After finishing his shift at the yamen, Du Hui just returned to his residence and smelled the fragrance of food. He knew that Xu Jiang was thinking about food again.
These days, the cook in the government office has been getting along very well with her, and the dishes have become much richer, most of which are made according to his taste. These are the most appetizing meals he has eaten since he came to Fuzhou.
"Master is back." Shan Bo supported Lou Yunchun and walked in the yard. When he met Du Hui, he greeted him with a smile.
"Sir, you've worked hard." Lou Yunchun saw that Du Hui looked tired and said, "Today, A Jiang made eel noodles, drunken shrimp, and seared chicken. He also steamed pumpkin and yam cakes and stewed some medicinal food. You can eat more of them later to replenish your body."
Du Hui blamed Xu Jiang for being restless, but his stomach was churning with greed. He casually asked about Lou Yunchun's condition and urged, "Now that we've prepared the food, let's go quickly. It'll be cold soon."
Lou Yunchun smiled and said, "Okay."
The three of them went to the dining room.
The dining room was lit and bright and warm. Xu Jiang was running around helping to set the tableware, but was pushed aside by Liu Mei.
She heard footsteps and looked outside. Seeing three people approaching, she hurried to the door and said with a smile, "I was just about to call you after dinner is ready."
Then he said to Du Hui, "I made a new dish today. Please try it and see if it suits your taste."
Du Hui looked around and saw the neat furnishings and cleanliness everywhere. He also saw the table full of food. He felt warm in his heart, but he pretended to be angry and said, "Since you came, this hall has never been clean. It has become like this, and you still can't stay here."
"I'm not an idle person, so I can't do idle things. You might as well lock me up in the county jail instead of keeping me stuck in the room. Besides, I only talk, and the rest is all up to Meijie and Shanbo, so I won't be tired."
Xu Jiang stepped aside and invited them in, saying as they walked in, "Besides, your residence should be cleaned up, to get rid of the insects, snakes, and rats, and to get rid of the dampness. That way it will be more comfortable to live in."
During the two days of cleaning, they dug out seven or eight rat holes and drove away four or five poisonous snakes. The insects that were swept out gave Xu Jiang goosebumps. No wonder Du had trouble acclimatizing here after returning.
Xu Jiang couldn't help but nag, "From now on, it's best to clean this place thoroughly every month or two. I asked the witch doctor to prepare some insect repellent incense, and have the servants fumigate every few days. I also ground some medicinal powder and sprinkle it everywhere to repel snakes and rats."
Du Hui nodded, a smile appearing on his face.
"As for the blankets, take them out and shake them out and dry them in the sun while there are still a few days. They will keep you warm during the winter."
After everyone took their seats, Xu Jiang poured Du Hui a cup of barley tea to whet his appetite. "We should also prepare winter clothes and boots early. The winter in Fuzhou is long. Although there is little ice and snow, it is damp and cold, making it even more unbearable than in the capital."
"Okay, okay, okay, all good." Du Hui took a few sips of tea, "You've been getting more and more talkative and rude these past few days."
Liu Mei smiled and said, "That's right. I'm always thinking about doing this or that. My ears are almost callused from it."
Xu Jiang also poured Lou Yunchun a cup of tea. "Master, you are all alone here, and you live frugally. Besides the few servants you brought with you, there are no other female relatives in your house. There are bound to be things you might neglect. Since we're here and have seen them, we can't just ignore them. When we return to the capital, not only will your wife and children be worried, but Zeng Er will also have plenty to complain about."
Shan Bo said to Du Hui, "With A Jiang here, it's like your Excellency has gained a daughter."
Du Hui couldn't help but laugh when he heard this, "That's right."
Xu Jiang felt a little embarrassed by what she said, so she said to Shan Bo and Liu Mei, "Shan Bo, Mei Jie, you should go and have your meal quickly, they are still waiting."
In addition to the banquet in the dining hall, several small banquets were set up in the side rooms and outer rooms for the servants, guards and cooks to enjoy together.
"Okay, let me know if you have any instructions." Shan Bo bowed to Du Hui and said, "Please enjoy your meal, sir."
Du Hui nodded, "You guys eat well too."
Shan Bo led Liu Mei downstairs, and only three people were left in the hall. Lou Yunchun poured a glass of wine for Du Hui, and then filled it for Xu Jiang and himself.
Seeing Du Hui glaring at her and Lou Yunchun's cups, Xu Jiang hurriedly said, "This is the homemade rice wine sent by the old lady Zhaoyue rescued last time. It's harmless. Doctor Wu said you can drink less."
After hearing the last sentence, Du Hui looked away and asked, "When did you become so familiar with Wu Zhi?" He had heard her mention it twice since he entered the room.
"She's been living in the yamen these days, treating Zhaoyue and me. We've become very familiar with each other." Xu Jiang glanced at Du Hui. "Doctor Wu's medical skills are very good. Thanks to her, Zhaoyue and I have recovered so quickly."
Du Hui nodded. "She's considered a leader in Fuzhou's medical field." He raised his glass to the two and said, "Here, this glass of wine to congratulate you on escaping danger."
Xu Jiang and Lou Yunchun raised their glasses in response.
After finishing the wine, Xu Jiang pointed at the chicken in front of Du Hui and said, "Sir, try this roasted chicken and see if it suits your taste."
"Okay." Du Hui had been wanting to start eating.
To braise chicken, choose a young chicken, as it has tender meat and crisp bones. Clean it, remove the head and claws, then cut it into eight pieces and fry it thoroughly in boiling oil. Then drain the oil, add a cup of light soy sauce and half a pound of rice wine, and simmer it over high heat until cooked. No other seasoning is needed, just enjoy the rich aroma.
Du Hui picked up a piece and started to chew it. The skin and meat were tender and fell off the bone when eaten. The aroma of the sauce wine was just the right amount, lingering on. After one piece was swallowed, it seemed like nothing was left, so he took two more pieces to savor the taste.
"Delicious." Du Hui ate a few pieces and drank a glass of wine. He felt delicious from mouth to heart and felt that all the fatigue from the busy day disappeared at this moment.
Xu Jiang and Lou Yunchun also ate two pieces each. Xu Jiang saw that Lou Yunchun's mouth was covered with sauce, so she took out a handkerchief to wipe it for him.
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