Chapter 171-175

Chapter 171: Difficulties

Lu Qiyan was absorbed in studying how to construct a sturdy pier in the river. His thoughts were entirely occupied with calculations——how large should the pier be? How deep should the foundations go? He was running through the logistics in his mind when a soldier suddenly approached and delivered a message.

"Commander, there's someone asking for you. They said... it's your wife."

Lu Qiyan barely looked up. "Wife?" He frowned slightly, his thoughts still half on the pier. "What wife?"

The young soldier hesitated, puzzled by his reaction. Could it be that his Commander doesn’t even know he has a wife?

"I don’t know the details, Commander," the soldier admitted. "But the visitor mentioned that their last name is Xia...."

Xia? Lu Qiyan’s thoughts immediately sharpened. His mind, once focused on bridge construction, now latched onto a single name. Xia Mingyue? Is she here?

He straightened. "Where is the she?"

The soldier gestured toward a carriage slowly making its way toward them. "Over there, Commander. That’s the carriage."

Without another word, Lu Qiyan rolled up the drawing in his hand and started striding toward the carriage. After a few steps, he abruptly paused and turned back.

"Go find Commander Zhao and bring him here," he ordered.

By the time Zhao Youcai arrived, panting from his hurried run, the carriage had already come to a halt by the river. The driver hopped down first, setting a small wooden stool in place before stepping aside.

When Zhao Youcai ran over Lu Qiyan stepped forward, reaching out to lift the carriage curtain——only to be greeted by an unexpected sight.

A large, black-furred head popped out, staring at him intently.

Lu Qiyan paused. Why is this dog everywhere?!

Wu Jin, the black dog, huffed through his nose, clearly unimpressed by Lu Qiyan’s lack of enthusiasm. Then, in one smooth motion, he jumped off the carriage, landing lightly on the ground. As if sensing Lu Qiyan’s silent disapproval, Wu Jin let out two sharp barks before squatting obediently beside the carriage, his tail flicking in mild irritation.

Lu Qiyan sighed and turned his attention back to the carriage as Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu stepped down one after the other.

His gaze lingered on Xia Mingyue for a moment before he finally spoke. "Why are you here?"

"I heard from Brother Hong that you were working on the bridge construction here," Xia Mingyue replied. "Winter has set in, and I thought you could use some extra warmth. I brought some winter clothes for you and Brother Youcai, and I also made some braised pork and roasted pork tenderloin jerky. Just a little something to keep your spirits up."

As they spoke, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu began unpacking the thick, cotton-padded jackets.

Sister Lu immediately pulled Zhao Youcai aside, holding the jacket up against him to check the fit. Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue handed a similar jacket to Lu Qiyan.

Lu Qiyan accepted it, his fingers brushing over the fabric. It was thick and warm, yet the material was plain——navy blue cotton and linen, nothing extravagant. Even the accompanying cotton shoes were simple.

It was a deliberate choice. Warm enough to protect against the harsh winter, yet modest enough not to draw attention.

With military supplies stretched thin, everyone in the army was rationing what little they had. Even those lucky enough to receive new winter clothes found that the cotton stuffing was sparse. Many veterans had resorted to patching up last year’s jackets and stuffing them with whatever scraps of fabric they could find.

The fact that Xia Mingyue had taken this into account——ensuring he stayed warm without making him stand out——was not lost on Lu Qiyan. It is basic courtesy not to eat greedily in front of a starving man.

A rare warmth flickered in his eyes as he accepted the package with both hands. "Thank you for your hard work."

Xia Mingyue smiled. "Brother Qiyan, you're too polite."

She then turned her attention toward the construction site. The Yongfeng River stretched wide before them, though winter’s dry season had lowered the water level significantly. Large sections of the riverbed were exposed, covered in gravel and mud. Soldiers were scattered across the area, shoveling dirt and digging deep pits where the bridge supports would eventually stand.

"Brother Qiyan, is everything going well here?" She asked.

Lu Qiyan hesitated for the briefest moment before responding. "Not bad."

Liar. The truth was, he was facing no small amount of trouble.

Typically, the construction of roads and bridges fell under the Ministry of Works and local government offices. However, with the war only recently ended, many officials had been replaced, and resources were stretched thin. Funds were drained, workers were scarce, and the sheer number of urgent repairs across the country meant that local offices had little to spare.

The newly established Xin Dynasty had also implemented reforms——conscripting civilians for forced labor had been abolished in an effort to win public favor. Instead, military troops were tasked with public works projects like this one.

On paper, the idea made sense.

First, it kept the army occupied. Even in times of peace, maintaining soldiers was a costly endeavor, so putting them to work made practical use of government resources.

Second, it served as a political move. Having soldiers build roads and bridges allowed the common people to witness firsthand the discipline of the army and the benevolence of the new dynasty. It was a way to foster loyalty.

Lu Qiyan had no objections to the assignment itself. But someone was deliberately making things difficult.

The experienced craftsmen he had gathered to oversee the project had all encountered misfortune——one after another.

First, one fell and broke his leg in the middle of the night, rendering him unable to conduct surveys of the river.

The next day, another man accidentally ate poisonous dried mushrooms and fell into a coma. He was still recovering in a nearby clinic.

On the third day, a worker was knocked down by a rampaging ox transporting supplies. Both his arms were now splinted.

The remaining craftsmen, terrified by the streak of bad luck, had either resigned or feigned illness to avoid the project altogether.

Now, Lu Qiyan was left with only one young craftsman, barely twenty years old, with little experience. The boy had managed to sketch a blueprint, but its reliability was questionable. Worse, he struggled with estimating the necessary materials, forcing Lu Qiyan to proceed with trial and error.

Sabotage. Someone wanted this project to fail.

Lu Qiyan had his suspicions. He had been promoted quickly in the army, gaining favor from his superiors——something that had earned him no shortage of rivals. Competitions between battalions and commanders were common, and it was entirely possible that someone was trying to set him up for failure.

He had already begun investigating in secret while searching for replacement craftsmen. But so far, he had found no solid leads.

Even so, Lu Qiyan saw no reason to burden Xia Mingyue with these concerns. "It’s going well," he repeated, lowering his gaze.

Xia Mingyue pursed her lips, sensing that he was holding something back. But she didn’t press him. If he wasn’t saying more, there had to be a reason. Instead, she simply smiled. "That’s good."

Nearby, Zhao Youcai grinned as he inspected his new winter jacket. "I knew my wife was thinking of me the most!"

Sister Lu huffed. "I didn’t come for you. I only came because Sister Mingyue wanted to visit."

Zhao Youcai nodded vigorously, barely suppressing his laughter. "Yes, yes, of course. I completely understand!"

His wide smile, however, betrayed his delight.

__________________________

Chapter 172: Damn

After discussing for a while, Xia Mingyue, Lu Qiyan, and the others finalized their next steps.

"If we leave now, it'll be dark by the time we reach town. If the inns are full, finding a place to stay will be difficult," Xia Mingyue pointed out.

Lu Qiyan nodded thoughtfully. "Why not stay in Xiaohe Village for the night? We've been here for a while, and the villagers know us well. They should be able to help us find a place to stay."

Zhao Youcai immediately agreed. "That sounds like a plan."

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu exchanged a glance before nodding. Winter nights fell early, and traveling after dark was far from safe.

With the decision made, Lu Qiyan arranged accommodations for Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu. He also had the two clay pots of braised pork they had brought handed over to the cook, instructing him to prepare them with additional vegetables so everyone could enjoy a warm meal together.

As the Commander and team leader, Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai understood the importance of morale, and a hearty meal was one way to lift the soldiers' spirits.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu didn’t mind sharing the food; in fact, they had anticipated something like this. They had even prepared a separate portion of dried pork for Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai, handing it to them now.

"I originally thought that since we had braised pork, we wouldn’t need jerky," Sister Lu said with a small sigh. "But now, it seems Sister Mingyue guessed correctly."

In the army, as in everyday life, relationships mattered. Just as neighbors exchanged food and favors at home, soldiers in the field looked out for one another.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu only regretted not bringing more. If they had, Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai could have had extra for themselves.

*****

Their accommodations were arranged at the home of a villager named Yin Sanshui.

Yin Sanshui, the third son of the Yin family, had made a decent living trading furs and dried fruits in his younger years. His family owned over thirty acres of land and five tile-roofed houses, living in relative comfort.

When he heard that Lu Qiyan needed a place for the ladies to stay, he immediately offered his home. His eldest daughter vacated her west wing room, moving in with her younger sister to make space.

Yin Sanshui and his wife, Madam Li, not only cleaned the room thoroughly but also replaced the bedding and warmly welcomed Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu.

"Thank you, Brother Yin and Sister Li," Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu said gratefully.

"You’re too polite," Madam Li responded with a bright smile. She was a warm and friendly woman, making her guests feel instantly at ease. "My husband says that Commander Lu is doing a great thing by building the bridge. Once it’s done, we won’t have to take that long thirty-mile detour to Dahe Village anymore——it’ll save us so much trouble!"

Yin Sanshui grinned. "We villagers are truly grateful. We wanted to help, but Commander Lu only asked us to focus on tending our fields. We felt bad for not being able to contribute, so now, hosting you two is the least we can do."

"That’s right," Madam Li added cheerfully. "Make yourselves at home!"

The couple’s kindness was genuine, and their easy-going nature made Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu feel at ease. They spent a long time chatting with them, exchanging stories of daily life.

*****

Meanwhile, in the soldiers’ quarters, excitement was brewing.

The cook was busy at work, frying large slices of tofu and shaping radish into small, golden-brown balls. He removed wilted leaves from fresh cabbage, washed the rest, and cut it into neat squares.

A few soldiers who had finished work early eyed the preparations with skepticism.

"More cabbage?" One groaned. "Let me guess——tonight’s dinner is another big pot of boiled greens?"

Food supplies were limited, and their meals were always the same——potatoes today, radishes tomorrow, cabbage the next. No matter the vegetable, it was always boiled into a bland, tasteless stew.

"It’s different today!" The cook smirked, confidently flipping a tofu slice. "It’s going to be delicious!"

The soldiers glanced at the sizzling tofu and radish balls, unimpressed. True, it had more oil than usual, but it was still just vegetables.

Just then, one soldier stiffened, his nose twitching. He took a deep sniff, eyes widening. "Wait——do you smell that?"

"Smell what?" Another soldier scoffed. "You’re so hungry, even tofu must smell like roast duck to you."

"No, really! It’s meat!" The first soldier practically vibrated with excitement. "I swear——it smells like braised pork!"

The others rolled their eyes. They hadn’t eaten meat in days, and now this guy was hallucinating?

But before they could scold him again, another soldier froze mid-motion, nostrils flaring. His expression turned to one of sheer disbelief.

"...Wait. He’s right. That’s the smell of meat."

A hush fell over the group. A rich, savory aroma filled the air, curling around them like a promise.

"But how?" Someone muttered. "The kitchen didn’t buy any meat. This morning, I heard the cooks complaining that we were out of lard!"

"You guys don’t know?" A soldier who had been listening in raised his chin smugly. "Commander Lu and Commander Zhao’s wives came today. They brought winter coats for them——and also two huge pots of braised pork!"

The moment the words left his mouth, the entire camp erupted into cheers.

"We finally get to eat meat!"

"Commander Lu and Commander Zhao are really looking out for us!"

"Nobody better try to snatch my portion——I’m eating three whole bowls tonight!"

"You? Ha! I’ll just take one bowl...." The soldier who spoke grinned mischievously before reaching under his bed and pulling out an enormous wooden bowl——practically a small basin.

The others stared in shock.

"...Damn it! Why didn’t I think of that?!"

*****

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the long-awaited meal was finally served.

Soldiers lined up, bowls in hand, eagerly awaiting their portions. The moment they received their food, they scattered across the courtyard, sitting on stones, logs, or simply squatting in groups.

Despite their different postures, every single one of them moved the same way——shoveling spoonful after spoonful into their mouths with sheer delight.

For the first time in days, their meal wasn’t just fuel to keep them going.

It was a feast. And in the cold winter night, with steaming bowls of hot food in their hands and laughter echoing in the air, it almost felt like home.

__________________________

Chapter 173: Unpredictable

The soldiers didn't bother to chat or comment on the taste of the food. They simply repeated the same motions——scooping, chewing, swallowing——like a machine, as if savoring every bite would make it disappear too soon.

Occasionally, they paused, but not to engage in conversation. It was because the kitchen had warned that while there were plenty of steamed buns, each soldier was only allotted one bowl of vegetables. Unwilling to finish too quickly, they developed a strategy: two bites of steamed bun, then a careful spoonful of vegetables. Stretching the meal was the only way to make it last.

Others, however, lacked such patience. Some finished their portions in just a few large gulps, their satisfaction quickly replaced with regret. Left with nothing but an empty bowl, they had no choice but to ladle in a bit of boiling water from the kitchen, soaking their remaining steamed bun in it and eating slowly——prolonging the meal, if only in illusion.

There was no helping it. The food tonight was simply too delicious.

Because there were many mouths to feed but only a limited amount of meat, each soldier received only a few precious pieces of braised pork in their bowl. And yet, this small portion elevated the entire meal. The tender meat, rich with flavor, melted in their mouths——the fat was soft and sticky, the lean parts tender and juicy. Even the cabbage and potatoes, which they had grown sick of from constant repetition, tasted heavenly tonight, having absorbed the deep, savory essence of the braised pork.

It was at that moment the soldiers silently reached a unanimous conclusion. Commander Lu’s wife.... The braised pork brought by Madam Xia was truly exceptional!

A cook who could create such a masterpiece deserved recognition.

Zhang Anyuan, the young craftsman, agreed. He sat with his bowl, clicking his tongue in appreciation, occasionally shaking his head as if marveling at the taste. When he heard that the reason for tonight’s improved meal was the braised pork delivered by Madam Xia, he fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, in a separate space, Xia Mingyue, Lu Qiyan, Sister Lu, and Zhao Youcai sat together, enjoying their meal in a quieter setting.

Unlike the soldiers, they had a slightly more refined meal. The kitchen had set aside a special portion of pure braised pork for them, along with shredded cold tofu mixed with cabbage hearts, crispy radish meatballs, and a steaming bowl of radish soup.

The soup, made by simmering thinly sliced radish with fried eggs, had a cloudy, milky-white broth. No fried flour paste was needed, nor any complicated seasonings——just a pinch of salt was enough to bring out the light, refreshing taste. The subtle sweetness of the radish, combined with the rich aroma of eggs, made it surprisingly comforting.

As they ate, the four of them laughed and chatted, savoring not just the flavors but the rare moment of warmth and camaraderie.

After the meal, the both couples took time to catch up separately.

Lu Qiyan reached into his coat and retrieved a purse, pressing it into Xia Mingyue’s hands. "This is the military pay for this period of time," he said.

Xia Mingyue glanced at the weighty purse, her eyebrows raising slightly. It seemed that every time she saw Lu Qiyan, he handed her household expenses.

She had to admit, his sense of responsibility was rather strong. However, knowing the difficulties Lu Qiyan was currently facing, she hesitated.

"Brother Qiyan is away from home right now and has many expenses," she said politely, pushing the purse back. "It’s better if you keep it for yourself."

Since arriving here, Xia Mingyue had become increasingly aware of the struggles Lu Qiyan was dealing with. A shortage of funds was one of them.

Whether this financial strain was a widespread issue within the army or a deliberate difficulty imposed on Lu Qiyan, it was clear that he needed to find a way forward.

Until he found a breakthrough, he had to endure. Money was just as crucial to the army as loyalty, discipline, and battle prowess. Just today, a single meal of braised pork had been enough to boost morale.

After a brief silence, Lu Qiyan made a decision. He opened the purse, took out a small piece of silver, and placed it in Xia Mingyue’s hand.

"Then consider this a loan for now," he said, putting the rest of the money back into his coat. "I’ll return it later."

Xia Mingyue blinked.

On one hand, Lu Qiyan treated her as an outsider——each time they met, he was careful to ensure she had enough money for the household, as if worried she might struggle. But on the other hand, if he truly saw her as family, why had he used the word 'borrow' today?

What exactly was Lu Qiyan thinking? Xia Mingyue shook her head with a small, amused smile.

Seeing this, Lu Qiyan asked, "What’s so funny?"

"Nothing," she replied. "I just realized——I really am a merchant at heart."

Lu Qiyan turned his head slightly. "What do you mean?"

"If funds for the bridge are tight, I was thinking of looking for donors," Xia Mingyue explained. "Anyone who donates can have their name engraved on the bridge as a mark of merit."

Building roads and bridges was considered a virtuous act. Many people, especially wealthy landowners and merchants, would be eager to contribute to such a cause.

The local gentry, in particular, would be interested. The region had only recently been incorporated into the new dynasty’s territory, and influential families were keen to establish good relations with both the local government and the stationed military.

Additionally, some individuals had profited greatly from the chaos of war. A public donation would not only secure them goodwill but also clean their reputations.

Lu Qiyan nodded. "I had the same idea."

However, convincing the wealthy elite to act was another matter. Many of them were watching from the sidelines, hesitant to commit because progress on the bridge had been slow.

Clearly, someone was spreading doubts behind the scenes. Still, there were ways to encourage them to step forward. For now, the priority was building the bridge as quickly as possible.

Even if they gathered all the money, if the bridge remained unfinished, it would only give their opponents more ammunition to undermine them. A skilled craftsman was needed——someone who could get the job done efficiently.

As he was lost in thought, a soldier entered the courtyard and saluted.

"Commander Lu, Zhang Anyuan wishes to see you. He says it’s urgent."

Lu Qiyan raised a hand. "Bring him here."

"Yes, sir."

The soldier departed and returned moments later with Zhang Anyuan in tow.

Zhang Anyuan bowed respectfully. "Commander Lu, Madam Xia."

"Is there an issue with the bridge construction?" Lu Qiyan asked.

"Not exactly," Zhang Anyuan said, shaking his head. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I came because I know someone who might be able to help."

Lu Qiyan’s gaze sharpened. "Who?"

"His name is Fang Linwang," Zhang Anyuan replied. "He’s originally from Jiaxing and is exceptionally skilled at building stone bridges. He currently resides in Liujia Village, not far from here. If Commander Lu can convince him to help, the construction will progress much faster."

Lu Qiyan sat forward. "Are you certain?"

"I can guarantee it!" Zhang Anyuan said with confidence. "But..., he’s got a difficult temperament. He’s known for speaking harshly, and he’s had disputes with government officials in the past. No one has been able to work with him for long. He’s earned quite a reputation——people avoid hiring him because of it. Many have tried to recruit him, but he’s turned them all away, sometimes even driving them out with insults."

Lu Qiyan frowned. "Then how do you suggest we convince him?"

Zhang Anyuan scratched his head. "Commander Lu, there’s one thing Fang Linwang loves more than bridge-building——good food. If we bring him something truly delicious, he might just be willing to listen."

Lu Qiyan exchanged a glance with Xia Mingyue. So that was why Zhang Anyuan suddenly mentioned Fang Linwang today. Had the braised pork given him hope?

If there was even a chance, they had to try.

__________________________

Chapter 174: Water Monkey

However, before Lu Qiyan could respond, Xia Mingyue turned to Zhang Anyuan and asked, "Does he have a favorite dish?"

"I heard he loves mutton and enjoys a good bowl of soup," Zhang Anyuan replied without hesitation.

Mutton and soup....

Xia Mingyue pondered for a moment before shifting her gaze toward Lu Qiyan with a knowing smile. "It looks like Commander Lu will have to make a personal visit tomorrow."

"Alright," Lu Qiyan agreed without hesitation. He then immediately ordered his men to procure fresh mutton early the next morning.

Seeing him take action so quickly, Xia Mingyue couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems I’ll have to trouble myself a bit tomorrow as well."

Lu Qiyan glanced at her, feeling a little guilty. "I appreciate the effort. I didn’t mean to make things difficult for you."

"You don’t need to be so polite, Brother Qiyan," Xia Mingyue said with a bright, graceful smile.

There was something striking about her smile under the soft glow of the moonlight——radiant yet gentle, reminiscent of the luminous full moon above. The old saying was true: a person's name often reflected their nature.

Lu Qiyan found himself momentarily dazed before catching himself and subtly curling the corners of his lips into a faint smile.

Watching from the side, Wu Jin, who had been standing quietly, suddenly felt irritated.

I knew it! This human just love to steal the spotlight. Acting all generous, handing out gifts left and right, as if this human was afraid his master wouldn’t notice him. How annoying! No, this won’t do. I need to find a way to put him in his place!

That night, after everyone had finished their evening routines and retired to their rooms, a restless Wu Jin wandered the courtyard.

The house they were staying in belonged to Fang Sanshui——it was spacious, with a large courtyard and high walls. However, despite his pacing, Wu Jin found nothing of interest.

After hesitating for a moment, his gaze fell on a sturdy tung tree near the base of the yard’s wall. His decision was made. Taking a few steps back, he sprinted forward and leaped, using the tree as a foothold to propel himself over the wall. He landed lightly on the other side without a sound.

Bathed in the faint silver glow of the stars, Wu Jin headed north.

Since Lu Qiyan planned to visit Fang Linwang the next day, he had ordered the soldiers to halt construction work for the night. This meant the only ones patrolling near the river were the night guards.

Five-man teams moved through their assigned areas, rotating shifts every half hour.

It was a bitterly cold night, with frost settling on the ground. The torches they carried flickered against the darkness, illuminating only a limited space. The patrol soldiers remained vigilant, their eyes scanning the surroundings while their ears strained for any unusual sounds.

Suddenly, the soldier leading one of the patrol groups came to an abrupt stop. His companions, caught off guard, nearly bumped into him.

“What’s the matter with you? Can’t even walk straight?” One of them grumbled.

“There... there was a shadow just now,” the soldier muttered, making a vague hand gesture. "It was tall, long, and crawling low to the ground.... It didn’t look like a person."

A shadow that didn’t resemble a human? The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances.

“....Could it be a water monkey?” One of them blurted out.

At those words, a chill ran down everyone’s spines. Wherever there was water, there were always rumors of eerie occurrences. The Yongfeng River was no exception.

“Don’t talk nonsense!” The speaker’s voice wavered slightly, but he tried to maintain his composure. “We’re five strong men——there’s no need to get spooked. If we tell others about this, we’ll be laughed at....”

Before he could finish, a rustling sound came from the distance. Taking advantage of the dim moonlight and their torchlight, the five men caught a glimpse of a shadow darting swiftly across the riverbank. It moved with a sharp agility, its posture suggesting a formidable strength.

For a long moment, the soldiers were frozen in place, staring at each other with pale faces.

“...I suddenly feel like I’m sweating a little,” one muttered.

“...I need to use the latrine,” another stammered.

The patrol continued, but the men were much warier than before.

*****

The next morning, Wu Jin was squatting patiently in front of Xia Mingyue’s door.

As soon as the door opened, revealing Xia Mingyue stepping out, Wu Jin barked twice excitedly before lowering his head. He nudged something on the ground with his nose, pushing it toward her.

Curious, Xia Mingyue crouched down and rubbed his furry head before looking at the small pile of objects he had gathered.

It was a collection of river stones.

Each one was different in shape and color, but all were about the size of a thumb or a copper coin. Despite their irregularities, they looked remarkably uniform when stacked together. Some still had traces of mud and sand clinging to them, clear evidence that they had been collected from the Yongfeng River.

Wu Jin had spent the night picking up stones by the river.... Xia Mingyue’s gaze softened.

“Are these for me?” She asked, picking up one of the stones.

“Woof!” Wu Jin wagged his tail and nodded eagerly.

“They’re beautiful. I love them,” she said with a smile, stroking his head again.

At her words, Wu Jin let out another joyful bark. When he saw her carefully wrap the stones in a handkerchief and put them away, he spun around in excitement.

So she really does like them! No wonder she always enjoys giving small stones as gifts. It was worth it. Staying up all night and digging by the river was worth it!

Satisfied, Wu Jin flopped onto the ground and yawned, stretching out lazily.

*****

Breakfast arrived from the kitchen as usual, and Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai ate together.

The meal consisted of thick, fragrant cornmeal porridge, crisp pickled white radish, soft and freshly steamed buns made from mixed flour, and a plate of perfectly scrambled eggs.

The eggs were cooked just right——tender, fresh, and not greasy, with an excellent texture.

Xia Mingyue requested an extra bowl of cornmeal porridge, soaking a piece of steamed bun in it before setting it aside for Wu Jin’s breakfast. But at that moment, Wu Jin was sprawled on his side, snoring soundly.

Lu Qiyan glanced over in mild surprise. “Wu Jin doesn’t usually sleep in. What’s wrong with him today?”

“Maybe he’s just not used to this place yet,” Xia Mingyue replied with a small smile.

You could never truly guess what was going on in a furry child’s head——you just had to enjoy the moment.

Seeing the playful glint in her eyes, Lu Qiyan could tell she knew something but wasn’t going to share it. He decided not to press the matter.

*****

As per Lu Qiyan’s orders, his men had already procured fresh mutton that morning. A whole leg of lamb, along with some lamb spine.

Xia Mingyue borrowed the fire from the kitchen stove, tied on her apron, and began working.

The aroma of simmering broth and rich spices soon filled the air.

Before long, several military cooks, responsible for preparing meals in the barracks, gathered around.

At first, they were simply following Lu Qiyan’s instructions to assist her, ensuring she didn’t overwork herself. But as they watched her precise knife work and careful seasoning, their true motives became clear.

They wanted to learn.

After tasting her braised pork the night before, they had realized just how skilled she was. Compared to her cooking, their own efforts felt lacking.

Of course, military meals prioritized quantity and sustenance over refinement, but that didn’t mean they didn’t care about taste. As cooks, they had their own sense of pride!

However, they knew they couldn’t just observe from the sidelines. Learning in secret would be shameless. If they wanted to study under Xia Mingyue, they had to ask properly.

Thus, the head chef——who was also the most thick-skinned——stepped forward with a big, eager grin.

__________________________

Chapter 175: Scold

"Madam Xia, I have an unreasonable request...." The head chef hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. After all, cooking was a specialized skill.

Even though there was no saying that a cook who taught others would starve, a signature dish lost some of its uniqueness once too many people knew how to make it. More than that, he knew they couldn’t offer Xia Mingyue anything of equal value in return.

"Do you want to learn from me?" Xia Mingyue asked with a smile, her tone as light as ever.

The head chef was startled. He hadn’t expected her to see through his intentions so easily, let alone ask so directly. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he scratched his head and nodded. "Yes..., yes, that's right."

"Sure." Xia Mingyue agreed without hesitation.

The head chef blinked, taken aback by how easily she had consented.

"If this mutton soup convinces Fang Linwang, I’ll likely have to make it again in the future. Teaching the kitchen staff will be a big help." She turned toward the other cooks. "Although I doubt you’ll master everything in just one lesson, you’ll at least be able to make something edible. Follow me closely, and I’ll write the recipe down for you later."

Hearing this, the head chef's face lit up with excitement, and he nodded so eagerly that he looked like a pecking chicken. "Understood!"

But just as he was about to call the others over, a cook standing at the back scoffed under his breath.

"Learning how to cook from a woman? Where’s our dignity?" He muttered, curling his lip in disdain.

The words had barely left his mouth when the head chef turned and smacked him hard on the head.

"If you don’t want to learn, get out!" The head chef barked. "What’s wrong with being a woman? Isn't your mother a woman? Without women, how would you even be here, you little brat? You crawled out of a woman’s belly, and now you have the nerve to act disgusted?"

His voice grew louder with each sentence, until even those outside the kitchen could probably hear. "If you’ve got the skill to pop out of a crack in the rocks instead, then I’ll respect you! Otherwise, shut up and stop acting like an idiot!"

The other cook turned red with embarrassment but didn’t dare argue. He quickly grabbed a bucket and pole and scurried off to fetch water.

The head chef snorted, still dissatisfied. "Looking down on women? Then don’t stand here taking up space!"

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue, unaware of the commotion, had already begun preparing the ingredients.

She cut the leg of lamb into large chunks, submerging them in a pot of clean water along with the lamb spine. The meat soaked for half an hour, with the water being changed twice in between to remove any gamey odor.

Next, she placed the mutton and bones into a fresh pot of cold water, adding scallions and slices of ginger. As the water heated, she poured in a spoonful of rice wine.

The pot soon came to a rolling boil, and gray-white scum rose to the surface. Using an iron spoon, Xia Mingyue skimmed away the impurities with practiced ease. After a cup of tea’s time, she removed the mutton and bones, rinsing them clean with warm water.

Then, she refilled the pot with fresh water, tossing in scallion segments, ginger slices, star anise, peppercorns, and cinnamon. Once it boiled again, she added another dash of rice wine and reduced the heat, letting it simmer slowly for an hour.

While waiting, she turned her attention to making the side dish——pancakes.

She mixed white flour with cold water, kneading the dough until smooth. Then, she divided it into small portions and rolled each into a round cake the size of an outstretched palm.

The pancakes were cooked in a dry pan, flipped occasionally until both sides were golden and puffed up slightly. When finished, she placed them neatly in a small basket.

As the rich aroma of the simmering mutton soup began to fill the kitchen, Xia Mingyue prepared the remaining ingredients. Black fungus and vermicelli were cut into uniform strips, while salt, pepper, and chili powder were carefully measured and placed in a clay pot.

Finally, she ladled the soup, meat, and bones into an earthenware jar until it was about eight-tenths full.

*****

With everything packed—baked pancakes, prepared side dishes, seasonings, and a portable charcoal stove——Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan boarded a waiting carriage.

Along with them were Zhang Anyuan, the guide, two soldiers, and the coachman.

The carriage was small and packed with supplies. Between the large earthen jar and the heated charcoal stove, space was tight. Xia Mingyue found herself squeezed close to Lu Qiyan, their shoulders nearly touching.

The warmth inside the carriage made her a little uncomfortable, so she shifted slightly, trying to create more distance.

Lu Qiyan, noticing her movement, frowned slightly. Without a word, he reached up, intending to lift the curtain to let in some fresh air.

Just then, the carriage jolted violently, as if the wheel had run over something. Xia Mingyue lost her balance and tumbled forward——straight toward the burning charcoal stove. Before she could react, Lu Qiyan’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her away just in time.

For a moment, she found herself pressed against his chest, her heartbeat slightly erratic.

Realizing the awkward position, she quickly straightened and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I-I'm fine."

Lu Qiyan exhaled softly, his grip loosening. "That’s good."

He reached for the curtain again, instructing the soldiers to drive more carefully before pulling the fabric aside. A rush of cold wind entered, cooling the stuffy space inside.

Xia Mingyue sat upright, feeling a little more at ease. "How much farther?"

Lu Qiyan glanced outside. "About half an hour."

"Perfect timing." She peeked into the earthen jar, checking on the gently simmering soup before covering it again. "It should be just right by the time we arrive."

Lu Qiyan nodded and, without a word, sat back beside her——this time, not avoiding the close proximity.

Xia Mingyue tilted her head slightly, glancing at him in curiosity. But Lu Qiyan only gazed out the window, as if completely unaware of her questioning look. She pursed her lips, touched her nose absently, and turned her face away.

*****

The carriage rumbled along the road until it finally reached Liujia Village.

After some inquiries, Zhang Anyuan and the soldier guiding the carriage led them west, stopping in front of a small, dilapidated home.

Fang Linwang’s house was modest, with two weathered tiled rooms. Moss covered the blue bricks, some even tinged pink from years of exposure.

The yard was enclosed by a low wall, barely half a person’s height, but the entrance was secured with a simple wooden fence gate. Both the house and gate were tightly shut. The place looked deserted.

"I'll go in and take a look," one of the soldiers said, stepping forward as if ready to climb over the wall.