"Madam, you needn't be so polite. I really am not picky about food."

After saying that, he picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Liu An felt that this one sip of tea alone made his trip worthwhile.

I feel like my old ailments have gotten a little bit better, but I don't know if it's just my imagination.

Jiang Nuan saw him drink tea again, her lips moved slightly, but she ultimately didn't stop him.

The finest pre-Qingming Longjing tea has been steeped in the air for several days, making it incredibly flavorful and delicious.

But even if it tastes good, this isn't the way to drink it.

In just one hour, three pots of water had been changed. Jiang Nuan was worried that he would overeat, but he remained calm and composed, without even going to the toilet once.

Amazing, truly amazing!

“Boss, you brothers keep Elder Liu company,” Jiang Nuan stood up, “I’m going to check on the kitchen.”

"Don't worry, Mother, we will definitely keep Grand Secretary Liu company."

Boss Huang spoke very carefully.

He had no concept of the Grand Secretary's power, and Liu An's obsequious attitude showed no fear of him.

He was just worried about making another mistake and being scolded by Jiang Nuan.

“Madam need not worry about me,” Liu An said, though he did not want Jiang Nuan to leave. “It just so happens that I also wish to get closer to my nephews.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan was utterly helpless.

He nodded slightly and then turned to leave.

She had some difficulty dealing with people who were so humble; she didn't dislike them, but she always felt very uncomfortable.

After Jiang Nuan left, the hall became Liu An's domain.

He was not a vulgar person; he was kind and humble, knowledgeable and insightful, and extremely skilled at flattering without leaving a trace, easily bringing himself closer to the Huang family.

After Jiang Nuan went to the kitchen to give instructions on the prepared recipes, she returned to the inner quarters, where the women of the household gathered in the hall to wait for her.

"Mother," Madam Xie looked up in surprise upon hearing footsteps, "Has Grand Secretary Liu left yet?"

"No, I'll leave after dinner."

"We're going to have him stay for dinner?" Madam Xie asked somewhat nervously. "Will a big shot like Grand Secretary Liu be able to get used to the food in our rural area?"

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems."

Home-cooked meals aren't something just anyone can eat whenever they want.

The vegetable garden in the backyard is watered with well water. Although it's not much, it's enough to make the vegetables sweet and delicious, and it's also good for your health.

Even chickens and ducks fed with vegetable leaves have improved in taste by more than one level.

"Mother, what dishes did you prepare?"

"It's nothing, just what we usually eat."

"Didn't you add anything else?" Xie asked in a low voice. "After all, he's a Grand Secretary."

“You don’t understand,” Old Mrs. Jiang chuckled. “These wealthy families are already tired of delicacies and need our simple porridge and side dishes to soothe their appetites.”

“Your grandmother is right,” Jiang Nuan nodded slowly. “Grand Secretary Liu is not young and has been traveling a long distance. He is indeed not suited for greasy food and probably has no appetite.”

"Too."

Everyone thought Liu An couldn't eat much, but his appetite almost shocked the Huang family.

Two large bowls of rice with vegetables, a big bowl of chicken soup, and a plate of pea cakes.

This person's appetite is twice that of Old Man Huang, and only slightly less than that of Old Man Huang and his brothers.

Liu An ate with great relish, while the others watched in trepidation.

"Uncle Liu," Huang Xiaosan asked tentatively, "would you like some tea to aid digestion?"

At such an advanced age, can the body really handle eating so much?

"No need, it's just right," Liu An said, still savoring the meal. "I've been traveling these past few days and haven't eaten much."

He would never admit that he hadn't eaten or drunk anything since last night in order to get this meal.

He was so fortunate to have the chance to share a meal with a celestial being that he would not waste a single bite.

"Really not? My mom made a digestive tea with dried flower petals; it's delicious."

Upon hearing this, Liu Anli's expression changed, and he said heavily, "I suddenly feel unwell. Let's go have some tea."

After saying that, she patted her belly and followed Huang Xiaosan with a bouncy gait.

"Girl," Old Madam Jiang asked strangely, "Are you sure this is a Grand Secretary of our Great Zhou? He seems like a simpleton."

“Well,” Jiang Nuan was also speechless, “Grand Secretary Liu is just still a child at heart.”

This person has absolutely no morals!

Jiang Nuan had absolutely no idea how to describe it.

I couldn't see any of the authority of a high-ranking official; on the contrary...

In short, it's a long story!

“I’m a little worried,” Old Lady Huang also spoke up, “Is it really feasible to entrust our Great Zhou to people like this?”

“Grand Secretary Liu is quite good,” Huang Lao Er chimed in. “Whether it’s astronomy, geography, customs and human relationships, or the Four Books and Five Classics, laws and current affairs, he knows everything. He has a bit of knowledge in all aspects, and he can even talk about military strategy in great detail.”

“That’s right,” Huang Xiaosi also admired Liu An, “Grand Secretary Liu is really amazing.”

He is far more capable than his own teacher.

Before he could even ask the teacher a few questions, the teacher made an excuse to slip away, as if he didn't know anything.

It seems that there is nothing that Grand Secretary Liu does not know.

"So knowledgeable?" Old Madam Jiang's eyes gleamed. "Girl, it's getting dark and the road down the mountain is difficult to walk. Why don't we leave him here? It's not like we don't have rooms."

Jiang Nuan knew what her mother was planning.

Helplessly, he explained, "Grand Secretary Liu is not alone; he has many colleagues, so it may not be convenient for him to stay overnight."

"Go ask him. It won't hurt you to ask. I don't think he really wants to leave."

"Okay, I'll ask about it later."

That just so happens, she also has something she wants to know.

Upon learning that he could stay the night, Liu An immediately grinned and said, "Thank you, Madam, thank you for taking me in."

"Are you sure it's okay?" Jiang Nuan asked uncertainly, "Won't it interfere with official duties?"

"No, madam, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

“That’s good,” Jiang Nuan paused, then said hesitantly, “If Grand Secretary Liu has something to say, he can just say so. There’s no need to be so… polite.”

After careful consideration, Jiang Nuan still chose to use the word "polite".

After understanding the meaning behind the words, the seasoned Liu An froze, his lips moved slightly, and he said softly, "Thank you, Madam."

Jiang Nuan took in his reaction.

Finding a secluded spot, he summoned the steward, "Steward, does Grand Secretary Liu have some hidden ailment?"

"Why does Madam say that?" Butler Cao asked, quite surprised.

"His attitude was overly cautious, but not malicious. I can't think of any other reason besides that he wanted something from me."

“Madam,” the butler said thoughtfully, “Grand Secretary Liu has no children to this day, which may be related to this.”

"How could that be? His eldest son has already become a third-rank minister, how could he not have any offspring?"

“He was adopted,” the butler explained in a low voice. “Grand Secretary Liu is an illegitimate son, and his stepmother is not a tolerant person. In the early years, she even refused to let Grand Secretary Liu study.”

"And then what?"

"Because of his extraordinary talent, the clan could not bear to let his talent go to waste, so they required him to spend resources to study."