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Those waiting to eat smelled the aroma wafting from the kitchen, causing their mouths to water incessantly. Even the most dignified and serious individuals in the village felt the same way, including Li Zheng, Shen Zi’an’s two uncles, and several other elderly or respected people.
“Li Sheng’s wife, who is cooking the dishes in the kitchen? The skill is truly impressive.”
Shen Zi’an’s eldest uncle inquired. Being older, he usually lacked interest in food and hardly found anything appetizing. However, today, the aroma aroused his appetite. He felt a bit embarrassed as he swallowed his saliva, wondering who had such excellent culinary skills. Seeing Zhao Feng passing by, he decided to ask her.
Zhao Feng smiled and said, “Uncle Shen, it’s Zi’an’s wife who’s cooking. She’s the hostess today, so of course, she’s in the kitchen. Her culinary skills are excellent. I’ve never tasted food as delicious as hers. Everyone is in for a treat. I guarantee that after eating her dishes, even if you go to the fanciest restaurant in the city, the food won’t taste as good!”
Everyone praised her upon hearing this.
The eldest uncle said to Shen Youfu, “Third Brother, you’ve married a gem. Not only is she blessed, but her cooking skills are also exceptional. We’ve misunderstood her before. From now on, treat this couple well!”
The second uncle echoed his sentiments. As Shen Shugen’s father, he considered Shen Shugen and Shen Zi’an as cousins.
Shen Youfu’s face was somewhat embarrassed. He knew that almost everyone was laughing at him now. Initially, because of rumors about Su Zhi being a jinx, he had separated Shen Zi’an from her. But now, just two months after their separation, things had turned out completely differently. Instead of suffering, they had prospered. Su Zhi’s illness had improved, and they had even obtained ginseng from the Sacred Beast. Now they had built a large house and bought so much land, living like small landlords. How could such people be considered jinxes? They were more like bearers of good fortune. Many people were now saying that the Shen family had actually benefited from the Taoist priest’s advice and were now wealthy.
Shen Youfu had certainly heard these comments, and he felt regretful. Hearing others say that he had mistreated Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi made him extremely uncomfortable. But he couldn’t say anything, so he just listened.
Shen Zhang shi hadn’t escaped criticism either. Hearing these words, she couldn’t stay silent, after all, she was the stepmother.
“Zi’an has suffered a lot. He’s a sentimental person and has sacrificed so much for this wife of his. Now, with the blessings of the heavens, the fourth son’s wife has recovered, sparing Zi’an from too much hardship. When his father and I talk about this, we can’t help but thank the heavens!”
This statement was made with such subtlety, on the surface appearing as a compassionate mother. However, while portraying their sympathy as parents towards Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang shi, it also implied that Shen Zi’an was someone who could abandon his parents for his wife. They attributed Su Zhi’s recovery from illness to their prayers to the heavens, making it seem like they were deeply concerned about this couple.
“Mother, where has the fourth younger brother suffered? He’s living a life of luxury now. Look at this big courtyard and the large house. It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s a landlord, yet he still lets you and father live in that old house.”
Sun shi, listening to Shen Zhang shi’s words, spoke up from the side. She had endured it for a while, but after seeing such a good house and hearing others praise Su Zhi, she couldn’t hold back any longer.
Sun shi’s belly was now slightly showing. However, with layers of winter clothing, it wasn’t very noticeable. But she insisted on holding her waist and pushing out her belly, as if trying to show off that she was pregnant. Sitting there and saying such things, especially after hearing those compliments about Su Zhi, it was impossible for people not to take notice.
“Third Daughter-in-law, we do want to contribute money to build a house for our parents, but since there are five sons in the family, each person should share the responsibility. Why don’t you and Third Brother state how much you plan to contribute? Don’t worry, we will definitely contribute the same amount as you, not a penny more, not a penny less!”
Su Zhi arrived with the dishes at this moment. According to their customs, during the meal, the first dish must be served by the lady of the house. The dish Su Zhi served naturally had to be placed on the table of the elders. She also heard Sun shi’s words sitting at the adjacent table. Feeling annoyed that this woman was still scheming against them, Su Zhi was planning to immediately retorted but heard her husband continue to speak.
Shen Zi’an added in a deep voice from the side, “And don’t forget to subtract the room you’re living in.”
Su Zhi’s smile grew brighter, thinking that Shen Zi’an was thinking ahead more than she was.
Sun shi was left speechless. Setting aside the fact that she and her in-laws hadn’t separated yet, even after they did, she didn’t want to contribute money to build a house for her in-laws!
“Alright, why bring this up on such an occasion? Third Daughter-in-law, if you have anything more to say, you can go back home!”
Shen Youfu looked around at the crowd, seeing everyone enjoying the spectacle with smiles on their faces. Feeling embarrassed once again, he vented his anger on Sun shi.
Sun shi immediately lowered her head, pretending to be obedient. She didn’t want to go back home. During these festive occasions, even the simplest households would serve meat dishes, much better than what she had at home. Moreover, this time it was Shen Zi’an’s family hosting the meal. With all the money he had earned, the feast was bound to be extravagant. Just from the aroma earlier, she knew it would be delicious. Now, looking at the first dish, fried peanuts glistening with oil, her mouth watered. She wouldn’t miss out on anything tasty.
Don’t underestimate fried peanuts. Oil and peanuts were expensive at the time. Usually, even if peanuts were served at a feast, they were boiled, rarely fried. Eating something fried like this was naturally delightful!
Shen Zhang shi said to Su Zhi, “Zi’an’s wife, don’t mind your Third Sister-in-law. Go about your business!”
Su Zhi bid everyone to enjoy their meal before gracefully departing.
Although Shen Ziju was a junior, being a scholar with a promising future, he sat with his father at the same table. He observed Fourth Sister-in-law, reflecting on her words from earlier. Each sentence seemed significant, especially today. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was extraordinary. Hearing about her past being sent to the convent, he wondered if that had broadened her perspective.
Shen Ziju gazed in the direction Su Zhi had left, lost in thought.
Dishes kept arriving one after another, dazzling the guests. They were surprised to see such a variety of dishes even in winter, and they looked and smelled delightful.
Su Zhi started with fried peanuts, followed by braised pig’s head meat, tofu stew with pork and cabbage, scrambled eggs, braised pork, stir-fried bean sprouts, shredded pork with green beans, chicken stew with potatoes, pumpkin fries, braised wild rabbit, stir-fried lamb with scallions, blood tofu, stir-fried pig intestines, eggplant slices with pork, radish and pork rib stew, fried meat slices, fried liver tips, large meatballs, and finally, a sour cabbage fish dish!
Although not all dishes were served on every table—each had only twelve dishes—the guests still found the spread overwhelming and satisfying. The first round of diners couldn’t help but feel envious when they saw new dishes appearing on the second round of tables. However, after hearing others rave about the dishes they missed, their admiration for Su Zhi’s cooking skills grew even stronger. They vowed to indulge again whenever the opportunity arose.
Despite not sampling every dish, everyone was content with the main courses.
Su Zhi steamed mixed flour buns this time, with half made from white flour and half from corn flour. They were fragrant and tempting, making people want to grab them even if they weren’t eating. It seemed like Su Zhi’s buns were just a bit tastier than others’.
In the end, everyone’s stomachs were full to bursting, and some found it difficult to move after eating so much. They felt that the gifts they brought were truly worth it.
It took three rounds of serving to accommodate all the guests.
After finishing their meals, guests bid farewell one by one. There was no choice but to leave; the house couldn’t accommodate so many people. Some left with apologies, and once one person left, a group followed suit, quickly quieting down the place.
“Zi’an, you’ve built this house and made this garden. You’ll live well from now on,” Shen Youfu bid farewell to Shen Zi’an. Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi had been busy all day without even eating, so he felt it was time to leave and not take up more of their time.
Shen Yu, carrying Ye’er and Yang Qingshan, also left with the Shen family. They had just finished the last round of the feast. Shen Yu and Yang Qingshan expressed their gratitude to Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, knowing that it was because of them that Shen Youfu had accepted them. Ye’er was reluctant to leave her aunt, who always treated her to delicious food. In the end, Shen Yu promised to bring her to visit her aunt again, and reluctantly, Ye’er left.
Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui stayed behind with their families to help clean up.
Li Shi and his team helped return the tables and chairs, while several women assisted Su Zhi in washing the dishes and pots. With many hands, the task was completed quickly.
After thanking everyone and seeing them off, Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an finally had time to sit down, feeling exhausted.
After closing the courtyard gate, the two of them returned to the house and sat down for a moment, finally recovering from the day’s events. Then Su Zhi went to inspect the gifts brought by the guests. There were too many people today, and she wanted to see how many gifts they had received.
All the gifts were placed in the western room. When Su Zhi went in, she saw that the kang, table, and chairs were all filled with items. Her mood immediately improved. Indeed, women loved the feeling of receiving abundant gifts, even if they were not clothes or perfumes.
Guests from the countryside always brought gifts, except for their parents. Although the gifts were just a piece of meat or a small basket of eggs, they added up. These items were diverse, including both food and practical items like bowls and pieces of cloth. Although none of them were valuable, they were all useful for daily life, making people feel comfortable and content.
Su Zhi thought that with these items, they could save a lot of money at home.