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The county magistrate was around forty years old, with a prosperous appearance. He wore silk robes and tried his best to look imposing, but he seemed less formidable than Qian Dahu beside him. Upon seeing the White Wolf, his composure vanished, and he looked as if he wanted to turn and flee. In the end, he held back and was supported by his attendants. He took a step back, positioning himself behind them as if that would make him safer.
Su Zhi was in the vegetable garden at the back of the estate, picking vegetables and weeding. She enjoyed these light agricultural tasks. When she heard that the county magistrate had arrived, she stood up, picked up her basket of vegetables, and returned to the front. She immediately recognized the magistrate among the group, thinking that officials in ancient times were no different from this.
The White Wolf noticed Su Zhi approaching and glanced at her.
The county magistrate’s name was Tong Jin. He had heard about the village of Riverside, within his jurisdiction, where a pond miraculously remained full despite the drought. He also learned of the presence of a sacred beast and decided to visit, specifically asking Qian Dahu to accompany him. However, upon encountering the sacred beast, he was startled and stood at the entrance, too afraid to proceed. The beast stared back at them, and they dared not move, choosing to stand with the gatekeeper, hoping it would offer some safety.
At this time, everyone in Fuyuan was busy with their respective tasks, and none were inside the house. Aunt Lan went to the back where the vegetables, sweet potatoes, and potatoes were planted and found Su Zhi there.
Magistrate Tong watched as a young woman approached, dressed in a water-blue jacket that reached down to her knees and a pair of deep blue wide-legged pants. Her skin was fair, unlike the tanned complexions of the rural women he was used to seeing. He thought to himself that she must be the owner of this estate, and it made sense—such a garden should have an exceptional owner. Otherwise, it would truly be a cause for regret.
Su Zhi walked over and stroked the White Wolf’s neck, saying to it, “Everything is fine here. These people are just guests.”
The White Wolf glanced once more at Magistrate Tong and his entourage. Its gaze was icy, sending shivers down their spines. Then, with graceful movements, it turned and walked away, with Big Black following closely behind, like a devoted partner.
Magistrate Tong was astonished to see Su Zhi speaking to a wolf and the wolf obediently heeding her words. He had already known that the sacred beast living here was capable of understanding human nature, but witnessing it firsthand still filled him with wonder. He realized that this family was extraordinary, which explained why they had discovered such a water source and possessed this oasis of evergreen trees in the midst of a severe drought. He decided he could not underestimate this woman.
Su Zhi performed a slight bow, speaking with neither servility nor arrogance to Qian Dahu, who then introduced her to Magistrate Tong. She invited them in for tea and asked Old Uncle Lan to take care of their carriage and servants who had accompanied them.
Qian Dahu and Magistrate Tong entered with only their personal attendants, leaving the rest of their entourage, who had arrived on horseback, to rest at the gatehouse.
Aunt Lan went to the bamboo grove to call Shen Zi’an, who was there with Xiaori and the others. The three children, along with Big Grey, Little Black, and Little White, ran back together.
Magistrate Tong and Qian Dahu were once again surprised to see Little White, realizing that this family had even won over the next generation of the sacred beast. If the sacred beast stayed, this family could enjoy decades of peace, perhaps even a century.
As the male head of the household, Shen Zi’an naturally took on the role of hosting the male guests, inviting them into the living room.
Su Zhi went to prepare tea.
It was the first visit to Fuyuan for both Magistrate Tong and Qian Dahu. Qian Dahu had heard his son and niece mention that Fuyuan was nice, but it was still different from what he had imagined. He thought it would be at most slightly better than the homes of ordinary folk, but he didn’t expect it to exude such a scholarly atmosphere.
The three walls of the living room were adorned with calligraphy and paintings, and there was a screen placed to the side.
The calligraphy and paintings were done with the help of Shen Ziju, and the screen was embroidered by Su Zhi. The original screen had been placed in the children’s room, and this was a new one. It had a green background with white lotuses embroidered on it, and beneath the lotus leaves, one could see dark green fish. In the sweltering summer, it offered a refreshing sight.
Magistrate Tong and Qian Dahu, upon learning that the calligraphy and paintings were Shen Ziju’s work, nodded in approval. When they heard that the screen was Su Zhi’s handiwork, they praised her. In their view, for a rural woman to possess such embroidery skills was more than enough to support her family.
“Fourth Shen,” Magistrate Tong began after taking a sip of tea, nodding inwardly at the unexpectedly good quality of the tea. He was surprised to find it had a unique flavor, especially with the small yellow chrysanthemums floating on top, looking incredibly fresh, as if they were blooming in water, without a hint of wilting.
“I’ve heard that your village has switched to planting sweet potatoes this year, and it was your family’s suggestion. What’s the story behind that?”
The tea was wild tea that Su Zhi had discovered deep in the mountains. She had picked it and added **, along with some spiritual spring water, and roasted it herself. Although it wasn’t as good as tea brewed with spiritual spring water, it was comparable to the top-quality tea sold in tea shops outside, which couldn’t be bought anywhere else.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi exchanged a glance, realizing that the magistrate had clearly investigated their village’s affairs before coming.
Qian Dahu said, “Why did you buy so many sweet potatoes? This is a losing business. Are you just trying to help the villagers?”
Su Zhi thought that they still didn’t understand what business they were planning.
Shen Zi’an looked at Su Zhi. The vermicelli business, in his opinion, was extremely profitable, but he wasn’t sure whether to reveal it to outsiders. This matter would be decided by his wife.
Su Zhi pondered for a moment and decided to reveal some information, but not everything.
“My husband and I plan to start a small business. We will turn the sweet potatoes into a type of food. By purchasing sweet potatoes from the villagers, we help them as well as ourselves.”
Magistrate Tong, intrigued, asked, “What kind of food? How can you use so many sweet potatoes? Can you tell me about it?”
Qian Dahu remained silent beside him, also curious but not asking. He had learned over the past few days that Su Zhi was the one who provided the recipes to the Inn in Zhang’s Restaurant and came up with the idea of the kang bed. With the addition of the sacred beast and the water source, he believed she was both intelligent and blessed. He thought that her plan to use so many sweet potatoes must have a significant purpose. If she said it was for food, this food must be extraordinary.
Su Zhi inwardly rolled her eyes, observing Magistrate Tong’s direct gaze and Qian Dahu’s seemingly disinterested yet attentive demeanor. She thought to herself that these people were indeed persistent. She pondered and realized that if the vermicelli were produced, she could certainly manage the business alone, but there might be complications.
Considering that the vermicelli could potentially be a unique and highly profitable product, it was likely to attract envy.
Indeed, even before the vermicelli had been produced, there were already people interested in it.
Su Zhi remembered a time-travel novel she had read, where the female protagonist started a hot pot business, only to face trouble when someone added medicine to the hot pot, causing legal issues. Although she eventually resolved the matter with help, it left her hesitant to continue the business. Su Zhi thought she might encounter similar troubles. She had been considering finding a business partner, and now potential partners had presented themselves—not only Qian Dahu but also the county magistrate. She had no intention of revealing the secret recipe, but selling the product could be a viable partnership.
“To be honest, the food I plan to make is called vermicelli. The main ingredient is sweet potatoes, although potatoes can also be used. It can be made into long, thin strips that can be stored for a long time. Once soaked in water, it can be cooked with vegetables. It’s a very good dish, both delicious and filling. Once it’s ready, I’ll definitely send some to Magistrate Tong and Lord Qian.”
Magistrate Tong and Qian Dahu were both intrigued, finding the idea quite interesting.
Magistrate Tong, being an official, felt that a family favored by a sacred beast wouldn’t be simple, but he couldn’t just bluntly ask to join the business. He wasn’t that shameless yet. He simply said, “That sounds wonderful. I’ll definitely have to give it a try. Who knows, our area might become the birthplace of a new trend in food, and I’ll get to bask in that glory. Hahaha!”
Su Zhi felt a bit of goodwill towards Magistrate Tong.
Qian Dahu, despite holding a minor official title, was a seasoned businessman. From Su Zhi’s brief introduction of the vermicelli, he immediately recognized the business opportunity. He didn’t want to miss out. Moreover, Shen Ziju was going to take the imperial examinations, and Qian Dahu believed he had a good chance of success, whereas his own son’s prospects were not as promising. He thought that if he could partner with Shen Ziju’s fourth brother in business, it would also serve as a connection to Shen Ziju. Furthermore, Shen Zi’an and his wife were worth investing in. Not only because of the vermicelli, but also because of the idyllic paradise of Fuyuan and the sacred beast. Who knew, these simple farmers might become renowned figures in the region in the future.
With these thoughts in mind, Qian Dahu spoke up.
“Nephew Shen, Madam Shen, I wonder if you’re looking for a business partner? I’m interested in joining, but rest assured, I’ll only contribute capital and labor. The recipe is yours, and I have no intention of taking it.”
Qian Dahu wanted a share, but he didn’t want to offend the sacred beast. The higher one’s status, the more one valued the sacred beast, understanding its significance to the country.
Su Zhi thought to herself: So, they’ve finally brought it up, haven’t they? This saves her the trouble of seeking them out as partners.
Su Zhi made a show of considering the offer before agreeing. She then asked Magistrate Tong if he would like a share as well. Upon hearing this, Magistrate Tong was delighted. He had been thinking the same thing. Initially, he had some hesitation, but with Qian Dahu, a known money-maker, already on board, he felt even more confident. No one ever complained about having too much money, especially not a county magistrate like him. Although he was somewhat incompetent as an official, he wasn’t overly corrupt. His family had a lot of money, but not so much that it was inexhaustible. So, the prospect of a lucrative business still excited him.
Su Zhi thus settled the matter with the two men. They would discuss the partnership further once the sweet potatoes were harvested and the vermicelli was produced. She had secured her own safeguards, confident that no one would dare to interfere with her vermicelli business.