Hua Zhi had already laid the groundwork for her southern journey. Upon returning home, she immediately began preparing for the trip. Naturally, the Hua family was reluctant to let her go, but aside from veiled expressions of concern, they couldn't say much more. Even Madam Zhu gritted her teeth and swallowed all her objections.
After handing over household affairs to Fourth Aunt, Hua Zhi added, "Ying Chun and Nian Qiu will remain at home. Please make good use of them, Fourth Aunt."
"Don't worry, I know what to do." Wu Shi appeared somewhat thinner and listless, but she forced herself to perk up and asked, "Is this trip absolutely necessary?"
"It is. The Hua family is far from where it needs to be. The branch families now have businesses to keep them busy—you just need to keep an eye on them. If they don't come to you, there's no need to intervene. As for Hua Qin's matter, I won't be here for her wedding. Although I've already given a gift, the Hua family should still present one formally. You decide how much and in what form, Fourth Aunt. When handling these matters, bring your second daughter and the others along. I've noticed they've all improved significantly lately. I plan to have them take over these domestic affairs in the future."
Improved? They'd practically transformed! With such an excellent role model leading the way, who wouldn't want to better themselves? Wu Shi smiled in agreement.
Ying Chun appeared at the door to announce, "Miss, Tang Yong requests an audience."
Tang Yong? Hua Zhi's heart skipped a beat. "Bring him in quickly."
Tang Yong entered carrying a bamboo basket, keeping his eyes lowered as he knelt in greeting. "This humble servant pays respects to the young mistress."
"Rise quickly." Hua Zhi eyed the basket beside him. "Do you bring good news?"
"Yes." Tang Yong lifted the cloth covering the basket, revealing tender, fresh mushrooms inside. Though they were just common oyster mushrooms, their presence proved her improved cultivation method worked. Other varieties would inevitably sprout in time.
Tang Yong carefully removed the top layer of oyster mushrooms and placed them on the ground, revealing king oyster mushrooms beneath.
"They've been sprouting gradually for a while, but I didn't report it earlier because the growth didn't meet your standards, young mistress. This batch looks promising, so I brought them."
Unable to contain her excitement, Hua Zhi stood and picked up an oyster mushroom, inhaling its scent—yes, that was the right aroma. She pressed a king oyster mushroom—excellent, not hollow. Glancing at the water clock, she turned to Wu Shi with a smile. "Fourth Aunt shall taste something fresh today."
Wu Shi assumed she meant to have the kitchen staff prepare them, but to her surprise, Hua Zhi carried the basket to the kitchen herself. Startled, Wu Shi hurried after her.
Rolling up and tightening her sleeves, Hua Zhi signaled for Lan Qiao to watch carefully. She separated the oyster mushrooms into small pieces, soaking them in water, then washed and chopped the king oyster mushrooms. Finding some scallions, ginger, garlic, and green peppers, she chopped them as well. Spotting tofu in the basket, she sliced it. Finally, she prepared stir-fried king oyster mushrooms with green peppers and braised oyster mushrooms with tofu. Still in mourning, she refrained from adding meat, though it would have enhanced the flavor.
Wu Shi didn't know whether to be more astonished that Zhi Er could cook or that these two dishes smelled so incredibly fragrant. Her skilled movements made it clear this wasn't her first time in the kitchen."Fourth Aunt, have a taste." Hua Zhi filled a small bowl and handed it over. She had already sampled it first. Perhaps due to the local environment, the umami flavor was far superior to what she'd experienced in her previous world. When production increased and there were leftovers, she could process them into powder—perfect for enhancing dishes. Yes, she could have some made now to bring along when traveling north.
Wu Shi took several consecutive bites. The savory smoothness was so delightful that she not only finished the small portion but also drank every last drop of the broth. Just as she was about to speak, another voice interrupted, "It smells amazing! Hua Hua, how could you have something delicious without calling me!"
That bloodhound nose, Hua Zhi chuckled inwardly. She promptly served a portion herself and handed it over while teasing, "Weren't you glued to the sand table earlier?"
"The aroma was distracting my thoughts. If I don't satisfy my cravings first, I'll lose to Little Six." As she spoke, Shaoyao blew on the food and took a bite, her lips glistening with oil and her eyes sparkling. "So delicious, Hua Hua!"
"I'm not delicious," Hua Zhi retorted with a mock glare, then filled another bowl for the Sixth Prince who had followed them in. She didn't force him to attend the clan school; since he showed interest in the sand table, letting him study it more wasn't a bad idea.
Holding a bowl and eating in the kitchen was a first in Sixth Prince Gu Chengqian's life. He found it both novel and comfortable. Mimicking Sister Shaoyao, he blew on the food and took a bite, then nodded enthusiastically at Hua Zhi, his eyes conveying two clear words: Delicious!
Receiving approval from both a foodie and a prince was clear evidence of the dish's quality. Hua Zhi was in high spirits and instructed Ying Chun to distribute the remaining portions, even giving Tang Yong a small serving.
During the short walk from the kitchen to the study, Hua Zhi had already mentally compiled a long list of recipes. She wrote them all down with detailed instructions, packed them along with the remaining mushrooms, and had Xu Ying deliver everything to Fu Dong.
With such a small yield, she wasn't planning to sell it yet—it would be perfect for Fu Dong to practice with.
"Is there more at the estate?"
"Yes, about twenty catties remain. The elders and I estimate we should have another small harvest in about half a month."
"Excellent. Deliver all the remaining ones to the Food Studio."
"Yes."
"Production should increase significantly later. We mustn't relax our efforts. Unless I instruct otherwise, aside from shiitake mushrooms which should be sent here, all other varieties harvested later should go to the Food Studio."
"Understood. I'll manage it carefully."
"You've worked hard." Hua Zhi's tone softened. "I heard you're engaged to Chen Momo's daughter, with the wedding set for next month. You may prepare a bridal chamber at the estate. After the wedding, she can join you there, and the two of you can manage that estate for me together."
This was an unexpected delight for Tang Yong. He promptly kowtowed in gratitude. His fiancée served under the Second Madam, and she had already sounded out the situation—the Second Madam showed no intention of letting her go. He had assumed they'd have to live separately after marriage, never expecting that the Eldest Miss would grant them this boon. For a moment, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
After Tang Yong left with repeated thanks, Hua Zhi instructed, "When they marry, send a gift privately in my name."
Ying Chun acknowledged the order. Tang Yong was someone they knew well, with both his parents serving in the mansion, so they had no concerns about him causing trouble—they all felt at ease."When they deliver the shiitake mushrooms, the weather should have improved considerably. At that time, have people wash them, sun-dry them thoroughly, and grind them into powder. Remember they must be completely dried through, otherwise they won't keep long."
"Yes."
"If the quantity is substantial, send a portion to the food monastery. If it's limited, keep all of it. I need to take it to the northern territories."
"Yes, this maid has memorized it." After restraining herself for a while, Ying Chun finally asked, "Can this maid really not accompany you? If we travel by waterway, there's no need for horseback riding - this maid definitely won't hold you back."
"I'll have Bao Chun come along. You must stay behind, Ying Chun. You're my chief steward - all matters in the residence require your overall management. The Hua family is my main base. Only with you holding down the fort at home can I feel at ease. It's like in sand table deduction - when I charge forward at the front lines, it's all to protect my rear base. Even if we suffer defeats at the front, we can always counterattack and regain ground. But if something goes wrong with our main base, then I'll lose everything. Do you understand?"
Ying Chun nodded, her eyes reddened and lips bitten. "This maid will definitely guard it well for you."
PS: Next chapter in the evening, hopefully no issues arise - I'm getting apprehensive.
OpenNovel