
Even though Lu Lin had only shared the soup base recipe with Highness Cheng, some chefs were able to imitate the soup base after they tried it in Highness Cheng's exclusive gatherings. Some restaurants had even launched new flavors like sweet and sour, tomato-based, seafood-based.
Highness Cheng was taking a stroll on the street to kill time this day and he was attracted by a shop sign, "Oh, how great, now there's one more restaurant claims that they do authentic hotpot."
"Yeah, Your Highness, would you like to give it a try?" replied a page respectfully.
Highness Cheng pouted and said, "No need. It must be another copycat. I've tried a few already, alas, that just makes me miss Sha County even more!" The page nodded.
"When can I go back to Sha County again?" Highness Cheng narrowed his eyes and said with anticipation.
The butler who stood behind Highness Cheng's back stepped forward with a worried look, "Your Highness, please don't get too carried away."
The butler still shuddered with fear whenever he thought about last time when Highness Cheng insist on staying in Sha County after the emperor rushed him back to the capital city.
Highness Cheng played with the folding fan in hand and said, "I'm just talking, I don't have a good excuse to leave the capital city at the moment. I heard that Lu Lin and Xiao Cai have invented a new dish called Roast Whole Lamb, they held an auction for that, damn that Gao boy who got the lamb with 80 taels of silver! I would get the lamb for sure if I were still in Sha County. Don't you agree?"
"Of course, Your Highness! I think all the young boys would flee in dejection if they saw you at the auction."
Highness Cheng rubbed his chin and said, "I heard that Ji Yun An and Chen Xiao Mai are engaged. This Ji kid has a good taste!"
Ji Yun An became the talk of town when he passed the highest imperial examination. Quite a number of high-ranking officials meant to betroth their daughters to him, but that young man turned them all down, and now he was engaged to a Bio boy who knew nothing about politics from Sha County.
The news that Ji Yun An was engaged to Chen Xiao Mai cause an uproar in the capital city. But Highness Cheng gave Ji Yun An a thumbs up in his heart.
"Your Highness, people all say that Chen Xiao Mai is retarded!"
"A man of great wisdom often appears slow-witted, that how I see Xiao Mai, he just has a golden heart, Ji Yun An is one lucky boy!" said Highness Cheng, "Plus, do you know what a great chef Mai is!"
The butler smiled dryly and thought to himself, "But this is a marriage, a young master always wants to marry a young lady from an influential family for a better official career."
Highness Cheng now thought about the pancakes Mai made for him and he smacked his lips, how he wished to go back to Sha County now!
Highness Cheng played with the handle on his fan and said to himself, "Hmm, both Ji boy are Mai have reached marriageable age, they should get married soon. They held an engagement banquet in Sha County, that's sweet, but I think they should hold their wedding in the capital city."
The butler looked at Highness Cheng who was absorbed in thought and thought to himself, 'Your Highness, Ji Yun An still has his family to worry about his wedding and stuff, what does it have to do with you!'
"Your Highness, are you thinking about…"
"Chen Xiao Mai and Ji Yun An are both young talents. It's a match made in heaven, they should get married as soon as possible!"
The butler made a face and thought to himself, 'Yeah, Young Master Ji is a young talent, but are you sure Chen Xiao Mai is also a young talent? It seems like Ji Yun An's father Zhao Heng dislikes Chen Xiao Mai.'
…
In the county yamen.
Lu Lin looked at the letter in his hand and he was utterly speechless.
Chen Xiao Mi walked into the house and looked at Lu Lin who was in a daze, "Is everything all right?"
Lu Lin glanced at Chen Xiao Mi and said, "I just got a letter from Highness Cheng."
Chen Xiao Mi asked curiously, "What did His Highness say?"
"His Highness asked when Mai and Ji Yun An are getting married, he said he would love to be their matchmaker."
Chen Xiao Mi looked so confused, "But they are already engaged, how does that work? They don't need a matchmaker."
Lu Lin smiled and said, "Haha, I guess Highness Cheng really appreciates this young couple, and he knows Ji Yun An's father is creating difficulties, so he is trying to smooth the path for the couple."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "That's so considerate of him! Zhao Heng probably wouldn't say anything now that His Highness offers to be the matchmaker."
Lu Lin suppressed a laughter and said, "His Highness also said he would love to try some Roast Whole Lamb made by Mai."
Chen Xiao Mi and Lu Lin exchanged a look and said, "His Highness is like a child, so he is inviting the young couple to the capital city so he can have the lamb and hold their wedding."
"I didn't expect that the name of Roast Whole Lamb would reach the capital city," Lu Lin said.
Chen Xiao Mi said, "There are so many young masters from the capital city in our county, they must have mentioned it in the letter."
Lu Lin frowned and said, "Let's talk to Mai and Ji Yun An about this. We cannot ignore His Highness's letter."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "You have a point."
Preparing to Go Back to the Capital City
Ji Cheng Kang was speechless when he heard the news.
"Since Highness Cheng wants to preside over your wedding ceremony in the capital city, I think you and Mai should set out as soon as possible," Ji Cheng Kang handed the letter to Ji Yun An.
Ji Yun An looked at the letter and muttered, "I didn't expect that Highness Cheng would look after me and Mai so much."
Ji Yun An thought to himself, 'I didn't have the honor to meet His Highness when I was back in the capital city Mai once cooked for His Highness when he stayed in the county yamen, His Highness must be doing this for Mai, it looks like I'm profiting from association with Mai.'
Ji Cheng Kang found it a bit funny that Highness Cheng, who was famous for being henpecked, was so passionate about being Mai and his matchmaker.
However, this was a great thing. With Highness Cheng's support, not only Zhao Heng but the rest of the Ji family wouldn't object to this marriage.
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "This is such an honor, it looks like His Highness appreciates Mai a lot, how lovely! You are right, Magistrate Lu, we shouldn't disrespect His Highness and ignore his offer."
Ji Cheng Kang smiled bitterly and said, "How come I feel Highness Cheng is rushing you and Mai back to the capital city because he wants to try Roast Whole Lamb? Can Mai make that, imagine how furious His Highness is going to be if Mai can't make it?"
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "Mai knows how to do it, don't worry, Uncle."
Ji Cheng Kang let out a sigh of relief thought to himself, 'Great, we don't want to upset His Highness.'
Ji Yun An walked out of the camp and Liu Yun walked in.
"General Ji, I just saw young master heading out, is everything all right?"
Ji Cheng Kang nodded and said, "Yes, he is going to the county yamen to discuss some details with Magistrate Lu."
Liu Yun frowned and said, "Young master Yun An needs to head back to the capital city in no time, I'm afraid you will have to miss the wedding."
Ji Cheng Kang had to apply for leave two months in advance, and now it looked impossible.
Ji Cheng Kang smiled bitterly and said, "It's an honor that His Highness Cheng is offering to preside over Yun An and Mai's wedding, I'm sure Zhao Heng will attend the wedding, Yun An won't be alone."
Liu Yun nodded and said, "Yes, young master won't be alone!"
…
Wei Qiyu was thrilled when he heard Ji Yun An and Chen Xiao Mai were heading back to the capital city for their wedding.
"Isn't it great that we are going back to the capital city together, I was so sad when I thought I had to go back alone, but now we can keep each other company along the way!" Wei Qiyu gesticulated merrily.
Wei Qiyu's father kicked him out in a spleen, but as days went by, his father started to regret and rush him back in the letters. Wei Qiyu was the only son in the family, his father had great expectations for him.
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said, "You are excited because we can keep each other company, or because you covet the food Mai has packed."
Wei Qiyu pouted, "Why are you so petty, my friend? Plus, I've left some paintings for you, haven't I?"
Ji Yun An suppressed a laughter, "To be fair, you are the one who insisted on leaving them for me."
Several days ago, Chen Xiao Cai organized a tea reception where the attendees wrote poems and painted traditional Chinese paintings.
Most attendees were accomplished calligraphers and painters, they left their works to Chen Xiao Cai as a thank you gift for his hospitality. Wei Qiyu, who took great pride in his painting skills, painted several ones of different styles in one go and presented them to Chen Xiao Cai.
And now Ji Yun An was teasing him even though he appreciated how considerate his friends was.
"All right, my friend, you know I was just joking, thank you for your paintings."
Wei Qiyu finally put on a smile and said, "All right, all right, in all seriousness, I need to congratulate you, His Highness Cheng won't just honor everyone with his attendance in a wedding."
Ji Yun An smiled shyly. Engagement banquet and wedding ceremony carried different meanings, he felt grateful to Highness Cheng for offering presiding over his wedding.
"My father won't create difficulties now that Highness Cheng is supporting me and Mai, it's a shame that Uncle can't make it to the wedding though," Ji Yun An said regretfully.
Wei Qiyu comforted his friend, "But I'm sure General Ji doesn't mind it, all he cares is your happiness."
"Yes, I'm lucky to have such an amazing uncle," said Ji Yun An.
…
The news that Highness Cheng was Ji Yun An and Chen Xiao Mai's matchmaker had reached Zhao Heng's ears.
Zhao Heng thought that was a joke at first. But after a careful inquiry, he found that not only the news was true, but His Highness Cheng was going to preside over their wedding.
Zhao Heng who originally planned to give Chen Xiao Mai a hard time now had to rethink it.
"How did Chen Xiao Mai get to know Highness Cheng, and why would Highness Cheng favor him so much!" Zhao Heng said bitterly.
Zhao Heng thought to himself, 'I'd better not offend Highness Cheng, and hopefully I can impress him at the wedding so he can exert his influence and give me a promotion!'
Liu Qingmei, Zhao Heng's concubine, felt so indignant. She had been feeling happy in secret that Ji Yun An was going to marry a Bio boy with no background, but who could expect Highness Cheng favored this Bio boy to such degree!
"I heard Highness Cheng only likes Chen Xiao Mai because he is a great cook."
Zhao Heng found that ridiculous, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Liu Qingmei lowered her head. She had also heard about people talking about the magistrate of Sha County, the strange thing was no one paid much attention to his achievements in his official career, but they kept talking about his excellent business ideas and cooking skills. Liu Qingmei guessed Chen Xiao Mai must have learned cooking from that magistrate.
The hot pot which had swept the capital city was said to be invented by that magistrate.
Liu Qingmei let out a sigh. In order to catch up with some, Zhao Heng had been sending gifts to those big shots in order to curry favor in the past few years. Unfortunately, no one had showed any appreciation. She was now green with envy, how come Chen Xiao Mai has won favors from a prince just because of his cooking skills!
Zhao Heng snorted and said, "I can't figure out what's going on, either. But the truth is Highness Cheng adores Chen Xiao Mai, hmm, it looks like I have to build good relations with him, or at least with Yun An."
…
Yuan Bao held his chin and looked at Chen Xiao Mai. "Little Uncle, are you really going to thee capital city?"
Chen Xiao Mai nodded, "Yes!"
"But Little Uncle, Second Uncle said that there is nothing fun in the capital city. Why don't you stay in Sha County with me," Yuan Bao then added, "I will miss you so much, Little Uncle, Dash is a traitor, he spends hours reading books nowadays."
Chen Xiao Mai glanced at Yuan Bao and said, "I will miss you too, but Yuan Bao, it's not like I'm not coming back, I promise you I will come back home after the wedding."
Yuan Bao blinked and said, "Little Uncle, you can't lie to me!"
Chen Xiao Mai nodded and said, "Of course I won't lie to you, have I ever lied to you? And you know what, I will bring some specialties for you."
Yuan Bao puffed up his cheeks and said, "You said exactly the same thing last time, but Second Uncle said that you ate everything on the way back."
Chen Xiao Mai blinked and thought to himself, 'I can't believe Yuan Bao still remembers that.'
"I promise, I won't touch the food on the way back."
Yuan Bao nodded and said, "You can't lie to me this time. If you lie to me this time, you will be punished, you will be a vegetarian for the rest of your life."
Chen Xiao Mai scratched his head and thought to himself, 'I better do what I said, being a vegetarian sounds no fun!'
…
Lu Lin kept fidgeting in his room.
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Lu Lin and asked, "What are you thinking about? You look so irritated."
Lu Lin took a deep breath and said, "I'm thinking that we need to send someone to keep Mai company, it's his wedding after all."
"That's easy, I'll go," Chen Xiao Mi said without thinking.
Lu Lin looked at Chen Xiao Mi with disbelief, "Have you thought it through?"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah! Think about it, it's either me or Cai who can go, but Cai is busy with the resort, plus he has already been to the capital city for us, so it's my turn this time."
Lu Lin nodded in agreement. "That makes sense, I will prepare enough luggage and money for you, Cai once told me people in the capital city were all snobs, we need to prepare more money."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "Don't worry, I know how to take care of myself."
…
Lu Lin received another letter from Highness Cheng this day, rushing him to tell the young couple to rush back to the capital city.
Chen Xiao Mi looked at the letter and said, "His Highness is too anxious."
Lu Lin nodded with a dry smile.
Chen Xiao Mi thought to himself that he wanted to keep Mai for another two years, and Ji Yun An was in no rush to get married as well. But now the kids had to get married because of warmhearted Highness Cheng.
Lu Lin thought to himself, 'When Highness Cheng was in Sha County last time, the Imperial Consort kept sending letters to urge him to go back. And now he kept sending letters to urge the kids, isn't that funny.'
Lu Lin sighed and said, "Since His Highness has sent another letter, you guys better hit the road soon."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said, "I originally wanted to prepare more food, but now it looks like we can only bring more silver and buy food on the way."
Lu Lin nodded and said, "That's fine, fresh food always tastes better anyways."
To Hit the Road
The group hit the road this day.
Wei Qiyu kept craning his neck to peer when Chen Xiao Mai moved the luggage to the carriage.
Yuan Bao sat on the doorway with his chubby legs crossed, watching hid Little Uncle move stuff.
Suddenly Yuan Bao shifted his gaze from Mai to Wei Qiyu. The more Yuan Bao looked at Wei Qiyu, the more he found that guy suspicious.
Wei Qiyu who had noticed Yuan Bao's gaze turned around and stroked his hair as if nothing had happened, then he opened his folding fan and slowly walked away.
Yuan Bao then tugged at Chen Xiao Mai's sleeve.
"Yuan Bao, you look sulky, is everything all right?"
Yuan Bao whispered to Chen Xiao Mai, "Little Uncle, that guy is sneaky."
Chen Xiao Mai looked at Wei Qiyu and said, "That's Wei Qiyu, Ji Yun An's friend, you've met him before in the county yamen, remember? He gave you a rattle-drum as a gift."
"Now I know who he is, but he keeps looking around, looks so stealthy.".
Wei Qiyu heard the conversation between Chen Xiao Mai and Yuan Bao. When he heard that Yuan Bao called him sneaky, he was unhappy.
Wei Qiyu walked to Ji Yun An and complained, "Yun An, that little guy called me sneaky."
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said, "You are indeed sneaky, I mean you appeared sneaky just now."
Wei Qiyu's face suddenly reddened, "What are you talking about?"
"You have been peeking at Big Brother's carriage," said Ji Yun An.
Wei Qiyu defended himself, "I was just trying to have a look at the luggage and see what food Big Brother has packed. I heard Highness Cheng packed a piece of ham made by Big Brother when he went back to the capital city, so I was just trying to have a look and sniff."
Ji Yun An looked at Wei Qiyu and gave up, "All right, how about this, II will ask Big Brother to share the ham with you if he packed some."
Wei Qiyu's eyes sparkled on hearing that, "Thank you, me best friend." Then he said, "But you know what I saw? A bow! Not just a regular bow, a Snow Iron Bow. That bow is very powerful! Why would Big Brother pack such a bow?"
"To protect us."
Ji Yun An had heard it from Mai that Chen Xiao Mi used to be a hunter for a living, he had even hunted a tiger once, and his uncle once told him that Chen Xiao Mi had won respect from the soldiers after he made a demonstration on how to build a Snow Iron Bow.
Wei Qiyu was a little worried, "Yun An, you really need to behave yourself after you get married, both of Mai's brothers look like they can kick ass."
Ji Yun An glanced at Wei Qiyu and said in his heart, 'I'm not you, Wei Qiyu, me and Mai are in love.'
After checking everything on the list, the group set off at a steady pace.
Chen Xiao Mi lifted the curtain on the carriage, emotions welled up inside him.
This was the first time that he and Lu Lin separated since they got married.
He had long been used to the existence of Lu Lin beside him. The sudden separation made Chen Xiao Mi feel a void in his heart.
"Big Brother, are you okay?" Chen Xiao Mai looked at Chen Xiao Mi and asked with concern.
Chen Xiao Mi reached out a hand and stroked Chen Xiao Mai's hair, "Yes, Mai, thank you."
Chen Xiao Mi looked at Chen Xiao Mai and all sorts of feelings welled up in his heart. In the blink of an eye, his Mai was about to have a grand wedding in the capital city! He planned to keep Mai by his side forever in case there wouldn't be someone who appreciated Mai, but look at Mai now, he had found his happiness.
…
As soon as Chen Xiao Mi left, Lu Lin felt the house became cold and cheerless.
Yuan Bao and Dash were still in the stage where they enjoyed freedom instead of missing Chen Xiao Mi.
"Father, I miss Little Uncle, the dishes prepared by the cook aren't as good as the ones prepared by Uncle," Yuan Bao raised an eyebrow and complained.
Lu Lin glanced at the Yuan Bao and said, "That's nonsense, I think these dishes are just as great."
In fact, Lu Lin agreed with Yuan Bao, but he didn't want to encourage kids to complain.
Yuan Bao blinked and took a few more bites, then he sighed, "Nah, they are not as good."
"Brother Bao is right," Dash threw his chopsticks on the table.
Lu Lin looked at the two kids who were about to launch a hunger strike, "Kids, it's time to learn this valuable lesson, we need to just appreciate food prepared by anyone. I only got to have one meal per day when I was your age, even an egg was a treat back then."
Yuan Bao was confused. "Father, why was egg a treat?"
"Because there weren't many eggs."
"Father, I have a question! Why didn't you raise more hens at home?"
Dash clapped his hands, "Father is silly, Brother Bao is so smart."
Lu Lin decided to try a different approach, he put on a serious face, "Eat quickly, finish your food, otherwise no snacks later."
Yuan Bao and Dash made a face and continued the meal unwillingly.
…
Shen Chi looked at Chen Xiao Cai and said, "Big Brother is gone, I wonder how the kids are doing."
Chen Xiao Cai nodded, "Yuan Bao and Dash are running wild, Chi, feel free to visit them if you have time, Lin Ge is having a hard time. Yuan Bao is all right, he still enjoys the freedom, but Dash now starts to miss Big Brother."
Shen Chi nodded and said, "Poor Lin Ge, I will visit them more often."
…
As soon as Chen Xiao Mi and the group set off, Highness Cheng had got the news.
"Your Highness, they are on the way now."
Highness Cheng nodded with satisfaction, "Finally!"
Two women from as pretty as flowers entered the room.
"Your Highness, you really pay great attention to this young couple!" Lou, Highness Cheng's wife, said.
"I almost feel jealous." Zhuang, the concubine, chimed in.
Highness Cheng said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about? Mai will make Roast Whole Lamb for me, of course I'm excited."
The two women exchanged a look, they were both jealous of Mai because Highness Cheng kept talking about Mai after he came back from Sha County. At first, they thought Chen Xiao Mai was the reason why Highness Cheng stayed in Sha County, but then they found out Highness Cheng stayed there for Mai's cooking more than Mai himself.
Seeing Highness Cheng was really angry, the concubine put on a smile and said, "Your Highness, I've heard so much about the Roast Whole Lamb, is it really that good?"
The Concubine had tried imperial cuisines with Highness Cheng several times, she found it hard to believe that her husband was charmed by the food in a remote and backward county.
The concubine loved hotpot as well, but she lost interest pretty soon, she appreciates exquisite dishes more.
The Wife was determined to learn cooking from Chen Xiao Mai after he arrived. She firmly believed Highness Cheng would love her more if she could cook better.
…
In the patrol camp.
Liu Yun brought back ten free entry tickets for the Hot Springs Resort.
"Mr. Liu, is it true that we can enter the resort and enjoy a hot bath for free with this pass?"
Liu Yun nodded and said, "Yes, but you need to buy buffet tickets separately."
"That's all right, I'm already grateful for the free entry. Mr. Liu, where did you get those tickets?"
"Boss Chen gave them to me."
"Mr. Liu, can I have one?"
Liu Yun put away the tickets and said, "Each ticket is worth more than 500 cents, I won't just give them away."
"Mr. Liu, you are not going to use them all, are you?"
Liu Yun cast a sideways glance at the soldier who asked that question, "General Ji and I have talked about it, we are going to use these tickets as rewards, you need to train harder if you want the tickets."
A soldier made a face and said, "That sounds like work."
Liu Yun replied, "Nothing is free, and this is the only fair way."
The soldiers looked at each other and nodded. To everyone's surprise, they indeed started to tarin harder for the free tickets.
…
Swoosh!
Chen Xiao Mi shot a roe deer.
Chen Xiao Mai clapped his hands and said excitedly, "Big Brother, you're amazing, it's been so long since you went hunting, but you still got it."
Chen Xiao Mi smiled and said, "Thank you, Mai."
Wei Qiyu glanced at Chen Xiao Mi with admiration, 'Big Brother Mi is such a great hunter, he shoots with such great precision!'
Chen Xiao Mai made a fire to roast the roe deer.
Chen Xiao Mai sighed and said, "I miss the big kitchen at home, I have so many better ways to cook this roe deer, steaming, stewing, frying, but now it looks like we can only roast it."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "It's all right, Mai, I know you can still make it delicious."
Chen Xiao Mi also started to miss home, he wondered whether the kids were all right, whether Lu Lin could handle the two troublemakers…
Wei Qiyu volunteered to help when Mai and Ji Yun An seasoned the roe deer, but his help wasn't necessarily needed, he didn't leave them alone until Ji Yun An promised him that they would share the meat with him.
The Sheep Pen in Highness Cheng's Manor
Chen Xiao Mi and the group had finally arrived at the capital city after a long and arduous journey.
Chen Xiao Mi and the group tried their best to make the journey comfortable, so they didn't overtax themselves too much, while Highness Cheng had long been awaiting their arrival with impatient expectancy.
As soon as they arrived at the capital city, they were led to the sheep pen.
Chen Xiao Mi looked at the flock of sheep frisking in the sheep pen, he said with admiration, "Highness Cheng, it looks like you've put great time and efforts here."
Highness Cheng smiled and said, "Indeed, I bought the best breed available and now it's time for Mai to distinguish himself, come on now, pick a lamb and roast it."
Laughter bubbled up inside Chen Xiao Mi, 'I've never met anyone who is this obsessed with good food.'
"I asked my butler to build the best sheep pen and selected the best grass for them since I heard about the Roast Whole Lamb," said Highness Cheng with a smug smile.
Chen Xiao Mi had long expected this situation and had mentioned it to Chen Xiao Mai. Therefore, Chen Xiao Mai was not surprised when Highness Cheng asked him to roast a lamb first thing he arrived at the capital city.
The ideal lamb for Roast Whole Lamb should be neither too fat nor too thin, the lambs in the sheep hen were all of fine breed, but they were all a bit fat.
Highness Cheng's wife and concubine were both curious about the Roast Whole Lamb, so they shadowed Chen Xiao Mai when he roasted the lamb.
Chen Xiao Mai was a little dull. He didn't have much of an idea about the status of the prince and the princess standing in front of him. He went directly to business after he gave them a head nod and brief greeting.
After two long hours, the Roasted Whole Lamb was finally served to the dining table in the manor.
The two ladies were infected by Highness Cheng, they were also on the tiptoe of expectation, they paid attention to their table manners in the beginning, but soon they started to gorge themselves just like Highness Cheng.
The general lamb meat had a strong gamy taste to it and some people didn't appreciate it, but Chen Xiao Mai had brought out the right flavors with a lot of spice and seasoning.
Highness Cheng and the two ladies had all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
…
Chen Xiao Mai stayed in the guest room and looked at Chen Xiao Mi with a depressed expression, "Big Brother, Highness Cheng didn't even invite us to join him when we served him the lamb, they just finished the whole lamb by themselves!"
Chen Xiao Mi smiled, "It's fine, Mai. To start with, I heard that people in the capital city all pay great attention to status, we are not supposed to sit at the same table with His Highness. Secondly, we can always roast a lamb whenever we want to, take that as a compliment, they just love it too much."
Hearing that, Chen Xiao Mai had cooled down.
"Come on, Mai, haven't you been talking about the street food of the capital city? I'll take you out and explore," Chen Xiao Mi said.
Chen Xiao Mai's eyes lightened up and he exclaimed, "Really?" a
"Of course," Chen Xiao Mi thought to himself, 'I brought a thousand taels of silver, it should be enough.'
With that the two Chens went out in high spirits.
…
As soon as Chen Xiao Mi and Chen Xiao Mai came back, they received a money reward from Highness Cheng. It was 200 taels of silver, Chen Xiao Mai who was originally angry at Highness Cheng now beamed with smiles again.
…
In the tea house.
Wei Qiyu sat opposite Ji Yun An and said tentatively, "I heard Highness Cheng had picked Mai and Big Brother up already, right?"
Ji Yun An nodded, feeling a little strange.
Ji Yun An had already heard that first thing Highness Cheng asked Chen Xiao Mai to do was to make Roast Whole Lamb, to be honest, Ji Yun An found that a bit improper, but the good thing was he knew Highness Cheng didn't harbor any malicious intentions, he wasn't trying to belittle or offend Chen Xiao Mai.
Highness Cheng asked Chen Xiao Mi and Chen Xiao Mai to stay in the mansion for a few days, the Chens dared not to disobey.
Chen Xiao Mi shared the recipe of Roast Whole Lamb with Highness Cheng, Highness Cheng saw that as the ultimate symbol of trust, so he prepared a lot of dowry for Mai, the two ladies also added a lot of curios and jewelries to Mai's trousseau.
Even the little things prepared by Highness Cheng were quite exquisite, Chen Xiao Mi did a quick math, he found that the dowry prepared by Highness Cheng alone was worth more than 800 tales of silver.
Chen Xiao Mai stopped complaining when Highness Cheng asked him to make Roast Whole Lamb again. He had even invited the chefs in the manor to watch him when he seasoned the lamb.
Highness Cheng started a new round of inviting high officials and noble lords for dinner like when he first got the recipes of hotpot.
Chen Xiao Mi now started to understand why Highness Cheng had raised so many sheep and lamb in the pen. The butler had already bought a new batch considering how often Highness Cheng invited friends over.
None of the guests would show up emptyhanded, they all considered this as an honor, so they would present Highness Cheng with lavish gifts.
The guests all saw the invitation as great validation of their social status, therefore, Whole Roast Lamb had become an important sign of whether you were eminent enough.
Highness Cheng took great pleasure in entertaining guests, it looked like he had forgotten about Mai's wedding. Chen Xiao Mi was torn with anxiety.
It was Highness Cheng who had rushed Ji Yun An and Chen Xiao Mai back to the capital city for their wedding, but now it looked like Highness Cheng was carried away with all the banquets he was throwing. Even the two ladies paid more attention to Mai's upcoming wedding than Highness Cheng.
…
Zhao Heng stayed at home and his mood was somewhat complicated.
After Chen Xiao Mi and Chen Xiao Mai arrived, they had been living in Highness Cheng's manor. Zhao Heng had never seen his son-in-law yet. Zhao Heng felt that Chen Xiao Mai should know better and visit him the first thing he arrived, but he dared not complain Highness Cheng for keeping Chen Xiao Mai.
To make it worse, Zhao Heng's status was relatively low, and it didn't even occur to Highness Cheng that he should invite Zhao Heng over for Roast Whole Lamb.
Some of Zhao Heng's friends and colleagues had heard about Chen Xiao Mai and also knew that Chen Xiao Mai was the one who had been making Roast Whole Lamb in the manor.
More and more people asked Zhao Heng whether he was invited to Highness Cheng's manor.
Zhao Heng would flush with shame whenever people asked him that question, the truth was Chen Xiao Mai had never visited him and he wasn't invited to Highness Cheng's manor.
Liu Qingmei complained to Zhao Heng, "How uncouth! That Bio boy has been in the capital city for days now, but he hasn't visited us even once!"
Zhao Heng didn't have any rich pickings at work, he had been living on Ji Yun An's dead mother's dowry for years, but recently he found it harder and harder to keep the glamour.
Liu Qingmei and Zhao Heng son, Zhao Qinghe, was a big spender as well. Liu Qingmei had charmed Zhao Heng and lured him to give her and her son a lot of money, however, even Zhao Heng himself was struggling in recent years, so he couldn't afford to satisfy Liu Qingmei and Zhao Qinghe's greediness.
Liu Qingmei heard that Chen Xiao Mai was favored not only by Highness Cheng, but also the two ladies, they had added a lot of things to his dowry. She couldn't help but feel jealous, how she wished it was her son who was getting all the favors.
Liu Qingmei initially thought that Ji Yun An made a wrong decision by betrothing Chen Xiao Mai, but now she started to feel Ji Yun An was actually benefiting a lot from this marriage.
Zhao Heng's face darkened and said, "That Chen Xiao Mai is busy currying favors with His Highness, of course he doesn't care about us."
…
Chen Xiao Mi took Chen Xiao Mai to a clothes store this day.
"Big Brother, the clothes here are very nice!"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah, very shiny!"
Chen Xiao Mi stared at the clothes in the store and couldn't move his gaze away. He had never seen such cut and styles in Sha County. He touched the fabric, they were all very soft and comfortable, he fell in love with the store immediately.
Xiao Cai had bought a batch of clothes for Xiao Mi and Lu Lin when he visited the capital city last time. Lu Lin loved those clothes, but now they were all worn out.
Chen Xiao Mi glanced at Chen Xiao Mai and said, "Mai, just pick whatever you like. You are going to be a bride soon, it's my job to make sure you look great all the time."
Chen Xiao Mi was loaded with money at the moment, so he felt he could afford a shopping spree.
Chen Xiao Mi selected a few garments for Lu Lin who enjoyed nice stuff with great quality. Sometimes Chen Xiao Mi would just spoil Lu Lin because deep down he was always worried Lu Lin would run away and go back to his hometown, that 'modern socirty'.
Chen Xiao Mi selected quite a few garments and accessories for the kids as well, he spent 200 taels of silver in total, but he genuinely loved all the items and he had a hard time discarding anything.
After putting everything into the carriage, Chen Xiao Mi suddenly recalled a word he learned from Lu Lin, 'shopaholic'. Chen Xiao Mi rubbed his face and blushed.
"Qingmei! Look over there! That is the Chen Xiao Mai and his Big Brother Chen Xiao Mi!"
Liu Qingmei and a friend called Zeng were shopping next door, and her friend suddenly rushed out of the store and exclaimed on seeing Chen Xiao Mai.
Liu Qingmei looked at the pages in the cloth store who were moving shopping bags to a carriage and frowned.
"They seem to have bought a lot!" Zeng said.
Liu Qingmei thought to herself, 'That store is famous for being expensive, it's been so long since I shopped there, but they have bought so much! I've long heard the Chens are successful merchants, now it looks like it's true.'
Zeng glanced at Liu Qingmei and said, "Qingmei, shall we introduce ourselves?"
Liu Qingmei shook her head and said, "No need."
Chen Xiao Mi had no idea his shopping spree had caused someone's attention.
Money Reward from His Majesty
After Ji Yun An returned to the capital city, he printed hundreds copies of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. The main characters of this book were ghosts, foxes, immortals and demons, but it focused on the everyday life of commoners and criticized the corruption and injustice in society and sympathized with the poor. And of course they were all stories he had heard from Lu Lin.
The theme of this book was a clear admiration of pure, faithful love between poor scholars and powerless women, and it became a hit.
Ji Yun An went to Auspicious Cloud Tea House to talk to the manager Zhao He this day, and Zhao He welcomed Ji Yun An very warmly.
"Young Master Ji! I heard that you're getting married. Congratulations."
Ji Yun An smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Manager Zhao."
The cost of getting married in the capital city was very high. Ji Yun An had some savings, but he still felt that it was not enough. Ji Yun An wanted to buy a house in the capital city as their matrimonial home. The house prices in the capital city were not something that a young man could afford.
His grandmother seemed to be worried about him and wanted to give him a large sum of money, but his uncles and aunts were unhappy about that, they want to split that amount of money among themselves.
Ji Yun An wasn't upset by that, he was used to being independent anyways.
"This is my new book, Manager Zhao, please promote it for me," said Ji Yun An with a humble smile.
Zhao He smiled and said, "It's such an honor, thank you for trusting us."
Zhao He's tea house now was one of the high-end tea houses in the capital city thanks to Journey to the West, so he had great expectations for Ji Yun An's new book. Back then, Journey to the West had really saved this struggling tea house, so Zhao He still felt very grateful to Ji Yun An.
"Young master Yun An, I heard your fiancée is amazing, he is the one who has invented Roast Whole Lamb in Highness Cheng's manor, isn't he?"
Ji Yun An just showed a polite smile.
"I've even heard that His Majesty has attended Highness Cheng's banquet in a late night, and he was full of praise about the Roast Whole Lamb."
"I don't know whether it's true or not, Manager Zhao, but Mai is indeed very talented, I won't be surprised if His Majesty appreciates his cooking."
Zhao He smiled, he felt so happy for the young couple, Ji Yun An was radiant with joy when he mentioned Chen Xiao Mai.
"Highness Cheng adores Mai a lot, it's no secret anymore, Young Master Ji, I'm so happy for you." Said Zhao He.
"Thank you so much, Manager Zhao!"
Ji Yun An thought to himself, 'I hope this book will become a hit as well, so I can afford a grand wedding for Mai!'
Zhao He thought to himself, 'Ji Yun An's father seems to be very dissatisfied with Chen Xiao Mai. But the young couple doesn't need to worry about that anymore, no one can create difficulties for them now that Mai has Highness Cheng's support.'
Ji Yun An was very confident about the new book, he learned several new promotion methods from Lu Lin and he planned to use them all.
Zhao He flipped through the first three chapters of the book and said, "Great! I'm sure it will attract a lot of readers and audience!"
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "To be honest, Manager Zhao, I don't think this book is as great as Journey to the West, and I do think it will attract more audience than readers, because the stories are more enchanting but less meaningful."
Zhao He read a few more chapters and nodded in agreement, "But that's all right, Young Master Ji, the story-teller in my tea house is the best in the game. Don't worry, he will do the story justice!"
With that Manager Zhao called the storyteller and they had a lovely talk about the new book, the storyteller was very excited, it had been so long since he had such great materials to work with.
…
In the Wei Family.
"Yu, what have you learned from your trip to Sha County?" Wei Qiyu's father drew a long face and asked him.
Wei Qiyu thought to himself, 'Yep yep, I learned how to eat hotpot, how to eat Roast Whole Lamb, how to social with friends in a Hot Springs Resort…'
Wei father snorted and said unhappily, "Answer my question."
Wei Qiyu said awkwardly, "Not really, but it was a really good trip."
"I knew it, you must have run wild in Sha County, idling away in seeking pleasure! But look at your friend Ji Yun An, he is such a role model for you, he is supporting himself financially already!"
Wei Qiyu nodded and said, "Yeah! But father, I don't have to do that, I have you and you have so many businesses! Unlike Ji Yun An, his father, uncles and aunts are all very stingy towards him."
"I wish I hadn't spoiled you like this!" sighed Wei Qiyu's father.
Wei Qiyu held his chin and said, "I'm happy for Ji Yun An, his new book is selling fast."
Wei Fu nodded and said, "He has sold at least a thousand copies now, what a capable young man! I heard that he has been house hunting recently, I think he is looking for matrimonial home."
Wei Qiyu was a little surprised, "Wow!"
After Wei Qiyu returned to the capital city, he had been busy catching up with his friends who hadn't been to Sha County, he didn't talk to Ji Yun An much.
Wei Qiyu thought to himself, 'I understand why Yun An wants to live separately from his family, I've met Chen Xiao Mai, he is too straightforward, maybe he can't handle living with a big family.'
Father Wei looked at Wei Qiyu and said, "And look at you, you haven't even brought home a girlfriend when you friend is about to buy a matrimonial home."
Wei Qiyu put on a cheeky smile and said, "Father, are you sure you want me to live separately? I, on the other hand, want to keep you company forever!"
Father Wei was amused by his son, "How glib! I heard that Roast Whole Lamb originates from Sha County is good. Have you tried it? Can you coo it?"
"Yes and no."
"Useless."
"Father, I'm not a cook, isn't it normal that I can't make such a fancy dish? But I can ask Mai and his Big Brother for help."
Wei Qiyu was confident that Chen Xiao Mi and Chen Xiao Mai were willing to help him out.
…
A few days later, Highness Cheng called Chen Xiao Mi over and gave him a thousand taels of silver.
Chen Xiao Mi said excitedly, "Your Highness, Mai and I already feel unworthy of the precious gift you have bestowed on us, no way will we receive this money."
Chen Xiao Mi didn't have any proper education, but he knew 'Sow nothing, reap nothing.'
Highness Cheng appreciated his integrity, then he said, "I'm not the one who is giving you this money, it's from His Majesty."
Chen Xiao Mi was a little surprised, "His Majesty?"
Chen Xiao Mi's heart started pounding as he heard 'His Majesty'.
Highness Cheng nodded and said, "A few days ago, His Majesty came to my humble adobe and tried the Roast Whole Lamb, and His Majesty appreciates the originality Mai has put in the dish, hence the money reward."
Chen Xiao Mi was surprised, "His… His Majesty has tried the lamb?"
Highness Cheng nodded, "Yeah! His Majesty was unstinting in his praise."
Chen Xiao Mi thought to himself, back then, Lu Lin got 2000 taels of silver for inventing the Curved Iron Plough, but that invention has benefited well-being of the people, and now Mai gets 1000 taels for some dish?'
In Chen Xiao Mi's opinion, these two inventions couldn't be mentioned in the same breath, the plough had was beneficial to national welfare and the people's livelihood yet the dish only satisfied people's desire for food.
Chen Xiao Mi blinked and said, "But the Roast Whole Lamb is just a dish, it's nothing."
Highness Cheng shook his head and explained, "His Majesty means to serve Roast Whole Lamb at state banquets in the future to treat the foreign diplomats."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded his head with disbelief.
"You are obliged to take the money, otherwise it will be seen as disrespect for His Majesty."
Chen Xiao Mi took the money with a thousand thanks.
"Has the young couple picked a date for their wedding ceremony yet?"
Chen Xiao Mi was genuinely surprised when he heard that question, he thought Highness Cheng had forgotten Mai and Ji Yun An were back in the capital city to get married.
Chen Xiao Mi shook his head, "Not yet."
Big families had tedious process in picking an auspicious date for the wedding ceremony, they needed to consult a few fortune tellers before they finally picked a date. The Jis had picked three dates for the young couple to choose, but the earliest one was in two months.
Chen Xiao Mi had no idea that he had to stay in the capital city for such a long time when he left Sha County, and now he was worried about Lu Lin and the kids back home.
Highness Cheng nodded and said, "You cannot be more cautious in this matter."
…
Ji Yun An's new book had caused a sensation. Ji Yun An was surprised that the readers loved this collection so much.
In modern society, the collection was criticized due to the way it approached female characters, they were all weak and needed to be rescued. But the readers in this time and space appreciated that theme, the mainstream culture was still men were women's saviors.
There were many stories featuring fox fairies in the collection, many young masters started to raise foxes, especially snow-white foxes.
A thousand copies were sold in the tea house not long after Ji Yun An launched it, the net profit for that was about a thousand taels.
Zhao He looked at Ji Yun An with admiration and said, "Young Master Ji, congratulations! This is yet another huge success for you!"
Ji Yun An smiled, "Thank you for your support, Manager Zhao."
Zhao He then added, "Young Master Ji, maybe I'm in no position to give you any suggestions, but I still want to say don't get carried away by this temporary success, you are destined for greater things! Don't waste your talent on writing this kind of stories."
Ji Yun An nodded and said, "Manager Zhao, thank you so much for your sincere words! I know what you mean, I won't neglect my studies."
…
Zhao Heng turned green with envy again. The imperial consorts in the imperial palace were obsessed with the stories, even the emperor had made some very complimentary remarks about Ji Yun An in the imperial court.
What was more, Ji Yun An had made a large amount of money again.
Zhao Heng has seen people lining up to buy the book in the tea house.
"Yun An seems to have earned a lot from selling books recently!" Liu Qingmei said.
Zhao Heng said sullenly, "I heard that he is raising money to throw a big wedding for that Chen Xiao Mai, why does he even bother, Chen Xiao Mai is just a retarded Bio boy."
Liu Qingmei frowned and chimed in, "I heard that Bio boy has got 1000 taels of money reward from His Majesty!"
Zhao Heng nodded. "It is said that His Majesty is going to add that dish in the menu of state banquet, the imperial chefs have already got the recipe from Chen Xiao Mai and they are working on the final touch to make it even better. Qingmei, I just don't get it, it's fine that Highness Cheng shows favors to that Bio boy, now even His Majesty seems to like him!"
Liu Qingmei lowered her head and let out a sigh in silence.
Daddy Mi is Back Home
Chen Xiao Mi bought a copy of Ji Yun An's book and he was addicted to the stories, "No wonder this book becomes a hit, he writes in such lively and elegant style. I've heard most of the stories from Lin, but I love how Yun A has polished every story."
Chen Xiao Mi also learned to read, he could understand the stories in the book.
Chen Xiao Mi flipped through the pages, he touched his chin and thought to himself, 'Ji Yun An is a young man of unusual literary talent, he writes in an easy and fluent style, every story becomes so enchanting. However, he is still not as talented as Lin."
Chen Xiao Mai looked at Chen Xiao Mi and said, "Big Brother, let's go to the tea house to listen to the stories in the book."
Chen Xiao Mi who had never been to a tea house nodded with excitement and said, "That's a good idea."
The tea house culture in the capital city was very famous. Many people would frequent the tea houses and support their favorite storytellers. Back at home, Chen Xiao Cai had mentioned the tea houses he had been to when he was in the capital city.
After Chen Xiao Mi came to the capital city, he had been very busy, and he did not have the chance to spend some time in the tea house.
Chen Xiao Mi took Chen Xiao Mai to Auspicious Cloud tea house. The storyteller in Auspicious Cloud tea house was one of the best storytellers in the game, the way he narrated stories was cadenced and rich in feeling, he could always bring down the house.
Chen Xiao Mai took another piece of pastries from the plate and said, "Big Brother, this storyteller is amazing, isn't he?"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded, "Yeah, look at the audience, they all go crazy for him!"
Chen Xiao Mi blinked and thought, 'This person's storytelling skill seems to be much better than Lu Lin's. He deals with the ups and downs of the plot in perfect ways, but the atmosphere in the tea house also works to his favor, everyone is listening to the story with avid attention.'
"Lin Ge isn't as great as this storyteller," Chen Xiao Mai held his face and said.
Chen Xiao Mi said sullenly, "That's different. The storyteller does this for a living, of course he needs to come up with different ideas to carry the audience away."
…
Lu Lin stayed in the county yamen and looked at the sky with a depressed expression.
He sat still and watched the sun setting in silence.
"Father, Daddy Mi isn't back today!"
Lu Lin nodded and said, "Yeah, but that's fine, he will be back after Little Uncle's wedding!"
Lu Lin was aware that Chen Xiao Mi wouldn't be back anytime soon, the big families loved to follow unnecessary and overelaborate formalities on wedding ceremonies. Picking the wedding date alone would take them up to months.
Lu Lin then thought about he and Chen Xiao Mi's wedding. Grandma Lu asked several villagers to carry him to Chen Xiao Mi's house, and that was their entire wedding ceremony.
Shabby as it was, it was efficient.
"Father, when will daddy come back?"
Lu Lin said sullenly, "After Little Uncle's wedding ceremony, I'm sure."
"Father, shall we get worried? Is it possible that daddy has found someone better than you in the capital city and he decides to stay in the capital city?" Yuan Bao asked.
Lu Lin shook his head and said angrily, "My good son, what nonsense are you talking about? Do you think it's that easy to find someone better than me, tell you what, I'm very confident!"
Dash blinked and chimed in, "We've heard so many similar stories told by you, remember? Brother Yun An has even transcribed them."
Lu Lin pouted. 'Well, I must be held accountable for this. I've lifted a rock only to drop it on my own feet.'
"The two of you, come here, you don't remember a thing from the Four Books and Five Classics, yet you remember every tale and story I've told!"
Yuan Bao's eyes widened in surprise, "Father, you don't like the Four Books and Five Classics, either. Every time you open the book you would just doze off."
Lu Lin lowered his head with embarrassment, 'What the kids said was right.'
"In all seriousness though, kids, don't worry. It's not easy to find someone better than me. Your daddy will be back soon," Lu Lin said smugly.
Yuan Bao and Dash exchanged a look and a knowing smile.
Lu Lin cleared his throat to cover the awkwardness, "You two, go wash your hands, it's almost dinner time."
Yuan Bao looked at Lu Lin and said, "Father, winter is coming, I hope daddy can be bask soon."
Lu Lin stroked Yuan Bao's hair and smiled.
'Yeah, the kids are right, it's not safe for Mi to start the long trudge home in winter, heavy snows can be deadly, they may seal the roads and take lives. mountain passes. Do we have to wait until next spring?' Lu Lin was very anxious.
…
Ji Yun An listened to Chen Xiao Mai and didn't go for a grand wedding ceremony.
Chen Xiao Mai felt that the most important thing about marriage was that the two of them were happy. As for the ceremony, it was nothing but a show to tell outsiders that they were happy. And Mai thought they didn't need that.
Chen Xiao Mai and Chen Xiao Mi met Ji Yun An's father and stepmother.
Ji Yun An's father looked disdainful and acted condescending in the wedding.
As for Liu Qingmei, she was dressed in a gaudy outfit, trying to steal the thunder.
Chen Xiao Mi did not pay much attention to the two. Seeing Ji Yun An's father and stepmother, Chen Xiao Mi felt very grateful to Ji Cheng Kang who had saved Ji Yun An from the Zhao Family.
Although Ji Yun An and Chen Xiao Mai's wedding ceremony was simple, it was still very impressive. The dowry was prepared by Highness Cheng and his two ladies, all the guests were dazzled by the exquisite jewelries and garments.
After the wedding ceremony, Chen Xiao Mi and Chen Xiao Mai moved to the house that Ji Yun An bought.
The new house wasn't a magnificent manor or anything, but it was tastefully furnished and there was an atmosphere of elegance everywhere.
Chen Xiao Mi looked at the snow outside the window and said, "I can't be back for a while!"
Ji Yun An looked at Chen Xiao Mi and said, "Big Brother, it's not safe to trudge over a long distance in winter. I will send a letter to Magistrate Lu and let him know everything is fine, is that okay?"
Chen Xiao Mi nodded and said with reluctance, "That seems to be the only solution now."
Chen Xiao Mai noticed the frown on Chen Xiao Mi's face, he chimed in, trying to cheer his Big Brother up, "Big Brother, Lin Ge wouldn't want you to take any risks and set out on a winter day either. And we can celebrate Chinese New Year together in the capital city this year, that's exciting."
Chen Xiao Mi nodded with a smile.
Chen Xiao Mi was a little worried about Lu Lin and the kids back at home, Chen Xiao Mai would come up with different activities to cheer up his Big Brother, so the days in the capital city weren't bad.
Hotpot was the most ideal food for wintertime. And there were a lot of entertainments and cultural recreations in the capital city, Chen Xiao Mi had a lot of fun.
But he would miss Lu Lin and the kids whenever he was watching the opera and listening to stories in the tea house… …
…