Chapter 24: Lazy Man’s Stewed Rice

Two hours later, they finally arrived at a resting spot. It wasn’t much better than being in the wild, except for the flat ground. But at least it was somewhat more bearable.

After the restraints were removed from everyone, they could finally rest, but the serious offenders still couldn’t take off their shackles. Each person was given a cornmeal steamed bun and a watery porridge made from measured rice grains.

Su Nuoli had been drinking the spiritual spring water, so she was feeling fine, but the others were exhausted.

She decided to take charge of the food, seeing that what they were given wouldn’t fill anyone up. “We won’t be able to travel tomorrow if we don’t eat enough. Those who aren’t too tired should gather some firewood. The rest should help each other with their blisters. Apply the medicine and don’t move too much.”

She then walked over to the leader of the guards and spoke gently, “Sir, I was wondering if you have any unused pots? I’d like to buy one as a token of my appreciation.”

She handed him five taels of silver.

“Call me Zhang Tou. You’re quite smart, reading the situation well! We do have pots. A medium one costs ten taels of silver, and a larger one costs twenty. Which one would you like?”

“I’ll take the medium one, Zhang Tou. Here’s the silver. Thank you.”

“Monkey, give her the medium-sized pot.”

“Got it, boss!”

After receiving the pot, Su Nuoli quickly returned to her family’s spot. She had known these people would sell everyday items at high prices to those traveling on the exile route to make some extra money.

Back at camp, she set up the pot, using three large stones the guards brought to make a stable base for it.

She went to the river to wash the rice, but actually used the space to wash it. After putting the rice in the pot, she added water, and then pulled out some sweet potatoes and potatoes she had “found” earlier, cutting them into chunks to add to the pot. She also sliced some preserved meat and put it in, then secretly added two spoonfuls of soy sauce, covered the pot, and waited.

After twenty minutes, a fragrant smell wafted through the air. Another ten minutes later, it was time to open the pot and serve the meal. (Please don’t try this method of cooking. There’s no scientific basis for it.)

Everyone gathered around, but then realized there were no bowls. The spoons were still in the bag, but there were no bowls or chopsticks.

Su Nuoli went back to Zhang Tou and spent another five taels to buy eighteen sets of bowls and chopsticks, as well as a small basin. She even gave Zhang Tou some of the food she had made.

Don’t underestimate lazy man’s stewed rice—it’s delicious!

After the meal, Nanny Du and Nanny Cai stood up to wash the bowls and the pot. Everyone was tired, and the night passed without a word.

The next morning, when they woke up, they found that the nannies had already heated the breakfast buns Su Nuoli had handed to them. Each person got one bun and one egg, no more, no less.

After eating and drinking, they set off for the day’s journey. During the trip, Su Nuoli, making an excuse to use the latrine, took the opportunity to secretly enjoy a spicy hot pot with rice.

Before leaving, she took forty boiled eggs, intending to distribute them to everyone to replenish their energy. She explained that her senior brother had sent her food and that she had to stay out of sight, so she’d follow behind the group for a while.

Sure enough, after another five miles, everyone was exhausted. She quickly handed out a sugar ball and an egg to each person, then gave them some water. With that, they regained their energy and finally arrived at the rest stop by midday.

While everything was running smoothly on this side, things were a mess over at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The old lady pointed at Wang Wanqing’s nose, saying, “So all those times you claimed you could make soup and porridge were just acts? I don’t care. We’re having a proper meal for lunch today. We don’t have the energy anymore!”