Upon hearing this, Yang Haiyan was first surprised that Lord Du had already arrived.

To be honest, she was truly taken aback.

Then she felt somewhat nervous.

Whether facing the male lead or the female lead, or even Wei Ting, she had never felt nervous before.

The male and female leads were still just teenagers back then, and to say something harsh, she didn’t feel a shred of nervousness.

She might as well say she didn’t regard them as formidable.

Of course, this lack of regard wasn’t meant as disrespect; it meant that as a twenty-eight-year-old aunt, she wouldn’t fear young people under twenty, especially knowing the plot.

However, when faced with Wei Ting and Grand Eunuch Chi, she truly realized the existence of power and influence.

But this was different from facing Du Ke.

He was an old fox who had held power for half a lifetime in the novel; her little schemes were simply insignificant in front of him.

Thus, how could Yang Haiyan not feel nervous?

That said, aside from her anxiety, she also felt some anticipation.

To Yang Haiyan, Du Ke could be considered a celebrity effect.

It was akin to being transported to a derivative novel of the Song Dynasty, where she would look forward to meeting Bao Zheng.

If she were in a derivative novel of the Tang Dynasty, she would anticipate meeting Di Renjie.

Although Du Ke’s character differed from Bao Zheng and Di Renjie, he was quite similar in significance to Qiguo.

Or rather, he was closer to Di Renjie—Du Ke was an exceptionally outstanding politician and military strategist.

So, could Yang Haiyan not feel both fear and excitement?

“I understand. I will make the necessary arrangements. You should go and report to the General and reassure him,” Yang Haiyan said.

She knew Qin Fang’s intent and that he was subtly urging her to prepare the meal quickly since Du Ke hadn’t eaten yet.

Qin Fang valued Du Ke from their time in the military.

During that period, they discussed the matter of the centurion privately, where Du Ke proposed Wei Wu, and Qin Fang suggested Han Zhen.

Qin Fang had felt nervous then, fearing Du Ke might disagree.

But Du Ke did not; instead, he listened to Qin Fang’s analysis.

At that time, Du Ke already felt that this official was different from those high-ranking officials.

Later, when they reached Huan County, Du Ke was an imperial envoy, and Qin Fang accompanied him, observing how he resolved issues for the common folk.

At that time, he believed Du Ke was a good official.

Subsequently, Du Ke’s replies were filled with earnest teachings and thoughtful guidance, which Qin Fang naturally sensed.

As intelligent as Qin Fang was, his feelings for Du Ke evolved from regarding him as a high-ranking official and a good bureaucrat to anticipating a mentor and friend relationship.

What pleased Qin Fang the most was that Du Ke’s recent letter mentioned taking on a student.

In ancient times, teachers were like fathers and second parents.

Coming from a humble background, Qin Fang received little education or guidance from his grandparents and parents.

In his twenty-two years of life, the only person who could provide him guidance—who would be his future mentor—was Du Ke.

Therefore, Qin Fang respected him as a father figure.

Yang Haiyan understood the relationship between Qin Fang and Du Ke, so she was determined to treat Du Ke well.

However, she was also curious and looking forward to meeting him.

Granny Lian said, “Now that Lord Du is here, we need to treat him well. Madam, how shall we entertain him?”

The Vice Minister of War holds the third rank, while the Minister of War holds the second rank.

Although Yang Haiyan was also a third-rank township head, her status was entirely different from Du Ke’s third-rank position. One was a noble title, which sounded better, while the other held real power.

Even comparing Yang Haiyan to others of the same rank in the capital, there were differences.

Even among the third-rank Vice Ministers of the six ministries, distinctions existed.

Currently, with the Emperor just having ascended the throne, various powers were consolidating, and the Ministry of War was the most important among the six ministries.

Yang Haiyan said, “Granny, there’s no need to be nervous. Lord Du comes from the capital, and being from a noble family, he has seen all kinds of good things. He has participated in many grand banquets. He probably knows every corner of the palace. So, let’s just be ourselves.”

Granny Lian was anxious, but hearing Yang Haiyan’s confidence, she felt reassured. “Does the Madam have a plan?”

Yang Haiyan smiled and shook her head. “I have no plan at all. I think instead of fussing over this and that, it’s better to be straightforward. I can’t guess Lord Du’s thoughts, but I believe he would want to see the real us.”

Granny Lian had no plan either and could only say, “I’ll listen to the Madam.”

Yang Haiyan said, “Let’s go to the small kitchen. Since Lord Du is almost here, it’s too late to prepare a lavish meal. Let’s first make some steamed egg custard to warm his stomach, then serve him some cold noodles. Oh, and could you ask Niu Da to pick out some good watermelons? Even if they’re not fully ripe, it’s alright. We can make juice or cut them into pieces with a bit of sugar, which tastes good too.”

Granny Lian replied, “I’ll go right away.”

Yang Haiyan thought for a moment and added, “By the way, let your grandparents know and inform the children at home too, so they don’t accidentally bump into Lord Du or the visiting Minister Shen.”

Granny Lian replied, “Understood, I’ll inform them.”

Yang Haiyan then asked, “Is there enough ice in the icehouse?”

Granny Lian answered, “Plenty. We restock every day.”

Thinking about the ice and the chilled mung bean soup reminded Yang Haiyan of milk shaved ice, which tasted exquisite.

Unfortunately, it was challenging to make milk shaved ice, as neither stone grinding nor manually crushing it could recreate the silky texture of modern milk shaved ice.

While Granny Lian went to the fruit garden to find Niu Da, Yang Haiyan started preparing the egg custard.

Steaming the custard would only take about fifteen minutes.

When the custard was ready, nestled in the pot, Granny Lian still hadn’t returned.

Just as Yang Haiyan was about to check, there was movement outside.

Aunt Yu stood at the door and said, “Madam, the General has brought Lord Du to the outer courtyard and sent someone to inform us.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Haiyan quickly said, “Got it! I’ll change my clothes. You go to the fruit garden and call Granny Lian back.”

Aunt Yu responded, “Yes…”

Granny Lian spoke at the same time: “Madam, I’m back. Niu Da has selected a few watermelons and brought them along.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Haiyan couldn’t be bothered to change her clothes.

She looked at the watermelons that Niu Da had brought in a small basket; there were a total of eight.

Yang Haiyan said, “Select four to wash and chill. By the way, Momo, you come with me to the outer courtyard.”

“Understood,” Granny Lian replied.

Yang Haiyan changed into a fresh outfit and washed her face, then went with Granny Lian to the outer courtyard.

In the outer courtyard, Qin Fang, Du Ke, and Shen Lixian were resting in the hall.

They were not only hungry but also tired after their journey.

Fortunately, there was ice in the hall to cool down the air, allowing them to catch their breath.

Normally, there wouldn’t be any ice prepared in the hall since it was usually empty.

However, now that nitre ice had been produced and could be reused, Yang Haiyan didn’t mind using it.

Du Ke remarked, “This former Liang Wangfu, after twenty years, has truly lost its former luxury and brilliance.” Aside from the visibly large structure, who could tell that this was once a royal palace?

Shen Lixian added, “It’s also because General Qin is frugal, so the repairs to the general’s residence didn’t cost much.”

Anyone with keen eyes could see that this general’s residence had hardly been maintained; it seemed like only items that didn’t fit the general’s residence had been removed, and perhaps a few leaking roofs had been repaired.

Qin Fang said, “You flatter me, Lord Shen. This general’s residence is spacious and grand. I’ve never lived in such a good place in my life. It’s indeed a hassle to maintain such a large residence.

However, many of the idle courtyards have already been dismantled and converted into fruit and vegetable gardens by my wife.

The vegetables we eat in the past were all picked from those gardens, which is quite convenient. My wife also said, luckily this residence is large; otherwise, it wouldn’t be enough for her to transform.”

Du Ke laughed heartily, “The Madam is quite clever.”

Shen Lixian was also curious about her.

An ordinary maid had become the general’s wife and now the Madam of the countryside; Yang Haiyan’s life was indeed full of miracles.

“Thank you for your praise; I’m not deserving of such a title. I’m just used to being lazy, thanks to my husband not disliking me.” As she spoke, Yang Haiyan entered.

On this hot summer day, the young woman was dressed in a light yellow skirt, looking very youthful.

After all, she was only eighteen, and she naturally looked young.

Compared to the ladies in the capital, especially those with titles, her attire was clean and refreshing, giving off a lively personality.

Upon entering, Yang Haiyan performed a junior’s bow to the middle-aged man in the lead: “Yang Haiyan, daughter of the Yang family, pays her respects to you, sir.”

Since they were both of the same rank and Du Ke was also Qin Fang’s teacher, even though the formal initiation ceremony hadn’t been held yet, it was appropriate for Yang Haiyan to bow as a junior.

This was Du Ke’s first time meeting Yang Haiyan, and she was different from the shrewd woman he had imagined.

Although this Madam was indeed clever, her eyes were clear and calm, looking at him with curiosity and nervousness.

She didn’t seem like someone who would advocate military land policies and nitre ice production.

Du Ke originally thought that a woman who could promote military land policies and discover nitre ice would be very shrewd, similar to the grand women he had seen before.

However, the young woman before him wasn’t like that.

She seemed just like a girl from an ordinary family.

No wonder Qin Fang often mentioned her; there was a certain vitality about her.

Du Ke said, “We are all family here; there’s no need to be formal.”

Yang Haiyan smiled gracefully and stood up, “Thank you, sir.” Then, she also greeted Shen Lixian with a polite bow, “Greetings, Lord Shen.”

Shen Lixian raised an eyebrow, “Madam, you recognize me?” His tone was somewhat probing.

Logically speaking, since this was his first visit, this Ice Cloud Madam shouldn’t have met him before.

So his question also seemed to imply whether Du Ke had informed her in advance.

Yang Haiyan smiled, “I was a maid beside Miss Yang in the past and saw Lord Shen once during that time.”

Whether this statement was true or not didn’t matter, as there was indeed nothing wrong with Yang Haiyan’s words.

Shen Lixian replied, “I see.”

Qin Fang said, “Yan Yan, my teacher and Lord Shen have been waiting for me at the foot of Beast Mountain for two hours. Have we prepared food at home?”

Yang Haiyan said, “I started preparing as soon as my husband sent someone to inform me; it’s ready now. However, today seems to be an auspicious day; it seems teacher and Lord Shen specifically chose today to come.” While speaking, she called out to the outside, “Bring in the food.”

Granny Lian came in with the servants, carrying the food boxes.

Du Ke, curious, asked, “Why is it auspicious for us, just as Lixian and I arrive?” Who doesn’t like to hear flattering words?

Especially coming from a clever young girl, it felt nice, and Du Ke felt somewhat paternal.

Not only Du Ke, but Shen Lixian was also curious.

Yang Haiyan said, “Because half an hour ago, I discovered a type of crop, which is a vegetable that can also be eaten as a fruit. This crop only takes about two months from sowing to harvesting, and it’s very easy to grow.”

Upon hearing this, Du Ke was immediately delighted, “What a coincidence! This is indeed a joyful occasion.”

Yang Haiyan continued, “I’ve already prepared this food, so I’d like teacher Du Ke and Lord Shen to taste it.”

Granny Lian and the servants took out steamed eggs and cold noodles from the food boxes.

Yang Haiyan explained, “I was in a hurry, so I only made two types of food. Please forgive me, Lord Du and Lord Shen. The steamed eggs have cooled down, so they can be eaten first. The plate of cold noodles is made with sweet potato flour, and the green shredded vegetables in the noodles are what I mentioned—this crop that can be eaten as both a vegetable and a fruit, called gourd.”

The steamed eggs were fragrant, with shrimp on top, making it very appetizing.

Moreover, since the steamed eggs had cooled quite a bit, they wouldn’t upset anyone’s stomach when eaten with the cold noodles.

Although it was a common household dish and very ordinary, it was indeed more appetizing than heavy meat dishes.

After all, it was summer, and people’s appetites were greatly reduced.

Du Ke took a bite of the steamed egg, and the warm flavor spread from his mouth to his stomach.

Moreover, this egg custard was not only delicious, but it also looked bright and had a tender and elastic texture.

He had eaten steamed eggs before, but what he usually had at home couldn’t compare in terms of color, fragrance, and taste to what was before him.

Du Ke took several bites of the steamed egg before picking up the chopsticks to eat the cold noodles.

As a bite of cold noodle entered his mouth, Du Ke’s eyes widened: “This flavor is unique and very appetizing.”

More importantly, it was cool and refreshing, making him feel comfortable all over.

Shen Lixian nodded in agreement: “This is quite sour; did you add vinegar?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “What you said is correct, Lord Shen. I did add vinegar. During summer, everyone has a reduced appetite, and the acidity can stimulate the appetite.”

Shen Lixian: “The Xiang Jun must be very knowledgeable about food. General Qin is truly fortunate.”

The fortunate General Qin replied sourly, “Right now, my wife only has eyes for the guests and has forgotten about me.” He also wanted to eat!

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

It was quite natural for someone to focus on the food, but only General Qin would say such a thing.

When Yang Haiyan heard this, she realized she had indeed forgotten about Qin Fang.

She quickly said, “Husband, wait a moment. I’ll go prepare something for you.” With that, she bowed to Du Ke and Shen Lixian and withdrew.

After Yang Haiyan left, Du Ke praised, “My student is truly fortunate to have married such a good wife.”

Shen Lixian smiled but didn’t respond.

Unlike Du Ke, who was an elder, praising a married woman felt inappropriate for him, as he and Qin Fang were peers.

Qin Fang actually preferred others to praise his wife rather than him, as he was much happier with that.

When praised, he would be modest, but when it came to his wife, he showed no modesty.

Thus, Qin Fang said, “My wife is indeed wonderful.”

Yang Haiyan returned to the inner courtyard and had someone deliver a bowl of cold noodles to Qin Fang, although there were no steamed eggs left.

Then, she asked Granny Lian to bring out some chilled watermelon.

Yang Haiyan first cut a watermelon, only a third of which was red.

She scooped out the red part, then cut a second one, which was the same, with only a third red.

However, the third one was better, being entirely red.

She crushed the flesh of these three watermelons, yielding three full bowls of watermelon juice, which she had sent out.

At this point, the three in the hall had finished the cold noodles.

In fact, for the hungry Du Ke and Shen Lixian, a bowl of steamed egg and a bowl of cold noodles was not enough to fill them, especially since men usually had a bigger appetite.

So, when they saw the servant bringing in three bowls of red tea-like liquid, they were genuinely astonished.

Du Ke curiously asked, “What is this tea?”
Seeing the watermelon juice, Qin Fang’s eyes lit up. “Has the watermelon ripened?”
The servant replied, “Not yet; the Xiang Jun prepared three watermelons to get this juice.”

Qin Fang nodded, instructed the servant to leave, and explained to Du Ke and Shen Lixian, “This is watermelon juice. Watermelon is a type of fruit. Last year, while at the border, my wife bought quite a few fruit seeds from the traveling merchants, and watermelon was one of them. The taste of this watermelon is really good; you two will know it after you try it.”

Du Ke and Shen Lixian looked at the cool, red liquid in the bowls, wondering about this fruit juice.

They knew about fruits but had never seen anyone crush fruits to extract juice in the capital; they always ate the fruits in pieces.

However, once they tried it, they realized that this watermelon was indeed delicious.

Immediately, they looked at Qin Fang with a bit of envy, feeling that compared to Qin Fang’s life, their previous lives were not worth mentioning.

Mainly, that Yang Haiyan was so good at preparing food.

After enjoying the watermelon juice, Qin Fang took them to rest.

After several days of traveling, the fatigue on their faces was obvious.

Shen Lixian’s courtyard was the one that Eunuch Chi had occupied before, while Du Ke’s was on the other side.

Since Wei Ting was still in Yunjian County, the courtyard that had hosted him had not been arranged for anyone else, in case he returned and needed a place to stay.

Qin Fang first escorted Shen Lixian to his courtyard and then took Du Ke. “Teacher, you should rest here. I’ll come to gather with you later this evening.”

Du Ke nodded, “Okay, you can go ahead.”
Qin Fang respectfully withdrew.

Watching Qin Fang leave, Du Ke didn’t rest immediately.

He first took a bath, sitting in the tub while contemplating matters for when they arrived in Yunjian County.

But most of his thoughts were on Yang Haiyan.

Reflecting carefully, from the military camp fields, the saltpeter for ice-making, to potato starch and sweet potato flour, and now the watermelon, this girl was not as simple as she appeared.

His father often said that Qin Fang was a lucky person; however, from Du Ke’s perspective, perhaps the truly fortunate one was that Yang Haiyan.

Watermelon, cucumbers.

Du Ke knew a bit about the Hu tribe; he had heard of them, a small tribe that had migrated during their wandering years, but they had not caught his attention before.

Today, hearing the Yang Haiyan mention the Hu tribe and cucumbers, Du Ke suddenly had an idea.

Many small tribes are often overlooked because they hardly constitute a power.

Yet, these small tribes possess valuable things.

For example, the Hu tribe’s cucumbers.

This crop is easy to cultivate and matures quickly, so for the common folk, isn’t it also a kind of treasure?

Looking at the watermelon presented by the Yang Haiyan, which came from seeds bought from traveling merchants, it was indeed a fruit that they did not have in their nation, not even overlooked by the emperor.

Du Ke suddenly thought that if someone could travel across various small tribes and record all their precious resources to bring back to Qiguo, it would likely play an important role in the nation’s development.

If Yang Haiyan knew of Du Ke’s thoughts, she would be even more astonished, for this bore a resemblance to Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions and Zheng He’s voyages to the West.

Du Ke was a person who held himself to strict standards; with thoughts in his mind, he would never sleep.

So he called his attendant to prepare his belongings and recorded his ideas about the watermelon and cucumbers.

Once done, he began writing a memorial to the emperor.

When Qin Fang returned to the inner courtyard, he hadn’t said a word before Aunt Yu said, “General, Madam is in the big kitchen.”

Qin Fang nodded and went to the big kitchen.

The big kitchen was bustling, with many people present; today, Kun Zhang and others were helping Yang Haiyan.

It must be said that when preparing food for Wei Ting and Eunuch Chi, Yang Haiyan had not been as attentive; she usually left it to the big kitchen.

Today, with Du Ke’s arrival, she put in her utmost effort.

“Greetings, General.” Upon seeing Qin Fang, everyone hurriedly bowed.

Yang Haiyan turned around, “Why are you here? Aren’t you with Lord Du?”

Qin Fang said, “I escorted the teacher back to his courtyard to rest. Is there anything I can help with?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “No, I’ll prepare the banquet myself tonight. You’re tired; it’s not yet dinner time, so go rest for a bit.”

Qin Fang said, “I’m not tired.”

His body was in great shape, running back and forth to the Beast Mountain every day, and he was not easily fatigued. “By the way, Yanyan, I invited Lord Wei to our residence for dinner tomorrow.”

This meant preparations needed to be made for a banquet tomorrow.

Yang Haiyan said, “Okay, I understand. Then tonight, we’ll prepare a family meal and won’t make a big fuss.”

Qin Fang replied, “Alright. This year’s watermelons have ripened earlier than last year; last year, they only ripened in August.”

He remembered the taste of watermelon vividly, especially after his shift when he could eat half of one using a spoon—quite an enjoyable experience.

Yang Haiyan replied, “Not really; this year’s watermelons haven’t ripened yet. Out of four, only one is ripe, and even when it’s ripe, the taste isn’t sweet enough. It will take another half a month or so. But Niu Da says that the land here is much more fertile than at the border, and crops mature faster here.”

Qin Fang didn’t quite understand these matters. “Niu Da is impressive.”

Yang Haiyan smiled and didn’t respond, as she wouldn’t praise other men in front of Qin Fang. “Then tonight at dinner, let’s invite Grandpa, Grandma, and my parents over to meet Lord Du. When Lord Wei comes tomorrow, my parents won’t need to be at the table; they might not be accustomed to it.”

Qin Fang said, “Okay, you’re always so thoughtful.”