Baozi Xishi's Struggle

Chapter 302 Let Miss Shen in Quickly

Therefore, Lu Zheng secretly made up his mind that he must bribe his good friend with delicious food and ask him to let him go.

Unexpectedly, Yang Chi did this before he was ready. He was so angry that he had to discuss urgently with his master how to hold a banquet to entertain his good friend and boss.

Of course, Lu Zheng would not tell his son, who was an excellent student, his true thoughts.

What he was thinking in his heart was that he already had a father who was a second-rank official, and an elder brother who was a fourth-rank official in Beijing.

If he has a son who passes the imperial examination and has a bright future in the future, he only needs to wait and enjoy a peaceful life. There is no need for him to work hard at all.

Lu Lang had no idea what his father was thinking.

He only knew that before he first came to the county, his grandfather specifically called him over and told him solemnly: "Your father is a casual person. He is afraid of trouble and always wants to push it to others to solve."

"When I was at home, it was fine for me to be so noncompetitive, but after becoming a county official, if I continue to be like this, the people will suffer."

"Originally you could have stayed at home and concentrated on studying, waiting for the imperial examination, but with your father's condition, it would be more reassuring for your grandfather to let you go with him."

"When something happens, discuss it with the two masters and the captain, and don't let your father worry too much."

"Otherwise, if he gives up halfway and runs back, our Lu family will lose all face."

"You follow your father to take up his post, firstly so that the local people will not suffer because of your father's laziness, and secondly so that you can gain some practical experience as an official, which will be of great benefit to your future career."

"Once his three-year term as county magistrate is up, I will transfer him back to take up a sinecure to retire. Then you can go do what you want without any worries."

Lu Lang, adhering to the spirit of 'I must solve my father's difficulties', listened to Lu Zheng's complaints and began to grasp the key points: "Father, will Lord Yang arrive today?"

"What time will you arrive this afternoon?"

"Which gate are you coming from?"

"Should we send someone to pick them up? Where will they stay then?"

"How many days will you stay in Anping County?"

When County Magistrate Lu heard this, he began to feel a headache: "Why do you have so many things to arrange? Yang Laoliu, Yang Laoliu, why are you launching a surprise attack? Can't you come first while I slowly prepare myself?"

The two advisors next to him were carefully selected by Mr. Lu for Lu Zheng. They are considerate and capable.

Master Qian quickly answered for Magistrate Lu, "Lord Yang will arrive around 3 p.m. today and will be staying at the county office. He said there is no need to send anyone to pick him up, as he will come here on his own. There is no need to alert others."

"As for how many days to stay, Lord Yang didn't say. He just said we'll talk about it when we get there."

After listening to this, Lu Lang understood what was going on.

I think Uncle Yang is a nice guy. He didn't make a big fuss or require a full set of ceremonial equipment. He just came here to eat some delicious food. There was no need for my father to be so nervous.

Eat something delicious, pork belly skewers?

Only then did Lu Lang notice what his father mentioned.

There are many restaurants in Anping County, but Lu Lang has only eaten in restaurants a few times with a few classmates.

He had only been to one snack bar, which was Fengnian Snack Bar.

He knew the taste of the pork belly skewers made by Miss Shen.

Qixi brought back a basket of snacks yesterday. He and Qixi secretly had a big meal in the study. The crispy and delicious taste was really satisfying.

Are there other snack shops in Anping County that also sell pork belly skewers?

Has the reputation spread to Ji'an Prefecture?

Thinking about this, Lu Lang asked, "I wonder which restaurant in the county sells the pork belly skewers that Lord Yang mentioned."

"I do know Miss Shen's Fengnian Restaurant. One of their signature dishes is pork belly skewers, which tastes delicious. I wonder if this is the restaurant Lord Yang is referring to?"

Lu Zheng was originally worried because he didn't know which restaurant Yang Chi was referring to and had no idea where to start if he wanted to prepare properly.

At this time, when he heard his son mention that Miss Shen, who was originally invited to cook, sold pork belly skewers, he was immediately delighted and urged him repeatedly, "Why didn't you say so earlier? What are you still standing there for? Let Miss Shen in."

The master beside him stood up and said, "I'll go and ask Miss Shen to come in."

Shen Yu and Qi Xi stood in the yard for a while, wondering: "Didn't they say they wanted to tell us what dishes to cook?"

"Do we have to wait until the chefs from other families arrive before discussing it together?"

Just as she was making endless guesses, she saw the lawyer coming over and saying, "The county magistrate is waiting inside. Please come in, young lady."

Shen Yu hurriedly agreed and followed his master into the study. When he entered, he saw the county magistrate walking around in the middle of the room, muttering to himself.

Shen Yu quickly knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I greet the County Magistrate."

Lu Zheng had actually seen Shen Yu before, but he was trying a case in court at the time and was feeling impatient, so he didn't pay much attention to the little girl in the court.

After the trial, he had completely forgotten about her. When he saw her, he hurriedly said, "Quickly, please don't be polite. Sit down and talk."

Shen Yu was unsure whether he could sit in front of the county magistrate, so he had to glance at Lu Lang. Lu Lang nodded slightly, and Qi Xi quickly moved a round stool for Shen Yu.

Shen Yu thanked him and then sat down halfway on the round stool.

Seeing that there was someone who could make pork belly skewers, Lu Zheng felt more at ease and a smile appeared on his face.

He stroked his beard, cleared his throat, sat back in his chair, and asked gently, "Miss Shen, I heard that the pork belly skewers you sell taste great, and the guests all say they are good. Is that true?"

Shen Yu heard the county magistrate's question and hurriedly stood up and answered truthfully: "Your Excellency, my restaurant does sell pork belly skewers. Many customers order this dish and praise its delicious taste."

Lu Lang nodded after hearing this, and then pointed to the round stool with a smile and said, "We are not in court now, Miss Shen, there is no need to be so polite, just sit down and answer."

Shen Yu quickly responded and then sat back on the stool.

Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "Miss Shen, I only know that your flower cakes are very lifelike, but what other dishes can you make?"

This question stumped Shen Yu.

I learned cooking out of interest. I have tried all the classic dishes from the eight major cuisines, and even made pasta and baking.

Whenever I saw delicious roadside snacks, I would look for recipes and carefully copy them.

How can I answer this? If I answer truthfully, people will think I am talking nonsense.

Shen Yu thought about it and answered after thinking it over: "My Lord, I can only cook some home-cooked dishes, pasta, cakes and the like."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but feel a little disappointed after hearing this, and thought to himself: "Yang Laoliu has been an official outside for many years. He has eaten all kinds of home-cooked dishes."

"Without new and interesting dishes, how can I arouse his appetite, let him eat to his heart's content, and persuade him to pay less attention to me?"