Miao Chu

Chapter 173 Don’t understand
Wang Shuji ate two small bowls of rice with this dish of meat and egg. Because he had a weak stomach, he dared not eat too much or too fast. He was slowly savoring the shrimp balls when he saw a scholar coming. He thought the scholar had returned late and had nothing to eat, so he replied, "It is provided by the official kitchen of the post station."

Although the man looked somewhat disheveled, he was good-looking and polite. Since he was asked about food, he was willing to help him out, so he said, "Young man, are you hungry?"

He added, "The kitchen is closed for the day, so there probably won't be time to cook for you. But we have plenty of rice and dishes, and several of them haven't been touched. If you're hungry, you can pick out a portion."

Upon hearing this, Kong Fuyang thanked the other party and pointed to the food box, saying, "Let me let you know, brother. I am also a guest at this inn. The food in this box was originally for myself, but I had to go out on business and temporarily put it in the public kitchen. I never expected it to be on your table now. Is there some misunderstanding?"

Before Wang Shuji could speak, the official beside him, upon hearing this, had already changed his expression drastically and stood up as if he were a tree.

Although the man did not know the reason, he had taken the food box from the public kitchen and was very unwilling to cause any trouble, lest his superior think that he could not even carry a meal properly, and thus incur his wrath.

Seeing that the other person was not old and dressed plainly with a travel-worn appearance, he knew that he was not the son of a high-ranking official. His tone became impatient and he said, "You scholar, you are being unreasonable. This is an official post station, where officials stay when they come and go. All supplies are for official business. The dishes are all prepared by the public kitchen. They should be taken according to whether one has an official position and the order of rank. Even if that is not the case, it should be first come, first served."

Before Kong Fuyang could reply, he continued, "Judging from your appearance, you don't seem to be an official. Living here is already taking advantage of the public resources. How dare you say you reserved it for yourself?! Have you no shame?!"

Kong Fuyang was hungry and easily angered. He was originally speaking politely, but seeing the other person's tone, he was unwilling to give in.

With his sharp tongue, he had never suffered a verbal defeat, and was about to retort sharply. But before he could even open his mouth, Wang Shuji shouted at his subordinate, "Officer Feng! Stop right there!"

He then turned to Kong Fuyang and said, "Young man, finish what you have to say first!"

The subordinate official, Feng Ganban, was full of resentment, but was interrupted by his superior and had to shut up, only glaring at Kong Fuyang.

Kong Fuyang glared at him and said loudly, "Although I am not an official, I have come here on a mission to oversee the water management of Huazhou. Even though I have no official position, I am still doing my job."

"Can't official business be conducted with lodging and food at government inns? What are you thinking, sending messengers here? I dare ask! What's wrong with that?"

"Take the rest of the dishes, that's fine. First come, first served, I have nothing to say. In the past, only our group was this late at this post station. The food was left in the kitchen for a long time, and later people would take it themselves. There was never any problem. It was only because of this oversight that I became careless. This is my own fault, and I can't blame anyone else."

As he spoke, he pointed to the meat and egg dish and said, "But this dish was specially made by our own chef. It is very carefully prepared and rare. It has nothing to do with the public chef. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just asking about the ins and outs, but you didn't bother to find out the truth and just said such things!"

"Judging from your tone, you must be an official, right? What kind of official are you? Where do you work? What is your position? What is your name? Let me remember this so I can observe whether you are equally incapable of distinguishing right from wrong when you are on official business!"

As students of the Imperial Academy, especially those in the upper-class dormitories, who among them didn't have a sense of pride, and who didn't care about saving face?

At this moment, being openly rebuked as "shameless," Kong Fuyang feared that if he retaliated too late, he would tarnish the reputation of "the Censorate without official position," and the news would spread back, making him a laughingstock!
The subordinate official, having been reprimanded, was naturally furious. He stepped forward, ready to point his finger at Kong Fuyang and refute him.

Wang Shuji quickly gave his nephew a wink.

The nephew and his servants rushed forward and pulled Feng Ganban back.

Wang Shuji pulled out a stool and patted the surface twice. He said to Kong Fuyang, "Young man, don't be anxious. From what you've said, we did indeed take the wrong dish this time. I suppose they didn't mean it. It's just that you didn't make a mark and there was no one watching. It was an unintentional mistake on both sides. What a coincidence! Let's talk it out and be amicable, wouldn't that be better?"

“This Officer Feng is my subordinate, and I am responsible for his lax supervision. When I get back, I will definitely give him a good talking-to. Please calm down and forgive me for being older.”

Wang Shuji looked to be in his forties. Even though he was sitting, you could still tell that he was taller than the others, but he was very thin. He had a short beard and his hair was sparse, with a few white hairs already.

Seeing that he was being so polite, Kong Fuyang, who was only trying to save face, felt embarrassed to refuse the invitation from the older man opposite him, so he sat down as well.

Wang Shuji completely ignored the subordinate official and laughed, "It's because the chefs of your Water Conservancy Bureau are truly outstanding, no one else can compare. I was so busy picking up this dish that I didn't leave much for you. You should know that I have a weak stomach and haven't had anything so delicious in a long time—I am very grateful, very grateful!"

He then took a bowl, filled it with rice for Kong Fuyang, picked up some chopsticks, and said, "You must be hungry. Sit down and have a bite before we talk."

Having already gone this far, Kong Fuyang naturally couldn't muster any more anger.

Besides, he was really hungry, so he thanked them, took the bowl and chopsticks, and started eating in a few bites.

After a long period of fasting, it's not really suitable to eat strong-flavored spicy food. Although Kong Fuyang was young, he knew a bit about self-care. He picked up a few dishes to go with his rice and quickly finished two bowls.

After they finished eating, Wang Shuji personally poured him a cup of tea before asking, "Young brother, what is your surname?"

"My surname is Kong, and my name is Kong Fuyang."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shuji felt the name sounded familiar and couldn't help but ask, "Where is Xiao Kong from? He should be studying right now, so why has he come to Huazhou?"

Kong Fuyang replied, "I am still studying at the Imperial Academy, and I have come with my classmates to repair the canal and improve water supply."

The subordinate official was already sitting at the next table. Hearing that it was a student of the Imperial Academy, he dared not disobey his superior to his face, but behind the person's back, a cold smile appeared on his face.

Wang Shuji, of course, couldn't see that. He only talked to Kong Fuyang about the canal repair. He first talked about how he used to patrol the dike at night with a lantern when he was an official in the county. Then he talked about how he later got guidance from the officials of the Water Conservancy Bureau. He then asked Kong Fuyang several questions about the dike repair.

Seeing that this younger generation answered fluently and was indeed a capable person, I couldn't help but chat with him for a few more minutes.

As for Kong Fuyang, after chatting for a while, he remembered to ask a question, saying, "May I ask how many of you gentlemen are here..."

He paused, glancing past his subordinates, then looked at his nephew beside him and asked, "What is your name?"

Wang Shuji first introduced himself, then said, "I am currently working in the Shipping Department and am on official business in Beijing."

Kong Fuyang took the tea, then paused and immediately asked, "So it's you, Master Wang. It's better to meet by chance than to know each other. We're so lucky to bump into each other right here at the official post station. I have a question for you—the relief grain and rice from Huazhou, as well as a lot of dike repair supplies, are said to be transported by canal. When will they arrive?"

Wang Shuji had been actively controlling the conversation between the two, but when asked this question, he paused, unable to answer for a moment. After a few moments of silence, he said, "I am not aware of this matter yet. Moreover, the supplies should first enter the capital and then be distributed by the court."

After saying that, he asked Kong Fuyang whether the route from Huazhou back to the capital was possible and how long it would take.

When he learned that the detour alone would take at least eleven or twelve days, he was somewhat disappointed. After calculating, he sighed and said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to stay here for a few more days."

He then said, “Brother Kong, I mistakenly ate your food today, but I can’t let it go uneaten. How about this: I will prepare a feast tomorrow and invite you and your classmate to attend as a small apology.”

"As for the banquet, we shouldn't trouble two people with one thing. Since the chef hired by the Water Conservancy Bureau is so skilled, and it's because of me that you missed out on tonight's delicious food, I'm willing to offer him more compensation to help prepare the banquet. What do you think?"

Kong Fuyang did not agree immediately, but hesitated for a moment and said, "There is no need for an apology, but I would be very willing to have dinner with Master Wang - but this matter must be asked of Miss Song first."

He explained, "The cook was specially invited, not entirely to cook for us, but mainly to prepare meals for the laborers in the future. This time, she was asked to help us eat better, and she took some time out of her spare time to cook. Actually, she has other jobs and is very busy!" Wang Shuji was taken aback, and then said, "Then there's no need to prepare a feast. A few simple dishes, I wonder if that's enough time?"

Kong Fuyang only ate a few mouthfuls of watery stew and braised dishes to eat with rice in the evening, which was really unpleasant. At this moment, he really wanted to eat a table of pure Song cuisine, but he knew that Song Miao might not be able to handle it.

He took the initiative to stop the matter, saying, "I'll ask her tomorrow, and we'll talk about it if she's free."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he said it was too late and took his leave to go back to his room.

When Kong Fuyang passed by the official's post, he paused for a moment, but seeing that the official didn't turn around, he didn't bother to pay any more attention to him. He simply greeted Wang Shuji's nephew, smiled at the servant, and quickly left.

As soon as Kong Fuyang left, Wang Shuji's smile vanished. He called out, "Officer Feng," and continued, "We're on official business in the capital. The less trouble we cause, the better. This time, we only mistakenly took someone else's food box. It's not a big deal; we can just explain it away. How could you provoke us like this? If it really causes a stir, and we get impeached by the censor over such a trivial matter, losing face is secondary. If it affects our work even slightly, how will we explain it to Fayun?"

Feng, the official in charge, nodded obsequiously and apologized repeatedly. He turned around and waited for everyone to return to their rooms, but he stayed behind. He spat a few times in the direction Kong Fuyang had left before slamming the door and going into his room.

The next morning, shortly after dawn, Song Miao got up.

She felt it was already early, but after washing and dressing, she went out of the front hall and saw that the main door was wide open, and two students had already arrived, one of whom was Kong Fuyang.

Song Miao greeted the two of them and then asked Kong Fuyang what time he returned last night and whether things went smoothly.

Kong Fuyang answered each question one by one, and finally recounted the unexpected incident from the previous night, as well as Wang Shuji's suggestion of a banquet. He concluded by saying, "I was thinking that Miss Song is so busy that she simply doesn't have the time to prepare a banquet, so I didn't dare to agree. He suggested that it would be fine to just cook a few dishes—but actually, even a few dishes wouldn't be enough time to cook, would it?"

After hearing what had happened, Song Miao didn't rush to refuse. Instead, she asked, "Is that Wang Guanren the Deputy Transport Commissioner that Chef Zhang mentioned?"

Kong Fuyang looked bewildered and asked, "What Deputy Transport Envoy?"

Song Miao then repeated a few of what Chef Zhang had said yesterday, and added, "I heard he has a rather strong palate."

Kong Fuyang said, "Since he didn't say, I didn't ask about his official position in detail. However, since that official Wang has a bad temper, I suppose he wouldn't have a strong palate."

He added, "If he really is a deputy envoy in charge of transportation, I can't let him off the hook. I have to ask him about the grain and supplies!"

After a moment's thought, Song Miao said, "I've been busy these past two days and really haven't had the time to prepare a small feast. However, I have a day off every ten days in a few days, so I can spare two hours."

She said, “As for the so-called reward, money is not appropriate. I have another idea—you just said that the official Wang cannot leave for a while and has to wait here until the road is open before he can go to the capital?”

***
Three poles in the sun.

In a superior room in the backyard of the official post station, knowing that he would no longer need to go out to check on the official roads, rivers, and dikes, nor to go out to inquire about the disaster situation, Officer Feng waited until someone knocked on the door before getting up.

He hadn't slept well all night. He had actually woken up a long time ago, but he was in a bad mood. Hearing the knocking on the door made him even more unhappy. He threw on a coat and went to answer the door. When he saw who it was, he said irritably, "What are you doing so early in the morning!"

The one who came was also an official from the Transportation Bureau. He was accompanying Wang Shuji on official business in the capital this time, but he had an upset stomach yesterday and did not leave the city with the others.

Seeing Feng's reaction, his companion said, "Feng Yun, don't say I didn't warn you—Deputy Director Fa is already up and outside. Do you want to come and take a look? You can lend a hand if needed."

Officer Feng was surprised and said, "So early?"

"It's getting late, what time is it!"

Officer Feng hurriedly changed his clothes, wiped his face casually, rinsed his mouth haphazardly with water, and followed him out the door, asking as he went, "What's Deputy Director Fa doing outside? Has he had breakfast yet?"

He walked quickly to the door.

There weren't many people in the front hall, and Wang Shuji wasn't there either, but they could faintly hear voices coming from behind the wall.

Feng Ganban was taken aback. He glanced at his companion beside him and subconsciously followed him out of the courtyard.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw that the tables, chairs, and banners that I had set up in the yard when I came back last night had all been moved out and set up early. The fences had also been arranged neatly and impressively.

The area outside was packed with people, mostly able-bodied men, all lined up in a bustling queue. Someone was shouting at the top of their lungs, holding a roll of paper, "Don't rush, don't rush, everyone line up! Line up!"

The tables were arranged in rows, two to a row, with a little space between them. Two tables formed a line, and people in line would go up to register.

Meanwhile, the deputy director whom he usually fawned over was standing behind a table, talking to the young man dressed as a student who was registering.

"What is Deputy Director Fa doing?" Feng Ganban felt as if he were in a dream.

As they were talking, someone behind them replied, "There's a young lady named Song who's hiring. She said she'd be hosting a banquet in a couple of days for you, Uncle, and that young master Kong and his party from yesterday. Knowing we're not leaving anytime soon, she asked you to help keep things quiet."

As if he had heard the most outrageous thing in the world, Feng Ganban exclaimed, "This is absurd! The deputy director actually agreed?"

When he turned around, he saw that the person who came was Wang Shuji's nephew.

"My uncle said that since we're just sitting around anyway, it won't take much effort to help out. He's also curious about how they're going to recruit people to repair the dike. He was going to watch and follow along anyway, but this time he's just rambling on and on, and not only will he get a banquet, but he'll also get an extra meal every day. It's a great deal!"

Wang's nephew smiled broadly, carrying a tray of cut paper as he walked out, looking like he was delivering paper.

Feng Ganban was stunned and asked, "Young Master Wang, what are you doing?"

“I’ll lend my uncle a hand.” Wang’s nephew smiled shyly. “It turns out I didn’t get to eat the meat, egg, and shrimp date soup last night, which was a bit of a pity—that Miss Song said that anyone who helps out gets a free meal and a separate soup. This morning I had her brown sugar sesame paste steamed buns and spicy pork steamed buns! Hey! I have to do the work anyway, so I’ll lend a hand and get a free meal!”

As he spoke, he hurriedly left the courtyard, carrying the tray.

Feng Ganban was left standing there, feeling that he could hear every word the other party said clearly, but he couldn't understand a single word.

But I slept in late, what's going on?

(End of this chapter)