Most of Kyoto's dishes are derived from Shandong cuisine. Today, we had authentic Shandong cuisine. Although Mi Niang felt uncomfortable eating with Madam Xu, it was already very good compared to the inns and post stations.
Xian Ge'er had already fallen asleep. Mi Niang yawned, knowing that today was the first day and Fang Wei Yan would probably be discussing things with his staff in the study, so she went to rest first.
Chun Tao and Xia Lian were married, so they did not stay in the room to keep watch. Bai Ying Shao Yao, Zi Su and Bai Zhi were the ones serving in the room. Mi Niang asked them to take turns massaging her. When she felt comfortable, she stretched her back and said, "Thanks to you. Otherwise, my blood circulation would be blocked, my neck would be sore, and I would not be able to sleep well."
In her previous life, she didn't like seeing a doctor. Most of the time, she just felt uncomfortable and asked people to press on her sore spots.
This way you can sleep well at night. As long as you sleep well, you don’t have to worry about anything.
As for Fang Weiyan, he has servants around him and he himself is an adult, so Mi Niang doesn't care about him. She is his wife, not his mother.
The next day, she was full of energy and could arrange the housework. Chen Kang was her companion, and this time, Mi Niang let him be the second manager, leaving all the purchasing for the household to him, while the social interactions outside were left to Fuquan.
The two of them kept to themselves and their relationship was good because they both married the eldest maid of Mi Niang.
"Go to the cashier's office today and get all the things you need. Especially since we have a whole family to eat and drink. We have all come from afar. Do you think we should suffer with you?"
It is difficult for a normal person to want to leave unless he is treated harshly or uncomfortably by his master.
In the past in the Marquis' Mansion, many things were not decided by Mi Niang. But now that she has come out, it is naturally different. The first thing to do is to hire a chef. I don't have to hire a famous chef, but he has to be acceptable. Of course, the ingredients are also very important. Otherwise, a good cook cannot cook without rice.
If a dish is added with soy sauce, five-spice powder, broth, and sugar to enhance the flavor, it will taste delicious even if you put shoe soles in it.
Chen Kang nodded: "Yes."
Naturally, he didn't dare to play tricks. The young lady seldom checked the accounts, but she knew the truth in her heart. It would be enough to take a little advantage. If he stretched his claws too far, she would not show mercy.
"Breakfast buns must contain meat, porridge can be served with egg and salted vegetable steamed buns, and lunch must also have three dishes and a soup. No rotten vegetables are allowed. In short, although you can't be extravagant, the food must be good."
Chen Kang took the order and left. When he came back from lunch soon, he reported the bill and couldn't help laughing, "I didn't expect that things in Dengzhou are so cheap. They are totally incomparable to those in the capital. One cent can buy two big steamed buns, and five pounds of crisp pears like this can be bought for ten cents, just like they are free."
Mi Niang smiled to everyone around her and said, "That's good. At least we won't have to worry about food and clothing when we come here."
At lunchtime, Fang Weiyan came back to eat with her and the child. He only moved his chopsticks a few times, and Mi Niang waved away the servants and said, "What's wrong? Don't you have a good appetite? I think Shandong cuisine is not bad either."
In the past, Mi Niang didn't like eating dumplings very much, because the dough in the south seemed not as chewy as that in the north. When she came to Beijing, her family were all from the south, and they would occasionally eat some noodles, but most of the time they ate rice. When she married into the Dong'an Marquis's Mansion, although the Dong'an Marquis's Mansion had been in Beijing for several years, they were originally from Zhejiang, and her mother-in-law was from Nanzhili, so they were all from the south, and they rarely ate dumplings at home.
In Dengzhou, she ate dumplings in the morning, Spanish mackerel dumplings and cucumber and egg dumplings, which she had never eaten before. Mi Niang was different from others. She was willing to try new things no matter where she went.
But Fang Weiyan shook his head and said, "The water here is very deep."
Mi Niang smiled and said, "If it's not deep, why send you here? The harder the work, the more effective it will be. When God wants to give a man a great responsibility, he must first make his mind suffer and his muscles work hard."
This is Mi Niang. She has always been very calm in accepting adversity. What she always thinks is, when encountering this thing, how can I get through it quickly, and maybe even turn the danger into safety.
Fang Weiyan immediately changed his mind: "You are right."
"Food is the most important thing for people. No matter how bad your mood is, you still have to eat. As for the future, we will talk about it in the future."
She was just advising him to eat whatever he should eat, but she had never had a big appetite. She picked two dumplings of the same flavor and ate some pork slices with her chopsticks. Then she called the servants in to serve the envious boy his meal.
She started drinking clear soup instead. Although thick soup is good, it can easily make you fat.
As the saying goes, money can't buy slimness in old age. Although Mi Niang is still very young, health preservation is not a matter of one day or one night, and it must start now.
Seeing Mi Niang eating so happily and enjoying her meal, Fang Wei Yan couldn't help but eat a plate of dumplings himself.
Seeing Fang Weiyan finished eating, Mi Niang handed him a cup of tea: "Have some tea first."
"I'm the deputy, and everything still depends on Xu Futai. Actually, I'm not very busy. Are you guys getting used to being here?"
"It's impossible to adapt completely. This place is definitely not like home, but where else in the world can be compared to the emperor's feet? Otherwise, everyone would want to go there. However, if you didn't come back yesterday, I would have slept so comfortably by myself." Mi Niang smiled secretly.
Fang Weiyan wanted to tickle her because she was most afraid of being tickled, but the servants were here, so he didn't feel comfortable doing it. He just said, "You are becoming even more naughty when you say that."
Mi Niang was about to speak when Fuquan came in and said, "Fourth Master, Auntie is looking for you."
This aunt was of course referring to Gu Wangshu. When Fang Weiyan heard that Gu Wangshu was looking for him, he couldn't help but sneer.
In fact, to a certain extent, Gu Wangshu felt that Fang Weiyan's ability to do things was still very good, and he had a very good temper. He was never noisy, and he was also meticulous and skillful in doing things.
Because of this, Gu Wangshu often came to him for help.
Seeing Fang Weiyan coming out, Gu Wangshu said, "The mansion has been monitored. I will pretend to be a businessman to familiarize myself with the market these days. You must get the evidence as soon as possible."
This is where Fang Weiyan and Gu Wangshu come into conflict. Gu Wangshu hopes to settle the scandal as soon as possible and go home, but Fang Weiyan wants to handle more than just this case.
He is a local official. He had learned yesterday that although Magistrate Xu seemed to care about the country and the people, he actually had a very bad reputation among local officials. He was a hypocritical figure and had close ties with local powerful people.
Many people died of starvation in Dengzhou, and there is a possibility of civil unrest.
He wanted to accomplish some political achievements here, so he had to be familiar with the people's sentiments.
But Fang Weiyan's expression did not change at all, he just smiled faintly: "Okay, please rest assured, Commander, I will definitely do my best."
When they reach this point, it is difficult for others to understand what they are thinking.
Although spring has arrived, the weather is still very bleak and the trees in the courtyard are almost all withered. Mi Niang has received several invitations, most of which are from ladies from counties under the jurisdiction of Dengzhou, most of whom want to visit her.
"Chun Tao, go to the prefect's wife and ask her how to deal with this. I'm new here and don't understand these things. I need to ask for her advice."
Chuntao hurriedly responded.
Mrs. Xu, the magistrate's wife, was sitting here listening to the opera. She was still stroking the white cat in her hand, and occasionally looking at the talented scholar and beautiful woman singing on the stage.
I heard that it was Madam Fang who sent someone. The wives of some of the officials in Dengzhou Prefecture who were sitting on her left and right were curious and asked, "Is it the wife of the new Magistrate Fang? How is she?"
Because they had just arrived, no one was very familiar with them. These people included the wives of the magistrate and some of the county magistrates, who were considered some of the top figures in Dengzhou Prefecture.
Madam Xu invited Chuntao in. Chuntao had not expected so many other ladies to be here, but she still told Mi Niang what she had said. Madam Xu also said, "Although Madam Fang is young, she is from a noble family. She doesn't need my guidance."
"Madam Fu Zun's words are really embarrassing for our Madam. Our Madam said that she is young and really doesn't understand these things. She is as anxious as a headless fly."
Seeing Chunyan's humble attitude, Madam Xu felt somewhat pleased with herself. She could not help but say, "Since your wife asked me, I think it would be good for us to have some fun together. As for the place, my place is too small. Why don't we go to Huaque Street?"
A round-faced lady beside him asked in surprise, "Are you talking about Jiuru Tower?"
Seeing Madam Xu nod, the round-faced lady said, "This is the best place in our city. I heard that you can see famous mountains and historical sites there. It's the best."
Mrs. Xu nodded: "That's right."
I only heard a lady say, "It must be the Zhang family's business. I heard that people from Daming Prefecture and Gucheng came to our Jiuru Tower specifically."
"In Dengzhou City, apart from the Zhang family, who else would have such an industry? But as Madam Shangguan, we cannot make too close friends with them. It would not be good if others knew about it." Madam Xu said again.
All the ladies were impressed by Mrs. Xu's authority and quickly agreed.
Another lady said passionately: "Our master always said that officials must be upright. Otherwise, if they are careless, how can they live up to the reputation of being an official?"
"Yeah yeah."
These ladies seemed to be worried about the country and the people as well. Chuntao looked at the tea on the table. It cost only one ounce of ten ounces of silver, and the cakes were extremely exquisite. These people really spoke better than they sang.
But her face showed that she was very moved. Everyone thought, I heard that Mrs. Fang is very young, not even 20 years old. Young people don’t know anything. We will know when the time comes.
But when Chuntao came back, Jian Ningchu was there, and Chuntao hesitated for a moment.
Mi Niang said nonchalantly, "Go ahead."
After listening to Chun Tao's words, Mi Niang frowned and said, "Jiuru Tower? Since it belongs to the Zhang family, I'm afraid they have set up countless traps for us to fall into."
"I think the prefect's wife seems to be waiting for you." Chuntao said what was in her heart.
At first glance, it's obviously a banquet at Hongmen.
Mi Niang smiled and said, "Forget it. Just tell me that I am not used to the local climate. I will invite them later. No, you don't have to tell her."
But aren't you teasing them?
But Chuntao didn't say it.
However, it is said that the wife of Prefect Xu went to the Zhang family in person. The Zhang family has many local clansmen, but the direct line is not very large. Like many people, the Zhang family had already moved to the provincial capital and mostly returned to their hometown to worship their ancestors.
The house built by the Zhang family is very big, occupying an entire street. Most of the people living here are members of the Zhang family. Many of the shops passed by are also owned by the Zhang family. They are lined up one after another and are densely packed.
When she arrived, it was Madam Zhang who came out to greet her in person. Madam Zhang was about forty years old, about the same age as Madam Xu, and was dressed very simply. In contrast, the gold hairpin on Madam Xu's head shone brightly, as if the two people's identities had been reversed.
Mrs. Xu thought to herself, although your Zhang family is rich, times are different now. You are just a wife who donated money to become a government official, while my husband is a fourth-rank prefect.
Thinking of this, Madam Xu snorted in her heart, but she still smiled: "Madam Zhang, why bother you to come out to pick me up? I really can't bear it."
Mrs. Zhang said softly, "Madam Fu Tai, what nonsense are you talking about? It is an honor for our family that you can come to our house."
Mrs. Xu smiled but did not dare to show off.
Mrs. Zhang's family was from a frontier town and all her family members were high-ranking officials.
The best location in the Zhang family is called Zhuque Hall, which is the residence of the eldest lady in the Zhang family, Old Lady Wang. Old Lady Wang was born in the Wang family of Runan, and is the one with the highest status among the four major families. She is a very blessed and enjoys life. Even Mrs. Xu is envious of her.
Although she had gray hair, her skin was wrinkle-free and she had never been sick or suffered any disaster. She wore a headband on her forehead and used a cane in her hand, but she looked very strong.
Mrs. Xu hurried forward to help her: "Old lady, why did you get up? I can't bear it."
Old Lady Wang’s late husband retired with the rank of third grade official, but the imperial edict she holds is higher than hers.
Having lived to Old Lady Wang's age, she has seen everything. She knows that the prefect's wife cares a lot about her reputation. She comes from a poor family, so she cares more about her reputation. Even though she is already the prefect's wife, she still always feels resentful towards those in higher positions and looks down on those in lower positions, so she feels very awkward.
Then, the old lady Wang said, "Your Excellency has always been loyal to the country. It is a great honor for us to invite your wife to marry us. Please take a seat. It just so happens that someone in our family has sent us some Da Hong Pao. Please try it."
After a few people chatted for a while, Madam Xu said, "The new Madam Fang who was exiled here has just arrived. I wonder if the ladies in the mansion have time to go and see her."
Madam Zhang glanced at Old Lady Wang and couldn't help but say, "Since she has been banished to this point, I wonder what kind of temper this Madam Wang has? We should prepare some gifts for her."
"We've only known each other for a few days, so I can't say what his temper is." Mrs. Xu put down her teacup and said lightly.
Mrs. Zhang was choked, but she was always weak, so she didn't dare to say anything. At this time, a woman in a fiery red Hu costume came in with a horse whip, and Mrs. Zhang's eyes lit up.
"Third Miss." Mrs. Xu's face darkened.
The third daughter of the Zhang family, Zhang Shunfang, was very charming. She was about twenty years old, but she had the enthusiasm and coquettishness of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. As soon as she came in, she asked, "Mrs. Xu, why are you here?"
"I came here for the banquet hosted by the prefect, Mrs. Fang, who just arrived." Mrs. Xu couldn't stand up straight in front of her.
The third young lady is the god of wealth of the Zhang family. When it comes to the ability to turn the tide, all the men in the Zhang family combined cannot be as good as her. Although she returned home like her two sisters and also does business, she is the backbone. Prefect Xu has privately received a lot of money from the Zhang family as tribute.
Miss Zhang San, who looked very pretty in her Hu clothing, sat down and said "Oh", then knocked on the table: "I've heard of this Fang Weiyan. He was the favorite student of Lu Rufa, the former Third Assistant. Later, Lu Rufa was forced to resign, and he was demoted after a year of mourning. I heard that the officials in the court knew that he was a daily lecturer in front of Yu, and they were afraid that he would overturn the verdict for his teacher."
Mrs. Xu smiled and said, "The Third Miss still knows more."
Zhang Shunfang waved her hands and said, "Madam, please don't flatter me. What do I know? I am just a businessman. The more I know, the more options I have."
"According to Miss Third, is it possible that Magistrate Fang was sent to investigate the case?" This was also what Mrs. Xu was worried about. Her husband had been in office for five years and would be leaving in a year. Nothing could go wrong at this critical moment.
The money has almost been obtained, and the most important thing is the official career. With this official position, you can make more money. If you lose the official position, you will be finished.
Zhang Shunfang glanced at her and said, "Then I'll test the waters. It would be best if we invite all the people she brought with her. Even if one person can't reveal the flaws, a group of people will reveal the flaws."
Mrs. Xu hurriedly agreed. After leaving Zhang's house, she seemed to have found her backbone.
But after getting on the carriage, he spat, "What a slut, you're still showing off in front of me."
Inside Suzaku Hall
Zhang Shunfang obviously did not have the calmness she had just now, as she looked like she was in a state of panic while talking and laughing. She frowned and tapped the table from time to time.
Old Lady Wang said, "Even if Fang Weijun is really an imperial envoy, we don't have to be afraid. The inspector sent by the court last time investigated for a long time but found nothing and was demoted."
"Grandma, I'm not worried about this. Such a canal corruption case has far-reaching implications. Anyone who dares to take on this hot potato will be going against officials in the entire Shandong area. It's just that I'm afraid my granddaughter is pregnant." She covered her belly, looking very worried.
Mrs. Zhang was shocked. "Shunfang, what should we do? You should just stay at home for the next few days and cancel all other banquets."
Old Lady Wang also followed suit and said, "Yes, whatever supplements you want, just tell me, I will keep my family members' mouths shut."
Everyone is concerned about her belly, but no one wants to know who is the father of the baby in her belly?
Zhang Shunfang smiled bitterly.
Old Lady Wang quickly had someone help her back. When she was far away, she said to Madam Zhang, "Why is she so careless? Maogong hasn't married yet. What if others knew about our family tradition? However, if it's Prefect Xu, it's good. He has no son, and he is good friends with Prime Minister Cui. He has a bright future."
Mrs. Zhang was silent.
Old Lady Wang was very dissatisfied. This daughter-in-law was chosen by her mother-in-law. After she was married, she gave birth to three daughters in a row. However, it took many years before she gave birth to a grandson.
As a result, her three granddaughters all passed away before her grandson grew up, which made her very angry.
But she also knew in her heart that the side branches of the Zhang family wanted to get a piece of the pie because they saw that the legitimate son was young and not interested in studying but only in having fun. However, her son was eager to become an official and was very pretentious, but he knew nothing about business. If it were not for his granddaughters, he would not be able to control the family business, and it would be even worse than before.
If a woman wants to go out to do business, it is inevitable to make friends, but she has to be careful. What if she damages the reputation of the Zhang family?
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