Chapter 32

Soon the attendant returned to report, "They're making soap to sell to merchants. Third Miss Mu started it."
He also brought a sample and gave a brief description.
Du Shaoxuan took the soap and examined it. His aunt would like this, he thought. "What else did you find out?"
The attendant had been trained in intelligence work; this was child's play to him. "Of the three hundred or so people, half are from the Mu family and half from the Fang family. Third Miss Mu is the younger daughter of the second branch, she's quite the talent..."
He had gone around and gathered a lot of information.
He focused on the highlights, this Third Miss Mu was anything but ordinary.
Du Shaoxuan couldn't help but sigh, "A girl who could make the Fifth Prince's household stumble."
Why wasn't she a man? What a fine choice for a strategist.
Mu Wanqing had no idea of his regret. She inspected each department; everyone's skills were well practiced, and they were busy as bees.
It was piecework, more produced meant more pay, which fired everyone's enthusiasm; they'd gladly forgo sleep to do more.
With a cart waiting up ahead, they all worked flat out, eager to secure the purchase rights as soon as possible.
Mu Wanqing's gaze fell on Mu Zifeng. He wasn't very good at the work and had been assigned to carry goods, he panted from exhaustion.
He wanted to stop and rest, but those behind him pressed him hard. If he paused on the assembly line, everyone behind would be affected.
They would tear him to pieces.
Seeing Mu Wanqing swaying about, all his old and new grudges rushed up. "Mu Wanqing, you did that on purpose."
Everyone turned to look in unison. Mu Wanqing smiled and nodded. "Yes. If you dare humiliate me, I'll make you do the hard labor."
He threw himself into it with an open-hearted honesty, strangely endearing.
But to Mu Zifeng she was a demon. "You hit me, remember? It still hurts."
Eldest Master Mu scolded loudly, "Mu Wanqing, how can you be so insubordinate?"
Who's above and who's below? Mu Wanqing rolled her eyes and put on an innocent face. "Nonsense, I didn't do it, who saw that?"
Mu Zifeng was furious, she was actually playing the scoundrel!
He pointed at the others. "They all saw it."
Those he pointed to shook their heads. "No, Mu Zifeng, don't be ridiculous. Third Miss is a good girl."
"Mu Zifeng, you can't do the work, but you're an expert at framing people, always bullying your sister, aren't you?"
When everyone said the same, even his closest kin looked doubtful; Mu Zifeng was suffocating with indignation.
"You close your eyes and tell lies, always taking her side, have you no conscience?"
Someone bristled, "Third Miss brings in the money for everyone, and instead of being grateful you go around badmouthing her, you're the one without a conscience."
They truly were grateful to Mu Wanqing; she had given them a way to survive. For that alone, they supported her without question.
Anger surged through Mu Zifeng; his vision darkened in waves and his body swayed.
"Zifeng." The Mu family members were full of worry.
Mu Wanqing's cool voice rang out, "Next, I'll put on a fainting act to give everyone a show."
At the same moment, Mu Zifeng collapsed with a thud.
The timing was spot-on, as if it had been arranged.
They all looked at one another; lips twitching. "Pfft."
Second Young Master Mu hurried forward and tugged at him. "Big brother, if you're going to fake fainting, at least make it believable. This is so awkward."
Mu Zifeng tried to keep up the act, but his eyelids fluttered uncontrollably, half anger, half performance.
If he could pass out, he could get a rest.
Who would have thought she was so sharp, Mu Wanqing was a sly little imp.
The constable saw them gathered and idling from afar and immediately scolded, "What fainting? Get up and work, don't try to shirk labor."
He kicked out; Mu Zifeng rolled away and avoided it. He couldn't keep playing dead, and everyone rolled their eyes, feeling embarrassed.
That's supposed to be the future head of the Mu clan! This is bad!
"I don't want wages, what's wrong with that?" He had a wife and his mother to feed him; he'd never go hungry.
The constable wouldn't permit such a shirker, one like that would spoil the whole crew.
"No, you can't. But you can skip meals every day."
Mu Zifeng immediately backed down; the thought of not eating panicked him, and he had to get up and keep working.
"Third Miss, the ox has arrived."
Mu Wanqing immediately brightened and dashed for the kitchen.
In the kitchen yard she found a cow that had been killed in a fall.
A man in black pulled out a knife; with swift, clean strokes he carved it up, separating bone from flesh like a master butcher.
His movements were brisk and practiced, clearly he knew the animal's anatomy well.
Mu Wanqing watched silently, her eyes shining. It was wonderful, she almost wanted to try her hand at it.
When Du Shaoxuan came over he saw her eager, restless look and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you afraid?"
Mu Wanqing watched without blinking and said, "It's not like we're killing people, what's there to be afraid of?"
Du Shaoxuan fell silent for a moment; he felt that even if it were murder, she wouldn't be afraid.
It was a gut feeling, but could it be true? She looked like such a delicate little girl!
He seemed to have conveniently forgotten the time Mu Wanqing had swung a cleaver at someone.
After the ox was butchered, Mu Wanqing began to lay out the tasks: simmer the bones for broth, adding plenty of seasonings until the soup turned milky white.
The shank was cut into pieces to be braised into spiced beef.
The spice lineup was complete, scallions, ginger, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, tsaoko, fennel seeds, and so on, stuffed into a cheesecloth bag. The beef was boiled a while, the blood drained off, then fished out and its surface scum washed away.
She prepared a large pot, put in the beef and the spice bag, brought it to a boil on high, then turned it down to simmer slowly.
She instructed the cooks, "Watch the fire. When the aroma comes through, call me."
"All right."
Mu Wanqing picked out the eye meat and cap of the rump that had been soaked to draw out the blood, sliced them along the grain into finger-sized pieces, and massaged them repeatedly with a special five-spice mix, salt, ginger slices, and cooking wine so the flavors could penetrate.
Then she set them aside; they needed to marinate before becoming beef cubes.
She washed another portion of beef and pointed to a black-clad guard. "Come, chop this into pieces the size of soybeans."
The guard took up the cleaver without a word and chopped away. In no time he had it done exactly as she asked, uniform pieces, proof of fine knife work.
Mu Wanqing mixed a secret seasoning and, after stir-frying the minced beef until the moisture evaporated, added the spice. Soon the scent rose, becoming richer and more enticing.
The aroma drifted for miles; the workers couldn't help but sniff the air, suddenly hungry. Third Miss was torturing them again with her cooking.
She had them running errands and assisting her; she turned out several dishes in succession with effortless skill.
Du Shaoxuan watched her the whole time, her movements were practiced, flowing like clouds and water, orderly and composed; busy but never flustered, the poise of a true chef.
This was her stage; she controlled the whole room.
Her composed confidence, so different from her usual showiness, felt entirely distinct.
In motion she was like a bound rabbit; when still, as composed as a demure maiden.
When she finally stopped, he couldn't help stepping up to a pot, drawn by the irresistible aroma. "What's this?"
It had been stir-fried a long time with a jumble of ingredients, scallions, fresh ginger, shiitake, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and more, a dazzling mix.
Mu Wanqing picked up a pinch of sauce with her chopsticks and tasted it. "Mm, this is it."
"This is beef sauce. You can mix it with rice or noodles, dip steamed buns in it, it's a travel essential. Want to try some?"
“All right.” Du Shaoxuan signaled for his men to fetch a few steamed buns.
The once-stale buns, dipped in the beef sauce, instantly became explosively delicious, an absolute flavor bomb.
Mu Wanqing spooned the beef sauce into the jars she'd prepared, six jars in all, and sealed them.
She turned and saw Du Shaoxuan tearing into the buns with big, greedy bites. His appetite made her hungry too; she couldn't help taking a bun, dipping it in the sauce, and savoring the little bits of meat that filled her mouth with pure satisfaction.
Just the right balance of savory and salt, the meat tender, the sauce rich, no wonder it was a palace secret recipe.
"So? Can you get used to it?"
Tastes vary; no cook, however skilled, can please everyone.
Du Shaoxuan nodded, his features relaxing. "How much did you make in total?"
Mu Wanqing pointed to the row of jars. "I made six jars of beef sauce. You can take four and I'll keep two, does that work?"
Du Shaoxuan was used to eating rations on campaign, soldiers eat whatever's available and aren't picky.
But now that there was a better option, who would go back to bland rations?
"There are only five of you in the family. You won't go through that much, one jar should be enough, right?"
Mu Wanqing's mouth twitched. "One jar needs to be left for the government messengers to try. Besides, it doesn't keep well, sealed in this weather it will only last about a month."
No preservatives, after all.
Du Shaoxuan looked a little disappointed but didn't press the issue.
Mu Wanqing's eyes brightened. "If you have time, sit over there. When each batch is ready, you can taste it and tell me what you think."
That sounded fair. A faint smile appeared in Du Shaoxuan's eyes. "You want me to critique them?"
"Exactly. My own taste doesn't represent everyone." Mu Wanqing had used modern recipes, she just wasn't sure if they'd suit these people's palates.
Du Shaoxuan readily agreed.
So, as each dish finished it was brought straight to Du Shaoxuan. "Try these beef nuggets. I made two flavors, five-spice and spicy, see which you prefer."
Du Shaoxuan had once eaten jerky made by nomads on the steppes, fragrant and chewy, but hard on the teeth.
These beef nuggets, however, were firm yet tender, crisp and savory, finger-licking good!
"They're all delicious."
They would make perfect little snacks, just take a handful whenever the craving hit.
Seeing his genuine enjoyment made Mu Wanqing's lips lift in a small smile; having your cooking appreciated is a gratifying thing.
"I also braised some five-spice beef for you to take on the road."
She had prepared four items in total: beef sauce, beef nuggets, braised beef, and handmade beef meatballs.
Du Shaoxuan popped another beef nugget into his mouth, tasty and spicy, he couldn't stop.
He preferred the spicy flavor.
"Okay, can we eat now?"
"Wait a bit longer, the heat isn't quite right yet."
Mu Wanqing carried herself with poise and confidence, not a trace of fawning, exactly Du Shaoxuan's type.
They talked idly and at length. Though their social stations were worlds apart, they unexpectedly found it easy to converse.
Both were independent thinkers and saw many things similarly.
Du Shaoxuan suddenly thought that having a friend like this wouldn't be a bad thing.
When the braised beef was ready, Mu Wanqing made beef noodles, simmering the broth with beef bones, rolling and pulling delicate, finely pulled "dragon's beard" noodles and dropping them in.
"Do you eat cilantro?"
"Yes."
Each had a steaming bowl of beef noodles; the braised beef was thinly sliced and arranged, a sprinkle of cilantro on top, beautiful in appearance, aroma, and flavor.
She even served an extra plate of sliced beef.
The noodles had a pleasant chew, the broth was exceptionally rich and savory, and the unique scent of cilantro made it especially refreshing.
The braised beef had a pleasantly resilient bite, tender and glossy, its fatty aroma pronounced and deeply flavorful.
After finishing a bowl, warmth spread through his stomach and every pore relaxed.
Mu Wanqing took out a handkerchief and wiped her mouth. She hadn't had beef noodles in ages.
She sat a moment, then pulled a sheet of paper from her pouch, its surface covered in writing.
"These are a few recipes I wrote down: a tangerine-peel tonic to strengthen the spleen and appetite, beef hot-and-sour soup, quick-pickled cucumber, sauce-flavored radish, and cold mixed vegetables. They're all simple and easy to make."
What she considered simple was in fact the distillation of countless predecessors' experience.
"These are medicinal dishes. The stomach-nourishing congee is my exclusive recipe; it works very well."
"Here are a few small secrets for regulating the spleen and stomach: abdominal pressing can resolve most chronic ailments; the kneeling-and-knee method guides qi and blood downward to the stomach meridian; pressing along the spine provides comprehensive health benefits."
She offered not only drinks, medicinal dishes, and porridge, but also the techniques to administer them, a full-spectrum service.
She was going all out to help him win the lady's favor.
When he didn't take the paper right away, Mu Wanqing gave him a curious look and shoved it into his hand. "Keep it safe. I spent half the evening writing this."
Du Shaoxuan held the light sheet of paper but felt its weight in his chest; a warmth rose within him.
"You... giving away something so important, are you sure that's okay?"
You're handing out secret recipes like this, don't your parents or relatives object?
The girl was smart, certainly, but too open-hearted, she wore her kindness on her sleeve.
That wouldn't do; he worried she'd be taken advantage of.
At first Mu Wanqing didn't realize his concern, these recipes were modern and public; anyone could find them with a quick internet search.
Was he worrying on her behalf? When she understood, a smile crossed her face. Everyone hopes their efforts will be seen and appreciated.
"It's fine. I'm willing to part with them."
Though she said it, Du Shaoxuan didn't fully believe her; his mind churned with worry.
He took something out and handed it to her. "This is my token. If you run into trouble you can't handle, take it to the authorities and ask for help. Keep it safe, do not lose it."
Mu Wanqing's eyes brightened, an unexpected gift.
A treasure saved for emergencies; if it could save her life when it mattered, she wouldn't refuse. "Thank you."
She threaded the token onto a string, solemnly hung it around her neck, and felt a little more secure.
As for who he was, since he didn't say, she didn't pry, so long as the token worked.
She smoothed the token with her fingers; her fondness for Du Shaoxuan rose quickly. He looked aloof, but his character was solid, righteous, loyal, considerate, cool on the outside and warm within. A good man.
She glanced at his waist, summoned her courage and held up a hand. "Um, could you give me a dagger as well?"
Du Shaoxuan's right hand reflexively went to his waist. "A dagger?"
"A cleaver isn't very handy," Mu Wanqing said with a faint curl of disdain at her nose. A dagger worked well for slicing fruit or cutting portions, and for self‑defense, too.
Du Shaoxuan's expression turned odd. Did she even know what she was saying?
Seeing this, Mu Wanqing blinked and added, "Oh, I wouldn't use it to stab anyone."
It would've been better if she'd kept quiet, saying that only made him more worried, didn't it?
Du Shaoxuan felt an inexplicable unease. This girl's boldness was almost brazen, there was nothing she seemed afraid to do.
"Stay calm and think before you act; favor strategy over force. You're a girl, naturally not as strong as a man... I only mean strength. In every other way you're stronger than men, and your cooking is especially good."
That flattered Mu Wanqing; she smiled, eyes narrowing into crescents.
He's not bad, someone to get along with.
"I'll set aside a bit more of the braised beef for you."
Du Shaoxuan opened his mouth but didn't refuse, the braised beef was too delicious.
"My surname's Du, Du Shaoxuan."
"Hello, I'm Mu Wanqing."
They looked at each other and smiled, an easy rapport forming, they truly knew one another now.
Before this, they were little more than strangers who'd met twice.
Du Shaoxuan, always uneasy she might be taken advantage of, couldn't help saying, "You're far too trusting. I'll give you one more thing."
Too trusting? Of her? Mu Wanqing thought that word ill‑suited to herself, but she was intrigued by a gift. "What is it?"
Du Shaoxuan produced a book from who‑knew‑where. "The Art of War by Sun Tzu."
Mu Wanqing: ...
Seriously, how wrong is your perception of me? Do I look like someone going off to battle?