Chapter 293 - 294: The Old Lord

Chapter 293: Chapter 294: The Old Lord

Staring at Ancient Wen Heng’s practiced movements, Liu Donglai took a good look at him. "What kind of cuisine is this? You’re so young, but your skills are quite impressive. Passed down through your family, I assume?"

Ancient Wen Heng smiled at him. "My ancestors were all farmers. These dishes are all my wife’s creations.

We enjoy cooking for ourselves, making whatever dishes we’re in the mood for. The more we experiment, the more recipes we come up with."

Liu Donglai nodded. "That makes sense. I’ve never stepped into a kitchen in my entire life. Why don’t you teach me how to make these?"

Ancient Wen Heng was happy to share, explaining each step as he went.

The two of them went back and forth, becoming so engrossed in their conversation they lost track of everything else.

It wasn’t until Jin Qianqian’s dishes were ready that Ancient Wen Heng finished up his work.

Jin Qianqian served a portion of each dish, then gave the rest to Qing Mei and the others to have a simple meal with the dry rations they’d brought along.

"I can hardly wait," Liu Donglai said, sitting next to Ancient Wen Heng. Gazing at the spread of mouthwatering dishes, he couldn’t help but smack his lips. "All that’s missing is a little wine."

’At a time like this, Ancient Wen Heng really couldn’t—and wouldn’t—grant that request. There were children present, after all.’

Jin Qianqian poured him a glass of juice made with fruit jam. "These dishes are probably a bit spicy. This should help with the heat."

"Spicy? Is it because of those red things you put in earlier? I think I’ve heard someone talk about them before."

A nearby attendant hurried forward and said, "Master, doesn’t Tianfu Restaurant have spicy dishes like these?"

Liu Donglai turned and glared at him. "Why didn’t you tell me before? You should have at least let me try something new. Now I’ve made a fool of myself in front of Brother Gu."

"Brother Gu?" Jin Qianqian silently mouthed to Ancient Wen Heng. ’How did they get so close? It’s only been one meal.’

Ancient Wen Heng winked at her, then turned to Liu Donglai. "The chilis at that restaurant are supplied by our estate. Please, try some first. If you like them, I’ll have someone send a batch over to you later."

"Then it’s a deal! Let’s not just stare, let’s dig in!" Liu Donglai could no longer restrain himself. The moment he saw Ancient Wen Heng and Jin Qianqian pick up their chopsticks, he immediately reached for the pickled fish with sauerkraut, the dish with the most potent aroma.

"I haven’t been this full in ages," Liu Donglai said, clutching his belly and letting out an unceremonious burp.

"This fish is simply divine. I was wondering, could I have my cook come and learn a thing or two from you?" He then quickly added, "I wouldn’t ask you to teach her for free, of course. I’ll make sure to present a proper apprenticeship gift."

"They’re just some simple home-cooked dishes. You’re welcome to send your cook to learn anytime, sir." When it came to food, Jin Qianqian had never been one to keep secrets. She had already taught these recipes to others while they were fleeing the famine; the only thing that made them different now was the chilis.

"Master, you’ve got a bite!" shouted the servant who had taken over the fishing rod. "And it’s a big one!"

Looking nothing like a man in his sixties, Liu Donglai sprang to his feet and rushed to the riverbank. "If you dare trick me, you brat, I’ll kick you into the river to catch one myself!"

When he took the fishing rod, he nearly stumbled, and his attendant quickly rushed to help him hold it steady.

Curious, Jin Qianqian and Ancient Wen Heng also walked over to watch the commotion. The group of men looked like they were in a tug-of-war, letting out excited shouts from time to time, with Liu Donglai’s voice being especially booming.

"Don’t tell me it’s another huge fish," Ancient Wen Heng said, staring at the river’s surface. Just then, the fish broke through the water—it looked even bigger than the catfish from before.

Just as Ancient Wen Heng was about to comment on their good luck, the fish suddenly leaped out of the water and dove back in.

Liu Donglai and his men cried out in dismay, "It got away! It actually got away!"

Jin Qianqian leaned in and whispered, "I forgot to check the hook earlier. It was a pure fluke that it managed to land that big catfish before."

Ancient Wen Heng rubbed his nose. "The line could have snapped, too."

A moment later, their question was answered. Liu Donglai held up the broken line and wailed, "The line snapped! My giant fish!"

Jin Qianqian felt a pang of regret as she looked at the fishing line in his hand. She’d spent a fortune on that silk line in Sea City. It was supposedly made by extracting the liquid silk from a silkworm’s body, drawing it into a thick thread, and then drying it to be used as fishing line.

She’d bought some out of curiosity, but the price had been exorbitant—those two small spools alone had cost nearly as much as an ox.

Liu Donglai turned to Ancient Wen Heng. "Brother Gu, do you have any spare fishing line? Let me have another piece. I refuse to believe I can’t land that fish today."

Jin Qianqian was speechless. ’Are you serious?’

Ancient Wen Heng hesitated. "...I do, but the river is so vast. There’s no guarantee you’ll hook the same one."

"I know that," Liu Donglai said with a wave of his hand. "But I have to catch one that’s at least as big. Otherwise, I’m not leaving today."

Ancient Wen Heng handed him the line. "Unfortunately, my family and I can’t keep you company for much longer. The journey home will take a while, so we should pack up and set off soon."

Liu Donglai glanced at the two children being held by their nannies behind him and fumbled around his robes for a moment. Unfortunately, he was wearing casual attire and had no decorative pendants on him. "I will certainly pay you a visit when I have the time. And don’t forget to set aside some of those chilis for me."

His nearby attendants stared at him with wide eyes. ’What’s gotten into the old master today? To think he’d ask for something from a person he just met.’

What surprised the attendant even more was that the other man actually smiled and nodded. "When the time comes, I’ll be sure to copy down some extra recipes for you. But as good as these chilis are, eating too many can be hard on your stomach, so moderation is key."

Liu Donglai, now eager to get back to fishing, quickly attached the new line, gave a dismissive wave, and hurried back to the riverbank. "It was right at this spot that it took the bait, wasn’t it?"

"..."

As Luofu Village disappeared behind their carriage, Jin Qianqian finally spoke. "That was the Old Prime Minister, Liu Donglai, wasn’t it!"

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "If I’m not mistaken, yes."

"I never would have guessed he’d retired here in seclusion. There hasn’t been any news of him at the imperial court for the past two years, but who would have thought he’d be living such a carefree life." Jin Qianqian felt the intelligence they had gathered must have been wrong. ’This man is a far cry from the decrepit, sickly Prime Minister described in the reports.’

With that kind of energy and stamina, many a scholar would be no match for him.

"He’s a wily old fox, able to retire gracefully just as the new emperor ascended the throne, and now he gets to enjoy his life," Ancient Wen Heng couldn’t help but add with admiration. ’So many people become enthralled by power and refuse to step away, only to meet a bitter end.’

Jin Qianqian leaned on his shoulder. "I think you were right about what you said earlier. When the children are grown, let’s find a nice place to rest, too."

Ancient Wen Heng reached out and pinched her nose. "So you’ve finally come around?

When the time comes, I’ll be sure to find a place even nicer than Luofu Village."

Jin Qianqian pulled his hand away. "Well, you’d better start looking now. If the surroundings aren’t even better than this, I’m going to be very disappointed."

Ancient Wen Heng stammered, "...As soon as we’re back home, I’ll start making arrangements. We can look at a few options..."