Chapter 88: This Lazy Maid

"Alright, I'll go over and cook for you."

"Hehe, just as I like, I'll have Xiuhong watch Ling'er for you."

"Hmm, keep an eye on her right under my watch; otherwise I won't feel at ease."

"Ling'er is practically the meat on the tip of your heart; you adore her immensely."

"Of course, I treat her like my own dear maiden."

"What about the son in your family?"

"I love him just as much, but there are several sons; this is the only maiden, so I have to dote on her even more."

"Then just dote on her. I have to take the Embroidery Goods back; who knows, a big client might show up any moment. You, just stay home and pamper the maiden, and don't forget the sixth day of the third month—come to my house early."

"Got it, got it."

"After seeing off Lu Sanniang, Qiao Mai hurriedly boiled and stir‑fried; every day someone comes to the house to buy goods, so everything has to be prepared."

"The two tiptoed to the outside of the living room, and through the half‑closed window they saw Lu Sanniang chatting merrily with the in‑laws."

"That would be so awkward."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely make you look embarrassed. I'll go to the kitchen to prepare; when they arrive, don't call me over—I don't like socializing."

"Ruxin's face flushed, 'Then could you, Master, sneak a look later, okay?'"

"If you like it, that's fine; I don't think it matters. People's tastes differ—what you like, Master may not like, and what you dislike, Master might overlook."

"Both vegetarian and meat, both cold and hot."

"Nothing is as good as Miss's embroidery."

"Today's dishes really made sister look proud; you have no idea about the Feng family's eating manners."

"First I checked the plates, bowls, and chopsticks; they were all clean, and there were enough of them."

"It's that I don't want to go, and it's not your business."

"Lu Sanniang burst into tears, 'Why are you so good?'"

"No."

"The sun was fine today; around noon it should be warm. Shopkeeper Lu, fearing the in‑laws would feel cold, lit a charcoal brazier in the living room—truly considerate of that family."

"Master, my mother said we can serve the dishes now."

"Girl, I'm really sorry today."

"Yes, Master is especially confident in everything; the disciple trusts Master."

"Shopkeeper Lu pulled her inside. 'Come on in, and bring whatever you need.'"

"She looked decent, of medium‑tall height, neither fat nor thin, and her long robe exuded an air of scholarly fatigue."

"After a few glances, she returned to the kitchen; the living room was bustling with the Betrothal ceremony proceedings."

"She sliced what needed slicing, blanched what needed blanching, cooking the dishes methodically."

"When the sisters left, Qiao Mai stood up, washed her hands, 'Xiuhong, let's go and take a look together.'"

"She took the vegetables out of the basket, turned to look at Xiuhong teasing Ling'er by the kitchen door."

"Why?"

"If you don't bring something rare, does your family have any?"

"Needless to say, that young man is Ruxin's fiancé."

"My house will be finished around August; you all can move there, and my disciple can get married there."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about; I've always treated you like a sister. When Ruyi gets married she'll be at my place; if you remarry later that's fine, and if you never marry you can spend your old age here. This house, and the one I currently live in, can both be rented out—what do you think?"

"Half an hour later, Xiuyu and Ruyi arrived."

"Actually Shopkeeper Lu had also prepared some dishes, but she didn't like them and moved them into a basket aside."

"I have something to tell you, sit here."

"Ruxin's nose twitched, 'Thank you, Master!'"

"They just can't bring themselves to hire anyone; the kitchen still has no Kitchen Maid, even though they promised to buy one after the New Year."

"Haha, you're really funny; would you find it rare?"

"The Feng family brought eight people: a matchmaker, a married couple, a young man, two servant girls, and two older women."

"Yes, do you need my help?"

"In the kitchen, Qiao Mai deftly prepared all the various dishes."

"Aren't you craving my cooking? If you stay with me, you won't be restless with cravings all day."

"It's settled then; I don't want anyone to know my background."

"The Engagement ceremony is May 26, and the Wedding ceremony is October 18."

"While helping Qiao Mai pick vegetables, she said, 'Master, when the guests arrive, could you watch over me?'"

"Everything was polished bright; when Qiao Mai arrived, Ruyi hurriedly brought Ling'er over. The sisters were overjoyed, kissing and hugging."

"Just make sure the child is looked after."

"Hmm, serve those cold plates first; the rest will be ready soon."

"Qiao Mai took the basket and went to the kitchen; Xiuhong, carrying Ling'er, followed."

"Qiao Mai gave it a once‑over; it was surprisingly clean—normally the Ruxin sisters do the cooking, what a lazy maid."

"How's the Double-sided Embroidery class going?"

"Xiu Zhuang hadn't opened its doors, and the Lu family had already cleaned the courtyard early."

"So, shall we tip a little?"

"Just as they were speaking, Ruyi arrived, 'Sister, mother asked me to find you; the Feng family has arrived.'"

"That will do; both are pleased, a mutual affection, and this Master won't interfere any more."

"Alright then."

Time passed in a flash, and it was the sixth day of the third month.

"You just trust master like that?"

"What?"

Seeing the Feng Family son‑in‑law, he was also satisfied with Ruxin.

"Rest assured, the one you like, master will love the house and the crow; if one day he betrays you, master will think of every way to make his life worse than death."

"First, you're small here; second, you're in the Alley, not prestigious; third, you forgot, outwardly I'm still your family's servant. If I lived there alone, wouldn't that expose me?"

"When is the Engagement ceremony?"

It made Lu Sanniang's face glow, and after sending the person away she went to the kitchen.

Only then did she settle down to pick vegetables, wash them, and blanch them.

"Go ahead; in a moment master will be at the window taking a look."

"If you don't come, how could that work? You're Ruxin's master."

"Fine, let's see if it's possible, but it's already this late; if you want to back out, it's too late."

Qiao Mai dressed herself appropriately, also dressed Ling'er in a new outfit, cradling the young lady in one arm and holding a basket in the other; after eating the early breakfast she went to Lu's house.

That big fish not only tasted delicious, but the Sword skill was truly superb.

"It's behind the scenes; on the surface I'm still indebted to your family."

Qiao Mai was eating at a table with Xiuyu and Xiuhong, and she smiled shyly.

Sixteen dishes, almost all were finished.

"Hehe, this servant also wants to see uncle."

Ruxin stood properly behind Shopkeeper Lu, head slightly lowered, not daring to meet her fiancé's direct gaze; truly timid.

Just waiting for the marriage to be arranged, then they'll come to do her makeup.

Ruxin twitched her nose, "Hmm."

"Fool, since you accepted me as master, master will naturally be a good master. See, master is cultivating your senior disciple, as well as the three younger sons of the household; in the future they may not become officials, but even becoming a recommended scholar will be able to support you."

Ruxin hurriedly stood up, "Master, I'll go ahead."

Even a simple marinated lotus‑root slice was that crisp, fragrant, spicy and sweet, making people unable to put it down; after eating it, they still wanted more.

"Take your time, this craft isn't something you can get fat from in one bite."

Today's dishes not only looked eye‑pleasing, but were especially delicious; especially that fish and that plate of large shrimp, they left the Feng Family members staring dumbfounded.

"I just want to hear master's opinion; mainly it's because I'm uncertain in my heart."

In a moment, Ruxin came over.

A tiny basket, yet it held so many vegetables; if people saw it, they'd surely be amazed.

And those large shrimp with their backs opened need not be peeled; just pull the head, and even the shell can be eaten crisp—truly superb in flavor.

"Hehe, today's head chef is handed over to you."

She had been crying, but upon hearing that, she let out a sudden laugh.

"Girl, I'm most grateful in this life for having met you."

"Stop being sentimental, just say whether you agree or not."

"Agree! Must agree, this is a matter that brings glory; how could we disagree? When Ruxin marries out of your Xin Fang, it will bring honor to our Lu family's face."

(End of chapter)