Chapter 73

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Han Li heard that a woman from Sanzao County Alley had arrived, surnamed Song as well, and immediately agreed, nodding slightly and saying: "Wait a moment, I'll be back shortly."

That Censor Xin's mind could only focus on one thing at a time; he was arguing with Zheng Guanren and paid no attention to the guards outside, nor did he hear what they said.

He had been holding back his anger, and now that he had the chance, he let it out, shouting: "Zheng Guanren, don't go too far! We brothers have been working day and night; we can't all be fed slop! Last night we even had an extra meal in the evening, but your cook tried to save trouble, boiling the mustard greens in water and not even willing to add much oil. Those who went early found the taste passable, but those who went late found the vegetables so soggy they were dripping water!"

"The food at the public kitchen wasn't very good to begin with; now it can't possibly get worse, can it?"

Zheng Guanren immediately retorted: "Who told you to suddenly say yesterday morning, late at night, that you couldn't even buy vegetables? What kind of dish could be made? Today it's clearly mealtime, and there's no cook; if I can get you cooked food, that's already good enough!"

Censor Xin sneered: "If it hadn't been a sudden notice last night, that cook might have leaked the word and run away! You're using this to make trouble!"

Though these words were cutting, they were not without basis.

Zheng Guanren immediately shouted back, cursing that normally the Left and Right Military Patrol Academy caused trouble and others said nothing, but today they wanted an extra meal at night, more late-night snacks tomorrow, and to start eating an hour earlier the day after tomorrow, and so on.

Both sides were arguing, and Han Li's ears hurt from listening.

After a moment's thought, he stepped forward and said: "If there's truly no other way, why not trouble Zheng Guanren to go out and find a cook to come back, to cover one or two meals?"

Zheng Guanren sneered, spread his hands, and said: "The pots are about to be lit; you want to find a cook now? Where would you find one? Who is that capable? I certainly don't have that ability!"

While saying this, he sized up Han Li again and said: "You're that Han student on loan, right? You haven't even figured out the gates yet, and you're already rushing to manage things here? If you're so capable, find a usable cook right now, and I'll let you manage the kitchen!"

He was naturally just speaking in anger.

However, Han Li nodded and said: "If that's the case, then I'll go find someone—only, how will the wages be calculated?"

Zheng Guanren was so angry he laughed, saying: "There's no such account in the yamen. If you can find someone and get through this meal, as long as those below don't complain about the taste, I'll make the decision to fully subsidize the wages of those captured cooks..."

Han Li paused slightly and did not answer, only silently counting in his heart.

Sure enough, he had only finished counting one and two before he could say three; Censor Xin on the side shouted: "Taking money from official funds to make it seem like you've put in so much effort! Outside, they always say Zheng Guanren is generous—now be generous for everyone to see! You can't handle your own affairs, and you don't think of a way! When we brothers went out on external assignments, which time wasn't successful? Wasn't it always subsidized by ourselves?"

Being goaded by Censor Xin, and with words piling on words, Zheng Guanren was also provoked, angrily saying: "Apart from official funds, I, Laozi, will personally add another string of cash—is that enough?"

Nowadays, even the head chef at a proper wine tower earns only three or five strings of cash a month; Zheng Guanren taking so much from his own pocket meant the reward could not be called anything but generous.

But Censor Xin still "humph"ed and said: "Finding a cook is your job; you make it sound easy, leaving it to us—who will do the work for us?"

After picking his faults, he was about to leave, but when he turned around, he saw Han Li had already followed the guards out in large strides, and he exclaimed in surprise: "Zheng Yan, what are you doing?"

Han Li said: "Isn't it to find a cook?"

"Without a head or tail, where are you going to find one? Half the courtyard is waiting for you to assign shifts!" Censor Xin almost jumped up in anxiety.

But Han Li paid no attention, only cupped his hands and said: "I'll go and come back."

Censor Xin couldn't help but glare at Zheng Guanren, and was about to chase after him, but was grabbed by the latter, who said: "You caught the cooks; I only have two assistant kitchen workers left. The food can definitely be cooked, but the taste is another matter. If you can promise those above won't kick up a fuss, I'll have them start cooking now; otherwise, we might as well starve to death together!"

"You can't manage your own subordinates, and you have the nerve to push it onto me?!"

Not to mention that Censor Xin was being entangled by Zheng Guanren here, unable to leave; meanwhile, Han Li followed the guards out of the Houshu. Just as he reached the gatehouse at the rear gate, he saw a young girl sitting inside the room.

The girl had a bamboo basket placed by her feet, sitting on a small table, speaking with her head tilted, wearing a plain hemp robe and simple clothes, her feet slightly drawn in, one hand propping up the small table, the other hanging down, appearing completely at ease and natural—she was precisely Song Xiaoniangzi, the small stall owner of the Song Family Eatery at the end of Sanzao County Alley.

Han Li had been busy all day, hearing the noise around him without rest, and laboring over documents; though relying on his youth and strength, he did not feel tired, his spirit was nonetheless tense. This time coming out, he also wanted to rest a bit and change his thoughts.

Seeing Song Miao now, the girl's expression was lively and her demeanor leisurely. Though he couldn't hear what she was actually saying, for some reason, perhaps that emotion was contagious, making him feel much more relaxed.

By the time he reached the gatehouse, Han Li's footsteps were lighter. Through the open door, he called out: "Song Stall Owner."

Song Miao heard the voice, turned to look, saw it was Han Li, and stood up smiling, calling out "Young Master Han," then pointing to the bamboo basket on the ground, saying: "I made many of these sweet embryos the day before yesterday, just waiting for them to ferment. I originally thought to sell half and give the other half to you gentlemen for your night shift drinks—to refresh the spirit and moisten the throat. Who knew things would turn out like this; everyone rushed back to the yamen in the blink of an eye and didn't get to taste them."

"Thanks to the protection of all of you, this young girl has been able to remain safe until now. I have nothing else of value, so I can only bring these worthless sweet embryos as a token of thanks!"

She spoke generously and openly, making it truly hard for people to refuse.

Even the two guards watching the excitement on the side couldn't help but nod, wishing they could step forward to help Han Li carry that bamboo basket in with great fanfare.

Commoners coming to the door to express thanks, bringing local specialties, bringing homemade food—even when listening to storybooks or opera scripts, hearing such content made people long for it.

Now this very thing was happening before their own eyes, and it was within the same yamen. How could they not feel a shared honor of officials and commoners getting along?

It was just a pity that it wasn't them who had been drafted to Sanzao County Alley last night; otherwise, this drink called sweet embryo, even if not sweet, would at least be fragrant!

Han Li expressed his thanks and returned the salute, about to speak, when he saw Song Miao had already picked up the bamboo basket.

He hurried forward to take it, but the first time, he found he couldn't lift it. Lowering his head to look, he saw Song Xiaoniangzi looking at him, silently saying a few words.

Han Li half guessed and half understood, feeling she was asking about Sun Lizheng. Since the two guards were present, he didn't say much. After the bamboo basket was handed over, he said: "Since Song Stall Owner has come, why not come in and sit for a while?"

Song Miao only asked: "Can an ordinary person like me enter the Houshu?"

Han Li said: "Not going inside the yamen residence; it's fine."

While saying this, he greeted the two guards, then led the way forward.

Song Miao followed behind, not forgetting to turn back and thank the two patrol soldiers.

After walking a few steps, seeing no one around, she stepped forward and told him about the matter concerning Sun Lizheng's family and the situation where Zhu Shi was looking for him.

Han Li said: "I'll go ask. If he can set aside his current errand, have him hand things over clearly and go home first. If not, I'll arrange someone else to take a message back."

Song Miao hurriedly said: "I am precisely here to deliver a message. Just let me bring a message back first."

"Don't rush to leave." Seeing the Second Gate ahead, Han Li suddenly stopped, turned to ask her: "I don't know if Song Stall Owner can cook large-pot meals?"

"Though I've never cooked large-pot meals, I have helped with banquets for two or three hundred people. If there are only one or two hundred guests, give me two or three people to wash and cut vegetables, tend the fire, and assist, and it should be no problem."

Song Miao didn't know exactly what the matter was, but hearing Han Li ask at this time, she was not at all modest.

"It's just that the taste can't be outstanding; it will only be passable to eat." She added.

Han Li didn't mention the matter of the cook leaking the news, only saying that the Left and Right Military Patrol Academy was working late on official business and needed an extra dinner. It was all rushed, the cooks each had their own matters, and only a white-case chef and two small workers remained.

"The wages offered now are around one string and a half of cash. If you can spare the time and are willing to take this job, I think the brothers in the courtyard would all want Song Stall Owner's cooking skills."

Cooking one meal takes at most half a day. Getting such pay is truly a great easy job.

Song Miao first confirmed that Na Han Li would immediately arrange people to handle the matter with Sun Lizheng, then agreed, and added: "I wonder if there's anything to watch out for? Usually how many dishes, and what's the eating style."

"They're all brothers from the Left and Right Military Patrol Academy, nothing special to watch out for. Tonight a total of one hundred thirteen people, time is very tight, you just do it according to your own usual handy way." Han Li finished speaking, then specially added a suggestion: "That kitchen's steward surnamed Zheng, most likely will make things difficult for you. The remaining two small workers aren't necessarily usable either. In a moment I'll call another two or three people over to give you a hand."

Song Miao smiled: "I'll go take a look at the kitchen first, see what it's like. If it's not enough, I'll come back to ask for people."

The two spoke as they walked, and soon arrived at the Second Gate.

One trip there and back, the time spent wasn't long. Before even entering, a burst of cursing and quarreling came from inside.

"Laozi has a pile of prisoners to interrogate, no time to grind with you. Move aside, figure it out yourself!"

Song Miao heard the voice was familiar, fixed her eyes to look, and saw that Censor Xin was pulling and tugging with someone.

At this moment Han Li stepped forward first, saying: "Zheng Guanren, I found a head cook to come back. Just pay the wages according to what was agreed before."

While speaking, he waited for Zheng Guanren to turn his head, while pointing at Song Miao, said: "This is Song Xiaoniangzi, a hand of excellent cooking skill. Taixue students all know, even Zhuque Gate left and right Patrol Officers and Patrol Soldiers praise her endlessly."

Zheng Guanren was just arguing with Censor Xin. Who knew Han Li's side would quietly bring a cook back, calling him "head cook" repeatedly. Looking again, it was actually a little girl. For a moment he was so angry he laughed: "Playing with me? Such a delicate young lady, what can she do?"

Censor Xin saw Song Miao, his face oily from a busy day grew four or five parts brighter. First he called "Song Xiaoniangzi," then said to Zheng Guanren: "Tonight's dinner let Song Xiaoniangzi cook. Good or bad taste, you don't need to care. Our Left and Right Military Patrol Academy all accept it!"

No matter how unwilling Zheng Guanren was, however much he felt he'd been tricked, he comforted himself on one hand — just treat that consistent money as fed to dogs, only buying some peace and quiet — on the other hand he was still very displeased.

After all, right now is exactly case-handling time. Even if Prefect Zheng came, he'd have to coax the subordinates to finish things first.

Especially the Left and Right Military Patrol Academy has always been the frontmost truly doing the work. Mouths stink, but backs are stiff. He's a logistics manager, on the surface still has to avoid their edge.

Although he didn't argue with Censor Xin and Han Li, only asked a few sentences, then brought Song Miao back to the rear kitchen, Zheng Guanren's dissatisfaction kept drilling upward, almost turning into flame, about to spray from nose and mouth.

When they arrived at the place, he kicked the door open. The remaining not-many three people inside all looked over.

Sure enough in the kitchen a head cook was kneading dough, two small workers sat dryly to the side, actually dazed. Hearing the movement, they all jumped in fright, hurriedly stood up, then came forward to welcome and salute.

Zheng Guanren in a few words introduced both sides, then said to Song Miao: "Young Lady, you look around here yourself, see if you can do it — if not, resigning now is still in time."

Finished speaking, he called that White-case Chef out the door.

Song Miao smiled and thanked him, didn't mind it. Seeing the two small workers only looked about ten years old, looking even smaller than herself, she knew they were most likely apprentices some cook brought to do odd jobs. She stepped forward to greet them, asking them to help introduce things.

Both were still quite sharp. Immediately stood up, brought Song Miao around the kitchen for a circle.

Six large stoves, cooking utensils all complete. Firewood all burning. That side dough also risen. Just waiting for outside news, then decide how to do it.

"Still more than an hour until meal time. Can Song Niangzi make it in time?"

Song Miao smiled and shook her head, said: "First look at what dishes there are."

When they reached the ingredient prep table, piled high were two rows of cabbage and mustard greens, some scallions, ginger, garlic and other common side ingredients. One large bucket of pork, including pork belly, also mei tou meat, also some front and hind leg meat. Additionally some ribs. Also half a side of mutton, one board of tofu.

As for seasonings, all common condiments. Additionally some caoliao left by the previous cook, unknown origin. Song Miao didn't dare use it.

She looked a circle, only felt these ingredients' varieties were enough. But time tight, big dishes hard to make, soup also no time to simmer.

Since so, better to make a few quick dishes. Left and right big pot rice. Most important eat full, eat comfortable and clean. If make it overly fancy, one can't make it in time, two might not even please.

"Any chicken eggs?" she asked.

"Yes, in the jar."

One of the small workers moved aside a clay jar. Sure enough inside were all chicken eggs.

Song Miao relaxed a breath, then asked: "Anything else?"

"At noon Qin Pan sent people to carry in a strip of beef. Said it's outside city West Camp rewarding official soldiers. Slaughtered military cattle, divided some meat over. Called for kitchen to cook it together."

Speaking, he indeed brought out the basin holding the beef.

One large strip, with a bit of fat. Looked like three or four catties.

She here just saw seven or eight parts full. Zheng Guanren and that White-case Chef walked in.

"Song Xiaoniangzi do it yourself. Any matter, discuss with Su Chuzi. What you don't understand, feel free to ask him. Everything here use freely, just don't go too far."

Speaking, Zheng Guanren feet didn't stop. Turned and left, as if afraid of being called back.

Zheng Guanren left, Su Chuzi also not polite. Directly said: "Young Lady do as you please. I do white case. Other things I don't know. Remaining ingredients you use freely. Only mutton, pork ribs, mei tou, front and hind leg meat I all must use. What's left over goes to you."

At once picked away the good meat, good dishes.

Finished picking, then called the two small workers: "All come over to tend fire for me."