Chapter 151-155

Chapter 151: Betting

Xia Mingyue hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Ten taels of silver is indeed a bit excessive, Headmaster Zhou. There's no need for you to spend so much. Just pay me the standard wages of an ordinary cook. However, in my free time, I would like to study alongside the Masters and students to improve my literacy. I hope you will allow this request."

Now that she had arrived at the county school, she couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip by. Knowledge was a powerful tool, one that could open doors to greater prospects. If she could master reading and writing, she would find it much easier to draft franchise documents, negotiate business deals with confidence, and even enjoy the simple pleasure of reading books in her leisure time.

Hearing this, Zhou Zhiqing nodded in agreement. "Then we shall do as Madam Xia suggests."

Although he was the esteemed headmaster of the county school and earned a decent salary, Headmaster Zhou had a deep love for literature, calligraphy, and art. Much of his income was spent acquiring rare books and fine brushes, leaving his purse considerably lighter than it should have been. Additionally, he often extended financial help to promising but underprivileged students, further straining his funds.

Offering ten taels of silver for a cook had been a painful decision, one that required gritted teeth. Now, discovering that Madam Xia was willing to accept a lower wage in exchange for literacy lessons was an unexpected relief.

More than that, he was pleased by her eagerness to learn. Although Xia Mingyue was a merchant, she understood the value of education and the power of knowledge in shaping one's future. Such foresight and ambition were rare and admirable.

A smile spread across Headmaster Zhou's face. "Then it's settled. When the time comes, I will personally teach Madam Xia how to read and write."

This arrangement came with another unspoken benefit——he would now have more reasons to frequent the canteen. Teaching her would be a gratifying experience, and in return, perhaps she might show her appreciation by preparing a dish or two especially for him.

The thought of savoring warm, home-cooked meals prepared by Madam Xia made him feel inexplicably cheerful. Even as he left her residence and made his way back to the county school, a noticeable smile lingered on his face.

*****

Upon arriving at the county school, Headmaster Zhou encountered Master Dai, one of the senior instructors. The latter raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Headmaster Zhou, you seem to be in particularly high spirits today. Has the Autumn Examination been announced? Did our students perform exceptionally well?"

Headmaster Zhou quickly composed himself, realizing he had been smiling too broadly. He coughed lightly and adjusted his expression. "The results haven't been released yet," he said, though the corners of his lips still twitched with a suppressed smile. "But I am pleased to see that the students continue to study diligently despite the exams being over."

Master Dai nodded approvingly. "Indeed. It's admirable. Even though the Autumn Examination has ended, our students have not grown complacent. Instead, they are still buried in their books, preparing for the Imperial Examination in the spring."

Many students had expressed the same sentiment——whether they passed or failed the Autumn Examination, they needed to keep studying. If they made the list this time, they would have to prepare for the Imperial Examination. If they failed, they had to work even harder for another chance. Either way, studying remained their top priority.

"Reading," Dai Changnian mused, stroking his thinning beard, "is the foundation of knowledge, the gateway to understanding, and the path to broader horizons. I am heartened by their dedication."

Believing that the Headmaster’s good mood stemmed from the students’ commitment, Master Dai let the matter rest. Instead, he shifted the topic.

"I heard from the servants that you visited the canteen today. Were you handling the issue of hiring a new cook?"

"Indeed," Headmaster Zhou replied, turning slightly to conceal his lingering smile. "I’ve found someone who suits my taste. She will start work tomorrow."

"That's a relief," Dai Changnian sighed. "Lately, the lack of an in-house cook has disrupted the school’s discipline. Students have been leaving campus for meals, making it harder to maintain order. I feared this might impact their studies in the long run."

But then, a new concern surfaced in his mind. Frowning slightly, he asked, "How skilled is this new cook?"

Headmaster Zhou responded without hesitation. "I personally selected her. You may rest assured——the quality of the meals will be satisfactory."

Before Master Dai could probe further, Headmaster Zhou suddenly recalled an unfinished task. "Ah, I just remembered——I have some matters to attend to. Master Dai, please excuse me." With that, he bowed slightly and left in haste, leaving Master Dai standing there, puzzled.

*****

Later that afternoon, Master Dai announced the reopening of the canteen. The students, though maintaining their scholarly composure, were secretly elated.

For the past few days, they had been enjoying their newfound freedom——venturing outside the school, savoring meals at Xia Ji’s stall. Now that the canteen was reopening, their brief taste of independence was coming to an end.

Sighs of regret filled the air.

"Happy times are always too short," someone muttered wistfully.

Others quickly conspired to sneak in one last trip to Xia Ji’s stall before the canteen resumed service.

"If the school doesn’t allow us to bring food inside, we’ll just eat as much as we can outside before heading back," one student proposed.

Amidst the chatter, a student named Zhu Guangyuan remained focused on his book. He flipped a page and said calmly, "Has anyone considered the possibility that the new cook might be better than Chef Wei?"

A brief silence followed. Then, laughter erupted.

"Brother Guangyuan, you must be dreaming!"

"Exactly! We trust Headmaster Zhou and Master Dai’s judgment, but finding a truly talented cook? That’s another matter entirely."

"Don’t worry, the sun still rises in the east——some things never change."

"Perhaps you should get some rest, Brother Guangyuan. You might be having wild dreams again."

Zhu Guangyuan rubbed his temples, amused by their skepticism. It was true that the Headmaster and Master Dai wouldn’t deliberately seek out an extraordinary cook, but compared to Chef Wei——whose meals were infamously bland and uninspired——the new cook could hardly be worse.

"If we compare the food to Xia Ji’s, of course, it won’t be as good," he admitted. "But compared to Chef Wei’s cooking, I’m sure we’ll see an improvement. Isn’t that a win?"

The others refused to entertain the idea, still too focused on lamenting the loss of their trips to Xia Ji’s.

Seeing their stubbornness, Zhu Guangyuan smirked and proposed, "How about we make a bet?"

"What kind of bet?"

"Simple," he said. "We’ll wager on whether the new cook’s food is better than Chef Wei’s. Those who believe it will be better can write their names on this paper, and those who disagree can write their names on another. Whichever side loses will have to copy the winner’s assignments for a week. What do you say?"

His challenge immediately sparked interest. Students exchanged glances, considering the bet.

__________________________

Chapter 152: Luoyang Cabbage

In recent days, Headmaster Zhou had borrowed dozens of rare books from his former classmates——precious editions that were not readily available. Eager to preserve and share their knowledge, he mobilized the students at the county school, instructing them to copy the texts for study and reference.

Thus, in addition to their regular coursework, the students found themselves tasked with transcribing these invaluable manuscripts, an assignment that required both patience and diligence.

When Zhu Guangyuan proposed his bet, it immediately piqued the interest of his peers. The students, already accustomed to long hours of writing, saw an opportunity to turn their mundane copying task into a wager of wit and anticipation. With excitement, they spread out sheets of paper, dipped their brushes in ink, and carefully wrote their names on the respective sides.

However, as the names were tallied, a clear disparity emerged——an overwhelming majority doubted that the new cook could surpass Chef Wei’s skills.

Zhu Guangyuan, unfazed by the odds, smiled and neatly added his name to the underdog list.

*****

Unaware of the students’ wager, Xia Mingyue was preoccupied with preparations. She spent the morning assigning tasks to Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu at Xia Ji’s stall before heading to the county school as agreed.

By the time she arrived, Zhou Zhiqing had been waiting.

After exchanging polite greetings, he personally escorted her to the small canteen.

The county school, the highest institution of learning in the region, occupied an expansive estate. Pavilions and towers dotted the landscape, and the courtyards flourished with lush trees and flowers. The canteen, situated in the northeast corner of the grounds, was accessible through a covered corridor leading from the side gate.

Upon arrival, they found the kitchen bustling with activity. The four kitchen helpers, already busy with preparations, immediately halted their work and bowed respectfully upon seeing Headmaster Zhou.

"Headmaster," they greeted in unison.

Headmaster Zhou nodded and gestured toward Xia Mingyue. "This is Madam Xia, the new cook for the canteen. She will be overseeing the meals in place of Chef Wei for the time being. I trust you all will assist her and make her feel welcome."

The senior-most helper, a woman surnamed Niu, quickly responded, "Rest assured, Headmaster. We will do our best to support Madam Xia and ensure the students are well-fed."

Satisfied, Headmaster Zhou gave a brief nod before turning back to Xia Mingyue. "I’ll leave the kitchen in your capable hands. If you need anything, do not hesitate to inform me."

With that, he departed, leaving Xia Mingyue to acquaint herself with her new workspace.

Madam Niu and the other helpers turned to her and bowed once more. "Welcome, Madam Xia."

Smiling warmly, she returned the gesture. "It’s a pleasure to work with all of you."

As they exchanged introductions, Xia Mingyue quickly assessed the team. Two of the helpers were locals, while the other two hailed from nearby villages. All seemed diligent and efficient.

After familiarizing herself with the staff, she turned her attention to the day's ingredients.

Madam Niu explained, "Chef Wei usually planned the menu a day in advance, and Madam Guo and I would purchase the necessary ingredients accordingly. Since we didn’t have a set menu this time, we bought staple ingredients——meat, eggs, and fresh seasonal vegetables."

She gestured toward the table, where neatly arranged produce awaited processing.

Cabbages, radishes, carrots, bean sprouts, and tofu made up the bulk of the selection. Given the season, these were the most readily available and practical choices.

The canteen followed a structured meal plan: a simple vegetarian dish in the morning, one meat and one vegetable dish at noon, and a small portion of meat in the evening.

Taking all this into account, Xia Mingyue swiftly devised a menu.

She instructed the helpers to begin steaming double-mixed flour buns, washing the cabbage, and cleaning the radishes while she handled the meat.

The slab of pork was fresh and well-marbled. With practiced ease, she sharpened her knife and separated a portion of lean meat, setting aside the fattier section with skin for an evening dish.

As she sliced the lean pork into thin pieces, the helpers completed their initial preparations. Following her instructions, they shredded the radishes into fine strands, which she then mixed with flour and seasonings before rolling them into small balls for frying.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of crispy radish fritters sizzling in hot oil.

For the cabbage dish, she had the helpers strip the leaves from the stalks. The fibrous stems were carefully peeled and cut into delicate slivers, ensuring uniform cooking.

With the mise en place complete, Xia Mingyue turned her attention back to the pork.

She marinated the slices in a blend of salt, soy sauce, rice wine, sweet potato starch, and a pinch of sugar, allowing the flavors to meld while she heated oil in a pan.

Once the oil was hot, she fried a spoonful of flour until golden and fragrant, then added boiling water to create a thickened base. Into this, she tossed the marinated pork slices, followed by the cabbage slivers.

As the ingredients simmered, their flavors deepened, filling the kitchen with a rich, tantalizing scent. When the dish was nearly done, she plated it carefully and prepared the final touch.

She minced garlic, chopped green onions, crushed a handful of peppercorns, and added a few dried chilies. Arranging these aromatics over the hot dish, she poured sizzling oil on top——instantly releasing an explosion of fragrance.

The scent was intoxicating.

The four kitchen helpers instinctively sniffed the air, their eyes widening in surprise.

When Xia Mingyue had first arrived, they had been skeptical. She was young, refined, and elegant——not the typical image of a cook. They assumed she was merely fulfilling a temporary role out of obligation to Headmaster Zhou.

But now, watching her work with such skill and confidence, they realized their mistake.

"Madam Xia," Madam Niu finally spoke, her curiosity getting the better of her, "what is this dish called? I've never seen anyone prepare cabbage like this before."

"It’s called Luoyang Cabbage," Xia Mingyue replied as she drizzled a finishing touch of sesame paste over the dish.

The addition of the rich, nutty sauce elevated the aroma to another level.

Madam Guo, another helper, hesitated before asking, "Madam Xia..., would it be possible for us to have a taste?"

Xia Mingyue chuckled. "Of course."

She took a clean bowl, rinsed it with water, and carefully portioned out a sample.

"This dish is traditionally made with vermicelli, but since we don’t have any on hand——and the ones sold outside are expensive——I had to make do. The flavors will still be rich, though the texture might lack a bit of depth."

As soon as the helpers took their first bite, their doubts melted away.

The pork was incredibly tender, having absorbed the marinade perfectly. The cabbage, far from being bland, was infused with layers of umami, the slightly sweet undertone complementing the nutty sesame paste and aromatic spices.

__________________________

Chapter 153: Worry

The moment the four kitchen helpers took their first bites, they were completely taken aback.

They had never eaten cabbage this delicious before, nor had they ever tasted such tender and flavorful meat! It was unlike anything they had expected from a simple canteen meal.

"Madam Xia, this luoyang cabbage is incredible!"

"The meat is so tender, and the cabbage just melts in your mouth. If we eat to our heart’s content, I doubt this one bowl will be enough!"

"The meat is so tender, and the cabbage just melts in your mouth. If we eat to our heart’s content, I doubt this one bowl will be enough!"

"We might need to add two more steamed buns!"

"Can I have three?"

Their excitement was palpable as they showered Xia Mingyue with praise, marveling at the dish’s extraordinary taste. However, their joy quickly turned into concern.

"Wait a moment...." Madam Niu hesitated, glancing at the others. "The food today is way too delicious. Do you think the Headmaster and Master Dai will be unhappy about it?"

"That’s right," another helper chimed in, frowning. "We used to secretly add extra lard to the dishes Chef Wei made, thinking it would make them taste better. But Master Dai disapproved, saying food was meant to fill the stomach, not to indulge in flavor."

"And didn’t the headmaster and Master Dai always say that bland food helps sharpen a scholar’s willpower?"

"If we serve such a flavorful dish today, won’t it go against their teachings?"

The four exchanged worried glances, their excitement now laced with apprehension.

"We should explain if then," Madam Niu suggested. "We can’t let Madam Xia take the blame alone if the Headmaster and Master Dai disapprove."

"That’s right...." The others murmured in agreement, still uneasy about the situation.

Xia Mingyue, however, remained unfazed. She simply smiled and said, "Don’t worry. Just serve the Luoyang cabbage as usual today."

Her confidence left the kitchen helpers puzzled.

Last night, she had thought long and hard about why Headmaster Zhou specifically appointed her as the new cook. Given the reputation of the county school’s canteen and the assurance he had given her, she was convinced that he wanted the food to improve.

But if Headmaster Zhou had chosen not to say it outright, then she wouldn’t point it out either.

"It’s getting late," she said, shifting the conversation. "Let’s start frying these radish balls."

By now, the steamed buns were ready, and the students would be arriving soon. Once the meatballs were freshly fried and served, their golden, crispy exteriors and tender, flavorful insides would surely win everyone over.

Despite their concerns, the kitchen helpers couldn’t deny that Madam Xia was calm and composed. She didn’t seem worried at all, as if she had everything under control.

"After all," they thought, "she was personally brought in by the Headmaster. Maybe he really does favor her."

But what about Master Dai?

Unlike the Headmaster, Master Dai was known to be strict and unyielding. He often debated fiercely with Headmaster Zhou, his face turning red from frustration. Would he be as understanding?

The thought made them all sigh at the same time.

Still, as they watched Xia Mingyue skillfully fry the radish balls, their hesitation lessened.

"At the very least," Madam Niu whispered to the others, "we should help Madam Xia if anything happens. Someone who can cook this well deserves our respect!"

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, marking the start of lunchtime, the county school’s classes ended. The Master rolled up his scroll and left, signaling the students to pack up their things.

Two and a half hours had passed since they had breakfast in the morning. The students were already hungry and their stomachs were making sounds like beating drums.

Yet, despite their hunger, none of them rushed to the canteen.

"Why are you all so hesitant?" Zhu Guangyuan teased with a chuckle. "There’s a new cook today. Maybe the food will taste different."

"Different?" Zhang Mingyi scoffed. "More like worse than what Chef Wei made."

The students had discussed it the night before and planned to sneak out to buy food, fearing the new cook would serve something inedible.

Unfortunately, the county school gate had been locked early, and the gatekeeper, Old Li, was nowhere to be found. Their escape plan had failed.

Now, their only choice was to eat at the canteen.

Zhang Mingyi let out a long, exaggerated sigh, his expression filled with gloom.

His dramatic reaction made the others uneasy as well.

"Don’t be so negative." Zhu Guangyuan shook his head. "What if the food is actually better than before?"

"Yeah, right. The sun would have to rise from the west first," someone muttered.

The sighs continued.

Still, there was no avoiding it. Rubbing their empty stomachs, the students finally dragged their feet toward the canteen, looking like prisoners heading to their execution.

At worst, they could just force the food down without tasting it. Even if it was terrible, was it worse than drinking bitter medicine?

Life was short——just endure it and move on....

That was their mindset as they approached the canteen, their expressions full of reluctance.

But just as they neared the entrance, one of them, Fan Pingyang, suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He sniffed the air, eyes widening in disbelief. "Wait a minute...," he muttered. "What is that smell?"

Zhang Mingyi rolled his eyes. "You’re so hungry, you’re imagining things."

"No, really!" Fan Pingyang insisted, sniffing again. "It smells amazing! It’s the scent of food——strong and rich!"

Unlike the others, Fan Pingyang had an exceptionally keen sense of smell, especially when it came to food.

And right now, his instincts told him that something absolutely delicious was waiting inside. Without another word, he dashed toward the canteen, leaving the others behind. He burst into the dining hall, eagerly scanning the food counter.

At first glance, he was disappointed.

Two dishes——one bowl filled with golden fried radish balls and another with what appeared to be cabbage and sliced pork in a fragrant broth.

Simple. Ordinary.

But then the aroma hit him again, stronger than ever. His eyes drifted back to the food.

The radish balls were crisp and golden, with hints of red and white radish visible through the crispy shell. The cabbage and pork slices looked tender and inviting, the broth rich and glossy. The scent alone was intoxicating.

'Never mind,' Fan Pingyang thought. 'I’ll just try a bite.'

The cook handed him a bowl, filling it with half a portion of Luoyang cabbage, topping it with seven or eight meatballs, and adding two steamed buns.

"Thank you," he mumbled, taking a seat.

He picked up a meatball first, biting into it: crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside——absolutely perfect.

Then he tried the cabbage and meat: the tender pork melted in his mouth, while the cabbage, infused with the fragrant broth, was both sweet and savory.

He chewed once. Then twice. Then, suddenly, he grabbed his steamed buns, stuffing large bites into his mouth.

Before he knew it, he had finished nearly half his meal in record time.

And then, as if realizing something urgent, he shot up from his seat, sprinted toward the entrance, and shouted at the hesitant students still lingering outside——

"Come quick! Hurry! You have to try this!"

__________________________

Chapter 154: Doubt

Fan Pingyang had never tasted cabbage and pork slices this delicious.

Each bite was rich and savory, the tender pork perfectly complemented by the soft, flavorful cabbage. The warm broth coated his tongue, filling his entire being with warmth and satisfaction.

Then, a terrible thought struck him.

What if he was too late to get more? No! This wasn’t just an ordinary meal——it was the best food he had ever eaten at the county school! If he didn’t act fast, the other food lovers would flood the canteen, devouring every last bite before he had a chance to refill his bowl.

Without hesitation, Fan Pingyang abandoned his initial impulse to alert the others. His priorities had shifted. Informing his classmates could wait.

What couldn’t wait, however, was securing another bowl of this incredible dish.

Spinning on his heel, he dashed back inside, straight to his seat. He grabbed his bowl with renewed determination and resumed eating with unparalleled enthusiasm, shoving food into his mouth as if he were afraid someone might snatch it away.

Meanwhile, outside the canteen, a group of students exchanged puzzled glances.

"Did... did he just run back in?"

"Did he even finish speaking? I couldn’t understand a word with his mouth stuffed like that."

"Is something wrong?"

Fan Pingyang’s erratic behavior left them more bewildered than before. And yet, curiosity began to stir within them.

Should they... go check it out?

Following the age-old principle of 'doubts must be resolved', they cautiously stepped into the canteen.

The moment they entered, they were hit with the most mouthwatering aroma.

Their gazes immediately snapped toward the food counter, where steam rose in delicate wisps from freshly served bowls.

Then, their eyes landed on Fan Pingyang.

The once——composed student was now a wild beast, devouring his meal like a starved man at a feast. His face glowed with satisfaction as he shoveled food into his mouth, his movements frantic yet deliberate, as if each bite was a treasure that couldn't be wasted.

It was an eye-opening sight.

It took them only a second to understand——Lunch today was extraordinary!

Excitement sparked in their eyes. Without wasting another moment, they hurried to line up at the counter.

Bowl after bowl of Luoyang cabbage was served, each portion paired with crispy fried radish meatballs and soft, fluffy steamed buns. The students, now holding their prized meals, scattered into groups of three or four and eagerly dug in.

The first bite was enough to spark a chorus of exclamations.

"I’ve never had such delicious cabbage and pork in my life!"

"These radish balls——crispy on the outside, tender inside! They taste amazing on their own, but soaking them in the broth makes them even better!"

"This is way beyond what we used to get. Honestly, it's better than the food at Yueran Restaurant!"

One by one, the students voiced their delight. But then——

Someone hesitated.

Their words had been filled with unrestrained praise, but as the initial excitement died down, a troubling realization set in.

Did the Headmaster and Masters actually approve of this change?

The county school had always emphasized discipline and restraint. Their previous meals had been intentionally bland to cultivate perseverance. Had the school officials deliberately hired a skilled cook to improve their food... or was this just an oversight?

What if the Headmaster and Masters had assumed the new cook would prepare the same mediocre dishes as before?

If they learned that today's meal was so delicious, would they see it as an indulgence and dismiss the new cook? The mere thought sent a chill down their spines.

"I dare not think about it...." One student whispered, his hand tightening around his bowl.

A heavy silence fell over the group. Then, almost in unison, they turned to each other, whispering in hushed tones.

"We can't let them find out how good this food is."

"The Headmaster and Masters will come in soon. We have to act natural."

"Right, right. We need to chew slowly, as if we're eating wax."

"No asking for second helpings. If you have to get more, just take steamed buns."

"Show no enthusiasm. If anything, look disappointed."

After a brief but intense discussion, the plan was set.

The students forced themselves to slow down, chewing deliberately, their expressions carefully controlled.

It was torture.

Each bite of cabbage, each crisp radish ball, each sip of broth——delicious, yet painfully restrained. The struggle of suppressing their enjoyment was almost unbearable. But for the sake of keeping this new cook, they endured.

Thus, an eerie scene unfolded.

A dining hall filled with students, faces twisted in apparent dissatisfaction, forcing down the most delicious meal they had ever had in school.

Just as this strange spectacle took shape, Headmaster Zhou entered with several Masters.

The sight that greeted him left him momentarily stunned. He had been expecting excitement——perhaps even relief at having a better cook.

Instead, he saw students frowning at their bowls, eating as if fulfilling a solemn duty rather than enjoying a meal.

A strange unease crept into Headmaster Zhou’s heart. Could it be... that even Madam Xia’s cooking failed to satisfy them?

That shouldn’t be possible.

He had personally tasted the food at Xia Ji’s stall and had been deeply impressed. Madam Xia’s cooking skills were exceptional. It didn’t make sense.

Suppressing his doubts, he took his seat. Soon, the food was brought before him.

The aroma alone was intoxicating. The cabbage glistened in the broth, the pork slices tender and inviting. The radish balls were crisp and golden, promising a delightful crunch.

One bite confirmed what he already knew——It was absolutely delicious...!

He ate faster, savoring every mouthful. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Master Dai, his colleague, picking up his chopsticks.

Headmaster Zhou immediately composed himself, slowing his pace. Right. He couldn’t let the others catch on.

Forcing a neutral expression, he set his bowl down and muttered, "The cook’s skills... aren’t as good as Chef Wei’s."

Master Dai nodded, agreeing absentmindedly, then took his first bite.

The moment the food touched his tongue, his entire body froze.

The rich, layered flavors exploded in his mouth——the delicate balance of savory broth, tender cabbage, and succulent pork was far beyond anything he had expected.

His stomach let out a low growl, demanding more. Instinctively, he took another bite. Then another. Before he realized it, half his bowl was gone. But just as he was about to voice his astonishment, he caught sight of the students.

They were all frowning. Eating slowly. Showing no joy. Even the other masters were following suit, wearing expressions of mild disinterest.

Something wasn’t right. Had his own taste changed?Was there something wrong with him?

But the food was undeniably good!

Master Dai hesitated, but before he could speak, Shen Yongan, another master, let out a quiet sigh. "The taste is... lacking compared to Chef Wei’s," he remarked.

"Yes," another colleague chimed in, nodding. "Barely edible at best."

Master Dai was dumbfounded. Were they all lying?

His gaze flickered back to Headmaster Zhou, who was sipping his soup with a perfectly unreadable expression.

Then, in a shocking move, Headmaster Zhou calmly stood up, walked to the food counter, and asked for a second helping of Luoyang cabbage.

His reason?

"I spent all morning grading essays. I'm exhausted. Naturally, I’m hungrier than usual."

Master Dai stared at him, then at the students.

__________________________

Chapter 155: Conspiracy

The next in line was Master Shen, who, like many others, ordered more than half a bowl of dishes. In addition, he asked for an extra steamed bun. As he settled down to eat, he remarked, "It must be because the weather is getting colder. I feel like no matter how much I eat, it's never enough." His words resonated with the others.

Yes, colder weather often brought bigger appetites. Just as summer heat dulled hunger, the chill of approaching winter seemed to stir a constant craving for warmth and nourishment.

Master Dai, who had been eating steadily, paused to consider this. The logic made sense——perhaps his own hunger was a response to the changing season. Feeling reassured, he resumed eating with even more enthusiasm.

Before long, he emptied his bowl and stood up to get another serving, as did many others around him.

"Sorry, there's no more," Madam Niu said apologetically, her expression filled with guilt.

Master Dai froze mid-step. No more? His stomach, still uncomfortably empty, seemed to protest at the words.

He wasn’t the only one taken aback——several students who had also risen to get seconds now looked equally stunned.

"But many of us haven’t eaten enough," Master Dai blurted out. "Could you make some more?"

"We just cooked two additional pots, but they were all eaten up," Madam Niu explained, shaking her head. "It’s not that we don’t want to, but we’ve run out of cabbage and pork."

The canteen had a set amount of ingredients allocated each day. Normally, the portions prepared were more than enough, with leftovers even carrying over to the next day.

But today....

The cabbage and pork that should have lasted for two days were completely gone. There was simply nothing left to cook.

Master Dai sighed in disappointment. There was nothing he could do——he had to accept the canteen’s rules. Still, his stomach protested fiercely. With a reluctant sigh, he reached for a steamed bun, hoping it would at least ease his hunger somewhat.

Seeing this, the other students followed suit, each taking a steamed bun as a makeshift consolation prize.

In ancient times, people were said to look at plums to quench their thirst. Today, they would eat steamed buns to quell their lingering craving for Luoyang cabbage.

It wasn’t quite the same, but it would have to do.

Master Dai took a seat again, slowly breaking his steamed bun into small pieces and popping them into his mouth. Around him, the other students did the same, chewing thoughtfully as they processed what had just happened.

Meanwhile, the cooks, having barely had time to eat themselves, quickly finished their meals and began tidying up.

Xia Mingyue rolled up her sleeves, ready to help, but Madam Niu and the others immediately pushed her back. "Madam Xia, you’ve been busy all day. Please take a break——we’ll handle the cleanup."

It wasn’t just a matter of courtesy.

Xia Mingyue hadn’t merely cooked today——she had made two dishes that left a lasting impression. The Luoyang cabbage and fried radish meatballs were met with such praise that even the notoriously stern Headmaster Zhou and  Master Dai had no complaints.

The students' earlier schemes and playful whispers had no effect on these seasoned scholars. They weren’t fools; they could distinguish between good and bad food.

And the fact that they remained silent meant only one thing——they thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

This was a significant precedent.

If the food in the county school’s canteen could continue to be this delicious, then even the cooks would benefit. They, too, could enjoy better meals.

Most importantly, the students’ attitudes had visibly changed. No longer dragging their feet or looking dejected, they were lively, their eyes bright with anticipation.

All of this was thanks to Xia Mingyue.

The four kitchen helpers had already placed her on a pedestal, practically seeing her as a culinary goddess. How could they let her do the menial work of scrubbing pots and clearing tables?

Seeing their insistence, Xia Mingyue relented. Instead of cleaning, she turned her attention to a fatty cut of meat set aside earlier that noon.

She planned to cook it for dinner.

*****

After lunch, the students returned to their rooms as usual for a short rest before afternoon classes.

But today, no one was thinking about sleep. Instead, the canteen meal remained the main topic of conversation.

At first, they simply praised the Luoyang cabbage and fried radish balls, marveling at their taste. Then, they congratulated themselves for their quick thinking in ensuring more flavorful meals in the future. Finally, they turned their thoughts to dinner, eagerly speculating what delicious dish would be served next.

"I say...," Zhu Guangyuan suddenly spoke up. "Shouldn’t we settle our bet now?"

"Bet? What bet?" Someone quickly denied. "That wasn't a bet——it was a stroke of good fortune! I’ll happily copy the text!"

"Exactly!" Another chimed in. "Forget copying just a few passages——I’d willingly copy all the books in the academy if it means I get to keep eating like this!"

A wave of agreement swept through the group.

Even if one day they rose to become high-ranking officials with luxurious lives, they would still remember this meal. However, amid the excitement, someone raised a concern.

"Have you noticed?" He said hesitantly. "The food in the canteen is delicious, yes, but it also has one major flaw."

"What flaw?" The others turned to him in confusion.

"It makes you hungry too quickly. I’m already dreading the afternoon class because all I can think about is that Luoyang cabbage."

A brief silence fell.

"That... is indeed worrying," someone muttered.

"Yes! But, we can’t let ourselves get so obsessed with food that we neglect our studies. If the Masters notice, they might think we’re becoming gluttonous and decide to shut down the canteen altogether!"

"That would be a disaster!"

So, they quickly reached a consensus.

From this moment on, they would suppress their cravings and maintain their focus in class.

One group accepted their loss and obediently began copying texts for the winners. Another group immersed themselves in their books, determined not to let their thoughts betray them.

Thus, when afternoon classes began, the students were more focused and energetic than ever before.

Their concentration did not go unnoticed.

The Masters, seeing the unusually disciplined behavior, nodded in approval, pleased with their students' diligence.

Later that afternoon, as planned, Headmaster Zhou arrived at the canteen to tutor Xia Mingyue in reading and writing.

Since she was still a beginner, he had chosen two simpler books——The Three Character Classic and The Thousand Character Classic. Using the same methods he used to teach young children, he patiently guided her through the lessons.

Xia Mingyue had encountered these texts before in modern times, but she hadn’t committed them to memory. Moreover, there were subtle differences in this era’s versions, making it necessary for her to relearn them.

Fortunately, she had a sharp memory.

She was able to recite everything Headmaster Zhou taught her in a short time. Then, following the structure of the text, she began studying the characters word by word.

Headmaster Zhou was impressed. She not only absorbed knowledge quickly but also grasped patterns and rules without needing much explanation.

Seeing her strong learning ability, he decided to move forward, introducing her to writing practice.

Though her strokes were still a bit unsteady, she showed clear progress.

A fast-learning student naturally gave the Master a sense of accomplishment. Headmaster Zhou found himself more motivated than ever to continue teaching her.

By the end of an hour, he had already taught her an entire page of characters.

"Madam Xia, let’s stop here for today," he said. "Review these words when you have time and practice writing them. Tomorrow, I’ll check your progress."

If she continued learning at this pace, he could move on to more advanced texts soon. However, if she struggled, he would adjust accordingly.

Either way, he was beginning to look forward to their next lesson.