Mu Wanqing, who was sitting at another table, came back to his senses and was a little surprised. He didn't look like someone who would say such a thing, "Please go ahead."
There were too many people, so they were divided into four tables. The bosses sat at one table with Du Shaoxuan, and the others sat at tables in different rows.
Mu Wanqing's family ate with ordinary officials, with a clear distinction between them.
It can be said that Mu Wanqing and her daughter were the only two women present, but what does it matter?
What's the point of not being able to eat at the same table with women? They've all been exiled, so there's no need to be so polite.
Besides, Mu Wanqing doesn’t have such a concept. She worked hard to prepare a big pot of food, but she is not allowed to eat at the table?
The big hot pot tastes better when it is surrounded by the steaming hot pot.
Du Shaoxuan was born into a military family and was extremely proud. He would rather bleed than ask for help.
But this time it's different.
"I have a relative who is born with a congenital deficiency and is very picky about food. Do you have any dishes that would whet his appetite? Just one or two will do."
Everyone knows that a secret recipe can be passed down to future generations and can feed future generations, so who would be willing to give it to someone else?
He knew that this request was too much, but when he thought of his sick cousin, he still spoke up.
The two grew up together and have an extraordinary relationship. What's more, the cousin's identity is too special. He is naturally noble and carries the hopes of countless people.
After hearing what he said, Mu Wanqing looked at him twice more. She didn't expect that under his cold appearance, he had a heart that sympathized with women.
Relative? Maybe it’s the sweetheart, I really can’t tell, hahaha.
Thinking of the life-saving grace, she was about to return the favor, and nodded without hesitation, "I'll write a few prescriptions for you, as the first thing I do for you."
Only then did Du Shaoxuan realize that she was serious.
She promised in person that she would do three things for him in her lifetime. He didn't take it seriously, but she said it seriously and did it seriously.
Even if he falls into the dust, he still remains proud and upright, and is unwilling to owe favors to others.
A slight regret rose in his heart. If she were a man, he would definitely transfer her to his side to help her achieve success.
"Thank you Miss Mu San."
While they were talking, everyone was eating like crazy, their mouths were stuffed full and their bowls were piled high. Whoever grabbed the first one got it.
Seeing that the food was almost empty, everyone put their chopsticks down faster, for fear that the food would be snatched away by others. They were eating so fast that they almost swallowed their tongues.
The taste is really amazing, with hundreds of flavors in one pot, you are in me and I am in you, all the flavors are transformed into a fresh fragrance that makes people linger on it.
Several pairs of chopsticks simultaneously grabbed the last piece of radish, and no one was willing to give in. The radish soaked in the soup tasted so good, so soft and sticky, so fresh that it made your eyebrows drop.
"I haven't had a hot meal in a few days. Please give me some space."
"You are young, but at my age, I have to eat less."
The other party couldn't help but roll his eyes, as if it was everyone who had to eat less.
The companions who usually call each other brothers are about to fight for a bite of food.
"Master Zeng, you eat it every day, but this is my first time eating it." Shen Yong's mouth was full of oil, and he was completely enjoying the meal.
Hearing everyone say that Miss Mu San’s cooking skills are amazing, he thought she was at the level of a restaurant chef. As someone who often eats out, he said that he missed the food at Xiangpialou, the best restaurant in Beijing.
But unexpectedly, he smelled so good!
This is much better than the best building in Beijing!
Lord Zeng chuckled, "Who dares to let the Third Miss cook every day? She is usually very busy. This meal was something the brothers begged for a long time and finally got. You are all just taking advantage of it."
"I ran a lot today. It was really hard. I really need to replenish my energy."
Mu Wanqing, who was standing next to him, saw it but did not get involved. She just smiled slightly.
As a craftsman, she was of course very happy that everyone was so supportive.
Madam Mu Er was full and came over to say softly, "Miss Yu Si and the others haven't eaten yet. What should we do? I guess they haven't prepared any dry food."
Mu Wanqing thought about it, stood up and served two bowls of rice. She poured the steaming hot soup over the rice, which was shiny and smelled delicious.
She didn't say hello to anyone, but took Madam Mu's hand and walked away silently with the rice.
Just as they walked a distance, a figure blocked their way, "Second Aunt, Sister Wanqing, this meal smells so good. Come to think of it, I have never eaten the meal you cooked before..."
It was the eldest grandson of the Mu family, Mu Zifeng. He was unkempt and exuded a sour smell. He had completely lost the demeanor of a noble young man he once had.
Mu Wanqing wrinkled her nose in disdain. If she couldn't take a shower frequently, then couldn't she change her clothes more often? It stinks. The eldest room is becoming less and less elegant. "You're blocking my way."
Mu Zifeng not only refused to let them go, but also stared at the rice in their hands, her eyes salivating, her saliva almost flowing down. "Give me these two bowls of rice."
Give it to him? He said it so confidently, and even regarded himself as the eldest son of the Mu family.
Mu Wanqing was extremely impatient. The woman in the first house was sensible, but the man was a little confused. "Reason."
Mu Zifeng's eyes flashed, and she said as a matter of course, "I am your cousin, the future head of the Mu family, and the hope of the Mu family. Sister Wanqing, you are so smart that you should know what a married woman relies on, which is her parents' family."
The implication is that if you want to have him as your backer in the future, you should be nice to him and provide for him.
This is the mainstream thinking of this era, but unfortunately, it doesn't work for Mu Wanqing.
Mu Wanqing couldn't help but laugh. Not to mention that the Mu family had fallen on hard times, just look at Mu Zifeng. The family poured the best resources into him and trained him as the heir.
If everything is safe and sound, I can be a maintainer.
Logically speaking, when the family is in danger, he should step forward to turn the tide, protect the clan members, and find a way out for the entire family. This is what an heir should do.
But obviously he couldn't do it. He didn't feel any sense of responsibility and was very depressed. He missed the good times in the past from time to time, which made him procrastinate when asked to do things.
Not only him, but also his father and son are still immersed in the beautiful dreams of the past and have not completely accepted the reality.
Men are more fragile than women and cannot withstand more blows.
"Wrong, the only one you can rely on is yourself. You are not as smart and capable as me, and you don't have my scheming and tactics. Do you still want to be my support?"
She saw through Mu Zifeng's thoughts at a glance. She herself had no ability but was always thinking of crooked ways.
He wasn't like this before. Although he was annoying and arrogant, he disdained to play tricks.
"You want to exploit me, to serve you, to feed you with good food and drink, hahahaha, it's impossible in this life, why don't you hang yourself with a rope and see if it works in the next life?"
She has always been direct and sharp, revealing the other person's thoughts in one sentence and slapping him hard in the face.
It's useless for a man to not strive for progress and protect his wife, children and parents.
Mu Zifeng's face was burning hot, and she couldn't help but get angry and embarrassed. "You are a woman, what's the use of being smart? You can neither achieve success nor pass on the family line. How dare a little girl talk to me like this? Do you believe I will beat you up..."
When Du Shaoxuan walked out and saw this scene, his eyes darkened. He despised those scum who bullied women the most.
Just as he was about to go over to rescue, he saw Mu Wanqing kicking Mu Zifeng hard in the knee. His legs went weak and he fell to his knees in front of Mu Wanqing, grimacing in pain.
Mu Wanqing looked down upon him with extreme disdain, "That's it? Haha."
In her previous life, she was thrown into special training in the army every summer vacation, and she learned a lot, including grappling and kicking techniques.
Although her moves were fancy, she had no problem dealing with one or two grown men.
Of course, when facing a real master, you still have to admit defeat.
She stepped forward and kicked twice more, and only after she felt relieved did she pull Madam Mu away.
Du Shaoxuan watched the whole process and the corners of his mouth twitched.
The attendants behind her stared with wide eyes, "Miss Mu San is an extraordinary person, even more fierce and aggressive than the women at the border."
Du Shaoxuan said calmly, "It's because her cousin is too weak."
A loser who is not even as good as a woman actually dares to say that he is Mu Wanqing's support.
There's something wrong with your brain!
The follower was stunned. How could he hear that he was defending Miss Mu San? No way?
His master was a man who didn't understand romance and didn't speak kindly to any woman. How could he possibly...
Mu Wanqing and her daughter walked in the long corridor. The fragrance spread for miles wherever they passed, attracting everyone to look over, drooling, and even children crying for food.
Aunt Six came out of the house and said a little embarrassedly, "Sister-in-law, Qing'er, can I exchange this for a bowl of white rice?"
It was a tiny silver bean, and no one knew how it escaped the search of the officials.
Oh, or maybe it was secretly slipped to relatives and friends when they were seeing them off.
Madam Mu looked at her daughter. Mu Wanqing nodded slightly. Then she smiled and said, "Okay."
It is impossible to give it for free. Brothers should settle accounts clearly. This is the rule set by Mu Wanqing.
Aunt Liu happily brought the white rice back to the house. Several grandchildren surrounded her happily and looked at her eagerly.
Aunt Liu did not share the food. She mixed the soup evenly and then fed the children with a spoon, taking turns to feed each of them a bite. The children ate happily, smacking their lips and squinting their eyes happily.
"This meal is delicious. Grandma, you should eat it, and so should Dad and Mom."
It’s just a bowl of white rice, how could the adults possibly fight with the children for it? Seeing the children eating it so deliciously, they are happier than anyone else.
"We are all full, you guys eat."
After the children finished eating, Uncle Liu picked up a fallen grain of rice and put it into his mouth. It was delicious!
"It's unexpected that Wanqing's cooking skills are so good."
Aunt Six rolled her eyes at him. What flavor could a grain of rice have? It must be a delicious smell that she imagined.
That’s right, they haven’t eaten good food for a long time, they are so greedy!
"I'll buy some from her next time I have a chance. That child is kind-hearted."
Her daughter-in-law shouted in dissatisfaction, "We paid for it, how can she be so kind?"
Sixth Aunt sneered, "What do you know? If she breaks the rules and doesn't charge money, everyone will go to her to ask for food. If we don't give them, we'll offend them. It's better to set the rules from the beginning. She's a smart person. It's good enough that she usually favors us. How did your father-in-law become the manager?"
The manager has fifty cents more than others, and if he does a good job, he will get a reward.
The daughter-in-law muttered, "The relationship between our two families has always been very good."
Sixth Aunt frowned and said seriously, "No matter how good someone is, it's not a reason to take advantage of them. We don't have anything to offer. It's better to settle the matter in cash. This way, we can have a long-lasting relationship."
She is not the kind of person who likes to take advantage of others. If someone gives her a bunch of onions, she will give them a few bites of garlic in return.
No one is a fool. If they always want to take advantage of others, who would be willing to associate with them?
What's more, this is the road of exile, supplies are scarce, and everything costs money.
The son and daughter-in-law nodded their heads in agreement. An old man in the family is like a treasure, and he understands the ways of the world very well.
On the other side, Mrs. Mu was called away for something urgent, and Mu Wanqing took a bowl of white rice back to the house.
Hearing the knock on the door, Miss Yu and her servant asked cautiously, "Who is it?"
"It's me."
The nurse hurried forward to open the door and said anxiously, "Miss Mu San, what are the arrangements for dinner? What are we going to eat? It's already this late, and my lady is starving."
Mu Wanqing had wanted to invite Fourth Miss Yu to go out for dinner, but she didn’t want to, saying that physical contact between men and women is not allowed.
Fine then, she won't force it.
She handed over the bowl and said, "Eat it. It's free."
The nurse looked at the bare rice and was shocked. "Is this leftovers? Let my young lady eat leftovers?! It's not so insulting."
Mu Wanqing was very tired after a busy day. She rubbed her brows and explained, "It's rice mixed with soup. It's clean."
Fourth Miss Yu frowned, seemingly in disbelief.
The nurse suddenly jumped up and yelled angrily, "This is abuse. My young lady has never eaten such a simple meal. Miss Mu San, you are so cruel to show off your power right from the start..."
Mu Wanqing thought she was too noisy and said, "Shut up."
"Miss Yu Si, do you think so too?"
Miss Yu Si was hesitant to speak. Is this really not the leftovers?
Seeing her bow her head and keep silent, Mu Wanqing lost her patience, pushed open the door and shouted, "One bowl for twenty cents, who wants it?"
A group of people rushed out, "Me, me, me, me."
"Give it to me, no one can snatch it from me."
Mu Wanqing sold the meal to the tribesman who spoke first, and slowly put the big money into her pocket.
Miss Yu and her servant were stunned. Is this possible? The Mu family's painting style is weird.
Mu Wanqing is not a person who is overly loving. Giving a bowl of rice to Yu Si is already the limit.
Everyone has hands and feet, so figure it out yourself.
She just didn't believe that Fourth Miss Yu had no money.
As long as you have money, there is nothing that cannot be solved.
She took out the mother and daughter's spare clothes and planned to take a hot bath.
She was busy on the stove. It was easy for her to boil a large pot of hot water. As long as conditions permitted, she would keep herself clean.
When winter comes, it becomes inconvenient to take a bath.
She was so busy with her own business that she completely forgot about the two people who shared the room with her.
Fourth Miss Yu's stomach was growling with hunger. She felt so aggrieved that tears welled up in her eyes. Unfortunately, even though she flirted with a blind man, Mu Wanqing didn't even look at her.
The nurse was heartbroken, "Miss Mu San, how can you bully her like this? This is the daughter of the Imperial Censorate, my master's most beloved daughter..."
Mu Wanqing turned back with a smile, "So, why are you here?"
Nanny: ...It hurts!
"This is only temporary. The Imperial Censorate will always be Miss's support. Later..."
Mu Wanqing smiled coldly, "Why wait until later? Just go back and be Miss Jiao now."
Nanny: ...
"My lady has come here through untold hardships, can't you just give way?"
This concession will never end and you have to give in for the rest of your life.
Some things cannot be started.
Mu Wanqing is a very selfish person. She only cares about her family and doesn't care about the emotions of outsiders.
"Why should I give in? She's older, I'm younger. She's a delicate lady, am I not? Who isn't a treasure in the palm of their parents' hands?"
She raised her eyebrows, her pair of black and white eyes shining brightly, "Oh, you are not, you are an abandoned child, thrown out by your father as a stepping stone."
These words were so hurtful that Fourth Miss Yu could no longer remain calm and could not help but burst into tears.
The nurse was angry and distressed, "You are going too far, I want everyone to judge..."
Mu Wanqing looked at her like she was an idiot, "Are you stupid? People here are either surnamed Fang or Mu, and your young lady's surname is Yu."
The Fang family's patriarch is a smart man and won't meddle in other people's business. As for the Mu family, no matter how much they disagree with each other, they will never help outsiders to deal with their own people.
The wet nurse was hit by an arrow in the chest and felt very sad. She forgot that this was the Mu family.
But she said unwillingly, "I heard that your second branch is a concubine's child and is not welcomed by the legitimate branch. The old lady particularly dislikes you."
"Yes, that's right." Mu Wanqing was not angry at all. There was no point in getting angry with a scoundrel. "So, I just beat up Mu Zifeng, the eldest son of the Mu family and the future head of the family. Of course, the premise is that he has not been beaten to death to have the opportunity to inherit an exiled family."
She took away all the bamboo shoots on the mountain.
"That boy dared to talk nonsense in front of me, he deserves a beating."
When she said this, she was staring at Miss Yu Si and spoke specifically to her.
She even dared to hit the eldest son of the Mu family, let alone others.
Fourth Miss Yu was so frightened that she forgot to cry and just stared at Mu Wanqing blankly. She finally understood why Old Madam Mu was so scared when she saw Mu Wanqing.
Fierce and evil! No sense at all, no ethics or filial piety.
The question is, how dare she do that? Isn't she afraid that she will have no one to rely on in the future?
The nurse was horrified. Miss Mu San actually...really hit someone! So barbaric! "You can't hit me. You said you don't hit women!"
Mu Wanqing tried hard not to laugh. "Well...it depends on my mood. Women are fickle. You actually believe what a woman says? Women are full of lies."
The nurse became even more frightened and took a few steps back timidly.
No matter what, she was just a servant, and it was useless for her to be beaten by Miss Mu San.
Fourth Miss Yu stood in front of her silently and mustered up the courage to plead, "Sister Wanqing, the nurse has no sense, please don't bother with her."
Seeing that she still knew how to protect her servants, it meant that there was still hope. Mu Wanqing did not expect her character and ideas to change overnight.
This requires a process.
However, she needs to be made aware of some bottom lines, so that she doesn't step over them from time to time.
"You are used to letting servants speak for you, using other people's mouths to say things you cannot say, to stand up for you. This method is only used in your Imperial Censorate. Here, in our Mu family, it has no place. No one will buy into this, let alone indulge you."
She gave a piece of advice, "Also, it will be good for you to face the reality and your situation as soon as possible."
Fourth Miss Yu's lips trembled, her face turned pale and blue, "Mu Wanqing."
Mu Wanqing is not afraid of offending people. Whether they can get along is one thing, and whether they are willing to do so is another.
As long as you are strong enough, everything can be overcome.
"Either you change yourself to fit in with the new environment, or you become strong enough to change the environment. It's up to you."
After saying this, she ran away with her spare clothes.
Miss Yu was left with a pale face, a sharp pain in her heart, and tears streaming down her face.
The nurse couldn't help crying. It was too hard. How could she endure this life? "Miss, please don't cry. Miss Mu San is too rude. Let's go and complain. Let's go..."
She was stuck, who could she go to complain to?
Old Madam Mu? It's unclear who is afraid of whom.
Mr. Mu and his wife? They obeyed their daughter's orders.
Mu brothers? My sister is always the best, she can't be wrong.
She felt weak all over, and panic filled her heart as she felt helpless and helpless.
Mu Wanqing's words pierced Fourth Miss Yu's heart like a sharp arrow. She closed her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks. "Nanny, let me be alone for a while."
She needed to think carefully about Mu Wanqing's words. Although they were unpleasant to hear, they pointed her a way forward.
Mu Wanqing found Mrs. Mu II, and the two of them took a comfortable hot bath in the next room.
She briefly described the conflict with Yu Si. Madam Mu shook her head slightly. The girl was actually a smart person, but she was too cunning.
Their whole family are honest people and they can't control that girl.
"If you can get along, get along. If you can't, stay away from her. Don't argue with her, lest she resent you."
In her eyes, her daughter is still the little girl who needs protection.
As for the recent big changes? That was out of necessity. If they were not unable to support it, why would they let a thirteen-year-old girl take on this important task?
It's their uselessness as parents.
Mu Wanqing felt warm in her heart and responded happily, "Dad and my brothers are still packing up. I'll go over to take a look later. You can go sit with Sixth Aunt and ask more about the tribe's movements."
Aunt Six is a gossipy person and there is nothing she doesn't know.
Knowing everyone's movements helps her analyze and make the most accurate judgment.
Mu Erfu helped her dry her hair and asked gently, "Don't you want me to accompany you?"
Mu Wanqing smiled slightly, "No need, no one dares to disrespect me."
As she gained more and more say, the prisoners became more respectful towards her.
Neither the Fang family nor the Mu family members dared to offend her.
The mother and daughter were busy with their own things, and Mu Wanqing walked briskly towards the kitchen.
I eat well, sleep well, and can take a bath. I feel very happy.
"Miss Mu San, why haven't you returned to your room yet?"
Mu Wanqing looked up and saw that it was Du Shaoxuan. He was wearing white clothes and looked less cold and more warm.
"I'm going to take a look in the kitchen. Why aren't you resting yet?"
Du Shaoxuan is a bit of a germaphobe. There were too many people eating together, and his clothes got dirty. So he washed up right after he finished eating. "I ate too much. I'm going out to digest it."
The two exchanged a few lukewarm greetings. Just as Mu Wanqing was about to leave, the attendant beside Du Shaoxuan spoke.
"Miss Mu San, can you help us make some food that is easy to carry on the road? We are tired of eating dry food all the way. The price is negotiable."
Du Shaoxuan glanced over coldly, "Ah Zhong, don't be rude. Miss Mu San, don't take this to heart. I'm really sorry..."
Miss Mu San cooks out of favor, not duty.
It is really inappropriate to insult people with money.
But he didn't know that Mu Wanqing was hoping that others would throw money at her. Come on, throw mountains of gold and silver at her.
She hesitated for a moment, "Can you get some beef? If you can, I'll make you something delicious."
Oxen are important production materials and are not allowed to be killed at will, so there is no beef for sale on the market.
The follower's eyes lit up, "It should be possible."
Mu Wanqing didn't ask them where they were going to get it. She was also a little greedy for beef. "Then I'll make it clear in advance that you don't have to pay, but you can give me one-third of the food. If you can accept that, I'm ready to work."
The attendant looked at Du Shaoxuan, who nodded slightly, "Okay."
Various ways to cook beef flashed through Mu Wanqing's mind. "Okay, I'll make a list of ingredients and give it to me when they're ready."
She added a lot of her own stuff, and some of the seasonings she couldn't even buy, such as pepper. Not to mention how expensive it was, you also needed connections to get them.
"Okay." The attendant bowed deeply, "Thank you Miss Mu San."
When the convicts woke up in the morning and heard that they would stay in the inn for a few days, they were extremely happy.
You can make money again.
Everyone was enthusiastic and cooperated actively. As soon as the materials arrived, everyone took their positions and performed their duties.
Early in the morning, Du Shaoxuan was awakened by the noise outside. He put on his clothes and walked to the window to take a look. Many people were busy and in a hurry, and some were even running.
He called an attendant and asked, "Go and find out what they are doing?"
"yes."
Du Shaoxuan thought for a moment and called him back, "By the way, ask about Miss Mu San."
The follower was a little surprised, "Yes."
Du Shaoxuan spotted the girl in green in the crowd at a glance, and asked with great energy, "Any news from the capital?"
"No."
Du Shaoxuan said calmly, "Tell my aunt a message first. If the emperor grants the marriage, I will not enter the palace. I will wait for you in the mansion."
The follower said woodenly, "Yes."
His master is too unruly and won't listen to advice, what should he do? It's because of those two nobles!
The author has something to say:
There will be another chapter in an hour. Do you like watching the interaction between the male and female protagonists? If you like, the next chapter will add more details about their interactions.
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