BXBX NOVEL Chapter 88 - 88: This Lazy Woman
“Alright, I’ll come over and cook for you.”
“Hehe, that suits me just fine. I’ll have Xiu Hong watch over Ling’er.” “Sure, but they must be within my sight. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease.”
“Ling’er is almost like the apple of your eye, truly like family.”
“Of course. I treat her like my own daughter.”
“What about your sons?”
“I care for them just the same. But with several sons at home and just one daughter, I have to pamper her a bit more.”
“Well, pamper her then. I need to take these embroidered pieces back. There might be a big customer coming soon. Stay at home and cherish your daughter. And don’t forget March 6th, come to my house early.”
“Got it.”
After seeing off Lu Sanniang, Qiao Mai quickly got to work in the kitchen. Every day, people came to buy goods from her, so she needed to be prepared.
Time passed by quickly, and it was already March 6th.
Qiao Mai dressed herself appropriately and put a new outfit on Ling’er. She carried her daughter in one hand and a basket in the other. After having an early breakfast, she headed to Lu Sanniang’s house.
The embroidery shop was closed, and the Lu family had already cleaned the courtyard.
Everything was shining and tidy. When Qiao Mai arrived, Ruyi eagerly took Ling’er from her arms. The sisters were thrilled and kept hugging and playing with her.
Shopkeeper Lu welcomed her into the house. “Since you’re here, come in. What did you bring?”
“Do you expect anything less than special?”
“Hehe, I’ll leave the cooking to you.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be satisfied. I’ll head to the kitchen first to prepare. When they arrive, don’t call me over. I’m not a fan of socializing.” “You can’t do that. You’re Ruxin’s Master.”
“It’s in secret. I don’t want people to know too much about me.”
“Can’t do that.”
“Well, it’s settled then. I don’t want people to know my secrets.”
“Fine. ”
Qiao Mai carried the basket and went to the kitchen. Xiu Hong followed with Ling’er in her arms.
Lu Sanniang was hesitant to hire someone, so the kitchen was still without a cook even though they had planned to hire one after the New Year.
Qiao Mai took a glance around the kitchen. It was clean and neat, but she could tell it was mainly Ruxin and her sister who did the cooking. What a lazy woman!
She took the vegetables out of the basket and glanced at Xiu Hong, who was entertaining Ling’er.
“Xiu Hong, how’s your two-sided embroidery coming along?”
“It’s not as good as Miss’s.”
“Take vour time. Mastering this skill isn’t something that can haDDen
overnight. ”
“I know. Can I help?”
“Just keep an eye on the child.”
The small basket was filled with so many vegetables that it would surely astonish anyone who saw it.
Shopkeeper Lu had also prepared some vegetables, but Qiao Mai didn’t find them appealing and set them aside in a separate basket.
After checking the plates and utensils, making sure they were all clean and sufficient in number, Qiao Mai focused on cutting, blanching, and preparing the dishes.
She prepared a variety of dishes – Eight vegetarian and meat dishes.
The weather was pleasant that day, and she anticipated it would be warm around noon. In consideration of her visiting prospective in-laws, Shopkeeper Lu had even prepared a charcoal brazier in the living room, a gesture of genuine hospitality.
Before long, Ruxin came over.
She assisted Qiao Mai in picking vegetables and said, “Master, the guests will be here soon. Can you help me take a look?”
“Your liking matters most. My opinions might not align. What you find appealing may not be what I like, and vice versa. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean I won’t.”
Blushing, Ruxin added, “Could you please sneak a peek later, Master?”
“Sure, but at this point, changing your mind isn’t an option.” “I just want to hear your thoughts. I’m not confident.” “Do you trust your Master so much?”
“Yes, Master is always so self-assured. I believe in you.”
“Rest assured. If you like him, Master will support your choice. And if one day he mistreats you, Master will do everything to ensure he regrets it and lives a miserable life.’
Ruxin’s eyes welled up. “Thank you, Master!”
Wiping her tears, Ruxin nodded. “Yes.”
Just then, Ruyi entered. “Sister, Mother wants me to find you. The visitors from the Feng family have arrived.”
Ruxin quickly stood up. “Master, I’ll go first.”
“Go ahead. I’ll be watching from the window.”
The sisters left, and Qiao Mai got up and cleaned her hands. “Xiu Hong, come with me. Let’s take a look.”
“Hehe, this servant also wants to peek at the future son-in-law.”
They approached the living room quietly. Through the half-open window shutters, they saw Shopkeeper Lu engaging in a lively conversation with the Feng family.
Eight people from the Feng family had come – A matchmaker, a couple, a young man, two maids, and two servants.
Without a doubt, the young man was Ruxin’s fiancé.
He had a pleasant appearance, was of medium height, not too thin or too plump, and his attire gave off an air of scholarly refinement.
Ruxin stood respectfully behind Shopkeeper Lu, her head slightly lowered. She didn’t even dare to meet her fiancé’s gaze, clearly nervous.
Judging by the young man’s appearance, he was satisfied with the potential match.
With both parties content, the foundation for a harmonious union was laid. Qiao Mai didn’t need to be too involved at this point.
She looked forward to the marriage being finalized when she could contribute by adding her touch to Ruxin’s bridal preparations.
After a few glances, Qiao Mai returned to the kitchen. The living room was now bustling with the formalities of the betrothal ceremony.
Meanwhile, Qiao Mai deftly prepared various dishes, cutting and blanching with precision in the kitchen.
Half an hour later, Xiu Yu and Ruyi came.
“Master, my mother says we can start serving.”
“Alright, serve the cold dishes first. The rest can follow soon.”
The dishes not only looked appetizing, but they were also incredibly delicious. The fish and the plate of large prawns left the people from Ru Xin’s family astonished.
The fish, apart from being delicious, was expertly sliced and prepared.
Even the prawns, with their backs sliced open, required no peeling. Just a slight pull on the head, and the skin came off effortlessly, leaving a crispy texture that was incredibly delightful. The taste was exceptional.
A simple dish like pickled lotus root slices was so crunchy, spicy, and sweet that it was utterly irresistible. Once tasted, people couldn’t help but want more.
All sixteen dishes were swept clean.
Shopkeeper Lu’s face was radiant, and she immediately went to the kitchen after sending the guests off.
Qiao Mai and Xiu Yu were having their meal at the same table. Lu Sanniang smiled awkwardly.
“Sister, I’m really sorry for today.”
“It’s not your fault. I didn’t want to go.”
“Today’s dishes made me so proud. You don’t know how those people from the
Feng family ate.”
“So, should you reward me?”
“Haha, you’re quite funny. Do you even want rewards?”
“Let me tell you something. Sit down.”
“What is it?”
“When’s the engagement?”
“It will be on May 26th, and the wedding will be on October 18th.”
“My house should be ready by August. How about your family moving in around that time? My apprentice will get married off there.”
“Why?”
“First, your place is small. Second, it’s inside an alley and not grand enough. Third, have you forgotten? I’m still technically a servant in your family. If I were to live alone there, wouldn’t it expose the situation?”
“I’m so embarrassed.”
“There’s no need to feel embarrassed. I’ve always treated you like a sister. Ruyi can get married there too. If you don’t want to remarry, you can live with me in the future. You can rent out this house and the one you’re living in now. What do you think?”
Touched, Shopkeeper Lu’s eyes welled up with tears. “Why are you so kind?”
“Aren’t you greedy for my cooking? Just know that as long as you have me, you won’t have to go hungry.”
After she had teared up, Lu Sanniang burst out laughing after hearing that.
“Sister, the luckiest thing in my life is getting to know you.”
“Stop being so sentimental. Just tell me. Do you agree or not?”
“I agree! This is a matter of great honor. How could I disagree? When Ruxin gets married from your new house, it will bring glory to our Lu family.”