Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan did not lack this money. But they needed to do this for First Madame's sake.
They wanted to return the money to the Yuezheng Family, but First Madame did not accept it.
"The officer made the decision, so that is what you deserve. If you don't accept it, that would be disrespectful to the officer!"
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan expressed their gratitude and accepted the money.
Qiao Xuan said with a smile, "Aunt, you are here for the first time, how about staying back for lunch? I will cook some dishes for Aunt!"
Nis. Mi Junior did not want to stay there any longer. She forced an apology out of her mouth and gave them 10,000 liang, and left, without any intention of looking at the couple for even an extra second.
First Madame was happy to remain where she was. "Sure, let me stay and taste the food you make!"
Shao Yunduan remained there for a while and then went back to continue with his studies. He had gone through everything, but there were still a few days left and he would rather read and practice.
Qiao Xuan kept First Madame company in the garden for a while, before going into the kitchen to make dishes.
She knew that the First Madame liked something light, so she asked Lixia to get the ingredients ready and she was just in time to do the cooking.
At this time, crabs were available in the market. She removed the crab roe and crab meat and fried them into crab powder. It was served with soft and smooth tofu, making it a delicious and smooth crab powder tofu dish.
The glutinous rice soaked with meatballs was steamed in a drawer, and the crystal clear glutinous rice meatballs were ready. She sprinkled it with green onion, which made it fragrant and eye-catching.
She cut the pigeon into four pieces and stewed soup with ginkgo fruit, lotus seeds and wolfberry.
For the chicken dish, young hens were selected. The meat was extraordinarily tender. After processing, she put it on a plate and drizzled it with seasoned scallion oil. It was a scallion oil chicken that blended the fragrance of scallion and meat, and the chicken was tender and delicious.
She also cooked a dish of eel with soy sauce and two portions of seasonal vegetables.
Shao Yunduan ate in his own study, whilst Qiao Xuan kept First Madame company at the dining table.
First Madame had not expected that Qiao Xuan was so good at cooking. She was so surprised that she spoke highly of Qiao Xuan.
Especially the scallion oil chicken and glutinous rice meatballs… she had not eaten things before. The rest of the dishes were also different from the ones she tasted before. It seemed that Qiao Xuan cooked them better.
No wonder she liked Qiao Xuan. She was so smart and clever, and she could do anything!
Qiao Xuan would never have a bad time because of this skill.
How blind her father was to have deserted someone like her.
First Madame sighed whenever she thought about this.
Soon, it was time for the autumn examination.
Despite her confidence in Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan and the maids were very nervous. Shao Yunduan felt quite moved in heart. "Wait for me here, I will definitely make it!" "Yes, darling. You will surely succeed!"
The couple smiled at each other sweetly.
Shao Yunduan raised his hands to brush away Qiao Xuan's hair, saying in a soft voice, "For your sake, I will make it…"
"What?" Qiao Xuan raised her eyebrows and looked confusedly at him.
She did not catch his words.
"Nothing." Shao Yunduan shook his head. "Wait for me to come back!"
Shao Yunduan went on the wagon and disappeared against the dawn.
Qiao Xuan and Lixia Liqiu did not return to the yard until the wagon went around the corner..