Miao Chu

Chapter 78 Being stupid
Prefect Zhao rarely came to the government office, as he was only a figurehead and had never even seen what the kitchen looked like.

Although Prefect Zheng was diligent, he was busy with official duties and social engagements every day. During his two-year term, he visited the imperial kitchen very few times.

Qin Jie, on the other hand, was eager to make some achievements after being transferred to the capital. In order to show that he was a leader, he often stayed after leaving the office and stayed with his subordinates who were handling the case. As a result, he knew a lot about the kitchen.

So when he heard the judge from the Ministry of Justice praising the chef's skills, he didn't know whether there was something wrong with his ears or with the other person's tongue.

However, with Prefect Zhao taking the lead, it was difficult to stop him, so Qin Jie had no choice but to follow along, waiting to lose face together.

Han Li, however, was too lazy to socialize and even less willing to dine at the same table with these superiors. He made up an excuse and left first.

Qin Jie didn't want to stop him, knowing he couldn't anyway. He was about to offer some explanation when, before he could say anything, Tao Gongshi had already covered for him, smiling and saying to the group, "Haven't seen you for years, Han Zhengyan still has the same temper. It's definitely better to be a student!"

Han Li's reputation originally stemmed from his writings. Even inspector Xin Feng and his wife and mother had heard of him. How could Zhao and Zheng not know him? They couldn't help but sigh and remark that the young man was showing his talent.

As they talked, they arrived at the kitchen.

The purpose of these officials was to demonstrate their understanding of the people's plight, so they naturally refused to go to the small room next door, otherwise, who would be able to see them?

No one knows who took the lead, but everyone tacitly went straight into the large cafeteria outside.

It was lunchtime, and the cafeteria was packed with people.

With such a large entourage, Prefect Zhao naturally attracted everyone's attention. Those who were nearby and couldn't avoid the crowd, as well as the eager ones, all stepped forward to greet him.

Having served as an official for several years, Qin Jie was already well-versed in this matter. He greeted everyone with a smile and said loudly, "Everyone has worked hard! This case is time-sensitive and demanding. Tonight, Prefect Zhao, Magistrate Zheng, and Chief Justice Tao from the Judicial Commissioner have come to oversee things. Just grit your teeth and we'll definitely reward you handsomely once the case is closed!"

He was the current supervisor of the Left and Right Military Patrol Detachments, and the canteen staff were all his subordinates, so he naturally had to give them face, hence the thunderous applause.

Song Miao stood in that semi-partitioned room, which was actually just separated by a stove and a table. It was no different from a partition. Seeing the commotion, she couldn't help but watch the show. On one side, Shangguan was acting, and on the other side, the subordinates were acting along. She found it quite interesting.

After the officials finished their greetings, they continued their charade, standing at the very back of the crowd.

Upon seeing this, the yamen runners and officials in front hurriedly tried to give way, but were stopped by Prefect Zhao and Clerk Tao, who insisted on queuing according to the rules.

Seeing that the atmosphere was quite good and the officials all looked reserved and satisfied, Qin Jie quickly seized the opportunity to interject, saying, "The food in our kitchen is not very good, but one of the cooks makes mutton buns quite well. I'll have someone bring a few more over later so that you can try them as well."

Tao Gongshi was very supportive, saying, "I'm starving, get me two big ones."

The group chatted and laughed, but the kitchen helper who was following them was so frightened that his heart was about to jump out of his chest. He hurriedly went to the front to find the cook.

But at this time, there were no other cooks in the public kitchen, only Song Miao.

The man panicked immediately, his face contorted with despair, and said, "We're doomed! If the prefect and the others really do eat communal dishes, they'll surely skin us alive when Master Zheng returns!"

He then asked, "Young lady, could you please replenish anything? Just a little something to tide you over!"

Since she had taken his money, she should do her best. Besides, this person was very polite. So Song Miao said, "I'll get them a small pot and cook a dish separately, although it may not be useful."

Seeing that everyone was at the end of the line and time was running out, she added, "It would be even better if we could get two people to come and help pick the vegetables."

Soon, a servant followed and took over the task of serving vegetables from the young worker next to her. The young worker then stood in Song Miao's place to help cut the meat. Although it was a bit slow, it was enough to manage.

Song Miaoteng then joined the two servants in removing the heads and tails from the bean sprouts, quickly washing them clean in a basin, shaking off the excess water, and stir-frying them with shredded carrots and scallions in clear oil. He also added a little white vinegar, drizzling it around the edge of the wok, just enough to make the vinegar fragrant, not too sour. Just as the line arrived, he added a few drops of sesame oil and it was ready to serve. He then had the servants serve each of them a spoonful.

The communal meals prepared by the kitchen staff were not to be shared. The officials found a table that had been cleared out at the bottom, picked up their chopsticks, and chatted for a while, asking about the details of the case and its progress. They were eating and talking at the same time, but as they ate, the whole table gradually quieted down.

Qin Jie had only intended to accompany the meal without any expectations, but when he tasted the pan-fried pork belly, he couldn't help but blink and take another bite in disbelief.

When he ate the stir-fried bean sprouts again, he ate them even faster.

As for the other prosecutors and judges, they were actually eating at the same table with their superiors and the governor of Kyoto. They were very nervous, but they were the ones who were really working. After working for half a day, except for the one who had eaten early, most of them were starving. They barely managed to hold back from wolfing down their food.

After a few bites of food, although they couldn't whisper to each other because they were at the same table with Shangguan, they couldn't help but lower their heads and exchange glances out of the corner of their eyes, their eyes full of confusion.

—Is this what Prefect Zheng and Judge Qin meant by "ordinary taste" and "not good taste"?
Even if it's meant to be modest, isn't this level of modesty a bit too much?

If you can make such delicious food from a large pot, and you have such a kitchen, why are you hiding anything? Are you afraid someone will poach your chef?
If they had known this would happen, the Provincial Judicial Commissioner should have been more friendly and cooperative with the Kyoto Prefectural Government!

As they were eating, someone brought over a bowl of steamed buns and said, "These are freshly steamed mutton buns, they're so soft, please, gentlemen, have a taste!"

This person was standing there, and as soon as he picked up his chopsticks, he was about to put food into everyone's bowls.

However, when the bowl was brought to one person, that person would cover it with their hand. When it was brought to another person, that person would cover the bowl with their hand again.

Even Tao Gongshi, who had boasted earlier that he would eat two large ones, only took one in the end. After a couple of bites, he smiled and joked with Qin Jie, "Logically speaking, I am from Xijing and would prefer noodles, but I can't say that this food is not good and that the mutton buns taste better. Judge Qin is clearly from Ezhou, which is in the south, yet you think these mutton buns taste better?"

Qin Jie was utterly perplexed, even wondering if the name his parents had given him was somewhat inappropriate. He simply said, puzzled, "It wasn't like this before..."

As he spoke, he also took a mutton bun.

The steamed buns still tasted the same as before, fresh out of the steamer, quite fluffy and soft. I just don't know why, but the meat filling was a bit greasy, not as good as usual.

It's edible, but it's nowhere near as good as the real food.

With three dishes and a soup, including both meat and vegetables, even someone like Qin Jie, with his background, couldn't find any major faults in those dishes.

The minced beef and tofu stew is meant to be eaten with rice. The tofu is tender and smooth, and the beef flavor has permeated the tofu. It's combined with the spiciness of dogwood and mustard seeds, and the slight numbing aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. When mixed with white rice, a hot bite is a truly wonderful experience.

Beef has a firmer texture and is chewier than other cuts of meat, with a richer meaty flavor.

The rice was different from the communal rice we usually ate. The grains were soft yet slightly chewy, not sticky at all, and quite distinct, yet not dry.

With one bite, the rice is fragrant and soft, the minced beef is chewy and satisfying, and the tender tofu mixed with the broth only needs to roll between your teeth a few times before it crumbles between the rice and beef pieces, mixing the other two ingredients together with the thick broth.

The three ingredients have a layered texture that combines softness, tenderness, elasticity, and firmness, while also being fresh, fragrant, numbing, and spicy. The flavors are all present as they fall into the throat and slide into the stomach.

The mushy cabbage soup was also very fragrant, with stir-fried dried shrimp and eggs in it, making it fresh and delicious.

The egg pieces are thinly sliced, fried to perfection, and browned just right. They have a rich egg flavor, have absorbed some broth, and have a slightly chewy texture. The cabbage also has its own natural sweetness.

If there's anything wrong with it, it's that the communal cooking always feels a little off.

But when it came time to eat the pan-fried pork belly and stir-fried bean sprouts, even someone as wealthy as Qin Jie couldn't help but nod in approval.

The former is the caramelized aroma of meat, relying on its freshness from the pan, with the oily and caramelized fragrance bombarding your mouth, while the latter is stir-fried with exceptionally neatness.

The oil used was clear oil, and the heat was just right. The bean sprouts were almost cooked when they came out of the pot. After they had taken a few steps with their food, they sat down and ate them. The residual heat from the pot cooked the bean sprouts themselves perfectly, so they didn't taste raw at all.

Along with freshly cooked scallion and carrot shreds, it's crisp and tender, very refreshing, and retains the natural flavor of the food.

The choice of this dish is really clever.

The officials, tired of rich and heavy meals and banquets, found this stir-fried bean sprouts a welcome change.

A spoonful is really not much, and Qin Jie finished it without realizing it.

Not only Qin Jie, but also Prefect Zhao, Magistrate Tao, and Prefect Zheng were the first to finish eating the bean sprouts. After eating them, although they didn't praise them highly, they were quite satisfied.

Prefect Zhao spoke first, ordering his servants to fetch another large plate.

A new plate was served, and after a few bites from each person, it was gone in no time.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Tao Gongshi couldn't help but sigh, "It has to be the Kyoto government office. The official kitchens here cook so well. When I get back, I'll tell the kitchen staff to learn from them. They complain a lot to the kitchen manager, saying that cooking in large batches is difficult—what's so difficult about it! Your large batches are excellent!"

These words made Prefect Zheng stroke his beard with pride, while the yamen runners at several tables not far away almost couldn't resist standing up and coming over to give him a good argument and an explanation.

—Let's be reasonable! What's so good about this meal? This is the only decent one!

You can even boil cabbage in plain water with little oil and salt until it wilts and becomes mushy. Why don't you try eating that before you start talking?
But no matter what, dinner was eventually managed to get by.

Several officials, their bellies bulging, walked out. Tao Gongshi didn't forget to say to Prefect Zheng, "This case has finally made progress. It would be best if there were a result tomorrow. When I come to your door, I'll ask for a bite of stir-fried bean sprouts!"

Zhao, Zheng, and Tao burst into laughter, and everyone around them joined in the laughter.

After finally seeing these people off, the kitchen returned to its previous liveliness.

Around the end of the day, when there were fewer people in the kitchen, Han Li came alone.

By this time, there was no one in line anymore; only a few people were eating at the seats.

Upon seeing Han Li, Song Miao said, "Please wait a moment, young master."

As she spoke, she went to the back, quickly stir-fried a small dish of bean sprouts, and combined it with a few other ingredients to make a separate tray. She then handed it to Han Li and said with a smile, "I'm embezzling from my own post, but I'm here to offer this as a bribe—I have something I'd like to ask Young Master Han about."

Han Li said, "Please speak, Mr. Song."

"It turns out to be Shen Xingniang—the one who went missing near Baokang Gate. I vaguely heard that the yamen found quite a few people who went missing during the Lantern Festival. If you have any news about her, could you please let me know?"

After Song Miao finished asking, she unexpectedly heard Han Li say, "I remember this person. You mentioned before that your mother had a past relationship with her family, so I've been keeping an eye on things for you. If you have any news, please report back."

He added, "Sun, the village head, has already gone back. As for the land deed for your house, we'll have to wait a few more days until the case is closed before we can reach a conclusion. But don't worry, just relax."

She was taken aback and couldn't help but thank him.

Han Li laughed and said, "Shopkeeper Song gave me a bribe, and I accepted it. My hand is too soft to refuse. The money and goods are settled, so there's no need to thank me."

As he spoke, he raised the tray in his hand slightly, nodded, and went to find a corner to sit down and eat.

Just then, a servant came to call her, saying there was something urgent at the back. When Song Miao finished her work and came out, she saw that the tray that had been sent out earlier had been put back on the table to the side.

"Someone just delivered this," Dabing said hurriedly. "I'll cut up the meat and go collect it in a bit."

Song Miao smiled and said, "I'll take care of it."

She went up to look and saw three small plates and two bowls stacked on the tray, all of which were washed clean. There were also chopsticks placed on one side of the plates to dry. When she looked up again, she found that the person was gone.

***
Han Li always acted quickly. This time, it was only a meal, but it took him half a day to finish. After finishing, he left the kitchen and deliberately chose a long detour.

In mid-spring, the weather gradually warmed up, and it was already dark. There was nothing to see inside the government office, only a dark purple light on the horizon, like the afterglow of the setting sun.

He walked slowly, seemingly looking up at the sky, yet not quite. He didn't know what he was looking at or thinking. His mind was unusually free of official business and other economic matters, and he felt very comfortable with his mind at peace.

As I walked, the evening breeze blew in my face, slightly cool but not cold.

He walked for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea in the evening breeze. When he stepped out of the small path and onto the main road, and was just under the light cast by the hanging lanterns, someone ahead of him greeted him.

The further in he went, the more people called out to him.

"Zhengyan! Judge Qin requests your presence when you have time!"

"Young Master Han, the people in the T-shaped room said they'd have to postpone it for another two hours. The people in charge of the interrogation rooms said they can't move them any further and are in a real hurry. They sent me to ask if there's any way to do it."

"Brother Han, the left and right patrol prisons have reported that they are asking if the prisoners can be sent over two hours later tomorrow afternoon, as they are short-handed."

Questions came one after another, and aside from trivial matters, there was mostly bickering between different departments.

Han Li's mind snapped out of the comfortable feeling he had just experienced.

He answered them one by one.

"Please inform Judge Qin that I need another half hour."

"The Registrar has agreed to vacate three rooms. I arranged for people to set them up this afternoon. They should be ready soon. Have Xiao Ding go and ask about the progress, urge them on, and report back to the person in charge of arranging the interrogation rooms."

"Tell the left and right patrol offices and prisons to sign off on the approval, review it layer by layer, and then hand it over to Prefect Zheng. If the prefect approves, it doesn't matter if it's twenty hours late. Let's see what they choose."

After sending the people away, he resumed his previous actions, striding back to his house, where he buried himself in his documents once more.

After eating that meal and enduring that evening breeze, it seemed like there was no difference, but when he picked up his pen to write again, for some reason, he even used less force.

***
While the back office was busy, the kitchen was not idle either.

Originally, Song Miao had prepared twenty or thirty extra portions of food, based on the number of people, thinking that this amount was more than enough.

However, the inspectors and officers of the Left and Right Military Patrol Offices, perhaps due to excessive hard work and mostly being tall and strong with good appetites, ate a lot. By mid-afternoon, the kitchen was almost completely empty of food and soup.

With all the food gone, it was time to start cleaning up.

The rest was fine; it was just washing and cleaning. The two laborers and the other servants didn't want Song Miao to do anything and took care of it themselves.

Previously, Master Su had taken a lot of mutton and pork, all of which were good meat, and chopped them all into mince. Now that this person has injured his leg, the noodles can be sealed and temporarily soaked in cold water, but the raw meat cannot.

But if I make the buns tonight, the weather is getting warmer, and it's not good to leave them out overnight, otherwise even if they don't go bad, they'll lose their flavor.

Seeing that the two workers looked worried, Song Miao couldn't bear to waste anything. She said, "I'll put some diced shiitake mushrooms in, stir-fry them with the sauce and some dogwood flakes, seal them with lard, and tomorrow morning you can stir-fry this meat sauce with diced carrots and egg pieces, add some broth, and make noodles. You can also add some cabbage or bok choy to the noodles. How about that?"

The two workers were extremely grateful and hurried over to help.

As Song Miao cooked, she instructed them on how to heat the fire, why to heat it that way, when to use high heat and when to use low heat when stir-frying meat, and to the ideal consistency so that it wouldn't be too dry or burnt, but would still have meat juice without being too greasy.

She spoke in great detail, and the two of them listened attentively and worked diligently.

Once the minced meat is cooked and put into a jar, there's no need to add any more lard, as enough oil has already been rendered out.

"Use oil to seal it. As long as the moisture inside is dried out, even if you can't finish it tomorrow, you can just seal it with lard again and leave it for a few more days without any problem. But it's still better to eat it as soon as possible."

The two nodded repeatedly.

The worker, nicknamed "Big Pancake," asked, "Is Madam Song coming again tomorrow? Why don't you make it here? I'll help you out! I'm not afraid of hard work, just treat me like a mule!"

The other man hurriedly said, "Madam Song, why don't you talk to those officials and suggest they stay?"

Song Miao shook her head, but before she could reply, she heard voices outside. A moment later, she saw Master Zheng walk in with several people.

Upon seeing Song Miao, his expression clearly turned sour, and he glanced back at the servants following behind him.

The latter hurried over and placed a paper package on the table next to Song Miao.

The official Zheng said, "Miss Song, the food for tonight is finished. Since the officials from the Left and Right Military Inspection Offices have all praised your cooking skills, I will keep my word and not be the bad guy—just count the dishes, take the money, and you can leave."

Upon hearing this, all the laborers and servants behind were stunned. They wanted to speak but dared not interrupt, and unconsciously let out a sigh of regret.

But Song Miao didn't think anything of it.

She had been warned beforehand that most of the money she received today was paid out of his own pocket by this Mr. Zheng out of spite.

Having spent money and lost face, this person naturally wouldn't want him to stay.

Besides, she never intended to stay. The Kyoto government office was so far from her home; she just happened to be passing by today and thought she might as well make some quick money.

The government kitchen requires large portions, but the selection of dishes is limited. The official in charge is also quite troublesome, and the atmosphere among his subordinates is never pleasant.

She went forward, took the paper package, opened it, and sure enough, there was a long string of money inside.

Estimating the quantity was about right, she didn't bother to order. She turned to the two workers and said, "The strong tea is ready, and the water is boiled. After 9 PM, please take the sweet fermented rice and mix it with the tea and hot water to serve to the officials."

After bidding farewell to everyone, he turned to Mr. Zheng and said, "In that case, thank you for your consideration, sir. I'll be going now."

Song Miao walked very fast, wanting to get home before dark so she could quickly wash up and rest.

After all, I have to get up early to set up my stall tomorrow. If I'm late, not only will there be people sitting all around outside when I open the door, but I'll also be bombarded by those students who will ask me, "Stadium owner Song, are you even going to make money or not?"

She slipped away quickly, but in Zheng Guanren's eyes, she was furious.

This is the first time in all my years working in the government that I've put my own money into it.

A sum of money was nothing to him, but he lost face big time.

He thought this young lady would keep pestering him, and that even though he would never agree to stay, it would be good to vent his anger by manipulating her. Who knew this woman was like a rat, running away so fast!
Unable to vent his anger, he found an excuse and yelled at the two workers, "What sweet skin, sour skin! Do whatever she tells you to do!"

The two laborers couldn't speak, but a servant nearby knew how to handle the situation and quickly said, "It's for Judge Qin and the others, because they were worried they wouldn't be able to stay up all night. We also need to send some to Prefect Zheng."

Zheng Guanren exclaimed in surprise, "It's already dark, what time is it? Why is Prefect Zheng still here?"

"They said they had left for roll call, but returned in the afternoon. Prefect Zhao and Chief Clerk Tao from the Judicial Commissioner's Office also came. The three of them, along with many officials from the Judicial Commissioner's Office, had dinner together..."

Several pieces of news, each more frightening than the last.

Caught off guard, Zheng's temples throbbed, and he exclaimed, "How could no one have told me about such a momentous matter?!"

Another servant, fearing a reprimand, hurriedly said, "Why wasn't he called? We searched everywhere in the yamen, but couldn't find him. We even went out to look for him, and went to your residence! Prefect Zheng also asked where you were!"

Sweat beaded on Zheng Guanren's forehead. He quickly wiped it away and exclaimed, "Where did I go? I went to find a cook! Otherwise, what will everyone in the yamen eat tomorrow? Can we really expect that young woman to cook again?"

"Young Lady Song's cooking is excellent!" said the young man with the flatbread, making a silly remark.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the room was not right and everyone was looking at him, Dabing felt uneasy and couldn't help but take a step back. However, his mouth was faster than his brain and he said, "Not only did the officials of the Left and Right Military Patrol Office praise it, but also Prefect Zhao and Minister Tao praised it. Minister Tao even said that he would come to eat the stir-fried bean sprouts made by Miss Song tomorrow. I was close by and heard it clearly!"

Zheng Guanren was taken aback. He forgot to scold the ignorant laborer and turned to ask the servant next to him, "Is this really true?"

"It seems there is such a thing..." the servant said, forcing himself to speak.

Zheng Guanren snorted and turned to ask the newly hired cooks behind him, "Is there anyone who doesn't know how to make a simple dish like stir-fried bean sprouts?"

The chefs who had come along nodded in agreement.

It is indeed a common dish. Not to mention a professional chef, even if you just knock on the door of any random shop on the street, you will find that they can make it.

"The officials from outside were just saying a few polite words; you actually took them seriously!"

Zheng Guanren sneered: "Without Butcher Zhang, do you expect me to eat hairy pigs?"

As he spoke, he instructed the new cooks, "If that official Tao comes again tomorrow, each of you should make a stir-fried bean sprout dish. Whoever pleases the official will receive an extra hundred coins a month!"

I'm so happy to have reached 1000 monthly votes! Thank you everyone. Today's chapter is 6000 words, including a bonus chapter.

But this is not a call for tickets, please don't misunderstand.

I've seen all the comments in the previous chapter and the comments section of the leave request. The leave request was affecting the layout, so I've deleted it for now, but I've kept all the encouragement. Thank you for your concern, everyone. I'll keep writing.

I'm so happy that some food lovers like it. I will try my best to find a balance between plot and writing.

If I can't do it, it's a problem with my ability. Please believe that I have tried my best.

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(End of this chapter)