Chapter 156-160

Chapter 156: Twice-cooked Pork with Garlic Sprouts

"Yes, I will practice hard," Xia Mingyue said earnestly, bowing respectfully to Headmaster Zhou. "Thank you, Headmaster Zhou."

Headmaster Zhou chuckled lightly. "Madam Xia, you are too polite. It's getting late--I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

"Take care, Headmaster Zhou," Xia Mingyue responded, watching as the scholar departed into the night.

Once Headmaster Zhou was out of sight, she turned back inside, methodically packing up the books, ink, and brushes before heading to the kitchen to check on the meat.

The pork had been simmering gently in water infused with rice wine and ginger slices, and now, it had cooled completely--ready for the next stage of preparation.

Working with swift, practiced movements, Xia Mingyue and Madam Niu began slicing the pork into thin, even pieces. They heated a pan over low fire, carefully rendering the excess fat until the slices took on a beautiful golden-brown hue. The rich aroma filled the small kitchen, making the air thick with the scent of sizzling meat.

Next, they removed the pork, leaving a fragrant layer of oil in the pan. Into it, they tossed in bean paste, fresh ginger slices, sugar, soy sauce, and a handful of peppercorns. The ingredients sizzled and crackled, their flavors blooming into an irresistible fragrance. Finally, they added the prepped garlic sprouts, their emerald-green color bright against the dark sauce.

Once the pork was returned to the pan, everything was stir-fried together in perfect harmony, ensuring the flavors melded beautifully. The result: a fragrant, flavorful twice-cooked pork dish, its texture both tender and slightly chewy, its taste rich yet never overwhelming.

Cooking a dish like twice-cooked pork required precision and heat control. However, the school's kitchen, designed for large-scale cooking, relied on strong, high flames to ensure all meals were prepared efficiently. As a result, most dishes were stewed rather than stir-fried. To preserve the ideal texture and taste, Xia Mingyue had to cook the pork in small batches--a process that, while necessary, also presented a challenge.

With this method, the first batches would cool quickly while the later ones were still being prepared, leading to a risk of uneven temperatures when served. Furthermore, she had opted to use rump meat with skin rather than the usual fatty pork belly. While this cut provided a leaner alternative, it also meant that once cooled, the skin would become tough and difficult to chew, affecting the dish's overall quality.

To ensure that every student received a warm, flavorful meal, Xia Mingyue decided to prepare the dish fresh at noon rather than making it in advance. Madam Niu and the others would handle the students' lunch preparations, while she remained in the kitchen, focused entirely on the twice-cooked pork.

This way, neither efficiency nor quality would be compromised.

Yet, what she hadn't anticipated was the students' reaction.

At dinnertime, the students arrived at the canteen a full fifteen minutes earlier than usual--and not just a handful of them, but the entire school.

They came in droves, lining up eagerly, their eyes fixed on the steaming dishes being plated before them.

The moment they saw the fragrant, glistening twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts, all self-restraint crumbled. The hunger they had managed to suppress all day now surged forward, overwhelming their senses.

Some even swallowed audibly, as if their mouths had suddenly transformed into waterfalls cascading from a great height.

Seeing their intense anticipation, Madam Niu and the kitchen staff exchanged knowing glances. They had expected the dish to be popular, but the sheer level of excitement in the students' eyes confirmed that demand would far exceed supply.

To avoid chaos, Madam Niu quickly addressed the gathered students. "Everyone, listen carefully! The food is being distributed in fixed portions. Each person will receive an equal amount, and there will be no extra servings. Please take only what is given."

A collective groan of disappointment echoed through the small dining hall.

What a pity! Such a delicious dish, and yet they couldn't have more.

However, as they considered the fact that they were even getting such a meal in the absence of Chef Wei, their frustration softened. It was, after all, a rare treat.

With reluctant acceptance, the students proceeded to receive their meals, each taking their allotted portion before sitting down at their tables, savoring every bite.

Amidst them, however, one individual was less than satisfied. Master Dai.

Just like at noon, he found himself utterly captivated by the taste of the twice-cooked pork. The moment he took his first bite, he wanted more.

Yet, when he had gone up for his meal, he had been reminded--like everyone else--that servings were strictly limited. Not even Masters or the Headmaster were exceptions. This reality gnawed at him. Frustration built up as he chewed on his steamed bun, his brows furrowing deeper with each bite.

Headmaster Zhou, ever observant, noticed his colleague's expression. "Master Dai, are you feeling unwell?" He asked with genuine concern. "You don't look well."

Master Dai snapped out of his thoughts, hastily waving a hand. "No, no, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Headmaster."

"Is that so?" Headmaster Zhou raised an eyebrow. "Or perhaps..., the food isn't to your liking?"

"No! That's not it at all," Master Dai answered quickly. "I suppose..., I'm just not very hungry."

A heavy silence followed.

Several Masters exchanged skeptical glances, their gazes subtly drifting to Master Dai's nearly empty bowl.

Not very hungry? Then why had he practically polished off his plate? Why was he now using his steamed bun to mop up the last remnants of sauce?

Headmaster Zhou smiled faintly, saying nothing more. Instead, he simply advised Master Dai to rest early that night and not overexert himself with grading students' essays.

Master Dai, still flustered, gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Headmaster," he murmured before finishing his remaining millet porridge in silence.

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms.

The students were divided into dormitories, ten per room, while the teachers had their own shared quarters.

Master Dai, despite his previous fatigue, immediately sat down to review the essays from his students. The topic was a current affairs discussion, centered on court politics and governance--a subject of great importance, given the new dynasty's recent establishment.

For two days, he had been meticulously reading through each essay, noting incoherent arguments, unclear reasoning, and even minor typos. He took great care in writing thoughtful feedback, ensuring his students understood their strengths and weaknesses.

Yet tonight, something was different. His focus wavered. The words blurred before his eyes. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts drifted--back to the twice-cooked pork.

The lingering taste of its rich, savory sauce still seemed to dance on his tongue. Even when he swallowed, he could almost relive the sensation of that perfect bite.

Before he realized it, the densely written characters on the page before him seemed to shift, rearranging themselves into the shape of twice-cooked pork.

Master Dai blinked.

Then, pressing a hand to his forehead, he let out a long sigh. He must be ill.

*****

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue had finished cleaning up for the evening. Unlike the others, she would not be staying at the school--her home was in Xicheng District, and she had to make her way back.

The autumn air carried the first hints of winter, and the streets were a patchwork of darkened shopfronts and warmly glowing lanterns. Most businesses had either closed for the night or left small lights flickering at their doors.

There were few pedestrians.

Xia Mingyue quickened her pace. Yet, just before she reached her home, she unexpectedly ran into Sister Song--the woman who worked in the central kitchen.

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Chapter 157: Marriage

"Madam Xia." Sister Song greeted warmly, her breath forming small clouds in the cool evening air. "Did you just return from the county school?"

Everyone in the Xia household knew that Xia Mingyue had been assisting in the county school canteen for the past few days.

"That's right," Xia Mingyue replied with a slight frown, noticing the bundle of snacks and candies in Sister Song's hands. "Sister Song, have you just returned from the central kitchen?"

After the Xia Ji stall was franchised out, the central kitchen had been operating on a fixed supply system, reducing workloads significantly. Additional staff had also been hired recently, making it easier for workers to finish their tasks before dinnertime.

Logically, Sister Song should have been home much earlier.

"I finished work a while ago and already had dinner at home," Sister Song explained with a smile. "Madam You came over to visit, so I stepped out to buy some snacks and sweets for her."

"Madam You?" Xia Mingyue paused, thinking for a moment before realization struck. "Ah, you mean Madam You from Luohua Lane?"

"That's right," Sister Song confirmed with a nod.

Madam You from Luohua Lane was a well-known matchmaker in the entire Xicheng District. If she had taken the time to visit Sister Song's house, it was likely regarding a marriage arrangement--probably for Sister Song's brother-in-law, Li Shuisheng.

"Shuisheng is at the right age now. If he can get engaged soon, it will certainly bring you peace of mind," Xia Mingyue remarked with a gentle smile. "When the engagement is finalized, let us know. We'd love to celebrate with your family."

A gift would surely add to the joy of the occasion.

Sister Song's expression brightened at the thought. "I'll be sure to tell you when it's decided."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xia Mingyue bid her farewell and continued on her way home, while Sister Song turned toward her own house, carrying her small parcels.

Upon arriving, she was met with an unexpected sight--Li Shuisheng was squatting alone in the courtyard, staring at the ground, while Madam You remained inside the main hall.

Sister Song frowned. "Why are you still out here?"

"I don't want to go in," Li Shuisheng muttered, barely looking up.

Sister Song let out an exasperated sigh. "You are impossible! Madam You came all this way for your sake. She only asked you to pick up some snacks, and you refused. Now you're sulking out here like a child. Do you want to offend her?"

A sincere matchmaker was a rare find, and Sister Song didn't want her brother-in-law to create a poor impression.

"If she gets upset, that's her problem, not mine," Li Shuisheng said stubbornly. He scoffed under his breath. "In fact, I hope she does get angry and never sets foot in this house again. Then maybe she'll stop meddling in my life."

Sister Song could only sigh again at his attitude.

She entered the house and hurriedly poured a cup of tea for Madam You. "I apologize for the delay. There weren't many options left at the snack shop, so I picked out the best I could find. I also ran into Madam Xia on my way back, and we talked for a bit. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."

Madam You chuckled. "Madam Song, you're too polite. And you chose well--these snacks aren't cheap. It's clear you value my visit."

Hearing Madam Xia's name, Madam You's smile grew even wider. "Now that you work closely with Madam Xia, it's only natural to maintain a good relationship with her. A stable job is important."

Sister Song smiled modestly. "That's true. But enough about me--thank you for coming, Madam You. I'm eager to know which young lady you have in mind for Shuisheng?"

She quickly added, "My Shuisheng is a fine young man--handsome, hardworking, and sensible. He's been promoted recently, so his monthly wage has increased significantly. Though we don't have much wealth, we're not afraid of hard work. In a year or two, we'll even be able to buy a courtyard of our own."

She straightened her posture and continued, "And I assure you, Madam You, I am not a difficult sister-in-law. Whichever girl joins our family, she will be treated well."

As Sister Song spoke eagerly, Madam You listened with an amused expression. When Sister Song finally finished, the matchmaker smiled and said, "Yes, Shuisheng is indeed a good young man..., but there's no need to rush."

"No need to rush?" Sister Song blinked, momentarily stunned. "Then..., didn't you come to propose a match for Shuisheng?"

"I did come with a marriage proposal," Madam You admitted with a chuckle. "But not for Shuisheng--for you, Madam Song."

"Me?" Sister Song's eyes widened in shock.

"Yes," Madam You confirmed, grinning. "The suitor's name is Liu Tiezhu. He's from Nancheng District and works as a spice merchant. He's thirty years old, tall, and well-built, with a good appearance. He lost his parents young and has only one married brother who works as a carpenter."

Seeing Sister Song's bewildered expression, Madam You continued, "Liu Tiezhu was married before, but unfortunately, his wife and unborn child passed away during childbirth. He has since devoted himself to his business and, over the years, has saved enough to buy his own courtyard."

She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Many have tried to match him with suitable women, but he never showed interest--until recently. Some time ago, he came to Xicheng District to deliver goods and happened to eat at Xia Ji's stall. That was when he saw you, Madam Song, and was immediately taken with you."

Sister Song was rendered speechless.

Madam You continued, "At first, I dismissed the idea, thinking you were already married. But then I learned that you lost your husband years ago, so I decided to bring up the matter."

She softened her tone. "Madam Song, you and I both know that life as a widow is not easy. Once Shuisheng marries, his wife may not be as accommodating as you'd hope. You must think about your own future as well."

Her expression turned serious. "I've been a matchmaker for years, and I can tell you--Liu Tiezhu is not a once-in-a-lifetime match, but he is certainly one in a thousand. If you let this opportunity pass, you may never get another like it."

Noticing Sister Song's lingering hesitation, Madam You pressed further, "I know what you're thinking--you're worried about reputation. But times are changing. The new dynasty encourages remarriage, and I've matched several widows and widowers who now live happily without issue. No one speaks ill of them."

She leaned forward slightly. "Besides, people will always find something to talk about. If you live according to their opinions, you will never find peace."

Finally, Madam You smiled warmly. "If you still have doubts, why not meet Liu Tiezhu in person? See for yourself if he is truly a good match. What do you think, Madam Song?"

The room fell silent as Sister Song processed everything. For the first time in years, she was being asked to consider her own happiness. Would she dare?

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Chapter 158: Heartache

Before Sister Song could respond, Li Shuisheng stormed into the room, his face livid with fury. His glare bore into Madam You as he shouted, "My sister-in-law won't marry anyone else! Get out!"

Despite his outburst, Madam You remained calm, her lips curling into a composed smile. "In the past, it was said that when a woman marries, she follows her husband in life and death. But times have changed, Shuisheng. Women have the right to make their own choices now. You can't dictate your sister-in-law's future."

"I told you--she's not marrying anyone else!" Li Shuisheng growled, stepping forward and seizing Madam You by the arm. Without a second thought, he forcibly pulled her toward the door. "Don't ever come here again with nonsense like this!"

The abrupt force of his grip made the petite matchmaker stumble. She barely managed to keep her footing as she was dragged toward the courtyard.

SisterSong gasped, rushing forward in alarm. "Shuisheng, stop this at once!"

But Li Shuisheng was beyond reasoning. His face was contorted with rage, his chest heaving as he released Madam You with a final shove toward the gate.

"You brat!" Madam You scolded, smoothing her ruffled sleeves. Yet, instead of anger, her voice carried an amused patience. "You're still young, but someday you'll understand. Your sister-in-law has spent years raising you. Shouldn't you think about what's best for her?"

"I said, leave!" With a swift motion, Li Shuisheng grabbed a large broom leaning against the kitchen wall and lifted it threateningly.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Sister Song stepped in, blocking his path.

For a moment, she barely recognized him--his eyes were red with frustration, his jaw clenched so tightly that veins bulged along his temples. The sight unsettled her. In all the years she had raised him, she had never seen him this volatile.

Realizing she couldn't calm him down right away, she quickly ushered Madam You out of the yard, walking her halfway down the alley before exhaling in relief. She turned to the matchmaker with an apologetic expression. "I'm truly sorry, Madam You. Shuisheng usually isn't like this. He's just... struggling to accept the idea of me remarrying."

Madam You chuckled lightly, adjusting her hairpin. "It's not uncommon, dear. Men have their pride, and he grew up in a society that once upheld strict traditions about women staying loyal to their deceased husbands. It's understandable."

She paused, then gave Sister Song a knowing look. "But ultimately, it's your decision, not his. No matter how stubborn he is, he can't keep you tied to this house forever."

Sister Song sighed, pressing a hand to her temple. "I know this must have come as a shock to him, and to be honest, it surprised me as well. I never expected you to come today with a proposal--for me."

Madam You patted the back of Sister Song's hand reassuringly. "I understand that this is sudden. Take your time to think it over. I'll return in a few days, and we can talk more then."

Without waiting for an answer, she gave Sister Song a gentle nod and walked off, leaving her standing in the dimly lit alley.

A heavy sigh escaped Sister Song's lips, but before she could process everything, she heard hurried footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Li Shuisheng approaching, his expression still dark.

"What are you doing now?" She scolded, hands on her hips. "Go home."

"If that woman dares to come back, I'll drive her out again!" He declared, his voice unwavering.

Sister Song's frustration flared. She raised her hand and swatted his shoulder--not hard, but firm enough to reprimand him. "Enough with this nonsense! Do you know what happens if you offend a matchmaker? It'll ruin your own chances of finding a wife in the future!"

Li Shuisheng's jaw tightened. "I don't care."

That response pushed her patience over the edge. She smacked his shoulder again, this time with more force.

The impact barely fazed him, but he fell silent--not out of pain, but because he was worried about her hand hurting from the strike.

Seeing his subdued demeanor, Sister Song exhaled and grabbed his arm, pulling him back toward the house. "Come inside already."

Like an obedient child, he followed her without another word.

Back inside, they sat opposite each other at the wooden square table. A heavy silence filled the room, both of them lost in thought. After a long pause, Sister Song finally broke it.

"I didn't expect Madam You to come today with a marriage proposal for me. But don't worry--I have no intention of marrying Liu Tiezhu."

Li Shuisheng's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. He nodded. "You don't need to marry anyone. I'll take care of you, Sister-in-law. I'll work hard, make plenty of money, and ensure you never have to struggle again."

Hearing this, a wave of warmth spread through Sister Song's chest.

Raising Li Shuisheng had been no easy feat. She had endured years of hardship, whispers behind her back, and the grueling burden of widowhood. Even after her in-laws passed, life hadn't become easier. She had fought to keep their small family afloat, to ensure he had a future.

Now, he was grown. He understood loyalty. He wanted to provide for her.

But Sister Song knew better. In two years, he would marry, start his own family. His responsibilities would shift. No matter how much he loved and respected her now, things would change.

She wasn't naive enough to believe she could rely on him forever. Still, his words touched her heart.

She swallowed the emotions rising in her throat and simply said, "It's late. Get some sleep."

"Okay." Li Shuisheng hesitated, then stood up to clean himself up before heading to bed.

Soon, the house fell into silence.

Sister Song, exhausted from the day, quickly drifted into slumber. But in the next room, Li Shuisheng lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His mind raced with thoughts.

Sister Song said she wouldn't marry Liu Tiezhu.... But, she never said she wouldn't marry at all.

Would she want to marry someone else someday?

She always talked about his marriage. Maybe he should just tell her outright--let her know what he truly felt. But what if she worried about the gossip? What if he took her somewhere far away, where no one could interfere?

But he didn't have enough money yet. Not now. Maybe in a few years.... Once he had enough, he would tell her everything.

With that thought, he finally closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.

*****

Across the city, the night deepened.

In another household, Xia Mingyue fought off sleep, struggling to stay awake as she practiced her calligraphy.

She knew her time at the county school was limited, so she had to seize every opportunity to learn.

Dipping a cloth into a basin of cool water, she wiped her face in an attempt to keep herself alert.

Watching her from the side, Jiang Zhuguo did the same, rubbing her eyes before stifling a yawn.

Seeing how drowsy she was, Xia Mingyue chuckled and said, "You can barely keep your eyes open. Just go to sleep."

Jiang Zhuguo blinked rapidly, trying to fight off her exhaustion. She patted her cheeks to wake herself up and joked, "I can still hold on! Besides, I'm mainly afraid that if I leave, Sister Xia will say she's working hard, but the moment I'm gone, she'll drop the pen and crawl straight into bed. Someone has to keep an eye on you!"

Xia Mingyue naturally understood her concern. Jiang Zhuguo was worried that if she didn't finish her assignment, she'd be upset the next day. Her presence was her way of ensuring she wouldn't struggle later. Warmth spread through her heart as she looked at Jiang Zhuguo.

"You..." She shook her head with a smile, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

But before she could say more, Jiang Zhuguo clapped her hands and urged, "Sister Xia, enough chatting! Hurry up and write--this is serious business!"

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Chapter 159: Scallion Oil Noodles

"Alright, I'll write quickly," Xia Mingyue agreed with a smile, her drowsiness now fading.

The lighthearted exchange had refreshed her, making her feel more awake. She adjusted her grip on the brush, focusing on each stroke with renewed determination. Jiang Zhuguo, ever watchful, stood beside her, offering occasional corrections and encouragement. When she finally completed the last character, she turned to Jiang Zhuguo for confirmation.

"Did I get them all right?" She asked.

Jiang Zhuguo studied the writing carefully. "It must be so, Sister Xia. Every stroke is in place."

Satisfied, the two cleaned up and prepared to rest for the night.

*****

At the first light of dawn, Xia Mingyue was already making her way toward the county school's small canteen. The crisp morning air carried the faint aroma of wood smoke, mingling with the distant sounds of students stirring awake.

Inside the canteen, the kitchen was bustling. Madam Niu and the others were hard at work--rolling out noodles, frying eggs, chopping cabbage, and slicing tofu, all under Xia Mingyue's instructions from the night before.

Tying an apron around her waist, she stepped forward, ready to immerse herself in the morning's work.

She washed and drained the fresh autumn chives, then finely chopped them before tossing them into a pan of hot oil. The fragrance of the sizzling scallions quickly filled the kitchen. Once they browned and shriveled slightly, she scooped them out and let them cool. Next, she poured a mixture of soy sauce and sugar into the slightly cooled oil, stirring carefully to create a rich, savory sauce. She let it simmer briefly before setting it aside to cool completely.

Meanwhile, the noodles had been rolled thin and cut evenly. She instructed one of the helpers to drop them into a pot of boiling water, adding a touch of oil and salt to prevent them from sticking. Once cooked to the perfect chewiness, they were drained and tossed with the fragrant scallion oil. A final garnish of fresh scallions completed the dish, and a golden, crispy fried egg was placed on top, its edges slightly crisped while the yolk remained soft and velvety.

To balance the richness of the noodles, Xia Mingyue prepared side dishes--finely shredded cabbage stir-fried until tender and slices of dried tofu crisped to perfection. Their refreshing crunch provided a contrast to the deep umami of the noodles.

With a bowl of hot noodle soup on the side, the breakfast was not just nourishing but deeply satisfying.

As the food was served, the students gathered around eagerly.

"Madam Xia made this?" One student exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.

"No wonder the food has been so good these past two days!" Another chimed in.

"Looks like we're in for some great meals!"

Excitement buzzed through the crowd as students lined up, their voices filled with both admiration and anticipation.

"Madam Xia, can we place special orders?" Someone asked.

"Can you make the twice-cooked pork again for lunch?"

"I preferred the Luoyang cabbage from yesterday!"

The kitchen was alive with energy until a hushed voice cut through the noise.

"Shh..., keep it down," a student warned, subtly gesturing toward the far end of the canteen.

At once, the lively chatter ceased. The students exchanged silent glances and nodded in understanding. They couldn't let the Headmaster or Master Dai catch wind of Madam Xia's true cooking skills. If they did, their secret paradise of delicious food might come to an abrupt end.

No one wanted that.

Seeing their sudden change in behavior, Xia Mingyue smiled knowingly but said nothing. She continued serving bowls of noodles, her movements swift and practiced.

*****

At another table, Headmaster Zhou and several teachers were dining together.

The first bite of noodles made Headmaster Zhou close his eyes in pure enjoyment. The combination of chewy noodles, rich scallion oil, and the perfectly fried egg was simply divine.

"Master Dai, are you alright?" One of the Masters suddenly asked, noticing Dai Changnian's uncharacteristically quiet demeanor.

Master Dai had barely spoken since entering the canteen. He ate his noodles in silence, his brows furrowed as if deep in thought. After finishing his bowl, he drank a small serving of soup, then stood up abruptly and left without a word.

This was unlike him. Master Dai was usually a stickler for etiquette, always exchanging pleasantries before leaving a meal.

Concerned, Master Shen whispered, "Something seems off. He's been acting strange since yesterday."

"I'll check on him later," another teacher offered.

"I'll come with you," Headmaster Zhou added, his concern growing.

Master Dai's change in behavior was worrisome. Xia Mingyue had been invited to the canteen to help him regain his appetite and refocus his thoughts. But if something else was bothering him....

After hastily finishing their meal, Headmaster Zhou and Master Shen made their way to Master Dai's residence.

The door was slightly ajar. Peering inside, they saw him sitting at his desk, his face drawn and his gaze unfocused. His usual sharpness was replaced by a listless, almost forlorn expression.

"Master Dai, are you alright?" Headmaster Zhou asked, stepping inside.

Master Dai looked up slowly and forced a bitter smile. "I think I'm sick."

Alarmed, Headmaster Zhou reached out to touch his forehead. "You don't have a fever.... What's wrong?"

Master Dai sighed heavily and pointed to his stomach, then his heart, then his head. "Here. Here. And here."

Master Shen blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

With another sigh, Dai Changnian confessed, "The food from the new cook.... It's too delicious. More delicious than anything I've ever had before."

Headmaster Zhou and Master Shen exchanged glances.

That's it?

Master Dai continued, frustration evident in his voice. "I can't stop thinking about it. My stomach is restless, my heart is unsettled, and my mind isn't clear." He clenched his fists. "I even paced around the canteen this morning, just waiting for breakfast."

A long silence followed.

Headmaster Zhou coughed awkwardly. "Well..., if you'd like more food, we can simply ask the kitchen to prepare it."

"What would you like, Master Dai?" Master Shen added. "Luoyang cabbage? Radish balls? Twice-cooked pork? Or perhaps the scallion oil noodles with fried tofu and cabbage from this morning?"

Master Dai shook his head furiously. "That's not the problem! I'm a scholar--a man of discipline! I shouldn't be controlled by something as trivial as food!"

He buried his face in his hands, his voice thick with frustration. "I've dedicated my life to education, to shaping young minds, not... not to dreaming about my next meal!"

Headmaster Zhou and Master Shen struggled to hold back their laughter.

"Master Dai, you're overthinking it," Headmaster Zhou said finally. "Enjoying good food doesn't mean you've lost yourself."

Master Shen nodded in agreement. "Even the greatest minds need nourishment. There's no shame in it."

But Master Dai remained unconvinced, his expression stormy.

As the candlelight flickered in the dim room, the scholar sat brooding, tormented by an enemy he had never expected--his own appetite.

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Chapter 160: Let It Be

He had changed. Master Dai could no longer recognize himself.

The stronghold of his long-held beliefs--the walls of discipline and self-restraint he had built over the years--had crumbled in mere days. His unwavering principles, once unshakable, now lay in ruins, shattered by something as simple as the pleasures of food.

His face bore an expression of deep disappointment.

Headmaster Zhou, watching him, felt a wave of guilt. He had only intended to rekindle Master Dai's appetite with delicious meals, hoping it would lift his spirits. He never imagined it would affect him so profoundly, causing such inner turmoil. Regret gnawed at him.

Master Shen, however, simply chuckled and took a seat beside Master Dai. "Master Dai, I believe this is actually good news."

"Good news?" Master Dai looked at him in disbelief.

Master Shen nodded, his tone calm yet firm. "Food is the foundation of life. Without food, there are no people. Without people, there is no progress. A full stomach gives strength, and only with strength can we work hard, study, and contribute to the world."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "All human effort, at its core, is about survival. We study so we can secure better lives for ourselves and others. We teach so knowledge can be passed down and more people can thrive. Wanting to eat well is not a weakness--it's human nature."

Master Dai remained silent, his brows furrowed.

Master Shen continued, "Think about it. Everyone appreciates beauty--scholars admire exquisite calligraphy, poets cherish well-written verses, artists pursue breathtaking paintings. If we accept the pursuit of beauty in literature, art, and etiquette, then why should we deny the pursuit of good food? Is it not the same longing for excellence?"

He let the words sink in before adding, "Desire is not inherently bad. The thirst for knowledge is a desire. The drive for self-improvement is a desire. Even the ambition to teach and mold young minds is, at its core, a desire. What truly matters is how we manage our desires--whether we let them control us or we harness them for growth."

Master Dai listened intently but still hesitated. "But if students are always satisfied, they might grow complacent. Without hardships, how will their character be tempered?"

Master Shen smiled knowingly. "Master Dai, life itself is full of hardships. Every person faces trials daily, whether big or small. If we strip away even the small joys of life, leaving only suffering, how can we expect people to find the strength to persevere? If they have nothing to look forward to, won't they lose the will to strive for better?"

Master Dai opened his mouth to argue but found no words. He lowered his head in contemplation.

"For many things," Master Shen added gently, "it is best to let nature take its course."

Let it be...?

Master Dai sat in silence, absorbing the words.

*****

Knowing that Xia Mingyue wouldn't be staying at the county school for long, Headmaster Zhou made his way to the small canteen early in the morning to check on her progress.

He tested her on her studies--recitation, written memory, and comprehension. To his satisfaction, Xia Mingyue answered each question flawlessly. She recited passages with confidence, transcribed them with precision, and provided clear, well-structured explanations.

Headmaster Zhou nodded in approval. "Madam Xia, you learn remarkably fast."

Xia Mingyue responded with a bright smile. "It's all thanks to Headmaster Zhou's excellent teaching."

The flattery was obvious, yet her sincerity made it pleasant to hear. Headmaster Zhou chuckled heartily before diving into the day's lesson.

By the time the sun had risen high in the sky, Xia Mingyue had completed her studies and turned her attention to preparing lunch.

Today's menu: Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork Rice.

She began by slicing lean pork into thin shreds, marinating them with salt, pepper, rice wine, egg white, and sweet potato starch. After letting it sit for a short while, she stir-fried the meat in hot oil until it turned tender and fragrant.

Next, she sautéed bean paste with finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic, then added shredded carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. The aroma filled the air as she combined the pre-cooked pork with a rich sauce made from sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and rice wine. A final drizzle of sesame oil completed the dish.

For balance, she prepared vinegar-infused shredded potatoes--a refreshing, crisp side dish that complemented the bold flavors of the main course.

When serving, she carefully plated two spoonfuls of steaming white rice, a generous portion of fish-flavored shredded pork, and a heap of tangy shredded potatoes.

The vibrant colors--orange carrots, emerald bamboo shoots, dark mushrooms, and golden-brown pork--stood out beautifully against the white rice. The combination of textures and flavors promised an unforgettable meal.

Students gathered eagerly, the sight and scent of the dish making their stomachs rumble.

Master Dai, who had spent the entire morning in deep thought, arrived just in time to overhear the enthusiastic praises for Xia Mingyue's cooking.

His expression remained unreadable.

Noticing his presence, the students quickly hushed their voices and focused on their meals, avoiding eye contact as if fearing they had been caught indulging too much.

Master Dai stood quietly for a moment before stepping forward and resting a hand on a student's shoulder. "Do you think the food is delicious?"

The student stiffened. At first, he nodded instinctively. Then, realizing his mistake, he shook his head. Finally, in complete confusion, he hung his head in despair.

It's over. Madam Xia will be dismissed. We will never eat such wonderful meals again. I'm going to be the one responsible for this disaster....

Just as the student felt on the verge of collapse, Master Dai spoke again. "Since you think it tastes good, then eat more. Once you're full, go study hard."

The student's head shot up in disbelief. Did... did Master Dai really say that?

Yet, the man before him remained unchanged, his expression calm as he patted the student's shoulder once more.

"Yes, I understand!" The student nodded vigorously, relief washing over him.

That afternoon, the students returned to their studies with renewed focus.

*****

For dinner, Xia Mingyue prepared a hearty spinach, minced meat, and tofu soup, accompanied by corn and wheat flour pancakes.

The soup was rich and flavorful, the pancakes crispy on the outside yet soft and tender within. The combination was simple but deeply satisfying.

Best of all, the soup was unlimited. Students could have as many refills as they wanted, and they did--until their stomachs were full and content.