Chapter 220: Liang Fu’s Insight and the Doll

Qian Guang held a unique interest in Su Zhi. Initially, when he first saw her, he didn’t have a strong impression, finding her different from typical rural women in her refined manner. Her appearance didn’t captivate him, having seen many beautiful women before; Su Zhi was simply an elegant woman. However, everything changed unexpectedly.

On the day of the Lantern Festival, when Su Zhi hurried to deliver a message to the Qian family, as she swiftly entered the hall, Qian Guang looked up and caught sight of Su Zhi, resembling a slender willow in the wind. In that fleeting moment, he perceived an astonishing charm emanating from her.

Qian Guang felt a twinge of regret knowing that Su Zhi was already married. He wasn’t one to let his emotions run rampant, so even though he found himself drawn to Su Zhi, he quickly suppressed those feelings. However, as he faced the array of dishes prepared by Su Zhi, he couldn’t help but feel that marrying a farmer seemed unworthy of her.

A woman with such insight should indeed marry a man who can provide her with luxury and a life of opulence.

As Qian Guang pondered, despite Su Zhi’s rural upbringing, her ability to prepare such a feast hinted at her being a refined lady. Observing her graceful demeanor, fair skin, captivating eyes, and slender, delicate fingers akin to spring onions, he couldn’t help but admire her.

Qian Guang suddenly felt as though the glass of wine before him had transformed into an elixir. He raised the glass, thanked Su Zhi, took a sip, and found it delightful. While not as exquisite as the wine he usually enjoyed, it possessed a unique flavor, much like Su Zhi herself – not the most beautiful, yet distinctly exceptional.

“Cousin, are you going to eat your meal? If not, I might just finish everything in front of you. Sister Zhao’s cooking is truly exceptional. It’s even tastier than the dishes at the Inn,” Liang Fu teased, appreciating Su Zhi’s culinary skills.

^[1]Note: Liang Fu/ Miss Liang calls Su Zhi “Sister Zhao” because that was how Su Zhi introduced herself to Liang Fu before

Liang Fu smiled and expressed her genuine admiration for Su Zhi. She felt that even as a daughter of a nobleman, Su Zhi’s creativity and culinary skills were truly exceptional. Recalling the candied fruit skewers and sweet and sour cake they made during the Lantern Festival, she realized that Su Zhi’s ability to create such innovative dishes explained why her cooking was so delicious. The memory of the sweet and sour cake sparked an idea in her mind, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at Su Zhi.

Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi encouraged Qian Guang to eat more, displaying warm hospitality. Shen Youfu considered Qian Guang a friend of Shen Ziju and believed that such wealthy and influential friends deserved proper treatment. Meanwhile, Shen Zhang Shi thought about Shen Zhu. Since her daughter had expressed dissatisfaction with her potential marriage, Shen Zhang Shi had been increasingly concerned and hoped to find a better match for her daughter. Qian Guang seemed like a suitable candidate.

Qian Guang responded with a smile and enjoyed the food so much that he found it hard to stop eating.

Su Zhi’s dishes, prepared with ingredients nurtured by spring water, were exceptionally delicious. Her culinary skills resulted in dishes with vibrant colors, perfect seasoning, and flavors that were so enticing that one couldn’t help but keep eating.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

After finishing their meal, Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi showed no sign of leaving, and Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi didn’t rush them. They considered their presence as simply keeping their guests company.

Su Zhi took Liang Fu to sit in the west room. Shen Zhu pondered for a moment and then, pretending to be obedient, sat next to Shen Zhang Shi because she wanted to be closer to Qian Guang.

A hint of mockery flashed across Liang Fu’s lips as she understood Shen Zhu’s intentions. She was well aware of Shen Zhu’s thoughts , although she  didn’t believe that Shen Zhu’s status was beneath Qian Guang. However, since Qian Guang showed no romantic interest in Shen Zhu, her attempts to get close to him might be viewed unfavorably. In comparison, Liang Fu found herself admiring Su Zhi even more.

Liang Fu admired the exquisite decor of the room.

This west room belonged to the children and Su Zhi had put in considerable effort, hanging light green curtains with white flowers that gave the room a fresh and inviting ambiance. On the kang (traditional Chinese heated bed), there was a kang cabinet to one side where quilts were neatly stacked, and a small basket of silk flowers resembling yellow sunflowers was placed on the kang, arranged in a blue bamboo basket, creating a visually pleasing contrast.

The table was set with writing utensils, paper, and inkstone, serving as the children’s study area.

The walls were adorned with numerous cloth paintings, each uniquely crafted, adding a charming touch to the room. Many toys were also placed on the kang.

As Liang Fu observed the contents of the room, she was captivated by the silk flowers, fabric paintings on the walls, and the array of toys. She marveled at the setting, finding it unlike a typical rural household. Although not as luxurious as her own living quarters, she felt a sense of comfort and wished she could reside in such a place if given the choice.

“Sister Zhao, did you personally decorated this room for the children? It looks really beautiful.”

Liang Fu gazed at Su Zhi, impressed by the many surprises this woman had in store. Not only could she cook delicious meals, but she also had a talent for creating interesting things. Initially intrigued by Shen Zian as her benefactor, Liang Fu now found herself more interested in Su Zhi, as this woman continued to astonish her with each new discovery.

Su Zhi pulled over a round cushion from the kang for Liang Fu to sit on and said, “Yes, I arranged this. The children haven’t been here for long, so it’s not elaborately decorated, but they love it.”

Sitting on the cushion, Liang Fu found it soft and comfortable. She recalled the peculiar long bench in the hall earlier, which was also adorned with similar soft cushions. Unlike the usual practice of placing cushions only on seating areas, these cushions were not only on the seats but also on the backs of the chairs, with additional soft pillow-like items filled with cotton. Seeing Su Zhi holding a similar cotton cloth bundle, Liang Fu realized they were meant to be held close like a comforting item.

Seeing Liang Fu’s interest in the cushion she was holding, Su Zhi smiled and said, “I call this a comfort pillow. Holding it feels cozy, and your hands don’t feel empty. Placing it on a chair with a backrest can support your lower back and prevent stiffness. Why don’t you give it a try?”

Su Zhi handed Liang Fu a comfort pillow designed for the three children, each shaped like an animal – one as a pig, one as a bear, and one as a tiger, in pink, blue, and yellow respectively. They were all incredibly adorable. Su Zhi held the tiger-shaped one, while she gave Liang Fu the pig-shaped pillow.

Embracing the pillow, Liang Fu indeed felt comfortable. It seemed to ease the stiffness in her waist from sitting for a while, allowing her to relax without showing it overtly. Both holding the comfort pillows created a relaxed atmosphere, and Liang Fu quickly grew fond of the item.

“Sister Zhao, you are truly ingenious to come up with such wonderful creations. Also, what are those?” Liang Fu’s eyes fell on a pile of toys nearby.

Su Zhi explained that they were dolls she made for the three children – some crafted from cloth, but mostly from fur as she had an abundance of fur at home to make small animal dolls. These were cartoon versions, making them even more adorable. Su Zhi had crafted a variety of cartoon characters that she could think of, such as Garfield, Doraemon, little pigs, bears, and more – a collection unique to this era.

“These are the toys I made for the children. I call them dolls. I created them in my spare time, with quirky and whimsical designs. Please don’t laugh,” Su Zhi said.

Su Zhi had never considered hiding these items, as she didn’t see them as anything out of the ordinary. If she could create items for the kang bed, then making these dolls was also within her capabilities.

Liang Fu gazed at the dolls Su Zhi handed her, her eyes sparkling with delight. Despite being a teenage girl in an era where arranged marriages were common, every girl, regardless of age, couldn’t resist the charm of these cute little toys. Liang Fu, usually composed, couldn’t help but show her excitement as she held each doll, admiring them all.

“Sister Zhao, these dolls are truly precious. I love them so much. You are amazing,” Liang Fu exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration as she looked at Su Zhi.

Observing Liang Fu’s admiring gaze, Su Zhi felt a tingling sensation down her spine. She had initially considered using her charm to befriend Liang Fu and steer her away from showing interest in her husband. However, seeing the genuine enthusiasm in Liang Fu’s eyes made Su Zhi feel slightly awkward. Especially being admired by such an exceptional young lady, who had previously displayed a composed and gentle demeanor, Su Zhi couldn’t help but feel a bit out of place.

“Miss Liang, you flatter me,” Su Zhi replied modestly.

“Sister Zhao, please don’t be modest. You truly are remarkable, and I admire you. Sister Zhao, were those new dishes at the Inn also taught by you?” Liang Fu continued to gaze at Su Zhi with bright, admiring eyes. The steward at the Qian residence had mentioned buying the sweet and sour cake from Su Zhi, sourced from the Inn. Having enjoyed Su Zhi’s cooking once again today, Liang Fu naturally made the connection.

Su Zhi wondered why Liang Fu was asking about this.