Wonderful Life After Exchanging Fate

by Usui Takumii

not mine, explore and try blogspot. Waiting for the translator to update.

3. 11 to 20

Chapter 11

"Delicious." It was a pity that there wasn't enough. Deputy General Zhao regretfully uttered as he eyed the empty earthenware pot.

A soldier next to him was gloomy. Official Zhao didn't have his fill. While he didn't even get to taste it. He could only smell the aroma.

"If Guest finds it good, I'll save some more for you tomorrow." Jiang Yun Zhu said.

Deputy General Zhao nodded at once, "Then I'll come back tomorrow."

It was set like this. The long-faced soldier paid for the meal and the three of them left.

When Mrs. Chen saw the money, she was overjoyed. She whispered to Jiang Yun Zhu, "He paid forty for this meal."

Her tone was wistful. Don't know whether she was amazed at how much Deputy General Zhao ate, or because they had just earned forty.

"As food sellers, should we be afraid of big-bellied men?" Jiang Yun Zhu responded. Forty coins may be a lot of money in Mrs. Chen's eyes, but in the eyes of rich people, it wasn't worth mentioning at all.

That Deputy General Zhao was of high ranking at first glance. Spending so much money was nothing.

Mrs. Chen pondered and agreed. "Then let's make more stewed meat tomorrow?"

She asked expectantly.

"En." Jiang Yun Zhu nodded with a smile.

Everyone continued to pack their things. Mrs. Chen picked up a bowl on the table and went to the opposite side. That bowl was from the stall selling mutton soup on the opposite side. The soldier brought it over just now. It had to be returned now.

The sellers of mutton soup were a middle-aged couple. The woman's surname was Sun, and was excellent at making soup.

"Your business is really good!" Mrs. Sun accepted the bowl and said with a superficial smile. Since Jiang Yun Zhu started to set up a stall, her business had decreased a lot. Especially today. The deputy general trio usually came to her to drink mutton soup and were her big customers. Now they were snatched away by Jiang Yun Zhu today. How can she not be angry?

"It's just earning hard money." Mrs. Chen vaguely responded.

Mrs. Sun was so jealous. Who was she fooling? She obviously made money. She gritted her teeth and asked in a casual manner, "Look at your daughter. She is beautiful and skilled. Got a match?"

"No."

Mrs. Sun latched on at once, "Then how can you let her show her face all day long?

For girls, the most important thing is reputation. With her current actions, who would dare to marry her in the future.

Aren't you harming her like this? She doesn't understand now. In the future, she might blame you for the rest of her life."

Mrs. Chen's face turned pale from what she said. If possible, she certainly hoped that Jiang Yun Zhu could eat and drink at home without worry and then marry a good husband. Mrs. Sun's words hit her weak spot.

Seeing this, Mrs. Sun became even more energetic, "Female ah, they are dependent on her husband and children. No matter how much you earn..."

"In that case, why does Auntie Sun sell soup here every day?" Jiang Yun Zhu heard her tongue wagging for a while now and was annoyed. So she asked immediately.

"How am I like you? I'm married." Mrs. Sun didn't expect Jiang Yun Zhu, a junior, to interrupt her. At once, she angrily rebuffed.

"How is it different? According to what Auntie say, you have a husband and children. You should take care of your husband and child at home." Jiang Yun Zhu threw back.

Mrs. Sun's expression was ugly. She also wanted to enjoy life at home, but the family lacked money!

"It can be seen that husbands and children aren't necessarily reliable. While money is more reliable. In this case, why don't I make money first instead of being at home dreaming and waiting for a good man to marry me?

Which one is more realistic? Auntie is such a smart person, you would know, right?

Or Auntie said that on purpose. You can't stand others better off. "Jiang Yun Zhu scoffed.

Mrs. Sun's mind was exposed. Her face turned red. She jumped to her feet, "On purpose? I told you this for your own good, but you actually bit back at me! It was really a dog biting Lu Dong Bin. Can't recognise good intentions."

Jiang Yun Zhu sneered. The words 'for your own good' were the most hypocritical in the world. It was for your own good that I don't let you go out to make money. I only did this for your own good... this was all a cover up. It was all for themselves.

"Since Auntie wants the best for me, you shouldn't say these things to make my mother sad. Instead, be more practical. For example, if someone slanders me, you can clarify for me. If someone else..."

Jiang Yun Zhu had only said a few words and Mrs. Sun wanted to spit in her face. Dream on!

"Look!" Jiang Yun Zhu had expected this. She turned to Mrs. Chen, "Mom, you saw it too. It wasn't for my own good at all. She just wants to suppress us and make us feel depressed. If someone tells you something like this in the future, just don't listen to it."

Mrs. Chen caught on and directly swiped at Mrs. Sun's face. Furious, she uttered, "If anyone speaks ill of my daughter in the future, I will look for you dirty conscience and ill-hearted person first."

Her scratch wasn't light. Blood spilled out from Mrs. Sun's face.

"You..." Mrs. Sun didn't expect gentle-looking Mrs. Chen to attack just like that.

Mrs. Chen had her eyes on her with clenched teeth. As if she'll go all out. She had lost one daughter. For this daughter, she can do anything.

Mrs. Sun was a little frightened by her aura, covered her face, and said nothing.

Mrs. Chen returned to her stall, pushed the cart, and went home with Jiang Yun Zhu group.

After they had gone a long way, Mrs. Sun came back to her senses and cursed, "Still want to get married? Just wait and be an old spinster at home!"

Mrs. Chen didn't hear this sentence. If she did, she would come back and argue with her.

While Jiang Yun Zhu heard it but didn't care. It didn't matter whether she married or not as long as she had money.

"Yun Zhu, what do you think of Qing Shan?" On the way back, Mrs. Chen asked Jiang Yun Zhu. In fact, this matter had been brewing in her heart. Only today she had the opportunity to ask Jiang Yun Zhu.

"Mother, you being in such a hurry to marry me off is fulfilling what others want." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.

After thinking about it, Mrs. Chen decided not to mention this matter for the time being. Now that the family was poor, they can't prepare any dowry for Jiang Yun Zhu. She will still be poor when she gets married. When their family has money, everything will be different.

Jiang Yun Zhu was right. Making money was the most important thing now! She thought.

Mrs. Chen became more driven. If Mrs. Sun knew about it, she might be so angry that she would vomit blood.

The next day, Jiang Yun Zhu stewed more of meat.

Before seven a.m., Deputy General Zhao arrived in a hurry with two soldiers.

"Delicious mutton soup." Seeing him from afar, Mrs. Sun yelled loudly.

Deputy General Zhao had eyes for the big earthenware pot in front of Jiang Yun Zhu. He had been thinking about this pot of meat since last night.

Mrs. Sun was already prepared, "Guest, today is your favorite sheep tongue. Why don't you come and have some?"

After hearing the words, Deputy General Zhao stopped and looked towards her.

Mrs. Sun glanced at Jiang Yun Zhu and Mrs. Chen triumphantly. Then she picked up a sheep's tongue from the soup pot and showed it to Deputy General Zhao.

It turned out that Mrs. Sun's stall didn't only sell mutton soup, but also sheep pluck soup. Deputy General Zhao loved to eat sheep tongue. In order to get him to come to her stall every day, she didn't prepare sheep tongue for him every day. Only every now and then, just to lure him.

Yesterday, Mrs. Sun flipped face with Jiang Yun Zhu and Mrs. Chen. She made up her mind to get Deputy General Zhao come to her stall today. So she specially prepared sheep tongue today.

When Mrs. Chen received her gaze, she was fuming and anxious. Today they deliberately stewed a jin more of meat. If Deputy General Zhao trio don't come to eat, it will be a loss! Besides, it was quite annoying.

Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't a anxious though. She had inquired about Deputy General Zhao from Jiang Cheng when she went back yesterday. Among the defenders of the mine, there was only one deputy general named Zhao. He was in charge of the internal and external patrol of the mine. This man had a straightforward personality and had never been harsh on miners. So many people knew him.

Jiang Yun Zhu thought, such a person would fulfill the promise he made yesterday.

Chapter 12

Sure enough, Deputy General Zhao only paused for a moment before heading to Jiang Yun Zhu's stall.

Mrs. Chen's brows were beaming with joy. At this time, she was no longer afraid of Deputy General Zhao's fierce appearance and immediately stepped forward. She enthusiastically said, "Do sit down. I'll get you some soup. How many bowls do you want?"

"Three bowls." The soldier who didn't get to drink the Hulatang yesterday immediately answered. He got to taste the soup today.

Mrs. Chen quickly brought three bowls of steaming soup over.

This side, Jiang Yun Zhu had made meat pancakes and served them.

Deputy General Zhao was early today. The soup and pancake were hotter than yesterday, making them more delicious.

A mouthful of soup, hot and sour and refreshing. Then, a mouthful of meat pancake, crispy and soft. They felt that they didn't come over today in vain.

The two soldiers couldn't stop eating.

Deputy General Zhao ate eight meat pancakes and two bowls of soup by himself today. The two soldiers each ate four meat pancakes and one bowl of soup. Jiang Yun Zhu sighed, as expected, they were really big customers.

When the bill came, the three of them ate a total of 104 wen. Mrs. Chen said 100 Wen would be fine.

Again, it was the long-faced soldier who paid.

After they left, Mrs. Chen's brows and eyes curved as she helding the bunch of money. It was worth half of yesterday's income. If there were more customers like them, why would they have no money to make!

Jiang Yun Zhu was also overjoyed. What a surprise.

While they were delighted, on the other side, Mrs. Sun's nose was almost crooked. She should have been the one who earned that one hundred coin.

Mrs. Chen could feel her jealous gaze, but ignored her. She only thought about how much meat she should stew tomorrow to keep Deputy General Zhao, the God of Wealth.

At this moment, Jiang Yun Xiu was racking her brains thinking, how could she not wash the dishes today.

When she thought of the cold well water and the mountain of dirty bowls, she felt chills all over and nauseous!

In order to take sick leave with Mrs. Zhou, she didn't get up at this hour.

When Mrs. Zhou comes later, she will...

With a bang, the door was kicked open.

"At this time and you're not still awake! The bowls in the kitchen are piled up like a mountain. What? Wait for the masters to serve you? Do you think you're the great grandaunt?" Mrs. Zhou held a wicker in her hand. Her face was drawn very long as she hollered, "Why don't you look at what kind of fate you have? A fate of a lowly one. Still, not getting up to work? Don't even think about eating today."

Fine then, won't eat. It wasn't like it was some delicacy. Jiang Yun Xiu was vexed, but she didn't dare to speak out. She had experienced the power of the wicker in Mrs. Zhou's hand. It burned and hurt her body like a branding iron.

"Supervisor Zhou, I..." She pretended to be weak, trying to say that she was sick.

"Who are you acting for? Little unrestrained hoof, you've found the wrong person." Mrs. Zhou became more and more infuriated. It was because of such flirtatious girls that seduced men and caused men to want to cheat. See how she'll slap this unrestrained face today.

As she thought this, she whipped Jiang Yun Xiu with the wicker in hand.

The wicker hit her body and excruciating pain burst out.

Jiang Yun Xiu didn't have the mind to pretend to be sick. She got up at once. As she dodged, she begged, "Supervisor Zhou, don't hit me. I'll go wash the dishes right away."

"Hurry up!"

Jiang Yun Xiu didn't dare to say any more and went to the kitchen backyard to wash the dishes.

There, Tian Ying and round-faced Xiao Dong were already washing the dishes.

Though the three washed the dishes together, Jiang Yun Xiu had a harder time than the other two. She wanted to pretend to be sick, resulting in her missing breakfast in the morning. Now she was hungry. Additionally, the hit on her shoulder hurt badly.

Today, the sky in Marquis Anping's Manor was still very blue and the surroundings were still full of flowers. But Jiang Yun Xiu had no intention of admiring them.

She wondered if her fate had gone awry. Did Jiang Yun Zhu wash dishes every day when she first arrived in the Marquis Anping's Manor? Or she was particularly unlucky and was assigned to the kitchen.

She regretted it a little. In her dream, she should have asked Jiang Yun Zhu how she became the young madam of Marquis Manor.

But soon, she gave up this thought. What Jiang Yun Zhu can do, she can do too. In the dream, she did attempt to seduce Lin Ting An. At that time her appearance had faded away. Of course she couldn't win his favor. Right now, she was slightly more beautiful than Jiang Yun Zhu. As long as she sees him...

"I'm going to the bathroom." Tian Ying said suddenly after an unknown amount of time and got up.

Xiao Dong continued to wash the dishes without any response. While Jiang Yun Xiu raised her head and her gaze followed her figure. Once her figure disappeared into the corner, a tall figure came out of the kitchen. He looked around, exhaled two breaths of hot air as if he was bored. Then he walked towards the direction where Tian Ying disappeared.

The man was Gao Shun. Now that it was past breakfast time, Mrs. Zhou was instructing the people in the kitchen on cleaning up. So he was free.

Jiang Yun Xiu's eyes flickered. She suspected that there was something between Tian Ying and Gao Shun.

This was none of her business at all, but... She wanted to understand one thing just now. Just washing dishes in the backyard of the kitchen, she would never see Lin Ting An, the eldest son of the Marquis family, in her life.

She didn't want it to be like this. She wanted to be the young madam of the Marquis Manor!

Then she had two choices, one was to curry favor with Mrs. Zhou. She was the supervisor of the kitchen. If she pleases her, she will have the opportunity to go out of the kitchen to various courtyards in the Manor and meet Lin Ting An.

Second, to please Gao Shun. He was Marquis Anping's favorite. If he was willing to help, maybe he can directly transfer her to Yixue Hall.

Yixue Hall was where Lin Ting lived.

Jiang Yun Xiu didn't want to choose either. But if she had to choose one, she would choose the former. That Gao Shun was a full-fledged pervert. She might be taken advantage of if she came in contact with him. How can she be the young madam of Marquis Manor afterward?

Moreover, someone had already hooked up with Gao Shun. If she goes too, she may not get any benefits.

After washing dishes in the backyard for the past few days, she gradually realized why Mrs. Zhou disliked her and Tian Ying. She feared that they would seduce Gao Shun! To please Mrs. Zhou, she had to prove her loyalty to her.

"I'm going to the toilet too." Thinking of this, Jiang Yun Xiu spoke out.

Turning around the corner and walking on the left corridor, one can see the toilet. However, Jiang Yun Xiu went to the right.

On the right was a small garden. At this hour, it was very quiet here.

Jiang Yun Xiu's eyes were sharp. At a glance, she saw that the clothes behind the garden crabapple belonged to Tian Ying.

She tiptoed over.

At this time, Gao Shun was full of smiles and was about to pull Tian Ying.

Tian Ying shook off his hand and said softly, "Don't touch me. Later, if Supervisor Zhou sees this, she will eat me."

"That old pious woman. If she dares, I'll divorce her!" Gao Shun immediately bellowed out with force.

"Are you really going to divorce her for me?" Tian Ying asked.

"Of course, I have long disliked her." Gao Shun hugged Tian Ying while talking.

But Tian Ying pushed him away and said aggrievedly, "Liar. I don't ask for anything else. If you really like me, you can change my job. Look at my hands."

She stretched out her hands for Gao Shun to view.

Onion-like hands that turned white from the soak came into sight.

Gao Shun immediately took her hand in distress, "I'm trying to find a way. You know that old pious woman is watching you closely."

"Then you should think fast. I'm telling you, if you don't change my job for a day, don't even try to touch me."

Gao Shun was a little annoyed. He just wanted to play with Tian Ying. Unforeseen. She treated herself as something.

Seeing his expression, Tian Ying understood. She swirled her fingertips around his chest.

Distracted by the teasing, Gao Shun immediately patted his chest to promise that he would help her.

This side, eavesdropper Jiang Yun Xiu was both annoyed and thankful. Annoyed that Tian Ying asked Gao Shun to transfer her away. Once she left, wouldn't Mrs. Zhou torture her even more? Fortunately, she discovered it early. As long as she tell Mrs. Zhou about it...

Chapter 13

At this side, Jiang Yun Zhu and Mrs. Chen cleaned up the stall and returned home.

At 9a.m., they went to town to buy things for the afternoon.

"Today's meat is really good." Mrs. Chen looked at the piece of pork belly and remarked with satisfaction. She felt this piece should be enough for Deputy General Zhao and the others to eat tomorrow.

However, Jiang Yun Zhu was staring at another piece of meat on the meat stall as her mind spun.

"Boss, is this beef?" She asked.

"Yeah. Why? Do you want it?" At first, the meat stall owner was surprised. Then he asked in delight.

The Xia Dynasty attached great importance to farming and didn't allow people to kill cattle in private. So most of the beef on the market was the meat of some old cattle. Not to mention that it was twice as expensive as pork, it was also difficult to cook with. So except for restaurants, ordinary people rarely bought it.

Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to buy a piece, so she asked for the price.

The meat stall owner gave a very affordable price.

Jiang Yun Zhu immediately decided to buy two jins.

Mrs. Chen watched from the side. Although she didn't know what she was going to do, she now chose to believe her.

"Then this piece of pork belly?" she asked.

"How about buying two jins?" Jiang Yun Zhu said.

"Is two jins enough?" Mrs. Chen was surprised. Deputy General Zhao trio ate a jin or so of meat this morning. Other people also wanted to eat a little. Going by yesterday's figure, they should buy three jins. How did it become two jins!

"I won't be selling meat pancakes tomorrow." Jiang Yun Zhu answered, "I sold meat pancakes before because I wanted to attract customers with the aroma of stewed meat and make the soup better to sell. With our place, there were few rich people. Not suitable for selling meat pancakes. You can see apart from the three people this morning, there are a few people who buy meat pancakes these days.

Now that we have more customers, we don't need to make stewed meat. "

"Then the three customers this morning..." Mrs. Chen was anxious. She didn't want to lose those three customers.

"They ate so many meat pancakes this morning, will they still want to eat them tomorrow?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.

Mrs. Chen was stumped. That's right, no matter how delicious it was, one can't eat it every day.

"Then what should we do?" She hurriedly asked.

Jiang Yun Zhu shook the beef in her hand, "I'll make this tomorrow."

Seeing her confident appearance, Mrs. Chen was a little relieved. Shortly later, it came to her. Wait a moment. Since they won't be making meat pancakes tomorrow, why were they still buying meat?

"Mother, it's about time for our family to eat meat." Jiang Yun Zhu held Mrs. Chen's hand and said earnestly.

Though they stewed meat and boiled bones every day these days, no one in the family ate a bite. Although Jiang Wu and the others were sensible and didn't throw a tantrum, their round eyes eagerly stared at Jiang Yun Zhu every day. Jiang Yun Zhu almost couldn't stand against it.

Moreover, she also wanted to eat meat!

Of course, Mrs. Chen wished her family could eat meat. Every time she saw the children's expectant eyes, her heart felt like it was bathed in acid water. But the meat was goods to be sold. So she could only harden her heart and pretend not to see it.

Since Jiang Yun Zhu exposed it today, she firmed up her heart, "Okay, let's eat stewed meat."

Soon she convinced herself and added, "We made a lot of money today, so it should be enough to eat."

Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. She knew that Mrs. Chen still loved them.

At this time, Mrs. Chen spoke, "Why don't we invite Village Chief, Father Xu, and Auntie Feng over. Our family can live here safely thanks to their help."

In order to register the household registration for their family, the village chief personally provided a package of tea leaves. While old Mrs. Feng was willing to rent the house to them at such a low price. Last time she went to bring her soup, she gave her a good few big mantou. And Father Xu. He and Xu Qing Shan helped them throughout the journey. When they arrived at Changshi Village, he put in good words for them to the village chief. Only then, they could smoothly settle down.

Each and every matter, Mrs. Chen remembered it all in her heart.

"We moved to a new house. So we should invite everyone to have a meal and have some liveliness," she said.

Jiang Yun Zhu had no objection.

"Okay, then let's buy more groceries." Mrs. Chen didn't care about money this time.

After returning home with a full load, the whole family prepared the food to be sold the next day as well as preparing dinner.

Their family didn't know many people here and it was a rented house, Mrs. Chen didn't want to make a big deal. Just took this opportunity to liven things up.

Taking time out, she went to the village chief's house and old Mrs. Feng's house to invite them.

Gu Yong De and old Father Xu had no objection, just said that they would be there in the evening.

At old Mrs. Feng's house, Mrs. Chen had repeatedly emphasized, "Everyone comes over tonight. If you don't come, I will come over to escort you."

Old Mrs. Feng had two sons. Both started a family. There were six people in their family.

Old Mrs. Feng agreed.

After Mrs. Chen left, she squinted at her two daughter-in-laws, "What do you think?"

At that time, she felt Mrs. Chen and the others were pitiful and rented the house to them at a low price. Though her two daughter-in-laws didn't voice it out, they felt they were losing out.

Now?

She knew that Jiang Family looked kind and down-to-earth. Everyone has troubled times. If they can help, it is better to lend a helping hand.

The two daughters-in-law were ashamed.

"Then do our whole family really go?" The second daughter-in-law asked. With so many people, they were feeling shy.

"Go. I can see that they are sincerely inviting our family. Bring two of our family's chickens." Old Mrs. Feng replied.

Two chickens weren't cheap anymore, the two daughters-in-law thought to themselves. But when they arrived at Jiang's house and saw the meals prepared by Mrs. Chen and Jiang Yun Zhu, they felt that they brought too little chicken.

Only then did they truly believe in old Mrs. Feng's eyesight. Jiang Family were good people and they underestimated them.

This family was worth knowing!

Tonight, Mrs. Chen and Jiang Yun Zhu simply cooked two tables of feast.

The ingredients Mrs. Chen bought included chicken and fish. After going through Jiang Yun Zhu's skillful hands, the two tables of food made broad-eater Gu Yong De speechless.

How was this chicken made? It tasted so flavorful. And that bowl of emerald green soup. The radish in it was carved?

The two tables of meals made by Jiang Yun Zhu were actually just average. In the dream, what was in the Marquis of Anping was called a tireless amount of delicate and fine food.

"Whose cooking is this?" Gu Yong De asked in amazement.

"Yun Zhu made it. I helped out." Mrs. Chen answered with a smile.

"Younger Sister actually has such skills? Where did she learn it?" asked old Mrs. Feng's second daughter-in-law.

"We are ordinary people. What skills are there? Just do more and you learn it."

Mrs. Chen's words were true. Which ordinary people would go out of their way to learn how to cook? If they do it every day, they will grasp it.

Of course, Jiang Yun Zhu's cooking level had improved a bit quickly. And this was the result of her deliberate holding back.

"Oh, it's also cooking. Some people cook it and it's delicious. Even with a bowl of mixed wild vegetables, they can pull out flavor. Someone can't do it and waste good stuff." Gu Yong De said.

"What do you mean? I ruined things?" His wife immediately snorted jokingly.

"I didn't mean that."

Everyone laughed and it passed. Still, everyone felt that Jiang Family's girl wasn't bad. She was good-looking and her skills were great.

"Hurry up and eat. If not, it won't taste good when it gets cold." Jiang Cheng spoke.

"Yes, yes. Quickly eat." Mrs. Chen followed suit and warmly urged.

Everyone sat down one after another. One side, Gu Yong De, old Mr. Chen, old Father Xu, Jiang Cheng, and old Mrs. Feng's three sons exchanged cups and drank to their heart's content. This side, old Mrs. Feng and the others also ate with full praise.

Everyone ate, drank and chatted. The relationship was suddenly pulled a lot closer.

Life should be like this. Lively and bustling.

After dinner, old Mrs. Feng's two daughter-in-laws offered to stay and help clean up. They were feeling embarrassed as they were a big family and had such delicious food.

Besides, after chatting with Mrs. Chen just now, they all felt that she was a good person and were willing to help her.

"You are customers. How can that do!" Mrs. Chen hastily replied.

"Let them help. Otherwise we won't feel at ease. You have to set up a stall tomorrow, so don't delay the important matter." Old Mrs. Feng made the final decision.

People's hearts were made of flesh. If you treat me well, I will naturally treat you well.

Old Mrs. Feng's two daughters-in-law were nimble-handed. Shortly later, they had cleaned up everything.

"If there is any matter in the future, just give us a shout." Old Mrs. Feng said before leaving.

Her two sons and daughter-in-law also nodded.

Mrs. Chen cheerfully agreed.

Everyone dispersed.

In the evening, Mrs. Chen was calculating how much money she spent today. After the calculation, she was even more eager to make money. If it wasn't for the fear of tiring Jiang Yun Zhu, she would have wished to get up at once and cook.

Oh right. She remembered a very important thing. Jiang Yun Zhu hadn't told her what she plans to make tomorrow to keep the god of wealth, Deputy General Zhao!

Naturally, Jiang Yun Zhu had it all planned out.

Chapter 14

On the second day at 7a.m., Deputy General Zhao led two soldiers down the mine mountain without haste.

"Customer, I have sheep tongue today. Come and have a bowl!" Mrs. Sun smilingly greeted. According to her thinking, Deputy General Zhao would eat sheep tongue today since he didn't yesterday.

Deputy General Zhao frowned. He ate so many meat pancakes yesterday morning and drank a lot of wine with his colleagues in the evening. He had no appetite at the moment.

"Come and sit down. You haven't come to eat our mutton soup for a good few days. Our small business isn't easy." Mrs. Sun spoke as she invited the three of them to the stall.

Since she was so enthusiastic and he hadn't eaten sheep tongue for a few days, Deputy General Zhao took two steps over.

At this moment, the long-faced soldier behind him suddenly said, "Oh, the little lady's family actually made congee today."

When Mrs. Sun heard these words, she wished she could sew up that soldier's mouth.

That soldier happened to see it and casually mentioned it.

Deputy General Zhao was taken aback. Congee? What congee?

He turned his head and looked over. The same big earthenware pot entered his sight. However, today the stew in the earthenware pot wasn't meat, but a pot of white rice congee.

The rice congee was bubbling. It seemed the rice oil had already been boiled out. It looked extremely light, but the scent that only belonged to white rice wafted along with the wind. So refreshing to the heart and lungs.

Before Deputy General Zhao could react, his legs had already left for Jiang Yun Zhu's stall.

"Customer, don't go. I've fished out the sheep's tongue for you, Customer!" Deputy General Zhao had already left. Mrs. Sun could only stand there with pointed eyes.

After a while, she threw the sheep's tongue back into the soup pot as if venting her anger. This business can't go on!

Mrs. Chen had been keeping an eye on Deputy General Zhao. When Jiang Yun Zhu said this morning that she wanted to sell congee, her heart skipped a beat. What's so good about congee? Can it sell earthquakes?

The result was that as soon as Jiang Yun Zhu's congee came out of the pot, there were quite a few people who bought it. It seemed that the sales were no worse than the meat pancakes.

Still, she was still very worried about whether Deputy General Zhao would buy it or not. He was a big customer!

Just now, Deputy General Zhao was about to go to Mrs. Sun's stall and she was almost in despair.

At this moment, Deputy General Zhao came over. The expression on her face hadn't adjusted yet. She asked a little awkwardly, "Customer, there is raw boil beef congee today. Do you want to try it?"

"Raw boil beef congee?" Hearing it made him want to drink it.

"Yes, this kind of congee was the best way to warm the stomach and nourish people." Mrs. Chen learned from Jiang Yun Zhu.

"Okay, give me a bowl." Deputy General Zhao simply replied.

"I want a bowl too." The long-faced soldier was thinking, if it was just plain congee, he wouldn't drink it. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be beef congee. So he had to try it.

"I want a bowl too." The other soldier followed up.

"Okay, three bowls of raw boil beef congee." Mrs. Chen called Jiang Yun Zhu excitedly.

"Okay, wait a moment. I'll be right away." Jiang Yun Zhu crisply responded.

Then she swiftly took out three small earthenware pots and put them on the stove. She scooped the white rice congee into the small earthenware pots. Once the rice congee bubbled, oil, salt and other seasonings were put in. Then the prepared beef was sprinkled and mixed around.

In five minutes, the beef changed color. Sprinkle chopped green onion on top and the three bowls of raw boil beef congee were ready.

The whole process was smooth like flowing clouds and running water.

Deputy General Zhao and the others watched her making congee and smelled the aroma of the congee. They felt that the congee must be delicious. When the congee was served, it was still bubbling and all the rice grains were blooming. The smell of beef mixed with the fragrance of green onion and rice. They all swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Using a spoon, they scooped up a spoonful of rice congee. The rice congee was soft and glutinous with a strong grain fragrance.

They consumed a piece of beef. The beef was tender and indescribably delicious.

The congee was very hot, so they had to drink it in small sips. It seemed that only in this way could they slowly savor the taste of the congee.

After finishing the three bowls of congee, the three of them felt warm all over. If the hulatang was said to be domineering and made one energetic for a while, this raw boil beef congee was like a warm spring, making one feel comfortable from the inside out.

"This is good stuff. Let them try it next time." Deputy General Zhao smacked his lips. He was talking about his two colleagues who weren't as good at drinking as him. They were probably still dizzy at the moment. If they can drink such a bowl of congee...

No, why wait for the next time.

"Can you make two servings of this congee for me to take it to the mountains?" He asked Jiang Yun Zhu.

"Of course." Jiang Yun Zhu answered. If he was willing to pay, she could even find someone to send it to the mountain.

Takeaway? She can do it!

"Hee, now they have to thank me." Deputy General Zhao slapped his thigh and grinned.

Jiang Yun Zhu cooked congee immediately. Fearing that the smell of congee would be scattered on the road, she handed the earthenware pot to Deputy General Zhao.

Deputy General Zhao didn't need the soldiers behind him and carried two earthenware pots by himself. His hands were as big as cattail fans, so it was effortless for him to carry two earthenware pots.

The long-faced soldier paid the money. He walked up the mountain with his long legs.

He was very fast. Once he reached the mountain, the congee inside was still bubbling when he opened the lid of the earthenware pot.

"Where did this congee come from?" A thin deputy general surnamed Li asked.

"It is definitely not made in our kitchen. Dogs won't eat anything made in our kitchen." The black-faced deputy general surnamed Bao said.

"Then you, who eat the food cooked in the kitchen every day, are a dog?" The thin Deputy General Li amusedly asked.

As soon as these words came out, all three of them laughed. Then it stopped suddenly. Their heads! They drank a little too much last night and now they were still aching.

"Drink congee, drink congee." Deputy General Li urged.

After taking a sip of congee with a spoon, "Elder Brother Zhao, this congee is good. It seems that I have to thank you this time. You still know to bring us congee."

"When have I not thought of you when there's something good." Deputy General Zhao said with a roll of his eyes. his face was full of complacency.

After a while, the two bowls of congee were finished. Deputy General Li and Deputy General Bao felt comfortable and scraped the bottom of the pot with a spoon. It was so delicious, they couldn't get enough!

Mrs. Chen received the money from the long-faced soldier. Her face was full of smiles.

While tidying up, she said to Jiang Yun Zhu, "We made too much congee today. I thought we would bring back leftovers. Who would have thought that the customer ate three bowls by himself and took two bowls away."

Her words carried joy from nothing being wasted and money was made.

Jiang Yun Zhu actually wanted to say that she made those two extra bowls for Jiang Family. Last night, their family was busy until midnight and got up so early this morning. Everyone only slept for more than three hours. They should eat a bowl of beef congee to nourish.

Forget it. Since it was sold, it was sold.

At this time, Mrs. Chen asked again, "What shall we sell tomorrow morning? Beef congee, meat pancakes, or something else?"

She listened to Jiang Yun Zhu now.

"If there is beef in the town, let's sell beef congee." Jiang Yun Zhu answered. She wanted to drink beef congee.

She now had a business direction. Hulatang and Youmotou were for a long time. These were mainly sold to the common people. Meat pancakes, beef congee or other things can be changed around. She can do whatever she wants. This way, she'll make it with interest and the customers will find it innovative. Why not do this?

They were lucky today. There was beef at the butcher's stall in the town. Jiang Yun Zhu bought two jins and made the decision. En, she won't make raw boil beef congee. She suddenly wanted to drink beef congee with smooth eggs.

It was already very late at night. Everything in Changshi Village was quiet, except for Jiang's house at the front of the village. It was still lit and hot smoke was coming out of the chimney.

On the road not far away, two horses galloped over out of nowhere. Two people were on them. They were dressed in all black and seemed to blend in with the night.

Soon they arrived at the front of Changshi Village and saw the lights of Jiang's house.

"It smells so good!" Yang Sheng raised his nose and looked into Jiang's courtyard. His stomach growled.

Shen Feng Ming also looked toward Jiang's courtyard.

"We've already arrived at the Wuling Mine. Why don't we stay here and inquire for information slowly." Yang Sheng suggested.

"I think you want to eat other people's food." Shen Feng Ming ruthlessly exposed him.

Yang Sheng chuckled, got off his horse, and knocked on the door of Jiang's house.

Chapter 15

At this time, Jiang Family had already boiled the bone soup and kneaded the dough. They will wait until tomorrow morning to add ingredients to cook the soup and fry roumotou.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Is someone knocking on the door?" Mrs. Chen suspected that she had heard wrong. Who would knock on the door at this hour.

Hearing the knock on the door wasn't rushed, it shouldn't be something urgent.

"Mother, could it be..." Jiang Yun Xue was timid and asked tremblingly. She wanted to say, could it be ghosts? There were many legends about ghosts in the mountain village. To knock on the door at this hour, it may really be... She dared not say that word. One shouldn't utter ghosts at night!

Mrs. Chen clenched the water ladle in her hand. It couldn't really be...

"I'll go and have a look." Jiang Cheng said immediately. He didn't believe that there were ghosts in this world. Even if there were ghosts, he had to protect his family.

"Father, take this." Jiang Yun Zhu handed Jiang Cheng a wooden stick used to lift the barrel.

Jiang Cheng took the stick and walked out.

Worried, Jiang Yun Zhu grabbed a kitchen knife and followed behind. She wasn't afraid of ghosts, she was only afraid of bandits and robbers.

The person knocking on the door seemed to have heard footsteps in the courtyard, and stopped knocking on the door.

"Who is it?" Jiang Cheng asked, standing in the courtyard.

"Merchants passing by. We somehow lost our way and came to the mountains. It was late at night and the dew was heavy. We would like to borrow a place to stay for the night and get some food. We shall trespass on your hospitality!" Yang Sheng said very politely.

When Jiang Cheng heard that this was the case, he was relieved and prepared to open the door.

But Jiang Yun Zhu stopped him and asked the people outside, "I wonder where Merchants come from and where are you going?" After asking, she suddenly felt that these words sound familiar. That's right, if there were a master and three apprentices outside, it would be more familiar when the answer is 'The poor monk comes from the Eastern Tang Dynasty'.

Yang Sheng was prepared, "We came from Changfeng Manor. Changfeng Manor is hit by disasters and the price of grain is extremely high. We wanted to buy some grain in Lu Prefecture and sell it back."

Hearing that they were from Changfeng Manor, Jiang Cheng felt so closeness.

Jiang Yun Zhu asked, "Is the merchant Changfeng Manor's citizen?"

"No." They spoke with a capital accent, "We're just doing business in Changfeng Manor."

"Lincang County is in Changfeng Manor, do merchants know about it?"

"We know. We've been there to sell food."

"Oh? I've been very worried about how my relatives in Lincang County are doing. I heard that the drought there is very serious. I wonder if there is any water in the Cangshui River in Lincang County." Jiang Yun Zhu asked.

Outside Yang Sheng wanted to laugh. The girl inside was really an exquisite person. There was no Cangshui River in Lincang County, there was only one Cangshan Mountain. If they haven't been to Lincang County, they really can't answer her question.

For a moment, he suddenly wanted to tease the girl inside and tell her that the Cangshui River was out of water to see how she would react.

But forget it, he was hungry and cold now. It was better not to cause problems.

"Did Miss remember wrongly? There's no river in Lincang County, only one Cangshan Mountain." He replied.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't feel embarrassed when she was exposed. She just said, "Really? I haven't been there for a long time. maybe I really remembered it wrong. By the way, what's the price of food in Changfeng Manor now?"

"Good rice is thirty-five wen a jin, brown rice is eighteen wen a jin. They are too expensive." Yang Sheng said.

Jiang Cheng was speechless. Rice was so expensive? He felt even more fortunate to have moved out of Changfeng Manor early.

"However, I heard that the price of rice is going to drop. The imperial court sent some commanding body to kill many officials of Changfeng Manor and distributed a lot of rice for disaster relief. Now the disaster situation is much better than before." Yang Sheng informed as he grinned at Shen Feng Ming.

Didn't the girl inside want to hear about the situation in Changfeng Manor? So he simply told her to let her see if they were really from Changfeng Manor.

As for the commanding body, he was talking about Shen Feng Ming. That's why his words carried some teasing.

Jiang Yun Zhu immediately thought of Shen Feng Ming when she heard him mentioned a commanding body. As she thought. She was saying the killing god went to Changfeng Manor, so can Changfeng Manor be safe?

"Is there anything else you want to ask, Miss? We are indeed merchants from Changfeng Manor. Even if the price of food in Changfeng Manor was lowered, it was still much more expensive than in Lu Prefecture. We feel there is profit in this trip, so we came here.

Who would have thought that we would get lost.

Miss, we don't eat and drink for nothing. We'll pay," he said sincerely.

At this moment, Jiang Cheng couldn't bear it anymore and replied, "You don't need to pay. It isn't easy for anyone outside." After saying that, he went to open the door.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't stop him this time. She just remembered that this place wasn't far from Wuling Mine. There was a large army stationed in Wuling Mine. Any bandit who dares to rob here was seeking his own death.

Maybe it was truly lost merchants outside.

"Squeak." The door opened.

"Who was it?" Mrs. Chen was worried and came out with a lamp, which illuminated the people inside and outside the door.

Yang Sheng was taken aback. He didn't have any impression of Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen's. But the girl swaying in the candlelight, Jiang Yun Zhu, he did have an impression, "Aren't you..." It was a rare sight to see him, the smiling tiger to one day have a surprised face.

Shen Feng Ming also saw Jiang Yun Zhu's appearance clearly and was slightly surprised.

Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen also recognized the two of them and were very surprised. How did they come here? Oh right, what about those who followed them?

On the other hand, Jiang Yun Zhu was thunderstruck. Only one thought in her head, the god of killing came knocking!

What Yang Sheng just said about merchants was a joke. When did their Qilin Guards start transporting food? And get lost! How could Qilin Guards not know many lands and roads there were in the Great Xia Dynasty?

Lost my ass!

"Are you merchants?" Jiang Cheng asked. Why did he feel they weren't! Especially when they were riding tall horses with a team of black-clothed guards.

The corner of Yang Sheng's mouth twitched. This feeling of being slapped in the face! But the words had already been spoken, so he could only say, "Yes, we are indeed merchants. We came from the capital and wanted to do business in Changfeng Manor. We hired those bodyguards because we heard that Changfeng Manor wasn't safe.

Now that we left Changfeng Manor, we don't need those people anymore. "

Jiang Cheng looked at the two of them from top to bottom. They both had a noble and expensive aura. It was estimated that even if they were merchants, they were also sons of wealthy merchants in the capital.

After thinking about it, he hurriedly said, "Then come in quickly. It's cold outside."

Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming stepped into the courtyard.

Jiang Cheng closed the door and led the two of them into the house.

Only then did Jiang Yun Zhu come back to her senses. It was too late to stop it. Also, she couldn't stop it.

"It's fine as long as it isn't a ghost." Mrs. Chen walked behind and whispered. She was most afraid of ghosts and monsters.

When Jiang Yun Zhu heard this, she smiled wryly. These two were more terrifying than ghosts. Wherever they went, there were no undead. Now they came to Changshi Village for what?

Dead... Suddenly, she remembered a tragedy that happened in Lu Prefecture.

Gu Yan Zhou, yes, that's the name. She said that she found it a little familiar when she heard it. It turned out to be him!

Also, she had wondered before, wasn't Xu Qing Shan in Qinghe Village in the dream? Why was he in Changshi Village now. It couldn't be?

With these associations in her mind, Jiang Yun Zhu felt like falling into an ice cellar.

Chapter 16

How was this matter linked with Gu Yan Zhou? This was about top thesis author case in four years time in the dream.

That year was the year of the Grand Competition. All the students went to the capital. Once they pass the exam, it was really 'the spring breeze was proud of the horseshoe disease, and one can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day".

And that year's exam had shocked Manchu even more.

According to the usual practice, after each examination, the papers from the top thesis author, second and third would be pasted beside the Jinshui Bridge for people all over the world to see. One was to show the fairness of imperial examinations and only talented people were admitted. The other was to encourage people all over the world to study hard.

But that year's top thesis author's paper, someone unexpectedly discovered that there was something different in it. On the surface, it seemed to be a beautiful article of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. However, there was a hidden article in it.

The target of the critique was directed at Shen Feng Ming, the Commander of the Qilin Guards. He enumerated ten serious crimes, including his monopolizing power, killing innocent people indiscriminately, and so on.

Let's not speak of anything else and just killing innocent people indiscriminately.

It turned out that on winter start's night four years ago, the top thesis author's family and the entire village were killed. The government said that it was bandits who killed them, but the top thesis author insisted that it was Shen Feng Ming who killed them.

The whole village of over 200 people, men, women, old and young, were killed by Shen Feng Ming for no reason!

For a while, the government and the public were shaken. Some people said that top thesis author should be executed.

Some people tried their best to protect him and demanded a thorough investigation of Shen Feng Ming, saying that it wasn't without reason.

In one day, Emperor Qing Long issued three imperial edicts.

This incident caused a big disturbance, but many people didn't know it. It was completely suppressed by the court.

Though Emperor Qing Long didn't punish Shen Feng Ming, a group of people against him appeared in the court. The undercurrent was raging.

Gu Yan Zhou disappeared without a trace, just like how he suddenly appeared.

Jiang Yun Zhu was already Lin Ting An's personal maid at that time. Lin Ting An attached great importance to this matter, so she knew something about it.

The top thesis author was called Gu Yan Zhou, from Lu Prefecture!

Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't sure that this Gu Yan Zhou was that Gu Yan Zhou because at that time she only listened to a few words intermittently.

But now Shen Feng Ming was here...

Think how Xu Qing Shan's relative visit was successful, but ended up going to Qinghe Village, it was mostly likely true!

Xu Qing Shan and Father Xu went to visit relatives in Changshi Village. When Shen Feng Ming came, the whole village of Changshi Village was killed. Xu Qing Shan and Gu Yan Zhou escaped, but they got separated. It was unknown where Gu Yan Zhou stayed to collect Shen Feng Ming's criminal evidence. Four years later, he participated in the examination and caused such a shocking event. Xu Qing Shan went to Qinghe Village, where he later met Jiang Family.

It seemed absurd, but there were traces to follow.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was like way. Jiang Yun Zhu's back felt chills. Sure enough, it would be no good when the killing god come knocking. Everyone in the village was killed?

She wasn't sure if Shen Feng Ming did this, but the crisis in front of her was real.

What to do? If she didn't explain the reason, Jiang Cheng and the others would definitely not go with her. But even if the reason was explained and escaped out of the blue, with Shen Feng Ming's vigilance, he would definitely suspect the. Then, there was no way to explain clearly at that time.

And just like the matter of transmigration. The things in the dream were also her secrets. She didn't want to tell anyone.

Besides, there was Father Xu, the village chief, old Mrs. Feng and the whole village!

But if they don't escape, what should she do?

The night of winter start. This year's winter start was November 7th. Today was October 25th. Meaning, there were still 13 days left...

"Yun Zhu, what are you thinking?" Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu standing still, Mrs. Chen asked aloud.

"Nothing much." Jiang Yun Zhu said quickly.

"Give me a hand and make them something to eat." Mrs. Chen said.

"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu followed into the kitchen.

Some of the boiled bone soup was scooped out. Vegetables and other ingredients were added. Immediately it became two bowls of hot and spicy soup.

The youmotou were a little troublesome. The dough had just been kneaded and needed to be fermented for a while before it can be fried.

"What should I do?" When it comes to cooking, Mrs. Chen was used to asking Jiang Yun Zhu. She felt she always had a way.

There was flour, a piece of beef, and a lot of radishes, spinach, bean curds, etc at home. Jiang Yun Zhu immediately had an idea.

After a while, the food was ready. She and Mrs. Chen took it to a side room next to it. There Jiang Cheng poured two cups of hot water for Shen Feng Ming and the others and brought them a basin of warm water to wash their hands.

Yang Sheng was very curious about how Jiang Cheng and the others got here.

Jiang Cheng told about their experience.

Hearing Jiang Cheng say that he was working as a miner in Wuling Mine, Yang Sheng immediately became interested and pulled him to sit down to chat.

When Jiang Yun Zhu came in, she heard Jiang Cheng talking about the mine.

She quickly interrupted, "The meal is ready. The two merchants must be hungry. Quickly eat while it's hot!"

Speaking of the two merchants, the corners of her mouth trembled. How did the two of them looked like merchants?

Yang Sheng was so hungry that his chest was sticking to his back. Now he smelled the food and his attention was immediately attracted.

"Father, Mother and I can't lift the soup bucket in the kitchen. Can you help us?" Jiang Yun Zhu said to Jiang Cheng.

"Okay." Jiang Cheng got up immediately.

The three members of Jiang Family came to the kitchen.

"What soup bucket?" Jiang Cheng turned around, but didn't find the soup bucket that needed to be carried.

"Father, I think those two people aren't simple. You should tell them less about the mine's matter." Jiang Yun Zhu decided to let Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen be on guard against Shen Feng Ming.

"Really?" Not simple. Son of a rich businessman in the capital, of course they weren't simple. It wasn't easy for Jiang Cheng to think of the identity as a wealthy businessman in the capital. Ordinary people, who have never even seen the officials of the county government, how could they think of such a high-ranking official as the Commander of the Qilin Guard.

In fact, if Jiang Yun Zhu hadn't seen Shen Feng Ming in her dream, she wouldn't have dared to think so.

"In my opinion, they don't seem like businessmen," Mrs. Chen said.

Jiang Cheng decided to listen to Mrs. Chen and Jiang Yun Zhu. The three of them tidied up the kitchen and went back to their rooms to sleep.

In the neighboring side room, Yang Sheng was admiring the food on the table.

He and Shen Feng Ming each had a bowl of hot soup and a plate of pancakes in front of them. The aroma of the soup was exactly what he had smelled outside the door earlier.

In the middle were five or six small dishes, including red shredded beef, white shredded radish, emerald green spinach, yellow bean curd, black fungus, and a small dish of red shredded pickles.

The color and presentation of this side dish alone were eye-catching.

Yang Sheng immediately understood that these side dishes should be eaten with pancakes.

He didn't hold back and took a mouthful of hot soup first. This soup was delicious! He couldn't wait to pick up the pancake, put his favorite dish on it, and put it in his mouth.

The slightly spicy beef, the refreshing radish, and the fragrant bean curd were full of flavor.

His mouth never stop as he gestured to Shen Feng Ming with his hands, telling him to taste it quickly, this thing was really good.

Shen Feng Ming glanced at him. Really? He was the son of the Yang family and had eaten hundreds of imperial banquets in the palace.

Then he rolled a pancake and tasted it. Slightly surprised, he looked the pancake.

"Isn't it delicious?" Yang Sheng swallowed all the pancake in his hand and finally had the chance to talk.

"It isn't bad." Shen Feng Ming replied.

Yang Sheng patted the table, "It is really not easy to get these three words from you."

After he finished speaking, he picked up another pancake, rolled up some dishes and said to Shen Feng Ming, "I feel more and more that this girl is pretty good. Being in this small village is really burying her.

Won't you consider letting her follow you? "

Shen Feng Ming looked at him coldly. What was he saying?

"Then let me ask if she is willing to follow me?" Yang Sheng said.

"She may not be buried in this mountain village." In the blink of an eye, Shen Feng Ming ate up a single pancake.

"What not bury. The capital is so prosperous..."

"Eat!" Shen Feng stated.

Yang Sheng wanted to argue again. He took a look at Shen Feng Ming's expression and continued to eat with a grunt.

After a while, the two of them ate and drank till their fill. Yang Sheng leaned back on the chair contentedly, took a sip of water, and asked Shen Feng Ming, "Are you really going to make things difficult for Sixth Prince?"

A few days ago, Vice Minister Li wrote a booklet and handed in, saying that the Sixth Prince privately manufactured weapons in Zhaoping County.

Making weapons privately was a crime of treason.

Speaking of Sixth Prince, one have to mention the current situation of the Xia Dynasty's crown prince.

Xia Dynasty had a crown prince. But when the crown prince was seven years old, he fell ill for some reason. After treatment and his life was saved, his body became more and more fat. Now he needed help to walk.

The sixth prince was the son of Concubine Wu. He was extraordinary in martial arts and was most liked by the emperor. Many people think that he was the best candidate for the crown prince position.

This was strongly opposed by veteran officials in the court and some nobles. They felt that the crown prince was benevolent and his status was orthodox. So he could not be abolished without reason.

Due to this court was in a quarrel over this matter.

This time, Vice Minister Li's booklet on Sixth Prince's action was like igniting a gunpowder keg.

Emperor Qing Long ordered Shen Feng Ming to investigate the matter secretly.

After receiving the order, Shen Feng Ming felt that although the place where the weapons were privately manufactured was in Zhaoping County, they might not be able to find anything when they get there. So it was better to start from the source. He decided to divide his troops into two groups, one group went to Zhaoping County, while the other group came to Wuling Mine.

He and Yang Sheng's horse were excellent. They arrived at Wuling Mine first. The rest of the Qilin Guards will probably arrive in two or three days.

"I'm not making it difficult for anyone. I'm only investigating the case." Shen Feng Ming said lightly.

Yang Sheng choked up. The investigation was making it difficult for the sixth prince. Was there any difference between the two?

Chapter 17

At three a.m. the next day. It was exactly three o'clock, Jiang Family got up and busied away.

They made their movement light for fear of disturbing the merchants that were staying overnight. But who were Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng? They woke up as soon as the family woke up.

Yang Sheng looked at the sky outside. So early?

Looking into the courtyard again, they saw four or five figures busy in the kitchen amidst the warm yellow lights. The scent of hulatang and youmotou wafted in the wind.

"Comparable to our Qilin Guard." Yang Sheng noticed that Shen Feng Ming had also woken up, and muttered. They woke up earlier than chickens and slept later than dogs.

At five, as soon as Jiang Yun Zhu's stall was set up, three unexpected customers came.

She recognized Deputy General Zhao, but she had never met the two deputy generals next to him.

"Why is Customer so early today?" She asked in surprise. A few days ago, Deputy General Zhao only came here after seven.

"Something happened at the mine today... Oh, I forgot to bring you your earthenware pot." Deputy General Zhao didn't say anything in detail. When he saw the steaming big earthenware pot in front of Jiang Yun Zhu's stall, he suddenly remembered.

"It's fine. Just bring it back to me whenever it is convenient for Customer." Jiang Yun Zhu responded.

"What's with you two. I brought you congee and you don't think of bringing back the earthenware pot for others." Deputy General Zhao complained about the two people beside him.

"I was thinking about it. I wanted to drink another bowl of beef congee today and bring the earthenware pot back along the way. Who could imagine General Wang wanting the inventory of the warehouse counted in the middle of the night. So I completely forgot." The thin Deputy General surnamed Li patted his head and replied.

"What's it for? Why take inventory of the warehouse out of the blue?" The black-faced Deputy General surnamed Bao asked.

"Who knows." Deputy General Li said.

"It's none of our business. Drink congee. I didn't have enough congee yesterday." Deputy General Bao rubbed his hands.

"Three bowls. Beef congee." Deputy General Zhao thought for a while, but still didn't remember the full name of the beef congee. So he only said beef congee.

"Customers, yesterday you had raw boiled beef congee. Today I prepared smooth egg beef congee. Do you..."

Before Jiang Yun Zhu could finish speaking, Deputy General Bao said, "I'll have smooth egg egg beef congee. From the sound of eggs in it, it must be better than yesterday's."

"That's all it takes," Deputy General Li laughed when he heard this.

Nearby, Mrs. Chen couldn't help chuckling. She found that although these three people looked fierce, they were not as domineering as other officials. On the contrary, they were quite interesting.

Jiang Yun Zhu quickly made the smooth egg beef congee.

Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng ate some of the beef they bought yesterday. Fortunately, these three came early today, otherwise they might not be able to eat this beef congee.

She noticed that the thin Deputy General just now said that General Wang was counting the warehouses in the middle of the night?

General Wang. The highest rank of defenders here was a general. It was heard he was surnamed Wang.

He checked the warehouse in the middle of the night...

There was too little information. Jiang Yun Zhu had no thought path. But she suddenly thought that mines, iron ore, and iron. They were very sensitive and important in this era of cold weapons.

So, did Shen Feng Ming come here for the iron mine?

Jiang Yun Zhu felt that she had grasped something.

Though her mind was running, the movements of her hands never stop. In a short time, three bowls of smooth egg beef congee were ready.

It was still in three earthenware pots, bubbling and steaming.

"Like I said, this one with egg must be better than yesterday's!" Deputy General Bao remarked, pointing at the congee in the earthenware pot.

"You haven't tasted it yet, so how do you know?" Deputy General Li seemed to like to retort and he asked at once.

"Is there a need to taste? You can tell by looking." Deputy General Bao curled his lips, with a look on his face that 'you haven't seen the world, I don't know you'.

Eggs were added to today's smooth egg beef congee. The golden egg flower was hidden among the smooth and tender beef and the crystal clear rice congee. It looked much richer than yesterday.

"I'll try it." Deputy General Zhao took a sip. It was so delicious!

The others didn't bother to talk anymore. Each picked up a spoon to drink the congee.

Don't know how Jiang Yun Zhu did it. The eggs were so tender and smooth, while the beef was so fragrant that the flavor lingered. Even the white rice congee seemed to be delicious.

One earthenware pot of congee seemed like it was scrambling to run into their stomachs.

After a while, the three drank all the congee and patted their stomachs comfortably.

"It's delicious. Boss, do you sell it at noon?" Deputy General Bao asked. If they do, he will come over to eat.

"Sorry, Customer, we won't put out our stall at noon." Before Deputy General Bao showed a disappointed expression, Jiang Yun Zhu changed the subject, "But we can deliver it to the mountain or the foot of the mountain for you."

"What do you mean?" Deputy General Zhao found it novel.

Even Mrs. Chen looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. What was her daughter talking about?

In fact, when Deputy General Zhao said yesterday that he wanted to take away two servings of beef congee, Jiang Yun Zhu had this idea. Takeaway was perfect for the current situation.

It had been hard to always sell breakfast. Sooner or later, transformation was needed.

In the future, she would like to do takeout for lunch and dinner. Just one meat and one vegetarian, two meat and one vegetarian, or two meat and two vegetarian as work box meals. Of course, one can also order a small stir-fry for extra money.

Selling breakfast right now was to target the miners on the mountain.

The takeaway was mainly for the soldiers and craftsmen on the mountain with relatively high monthly salaries.

She had heard from Jiang Cheng before that there was a canteen for the defenders and artisans on the mountain and it was free. And the level. Although Jiang Yun Zhu had never eaten there, one can tell by seeing the soldiers and Deputy General Zhao at the market. Rather than eating the free one, they often come down the mountain to eat the expensive ones. It can be seen that the free ones were probably not very good.

This was the market. What's more, a market with great potential.

A bowl of hulatang with youmotou only sold for three wens. How much can a box of work box meals sell for? How much should a small stir-fry sell for? The price multiplied and went up. Naturally, the money earned was more.

Most importantly, there was no need to spend money on storefronts for takeaway.

Jiang Yun Zhu told Deputy General Zhao her thoughts. He can order food or order a set meal. Then arrange a time and they will deliver the meal to the designated place around noon.

Deputy General Zhao was very surprised when he heard it, "Is it possible?"

"Can I really order food? I want to eat fatty intestines. I have been wanting to eat them for several days. Miss, I believe in your skills." Deputy General Bao hurriedly said.

"Look at the dish you want to eat..." Deputy General Li looked disgusted. Then he asked Jiang Yun Zhu eagerly, "Can you make fish? Any kind of fish will do. What we make in the kitchen is also called fish." Recalling it, Deputy General Lo felt distress.

The fish made in the cafeteria was too fishy and woody. Even cats wouldn't eat it. It was too hard for a fish-lover like him.

Jiang Yun Zhu raised her eyebrows. Coincidentally, she was best at cooking fish.

"You two." Deputy General Zhao's cow eyes angrily with glared at their unpromising reaction. What were they snatching for? He hadn't ordered yet!

"Customer, what do you want to eat?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked him.

Deputy General Zhao also wanted to eat fish and fatty intestines. When Deputy General Bao and the others talked of it, his mouth was about to drool. But the two of them had already ordered, and he couldn't order any more.

Unable to some up with anything for a while, he simply took out a piece of silver and handed it to Jiang Yun Zhu, "It doesn't matter what kind of food you make, the more spicy the better." He loved spicy food. The ones made in the cafeteria weren't flavorful enough at all.

"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu took the money. Weighing it, it was about half a liang, "I'll bring you the food at noon and give back the change."

She hadn't thought of what kind of dishes to make for him yet. She had to go to the town to see what ingredients were available. Naturally, there was no way to set the price now.

"No need to change. Leave it with you for now. In future, I'll still buy food from you. I only brought this much with me today. I'll eat from this first. Once it's used up, I'll give more." Deputy General Zhao said like he didn't care. He wasn't afraid that Jiang Yun Zhu would run away.

Besides, even if she ran away, it would only be half a silver liang. Nothing at all.

With him taking the lead, Deputy General Li and Deputy General Bao both took out a piece of silver and handed it to Jiang Yun Zhu, saying similar things to her.

Jiang Yun Zhu accepted them one by one, remembering which piece of silver belonged to whom. She was going to get an account book when she got home, lest she make mistakes.

After they left, Mrs. Chen stared at the three pieces of silver in a daze. Did they get nearly two silver liang just like that? Who would believe it!

Chapter 18

"Yun Zhu, this, this..." Mrs. Chen pointed at the silver, stammering.

"Just leaving the deposit with us first." Jiang Yun Zhu said with a smile, implying that the money wasn't theirs yet.

Mrs. Chen was still very happy, touching this piece of silver, weighing that piece of silver. The silver was cold, but her heart was hot.

As the seven o'clock approached, there were fewer and fewer people in the market.

"Auntie Chen, Yun Zhu." Xu Qing Shan drove a donkey cart over from the foot of the mountain.

"It's Qing Shan, why did you come here?" Mrs. Chen was surprised.

Xu Qing Shan hurriedly told about his transporting matter. Taking Jiang Yun Zhu's advice that day, he immediately went around to inquire and found a few places that were neither far or near and suitable for giving rides.

It was his first time doing it yesterday and had no experience. He did two rides in the morning and evening each and earned twenty-six wens. Today, he had experience. He made three trips this morning and earned 20 wens. It was estimated that it wouldl be about the same in the evening.

Going by this, he can earn about one or two liang silver a month. This was twice as much as what was earned in the mines!

"My father feel distress for it and won't let me do rounds in the daytime. After I save money, I can buy a donkey or a horse. I can make more money by pulling the two animals in turns instead." Xu Qing Shan excitedly told Mrs. Chen and Jiang Yun Zhu all about the situation of pulling his transporting in the past two days. Afterward, he patted his donkey and remarked.

His family's donkey had done a great job. They got here safely by relying on it on the way to seek refuge. They still rely on it to make money. Now its status in the family was higher than his.

Mrs. Chen was envious when she heard it, but she wasn't jealous. She was just happy for him.

"Thanks to Yun Zhu." Xu Qing Shan looked at Jiang Yun Zhu embarrassedly when he said this. It was only because of her affirmation and guidance that he made up his mind to do this business.

Thinking of this, he lowered his voice and said to Mrs. Chen, "Auntie, I have two more routes in mind today, but I can't do it alone. How about you tell Uncle Jiang to do this instead.

It's too tiring to work in the mine, and it isn't as profitable as this one.

I'm not lying to you. Really! " He was afraid that Mrs. Chen wouldn't believe it and said anxiously.

Of course, Mrs. Chen believed him. He had already said so much. She wasn't stupid. How could she not see that he really wanted to help them. Of course, there was a reason that Jiang Yun Zhu was the one who gave him advice. But weren't there still white-eyed wolves in this world?

He was a good person.

"I'll go back and discuss it with your Uncle Jiang." Mrs. Chen replied. What she said was evasive. It was also the truth. Jiang Cheng was currently at the mine during the day and helping them with their business in the morning and evening. He only slept three or four hours a day. Her heart felt distress for him and was afraid he wouldn't be able to bear it.

It would be much easier if he could really give rides with Xu Qing Shan. And also earn more.

However, giving rides required an animal and a cart. A mature donkey would cost at least seven or eight liang. A mule was more expensive, so don't even think about a horse. While a cart required four or five liangs. This adds up to twelve liang silver.

Their family had made some money these days, but it was far from buying a donkey and cart!

"If Auntie is short of money, I still have some." Xu Qing Shan paused, "No, I can borrow some from my cousin uncle."

Mrs. Chen quickly shook her head. If they borrow, how much should they borrow? If it was short one or two liang, she would borrow it. Right now, the difference was too much. Besides, it would be great if they could borrow money from his cousin uncle to buy livestock and earn a little more every day. Why should they help them though?

This kind of favor was too great. She didn't dare nor did she have the shame to accept it.

"Good child, I know your good intentions. I will tell Uncle Jiang about this." She spoke.

"En." Xu Qing Shan nodded.

The more Mrs. Chen looked at Xu Qing Shan, the more satisfied she became. If Jiang Yun Zhu could really marry him and the husband and wife worked hard together, could life be bad?

"Have you eaten yet?" She asked Xu Qing Shan while removing the lid of the soup bucket.

When Xu Qing Shan saw that she was going to get him something to eat, he quickly shook his head, trying to express that he wasn't hungry. However, his stomach uncooperatively growled.

He blushed in embarrassment. Mrs. Chen smiled and filled a large bowl full of Hulatang for him. Then she placed seven or eight youmotou on the table for him and urged him to eat.

Xu Qing Shan could only sit down and eat.

After eating, he wanted to give Mrs. Chen money, but Mrs. Chen wasn't willing to accept.

The two debated for a while, it was finally decided that Mrs. Chen treated him this time. The next time he comes, he'll pay.

During this time, Jiang Yun Zhu sold three more bowls of hulatang. When the last customer came, there were six youmotou left. Originally, five youmotou was complimentary with a bowl of soup. She gave him all six. It made the customer so delighted that he directly exclaimed to come tomorrow.

Today's business was over.

Jiang Yun Zhu and Mrs. Chen packed up. Xu Qing Shan helped. Initially, they used a small cart to push things back every day. Today Xu Qing Shan directly put the things and the small cart on the donkey cart and saved a lot of trouble.

Mrs. Chen really wanted to buy a donkey cart. Originally, she had the same thought as Jiang Cheng. Once they made money, they would build a house. Only when they had their own house could they feel at ease. But now she felt that the donkey cart was more urgent.

Xu Qing Shan drove the donkey cart back. On the way, he asked Mrs. Chen, "Auntie, will you go to the town later? My father asked me to buy some soybean meal for the donkey on the way back today. If you go, you can sit on my cart."

In the past, when Mrs. Chen and the others finished, they would eat something, sleep, and then go shopping in the town after getting up.

Today...

"Yun Zhu, let's go to town first after we have some food!" Mrs. Chen said. One, they get a ride. If not, they would have to walk nearly three kilometers to the town every time to buy something, and then carry it back nearly three kilometers. It would be really tiring.

Second, she naturally had her own plans.

Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to go back to sleep. But today she really had to go to town first. She promised Deputy General Zhao trio to bring them lunch at noon. She got to go to town early to buy things.

"Okay, then we'll trouble Eldest Brother Xu." Jiang Yun Zhu responded.

The 'Eldest Brother Xu' made Xu Qing Shan blush again.

Mrs. Chen was experienced, so how can she not understand Xu Qing Shan's thought. She suddenly had an idea in her mind.

After a while, the donkey cart arrived at the gate of Jiang's house.

Xu Qing Shan helped unload the things and said that he was free in the morning and Mrs. Chen pair could call him after eating.

"Is there time to eat? Yun Zhu, since you're going to sell lunch and dinner, why don't you look at the prices of the goods in the town? Also buy things for lunch. There's no time to delay.

How about this, you go to the town with Qing Shan and buy something to eat when you're hungry.

I'll stay behind to cook for Jiang Lin and the others and clean the kitchen. Under both of our both management, let's make the three customers satisfied. Then we can do better business in the future, right?" Mrs. Chen's words were well-founded.

Jiang Yun Zhu found it reasonable too. This morning, it was really busy.

They were talking at the door. In the side room, Yang Sheng had seen Jiang Yun Zhu come back.

He also saw a young man standing next to her. The young man was busy. Still, he would glance at Jiang Yun Zhu from time to time. He sighed, "Sure enough, that clumsy husband appeared."

The reason why he said this was because he said the phrase 'a clever woman often matched with a clumsy husband' when he first met Jiang Yun Zhu. At that time, he said that Jiang Yun Zhu had a clever mind, but her background was humble. It was estimated that she could only marry an ordinary farmer in the future. Wasn't it a pity?

Looking at it now, it really seemed like it.

Seeing that such a good girl will spend her whole life in the mountains, dealing with firewood, rice, oil and salt every day, like a pearl covered in dust, Yang Sheng naturally sighed.

Shen Feng Ming looked out because of his words. In the morning light, Jiang Yun Zhu was standing there with her hands caressing her black hair. The warm golden sun shone on her body. Like pearls and jade, the beauty was bright. Everything around her seemed to be a foil.

Chapter 19

Jiang Yun Zhu smoothed the messy hair around her ears and got on the donkey cart.

Xu Qing Shan drove the donkey cart away.

Mrs. Chen stood there watching for a long time before entering the courtyard with a smile. Then she saw Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming coming out of the side room.

She was slightly taken aback. She thought the two merchants had already left!

If they were really lost businessmen borrowing accommodation, they should have left at dawn to make a living.

But Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming weren't.

The two of them had gone out in the morning, not long after Jiang Yun Zhu and the others departed. They went up the mountain and checked the situation of Wuling Mine. Afterwards, Yang Sheng clamored to go back to Jiang's house to eat. So they came back.

Seeing Mrs. Chen's expression, Yang Sheng's mind turned and said quickly, "Auntie, we want to collect some grain in this village. Do you know who has grain and wants to sell it?"

It turned out that this was the case. Now Mrs. Chen really believed that they were merchants selling food.

"After eating, I'll go to the village chief's house and ask for you." She replied.

Hearing that there was going to be food, Yang Sheng regained his energy. After circling around the mountain early in the morning, he was cold and hungry. He wanted to eat long ago.

What were they eating today? The soup yesterday was not bad. The pancakes were good. The side dishes were well made...

When Mrs. Chen brought the meal over, Yang Cheng squeezed the dusty thing in his hand. Using his eyes, he asked Shen Feng Ming, was this pancake? Why was it this color?

The sorghum pancakes were of this color. Mrs. Chen was a little embarrassed. Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't at home and there wasn' anything else at home. So she can only let the two guests eat this.

This was also their daily food.

Shen Feng Ming ignored Yang Sheng, took the pancakes, and ate them. He ate slowly, without any expression. Yang Sheng assumed the pancakes looked ugly, but actually tasted good.

Fiercely, he took a big bite. Afterward... he began to miss Jiang Yun Zhu!

After eating, Mrs. Chen went to the village chief's house and explained that two grain merchants had come to her house and asked her if there was anyone in the village who wanted to sell grain.

Gu Yong De thought about it. There really was.

After a while, Mrs. Chen came back with a smile on her face.

When Yang Sheng heard that someone really wanted to sell grain, he twitched his lips and looked at Shen Feng Ming. What should he do? Was he really going to collect grain?

Shen Feng Ming looked at him calmly.

After a while, Yang Sheng sighed and went out with Mrs. Chen. He had to bear the lies he told.

At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had already arrived in the town. Along the way, she had already figured out what to buy and where to buy it. So she got off the donkey cart and went straight to the market.

First, she went to buy the things to cook for Deputy General Zhao trio's lunch. She was afraid that some things would be sold out if it was too late.

The tanned-faced customer ordered fatty intestines. She went to the butcher's stall.

"Pig intestines? There are some today, but they were reserved for old customers." The butcher said.

Jiang Yun Zhu frowned, wondering if there was any meat stall in the town.

"There aren't many people who buy that thing. Have to make an order every day to get it." The boss explained. Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu's on-the-spot expression, he continued, "You are also my regular customer. So if you don't want much, I'll sell you some."

At once, Jiang Yun Zhu was overjoyed. She really didn't want much, just one plate of food. If the boss sold her more, she wouldn't know what to do with it!

"Just right." The boss took out a wooden barrel from under the meat stall, pulled out a section of pig intestines, and asked Jiang Yun Zhu, "Are these enough?"

"Enough!"

The boss cut the pig intestines with a knife, tied them with hemp rope, and handed them to Jiang Yun Zhu.

Jiang Yun Zhu put it away and asked if there was any beef today.

The boss shook his head. It wasn't easy for cattle getting slaughtered for two days in a row. It really didn't happen today. It wasn't just him, even the whole Hongye Town didn't have it.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't force it and bought a piece of pork.

Then she hurried to the fish stall. The weather was getting colder. There were fewer and fewer fish sellers. Fortunately, she came early today. One of the fishmongers still had several carps. So she picked the freshest one.

Now that the main ingredients were sorted, the rest was the accompanying ingredients. There was no need to rush this.

After walking through several stalls, she bought all the ingredients.

Then there were the materials used to make hulatang and youmotou today. This was easy to sort. She knew the way and found all the places to buy it.

It seemed that there wasn' anything to buy, right?

Oh right. There was one more thing to buy. She went to the book room on the east side of the town and bought some paper, a fine brush, and some ink. In the future, she will do takeaway, so she can't do it without keeping accounts.

The owner of the book room was very considerate. He cut the paper she bought into small sheets according to her requirements, wrapped everything up, and handed it to her.

Jiang Yun Zhu went out with her things. Xu Qing Shan was already waiting for her outside.

This time she really had to thank him. If it weren't for him, it would be hard for her to take back so many things.

After everything was packed, Jiang Yun Zhu felt hungry. There happened to be a clay oven roll seller on the side of the road. So she went over and bought two.

The clay oven rolls were really well made. They were crispy, tender and crunchy. They were freshly baked. Once bit into them, flavor filled the mouth.

This clay oven roll was stuffed with meat. It was pork belly and green onions. Jiang Yun Zhu thought while eating. In fact, it would be delicious to replace it with dried vegetables and pork belly. She suddenly thought of the crab shell oven clay rolls. That would be delicious. When she has a chance, she will make a furnace and enjoy it.

Her mind was wandering when she suddenly saw a porcelain seller on the street. There were bowls, plates, ladles, cups, etc., each with a different design and color. It looked quite unique.

Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly remembered something. She wanted to do takeout food. The container was a problem. It was easy to handle small stir-fry. It was fine to use a bowl for rice and a plate for vegetables. But what about two meat and one vegetarian work meals?

Put it together or use three or four bowls?

It didn't feel right. It would be great if the lunch boxes were divided into a few areas like modern times.

An idea suddenly came to mind.

"Miss, what do you want to buy? It's cheap." The stall owner was a middle-aged man.

"Boss, did you make all these things?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.

"Yes, it's a family-inherited craftsmanship."

"I want to make a lunch box. I wonder if Boss can do it."

"Miss, do explain."

Jiang Yun Zhu told the man her thoughts.

The man pondered for a while and said, "It can be done. If you want it, I happen to be burning a kiln in two days. I can do it for you. It can be completed in about seven or eight days. What do you think?"

"Seven or eight days. How much does one cost?"

The man thought for a while, "Seven wens. It's cheaper when buying more. How many do Miss want?"

How many? This question put Jiang Yun Zhu on the spot. She wanted to order a batch and make the takeaway business booming. But when she thought about what could happen twelve days later, she dared not invest so much money.

Right now, she felt the incident may be related to the iron mine. If so, it mustn't be the work of bandits as the government said. There was an army stationed in Wuling Mine, which bandit dared to run around here and make such a big commotion? Were they tired of living?

Gu Yan Zhou said that Shen Feng Ming did it, while she made no comment. What good will it do for Shen Feng Ming to do this? Even though he was called Shen No Keep, he only killed corrupt officials and the like in the past. She had never heard of him massacring innocent people.

If it wasn't him, who else would it be? Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know. But no matter if It was Shen Feng Ming or someone else, that person must be a person with power. How can she, a common girl, fight against them?

She wanted to observe for a few days first. If there was no change in this matter before winter start, she will find a way to lure the villagers to the county city. She didn't believe that those people dared to openly kill so many people in the county!

As for how to trick, she hadn't figured it out yet. It was just an immature method she thought of on the way here just now.

Jiang Yun Zhu remained silent. The seller thought she didn't want it anymore and immediately became anxious.

He had heard from ancestors that his family's ancestral porcelain firing skills were also famous. But when it reached his grandfather, there was only a small kiln left. Normally, they made a living by burning some dishes and bowls. Even so, everyone envied that his family could be well-fed before. But since the discovery of iron ore in Wuling Mountain, all the people around have gone to work in the mine, earning money like running water.

When his wife saw him now, she nagged. Saying who went to the mine today and how much money they earned back. Saying who will build a new house tomorrow, which family had meat to eat every now and then, can buy new clothes, and so on.

While him, messing with mud every day. The days were getting worse and worse.

He heard it and was anxious in his heart.

A few days ago, he gave himself one last chance. He told his wife that if he still can't make any money by the end of this month, he will go to the mine.

His wife was naturally overjoyed and even made him a bowl of egg noodles to nourish his body. But he couldn't be happy at all. He couldn't bear to part with his family-inherited skill.

Seeing that the end of the month was getting closer and he hadn't made much money yet, how could he not be anxious!

Chapter 20

"Miss?" Wang De, the man selling porcelain, asked aloud.

Only then did Jiang Yun Zhu come back to her senses, "Boss, to tell you the truth, I'm not sure whether I want to buy it now. In fact, there was one matter in a few days. I don't know if I can get through it safely. If I can, I will order fifty first. In the future, I may order more. If we can't make it through..."

She didn't continue, believing he could understand.

Wang De listened to her words. It was a matter of her family's life. Compared with her, his matter wasn't urgent.

"Miss, are you alright?" He asked hesitantly.

"It's fine." Jiang Yun Zhu smiled.

Seeing her light smile, Wang De believed her statement. Gritting his teeth, he stated, "Miss, tell me a date. As long as you come before this date, I will sell it to you."

If this day has passed, he can't guarantee it. Maybe he has already gone to the mine to work as a miner by then.

"Thank you Boss. If I buy it, I will definitely come before November 8. If I don't come, don't wait for me, Boss." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.

November 8th. He agreed at the end of the month with his wife. Forget it. No matter what, he will wait another eight days. After eight days, everything will come to a conclusion.

"Okay." Wang De nodded.

"Thank you!" Jiang Yun Zhu thanked again before turning around.

"Yun Zhu, were you okay? November 8th..." Xu Qing Shan was a little worried when he heard what Jiang Yun Zhu said just now.

"I had a dream yesterday. I dreamed of a big-bellied Arhat...Forget it, it might just be a dream. Let's talk about it later." Jiang Yun Zhu said casually.

Hearing that it was because of a dream, Xu Qing Shan laughed, "Things in dreams can't be real." He said.

"I know." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.

The two of them did not continue this topic.

Afterwards, Jiang Yun Zhu went to the nearby restaurants and looked at the prices of various dishes. Then she got on a donkey cart and returned to Changshi Village.

At this moment, Jiang Lin was playing with some children in the village by the river at the head of the village. When he saw Jiang Yun Zhu come back, he ran home and shouted, "Elder Sister is back. Elder Sister is back."

When Jiang Yun Zhu got off the cart, Jiang Lin, Jiang Yun Xue, and Jiang Wu immediately came over to help her carry her things.

Soon, those big and small bags were carried to the hall or the kitchen.

"Then I'll go first." Xu Qing Shan said.

"En, thank you for today!" Jiang Yun Zhu said.

"You don't need to be so polite." Xu Qing Shan glanced at Jiang Yun Zhu again and left quickly.

After he left, Jiang Yun Zhu went into the yard. Checking the sky, it was still okay. There should be time to rest for half an hour before she starts making lunch.

She took out a paper bag from her pocket and opened it. Inside were eleven colorful candies. When she bought the seasoning, she bought it by chance. Two cost one wen. She bought five wen worth. The boss gave her an extra one.

Those candies were crystal clear. Each was the size of a finger belly, shining charmingly in the sunlight.

"Candy." With sharp eyes, Jiang Lin immediately saw the candies in her hand and ran over a few steps. He didn't grab it though, just stood there staring at the candy greedily. He could barely remember the taste of candy.

In fact, there was sugar in the kitchen, the kind of yellowish candy that Jiang Yun Zhu used for cooking. None of the three children ate it.

Jiang Yun Xue also walked over, intently staring at the candies.

"Candy." Jiang Wu's saliva was about to flow down. He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu eagerly.

"Which one do you want?" Jiang Yun Zhu started asking Jiang Lin, who was the oldest. These days, Jiang Lin followed them to do business. Busy like a bee, like a little adult. He should be rewarded.

"The green one." Jiang Lin replied. He liked that color.

Jiang Yun Zhu picked up a green candy and handed it to him. He carefully accepted it but didn't eat it. Instead, he held it in his hand and looked at it carefully, as if he couldn't get enough of it.

"What about you?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked Jiang Yun Xue.

Jiang Yun Xue had also helped a lot in the past few days. She said softly, "The blue one." She found that one was the most beautiful.

Jiang Yun Zhu gave her a blue one and she held it in her hand like a jewel.

"I want the red one." Jiang Wu was already anxious and hurriedly said without waiting for Jiang Yun Zhu to ask.

Jiang Yun Zhu picked out a red one and handed it to him.

He directly stuffed the candy into his mouth. His big black eyes opened wider as if in amazement.

"One each today. It's gone after eating. You're not allowed to steal other's, understand?" Jiang Yun Zhu said to the three children.

The three of them understood and nodded immediately.

"Don't spoil them too much, they..." Mrs. Chen came out of the kitchen and said to Jiang Yun Zhu.

Before she finished speaking, a candy was stuffed into her mouth.

Sweet. A very sweet candy. Sweet all the way into people's hearts. Mrs. Chen narrowed her eyes slightly, thinking of many things.

Jiang Yun Zhu nipped a candy and put it in her mouth. Her bright red lips slightly raised.

Standing in front of the window, Shen Feng Ming stared at Jiang Yun Zhu's lips. Suddenly, he was curious whether those candies were really that sweet.

Even though he didn't like to eat sweets.

There were eleven candies. Six were left. Jiang Yun Zhu took out one and handed it to Mrs. Chen, asking her to keep it for Jiang Cheng to eat at night. As for the rest, she asked Jiang Lin to send it to old Mister Chen. Though he didn't say, he likes sweets.

After distributing the candy, Jiang Yun Zhu went into the middle hall to put away the things she bought.

Mrs. Chen and others followed in and saw what she had bought.

When she saw the package of paper and ink, Mrs. Chen asked, "Why did you buy these things?"

Bookkeeping, Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to say. Suddenly, she frowned. In a moment of busyness, she forgot her original state of being illiterate. How would she keep accounts?

But if she didn't keep accounts, how can she remember clearly how much money was deposited with her, how much was spent each time, and who ordered what meal today?

Matters like cooking, she can say that she can figure it out slowly. But being literate without a teacher? Who would believe it!

Who was literate? Old Mister Chen was illiterate. Jiang Cheng was illiterate. Mrs. Chen was illiterate. Gu Yan Zhou was literate...

Then, go ask him for help?

Just as Jiang Yun Zhu was thinking, an icy voice asked, "What's the matter?"

Looking up, there was a tall and imposing man standing there. He was wearing a crow blue brocade robe. A belt of the same color in darker shade was tied around his thin waist, making his figure even more slender and handsome.

Shen Feng Ming, this killing god, when did he come here!

Jiang Yun Zhu was stunned, "I want to keep accounts, but I can't read."

After finishing speaking, she regained her senses and tensed up.

Shen Feng Ming looked at the brush and paper in her hand. It turned out to be like this.

"What do you want to take note of? I can write it for you." He said.

It was as if fireworks were blooming in Jiang Yun Zhu's mind. What did he say? He wanted to help her write accounts? Did she get it wrong? Or, he was in a particularly good mood today and especially wanted to write.

Shen Feng Ming took the brush from Jiang Yun Zhu's hand, signaling that she can start.

Jiang Yun Zhu spread out the paper like a puppet, poured out a little ink, and put it aside.

Shen Feng Ming dipped his brush in ink and stood in front of the table.

"Bearded Customer, five silver coins, October 26th lunch, one portion of boiled meat, twenty wens, one serving of rice, two wens.

Tan-faced Customer, eight silver coins, October 26th lunch, one portion of fatty intestine, eighteen wens, one serving of rice, two wens.

Thin Customer, seven silver coins, October 26th lunch, a portion of dry-cooked fish, thirty-eight wens, one serving of rice, two wens. "

Regarding the accounts of these three customers today, Jiang Yun Zhu actually knew the surnames of the three deputy generals. But she didn't want Shen Feng Ming to know. So she said it like this.

While listening, Shen Feng Ming scribbled on the paper.

He wrote in a regular script. His characters were as neat and upright as his person. Each character was as neat and blocky as a piece of tofu.

A good handwriting was like a painting. Even people who were illiterate would find it beautiful.

At this moment, Mrs. Chen and the others looked at the words written by Shen Feng Ming in amazement, feeling that it have magical powers.

Good words! Jiang Yun Zhu was full of admiration!

The room was silent. When Yang Cheng came in from the outside, he saw Shen Feng Ming standing in front of the table with a brush in his hand. Beside him stood Jiang Yun Zhu and others.

He blinked vigorously, suspecting that he was seeing things.

Or was this Shen Feng Ming a fake?