Chapter 181

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

On the drying yard, once Wang Shuji opened his mouth, he treated Song Miao as a proper helper to invite.

"Just over a hundred people, two meals a day, you can bring one or two helpers yourself, or hire local hands; everyone in our Transport Commission gets along well, no worse than the Water Supervision Office. Come do it for a year or two—food and lodging provided, all subsidies saved up. Isn't that better than pushing a cart and setting up a stall in the Capital, exposed to sun and rain?"

"If you get used to it, keep doing it; if you save enough silver, quit your post, return to the Capital, find a good shopfront, and it won't delay opening your own food shop at all—what do you think, think it over?"

He added: "Think it over properly. The Transport Commission has an official residence in the Capital. Once I reach Jingcheng, I'll explain things to them. If you're willing, when the time comes, someone will arrange it for you at the door."

He told her where that official residence was located, then said: "When I return to my room tonight, I'll write you a note."

At this moment there was no one else on the drying yard, few miscellaneous sounds, and Wang Shuji did not deliberately lower his voice, so the courtyard gate naturally heard everything clearly.

Standing there was precisely Han Li, who had returned from Weizhou.

After hearing a few sentences, though he did not know who the speaker was nor the ins and outs, he had already discerned the meaning, and unconsciously furrowed his brow.

Hurrying back all the way, he just wanted to arrive a little earlier.

Just now outside the door he encountered a small disturbance; though it was quickly resolved, it still delayed him a moment, and he already felt an indescribable impatience in his heart.

After finally asking and learning the person was in the back courtyard, he had already prepared how to greet and what to say upon meeting, but who knew that upon entering, he would run into such a scene.

It so happened that the other party was inviting the Song Stall Owner; he himself was an outsider, so where was there any room for him to interject?

Han Li did not dare step forward, could only wait in place, looking at Song Miao—even more eagerly than Wang Shuji for her reply—but afraid that when she replied, it would not be what he wanted to hear.

Clearly only a few breaths had passed, yet in his heart it seemed like a very long time, before he heard that Song Stall Owner smile and say thanks.

"Let me think it over again. If I am interested, I will naturally go to the door to seek and recommend myself—many thanks, Official Wang."

Wang Shuji then stopped persuading, only adding one sentence: "Actually, following the Transport Commission south and north, there are other benefits—though Jingcheng is good, it is ultimately located in the Central Plains, and many ingredients are hard to obtain. If you came, the lands of Jianghuai and Jingchu, especially Liangzhe, each have local ingredients; after all, it is the land of fish and rice. Use them to practice, then later return to the Capital—would your cooking skills and knowledge not improve?"

"You are so young; a year or two, can it not be delayed? How does the saying go? Sharpening the knife does not delay chopping wood!"

If mentioning other conditions, Song Miao almost did not care at all, but now being lured by the other party with ingredients, it was hard not to feel a bit moved.

This time she actually hesitated for a long while, before replying: "I will consider it carefully, many thanks for the official's invitation!"

Both sentences were thanks, though still separated by some distance, Han Li still quickly noticed the obvious difference.

He had originally been full of joy in his heart; standing there for a while, it was clearly early summer and warm, but some demon wind came from nowhere, blowing straight into his heart, making one feel chilly.

Han Li stood there dryly; after all, he was a grown man. Song Miao happened to raise her head, caught a glimpse in the corner of her eye, saw him, and felt unexpected joy. She stepped forward two paces, smiling and asking: "When did Young Master Han return? Why are you standing here?"

Hearing this, Han Li couldn't help but smile, only feeling his heart was no longer cold, that wind was no longer gloomy; clearly it was a willow wind blowing.

He walked a few steps forward, speaking gently: "Just returned, originally wanted to find you, but saw you were busy with matters and didn't want to disturb, so stood for a while, waited a bit."

He asked again: "I don't know if your matters are finished now?"

Song Miao hurriedly said: "Already finished—I guessed you all would probably return these past couple of days, so I already saved rice, and Head Cook Zhang also saved several big dishes. In a moment I'll just boil some soup and we can eat!"

Han Li just smiled, saying: "No rush. I'll go tidy up. Also, behind me several people are guiding and escorting grain; they probably won't be back for another half an hour or so. I'll wait for them to eat together."

While speaking, he courteously cupped his hands toward Wang Shuji.

Song Miao immediately reacted and introduced the two to each other.

She first mentioned Wang Shuji, introducing him as the Six Routes Transport Vice Commissioner. If not for his help today, and several laundresses blocking them, she might have already been taken away by the yamen runners.

Han Li was startled and hurriedly asked for details. Once he learned the ins and outs, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing the handcuffs on Wang Shuji's hands, without waiting a moment, he first bowed, then turned and walked a few steps toward the courtyard exterior.

Just then a student came out of the toilet. Seeing Han Li, he hurriedly called "Han Leader." Han Li responded and greeted him, but asked: "What are you busy with at this time? Have you eaten?"

The student answered, saying he was organizing the roster and arranging positions assigned along the river, and that he had eaten.

Han Li then said: "Tidy up, let Kong Fuyang find another replacement for you. You help run a trip to the Zhou Ya to find Judge Cen."

Speaking, he gestured toward Wang Shuji in the courtyard and said: "The yamen runners don't know what's going on, acting so absurdly as to actually handcuff a superior official of the Six Routes Transport Commission. You report this matter and ask the judge to personally come to the door to make amends."

The student busied himself nonstop in front, not knowing such a thing awaited behind. When he saw Wang Shuji with handcuffs on one hand, naturally sitting and drinking tea, he hurriedly agreed and rushed to the front to hand over the horse-leading duties, not mentioning it further.

After Han Li had given his instructions properly, he turned back, made a great bow to Wang Shuji, and said: "Many thanks, Official, for lending a hand. If anything had happened to the Song Stall Owner, it truly could not be compensated for in any way."

Song Miao hurriedly added: "This is Young Master Han—the official just asked me who devised the river matter regulations; it is Young Master Han Li."

Wang Shuji saw someone step forward to bow and returned half a bow. When he heard the other speak and saw Song Miao's introduction, he was somewhat surprised, saying: "So it was you who devised those regulations!"

At this time he properly looked at him and couldn't help but silently praise him in his heart.

What a handsome appearance!

Especially his eyebrows and eyes were proper, his features were proper. Combined with the bearing and order in his actions and speech just now, he gave an extremely good impression.

In a small official station, meeting two men and one woman in succession, all outstanding talents, made Wang Shuji feel very surprised.

But as he listened, he felt something was off and asked: "You are like Kong Fuyang, a Taixue student. Your surname is Han; where does your given name come from?"

Han Li said: "Li as in whetstone, Han Li."

Wang Shuji immediately reacted, making a "tsk" sound, and said: "So it's you! The one from the Yellow Dog Cockfighting, the Jewel Boat People?"

Han Li said: "I am unworthy, precisely this humble self."

Wang Shuji's attitude underwent a very subtle change.

After learning Han Li's background, he first praised a few of his earlier writings, then quickly drew the topic to the river regulations, raising many questions in succession.

Han Li answered them one by one.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shuji praised without end, then sighed: "I originally thought you were a young talent, wielding the brush like a knife, but I never expected that not only could you write, you could also do things, and do them so practically!"

He asked again: "I see your regulations are extremely detailed—grouping, supervision, rewards, all original. How did you think of them?"

Han Li said: "This junior dare not take credit—it came from the inspiration of the Song Stall Owner."

Wang Shuji was stunned, then hurriedly asked for details, only then learning that this cook's wife in front of him had actually drafted a detailed set of regulations to manage a group of kitchen hands.

He hurriedly asked for a copy. After only a rough look, he nodded repeatedly, then followed up by asking Song Miao many questions.

Among river transport matters there were also river affairs; Wang Shuji was an insider when it came to the regulations Han Li had drafted, but he knew little about kitchen affairs. At this moment, looking at those rules, first he examined the logic, second the structure, and third he gained many new insights, finally realizing there were so many twists and turns inside the kitchen.

He also asked for Song Miao's regulations, saying he would return them the next day, and called Han Li's name again, saying: "Once the Hua Prefecture river affairs are settled, what arrangements do you have afterward?"

Han Li said: "The river affairs have only just begun; to discuss what comes after is too early."

"It's not early at all!" Wang Shuji said. "I have already told Song Xiaoniangzi that the Transport Commission has river transport engineering work to do, and I intend to invite her to help—such work differs in scale and difficulty along the way, naturally not easy to manage."

"But the whole world relies on this one transport waterway; river transport matters are of great consequence, watched by all at court and in the countryside. Once done well, first it brings fame, second it is also experience, and third, river transport is indeed a good place—how about it? Once Hua Prefecture is running smoothly, would you like to come to the Transport Commission first to take a look?"

His words had just fallen when he heard someone outside urgently say: "Official Wang, Hua Prefecture matters are at a critical point; how can you poach people at this time? This river affair is coordinated by Zheng Yan; if he leaves, who will take over??"

He then shouted loudly: "Zheng Yan, everything must have a beginning and an end; you absolutely cannot abandon it halfway!"

The newcomer said while wiping the sweat from his head and face, quickly trotting into the back courtyard.

Song Miao looked up; though the face was unfamiliar, she guessed the other was most likely the Hua Prefecture Tongpan Cen Dezhang.

Knowing Cen Dezhang had arrived, the matter of the yamen runner arbitrarily detaining people must have been settled. Seeing many more yamen runners arriving behind, Cen Dezhang stepped forward, first not letting Han Li leave, then immediately apologizing to Wang Shuji about the handcuffs.

Wang Shuji had no choice but to respond one by one.

Seeing two superiors present, Song Miao did not want to get involved and hurried back to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Cook Gong Chu had left many dishes warming in the pot.

Da Bing had finished clearing up the earlier miscellaneous matters and had already returned to his room to wash up; Song Miao did not think it proper to call him.

Calculating the time, it was still early compared to the half an hour Han Li had mentioned. This dish was a boiling soup that could be made in a moment, so she was not very anxious. Song Miao cut the meat slices and marinated them, then washed the mushrooms and slowly tore them into strips.

Just as she had finished processing all the ingredients, she heard footsteps outside. Looking up, it was Han Li.

He had changed clothes, clearly having tidied himself carefully. Although his eyes were slightly red with some bloodshot veins, showing he had not rested well, his whole person still looked energetic and in good spirits.

Seeing him enter, Song Miao smiled and greeted him, then asked about the situation outside.

Han Li said: "The two officials were discussing matters, so I came out first to avoid being pulled back and forth by them."

Hearing the words "pulled back and forth," Song Miao, just by thinking about it, unconsciously pictured the scene in her mind—Officials Wang and Cen fighting over a person, each pulling Young Master Han to one side, each holding one of his arms to show closeness.

Poor Young Master Han—should he raise his arms or not? Not raising them seemed like not giving face; raising them, holding them up for a while, would be tiring.

She asked with a smile: "Young Master, are you hungry? How about I find you a few bites to tide you over, and when the others return, we can eat a proper meal together?"

Han Li shook his head: "No rush, I ate something on the road; I'm not lacking this little while."

He stepped forward a few steps, approaching the stove, and asked again: "What is Stall Owner Song busy with? Is this to be washed, scalded, or does it need fire and wood? Do you need me to lend a hand?"

Song Miao said: "No need, everything is ready. When the time comes, I'll just open the stove door."

Seeing Han Li run to the kitchen and ask nothing else but whether he could help, she said nothing more, pointing to the small table beside him with a smile: "There's no urgent matter now. Young Master, please sit for a moment; let me pour you a cup of tea?"

Han Li said instead: "I heard you went to the kitchen outside the city today? Running back and forth all day, you must be very tired. You sit; I'll pour the tea."

Saying this, he indeed went aside to take a clean teacup, rinsed it with hot water, then placed it before Song Miao, poured her half a cup, and sat down beside her.

After sitting, he hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help asking: "Regarding Official Wang's invitation today, what does Stall Owner Song think in her heart?"

Song Miao had not expected the other to run here specially just to ask this.

She thought for a moment and replied: "Though it's a pity about so many good ingredients, after all, my family owes too much debt. Once Hua Prefecture matters are finished, I will most likely return to the Capital; paying off the debt early is what matters. As for Official Wang's mention of the shopfront outside, that's a later story—we haven't even learned to walk yet, so how can we get to running?"

"Then if the family debt is paid off, what does Stall Owner Song think of this position?"

Song Miao shook her head: "I don't find it easy to tell Official Wang directly, but I'm not afraid to tell Young Master. If I had a choice, I wouldn't much like to be a long-term cook in the yamen—everyone has their own tastes, especially with more superiors, there are more preferences. Though I have some skill, I cannot guarantee everyone will like it."

"For one or two meals, it's naturally fresh. But if done for a long time, then you say one thing, I say another; I alone have only two hands, and twelve hours in a day—I can attend to this but not that, and inevitably feel discouraged in my heart."

She paused, then said: "Besides, Official Wang and I are merely passing acquaintances. He happened to eat two fresh meals, found them to his taste, and casually invited me. Who knows what the situation will be in the yamen in the future? What if someone else there has a cook whose food suits their taste, and wants to bring them into the Transport Commission?"

Saying this, she smiled and said: "This time coming to Hua Prefecture, if I hadn't known it was mostly for ordinary laborers and soldiers, and that Young Master Han's group was doing the cooking, I wouldn't have dared to agree outright—besides, I know Young Master's character and conduct. Without full confidence that I could have everything my way, you wouldn't have invited me."

Hearing Song Miao say a word, Han Li across from him felt his heart lighten a bit. By the time she said things like "knowing Young Master's character and conduct," his heart was like a soft white cloud drifting in the sky on a hot summer day—soft and light, drifting, and if one wasn't careful, one wouldn't know where it would float to.

His heart was so light that it seemed the past few days of rushing about and fatigue had flown away with it. Still, he couldn't help asking again: "If the debt is paid off, for the sake of ingredients, does Stall Owner Song actually want to go south?"

Song Miao smiled: "Which cook doesn't like fresh ingredients? Not just the south—if there's a chance, once I have people and money saved up, I want to go everywhere in the southeast and northwest to broaden my horizons."

Han Li seemed thoughtful. After a few breaths, he asked again: "But ultimately, is the root in the family or the food shop, or is it in the Capital?"

"If I had the ability, I'd still want to open my own food shop everywhere under heaven, north and south, have reliable people manage it, live in the east for two years and the west for two years, taste all the delicious flavors under heaven, and show off my skills—such a good dream, isn't it wonderful?"

Saying this, she was radiant and truly lively, making Han Li across from her stare blankly for a long while. After a long time, he smiled and replied: "Truly a wonderful dream; hearing it makes me want to follow along too."

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? Finally, it must be stated: after this period of unremitting effort, writing several hundred extra words every day, as of now I have already paid off all the debts left from overtime work, more than double! Proud!