Chapter 9: Integrity is Precious
Shangguan Wan'er's impression of Qin Shaoyou immediately worsened by a few points, and she thought to herself: "Not only is he a bookworm, but he is also a bookworm who is obsessed with money."
It is one thing for this person to cook delicious meals, but it is quite another to be disrespectful to oneself. Shangguan Wan'er is a woman, and as the saying goes, a woman's heart can be the most venomous. This bookish fool actually dared to be disrespectful to her; how could she not teach him a lesson?
Several guards exchanged glances with one another, looking at each other in silence.
Originally thinking that this bookworm would be scared out of his wits, Shangguan Wan'er was eagerly anticipating this fellow's disgraceful behavior. However, to her surprise, this person was even more arrogant than herself, which made Shangguan Wan'er even more embarrassed and angry: "Who are you?"
"I refuse," Qin Shaoyou said proudly. "Not to mention killing me, even if you were to give me 10 taels of silver, I would still refuse!"
Qin Shaoyou's body suddenly stiffened, rendering him unable to move
This is the "Song of Righteousness" by the Southern Song poet Wen Tianxiang. At this moment, as he recited it, there was indeed a sense of gallantry in facing death. Shangguan Wan'er was momentarily taken aback and couldn't help but chuckle, saying: "I was just joking with you. In any case, you startled me, so you should give me some compensation. Hurry up and make me a few bowls of pearl and jade soup, so I can take it back home."
On ordinary days, Shangguan Wan'er has a small appetite, but today, her appetite is quite large. She finished an entire bowl of soup, leaving not a trace behind, not even the remnants at the bottom of the bowl.
The price is evidently high, but Qin Shaoyou does not mind turning this place into a black market at all
Indeed, the most important aspect is the chicken essence. The emergence of this timeless seasoning has the potential to transform the culinary landscape of this era. Perhaps for future generations, chicken essence may not seem extraordinary; however, in this time, this culmination of seasoning is akin to a child who has never tasted sugar being introduced to its flavor, an experience so irresistible that it is beyond imagination
Shangguan Wan's body trembled
This is it. Both involve the same kind of dealings, yet why is it that those who sell their bodies are worth so little, while those who sell their talents are worth a hundred times more? This is because those who sell their talents have boundaries and integrity; they do not serve just any client. As a result, they become rare commodities. At this point, Qin Shaoyou could not help but express his feelings: "It is evident how important integrity is for a person. Cousin, at this point, I cannot help but advise you to uphold your principles in your dealings with others and to learn more from me."
Qin Shaoyou leisurely said: "I only ask you, what is the price for a street prostitute for one night?"
What about fifteen taels?
But what about the top performer at the fragrant pavilion who sells their art but not their body
He, however, smiled in the face of several steel knives. Even though his cowardly cousin Qin Shou was trembling in fear beside him, Qin Shaoyou stood with his hands behind his back, smiling as he asked, "So, do you know who I am?"
Shangguan Wan'er could not help but frown and said: "Are you truly unwilling?"
Qin Shaoyou has already closed his eyes, yet he murmurs softly: "Heaven and earth possess righteous energy, manifesting in various forms... below are rivers and mountains, above are the sun and stars..."
Qin Shaoyou cast a disdainful glance at him, while skillfully chopping vegetables, and said: "You are mistaken; soup and broth are not valuable. What is truly valuable is the integrity and principles of a scholar."
She raised her eyes, recalling her earlier loss of composure, and felt a bit embarrassed. However, thinking of Qin Shaoyou's rudeness just moments ago, she also felt a tinge of anger. This emotional state was indeed complex
Shangguan Wan'er was slightly taken aback
Qin Shaoyou could not help but sigh and said: "Alright, alright, if you like the soup I make, then that can be considered fate. Fifteen taels it is. Dear guest, please take a seat in the hall."
Qin Shaoyou, filled with righteous indignation, said: "You are insulting me; I am a scholar!"
As the crowd exited the kitchen, just as Qin Shaoyou stepped out, several guards outside could no longer contain themselves. With a swift movement of their arms, the glint of blades flashed, and several gleaming large knives were pressed against Qin Shaoyou's neck
The manner in which Shangguan Wan'er brushed her sleeves and prepared to leave: "Not a single coin more."
Qin Shaoyou, with his nostrils pointed skyward, had long anticipated her reaction. This bowl of soup was intentionally prepared by him. Qin Shaoyou had a keen sense of smell and had already detected a faint aroma of tofu from Shangguan Wan'er, realizing that this young lady had a particular fondness for soy products. Although her complexion appeared satisfactory, there was a hint of unusual pallor in her skin, indicative of a lack of protein in her diet. This meant that she could afford to eat meat but was deficient in protein, the only explanation being that she did not enjoy eating meat. Typically, those who do not favor meat tend to prefer lighter flavors, which is why he decided to make tofu soup, perfectly suited to Shangguan Wan'er's taste.
She touched the pouch at her waist, casually tossed out a piece of broken silver, and said proudly, "Is this enough?"
Fifteen taels of silver, although still insufficient to settle external debts, is enough to cover the annual expenses of an ordinary family in this era
Qin Shaoyou directly put it away, without needing to weigh the amount of silver, he knew it was more than enough. Only then did he smile and say: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, I mistakenly thought you were sent by the Zhou family to cause trouble. Now it seems that your evaluation of my culinary skills is quite fair. It appears that the flood has washed away the Dragon King's temple, and family members no longer recognize each other."
At this moment, Shangguan Wan'er arrogantly said to him: "What great audacity! Do you know who I am?"
Is it delicious
As for Shangguan Wan'er, upon seeing this fellow start reciting poetry with a sour tone, it seemed she was awakened to something. She truly did not wish to kill, and bullying a frail 'scholar' was indeed unseemly. Thus, she decided to take a step back, chuckled softly, and found a way to ease the situation.
"Who is your family?" Shangguan Wan'er cursed inwardly, but in this cramped kitchen, she could not lose her temper; she merely cast a cold glance at Qin Shaoyou.
Uh... I do not understand
Shangguan Wan'er suddenly recalled someone’s previous evaluation of Qin Shaoyou, this guy, how could he be a bookworm? Do scholars really have such thick skin?
Qin Shaoyou was very happy, and without saying a word, he rushed into the kitchen, shouting at Qin Shou: "Start the fire"
The soup just now left her with an endless aftertaste, and she truly felt a bit reluctant, so she could only weakly say: "Alright, hurry up."
She has tasted the finest delicacies in the world, yet even the soups made from the best ingredients cannot compare to the exquisite flavor of this pearl and jade soup
Shangguan Wan'er lifted her lotus steps and turned around
Upon taking her first bite, Shangguan Wan'er felt a slight tremor in her fragrant shoulders and could not wait to take a second bite. However, she forgot to blow on it to cool it down, resulting in her burning her tongue. Unable to help herself, she smacked her lips, revealing her tender little tongue, which made her look even more endearing.
Only Qin Shaoyou exuded a stale air of a pedantic scholar from head to toe. He shook his head and said: "A gentleman may be killed but not humiliated. I am a dignified man of seven feet, having studied the classics at three and mastered literature and history by ten. How could I endure your humiliation? You wish to kill me? Very well, then come at me."
Qin Shaoyou was afraid of death, and indeed very afraid of it. However, precisely because he had calculated this point, he not only did not kneel down to beg for mercy, but instead presented himself with a very resolute demeanor, forcing the other party to concede.
At most, it is merely ten wen.
Unintentionally, Shangguan Wan'er revealed a silly demeanor, her eyes radiating a sense of intoxication
A few guards noticed that Shangguan Wan'er had changed her attitude, and thus they could only reluctantly sheathe their swords
However
Shangguan Wan'er arrived in the hall accompanied by her guards
This ... ... is difficult to say, fearing it may not be less than one hundred guan
Qin Shou hesitated for a moment and asked, "Can we learn from the landlord and issue wages?"
Wū ... ... wū ... ...
Especially this dish, it seemed to penetrate deep into her heart and soul. Even though she hated Qin Shaoyou to the core, she still couldn't help but say: "Delicious..."
Qin Shaoyou immediately glared at him, and the bond of brotherhood was instantly replaced by class hatred: "All you know is money, money, money. I talk to you about faith, and you respond with money. I discuss principles, and you cannot escape money either. Truly, there is no remedy for this; a child cannot be taught. As an ordinary person, I am ashamed to associate with you."
Well, not bad
Qin Shaoyou was taken aback, is this serious? The ancients were indeed barbaric, always ready to draw their swords at the slightest provocation, and even women were so fierce.
This fellow, with a carefree and nonchalant demeanor, truly made Shangguan Wan'er resent him deeply. However, Shangguan Wan'er could not care much anymore; she opened her cherry-like lips and scooped a piece of tofu into her mouth with a spoon. This pearl-like tofu melted in her mouth, fresh yet not greasy, making it utterly irresistible.
... ...
Can't you see this? Well, let me tell you, I am an educated person
A pair of cousins began to busy themselves in the kitchen, and in the blink of an eye, a substantial sum of money was secured. Qin Shou's eyes turned red; while skillfully assisting, he couldn't help but exclaim: "Fifteen taels of silver, the owner... just a few bowls of soup, and it can be sold for this price. My goodness... our Qin family's ancestral grave must be smoking with joy."
However, in the face of Shangguan Wan'er’s demands, the resolute Qin Shaoyou naturally refused outright, saying: "I am very sorry, but the food here is not for sale. As I mentioned earlier, I am a scholar. You just drew your sword against me, and I have not even argued with you about it. Yet you are taking advantage of the situation. What is the reasoning behind this?"
Qin Shaoyou coldly laughed to himself, knowing that you all wouldn't dare to take action! He had just played a trick; on one hand, although the opponent's guards had drawn their swords, they did not directly harm him. Since the sword was merely pressed against his neck, it was likely just meant to intimidate him. Although there was a misunderstanding, there was no enmity, and there was truly no need to kill. Furthermore, he presented his identity as a scholar and recited a few lines of poetry in a flowery manner. Although the status of scholars in this era was far inferior to that of the Song Dynasty in later times, to unjustly kill a scholar would likely make even a prince or a royal son-in-law think twice and consider the repercussions.
"Don't choke on it." Qin Shaoyou reminded her with great satisfaction
Qin Shaoyou immediately perked up
Qin Shaoyou paused for a moment, looking seriously at Shangguan Wan'er: "Could you add a bit more?"
Qin Shaoyou revealed a hint of pride in his smile, extending his hand and saying: "Pay up, this soup is made from a secret recipe of a century-old establishment, costing 30 wen."