170, The Lackey (1 more update)
Xie Zhinuan looked at Yuanbao’s obsequious smiling and laughed.
“No need for now!”
There was only so much to do around the house, and everyone was nimble and diligent. Although more dishes were needed for dinner, there were fewer people, so with a bit of effort, a full table could be easily prepared.
Xie Zhinuan had Yuanbao fetch some sweet osmanthus, and she made Osmanthus Chicken, Sweet Osmanthus Wine Brew, and Osmanthus Cake. Yuanbao said that one should eat crabs and admire chrysanthemums during the Mid-Autumn Festival-a large basket of plump crabs was ready and now the courtyard was filled with an aroma so mixed that it was indistinguishable, but just smelling it felt heavenly, even more so than the fragrance in a grand restaurant.
Xie Zhinuan waited for the meat pies to be cooked before taking them out. “Come over and eat while they’re hot!”
These meat pies were tastier than mooncakes, and they were savory too. Zhinuan had made some spicy ones, which were just to Yuanbao’s liking.
As the meat pie was opened, the aroma wafted out; Yuanbao devoured it heartily while already reminiscing about the dinner Zhinuan had made.
“Yuanbao, take these over and let everyone have a taste as well!” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
Yuanbao immediately responded and stepped forward to take the basket from Xie Zhinuan, leaving cheerfully.
Xie Zhinuan turned to make the final dish, pickled cabbage fish.
As soon as Yuanbao walked in the door, he was stopped by people eyeing the basket in his hands, almost like wolves and tigers.
“Look, Miss Xie asked me to bring these over for you to try, these meat pies…”
Before he could finish his sentence, the basket was snatched away, and a group of people, paying no mind to him, surrounded the basket to divide the pies.
“Wow, this pie is delicious!”
“Crispy and aromatic, and so much sesame!”
“It’s so fragrant, if only every day were Mid-Autumn Festival!”
Men who usually held their heads high, at this moment, resembled country bumpkins who had not seen the world, lowering themselves for a taste of food.
Yuanbao chuckled, thinking that he would soon sit down for a feast made by Miss Xie, and so he didn’t mind their behavior, simply reminding them, “Don’t lose the basket!”
He then turned and headed back to Zhinuan’s house.
Duobao stood in the corridor, frowning slightly.
He did not understand what kind of magic Miss Xie possessed that made their master work hard every day without pay, just for a bite to eat.
Someone noticed Duobao and asked, “Duobao, do you want one?”
“No need,” Duobao said and walked away.
Despite the fact that the pies did smell incredibly appetizing, he had always been self-disciplined and wouldn’t abandon his dignity just for a morsel of food.
No one attended to Duobao.
If he didn’t want to eat, so be it-they would have more to share amongst themselves.
Yuanbao returned cheerfully; the dishes were already served on the table and the cutlery was set.
“Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner!” Zhinuan ordered.
Li Hengyi got up to wash his hands on his own.
Yuanbao followed immediately to assist.
Zhinuan brought the last pickled cabbage fish, washed her hands, and sat down for dinner.
Since it was Mid-Autumn Festival, she had prepared some wine. Right when she was about to start eating, Routuan and Grey Wolf ran to the door, extremely defensive.
Zhinuan looked towards the door and then saw Yuan Wang.
“…”
Though surprised, she still got up and walked out.
“Are you back to spend Mid-Autumn Festival with your grandpa and grandma?” Zhinuan asked.
Yuan Wang felt distressed inside. With a myriad of words and deep regret, he couldn’t bring himself to utter them.
Looking at the elegant man in white in the courtyard, he felt unworthy to even ask a question, so he retreated two steps, cupped his fists in a salute, and bowed respectfully, his words sincere, “Miss Xie, I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you, and I assure you it won’t happen again!”
This was a stark contrast to his mother, Madame Yuan’s hypocrisy.
Zhinuan saw bruises on his face, clearly indicating he had been hit hard that day.
She hesitated.
What could she say after all?
Nothing could be said.
“I take my leave!” Yuan Wang said quietly, turning to walk away.
Chapter 172