Chapter 8, Disdain

How can one have such poor handwriting, it is truly a pity! It seems that her decision to stay was correct; why didn't her father find her a renowned teacher!

He paused for a moment and continued slowly, "As a young lady of high status, staying in this desolate countryside with nothing good to offer, unable to even enjoy a decent cup of tea, if you end up not being well-fed, wouldn't your family feel that we have treated you poorly when they come to visit?"

Hehe. Zhang Shoushen smiled faintly, "What is the value of a banquet prepared by a famous chef in the capital? And what is the value of a meal of rural home-cooked dishes? There is a world of difference, and they cannot be compared. However, home-cooked dishes are never tiresome, whereas as for famous chefs... some truly possess skill, while others are merely well-known, and it is rare for any famous restaurant or chef to provide meals that one could eat for ten consecutive days."

He adheres to the principle that one should never tire of exquisite food and fine dishes. Back when he first crossed over, Aunt Liu's cooking, which his mother Wu had deemed quite good, had become monotonous and dull in his eyes. Fortunately, in his previous life, he was a solitary gourmet; otherwise, he would surely have developed a stomach ailment from the monotonous fare of the countryside.

As for Zhang Shou ... Zhu Ying suddenly noticed that the person had vanished in the blink of an eye. Although she felt somewhat annoyed, she could only secretly urge herself, saying that there is still plenty of time ahead. Since he has already stayed, what is there to fear about not having the opportunity to closely investigate Zhang Shou in the future

This is cold amaranth, stir-fried plantago, steamed rabbit meat with lotus leaf powder, steamed small fresh fish with rice wine, soup-filled dumplings, and wild vegetable egg pancakes ... ... The two small bowls contain tofu fish paste soup and steamed rice with shiitake mushrooms and diced ham

Mr. Wu and Aunt Liu were busy organizing the main room that originally belonged to Zhang Shou, who lived there alone. After all, there are always some differences when transitioning from a man's residence to a woman's.

Zhang Shou, however, was unaware of the myriad thoughts swirling in the young lady's heart. Through a combination of coaxing and deception, he finally managed to persuade her to leave.

Zhu Gongquan's previous words, as he pointed at Zhang Shou's nape, seemed to suddenly echo in her ears. It was as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water in the midst of her excitement, and she abruptly realized that Zhang Shou had grown up in the countryside and could not possibly have had access to renowned teachers

When she lifted the lid of the box, she became even more puzzled. It was not because she recognized some of the dishes while others were unfamiliar to her, but rather because she realized that although the contents were indeed diverse and exceptionally abundant, they should only be sufficient for one person's portion

Of course, he had to compile a cookbook for this purpose, claiming it was given to him by a certain well-read old gentleman...

Such a refined and elegant young gentleman, who is undoubtedly a sight to behold during court sessions, is hardly worth expending energy on such matters

Upon opening it, she found the handwriting to be as meticulous as that of a child practicing calligraphy. A glance at the bookshelf revealed that there were at least a dozen similar calligraphy notebooks, which only served to complicate her feelings further

Although she had some doubts in her heart, Zhu Ying was still exceptionally looking forward to this dinner. During the picnic at noon, she enjoyed the delicious food while also indulging in the beautiful scenery. Wouldn't it be even more appropriate to openly admire him during dinner when everyone was gathered together?

She went around to the outside and saw Mrs. Wu busy with Aunt Liu. With a heavy heart, Miss Zhu immediately slipped out.

Such a refined and extraordinary young man, placed in the capital, would be beyond the reach of many noble youths, deserving of the highest honors, parading on horseback through the streets, rising to positions of power and influence... In short, he should stand at the highest point of the court, making those mundane individuals feel ashamed of themselves

Zhu Ying was instantly rendered speechless. A renowned restaurant in the capital, she became tired of it after just two meals

Just now, in the main house, someone expressed their disdain, and at this moment, hearing that tone of contempt again, Miss Zhu, who was already feeling uneasy about Zhang Shou's handwriting, immediately retorted angrily: "Can you really compare yourself to the famous chefs in the capital?"

However, by the time dinner arrived, she only saw Mrs. Wu entering the main room alone, holding a tray. When she saw Mrs. Wu smiling as she placed a plum blossom-shaped box and two covered small bowls on the table, she couldn't help but be taken aback.

Upon entering the inner courtyard's east wing, she discovered that there was no one present. After a moment of contemplation, she proceeded to the outer courtyard. There, she found the main gate slightly ajar, and the surroundings were eerily quiet, with only the kitchen seemingly bustling with activity. Knowing that the two male servants of the Zhang family had gone out to purchase supplies, she almost suspected a thief had entered. However, when she unexpectedly lifted the cloth curtain at the kitchen door, she was surprised to see that the person busy inside was none other than Zhang Shou

In a state of agitation, she discarded the calligraphy practice sheet, immediately covering it up as she returned it to its original place, and casually picked up another book.

Wu, who personally delivered these items, smiled shyly and then continued, "A Shou said that since you, Tu, and Shu Yingying are staying in the countryside for the first time, it must be uncomfortable to share a meal with strangers; it is better for everyone to eat separately."

Just now in the kitchen, you spoke so nicely, but now you come up with this sharing system! When did I ever say that I couldn't eat at the same table with strangers? Didn't I have lunch with you just now?

She opened her mouth, suddenly wanting to ask Zhang Shou what was going on with that clumsy handwriting, hoping to hear from him that it was not his writing, but rather that of Wu or someone else. However, the words lingered on her lips, and in the end, she still managed to hold back.

Zhang Shouzao had already heard the commotion at the door, and at this moment, he laughed without turning his head and said: "You want to say that a gentleman stays away from the kitchen? Sorry, you saw it during the picnic at noon; I have no such taboos. If one truly cannot bear to kill, then one should eat vegetarian. Eating beef, lamb, fish, and shrimp while lamenting the killing of living beings is hypocrisy; it is even worse than being a true villain"

At this moment, she took a sip of the bland tea, and her gaze suddenly fell upon the row of towering bookshelves against the wall, causing her eyes to light up momentarily. However, after casually taking a few books to flip through, she found nothing but the Four Books and Five Classics, and not even a single novel or story that a young lady would often read in private. She felt a sense of disappointment.

Just at that moment, she casually pulled out a notebook, and upon opening it, she discovered it was a calligraphy practice book. Although the handwriting was barely legible and somewhat neat, it lacked strength and vigor, let alone any character or style, causing her to furrow her brows tightly.

In such a rural family, how can one not be mediocre

Thinking of the lunch, Zhu Ying could not help but understand that Zhang Shou seemed to be able to effortlessly prepare delicious dishes, precisely because he often cooked. However, the more this was the case, the more she felt a sense of discomfort in her heart

Zhu Ying felt extremely fortunate that Zhang Shou was not present at this moment; otherwise, if he had seen her clumsy performance, she would have had no idea where to hide her face after just boasting so confidently

Zhu Ying almost instinctively asked, "How come it's you cooking?"

However, for Miss Zhu, everything about the Zhang family is both shabby and novel. She has not been without experience living away from home, but that was in the family’s villa, where countless servants followed behind to flatter her, and everything from utensils to food was meticulously selected. The so-called rustic charm was merely a lavish display meant to elicit a smile from her. How could it compare to the current situation, where everything must be urgently prepared and hastily arranged?

After much contemplation, she tiptoed forward, intending to see what Zhang Shou was up to. However, to her surprise, he once again said without turning his head: "In the kitchen, there are either sharp knives or scalding steam, and if pots and pans break, it will be even harder to clean up! Young lady, you should hurry back and rest."

Zhang Shou, I have never complained about your poor handwriting, how dare you find fault with me!

On this day, the small Zhang family was in chaos due to the presence of the young lady Zhu Ying, a wealthy heiress

His background must be somewhat mysterious, so why should she carelessly touch upon his sore spot? Moreover, writing can be practiced; at worst, after she returns to the capital, she can earnestly persuade her grandmother to find a well-educated old Hanlin to teach Zhang Shou how to write properly!

Several generations of emperors have had a great fondness for calligraphy, and even her father, a mere military general, possessed a strong and elegant handwriting. She was compelled by her grandmother to practice until she could write reasonably well. If Zhang Shou cannot even write properly, how can he expect to serve in the future

After Wu Shihan left, Miss Zhu, who was left alone in this spacious main room, could only enjoy the exquisite yet scant dinner on the square table. She could not help but slam her chopsticks heavily on the table, feeling an intense frustration that made her teeth itch.

Indeed, she must never let him know that she secretly looked at the calligraphy book on his bookshelf

She directly sent the elegant young lady to the study room that was separated from the main house.

Old Liu and A Liu hurried to the village cooper's place to purchase ready-made new wooden basins, barrels, and various utensils for the young lady to make do with

A cup of hot tea is served, please take a good rest, young lady

At present, it is not a deliberate attempt to please the young lady, but rather that a certain young man, with whom I am familiar, has sent half a basket of wild vegetables. If they are not dealt with soon, they will spoil

Seeing others busy, Zhang Shou suddenly thought that she was considered by herself to be incapable of accomplishing anything without a maid. Abruptly leaving the familiar environment of the Zhao Duke's residence, she rolled up her sleeves to volunteer and help in the main room, intending to familiarize herself with the new surroundings. However, when she accidentally overturned the wooden basin and nearly splashed water all over herself, Mrs. Wu could no longer bear to watch.

Even if she was not diligent in practicing her calligraphy since childhood, she writes better than this!