My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1427 Dark Brick
The wine spilled out and formed a strange flower on the ground. The two looked at each other in bewilderment, and just then, a thunderclap exploded in the sky.

Three days later, Ling Xue arrived at the government office carrying the repaired official robes. Zhou Xing opened the robes and found the words "Snow Brew" embroidered on the lining. He was puzzled and asked, "What does 'Snow Brew' mean?" Ling Xue smiled slightly and said, "This is my family's secret brewing recipe."

Zhou Xing looked at her curiously, and then he noticed the burn scars on Ling Xue's wrist. Ling Xue noticed his gaze and said softly, "I got this when I was ten years old, protecting the wine cellar." Zhou Xing felt a pang of heartache.

On the eve of the autumn execution, Ling Xue delivered a whole jar of osmanthus wine. Zhou Xing opened the seal, and a refreshing fragrance wafted out. When he scooped the wine with a silver spoon, he unexpectedly scooped out a copper coin engraved with the character "冤" (wrongful conviction). He was startled and looked up at Ling Xue. Ling Xue's gaze was firm, and she said, "My lord, you must find out the secret behind this."

Zhou Xing disguised himself as a customer and sneaked into the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. He sat down in a corner and listened to the conversations around him. Just then, he heard someone singing a strange tune: "Golden goblets reflect bloodstains, jade pots hide wronged souls." He felt a chill and carefully observed his surroundings.

Ling Xue, disguised as a flower seller, walked by and secretly drew marks on the blue bricks with rouge. The two worked together to try and find clues.

In the dead of night, Zhou Xing and Ling Xue secretly arrived at the mass grave. They dug up a suspicious grave, and a pungent smell of alcohol emanated from the coffin. Ling Xue examined it closely and discovered that the grain of the coffin matched the wood in her family's wine cellar. A wave of grief washed over her, and she said, "Someone must have deliberately framed my family."

Zhou Xing comforted her, "Don't worry, we will definitely find out the truth." At this moment, Ling Xue dipped her finger in wine and wrote dense accounts on the tombstone. She looked at Zhou Xing and said, "These accounts must be related to the conspiracy behind it all."

Back at the government office, Zhou Xing began examining the old files. Among a pile of yellowed papers, he discovered that the ink from the tax silver disappearance case from twenty years ago had been stained with wine. Ling Xue stared at the candlelight and said, "That year, Father suddenly started brewing a bitter wine." Zhou Xing's heart skipped a beat, sensing that there must be some connection between them.

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, Ling Xue offered wine. She gracefully stepped forward and handed the wine to the governor. Just as the governor was about to drink, Ling Xue suddenly smashed the wine cup, the shards tearing his sleeve and revealing an old burn scar on his wrist. Zhou Xing was startled, for this burn scar was exactly the same as the one on Ling Xue's wrist.

During the dungeon interrogation, Zhou Xing discovered a wine jar brand on the back of the assassin's neck. Ling Xue, trembling, loosened her collar and said, "Only master distillers use this thirty-six-whip punishment." Zhou Xing knew in his heart that a huge conspiracy must be hidden behind this.

The two men pieced together the tattered ledgers in the secret room. Suddenly, Ling Xue sealed the doors and windows with wine and said, "Back then, they used a poison to mute the person in the know; today, we'll use a hangover soup to force him to tell the truth." Zhou Xing nodded, his heart filled with determination.

At a night gathering at the governor's mansion, Zhou Xing deliberately drank poisoned wine. He felt a wave of dizziness, but he endured the discomfort. Seeing this, Ling Xue cut her wrist and dripped her blood into the wine. Miraculously, the wine vaporized and dissipated. Zhou Xing said, "Using wine to counteract the effects of alcohol, young lady, what a clever plan."

During the courtroom standoff, Ling Xue publicly opened the century-old vintage wine. The tax key from that year floated to the surface, and the governor's face instantly turned deathly pale. Zhou Xing slammed his fist on the table, shattering the wine bowl, and shouted, "This wine bowl holds the truth of a wrongful conviction!"

As the torrential rain washed over the execution ground, Zhou Xing unfurled the imperial edict. Ling Xue splashed thirty-year-old Daughter's Red wine onto the edict and said, "This jar of wine should be offered as a sacrifice to Father." Zhou Xing looked at her, his heart filled with emotion.

On the day the distillery was renovated, Zhou Xing helped the drunk Ling Xue step over the fermentation vats. Ling Xue pointed to the newly hung wine flag on the eaves and said, "How about embroidering the character 'Zhou' next to the character 'Xue'?" Zhou Xing's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded as he looked at her.

As the first fire of winter was lit, Ling Xue coughed up blood-tinged foam from the wine. Zhou Xing rushed forward, his sleeves soaked with the scent of medicine. He said, "Never try that damned Cold Pool Intoxication again." Ling Xue smiled slightly and said, "It's worth it to find out the truth."

An envoy from the capital carried a golden wine jug bestowed by the emperor, but Ling Xue presented a rough earthenware bowl. Zhou Xing understood and drank the mixture of old and new wine in front of everyone. The crowd praised it, saying the wine symbolized a new beginning.

At the Lantern Festival, Zhou Xing squatted in front of a riddle stall, a wine gourd tied to his arm. Ling Xue walked over, carrying a rabbit lantern, and nudged his shoulder with her wine bag, saying, "The city magistrate should be escorting the salt smugglers now." Zhou Xing looked at her, smiled, and stood up.

As the new wine jars were being sealed in the cellar, Ling Xue suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed into Zhou Xing's arms. The girl's hair smelled of wine mixed with the scent of bamboo, and Zhou Xing felt a surge of panic. He picked up Ling Xue and hurriedly rushed back into the house.

As the morning light spilled onto the nuptial wine, Zhou Xing pulled the wine-stained marriage certificate from under his pillow. Ling Xue, biting the red string, laughed and scolded, "The 'Three Obediences and Four Virtues' should be changed to 'Three Brews and Four Intoxications' before marriage!" Zhou Xing looked at her and smiled happily. From then on, they began a new life amidst the aroma of wine, and that turbulent story became an eternal memory in their hearts.

Early in the morning, before the mist had dissipated, Zhou Xing set up a stove in his small courtyard. He skillfully prepared the wild rabbit, his movements practiced and deliberate, each action imbued with focus and composure. This was his first attempt at making crispy rabbit with tender bones.

The fire crackled in the stove as Zhou Xing placed the prepared rabbit into the pot and added various spices. Soon, a unique aroma pierced through the morning mist, filling the air. This distinctive and enticing fragrance drew neighbors from all around.

"Who's cooking this delicious food? It smells so good!" A wealthy-looking man sniffed and said greedily.

Zhou Xing came out of the house and greeted them with a smile: "Fellow villagers, today I'm trying to make this crispy bone soup. Please feel free to try it."

The crowd gathered around, praising the exquisite aroma. The wealthy merchant, without any hesitation, reached out and grabbed the beautiful woman beside him, saying, "Come and try it, something this fragrant must be delicious."

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside the crowd. A magnificent carriage slowly came to a stop, the curtain was lifted, and a hand wearing a white jade thumb ring emerged. Immediately afterwards, a clear, cold voice rang out: "Shopkeeper, three hundred strings of cash for your secret recipe."

Zhou Xing looked up and saw a woman sitting in the carriage. She had a cool and aloof face and an elegant demeanor. He was intrigued. This woman seemed extraordinary, but his secret recipe was a family heirloom, and he couldn't sell it so easily. He smiled slightly and said, "Miss, this secret recipe is a family heirloom, and it is really not for sale. However, you can try this 'Crispy Bone Fragrance'."

As he spoke, Zhou Xing ladled out a bowl of crispy pork rib soup and handed it to the carriage. The maid beside the woman took it and handed it to her. The woman took a small sip, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She put down the bowl, took out a jade pendant from her bosom, tossed it to Zhou Xing, and said, "This jade pendant is your wages for three days. Come with me to my mansion to work as a cook."

Zhou Xing looked at the jade pendant in his hand, feeling somewhat hesitant. At this moment, his father came out, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Child, go. It's an opportunity for you to gain experience at the Prime Minister's residence."

Zhou Xing nodded, packed his luggage, and left in the carriage.

Upon arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, Zhou Xing was led to the small kitchen. Ling Xue stood to the side, looking at him and said, "For tomorrow's family banquet, we need to prepare twenty-four dishes, each with unique ingredients."

Zhou Xing frowned; the request was too difficult. However, he didn't back down and began to busy himself in the kitchen. He carefully selected the ingredients and diligently cooked each dish.

In the dead of night, Zhou Xing sneaked into the kitchen to check the ingredients one last time. When he opened the door, he found Ling Xue squatting in the charcoal ash, fiddling with something. He went closer and saw that she was testing a new sauce.

In the candlelight, their shadows intertwined. Ling Xue focused intently on preparing the sauce, while Zhou Xing watched, lost in thought. When Ling Xue looked up and saw him, both felt a little awkward.

"Why are you here?" Ling Xue asked.

"I...I'm here to check the ingredients," Zhou Xing said, scratching his head.

"Tomorrow's banquet is very important, so don't let me down," Ling Xue said.

"Don't worry, girl. I'll definitely do a good job," Zhou Xing said confidently.

On the day of the family dinner, Zhou Xing began preparations early. He meticulously cooked each dish, striving for perfection.

A dish of "Snowy Clouds Soup" was served, with flower petals floating in the soup like jade scattered by the goddess of the Luo River. The guests praised it, which made Zhou Xing feel a little relieved.

Ling Xue sat in the main seat, watching Zhou Xing's busy figure, a hint of anticipation in her heart. She deliberately knocked over a glass lamp, wanting to test Zhou Xing's reaction. Zhou Xing reacted quickly, catching the boiling oil. His palms were scalded red, but he ignored the pain and continued to complete the last dish, "Ice Crack Rouge Goose".

When the "Cracked Ice Pattern Rouge Goose" was served, everyone was stunned. Its exquisite design made it look like a work of art. Ling Xue lightly touched the goose breast with her silver chopsticks and said, "The cracked ice pattern is even more translucent than that of the Imperial Kitchen's."

Zhou Xing smiled but didn't speak. Just then, the old lady suddenly coughed. A thought struck Zhou Xing, and he rose from his seat to fetch the peppermint drink he had brought. He walked to the old lady's side and handed her the peppermint drink.

Ling Xue's handkerchief was damp at one corner. She stared at the crooked peace knot on Zhou Xing's medicine pouch, a strange look flashing in her eyes.

After the family dinner, Zhou Xing breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that his performance this time had been quite good.

Late at night, Zhou Xing couldn't sleep and decided to take a walk around the Prime Minister's residence. When he reached the garden, he noticed movement behind the artificial hill. He quietly approached and found Ling Xue having a private conversation with a man in black.

Zhou Xing was about to leave when he accidentally kicked a stone. He knew he was in trouble and quickly ducked to the side. Just then, Ling Xue noticed him and sneered, "The son of a master chef is also eavesdropping?"

Zhou stepped forward and said, "Miss, I didn't mean to. I was just passing by."

Ling Xue looked at him, her eyes filled with suspicion. She ordered a search of Zhou Xing's residence and found half a copy of "The Classic of Herbs and Dishes" stained with oil under the stove.

"This dirty, tattered book is considered a treasure?" Ling Xue said dismissively.

Just then, the younger brother's cries came from outside the window: "Sister is lying! You said you would heal Father!"

Zhou Xing's heart stirred. He stepped forward and opened the "Compendium of Materia Medica". In addition to dietary methods, the book also contained prescriptions for hemostatic medicine.

On a stormy night, Zhou Xing pondered the events of the day and came up with an idea. He climbed over the wall and went to pick perilla leaves. When he returned, he found Ling Xue brewing medicine in a dark room.

At the bottom of the medicine pot lay a bloodstained handkerchief. Ling Xue gripped the ceramic spoon tightly and said, "Tomorrow, the Third Prince will want to try the lion's head meatballs you made."

Zhou Xing looked at her and knew in his heart that Ling Xue must be hiding something from him.

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, Zhou Xing's meticulously prepared "Golden Jade Rolls" drew praise from everyone. The Third Prince was especially pleased with the meal, praising it incessantly.

Just then, the Third Prince suddenly vomited blood and fainted. Everyone was stunned, and the scene immediately descended into chaos.

Ling Xue smashed a Ding kiln porcelain bowl in front of everyone and angrily said, "What a vicious chef!"

Zhou Xing was stunned; he didn't understand how this could have happened. He looked at Ling Xue, his eyes filled with confusion and grievance.

Inside the prison, Zhou Xing huddled on a pile of straw, his heart filled with despair. Just then, Ling Xue entered carrying a food box. She opened the box; inside was sweet lotus root with osmanthus blossoms.

"Did you mix datura pollen into the minced meat?" Ling Xue asked coldly.

Zhou Xing shook his head and said, "I didn't. Girl, you have to believe me."

Ling Xue looked at him, her eyes wavering slightly. She threw away the arsenic packet at the bottom of the food box and said, "The imperial physician said the poison came from the cinnabar box I gave you."

Zhou Xing suddenly realized that someone was trying to frame him.

Before the guillotine, Zhou Xing, bound with hemp ropes, was filled with grief and rage. At that moment, Ling Xue's heart-wrenching cry rang out from afar: "Use my Nine-Phoenix Golden Crown in exchange for his head!"

When the urgent pardon arrived, Zhou Xing's back was already stained with blood. He looked at the edict, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Three years later, Ling Xue stood in front of the dilapidated tavern. Looking at the three characters "Xuexia Residence" on the signboard, she felt a surge of emotion.

Just then, a figure wearing an oil-stained apron came out of the house. Ling Xue looked up and saw that Zhou Xing was missing his little finger on his left hand.

Zhou Xing looked at her, smiled slightly, and said, "Miss, it's been a long time."

Ling Xue's eyes welled up with tears as she said, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood you."

On the stove sat a crooked peace knot and a faded jade pendant. Zhou Xing broke the freshly cooked lotus leaf beggar's chicken in half and said, "Would you like to gamble again on the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Feast that we didn't finish back then?"

Ling Xue nodded, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes.

As the night rain tapped against the window, Ling Xue suddenly coughed. Zhou Xing hurriedly went to brew medicine, and when he returned, he found that the "Hundred Herbs Diet Classic" on his desk had been filled with annotations.

Half a piece of hibiscus cake sat beside the medicine bowl. Ling Xue said softly, "I can't learn the chef's knife skills, but I've memorized all the medicinal recipes."

Zhou Xing looked at her, his heart filled with warmth.

A sudden epidemic broke out in the capital, causing widespread panic. Zhou Xing and Ling Xue decided to reopen "Xuexia Residence" to help the people fight off the disease with delicious food.

On the day Xuexia Residence reopened, a long queue formed at the entrance. A beggar, holding a rough earthenware bowl, drank deer antler soup. Zhou Xing sprinkled medicinal spices into the boiling pot, sweat streaming down his face.

Ling Xue carried the coughing toddler into the kitchen. She dipped the phoenix hairpin in disinfectant and said, "Back then you said you wanted to open the number one charity in the world, and I've raised enough money."

Zhou Xing looked at her, his heart filled with emotion. The two worked side by side, preparing medicinal meals to cure the people's illnesses.

As dusk painted the stove red, Zhou Xing suddenly knelt on one knee. His greasy palm cradled half a jade pendant, and he said affectionately, "Would you like to try... the truly additive-free, bone-softening fragrance?"