Not long after You Tong left, Fu Deqing strode over again. When he arrived at the study, he again asked Du He to inform Fu Yu. Only after Du He opened the door and invited him in did he step inside.
The study remained as it always had been, with the broken sword looking cold and sharp, and the tables and chairs simple and unadorned.
However, something seems different.
Fu Deqing looked at his son, examined him for a moment, and then smelled a faint, intermittent fragrance. Suddenly, he realized what was happening—
Fu Yu was always self-disciplined and acted with strict rules. His study was filled with shelves of rare books and documents, and to prevent insects and rodents, he usually only placed camphor in the room. Fu Yu occasionally stayed in the mansion and did not go out. When he ate lunch, he usually went to the outer room and rarely brought the food to the study.
It's quite rare for me to eat in my study today.
Fu Deqing was surprised and went into the inner room with his son. He immediately noticed the food box on the rosewood table.
The food box was painted red and carved with intricate designs. Four small dishes sat beside it. One dish featured sugar-coated taro sprouts sprinkled with pine nuts, and another featured soft tofu skin wrapped around walnuts, fried until golden brown, served with bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, and drizzled with sesame oil – reminiscent of the famous vegetarian dish "Vegetarian Sparrow" from a restaurant. The other two dishes were spicy braised chicken, cooked, shredded, and then served cold, and a stewed "Three Tips" dish, a mixture of ham, boneless pork, and lamb trotters. A bowl of beef soup accompanied the meal. With both meat and vegetables, plus fragrant rice, it was quite a feast.
The intermittent aroma from before became even more intense and enticing as it reached the table.
Fu Deqing was not a glutton; having spent years on military campaigns, he wasn't particular about food. However, when he encountered delicious food, he would always want to try it. He picked up a bamboo shoot and tasted it; it was crisp, tender, and fragrant, extremely delicious.
He sat down and gestured for Fu Yu to sit opposite him, casually saying, "You usually don't care much about food, but the dishes today are quite exquisite. What, aren't you afraid that the aroma of this food will attract bookworms and damage your treasures on your bookshelves?" He was upright and strict with his subordinates, but he was quite a loving father in front of his children, and his voice carried a hint of teasing.
Fu Yu avoided his gaze and simply bent down to scoop beef soup for him, saying, "Try it."
"It smells delicious, it must taste good." Fu Deqing took the food, but seeing his son's strange expression, his suspicions grew. He tasted the beef soup and stir-fried vegetables again; they didn't taste like the heavily salted and sauced dishes from the Liangshuge kitchen, nor were they the tender, well-cooked ones from Shou'an Hall. He couldn't help but ask, "Were these sent from somewhere else?"
"Yes, South Building."
The South Tower… that’s the newlywed Wei Shi. Why is she hiding in her room to enjoy the food she sent?
There seems to be something strange about this.
Fu Deqing couldn't understand it, and knew he wouldn't get anything out of his stern-faced son, so he asked in surprise, "Has Madam Wei been here?"
Fu Yu nodded, and because You Tong was involved in the Wei family's affairs in the capital, he briefly explained the background.
When Su Ruolan's affair became public, Old Madam Fu was quite displeased. Later, when Fu Deqing went to pay his respects, he casually mentioned it. Fu Deqing hadn't taken this trivial matter of the inner quarters to heart, but after hearing Fu Yu's explanation, he finally understood the cause and effect, saying, "It seems that Madam Wei's actions weren't too reckless. She wasn't overly indulgent, nor did she pursue the matter relentlessly; she had some sense of propriety. Aunt Zhou said she has a very good temperament, and I think she's quite good too, unlike what I heard in the capital that she was so unbearable."
"Hmm," Fu Yu mumbled in response.
"We went through so much trouble to marry her, it caused quite a stir among all our relatives and friends in the city. Now, let's see. She's not bad in appearance or background. If she's truly compatible and knows how to behave appropriately, then keeping her in the household wouldn't be a disgrace to you." Fu Deqing was getting on in years, and seeing his son, in the prime of his life, neglecting his family and living a solitary life, with a heart as still as a monk, he couldn't help but worry about when he would have a grandson.
Fu Yu glanced at him and reminded him, "She has someone else in her heart."
Ha, they're starting to consider the Wei family's ideas!
Fu Deqing found it intriguing, "Didn't they say it didn't matter who you married? What's the harm in that?"
"..." Fu Yu was speechless.
When he first married her, he did indeed harbor this thought. Years of military campaigns and battles had left him with countless beauties in Qizhou, but none had caught his eye. He even felt he might never meet someone he truly loved, someone he could be devoted to like his father, someone he would remain faithful to for life. Since he had no one he loved, when choosing a wife, he only needed to consider his parents' wishes and family background; her name and surname didn't matter. Therefore, even though Wei Youtong was infamous and had attempted suicide for love, he didn't mind her being useful; he simply didn't want to see her and kept her as a mere decoration.
However, at this moment, thinking of You Tong's face in the South Building, a thorn seemed to quietly grow in his heart.
Although that woman was the young mistress of Nanlou, she had someone else in her heart.
He... didn't want to touch it.
Fu Yu felt a subtle irritation in his heart, and then said, "Father, did you come here today just for these trivial matters?"
Of course not.
Fu Deqing was busy commanding troops and affairs, and he would only joke with his son occasionally. So, his special visit must have been for important business.
He then said solemnly, "News from the south indicates that there are more refugees causing trouble and disrupting the government. However, this time it has gained momentum. The leader is an old soldier who single-handedly defended Liangzhou more than ten years ago, but due to a disagreement with the commander, he went south to recuperate with a half-crippled leg and disappeared. Now he is leading more than a thousand refugees in a rebellion, and has already captured several cities around Fuzhou, and gathered some troops and supplies. The local troops are no match for him."
This news made Fu Yu's eyes narrow slightly. "Father, do you think the time is approaching?"
"Have you ever tried to start a fire with stones? At first, only a few sparks will appear, but if there are enough sparks, a flame will eventually break out." Fu Deqing's smile vanished, replaced by a solemn and serious expression. "Your uncle has already sent people south to scout and assess the situation. If things get chaotic over there, the court will have to send troops to suppress it. After a battle, the treasury will be empty, and the imperial family may not be able to maintain its dignity. That will be the real opportunity."
"What Qizhou needs to do—" Fu Yu paused slightly, his expression enigmatic, "to prepare for war and strengthen military preparedness."
Fu Deqing nodded. "This matter is confidential, and I don't trust anyone else to handle it."
"Understood." Fu Yu stood up, his face now grim.
...
The unrest in the south was suppressed by the local government, and even the royal families in the capital were unaware of it, let alone the people of Qizhou.
Although the world was in chaos, the several prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Fu family remained relatively peaceful.
With her major worry resolved, You Tong began to consider her future plans during her free time.
In the past two months, the attitude of the Fu family has become clear: they have no intention of really treating her as Fu Yu's wife.
Since both families get what they want, once the matter is settled, she won't be trapped in the Fu family anymore and can wait for an opportunity to ask for a divorce agreement.
Fu Deqing is a man of integrity and loyalty, and Fu Yu is not a biased or narrow-minded person. As long as she doesn't offend these two powerful figures, she will still have a way to make a living in Qizhou. When that time comes, she just needs to keep a low profile and avoid provoking her ex-husband Fu Yu. Once she has a firm foothold, she will have much more confidence to return to the capital than to rush back rashly.
As for how to settle down, after much thought, the only thing she was good at and happy to do was eat.
Before becoming Wei Youtong, although she couldn't claim to have tasted every delicacy in the world, her palate had sampled countless delicious foods. Furthermore, she had an excellent memory, remembering the recipes for most dishes, which she could then train with a capable cook. Once trained, she could easily run a unique restaurant.
What's more, she also has hot pot as her secret weapon.
Before her marriage, You Tong had eaten hot pot once at the mansion. The broth was bland, with few condiments. Besides some slices of meat, not many other ingredients were added. After cooking, they were taken out without any dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. If it weren't for Old Madam Wei's love of excitement and her ordering preparations, few people would have thought of that taste.
If this is the case even in the capital, it is even more so elsewhere.
From emperors who live in luxury to commoners who eat simple meals, probably very few people in the world have ever tasted hot pot.
You Tong, carrying a plate of pastries, sat in a round-backed chair, pondering. The more she thought about it, the more excited she became, so she put down the pastries and stood up.
"Chuncao—" she said excitedly. As Chuncao came in, she asked, "Has the pot I ordered arrived?"
"No, the craftsmen are still working on it."
"Go and urge them!" You Tong couldn't wait, thinking of the delicious and spicy flavors in the hot pot, and couldn't help but rub her hands together.
Author's Note: Making hot pot tomorrow! =w=
Chapter 15 Rare Guest
Back in the capital, surrounded by people who had known the original owner for over a decade, You Tong was quite restrained, fearing trouble if the Wei family noticed her secret. Although she craved delicious food, she didn't dare try anything new, and for over half a year, she didn't even dare to think about cooking hot pot.
Now that we've arrived in Qizhou, with fewer reservations, the thought of that taste makes my mouth water and I crave it even more, so I keep urging them to hurry.
Chuncao urged them twice, and after noon, the craftsmen outside finally delivered the goods.
The hot pot, cast in bronze, features a sturdy and perfectly spaced grate. The ash-collecting base is intricately carved with cloud patterns, and the vent is shaped like a Buddha statue, giving it an elegant appearance. The pot itself is polished smooth and shiny. The charcoal cylinder is quite tall, and the fire-pressurizing cap is tightly secured. As instructed, a baffle has been added inside the pot, dividing it into two halves. Both the pot and lid have bronze ring handles, secured with small bronze lions—the craftsmanship is superb.
You Tong looked around and became more and more satisfied. Her eyes were filled with a smile, a joy she rarely showed after getting married.
Chuncao, watching from the side, couldn't help but chuckle. "Young Madam, stop looking! Be careful your eyeballs don't fall into the pot!"
You Tong scoffed, ordered someone to set the pots out, and then went to the kitchen to urge Aunt Xia to prepare the most important base ingredients.
It's been so long since I've had hot pot, and I'm really craving its flavor. In this half-and-half pot, the spiciness of Sichuan is absolutely essential.
After the kitchen in the south building was started, You Tong had already prepared all kinds of spices and seasonings. The maid took more than ten kinds of spices, such as star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, scallions and garlic, as instructed. After boiling them in the pot for a while, she took them out to remove the odor. She also chopped a plate of bright red and spicy chili peppers, which made her eyes water from the spiciness. You Tong fed her several pieces of soft and fragrant pastries before she recovered.
Aunt Xia worked quickly and efficiently. After heating the oil in the wok, she first added scallions, ginger, and other ingredients, frying them until golden brown. Then she removed them, added chili paste and fermented bean paste that she had painstakingly found, and waited for the oil in the wok to turn a bright red before adding various spices to simmer. When the oil was almost ready, she added sugar and wine, stir-fried it, then removed the solids and added chicken broth to season.
The kitchen was filled with a rich and enticing aroma that wafted into the courtyard, making the maids and servants peek inside with longing.
You Tong looked at the pleasing red chili peppers in the hot pot and was very satisfied. She then added pigeon soup base to the other half and some dried wild mushrooms, which can nourish the body.
Then, I was itching to prepare the dipping sauce.
Aunt Zhou, Granny Xu, and Chuncao often got to enjoy some of the delicious food. This time, urged by Youtong and seeing how novel her cooking was, they also took small porcelain bowls and prepared their own dipping sauce. The maids nearby dared not overstep their bounds. Looking at the bubbling oil and spicy aroma in the pot, they were filled with curiosity and brought over the hot pot ingredients as instructed.
The maid added charcoal to the steamer, and when the soup in the pot boiled, You Tong couldn't wait to throw in a slice of meat.
Xia Sao has excellent knife skills, and she slices the meat thinly, so it only needs to be cooked for a short while in the broth.
Take it out and dip it in the garlic sauce, the taste is just amazing!
The long-awaited delicious food made her feel overjoyed, and she was so satisfied that she added other dishes to the pot.
Once it's cooked in the hot pot, let the others have a taste too.
Grandma Xu was getting on in years and was afraid it would be too spicy for her, so she took the pigeon soup from the pot. Chuncao, being greedy, saw the oil boiling in the spicy pot and smelled so tempting that she picked out some meat to eat. But the flavor was too strong, and she was so spicy that she jumped up and down, sucking her tongue and looking for warm water to rinse it off.
The maids in the courtyard were amused by her, and Aunt Zhou, following You Tong's instructions, also picked some for them to try.
A steaming hot pot was placed in the porch. Since it wasn't too cold in the afternoon, You Tong ordered the windows to be opened to prevent the room from becoming stuffy and smelly.
The aroma wafted out the window, spreading in all directions, and soon attracted two uninvited guests—
Fu Lanyin, who often comes by the scent, and Fu Zhao, who rarely appears in public.
...
Fu Zhao rarely wandered around the manor, but today he had bought some decorative items for his sister and personally delivered them to her residence. Fu Lanyin saw him off, and upon smelling a few wisps of fragrance wafting from afar, she guessed where they came from and casually praised her second sister-in-law's excellent cooking skills, revealing a slight craving. Due to the prejudices of several elders, Fu Zhao had a lukewarm impression of You Tong, and upon hearing her praise, he naturally didn't believe her and even laughed at her for being greedy.
How could Fu Lanyin tolerate his unwarranted ridicule?
So he pulled Fu Zhao toward the South Building, insisting that he try it himself.
Both siblings are fond of food. Fu Lanyin insisted that he try it, and Fu Zhao was slightly tempted, so he was half-heartedly pulled over by his sister.
Upon arriving outside the South Building, the spicy aroma grew even stronger. Fu Lanyin entered with great interest and greeted them with a smile, "Second Sister-in-law, you've prepared something delicious again?"
"Second Miss, Third Young Master," Aunt Zhou greeted with a smile, rising to greet them and telling Mu Xiang to quickly move some chairs.
Fu Lanyin was a regular at Nanlou, but Fu Zhao had never set foot there before. Chuncao and the others dared not overstep their bounds and quickly got up to make way.
Chuncao worked quickly and efficiently, clearing away the bowls of condiments in the blink of an eye. On the large square table, only the hot pot remained, steaming hot, surrounded by about a dozen plates of vegetables.
As the weather gets colder at this time of year, there aren't many fresh green vegetables. This is You Tong's first time trying this, so she only prepared a few simple ingredients: thinly sliced beef, mutton, ham, and cured meat; fresh duck blood and intestines; fish slices; water chestnuts; winter bamboo shoots; winter melon; tofu; and a few kinds of dried bamboo shoots soaked in water. She also had someone peel shrimp and painstakingly made a small dish of shrimp paste.
Fu Zhao glanced at the two plates of raw meat, duck blood, and duck intestines, and frowned.
He had eaten hot pot before, but it was mostly beef and mutton slices; he had never seen raw blood and intestines, which looked rather dirty.
"Can I eat this?" He looked at the hot pot with a face full of resistance.
Fu Lanyin, used to being waited on hand and foot, hesitated before looking at the plate of duck blood, saying, "Is it possible...?"
You Tong smiled and scooped the cooked duck blood out of the pot. "It's ready to eat when it's cooked, and it tastes great. Here—" She put her arm around Fu Lanyin's shoulder and went to the table next to her to get a clean empty bowl, showing her how to make the dipping sauce. Then she asked Fu Zhao, "What about Third Brother? Can he eat spicy food?"
"good."
You Tong was worried that they wouldn't be able to handle the spiciness, so she prepared a milder version and then invited them to sit down and try it.