Chapter 125: It’s a Secret Method
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After Chu Lianghong was done scolding Tang Shan, he pointed at Zhang Xiuqin. “As a stepmother, you’re really ruthless. Jinghong works in the fields every day and even goes up the mountain to hunt. He does everything he can.” “However, not only did you not treat him well, but you even called him lazy when he just wanted to take a short break. He can’t possibly work 24 hours a day. He’s not made of iron, is he?”
Chu Lianghong’s voice grew louder and louder, attracting the attention of many people in the village.
“That’s right. He’s not your biological son. You can ignore him, but don’t abuse him!”
“You just chased him out of the house not long ago. Now you pretend that you’ve forgotten about it and shamelessly come to ask for money.”
“If you had treated Jinghong well back then, would he not be filial to you?”
The surrounding villagers pointed a finger at Tang Shan and Zhang Xiuqin, making the two of them blush in shame.
Chu Qingzhi rushed over when she heard the news and gently held Tang Jinghong’s hand. It was not appropriate for her to interrupt, so she could only support him silently.
Tang Jinghong looked down at Chu Qingzhi’s beautiful side profile and his heart warmed. He clenched his fists. No matter what he encountered in the future, he wouldn’t have to face it alone.
Tang Dengping squeezed out of the crowd and frowned. He was embarrassed. “Father, Mother, stop embarrassing yourselves. Hurry up and go back.”
Tang Shan looked up at Tang Jinghong. When he met Tang Jinghong’s cold gaze, he felt very guilty and left dejectedly.
No matter how shameless Zhang Xiuqin was, she could not stand the criticism of the entire village. Seeing Tang Shan run away cowardly, she quickly followed.
Tang Dengping turned around and looked at Tang Jinghong before scurrying away.
If he had known that Tang Jinghong was so rich, he wouldn’t have ignored him. It was too late to say anything now.
Tang Jinghong watched them leave, feeling complicated.
“Qingzhi, I’m going to the county city. Do you have anything you need? 1’11 buy it for you.”
Chu Qingzhi shook her head and reached out to stroke Tang Jinghong’s furrowed brows. “I don’t need anything. Go and come back early. 1’11 cook lunch for you.”
On the day of the betrothal, the man had to stay for lunch at the girl’s house.
Tang Jinghong relaxed and he smiled. “Okay.”
In the kitchen.
Steam kept coming out of the steamer and spreading to the sky above the kitchen, scattering fragrance.
Granny Chu started the fire. Li Qingyu, Chu Qingning, and Chu Eighth helped. Head Chef Chu Qingzhi was busy cooking dishes.
Chu Qingyue and Chu Qingshuang went to the county city, one going to the clothes shop and the other going to the porcelain shop, but they would come back for lunch.
The others were setting up the tables. There were three tables for lunch, so they needed to prepare in advance.
Fang Zerong and the others, who helped carry the boxes, would also stay for lunch. At this moment, Fang Zerong went to see the process of making ice cream bars in the shed. After that, he walked to the kitchen.
He crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame. He looked at Chu Qingzhi, who was cutting the vegetables, and thought to himself that his general had really found a treasure.
Not only could Chu Qingzhi treat people, but she also knew how to cook and martial arts. She was very proficient in all aspects. Her personality was good, and she was also beautiful. In the entire Daliang Dynasty, there was no other woman like her.
He was extremely curious. “Miss Chu, why do you know so many things?”
After spending a few hundred years, anyone with a brain can learn these things, Chu Qingzhi thought to herself. She did not stop cutting the vegetables and said, “It’s probably because I’m good at learning.”
Fang Zerong was speechless.
He felt that explanation was really far-fetched!
Seeing that Chu Qingzhi did not want to talk about this topic, he changed the topic. “Miss Chu, why can those boxes stop the ice cream bar from melting?”
Chu Qingzhi’s expression did not change. “I’ve used a special method on the box to keep the temperature low.”
Fang Zerong could not help but ask, “What kind of method?”
Chu Qingzhi grabbed the shredded lettuce on the chopping board and marinated it with salt. “It’s a secret method. 1 can’t tell you.”
Fang Zerong was speechless.
He changed the subject. “Is there anything I can help you with here?”
Actually, he only asked out of politeness, but he did not expect Chu Qingzhi to not stand on ceremony. “Help me wash the rice.”
Fang Zerong was speechless.
Alright, he sighed and entered the kitchen with resignation. He could not afford to offend the future wife of the general.
Third Uncle shouted from outside, “Qingzhi, someone is looking for you outside.”
Chu Qingzhi was extremely busy in the kitchen. “Who’s looking for me?”
Third Uncle said, “Avery beautiful girl. She said that her name is Tan Xueqing and that she met you in the county.”
Tan Xueqing? Chu Qingzhi remembered. “I’ll come out and see her after washing my hands.”
“Alright, I’ll go tell her.” Third Uncle turned around and left.
Chu Qingzhi instructed the others what to do and quickly walked out.
At the entrance of the courtyard, Tan Xueqing stood there quietly.
He was tall and thin, and he was still wearing a snow-white dress. From his beautiful face, it was hard to distinguish his gender.
The servant girl held an umbrella for him. Tan Xueqing looked cold and detached.
When he saw Chu Qingzhi, he smiled slightly. “Miss Chu.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled back. “Miss Tan, please come in. Let’s sit down and talk.”
“Wait.” Tan Xueqing stopped Chu Qingzhi and instructed the servant who had followed him, “Bring the gifts I brought into the house for Miss Chu.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Chu Qingzhi hurriedly said, “Miss Tan, there’s no need.”
Tan Xueqing smiled and said, “You saved me yesterday. I said that 1 would visit you to thank you. It’s not anything valuable. Miss Chu, don’t refuse.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Miss Tan, you’re too polite. Saving you yesterday was nothing. There’s really no need.”
Tan Xueqing’s voice was solemn. “To you, it’s nothing, but to me, you saved my life. Miss Chu, don’t refuse. Otherwise, I won’t feel good.”
Chu Qingzhi stopped refusing. “Let’s go in and talk.”
“Okay.”
Chu Qingzhi gestured for Tan Xueqing to sit on the chair while she went to make tea.
Tan Xueqing looked around. This family was bustling with activities. People came and went. It was very lively. The door frame was decorated with red silk flowers, as if there was a joyous occasion today.
In the middle of the central room, some people were setting up tables and chairs. It seemed like there was going to be a banquet.
Chu Qingzhi brought out the tea and placed it in front of Tan Xueqing. “Miss Tan, the tea might not be to your taste. Don’t mind it.”
“Miss Chu, you’re being too serious.” Tan Xueqing’s voice was also a little gender-neutral, but it was pleasant to the ears.
Chu Qingzhi still had many things to do, so she said bluntly, “Miss Tan, if you have something to say, just say it..”