Chapter 110: Mung Bean Soup ( 1 )
"The weather is hot, and I was worried that you didnât have any appetite. So, I made more dishes today and see which one you like," Yao Zhi said as she scooped a bowl of winter melon soup for him.
Fu Chenâan took the bowl and said, "Thank you, Wife."
After drinking some soup, he reached for the scallion pancakes. The pancakes looked thick, but when he bit into one, he realized that it was actually crispy with thin, flaky layers inside.
The outer layer was crispy, but the inner layer was soft and slightly chewy. The fragrant scallion, combined with oil and salt, made it taste savory and aromatic.
He finished 1 pancake in several bites before he said, "Wife, this pancake is so delicious. It even has a hint of sweetness and a nutty taste."
Yao Zhi smiled when she heard his praise and replied, "The sweetness comes from the scallion, while the nutty taste comes from the oil."
Fu Chenâan only knew how to make simple dishes and didnât understand much about cooking. So, he nodded but said nothing.
While he was busy eating, the guards were staring at him from a distance. Seeing how fast he was eating, they couldnât help but feel curious about the food. So, they opened the fabric and saw the golden-brown scallion pancakes.
The moment they saw them, both guards were stunned. Even without taking a bite, they knew that these pancakes must be made using oil. Usually, their pancakes were steamed and retained the flourâs natural color.
The two of them smelled the fragrance coming from the pancakes and swallowed hard. Without wasting any more time, they started eating. The first bite opened a new door for them.
After tasting the pancakes, they understood why Fu Chenâan was willing to exchange his merit for permission for his wife to deliver food. Compared to this food, the food served in the cafeteria was simply pig feed.
Half an hour later, Fu Chenâan drank a cup of water and let out a satisfied burp. He patted his bulging stomach while finding a more comfortable sitting position.
Seeing the clean plates and bowls, Yao Zhi was satisfied. After she packed up the bowls, plates, and utensils, she put the remaining pancakes into a 3-layered lunch box.
"Wife, I can eat in the cafeteria for dinner. You should save these pancakes for dinner," Fu Chenâan said.
Although he enjoyed the food, he was worried that he wouldnât have enough money to cover their food expenses.
Hearing this, Yao Zhi shook her head and said, "Husband, donât worry. Yesterday, after I sent the letter to the Generalâs Mansion, the Madam gave me 500 taels of gold. This money is enough for us for years."
The moment Fu Chenâan heard her words, he was stunned. "Wife, are you sure itâs not silver but gold?"
Yao Zhi nodded and replied in a low voice, "Iâm sure. I even bit it, and itâs indeed gold!"
When he saw his wifeâs eyes filled with excitement, Fu Chenâan finally believed that the General really did give them 500 taels of gold in exchange for a jar of wound ointment and a waterskin of medicinal water.
Noticing that her husband was lost in thought, Yao Zhi asked, "Husband, whatâs wrong?"
Fu Chenâan looked at his wife for a moment before he said, "Wife, the wound ointment and medicinal water are too valuable. From now on, you shouldnât tell anyone about them."
"We are just ordinary people. If people discover that you possess the way to make such valuable medicinal water, it might bring disaster to our family."
When she heard this, Yao Zhi nodded and said, "Husband, I only give it to you. But what should we do about the General and the military physician?"
Fu Chenâan held his wifeâs hand and reassured her. "Donât worry. I trust them."
After hearing this, Yao Zhi calmed down and said, "Husband, I brought the items you wanted."
She handed a box to her husband and added, "I also made a bowl of mung bean soup for you. Itâs good for lowering inner heat. I also brought some medicinal water for you. Remember to finish it."
"Okay."
They talked for a few more minutes before Fu Chenâan climbed down from the cart. "Wife, I have to return now."
"I will come to visit you again tomorrow," Yao Zhi nodded.
"Drive back carefully," he reminded her.
"I will. You should go back now."
After she finished her words, Yao Zhi didnât stay any longer and returned to the village.
She still had a lot of things to do back at home. She needed to check the sausages and the soy sauce. She also wanted to make chili paste and see if she could sell it at Zhou Bomingâs store.
When he could no longer see his wifeâs back, Fu Chenâan walked back to the barracks. The guards checked the wooden box and the 3-layered lunch box before letting him in.
Under their envious gazes, Fu Chenâan walked back to his tent. This time, no one was around since they hadnât returned from their morning patrol.
Thinking about Cook Liâs request, he wrapped 2 scallion pancakes in clean cloth and scooped a bowl of mung bean soup. After he hid the rest of the food under his bed, he went to the kitchen area.
Before he could even reach the kitchen, he met Cook Li. Looking at his anxious face, Fu Chenâan asked, "Cook Li, whatâs wrong?"
Seeing him, Cook Li let out a worried sigh and replied, "The General didnât eat his lunch again."
Raising his eyebrows, Fu Chenâan asked, "Didnât you say that the General had already recovered his appetite? Why did he skip his meal again?"
"I also donât know. When I asked if the food wasnât to his taste, the General said that there was no problem with the food. Itâs just that the weather has been too hot lately, and he didnât feel like eating."