Chapter 2: A Man Should Strive for Self-Strengthening
Father, are you not pushing your daughter into the fire?
Fearing to disturb Qin Shou's enthusiasm, Jia Rong quietly left with unresolved questions in his heart. It is undoubtedly a good thing for Jia Rong that Qin Shou is able to assist with household chores
Leeks, Chinese cabbage, spinach, shepherd's purse, cucumber, lettuce, peas, winter melon, water bamboo, purple amaranth, water spinach, daylily, radish, water celery, amaranth, turnip, ginger, mustard greens, and so on, were all present in the early Tang Dynasty, some of which were exclusive tribute items for the royal family and had not yet become widespread
Within the city of Chang'an, the streets of the imperial city, under the night ban, are enveloped in silence. The lights of thousands of homes gradually extinguish, and occasionally, patrolling guards appear in the spacious streets of the densely populated neighborhoods, braving the cold wind and falling snow. The sounds of barking dogs, meowing cats, and footsteps intertwine in the night of the imperial city
Under the inexplicable OK gesture of Qin Shou, Jia Rong shook his head in both anger and amusement as he sighed and walked out of the kitchen. The changes in Qin Shou today completely exceeded Jia Rong's expectations, yet he did not want to interrupt Qin Shou's enthusiasm and could only let him continue his antics.
Qian Ling, wicked maid, wait for me. When I become rich and successful, and turn my fortunes around, I will treat you well with whips, wax, electric shocks, and bindings
Qian Yuxin shook her head and advised Qian Ling to be quiet, stating that she had lost the state of tranquility. Qian Yuxin directly expressed her fatigue and sent Qian Ling to rest
Mother, the meal is ready! Come and taste the child's cooking!
Hmm, delicious! Shou'er, where did you learn this skill?
In the past, while working as a helper for the late Mr. He, I unintentionally learned some skills from the restaurant. Mother, I want to tell you something, and I hope you won't be angry! Qin Shou attributed his skills to the deceased Mr. He, knowing that there would be no one to refute him, which served as an excellent cover.
Hmm, Xiang, Shouer, what is this
Although Jia Rong strongly disagreed, he ultimately had to ask for Qin Shou's opinion. Upon hearing this, Qin Shou, who was busy adding firewood in the kitchen, paused his actions
The librarian has been in the profession for nearly ten years, and even experts and scholars have not read as many books as he has. Although he tends to focus more on jokes and gossip stories, he can recite the Three Hundred Tang Poems at will, truly lying in wait for three hundred corpses.
After Qian Ling took her leave, Qian Yuxin, feeling a bit of a headache, supported her forehead with her hand. She had even been upset with her father for a while over this matter, and throughout, Qian Yuxin could not understand her stubborn father's intentions.
The items displayed in the fragrant attic are all used in a young girl's boudoir, characterized by extreme luxury, intricately carved jade-inlaid beds, brocade quilts, and embroidered covers, with small sachets hanging from the curtain hooks, exuding a faint, delicate fragrance
"Shou'er, when will you be able to recite poetry?"
The west wing loft of the Qian residence, with its draped gauze curtains, creates a hazy atmosphere. The surroundings are entirely covered with brocade, and even the ceiling is separated by embroidered felt, providing both warmth and coziness
A large rosewood desk, Qian Yuxin lightly tapped the inkstone with her brush, skillfully and powerfully painting her unfinished self-portrait. Unable to endure Qian Ling's incessant chatter and noise any longer, she gently set down her brush.
Qin Shou, who owns five acres of land, began to contemplate how to strike gold in his fields. Drawing from his extensive knowledge gained from reading encyclopedias, he felt that if he did not achieve some success in becoming wealthy and improving his living standards, he would truly be embarrassed.
Well, at last there is a consolation prize
When did Shou'er learn to cook? Jia Rong, feeling puzzled, could not understand when Qin Shou had learned to cook and prepare meals. He had taken care of him since childhood and had never seen him step into the kitchen.
Stir-fried celery with pork, stir-fried napa cabbage, Jia Rong is still familiar, but that white, glistening meat sauce pie, no matter how you look at it, just seems like a lump of minced meat
Alright, alright, just don't set the kitchen on fire
Qin Shou then remembered that soy sauce had not yet become popular, and even if it did exist, it was produced through a very crude brewing process. Moreover, it was a luxury condiment reserved for the wealthy and powerful, so ordinary people should not expect to possess it
Jia Rong looked at Qin Shou with a strange expression, genuinely unable to recognize the child he had raised since childhood. It seemed that Qin Shou had been drifting without a permanent home in a chaotic world, and coupled with his lack of talent and the family's poverty, how could there be spare money to support his studies in a private school
"Ling'er, there is no need to be upset. If it weren't for Father insisting that I marry him, I wouldn't bother meeting him at all. It's fine; he will eventually compromise! Ling'er, I am tired!"
Well, this, mother, is no trouble at all. I will cook. Today the child is happy and will personally prepare a delicious meal to honor mother
After a quarter of an hour, Qin Shou brought three plates of common dishes typically enjoyed by the general populace: stir-fried celery with pork, meat sauce pancakes, and stir-fried napa cabbage. Unfortunately, there were no dried red chilies, oyster sauce, or Sichuan peppercorns available, so he had to simply substitute with garlic and the current pepper for the stir-fry. Pork, in particular, is a food that the average person rarely consumes.
Qin Shou mentioned that the cooking spatula had broken, and Jia Rong was instantly speechless. Qin Shou was born with extraordinary strength; since childhood, he had been remarkably powerful, capable of even kicking his father hard enough to break his teeth and tear his mouth.
With both hands cupping the warm well water, Qin Shou splashed his face a few times before lying back down on the old, simple bed, allowing the water marks on his face to grow cold as he stared blankly at the roof of the tiled house.
Turning his head to recall the disdainful gaze and tone of Qian Yuxin, Qin Shou felt a wave of headache. It was evident that her ultimatum was a result of pressure from her family elders
Mother, to speak frankly, that is an impossible matter! Where in the world is there not fragrant grass? Why must one be infatuated with a cold and beautiful flower? Qin Shou played with the firewood in his hands, reciting a fragment of a poem by Jia Rong that had never been heard before.
In ancient times, it was quite normal for a young lady to have a maidservant accompany her upon marriage, akin to a delightful package deal. Qin Shou, blissfully daydreaming about the wonderful prospects ahead, unknowingly fell into a deep sleep, believing that to become strong and prosperous, one must first get some rest
To achieve wealth, one must engage in land cultivation, and it is essential to cultivate things that others have not yet explored. Following trends will not yield significant profits. There are so many fresh opportunities yet to emerge, waiting to be discovered, promoted, and monetized
At the beginning, Jia Rong was not very reassured about Qin Shou being in the kitchen. On his way back, he heard the sound of cooking and was astonished into silence as he witnessed Qin Shou skillfully stir-frying while clumsily adding firewood. A faint aroma of stir-fried garlic wafted out from the kitchen.
... ... ''
Upon recalling the mischievous and spirited appearance of the wicked maid Qian Ling, Qin Shou could not help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart. The evil thoughts of a sinister uncle stirred within him, as he contemplated how to subdue the wicked maid Qian Ling, lewdly considering the use of nefarious methods to deal with her.
Is this what they call rejuvenation?
The shovel has broken
Lard? So be it, it makes the dishes more fragrant when stir-fried
Qin Shou returned the question to Jia Rong, and with his own thoughts already formed, he awaited Jia Rong's opinion. Qin Shou believed that Jia Rong would certainly not agree; her inquiry likely stemmed from her excessive concern for herself. After all, Qian Yuxin's exceptional beauty made her an impeccable choice as a wife
It is impossible for Qin Shou to marry into the Qian family. Qin Shou cannot possibly become a son-in-law in another family, no matter how wealthy the Qian family may be, it is simply not feasible.
Hmm? What is it? Shou'er, feel free to speak your mind! Qin Shou's hesitant words left Jia Rong in a state of confusion, as it was rare to see Qin Shou display such a shy demeanor
Qin Shou was quite unaccustomed to his naturally strong physique. He had been used to using a third of his strength when cooking, but unexpectedly, he ended up bending the spatula. In the end, due to improper force, he effortlessly broke the wooden handle of the spatula, which was as thick as two thumbs.
Mother, what is your opinion on this
Qin Shou rummaged through the entire kitchen. Apart from finding a few cloves of garlic and some ginger that had been there for an unknown period, he could hardly see any vinegar, soy sauce, or anything else.
Qin Shou looked at the reflection of his face on the surface of the washbasin with a mix of laughter and tears. Under the hazy light of the oil lamp, the face of a handsome young man, around seventeen or eighteen years old, was strikingly clear.
Thinking of Qin Shouhou's shameless mockery that humiliated Qian Yuxin as she left, Jia Rong found himself in a situation that was both amusing and exasperating. It is a rare occasion to meet in the city; two coins, I do not consider to be expensive! Across countless rivers and mountains, there is always affection; how about one coin? The spring breeze wishes to cross the Yumen Pass; at the very least, it must be ten coins? ... Where in the world is there not fragrant grass? Will you come for three coins for the night?
Qian Lingqi could not help but wander around the Xiangge, chattering endlessly. Unfortunately, her incessant ramblings did not in the slightest disturb Qian Yuxin, who was focused on her writing.
"Cut it out! Don't underestimate the child; casually reciting a poem can astonish the heavens and weep for the spirits, leaving a legacy for millennia is merely a trifle!" Qin Shou spoke incessantly, full of himself, boasting to the point that Jia Rong was left speechless, staring in astonishment.
Jia Rong, caught between laughter and tears, reproached Qin Shou for going out. She shook her head as she pulled away from the roaring flames in the stove, rescuing the rice that was not yet completely burnt, knowing she could not rely on Qin Shou, who had never set foot in the kitchen, for assistance
The thick eyebrows rebelliously arch slightly upwards, beneath the long, slightly curled eyelashes are a pair of eyes as clear as morning dew, complemented by a high nose and moderately full red lips. With a smile revealing her teeth towards the water's surface, she radiates a captivating smile that dazzles Qin Shou with self-admiration
Upon thinking of the two words "making money," Qin Shou could not help but drool. Sitting on five acres of tax-exempt wasteland, he has gained a preliminary understanding of the current era, where all industries are poised for revival
Old Master Qian and my mother's uncle have an unclear relationship, and Qin Shou does not know. However, the fact that he can make his fiancée lower her stance to come here shows that his influence and capabilities are certainly not simple. It is also possible that he is taking a step back to seek a compromise.
For the first time cooking with firewood, Qin Shou felt a sense of shame and self-reproach. He insisted on his decision to let Jia Rong step in to save the situation, preparing a meal to honor Jia Rong, who had worked hard for half a lifetime.
What is your opinion on the conditions of the Qian family regarding the longevity of books?
At dusk, a horse-drawn carriage jolted and sped back to the city amidst the laughter and playful chase of the village children. Jia Rong, looking haggard, sent off the daughter-in-law who had come to apologize in person, while Qian Yuxin proposed conditions that Jia Rong found unacceptable
The rice is burnt! Get out!
Qin Shou felt a pang of guilt as he hurriedly finished a bowl of rice. Under Jia Rong's astonished gaze, he put down his chopsticks, excused himself for being full, and rushed back to his room, leaving Jia Rong alone in the cold and dark hall.
Jia Rong began with a somewhat difficult-to-swallow feeling, but the rich aroma of garlic and the fragrance of pork lard stir-fried with minced meat invaded her senses. The delightful texture melted in her mouth, immediately conquering Jia Rong's unpretentious palate. She truly did not expect Qin Shou to be able to cook!
I am confused, this is ancient times, where would soy sauce come from
"Hmm? What is burnt?" After Qin Shou finished showing off, he scratched his head in confusion, smelling the burnt odor wafting from the kitchen.
The meat sauce pie, unfortunately, lacks sufficient ingredients; otherwise, it would surely be so delicious that one would want to swallow their tongue. Do give it a try!" Qin Shou explained the meat sauce pie with a hint of regret, while full of anticipation for Jia Rong to taste the delicacy he had prepared as a filial offering.
Miss, that coarse and brutish Qin Shou is truly infuriating. If it weren't for the fact that I cannot defeat him, I would have already fallen out with him. It is utterly exasperating for a country bumpkin to be so arrogant...
A thick layer of lard has turned into grease in the oil tank. Qin Shoule rolled up his sleeves, picked up the cooking spatula, and began to showcase his self-taught culinary skills developed over many years of self-reliance and self-entertainment. Having managed the library for nearly ten years, what recipes does Qin Shoule not know?
Qin Shou took off his thin, coarse round-neck robe and looked down at his large, muscular chest. His years as an apprentice blacksmith had developed his arms into strong, bulging muscles.
"Silly son, it is your mother who is asking you, why are you turning the question back on me? This is a matter of your lifetime!" The kind-hearted Jia Rong gently tapped Qin Shou's forehead, playfully scolding the cunning Qin Shou, while waiting for him to make a decision in his heart