Chapter 261: The Marvelous Kitchen Chapter 263: Replacement

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Song Miao

The Emperor personally came to inspect—what a grand affair.

Once the news spread, the Imperial Academy was thrown into an uproar.

Deng Jijiu hurriedly consulted with the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial College, ordering those below to urge the students of Xuezhong to sweep and clean, and everyone to straighten their caps and tidy their clothes; he himself quickly brought a host of officials, along with several teachers, and carefully selected a number of students to go out together to welcome him.

Zhao Yu had long been known for his benevolence among the common people; this time, as he descended, crowds of commoners gathered along the streets to watch, and some shouted "Long live the Emperor," making it very lively.

When he arrived at Taixue, he naturally comforted the teachers and students, and followed them to inspect various places.

Old houses, old dormitories—rarely repaired; though not yet crumbling walls and ruined fences, they looked truly dilapidated.

Deng Jijiu seized this opportunity to start complaining of poverty.

"……Not only are the Qinshe old and in disrepair, but even the Teaching Hall and Xue She—once a heavy rain comes, they leak wind and water, and the students suffer terribly……"

Although many palaces in the Imperial Palace were no better, the current court valued scholars; Zhao Yu took it to heart upon hearing it, and since an official from Taichang Temple was standing by, he had the person called over.

That official hurriedly said: "Funds allocated to the two academies have always been the most……"

The Grand Chancellor of the Imperial College hurriedly said: "The allocated funds are all used as subsidies for students, and there is also a canteen subsidy; apart from these two, almost nothing remains—most Taixue students come from humble backgrounds; without subsidies, they could not study in peace!"

This made sense.

The late Emperor and the Empress Dowager had no children; this Emperor Zhao Yu was adopted, brought into the palace at ten years old after growing up outside.

Before his adoption, his parents had both died young; having experienced it himself, he naturally knew the hardships of the common people well, and understood the difficulties of humble origins.

Because state affairs were numerous and the treasury was not full, even the Funing Palace where the Emperor lived had not been repaired for many years and was very old; but since he was after all the Emperor, he could not let scholars suffer, so Zhao Yu ordered Taichang Temple to apply to the Ministry of Revenue for special funds, and see how to build and repair.

Upon receiving the Emperor's word, everyone at Taixue was overjoyed.

Deng Jijiu brought a group of Xuezheng here, flattering with "Your Majesty is wise," "The Emperor is sage-like."

Soon after, some Xuezheng and others brought several Taixue students forward for an audience.

Zhao Yu asked a few more questions—about the students' native places and origins, then about their writings, and then what else they needed in Xuezhong.

After the audience, he turned to look at Chen Fuzi and asked: "Chen Qing, that one… Han Li, has he not returned to the Capital yet? I previously read his 'Xin Feng Brick'."

Chen Fuzi stepped forward and said: "Han Li is still in Hua Prefecture, and there has been no news for many days; in his last letter, he only said the flood season was approaching, and since he had received an imperial order, he was cooperating fully with the Du Shui Jian to deal with it, so presumably he had no leisure to attend to other matters, nor time to write more essays."

Zhao Yu nodded and said nothing more, but sighed in his heart.

The Huang He changed course at Hua Prefecture, destroying farmland and collapsing houses, leaving commoners wandering in the wilderness; although the Court did its utmost to provide relief, it treated the symptoms, not the root cause.

To be honest, right now regarding the measures of repairing embankments, protecting embankments, and dredging rivers in Hua Prefecture, when the summer flood arrives, whether they are of any use at all, he truly had no idea in his heart; he was just waiting for the stone to fall on his head.

Whenever water matters were mentioned, whenever he thought of the summer flood, Zhao Yu's mood could not improve.

But since he was indeed inspecting Taixue, he still roused his spirits and asked: "Although Han Li is not here, have there been any other outstanding writings recently?"

The Taichang Temple official beside him smiled and said: "Replying to Your Majesty, this subordinate once heard a saying called 'Four Sons of Taixue'."

Speaking, he then explained to the Emperor where the Four Sons of Taixue came from and who they were respectively.

Deng Jijiu hurriedly said: "The Four Sons are not in Xuezhong now; Dou Yingchang is still studying in Yingzhou, Han Li took Kong Fuyang to Hua Prefecture, and Cai Xiu went to Liu Ta He—although the four are merely students, out of gratitude for the Emperor's grace, they also do their best to serve the Court."

Just as he was speaking, a scholar of the Imperial Academy behind him laughed and said: "Young Cai is in Liu Ta He, just like Han Li, and it seems some of his writings have been sent back—I read one the other day."

Zhao Yu immediately became interested and said: "Since there is such a saying as the Four Sons of Taixue, they must be talented youths of their generation with extraordinary literary skill; bring them for me to see."

Someone handed over a ladder, and soon that "Biography of Lu Zhongchang" was presented.

Originally it was only meant to be circulated among scholars, and after the water matters were over, to make a name for himself; but now his own writing had, by a strange coincidence, been presented to the Emperor ahead of time—such a development, I fear, even Cai Xiu far away in Liu Ta He had not imagined.

It must be said, Cai Xiu had considerable literary talent.

This "Biography of Lu Zhongchang" was between prose and fu, easy to read aloud; many techniques and allusions were used one by one, as if showing off, dazzling the eye, and vividly depicting a hardworking official in charge of water affairs, striving to fulfill the Court's commission and not disappoint the Emperor's expectations, day and night.

When he finished writing, he was very confident, believing that whoever read it once would be moved—speaking purely of literary talent, it was better than that "Xin Feng Brick".

But sometimes, no matter how carefully one calculates, accidents are inevitable.

As soon as Zhao Yu saw the three characters "Lu Zhongchang" in the title, he frowned and felt quite uncomfortable in his heart.

How Lu Zhongchang had guaranteed things then, and how confidently he had put all expenditures and plans on paper and presented them before the case, was still vivid in his mind.

But now the schedule had been delayed by over four months; the expenses at Liu Ta He could almost be described as wasteful; countless laborers and money were spent, far exceeding the budget, yet to this day there had not even been an explanation, much less any progress.

Unlike Hua Prefecture, Liu Ta He was where the Court's hopes lay, and allowed not the slightest mishap.

But the summer flood was coming soon; Lu Zhongchang was as good as dead—his memorials either returned slowly, or if they returned, what was inside was as good as unsaid: either asking for money, or asking for people, or asking for things, and then saying give him a little more time.

He was willing to give, but was the Huang He willing? Was Heaven willing??

Although he himself was the Emperor—the Emperor, Son of Heaven; if Heaven wanted to beat its son, could he possibly escape??

Zhao Yu hastily glanced over it, not even reading carefully, and flipped to the end.

The signature was naturally the two characters "Cai Xiu".

The handwriting was neat, rigid and formal, full of the air of a copy; at a glance it was a transcription.

Zhao Yu grew angrier the more he thought about it, and flipped back to read it carefully once.

As soon as he read it, he found faults.

Too detailed!

Written too carefully!!

Even Lu Zhongchang's daily routine was written clearly, along with his daily actions; unless he hid under the bed, how could he know so clearly??

Cai Xiu was a Taixue student, not someone eavesdropping under the bed; naturally it was Lu Zhongchang himself who revealed it! It must be his personal instruction to be like this!

A student who had not even entered office—where would he get so many twists and turns!

It must be that Lu Zhongchang himself, to gain momentum, had the students below do the work, and actually had the face to circulate it in the Capital!!

With this idle time, this idle mind, you'd better put your thoughts on the Six Pagodas River Project and hurry to finish it!

After all, it is student writing; Zhao Yu was unwilling to criticize, but he truly could not bring himself to open his mouth and praise it either.

He handed that essay to a yellow-gate attendant at his side, saying: "Take it to Li Xianggong to read."

Very soon, the manuscript was delivered before Li Zhai, the Canvassing Counselor.

The latter, hearing the Emperor's indifferent tone, already knew in his heart that something was amiss; he took the manuscript and read it carefully, yet found it hard to reply casually.

Fortunately, Zhao Yu did not make things difficult for him, asking: "Has there still been no news from the Six Pagodas River? When exactly will the river be opened?"

"The Political Affairs Hall has already sent a letter urging them; when Lv Zhongchang submitted his memorial last time, he also said it was to avoid the flood season, so it should not be long before the river is opened ahead of schedule……"

——Here they began discussing court affairs.

After Li Zhai and several other officials took turns answering the Emperor's questions, a "clang" rang out from outside — it was the Taixue striking the bell.

Zhao Yu glanced at the hour and asked: "Is this the class-dismissal bell?"

Dean Deng hurriedly bowed and replied: "Precisely."

Zhao Yu took the opportunity to stand up and walk out the door.

On the road, although orders had been given that the Emperor was personally present and the Taixue must observe grand ceremony and grand rites, eating has always been bigger than the Emperor; the students still ran in quick steps toward the canteen — today the academy had specially sealed the front and rear gates, no one could go out.

Under the premise that they could only eat at the canteen, the Taixue public kitchen's food was already unpalatable; if they went late, it would be even harder to swallow.

Seeing the young scholars running like the wind, a scene full of vigor and vitality, Zhao Yu's mood improved considerably, and he smiled: "They're going to eat, aren't they?"

Dean Deng inwardly sneered, secretly cursing the students as reincarnated starvation ghosts; clearly instructions had been given, yet they still disregarded their image, but on his lips he hurriedly said: "Most are young scholars; it is precisely the age when they can eat."

He added: "This official has already ordered the canteen to prepare a banquet table for Your Majesty……"

Leaving the palace early this morning, walking the river dike for half a day, then coming to inspect the Taixue, Zhao Yu was truly a bit hungry; hearing this, he smiled: "Then I shall go take a look."

The Imperial Academy Xuezheng led the way, the imperial guards cleared the path, the Emperor at the head, the party walked windingly forward; before long, they arrived at the canteen.

Dean Deng was about to usher the Emperor into the rear quarters, when Zhao Yu turned and saw Cao Fuzi conspicuously step out of the ranks, plant his footsteps at the student canteen entrance, and speak with a student who was being blocked outside by the imperial guards.

He looked at the bowl in that student's hand; the student very proactively took a steamed bun out of his bowl.

Cao Fuzi, however, waved his hand, said something unknown, the student's face showed disappointment, he turned his head to look again, tiptoeing and craning his neck, clearly searching for someone.

And it was not only that one student tiptoeing and craning his neck.

At the canteen entrance, stood many, many Taixue students; the crowd was loosely held back by the imperial guards, all gazing in the direction the Emperor was walking, their eyes full of expectation.

Zhao Yu also stopped his footsteps at once.

The banquet can be eaten at any time, but today, did he come for the sake of eating?

He said: "Forget the banquet; since I have come with difficulty, I shall dine together with the Taixue students."

Speaking, he then addressed the Taichang Temple official: "I also want to see what the food subsidy you give the Taixue has actually turned into."

That official hurriedly said: "Your Majesty nurtures scholars generously, all under heaven know; we dare not be negligent — all silver, money, and expenses are tightly allocated to the Taixue; just last month a special approval was granted for the canteen to purchase outside food……"

"Is that truly so?"

Zhao Yu smiled, stepped forward, and walked into the great canteen.

For a moment, the nearby students, seeing this, were all excited, crying out "Emperor" in unison, some calling "Your Majesty," even some performing the grand rite on the spot.

Zhao Yu had no airs at all, greeting the students as he walked along.

Though the canteen was large, its structure was very simple; without anyone guiding him, he walked on his own to the wooden serving window for rice.

At each window, long queues were lined up.

At this very moment, all students in the queues — even those at the very front — paid no heed to ordering dishes or rice, but each turned their heads to look at the Emperor.

Zhao Yu did not walk to the front, but fell in at the very end, and gently asked the student in front of him: "What is this for eating? How is the Taixue food?"

That student was so excited he could hardly speak a complete sentence, hurriedly stepping aside, saying: "Th-this is for buying…… buying porridge and drinks! Your Majesty, you stand at the front……"

Zhao Yu shook his head and smiled: "Today I will also be a Taixue student once, and queue together with you."

With the Emperor so approachable, which student could not be moved?

In the crowd, Cao Fuzi turned to the colleague beside him: "What a pity; if I were a student, I would surely present a meal to the Emperor……"

The speaker has intent, the listener even more so.

The few students nearest, hearing this, exchanged a glance, no words needed, and simultaneously set off for the front of the queue.

Very soon, a group of students turned back carrying trays, heading toward Zhao Yu.

As they walked near, they all saluted with trays.

"Student dares! Wishing to present a meal to Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty cherishes scholars, granting subsidies month after month; we students have long received the Emperor's grace, today we finally got the chance, and also want to thank the Emperor!"

The students' sincere devotion, hearing it, Zhao Yu was truly happy.

He laughed heartily, saying: "Then I shall come taste the meal you present!"

In the front great canteen it was bustling with noise and excitement, but in the rear quarters, Jiang Xia was rushing back and forth between the public kitchen and the banquet hall, simply frantic, spinning in circles.

News of the Emperor's southern inspection arrived too late, there was simply no time to prepare; by the time the notice to prepare the banquet came, the hour was already late.

He kept urging the dishes; only with great difficulty did he see everything nearly ready, just about to breathe a sigh of relief, when he heard a party hurriedly entering from outside.

Jiang Xia looked up, jumped in fright, and asked: "Official, how did you come??"

It turned out the person at the head was precisely Jia Chang.

"Are there still steamed buns?? Quickly find some, send them to the front great canteen!"

"What steamed buns for? What kind of steamed buns? Aren't there some outside?" Jiang Xia was utterly baffled.

Jia Chang was so anxious smoke rose from his head, shouting: "What steamed buns! Proper steamed buns! Quickly, the Emperor is queuing in the great canteen, saying he wants to dine with the students, hurry while he hasn't reached the front yet, send those good steamed buns to the front!"

Jiang Xia was so scared cold sweat broke out on his back, panic-stricken he said: "The proper steamed buns are in the small canteen……"

While speaking, he hurriedly sent someone to fetch them.

Originally, after Jiang Xia of the Imperial Academy returned to report that day, his superior Jia Chang was very dissatisfied, and had already sent people to seek out many food shops to send samples.

Hearing it was supplying meals to the Taixue, a long-term business, at the start every household was very enthusiastic.

In the Central Plains, steamed buns and baked cakes are common staples; shops that make them deliciously are naturally not few.

But in this world it has always been one penny, one portion of goods.

Those whose taste could compare with Song Ji were all many times more expensive than Song Ji, yet their portions and ingredients were actually not as solid as Song Ji's; as for those with cheap prices, they were even more out of the question.

Jiang Xia picked and chose, and with great difficulty barely screened out a few households, then went to their doors to ask the price.

At first it was fine, but once it was mentioned that the Imperial Academy inside would deduct water, every single one shook their heads — who among those able to produce the look doesn't want a reputation?

The rare ones who agreed then raised their prices.

In the end, really unable to select one, that Jia Chang scolded his subordinates a round, then directly settled on one household himself, told Jiang Xia to take the name and go file the memorial report.

Jiang Xia quietly made an inquiry, only then learning it was actually a steamed bun shop newly opened these past two days, unknown where it popped out from.

When this shop's steamed buns first entered the Taixue, the taste was ordinary, but the ingredients barely passed; however, before long, they began to split into two kinds.

One kind was the proper steamed buns for officials like Jia Chang, Dean Deng, and the rest — taste not bad, ingredients used quite well, portions given fully, skin thin filling thick.

The other kind was for the Taixue students, naturally cutting corners and reducing materials.

The flour used was old Chen flour, the filling less day by day; by the end, it was even inferior to the Taixue's original ingredients and taste. It is heard the Taixue students gave those steamed buns separate nicknames: the plain filling called "Night One Stuffing Heaven," where "stuffing" rhymes with "thread."

— Originally a thread of sky is already narrow; in daytime looking, there is still light to recognize it, but at night, everywhere pitch black, simply cannot find where the "sky" is, just like unable to find where this steamed bun's filling is.

The meat filling is called "Womb Vegetarian."

Jiang Xia dared not think, if he couldn't make it in time to swap them out, and the Emperor ate "Night One Stuffing Heaven" or "Womb Vegetarian"...

?? Many thanks to Yellow Scorpion Palace for personally gifting Xiao Qi one shrimp of ice-powder-flavored sachet, letting you unexpectedly personally gift me one sachet=3=

? Thank you taoyijunli, Book Friend two dear ones for personally gifting me Peace Talismans two each, Yuan Chengzhi, Book Friend two dear ones for personally gifting me Peace Talismans one each:)

? Thank you Book City KyokuKin, My Cat Called Egg Egg, Zuo Zuo You You, Occasionally Relax, Ao Te Man Xiao Jie, Book Friend_Bb six dear ones for personally gifting me Small Gift one each^_^