Chapter 3 (Self-recommendation)

Yan Qiushu carried the spicy crabs and headed straight for the third floor.

She had already asked about the target’s location before cooking, so she went directly there.

It was a little late now, though.

When she got the ingredients, the sun had already set. After returning to buy all the ingredients, process the crabs, and cook them, the moon had already risen.

But that was fine. It was perfect for a midnight snack.

It was too early before, and people were still full from their main meal. They might not appreciate it as much.  

Soon, Yan Qiushu reached the third floor. She took a deep breath, ready to knock on the door of young General Xiao Huaiting.

Xiao Huaiting was well-known.

The book didn’t say much about the Xiao family, but the little it mentioned was positive.

Twenty years ago, the emperor was a cruel tyrant who only cared about pleasure. At the same time, barbarians kept attacking the border, and the country’s army was too weak.

The Xiao family was the main force in defending the country.

There was a shortage of food and supplies, and the war was tough. Xiao family members who led the army kept dying, but they kept sending more people to fight. Eventually, things calmed down.

But it came at a cost: Xiao Huaiting, the youngest of six siblings, was left alone at home when the others went to fight. His father died, his eldest brother was disabled, his second brother was dead, his third and fourth sisters lost their husbands in battle, and his fifth sister was scarred while avenging their family and refused to remarry.

Only Xiao Huaiting survived and grew up well. But in the book, his fate wasn’t good. He lost his position in the fight for the crown prince, and his soldiers were starved and weak. He died defending a city.

The fight for the crown prince led to the death of a hero, many soldiers were killed, and the country fell into chaos.

Later, the son of the King of Jin rebelled, took the throne, and built monuments to honor the fallen. This made him a hero in the eyes of the people.

The book didn’t say much more about Xiao Huaiting, except what the Prince of Jin said during his conquest.

Yan Qiushu, having traveled to this time, learned the sacrifices of the Xiao family and admired them. In her heart, she held them in the highest regard.

Just like the soldiers and police who protect the country in her past life.

So, naturally, the first person Yan Qiushu thought of asking for help was Xiao Huaiting.

“Knock, knock, knock…” The sound of slow knocks echoed in the calm night.

Xiao Huaiting, who had just settled down and was thinking about tomorrow, frowned. He thought the knock was from thieves disturbing his rest.

A woman’s soft voice came from outside the door: “Excuse me, is General Xiao here?”

Xiao Huaiting shivered and his face darkened.

It was a woman!

The only women in his camp were five he rescued after a bandit raid. Four had left earlier, leaving only one girl who claimed to be from the capital.

Now, in the middle of the night, this woman was knocking on his door. What did it mean?

Xiao Huaiting guessed it must be trouble. He had faced this kind of thing many times before. As a man of power and good family, many sought his favor. He didn’t expect this woman to come after escaping thieves.

He stayed silent. The knocking continued: “Knock, knock, knock…” and the woman said cautiously, “General Xiao? Can I meet you?”

She wouldn’t leave until she saw him.

Xiao Huaiting got up and was about to open the door when he saw “The Book of Zhou Rites” on a shelf. He paused, took it, and opened the door.

When he approached, a faint fragrance caught his attention. Something felt off, but he didn’t think much of it and opened the door.

A stronger, spicy aroma hit him.

Xiao Huaiting’s expression softened.

He had eaten earlier but had been busy, and now, the scent made him feel even hungrier.

He swallowed and tried to look away from the delicious item in the woman’s hand.

To his surprise, the woman was very beautiful. Her simple clothes didn’t hide her beauty, but instead made her seem fragile, drawing attention and care.

Especially her clear, bright eyes.

Xiao Huaiting found it hard to say the cold words he had prepared. Instead, he asked, “What… what is this for?”

At his question, Yan Qiushu’s nervousness eased. She was surprised by how handsome Xiao Huaiting looked. His face was still young, though a little dark due to the dim light, but his features were striking, and his eyes sparkled like stars.

Yan Qiushu, used to handsome men from her past life, felt her heart race and cheeks warm when she saw his eyes.

But she remembered her purpose quickly, smiled, and said, “I admire the young general and would like to recommend myself…”

Xiao Huaiting’s face turned red, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed.

Seeing the situation wasn’t good, Yan Qiushu quickly said seriously, “I want to be the general’s cook and cook for him forever!”

Xiao Huaiting was confused, not understanding.

Yan Qiushu knew her request was strange, but she had no choice. She moved the full pot of food forward.

Xiao Huaiting reached out without thinking.

The hot bowl made him realize the food was fresh, and its delicious smell caught his attention.

“Please try it, General. If you like it, let me stay by your side and cook for you,” Yan Qiushu said with a smile. After that, she bowed and left.

She quickly hid in a corner.

Xiao Huaiting was confused the entire time.

Did she really want him to taste her cooking skills?

He looked at the food in his hand, then at the figure who walked away, feeling a bit embarrassed.

When he carried the large pot of food back to his room, he was still dazed.

A pot full of spicy crabs?

Xiao Huaiting had eaten crabs at state banquets before. He hated the fishy taste and often avoided eating them.

But the smell now was completely different from what he remembered.

The rich color made him hungry!

He swallowed several times.

The room was lit with candles, and the red sauce gave off a faint heat. The orange shrimp lay there, and the crab, cut in half, had plump, tempting crab roe.

Xiao Huaiting couldn’t help but reach for the crab.

The soup dripped as he lifted the crab, making a soft sound that even someone with sharp ears like him could hear.

He bit into it, and the spicy taste made his eyes widen, but the soft and rich crab roe quickly balanced the heat.

“Hmm!” Xiao Huaiting bit into the crab roe, feeling satisfied but also a bit spicy.

He took another bite and enjoyed the soft, sweet crab meat. Even the strong flavors couldn’t hide the sweetness.

Was this really crab?

The crab that had once made him want to throw up?

No wonder that girl had dared to recommend herself.

This food was impressive!

Xiao Huaiting’s suspicion about the woman who brought him the food faded. He now looked at the crab legs with new interest.

At state banquets, he had heard that crab legs were edible. He hadn’t been interested before, but now he couldn’t waste them.

“Crunch! Crunch!” The sound of the crab legs breaking echoed as he ate them. It was perfect with the next crab leg.

After eating half a crab, Xiao Huaiting found it a bit salty. He noticed something that looked like a steamed bun on top.

He picked it up. The bottom soaked in soup, and when he bit into it, the soft texture mixed with the spicy flavor was very satisfying.

He quickly finished it and grabbed another crab, eager to continue.

He repeated the process, but this time, he was eating much more eagerly.

From behind the door, the guard on night watch heard and swallowed hard.

What was this amazing food? How could General Xiao eat like this?