Pearl was stunned and stepped forward to look at the jar. "How did you tell that, Miss? It looks no different from the usual vegetable oil to me."
Su Qingyu didn't have time to explain to her, so she just instructed, "Just say you're too busy here and go back to get help. I don't need much vegetable oil, so find a small porcelain bottle and put it in your arms and bring it to me. Don't let anyone find out."
"Also, bring me another set of clothes."
Upon hearing this, Pearl nodded solemnly, opened the door and walked out.
After about a quarter of an hour, Pearl and Jade came in together. They took out four small porcelain bottles filled with vegetable oil from their arms.
Afterwards, the master and his two servants, one lit the fire, one cut the vegetables, and one cooked, and they cooperated very well.
It was almost time for dinner, and eight vegetarian dishes and a soup were ready.
Su Qingyu changed into a white satin jacket with a crescent-shaped garland pattern and a green embroidered skirt, then personally took the servants to the flower hall in Songhe Hall for dinner.
When she went in, Madam Su and Madam Zhao just walked in.
Su Qingyu stepped forward and bowed politely, then said, "I learned how to make today's dish at Huguo Temple a few days ago. Grandmother and Madam Zhao, please don't be disgusted."
Mrs. Zhao was in her early fifties. She was not tall, but she looked energetic. When she looked at Su Qingyu, her eyes lit up.
"No wonder my sister keeps praising him. With such looks and bearing, he's the best in the capital."
As he spoke, he grabbed Su Qingyu's hand and took off a jade bracelet that was entirely emerald green from her hand.
Su Qingyu has seen many good things, and as soon as she got this thing, she knew it was top-quality material.
"Mrs. Zhao, this bracelet is too valuable..."
Before Su Qingyu could finish her words, Madam Zhao said, "Why call me Madam? Logically, you should call me Aunt. It's a gift from an elder, so you can't refuse it. Accept it."
"Yes, aunt." Su Qingyu responded obediently. Mrs. Zhao was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling and held her hand tightly.
"I liked this girl the moment I saw her. What a pity! It would have been better if Zhixiu were still alive."
"But it's okay. Since you call me aunt, if you suffer any grievances in the Shen family in the future, I will definitely take care of it for you."
Mrs. Su smiled and said, "This girl of ours is impeccable in her words and deeds. Now she is in charge of all the mundane affairs of the family, and we don't have to worry about anything."
Old Madam Su was more than happy to have a closer relationship with the Duke of Weiguo's Mansion. The ancestor of the Zhao family of the Duke of Weiguo's Mansion was a founding hero. Three hundred years later, the current generation of Duke of Weiguo still led an army of 200,000 in Qianzhou, holding a large number of troops. His strength should not be underestimated.
Su Qingyu helped the two elders sit down and personally lifted the lid of the dish.
"Grandma, Auntie, this dish is called Arhat Tofu. The tofu is from Huguo Temple, and we added some mugwort sent from Wenquan Manor."
"This dish is called Buddha's Light, and it uses ginkgo nuts..."
When Su Qingyu was introducing the dishes, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard outside.
Madam Su frowned slightly. Who is so rude? Doesn't she know she is entertaining guests?
"Aunt, this dish cannot be eaten today." Gu Ruoyun insisted on rushing in, regardless of the maids and the old women's obstruction. Behind her was Cheng Ruijin, who was holding a food box.
Madam Su looked at Gu Ruoyun unhappily, "How can you be so loud and shouting? Don't you know I have a distinguished guest here?"
Gu Ruoyun brought Cheng Rujin forward to pay their respects to Madam Zhao, and then explained.
"Aunt, I just found out too. Someone down there was careless and mixed some animal oil into the oil sent to the kitchen."
"The eldest lady is young, so I guess she didn't notice it. Fortunately, my aunt and the Duke's wife haven't started eating yet, otherwise it would be a sin."
"Rujin is really smart. She found out this morning that the vegetarian chef was sick, so she made a few vegetarian dishes and wanted to send them to you. As soon as I heard about the oil, I brought her here immediately."
"Although this girl's cooking skills are average, at least she is sincere. Aunt and the Duke's wife, please don't despise her."
Su Qingyu lowered her head, a sneer curling up at the corner of her lips. Gu Ruoyun was truly impatient, coming in to claim credit without a care in the world, not even afraid of getting her tongue lashed out.
Upon hearing this, Madam Su looked at Su Qingyu and asked, "What's going on?"
Su Qingyu looked at Gu Ruoyun with a sense of grievance and said, "What are you talking about, aunt? How could I not know that my grandmother is a sincere vegetarian? I cooked all these dishes, how could there be any animal oil?"
"I know that because of what happened at the Shen family last time, my aunt and cousin have always had feelings for me, but they can't wrongly accuse me like this."
Su Qingyu's voice trembled as she spoke, and she tried hard not to cry.
Mrs. Zhao saw this and quickly pulled Su Qingyu to her side. "Look how aggrieved our little girl is! I've been a vegetarian for thirty years, and I can tell at a glance if there's any animal oil in the food. I can guarantee that all of these dishes today are made with vegetable oil."
Seeing this, Madam Su quickly picked up her chopsticks, tasted the bamboo shoots in front of her, and then put them down heavily. "Ruoyun, this dish is made with vegetable oil, not a single piece of animal oil. What's the matter with you making such a fuss?"
Seeing this, Gu Ruoyun blurted out, "Impossible."
Madam Zhao frowned and looked at Madam Su, "Who is this?"
Seeing Madam Zhao asking, Gu Ruoyun hurried forward and said, "Madam, I am Gu Ruoyun, and this is my daughter Rujin. She will also be marrying into the Shen family. She will need Madam Zhao's care in the future."
"Rujin, quickly pay your respects to your great aunt."
As Cheng Rujin stepped forward, she heard Madam Zhao say, "No, you are just a concubine, don't try to be related to me."
"It's best not to overstep your bounds in what you do and say, depending on your status."
Madam Zhao turned to Madam Su and said, "Families like ours should be more cautious and not let insignificant people bring disaster to our family."
Madam Su's face was dull, and she forced a smile and replied, "You are right."
He turned around and glared at Gu Ruoyun, "Why don't you get out?"
Just like that, Gu Ruoyun and Cheng Ruijin left Songhe Hall in disgrace again.
Su Qingyu accompanied the two old ladies for dinner. After dinner, the servants served tea and the two old ladies discussed the marriage.
Mrs. Zhao's words left Su Qingyu dumbfounded.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
