Chapter 25: Medicinal Cuisine Was Not Only Delicious but Also Nourishing

In the afternoon, Xiao Zhang brought several young soldiers to the house, hauling a cart full of bricks.

“Sister-in-law.” he said: “the Battalion Commander said we’re going to build a bathhouse and a toilet in the courtyard. You tell us where to build it.”

Lin Banxia showed them the area she had originally planned for and even brought out some sodas that she had especially chilled in cold water.

“It’s really a trouble for you all. The weather’s hot—have some soda to cool down.”

She spoke with the soft, sticky tone of someone from Jiangnan.

As she smiled, the young soldiers behind Xiao Zhang all turned red in the ears.

This… this was way too pretty!

Last night, after Xiao Zhang returned to the dorm, he had already told them—Sister-in-law Lin was not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. She even gave him White Rabbit candies and fancy biscuits!

All the soldiers in the dorm had been envious beyond words.

However, some had doubted him. They’d heard that Battalion Commander Gu’s wife had a bad temper and wasn’t easy to get along with. And even if she was good-looking, could she possibly be more beautiful than the female soldiers in the Art Troupe? They didn’t believe it!

But now, after seeing Lin Banxia in person, they finally understood what true beauty meant.

After drinking the soda Lin Banxia had given them, the soldiers worked with extra energy. In just a few hours, they had already finished building the bathhouse and toilet.

Upon learning that Lin Banxia wanted to plant some things in the courtyard, they even took the initiative to till the land for her.

By the time Gu Shiqing returned home, the courtyard had undergone a complete transformation.

Lin Banxia remembered what Hou Xiufen had said earlier and took the initiative to bring it up with Gu Shiqing.

“We won’t hold the warm home gathering in the dining hall anymore—let’s just do it at home.”

Gu Shiqing raised his brows and asked: “What happened? Why the sudden change of plan?”

Lin Banxia didn’t hide anything and told Gu Shiqing everything that Sister Hou had said to her.

Only then did Gu Shiqing realize that Lin Banxia didn’t want to host it in the dining hall because she was worried it would affect him.

He explained: “Actually, it’s not that serious. I’ll just explain the situation to the leadership in advance.”

“Explain what situation? That I can’t cook?” she retorted. “Now everyone thinks I don’t know how to cook. If I don’t show them what I can do, won’t they all look down on me?”

Lin Banxia let out a cold hum and said so.

When Gu Shiqing saw Lin Banxia’s cheeks puffed out ever so slightly, he found her especially adorable. His eyes couldn’t help but linger on her.

With a smile, he said: “Alright, then I’ll be your assistant that day.”

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On the day of the housewarming gathering, Lin Banxia prepared medicinal cuisine.

She indeed didn’t have much experience cooking regular meals, but when it came to medicinal dishes, her skills were exceptional.

She had already told Gu Shiqing yesterday what ingredients she would need. Early that morning, Gu Shiqing had gone to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to purchase them.

Some of the ingredients she already had in her storage space, so she didn’t mention them. She planned to take them out when needed.

After helping to prepare the ingredients, Gu Shiqing still wanted to stay in the kitchen to lend a hand, but Lin Banxia promptly shooed him out.

“Don’t worry. I can handle it all by myself.”

If he didn’t leave, how was she supposed to take things out of the space?

Once she had retrieved the missing ingredients from her storage space, Lin Banxia began to cook the medicinal dishes.

She didn’t make too many varieties, because although medicinal cuisine was beneficial, eating too many kinds at once in a single day could actually lead to adverse effects.

She was mindful of this and focused all the dishes on the same kind of nourishment, carefully avoiding over-supplementation or mixed effects.

However, since there were many guests coming for the meal, each dish was made in generous portions.

Before long, a mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen.

Lin Banxia was extremely pleased with the medicinal dishes she had made. And why wouldn’t she be? Before she transmigrated into the book, her medicinal cuisine had been sold at high prices. Not only did it taste great, it was also extraordinarily nourishing. People used to line up just to have a chance to eat her cooking.

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Outside the kitchen, Gu Shiqing also caught the scent drifting out and instinctively took a deep sniff.

Hmm… what he smelled was indeed the fragrance of food, not the smell of something burning. That reassured him. It seemed his wife really could cook, and she wasn’t just stubbornly putting on a show to save face.

Just then, the comrades who had been invited for the housewarming gathering arrived at the courtyard gate.

Xiao Wenlei came together with Battalion Commander Cao. On the way over, the two of them had made a bet about who was cooking the meal today.

Xiao Wenlei said there was no need to guess—it was definitely Gu Shiqing. Just a couple of days ago, when he came to drop off vegetables, he had seen with his own eyes how Gu Shiqing was busy working alone in the kitchen, running around handling everything.

Battalion Commander Cao, on the other hand, believed that no matter how lazy Gu Shiqing’s wife was, it was Warm Home day after all, and with so many guests coming to eat at their house, even if she was just putting on an act, she had to at least pretend to be involved. There was no way she would do absolutely nothing. So he bet that the food was made by Lin Banxia.

As soon as the two arrived, they saw Gu Shiqing in the courtyard, clearly not busy in the kitchen at all.

Battalion Commander Cao immediately bumped Xiao Wenlei’s shoulder with his own and signaled with his eyes: “You lost. Don’t forget to pay me what you owe.”

Xiao Wenlei looked stunned. “Old Gu, this really is rare! You’ve finally turned into the guest of honor today, huh?”

Upon hearing Xiao Wenlei’s comment, Gu Shiqing frowned and responded unceremoniously with an elbow jab.

He had expected nothing less from this guy—nothing decent ever came out of his mouth!

Just then, Lin Banxia finished preparing all the medicinal dishes.

Hearing the commotion outside, she guessed it must be Gu Shiqing’s comrades arriving. She originally intended to bring the dishes out right away, but then unexpectedly heard Xiao Wenlei’s comment.

Thinking for a moment, she gave a gentle cough, poked her head out of the kitchen, and called out in a soft and delicate voice,

“Shiqing, the food is ready. Is everyone here yet? Should I bring it out now?”

Spoken with a Hu City accent, her words already carried a naturally sweet tone. And Lin Banxia had deliberately softened her voice, making it even more tender and charming.

All of Gu Shiqing’s comrades instantly got goosebumps upon hearing it.

Then they turned to look at the person speaking—Lin Banxia had tied her hair into a low bun for cooking, and was wearing a pale blue bulaji dress. The color made her skin look as white as snow, her eyebrows were delicate and well-shaped, and her eyes sparkled brilliantly. At that moment, she stood there smiling at them.

My God… did they just see a fairy?

Gu Shiqing noticed his group of comrades staring blankly at his wife, completely dazed, and gave a light cough to remind them to behave themselves.

That was his wife!

He walked over and positioned himself in front of Lin Banxia, blocking their view as he said,

“Only Battalion Commander Liu next door hasn’t arrived yet. He probably figured he lives close and plans to come once everyone else is here.”

Xiao Wenlei finally snapped out of his fairy-struck daze and immediately offered, “I’ll go call him, I’ll go!”

Then he turned toward the neighboring courtyard and shouted, “Old Liu! Hurry up and come eat—if you don’t come now, there won’t be any food left!”

Battalion Commander Liu and Hou Xiufen heard the call and quickly made their way over.

The moment they entered, they were greeted by a rich aroma.

By then, Gu Shiqing had already brought out the medicinal dishes. Once the lids were lifted, the scent became even stronger, making everyone’s mouth water. Amidst the delicious aroma, there was also a faint, hard-to-place scent.

They couldn’t quite describe it, but only Lin Banxia knew—it was the subtle fragrance of medicinal herbs.

She had made medicinal cuisine, after all, and naturally included herbs—nourishing ones!

“Come and eat.” she said.

Lin Banxia took off her apron and neatly set it aside. Smiling at Hou Xiufen, she noticed the couple had come alone and asked,

“Sister-in-law, where’s Gangdan? Why didn’t he come?”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about him. He’s not hungry.” Hou Xiufen replied.

In truth, she felt embarrassed to bring her child over to freeload again.

With seven or eight people now seated at the table, the meal was ready to begin.

Lin Banxia began to introduce the dishes: “These dishes are suitable for men. This one is called Combat Readiness Vitality Soup—it helps boost energy, build muscle, and improve endurance. These few are more suitable for women—they replenish qi and enhance complexion. Since the weather’s been so hot lately, I was worried no one would have much of an appetite, so I also prepared a soup that aids digestion and stimulates appetite. Everyone can have a bit before the meal.”

Everyone was a bit stunned when they heard this. It was the first time they had heard that eating vegetables could have such an effect.

Was this a meal or medicine?

Gu Shiqing saw the comrades exchanging glances, especially Xiao Wenlei, whose gaze was drifting, clearly not quite convinced.

She first shot Xiao Wenlei a glare, then helped explain: “Banxia’s grandfather is an old Chinese medicine doctor. She learned medicine from him since she was a child. These dishes were specially made by her as medicinal cuisine.”

“Medicinal cuisine?”

Battalion Commander Cao was the first to speak. “I think I’ve heard of it before. I believe it really can help regulate the body.”

“But I also heard that medicinal cuisine doesn’t taste good. If sister-in-law hadn’t said anything, I really wouldn’t have guessed that such fragrant dishes were actually medicinal cuisine.”

“Whether it tastes good or not, you’ll know after you try it.” Lin Banxia said confidently.

She had personally made this medicinal cuisine—there was no way it wouldn’t taste good!

As soon as she said this, everyone picked up their chopsticks.

After eating, they all began praising Lin Banxia’s cooking skills. The flavor was simply amazing.

It would’ve been fine if it were just tasty, but after eating, they truly felt a strange sensation in their bodies—not just the satisfaction of eating delicious food, but also a sense of comfort, as if their bodies had been replenished with energy.

At this point, even Xiao Wenlei, who hadn’t believed it at first, had nothing more to say.

At most housewarming banquets, the men would drink and chat while eating. But at this one, everyone tacitly said very little.

The reason was simple: everyone was too busy eating to have time to talk!

It was no exaggeration to say—the flavor was absolutely divine!

There was this feeling that the more they ate, the better it tasted.

And maybe it was thanks to that bowl of spleen-strengthening, appetite-boosting soup they had beforehand, but everyone ate until they were full without feeling bloated or uncomfortable. All they felt was comfort and satisfaction.

In the end, Battalion Commander Cao somewhat sheepishly asked: “Sister-in-law, my wife is currently pregnant. I’ve noticed her complexion hasn’t been great lately. What kind of medicinal cuisine would be suitable for her?”

Lin Banxia carefully asked about how many months pregnant Battalion Commander Cao’s wife was, as well as some of her usual symptoms and reactions. After listening, she replied:

“She’s currently carrying a child, so she’s suited for medicinal cuisine that can nourish the qi and blood while also boosting immunity. I actually made a dish with that exact effect today. There’s still some left in the kitchen—take it with you later.”

Upon hearing this, Battalion Commander Cao quickly expressed his thanks. “Sister-in-law, thank you so much! Old Gu, you’re really blessed to have married such a good wife.”

Gu Shiqing smiled in agreement when he heard this.

Xiao Wenlei took in Gu Shiqing’s expression—it definitely didn’t look like he was suffering at all, did it? Why did it seem like Gu Shiqing was actually enjoying himself?

Especially the way Gu Shiqing kept sneaking glances at Lin Banxia while eating, that smug, satisfied look on his face—anyone who didn’t know better would think their relationship was sweet and loving.

Xiao Wenlei was thoroughly confused. What the hell was going on? Gu Shiqing had only gone home for a short while, and it felt like he’d completely changed into a different person.

Thinking back to how he had felt sorry for Gu Shiqing just a couple of days ago, he suddenly felt like a complete fool.

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On the other side, Yu Juan saw that it was almost time, so she quickly headed to the military family dining hall.

Just yesterday, she had personally seen Lin Banxia asking someone for directions to the military family dining hall—most likely to arrange the banquet there.

Battalion Commander Gu really spoiled Lin Banxia too much—he actually allowed her to host a banquet there.

But that was fine—it gave her the perfect opportunity!