Chapter 9 (Fried Chicken Steak)

After lunch, everyone went back to their own courtyards. But unlike usual, this meal had everyone feeling full from the delicious dishes. The sour plum soup was especially appetizing. While walking back, people subtly puffed out their stomachs, trying not to feel so bloated.

Even Mrs. Xiao unknowingly ate more than usual. Xie Qingyun walked slowly back to her courtyard, which was similar to others except for its flat and threshold-free layout.

She asked the maid, “How much did the master eat?”

“A bowl of lotus seed porridge and two cakes,” the maid replied.

Satisfied, Xie Qingyun went to the inner room. A pale-faced man was sitting on the couch reading a book. Where his legs should have been was empty, with only part of them remaining. She walked over, took the book away, and said, “Didn’t you say you shouldn’t read for too long? I’ve been gone for a while. I bet you didn’t put the book down.”

The man looked up. He had refined and elegant features, resembling Xiao Huaiting by three points. Despite his frail appearance, his smile was gentle like a spring breeze. “Ah Yun is back. How was your meal?” he asked.

Xie Qingyun, wanting to scold her husband Xiao Huaiqi, tried to stay stern. Her husband had been suffering from leg pain for days, so she made him stay home instead of going to the front hall, hoping he’d rest more. But he was still reading. “Don’t change the subject—hiccup!” she started, but then hiccuped unexpectedly. Her face turned red, and she covered her mouth, too embarrassed to look at him.

Xiao Huaiqi, smiling, gently patted her hand. “Seems like you enjoyed your meal. This Miss Yan is quite likable.”

“How could we not like a sweet girl brought back by my sixth brother?” Xie Qingyun laughed shyly. “She made sour plum soup, which was so refreshing. Everyone ate a lot. Even Mother seemed full today.”

“Mother ate a lot?” Xiao Huaiqi was surprised.

“Yes, I saw her secretly rubbing her belly! And Dongdong even cried from being too full!” she said, laughing even more.

Xiao Huaiqi’s eyes curved in a smile. He didn’t join the meal earlier because of his disability, afraid of making the girl uncomfortable. But now he was curious.

He thought to himself that Yan Qiushu must be a good cook. His wife assumed their sixth brother, Xiao Huaiting, brought back a sweetheart, but he dismissed that idea. Xiao Huaiting was focused on war, not romance. It was unlikely he’d suddenly bring back a woman he liked.

Besides, this girl came as a step-sister to the Xiao family. He thought she must be here to cheer up their mother with her cooking. But why would she come as an adopted sister? Who was this noble lady? And how did she master such good cooking skills?

Xiao Huaiqi was full of questions and sent for Xiao Huaiting that afternoon. But as soon as Xiao Huaiting got the message, he fled to the military camp, avoiding his older brother entirely. This made Xiao Huaiqi laugh in both anger and understanding.

He figured something out: this girl might indeed be a noble lady from some family, brought here by Xiao Huaiting!

Meanwhile, Xiao Huaiting, feeling guilty and afraid of being exposed, chose to escape to the military camp for training.

Yan Qiushu was happily counting her savings and writing in her journal: [On August 29, the 18th year of Jian’an, Madam Xiao gave me a pair of jade bracelets, and Madam Shao gave me…].

This good start made not only her boss, Xiao Huaiting, happy but also the other members of the Xiao family.

After returning home that day, Yan Qiushu received many gifts.

Xie Qingyun hinted to her that she should make more food for Madam Xiao. If she was willing to eat, it would be delicious.

Especially since Madam Xiao returned and didn’t feel sick or vomit, it showed she was willing to eat.

Yan Qiushu planned to do this, but she felt embarrassed to ask.

Although the other person insisted, she agreed to go along with it.

Now, she needed to work harder to repay the Xiao family’s kindness.

In addition to showing gratitude, she wanted to save money and find a place to live, ideally in the suburbs near the city gate, which would be safe and comfortable.

The only issue was that housing prices in Kyoto were too high!

With her current savings, she couldn’t afford a house in a good area. Even with a farm, her income wouldn’t be stable for a year unless she opened a farm stay with help from someone influential.

Yan Qiushu thought this was a good idea.

Since the Xiao family would protect her, she could use her cooking skills to attract wealthy guests.

By running a business like this, she could ensure enough food for a year. When the animals on the farm grew up, she could sell them and earn a lot of money, eliminating worries about food and expenses.

She found her plan amusing and made a note of her goal.

The next morning, Yan Qiushu made a bowl of lean meat porridge and sent it over.

After breakfast, she thought about making snacks.

Before she started cooking, Dongdong came over first: “Sister Shu! Did you make something delicious for me?”

Yan Qiushu shook her head: “Not yet, I’m just getting ready.”

Dongdong’s eyes sparkled: “Can I help?”

Yan Qiushu was unsure: “Can you handle this? What if you get hurt?”

“No!” Dongdong assured her. Seeing she was still hesitant, he hugged her legs and said, “Sister Shu, I’m very good!”

The maid behind him smiled and said, “Just let him help. He was thinking about it since he woke up this morning and wanted hot food. The fourth lady also agreed.”

Yan Qiushu thought: … Is this kid a little foodie^[1]means a kid who really loves food or enjoys eating a lot.?

She had to agree but asked, “Can you bring Wan’er over too? I promised her yesterday.”

“Sure!” Dongdong said cheerfully, letting go of Yan Qiushu and running off. His chubby little figure disappeared quickly.

Yan Qiushu hurried to the kitchen to start cooking.