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Yang Hao, curious, forgot what he was doing and kept asking questions. Gu Zao smiled but didn't answer. He tickled her, and the two laughed and joked for a while. Yang Hao suddenly remembered what the Empress Dowager had mentioned earlier and looked at Gu Zao to ask, "What story did the Empress Dowager say your mother told her?"

Gu Zao smiled and briefly recounted the events of the day Fang entered the palace. Yang Hao laughed for a while before sighing, "Your mother actually knew this; it's truly impressive. She really did a good job of arranging our marriage unintentionally. We must take good care of her in the future."

Gu Zao smiled slightly, but felt very comforted. When the two arrived at the gate of the Grand Commandant's residence, Yang Hao saw her inside and then said he had to go out again. Gu Zao escorted him to the gate of her south courtyard, watching his figure turn past the bamboo groves, before returning to her room. Seeing the fragrant beads and fur coat bestowed by the Empress Dowager placed to the side, she pondered for a moment, then called Rong Cai and went with her to the north room.

Chapter Seventy-Five: Clash Between Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law; Second Master Teaches Second Sister a Lesson

When Gu Zao arrived at the door of the north room, she saw Hui Xin coming out. Upon seeing Gu Zao, Hui Xin smiled, bowed, and said, "The old lady just sent me to see if the second madam had returned yet, and it just so happens that you've arrived."

Gu Zao stepped forward and helped Hui Xin up, saying, "Although we've only met a few times before, I've always felt a sense of closeness to you. There's no need for such formalities when you see me; just treat me the same as before."

Huixin shook her head and smiled, "It's my honor that the Second Madam thinks highly of me. But we still need to observe proper etiquette."

Knowing that she was cautious, Gu simply smiled and entered the room where the old lady was resting. Seeing Jiang Shi by his side as usual, her expression slightly different, he guessed she might have been waiting for him. He respectfully greeted her and then presented the gifts, saying, "The Empress Dowager specifically ordered me to deliver these fragrant beads and fur coat to Mother, saying that the fragrant beads are a new congratulatory gift received this year, and wearing them will calm the mind and soothe the spirit. This fur coat is also a first-class item newly made in the palace. I just returned to the manor and dared not delay, so I delivered it immediately."

The old lady's face was somewhat gloomy, but upon hearing that the gifts were bestowed by the Empress Dowager, she dared not be negligent. After glancing at them briefly, she had Huixin accept them all, and then she looked at Gu Zao and slowly said, "I heard that after the full moon celebration, the two of you will be going out to celebrate on your own?"

Gu Zao smiled and then said, "It's all my fault. I didn't explain things clearly before, which caused Second Master to misunderstand. Now that everything is clear, I have no such intention. I just hope that Mother can be more tolerant of someone as clumsy and incapable of serving in the future."

Hearing Gu Zao say this, the old lady's expression softened slightly. She raised her eyelids and glanced at him, saying, "I sent Xiu Xin to serve Hao'er before, but she's clumsy and useless, so I called her back. Now, in your courtyard, the only one who's older is Rong Cai. Although she's an honest person, one isn't enough. A few days ago, I asked Hao'er to pick a few more from my room, but he only took Zhen Xin. That girl is too impulsive and doesn't know how to serve anyone. Now that you're here, I'll make the decision and send Hui Xin to your room to serve you two."

The old lady's words stunned everyone in the room. Huixin looked bewildered, Xiuxin was both ashamed and jealous, and Jiangshi quickly glanced at Gu Zao before remaining silent.

Before anyone else could speak, Huixin knelt down and pleaded, "Madam, please don't send me away. I only want to stay by your side and serve you for the rest of my life. I don't want to go anywhere else."

The old lady glanced at Huixin and sighed, "You child are so stubborn. I'm practically half-buried in the ground now, how could you possibly serve me for the rest of my life? You're a kind and honest person, and you've been with me for five or six years. I was thinking of finding you a good future. Going to him wouldn't be a bad thing for you. Move to the South Courtyard tomorrow, and serve me well from now on. If you have any grievances, just come to me. Don't say anything more now."

Helpless, Huixin had no choice but to shut up and look at Gu Zao.

Gu Zao suppressed her initial surprise. Seeing that everyone was looking at her, she thought for a moment and said to the old lady, "Huixin has been in this mansion for many years and knows Mother best. It is naturally the best thing that she has been assigned to my place. In the future, if I have any shortcomings, I can ask her for advice. I must thank Mother for her kindness."

Jiang's face initially held a hint of schadenfreude, but when Gu Zao brushed it off with a single sentence, a look of surprise flashed across her face.

Gu Zao stepped forward to help Hui Xin, who was both ashamed and embarrassed, up, and then said to the old lady, "I have something else to discuss with you, Mother, as soon as possible."

The old lady hummed in agreement and looked at her.

Gu Zao smiled and said, "It's my family's restaurant. Now that I'm married, I shouldn't have to worry about it anymore. But these days, other families in the city see that the business there is doing well, and they're opening several similar ones nearby. Although they're still under construction, they'll probably be quite successful in a while. It wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm thinking that my family's name was bestowed by the Empress Dowager herself. If we accidentally lose business and have to close down, my family will only lose some money, but it would be a loss of face for the Empress Dowager. So, after thinking it over, I think it's better to personally go and check on it myself. I don't need to be there every day. I'll just go and check on it every few days and come back. Once things are stable, I'll let go of everything. So, I'm just letting you know, Mother. I hope you won't blame me for still clinging to my family after I'm married."

After Gu Zao finished speaking, Madam Jiang had a sudden thought and shook her head, saying, "I don't think that's appropriate. Mother used to make me take charge of this household because I was the only one in the family and there was no one to replace me. So, even though I'm not very bright, I've just stumbled along like this. Now that my sister-in-law has entered the family and is so clever and capable, she should naturally manage this household with me. That's the right thing to do. How can she abandon her husband's family's affairs and run back to her old family home?"

Gu Zao looked at Madam Jiang and smiled slightly, saying, "Sister-in-law, you are capable. Everyone in the household is obedient to you. Why are you making fun of me? I am absolutely not capable of handling this family matter. It would be better if you managed it all by yourself."

Before Madam Jiang could say anything more, the old lady interrupted her, saying, "The way things were before is the way things are now. Why did you bring up the steward's matter again for no reason?"

Jiang felt a secret sense of relief. It turned out she had considered her words earlier. Although Grand Commandant Yang was a high-ranking official of the second rank, and his daughter was a concubine in the palace, his salary alone couldn't possibly support the grandeur of his mansion. Six or seven out of ten times, it was thanks to the help of Yang Hao's confiscated shops. Before, when he was alone, it was fine, but now that he was married, although Jiang looked down on Gu Zao's background, she figured Gu Zao wouldn't dare challenge her for the power to manage things. However, since the money came from Yang Hao, and she knew Gu Zao wasn't someone to be easily manipulated, she still had some reservations. That's why she took this opportunity to test the waters. Seeing that Gu Zao had responded so readily and that the old lady was on her side, she finally felt relieved. Seeing the old lady remain silent, she knew that in the end, they wouldn't really confine her to the house. Why not do her a favor? She smiled and said, "Mother, what my sister-in-law said makes sense. If things don't go well, it would truly be a disgrace to the Empress Dowager. Besides, nowadays, many women from wealthy families go out and show their faces in public; they're not confined to the house all day. I think my sister-in-law is quite sensible; from now on, we can have a carriage from home pick her up and drop her off."

Gu Zao was somewhat surprised that Madam Jiang would plead for him. He looked up at her and saw her smile slightly, so he returned the smile.

The old lady snorted but remained silent. Gu Zao knew that although she was displeased, since she hadn't objected, he took it as tacit consent, quickly thanked her, and then withdrew.

When Yang Hao returned home in the evening, Gu Zao brought him a bowl of shredded vegetables she had made. Upon hearing that his mother had arranged for Huixin to move into his room and was coming over the next day, Yang Hao's face showed displeasure. He frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "I told you I was moving out, but you insisted on stopping me. It's only the first day I've moved in, and she's already making these arrangements. You can't refuse her, so I'll talk to her about it tomorrow."

Seeing that he was angry, Gu Zao dispelled her slight displeasure and said in a serious tone, "Mother only said to have Huixin serve in the South Courtyard, she didn't say to send her to your bed. Why are you in such a hurry?"

Yang Hao was taken aback. Although there was a hint of a smile in her eyes, her face was serious. He couldn't tell what she was thinking and was afraid that she would be angry with him. He quickly leaned over and made a vow, saying, "You are the only one in my heart, and it will be so for the rest of my life. You must believe me."

Gu Zao glanced at his crotch, snorted, and said, "I bet you wouldn't dare. If you had such a flirtatious heart, my knife skills aren't for nothing. I can peel and slice it for you, you can choose, and I guarantee it'll be quick and painless."

Yang Hao pretended to shiver, but then he saw her laughing as she spoke, so he felt relieved. He stepped forward, hugged her, and kissed her. Then he asked with a troubled expression, "What should we do with Huixin? Should we send her back?"

Gu Zao glanced at him, shook her head and said, "Since she was sent here by your mother, and you immediately sent her back, isn't that making her lose face completely? Although I'm not familiar with her, I can tell she has backbone, so I'll let her come over. I'll try to find out what she thinks first."

Yang Hao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her say that, and chuckled.

Seeing his appearance, Gu Zao suddenly remembered the story of Xiu Xin that Zhen Xin had mentioned when she visited the manor before. She found it amusing and couldn't help but bring it up to tease him, saying, "I heard that Xiu Xin also served you for a while. That girl was beautiful and charming. I think she was the best in this manor. Did you really have some kind of hidden illness back then, which is why you couldn't make a move on the beauty?"

Yang Hao's heart skipped a beat when he suddenly heard her mention the embroidery. Seeing her smiling face and slightly pursed lips, he realized she was teasing him. Feigning anger, he said, "You little vixen, you dare laugh at me for not being able to do that kind of work? I'll teach you a lesson so you'll remember this and never talk nonsense again." With that, he pounced on Gu Zao like a hungry tiger, scooping her up and tossing her onto the bed, tearing down the red silk curtains. This long night of punishment was indeed severe. Compared to the rushed night before, it was nothing short of a passionate encounter, full of romance and endless springtime pleasure. Gu Zao was exhausted from the lesson and finally found peace to sleep.

The next day, Huixin came over, and Gu Zaozao had someone prepare a room for her, furnished with the finest items. Huixin put down her bundle and sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought for a long time. She learned from Zhenxin that the Second Master had gone out, leaving only the Madam in the courtyard, so she went to find him. When she arrived at the main room, she hesitated for a moment, but finally pushed the door open and went inside.

Chapter Seventy-Six: Hui Xin Ming Zhi Gu Zao Returns Home Early

Gu Zao was sitting at the table in the room, writing down line by line the various gifts to be prepared for the return visit. She herself didn't care much about them, but Yang Hao insisted on making sure the gifts were plentiful, so she went along with it. Hearing light footsteps behind her, she turned around, put down her pen, stood up, and went to greet them.

Huixin greeted Gu Zao before he arrived. Gu Zao paused, stopped in front of her, and smiled slightly, "You've come. I had someone prepare a room for you last night. If you see anything wrong, just tell me."

When Huixin heard Gu Zao say this, her face turned bright red. It turned out that her room was the west room in this courtyard. Traditionally, the main house was in the east and the side rooms were in the west. She understood this principle perfectly well. Biting her lip, she knelt down with a thud.

Gu Zao was somewhat surprised and hurriedly stepped forward to help her up, but Huixin avoided her hand and remained kneeling there, saying, "I appreciate Second Madam's kindness, but I absolutely cannot bear to live in such a place. Please, Second Madam, find me another place, even a woodshed or a dark room would be better than this place. Huixin was sold into this mansion when she was young and was fortunate enough to serve the Old Madam for several years. The Old Madam has honored me today, but I know I am lowly and have absolutely no desire to covet the wealth and status of the master's family or to become a concubine. I would rather leave the mansion after I reach the age of marriage, cut my hair, and become a nun. Please, Second Madam, have compassion on me."

Hearing her say this, Gu Zao already knew what was going on. He reached out and pulled her up from the ground, then smiled and said, "If someone else had been in this situation, they would be overjoyed, not trying to refuse like you. I know you've always been a person of good judgment, so why would you lower yourself to be a concubine? Don't worry, you don't need to move out of the house. Just stay here. Since Mother called you here, she must have her own plans. I have to keep things polite. We both understand."

Although Huixin knew a little about Gu Zao's character, she was still somewhat uneasy about being sent over on the second day after Gu Zao married into the Grand Commandant's household, which felt like a disgrace. She was afraid Gu Zao would hold a grudge. Hearing her words and seeing her frank and kind expression, she felt both ashamed and grateful. After hesitating for a long time, she whispered, "Before I came, the Old Madam gave me some instructions in private. But Second Madam, rest assured, I respect you and Second Master's character and would never do anything to wrong you. I will serve you wholeheartedly from now on."

Gu Zao smiled and nodded. Seeing that she still looked a little uncomfortable, she smiled and said, "I'm going back to my parents' home tomorrow. I've prepared some gifts, but as you know, my handwriting is terrible. It's not presentable to anyone. Since you're here, it would be good if you could help me transcribe it."

Huixin noticed a few specks of black ink on her right thumb, smiled, and went over to sit down. She spread out the flower raft sprinkled with gold dust and soon copied down the gift list Gu Zao had prepared. Gu Zao praised her handwriting a few times and sighed, "I don't know how many times you've resolved to practice calligraphy, but it's all just talk. Now your handwriting still looks like a crab crawling." Huixin couldn't help but chuckle and replied with a few words. Seeing that she seemed much the same as usual, Gu Zao assumed she had relaxed and felt relieved.

According to custom, the next day was the day the newlywed bride returned to her parents' home to pay her respects. The two got up early that morning. Yang Hao was quick and tidy, looking refreshed and energetic. He sat in front of the mirror, yawning, while calling for Zhenxin to do his hair. Huixin used to comb the old lady's hair, and Gu Zao knew she probably didn't want to appear in front of Yang Hao now, so Rongcai and Zhenxin still did the close-up tasks.

Zhenxin was combing her hair when Yang Hao, who was watching from the side, suddenly slapped his forehead and laughed, "My memory is terrible. I've had that thing for a while now, but I forgot about it because you made me angry. Now that I see you combing your hair, I remember it's still in the study."

Gu Zao looked up at him, only to see that he had already hurriedly gone out. When he returned, he had a porcelain bottle in his hand, which he handed over with a smile, saying, "This is a paste made by soaking equal parts of plum blossoms, magnolia flowers, honeysuckle, roses, and jade hairpins in oil. When it becomes extremely fragrant, the oil is filtered out and mixed with wax oil to make a paste. Use it to apply to your hair; it will not only make it moisturizing and pleasantly fragrant, but also make your hair easier to comb." As he spoke, he didn't care that Zhen Xin was beside him and took a comb to pick out some of the paste and comb it into her hair, making Zhen Xin want to laugh but dare not, and just lower her head and pretend not to see.

Gu Zaona, whose sleepiness had been roused by his nagging the night before, had long since vanished. Seeing Zhen Xin beside her, she hurriedly snatched the comb from his hand, combed her hair a few times herself, and said, "This thing is alright. How do you, a man, know these things?"

Yang Hao chuckled and said shamelessly, "I asked the owner of my own spice shop which one is the best, and he naturally told me in detail." As he spoke, he suddenly glanced at Gu Zao's face, said "Don't move," took the indigo tint in one hand, lightly applied it to her eyebrows, examined it again, and then tossed it back with satisfaction.

Zhenxin was dumbfounded. Gu Zao was afraid that if he continued like this, she wouldn't know when she could get up, so she asked him to check if the gifts were prepared before sending him away. After everything was settled, they ate breakfast together before going to say goodbye to the old lady, as they were about to leave for their parents' home.

Including today, it has only been three days since Gu Zao left home, but it feels like a long time has passed. Thinking that she will be going back soon, she is in a good mood. She was talking to Yang Hao in a low voice as they walked out of the inner courtyard. Just as they turned the corner of the screen wall, someone suddenly jumped out in front of them and knelt down in front of Gu Zao with a thud, pleading incoherently, "Second Madam, please put in a good word for me with Second Master!"

Gu Zao was taken aback. Upon closer inspection, she realized there were three squatting figures. Confused, she looked at Yang Hao.

Yang Hao frowned, looking at San Dun silently. Although San Dun was somewhat timid, the thought of sweeping manure in the stables every day for the past few days, and how he had finally gotten this opportunity, made all his worries disappear. Knowing that his second master listened to the second sister of the Gu family, if he could persuade her to say a few words for him, he might be able to get rid of this dreadful job. He hurriedly put on a pained face and said to Gu Zao, "Second Madam, I shouldn't have mentioned you to the old lady before. I only beg your forgiveness and ask you to put in a good word for me with the second master so that I won't have to sweep manure anymore. Sweeping manure every day makes everything smell awful, even when we eat or sleep. I was hoping that the manor would find me a wife before the end of the year, but with this stench, which sister would want to stay with me?"

Gu Zao suddenly realized that the old lady had forced him to reveal her identity before San Dun, which led to all the subsequent trouble and his husband's decision to send him to the stables. She had never held a grudge against him, and seeing his miserable appearance now, she found it amusing, and the smile appeared on her face.

Seeing that Gu Zao had a smile on her face, San Dun knew that there was hope, so he quickly kowtowed again and then said seriously, "These past few nights, I have been lying in the room by the stable, thinking about it every night. I have finally figured it out. If I had been more careful back then, I would not be sweeping horse manure now. I would definitely be running on the road to deliver messages to you and Master."

After Sankun finished speaking, even Yang Hao couldn't help but laugh, kicking him in the butt and saying, "According to you, Second Master should still be grateful to you now?"

San Dun couldn't squeeze out any tears, so he could only wipe his eyes and pretend to say, "How dare I? I only hope that Second Master will remember that I followed you for several years and not make me sweep horse manure anymore."

Gu Zao shook his head and looked at Yang Hao, who then said, "Making you sweep horse manure for a few days is just to teach you a lesson. If you betray your own people again, you won't even have horse manure to sweep next time."

San Dun knew he was being called back, but he wasn't sure why he was coming back, so he looked at Yang Hao expectantly.

Yang Hao laughed and scolded, "I'm here to accompany my wife back to her parents' home today. You're covered in stench, and if you come along, you'll only embarrass me. Go and wash yourself clean!"

Overjoyed, San Dun kowtowed several times to Yang Hao and Gu Zao before happily running off.

Gu Zao and Yang Hao exchanged a smile before continuing their walk. They boarded the carriage that had been prepared earlier and headed towards the East City Restaurant. Her family had used the restaurant's space for their wedding a few days ago, and they were still waiting there for her to return home.

As the carriage approached the Fangtai Tower in the east of the city, Gu Zao could see from afar that besides the two handsome, well-dressed waiters standing at the gate, Zhu'er and Chuan'er were also looking around, presumably waiting for her. As soon as the carriage stopped and Gu Zao peeked out, the two girls rushed over, each grabbing one of her hands and dragging her inside, shouting repeatedly, "Second Aunt is back! Second Aunt is back!"

Since it was still early, there were no guests in the hotel. Before she even entered the lobby, she saw Fang Shi, Gu Dajie, Sanjie, and Liu Zao rushing out. Only Qingwu was away because he had just returned home a few days ago. They surrounded her, asking all sorts of questions, which Gu Zao answered with a smile. After everyone had fallen silent, Fang Shi grabbed her and looked her up and down several times before saying with feigned concern, "Second Sister, you haven't suffered any grievances these past few days, have you? Your eyes are all swollen, like you haven't slept well."

Gu Zao felt slightly embarrassed. She saw that her third sister, Liu Zao, had heard it and looked very concerned. When she turned around, she saw Yang Hao walking quite close to the family members who had received gifts. She wished that she would stop asking questions. However, Fang Shi was oblivious and still insisted, "You hussy, why are you hiding things after you get home? Did you really suffer some injustice?"

Gu Zao shook her head haphazardly and grabbed Fang Shi, trying to pull her inside. The older woman beside her, unlike Fang Shi who was a roughneck, glanced at her expression and then at Yang Hao coming from behind. She understood immediately, chuckled, and interjected, "Mother, what nonsense are you talking about? They're doing great. If your son-in-law hears this, he might not invite you to visit in the future."

Reminded by her eldest sister, Fang noticed Yang Hao approaching. She had long forgotten her earlier heartache for her second sister and ran to greet him, smiling broadly. "Good son-in-law, you've finally arrived! I've been calling out for you and my second sister countless times these past few days. I'm so glad you've come. How is your mother-in-law?"

Chapter Seventy-Seven

Gu Zao saw that her mother had just been complaining about how she was being mistreated after getting married, but then she turned around and gave her son-in-law a fawning smile. She looked over helplessly and met Yang Hao's gaze. Seeing him smile slightly at her and bow to Fang Shi, Gu Zao said, "My mother is well and asked me to pass on her regards to you."

Gu Zao knew he was only saying that because he was going along with Fang Shi's wishes. But seeing that his expression showed no reluctance or disrespect, and recalling his words after returning from his audience with the Empress Dowager that he would be filial to Fang Shi, she was pleased. However, fearing that Fang Shi might say something reckless again, she was about to call him in when her eldest sister Gu said with a smile, "The new son-in-law has come to visit, why do you always have people standing outside talking, Mother?"

Reminded, Madam Fang hurriedly ushered Yang Hao inside. She had previously held him in great awe, but now, seeing him answer every question with impeccable manners and respect, that awe had vanished completely. It truly was a case of the mother-in-law's delight at the prospect of finding her son-in-law more and more appealing.

Gu Zao thought Fang's initial words were reasonable, but the more she talked, the more outrageous they became. She even inquired about what kind of business he was in and how much he earned in a year. That was bad enough, but when she heard that he was a commoner and had no ambition for officialdom, she coughed and shook her head, acting like an old man, and said, "I spent a lot of time with the Empress Dowager in the palace recently. When she talked about my son Qingwu, she knew that he was studying and pursuing his studies. She praised him highly, saying that this was the right path and that he should definitely pass the imperial examination to become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) so that he could serve the government."

Gu Zao was speechless. Seeing that Yang Hao also couldn't answer and kept looking at her with a plea for help in his eyes, she quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Mother, you've been busy with chores since you came in. Why don't you go and count the gifts you brought? They're still piled up at the door. It wouldn't be good if guests came in and blocked their way."

Reminded, Fang's eyes lit up, and she stood up happily to count the gifts she had brought for the homecoming.

Gu Zao saw that Yang Hao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and just then, she met his gaze. The two of them smiled.

Sister Gu stood up and smiled at the two of them, saying, "Today is your homecoming, so we should have a welcome feast. You are a new bride, so we can't trouble you. It would be disrespectful to have the chef here cook. Although my skills are not good, I have no choice but to make a fool of myself. I just hope you two won't mind."

Yang Hao hurriedly thanked her. Gu Zao also wanted to help, but her older sister insisted on pushing her away, so she had to give up.

Madam Fang was counting the items one by one when Madam Shen and several old neighbors who had come to see the bride off a few days ago also arrived. Behind them were seven or eight boys and girls, who said they were the youngest in their families. Knowing that the new bride was returning home today, they all insisted on coming to see her, so they had no choice but to bring them along.

Gu Zao smiled and handed out small purses filled with money to each of the children, one by one. Seeing so many children and Zhu'er and Chuan'er running around, she was afraid of disturbing the guests who would arrive later. Remembering that she had mentioned making food for Yang Hao a few days ago, she suddenly had a whim and asked Manager Hu to inquire. She learned that the things she had ordered before were all prepared, so she had them all moved to a pavilion by the pond at the back of the garden. Then she called all the children to go there together. Yang Hao, who was sitting there, was afraid that Fang Shi would interrogate him again when she had time, so he naturally followed closely behind.

Upon arriving at the pavilion and seeing what was displayed inside, Yang Hao was slightly taken aback. It wasn't that he hadn't seen ovens before; it was said that the emperor's favorite dish was roasted lamb, so all the major restaurants in the capital served it. However, he had never seen such a small and modern oven before. The group of children, seeing this, became even more curious and gathered around, chattering incessantly.

Gu Zao went over to take a look and saw that the charcoal needed had been neatly arranged to the side by Manager Hu's people. Then she pulled Yang Hao over and said with a smile, "Didn't you say I wouldn't cook for you? I'll make it especially for you today. Those kids are all benefiting from your kindness. Are you satisfied now?"

Seeing that Gu Zao was talking while rolling up her sleeves and trying to start a fire in the narrow oven, Yang Hao was afraid that she would burn her hands, so he stepped forward and said, "I'll do it."

Gu Zao glanced back at him and chuckled, "You know how to start a fire? If we wait for you to start one, we might not even get anything to eat by noon."

Yang Hao chuckled, and the children around him were also overjoyed. Amidst their laughter, they saw Gu had already lit a fire and carefully placed some charcoal inside. Once it was glowing red, he placed a grill rack shaped like a row on it and said with a smile, "This charcoal is peach wood silver charcoal that I asked Manager Hu to collect. It burns brightly and produces no smoke. Jujube wood and pear wood charcoal are the same; they're perfect for grilling food."

The children then realized they were going to grill something to eat, and they were all excited and intrigued. Even Yang Hao became interested and rolled up his sleeves to help.

Gu Zao told Yang Hao to keep an eye on the fire, and then went to the kitchen. When the cooks inside heard that the female manager wanted to make some fresh snacks for herself in the back today, they quickly helped prepare all sorts of things.

Gu Zao washed some dried rose petals, tore them into pieces, put them in a small pot, added some salt, and simmered them for fifteen minutes to make rose salt water. Fangtai Restaurant is now famous for its floral dishes, and in addition to fresh seasonal flowers, it also purchases dried flowers from spice shops, including roses.

After preparing the rose-infused brine and letting it cool, Gu Zao took some cooked chestnut puree, minced garlic, honey, Sichuan peppercorns, and salt, along with the leftover curry powder, and mixed them into a thick sauce. Then she took a few lamb hearts, washed them, cut them into even small pieces, skewered them on bamboo sticks, and arranged them on a plate. She also took some cleaned lamb from the kitchen, sliced it thinly, and inserted it onto bamboo sticks. Finally, she carried all of this in a food box back to the pavilion behind the house. Seeing that the fire was burning quite brightly and Yang Hao and the children were all looking at her expectantly, she put down the food box and said with a smile, "I made two kinds of broth: one is rose-infused brine, specifically for braising lamb hearts, and the other is mixed sauce, for braising lamb meat."

As Gu Zao spoke, he placed the lamb heart skewers on the fire, and while grilling them, he used a brush to dip into rose salt water and repeatedly rubbed it onto the lamb hearts. He then grilled them over an open flame until they were slightly tender. He then distributed them to the children who were already drooling over them. By the time he got to Yang Hao, they were all gone.

Yang Hao rubbed his nose, squatted down next to Gu Zao, and watched her put the lamb skewers on the rack and brush them with sauce. Soon, a wonderfully fragrant aroma filled the air, and the lamb sizzled and dripped oil. Seeing the little kids who had just finished their lamb heart skewers crowding around, eyeing them eagerly, he quickly whispered in Gu Zao's ear, "This smells even better than the last one. Save me some skewers later, don't let them all be gone by the time I get to them..."

Gu Zao glanced at him and laughed, saying, "This aroma comes from the bag of powder that Second Master brought last time. I can smell it now thanks to Second Master, so naturally I wouldn't dare not leave it for you." Seeing his smug chuckle, she sighed inwardly. It was a pity that there were no potatoes or onions available now, and cows couldn't be slaughtered at will, otherwise she could make a more authentic curry dish.

She grilled this just for fun, and worried that the children would get too much internal heat from eating too much, so she didn't prepare much. After the mutton was grilled, she distributed it in a circle as usual. In the end, there were only two skewers left. She handed one to Yang Hao, and was about to take a bite of the other herself when she saw the chubby boy that Shen Niangzi had brought swallow the food in her hand in a few bites and was licking his lips while looking at her. She smiled and handed it to him.

Yang Hao took a bite, and the mutton was tender, juicy, and fragrant. He tasted an unprecedentedly rich and unique flavor on his tongue. Just as he was about to praise it, he saw Gu Zao hand the last skewer to the chubby boy, so he went over and fed the skewer in his hand to her.

Seeing the older children and Zhu'er and Chuan'er all looking at her with smiles, Gu Zao quickly pushed his hand away. Yang Hao glanced at the children, laughed, turned Gu Zao around so her back was to them, and then offered her the meat skewer. Gu Zao had no choice but to take a bite. Yang Hao then ate the rest in one bite and said with a smile, "Delicious." He added, "Everything my wife makes is delicious."