Chapter 231: This Ledger Is My Sincerity
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shen Yao looked at her with extreme gentleness.
Seeing them whispering to each other from time to time, Qin Minghong's heart ached even more.
If only he could have met Ah Tao earlier!
'By the way, Ah Tao, didn't you say that you wanted to hire some skilled guards just now? Young Master can definitely help you with this!"
Second Manager You suddenly knocked his head and said excitedly, "Young Master, can you help Ah Tao?"
'Hire guards?" Qin Minghong immediately looked at her with concern. "What happened? Or did you encounter some trouble?"
Ji Zhao silently put down her chopsticks and explained seriously, "Before the New Year, I was ambushed by Ji Huai and almost got into an accident. It was all thanks to Brother Qin's help. But I've been uneasy."
'Now that Ji Huai has a big tree to lean on, I'm worried that someone will go to the village to harass our family." Ji Zhao sighed softly. "After all, the whole thing started because of me. I don't want my family to be implicated by me.'
When she thought about how everyone had died in that fire in that nightmare, Ji Zhao felt suffocated. It was as if a huge rock had been piled up in her heart, so heavy that she could not breathe.
Sensing the change in her emotions, Shen Yao hurriedly grabbed her hand and said gently, 'Ah Tao?"
'Tm fine." Ji Zhao, who had regained her senses, forced a smile.
'At this time, it's not easy to hire guards." Qin Minghong frowned slightly and explained softly, "After all, those people have been busy for an entire year. They all want to take advantage of the New Year to rest."
'But Ah Tao, don't worry too much." Qin Minghong thought for a moment and quickly came up with an idea. "How about this? I'll visit the Shen residence tomorrow morning. '
waAfter finishing the hot pot, Ji Zhao and Second Manager You went to do some accounting.
After all, they had already discussed beforehand that they would take the dividends from the oil extraction workshop on the eighth day of the new year.
'The peanut oil produced in our workshop is in short supply," Second Manager
You said happily. 'Ah Tao, we can get a lot of dividends on the eighth day of the new year! "
'Peanut oil is delicious and cheap to begin with. It's not surprising that the supply can't meet the demand," Ji Zhao said with a smile. "But Second Brother You, we have to establish our brand as soon as possible to prevent fake and inferior products from appearing in the market."
'You're right." Second Manager You nodded silently. "I've also heard that other peanut oil has appeared on the market now, but the peanut oil sold in those small workshops is of average quality."
'That's why we have to establish our brand as soon as possible and maintain our brand awareness. Only then can we run the oil extraction workshop better."
Ji Zhao's heart skipped a beat. She borrowed a brush and paper and began to write and draw.
At the same time, Shen Yao and Qin Minghong were sitting in a private room on the second floor of the restaurant.
'This tea is not bad." Shen Yao picked up the teacup with engravings on it and took a sip. He raised his eyebrows and praised, "It's fragrant and mellow. The aftertaste is endless."
'The Lu Mountain Cloud Mist is indeed worthy of its reputation."
'You've drunk it before?" Qin Minghong was a little surprised. "The Lu Mountain Cloud Mist is very expensive. With the Shen family's strength, you shouldn't be able to afford it, right?"
'Three years ago, I tried it in a private house in Thunder Mountain County," Shen Yao explained with a gentle smile. 'At that time, I didn't know how expensive this tea was. I just felt that the taste of this tea was very good.
Qin Minghong stared into his eyes and frowned slightly, deep in thought.
'Young Master Qin, don't look at me like that. After all, you already know everything about me, right?"
Shen Yao met his sizing gaze in a neither servile nor overbearing manner and smiled silently.
'Now that your enemy has become a prefectural governor, it's difficult for you to take revenge." Qin Minghong directly pointed out his current predicament. 'Ah Tao thought that Ji Huai was targeting her, but in fact, the person behind Ji Huai has only wanted your life from the beginning to the end."
'Young Master Qin, you're smarter than I thought." Shen Yao picked up the teacup that was already slightly cold and took another sip. 'But Young Master Qin, do you want to make a deal with me?"
'IA deal? What kind of deal?"
'Naturally, it's a deal that's guaranteed to be profitable." Shen Yao played with the teacup in his hand and smiled.
"What are you trying to say?
Shen Yao thought for a moment, took out the ledger from his sleeve, and handed it to him. "Young Master, why don't you open it and take a look?"
Curious, Qin Minghong slowly flipped open the ledger. After a few pages, his eyes widened in surprise. "This is?"
"I heard that the First Madam of the Qin family is the biological sister of the magistrate, Lord Zheng, right?" Shen Yao said softly, "I know that the bureaucracy has never been black or white. No matter what considerations
Lord Zheng has, he accepted 300,000 taels of silver. Once this news is leaked, I'm afraid Lord Zheng won't be able to sit on the chair under him, right?"
'More importantly, there are many conflicts of interest between the Zheng family and the Qin family. As the saying goes, a slight move will affect the entire situation... Young Master should understand this principle, right?"
Qin Minghong narrowed his eyes vigilantly and looked at Shen Yao thoughtfully. "What are you trying to say?
'Young Master, there's no need to misunderstand. The reason why I entrusted this ledger to you is naturally not to threaten you." Shen Yao smiled gently and said sincerely, "After all, you're my Ah Tao's savior. I, Shen Yao, won't bite the hand that feeds me."
"I hope that Young Master Qin can think of a way to send this ledger to Lord Zheng," Shen Yao said honestly. "My grudge with Sun He is irreconcilable. It's just that I know my limits. If I fight Sun He head-on now, it's simply throwing an egg at a rock.'
'Therefore, I can only gather more evidence. When the time is right, I can give Sun He a fatal blow," Shen Yao said firmly with a deep gaze.
'This ledger is my sincerity.'
Qin Minghong did not agree immediately. Instead, he held the ledger tightly and pondered.
"1'11 get back to you after I think about it."
'Okay."
"It's done!" Ji Zhao put down the brush in her hand in satisfaction and said with a smile, "Second Brother You, come and take a look!'
'This is?" Following the direction of her finger, Second Manager You frowned in confusion. "Ah Tao, this pattern looks like a small gourd?"
"It's not a gourd, it's a rounder peanut!" Ji Zhao held his forehead helplessly.
'Second Brother You, can't you tell that these are peanuts?"
'Well, this..." Second Manager You hesitated for a long time.. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "At first glance, I can't tell that these are peanuts, but after looking at them for a while and looking at them more carefully, I can still tell!"
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Chapter 232: I, I, I... I'm Sleepy...
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
'Second Brother You, you don't have to comfort me.'
Looking at Second Brother You's troubled expression, Ji Zhao didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"1 know I'm an average painter."
Speaking of which, it was strange. If Ji Zhao was given a carrot, she was completely confident that she could carve a flower on it.
However, if this kitchen knife became a paintbrush, her skills would be very ordinary.
'Ah Tao, why did you draw this gourd... Peanut?" Second Manager You asked curiously as he seriously admired the painting. "I'd like to draw a trademark for the oil press."
'Trademark? What do you mean?'
'Trademarks are the logo of goods," Ji Zhao explained with a smile. "If the peanut oil produced by our oil press factory has a logo, not only can it effectively prevent other peanut oil from impersonating us, but it can also increase our brand awareness."
"1f Ah Tao is a man, you will definitely be able to make a name for yourself in the business world." Qin Minghong, who happened to hear this, praised her generously.
'Brother Qin?" Ji Zhao subconsciously turned around. Her gaze could not help but land on Shen Yao's face. "Are you guys done chatting?
'Yeah.'
Shen Yao walked to her side with a smile. After seeing the painting that Ji Zhao had made, had an iea. He picked up the brush beside him and hurriedly added a few strokes.
'Shen Yao, aren't you too amazing?
After Shen Yao's modifications, the logo that Ji Zhao had made instantly became much clearer.
He anthropomorphized the round little peanut and added some water droplets around it, forming a cute little sun pattern.
'Golden Sun Peanut Oil." Ji Zhao quickly hugged Shen Yao's arm and said coquettishly, "Shen Yao, can you help me write these five words too?"
The golden sunlight gave off a very healthy feeling!
This also meant that their peanut oil was especially healthy!
'Okay!"
After the ink dried up, Ji Zhao carefully picked up the design and said to Qin Minghong with a smile, "Brother Qin, please copy more of this pattern and paste it on the peanut oil we produce!"
'Alright." Qin Minghong immediately nodded. 'That's an excellent name."
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was dusk.
Ji Zhao, who was sitting in the carriage, was drowsy.
Shen Yao gently rubbed her face and said softly, "Ah Tao, if you're tired, why don't you sleep for a while?"
He immediately straightened his back so that Ji Zhao could lean comfortably on his shoulder.
'Shen Yao, Brother Qin said that he will visit tomorrow." Ji Zhao narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice, "What do you think I should make to entertain them?"
'Anything is fine," Shen Yao said gently. "After all, my Ah Tao's culinary skills are unparalleled. Every delicacy you make is delicious."
Ji Zhao was a little embarrassed by the praise. "You shouldn't praise me..."
'Ah Tao doesn't like it?" Shen Yao pinched the tip of her nose dotingly and said gently, 'But I meant every word I said just now!"
'Smooth-tongued-'t
Shen Yao suddenly grabbed her head and kissed her gently.
Ji Zhao, who was caught off guard by the sneak attack, blinked in a daze.
'You..."
'Tm proving that I'm not glib-tongued at this moment." Shen Yao leaned close to her ear and breathed.
That warm breath landed beside her ear. That feeling was numbing.
'Il, I, I... I'm sleepy..."
Ji Zhao felt that her heart was beating wildly. She hurriedly closed her eyes and muttered softly.
'Ah Tao." Shen Yao's hand suddenly landed on her slender waist, and his voice became even gentler. "You're so cute."
You're so cute.
Ji Zhao's lips curled up happily. She closed her eyes and leaned into his arms. Soon, she fell asleep.
In the blink of an eye, it was early evening. Shen Dashan was the first to enter the central room.
'Lanhua, why are these dishes raw?" Shen Dashan asked as he looked at the bean curd and spinach on the table.
'We're having fish head hotpot tonight!" Zhao Lanhua replied with a smile. 'Don't be anxious. Ah Tao said that the fish head will be ready soon!"
Two hours ago, in the Shen family's kitchen.
Ji Zhao was still preparing the side dishes for the hotpot.
'Ah Tao, take a look. Is this enough?" Second Brother Shen, who was sitting in front of the stove and looking at the fire, raised the large number of wooden sticks in his hand and asked loudly.
'Enough!"
'Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, do as I say and put these mutton on the wooden skewers. Don't be too anxious. Be careful of your hands!" Ji Zhao smiled and reminded them before turning around to prepare the charcoal.
'The lamb skewers roasted with fruit wood charcoal are not only delicious, but they also have a faint fragrance.'
Ji Zhao placed the charcoal evenly on the special barbecue stove and placed the wire net above it. She turned to look at Shen Yao beside her and said with a smile, "Shen Yao, I'll leave the ignition to you!'
'Okay."
At a quarter past eight, the fish head hotpot was served on the table.
There were fragrant lamb skewers placed in front of everyone.
"Father, Mother, eat it while it's hot-'t Ji Zhao picked up the lamb skewers and greeted them with a smile. "This lamb skewers have to be eaten while it's hot to taste delicious!"
'This method of eating is very rare." Shen Dashan imitated Ji Zhao's actions and quickly finished the lamb skewer. Then, he eagerly gave a thumbs up. "Fragrant!"
'Second Brother You gave us 30 catties of mutton," Ji Zhao said as she grilled the skewers.
'Ah Tao, I heard from Third Brother that Young Master Qin and Second Manager You are coming to our house tomorrow?" Zhao Lanhua thought for a moment and quickly said, "1 originally wanted to go back to the Tian Family Village tomorrow. Since our family will have guests tomorrow, I'll wait for the day after tomorrow, alright?"
'Okay, thank you, Mother." Ji Zhao smiled and nodded.
'Ah Tao, have you ever thought about opening your own restaurant?" Eldest Brother Shen, who had eaten more than ten lamb skewers in a row, burped in satisfaction. Then, he looked at Ji Zhao and asked curiously, "Your culinary skills are so good. If you open a restaurant, business will definitely not be bad!" 'To be honest, it's not that I haven't thought of opening a restaurant," Ji Zhao smiled faintly and said softly, "It's just that I feel that we can't be too hasty. Nowadays, the business of the oil extraction workshop and the fried snack shop is not completely stable, so I want to wait a couple of years before I open a restaurant."
In fact, the more important reason was that Hongxing Restaurant already existed in the county city. Ji Zhao felt that if she wanted to be friends with Qin Minghong for a long time, it was best for her not to open a shop in Dingyuan County. This way, she would not offend Qin Minghong's interests.
Most importantly, Ji Zhao was an ambitious person. She wanted to save up money first and open a restaurant in the prefecture capital when the time was right.
'That's true." Eldest Brother Shen nodded in agreement. 'Actually, I'm thinking of expanding the Shen Ji Pastry Shop, but I don't have any leads for the time being. However, there are a few shops with good geographical locations on East Street. I originally thought that if Ah Tao wants to open a restaurant, we can discuss the price of the shops together.."
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Chapter 233: Ah Yao, I Love You Too
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
'Big Brother, you want to expand the Shen Ji Pastry Shop?" Shen Yao asked softly as he picked up a piece of fish and put it into the bowl in front of Ji Zhao.
'Yes." Eldest Brother Shen immediately nodded. "Previously, Shen Ji almost went bankrupt. It was all thanks to Ah Tao's help in signing the contract with the Qin family. In addition, Double Skin Milk is selling very well. Now, Shen Ji's business is getting better and better."
"1 want to take advantage of this momentum to expand the shopfront of Shen
Ji. However, there are no suitable shops on West Street. East Street is not bad.' Eldest Brother Shen analyzed seriously. "Moreover, in terms of the market entrance, East Street is naturally better. It's just that the rent is a little expensive.'
"It's better to buy it than rent it." Ji Zhao, who was listening attentively, immediately put down her chopsticks. "Big Brother, why don't you consider buying the shop property?
'The shops in the county are very expensive, and the boss behind the row of shops on East Street is Madam Ma." Eldest Brother Shen smiled helplessly. 'Although I have the intention, I'm powerless!"
More importantly, even if he had enough money, he might not be able to buy the shops on East Street.
'Alright, alright. Let's eat in peace. It's not easy for us to have a holiday. Don't worry about business matters." Sensing the low atmosphere, Zhao Lanhua quickly called out, "Don't just stand there. Hurry up and eat!"
After dinner, the men of the Shen family helped to clean up the dishes.
'This?" Ji Zhao looked at the scene in front of him and was stunned. "Mother, why don't I wash the dishes?"
'One look at Third Sister-in-law and I can tell that you don't know the rules of our Shen family for the new year," Second Sister-in-law Shen said happily. 'Eldest Sister-in-law, quickly tell our Ah Tao?"
Eldest Sister-in-law Shen nodded and smiled. "Ah Tao, don't feel sorry for them. During New Year's and on holidays, men have to wash the dishes at home. This is also a rule set by our mother."
Zhao Lanhua excitedly walked into the central room with a large plate of melon seeds and peanuts. She said with a smile, "Ah Tao, come and munch on melon seeds! There's also Mother's five-spice peanuts. Come and try them?"
It was not until early in the evening that Ji Zhao, who could not hold back her sleepiness, prepared to return to her room to rest.
The moment she pushed open the door, she saw a tall figure.
She subconsciously rubbed her eyes and muttered softly, 'Did I enter the wrong house?
Shen Yao, who was dressed in red, slowly approached. The smile on his face was as gentle as jade.
The moment the door was closed by the wind, Ji Zhao swallowed nervously.
'You... Why are you dressed like this?"
'11t doesn't look good?" Shen Yao raised an eyebrow and asked instead of answering.
'Y-you look good!" Ji Zhao hurriedly nodded, her eyes filled with unconcealed amazement. "I, I just didn't expect Shen Yao... you would look so good in red." He was dressed in a long red robe, which accentuated his tall and straight figure.
His black hair was casually scattered behind him, adding to his lazy and charming temperament.
Shen Yao was handsome to begin with, and the red color seemed to make him even more dazzling.
'Then does Ah Tao like it?" Shen Yao approached her.
Ji Zhao, who was a little nervous, subconsciously retreated.
One step after another, she finally leaned against the wall, unable to retreat.
'You, you, you... Shen Yao... I.
'Ah Tao, don't you like it?" Shen Yao suddenly lifted her chin, his deep eyes filled with love.
'Il... I like it!" Ji Zhao gulped again and nodded honestly.
"When Qin Minghong appeared in red at the restaurant today, Ah Tao, you were dazed." Shen Yao pressed his forehead against hers. His seemingly calm tone was filled with grievance.
Ji Zhao could hear the strong jealousy in her voice and could not help but laugh. 'Cough cough, Brother Qin in red is indeed very good-looking."
'Does Ah Tao mean the person or the clothes?" Shen Yao asked impatiently.
"What do you think?" Ji Zhao pinched his earlobe helplessly. Her gentle almond-shaped eyes were as bright as the stars. "My Ah Yao is the most handsome man. No one can compare to him." Hearing this, Shen Yao instantly smiled.
'Ah Tao, can you..."
'No!" Before Shen Yao could finish speaking, Ji Zhao immediately crossed her arms and hugged herself nervously. 'Although I praised you for being good-looking, you can't... you can't push your luck!"
'Ah Tao, I want..."
'No, you don't!" Ji Zhao hurriedly interrupted him. "Shen Yao, Mother has already told me that before this woman turns 18, it's best not to have sex, let alone get pregnant and have children early. So let's postpone consummating the marriage for two years, okay?"
'You have no choice but to agree. I've already told Mother that this is your idea..." Ji Zhao secretly sized up his expression and blinked nervously.
'So Ah Tao is thinking about consummating the marriage?" Shen Yao suddenly smiled. "So the reason why you were blushing in the kitchen earlier was because you were discussing consummating the marriage with me with Mother?"
'Mm..." Ji Zhao nodded silently, her voice as soft as a mosquito.
'Do you want to consummate our marriage?
'Of course not!" Ji Zhao puffed up her cheeks angrily and turned her head away from him.
Looking at her innocent expression, the smile in Shen Yao's eyes deepened.
'Ah Tao, don't call me Shen Yao anymore, okay?"
'Huh?" Ji Zhao was stunned, and his eyes were filled with confusion. "What should I call you if not Shen Yao?"
Most importantly, if she were to call him 'honey' now, she, she, she... she wouldn't be able to say it now!
'Ah Yao is fine." Shen Yao kissed her cheek and smiled. "I like this nickname.' 'Oh," Ji Zhao replied in a daze and nodded slightly.
'IAS for consummating the marriage..." Shen Yao could not help but pull her into his arms. His tone became even gentler. 'Let's listen to Mother and wait for a while!"
It was not that they had not tried to consummate their marriage before, but at that time, Shen Yao could still feel the fear and uneasiness in Ah Tao's heart.
He was a very proud person. He did not want to force Ah Tao.
Moreover, the love between husband and wife should be a sweetness, not a burden.
Ji Zhao wanted to ask him how long a while was.
A day? A month? Another year?
Actually, she was not against being close to Shen Yao. It was just that there were a few times when they almost reached the last step, all kinds of accidents would always happen.
'Shen Yao, do you love me?" Ji Zhao, who was leaning in his arms with her eyes closed, asked softly.
'Yes." Shen Yao rubbed her shoulder and raised his eyebrows gently.
Ji Zhao smiled sweetly and grabbed his pinky finger. Then, she hooked her pinly finger on it and finally stamped it.
She suddenly looked into his eyes and smiled gently.
Before Shen Yao could react, Ji Zhao suddenly tiptoed and wrapped her arms around his neck. She took the initiative to kiss him. 'Ah Yao, I love you too."
Hearing this, Shen Yao's heart skipped a beat and he responded to the kiss enthusiastically.
After an unknown period of time, Ji Zhao actually fell asleep in his arms.
Listening to her snores, Shen Yao smiled helplessly.
He raised his hand and tapped the tip of her nose lovingly. "What a silly girl." Ji Zhao slept extremely soundly.
She did not wake up until late in the morning. However, the moment she opened her eyes, she was in a daze.
Recalling what happened last night before she went to bed, she shyly pulled the blanket over and covered her head!
This, this, this... this was too embarrassing, right?
She should be the only woman in the world who could fall asleep even when kissing, right?
Squeak—
When Shen Yao pushed open the door and entered the room, he saw a lump of blanket on the bed.
'Ah Tao is awake?"
'No, she's not awake yet!"
'Then is Ah Tao talking in her sleep?" Shen Yao could not help but ask with a smile.
Ji Zhao silently lifted the blanket.
'Are you hungry?" Shen Yao smiled and handed the bowl of noodles in his hand to her. 'Mother made shredded meat noodles. Try it?"
'11t smells so good!" Ji Zhao took a deep breath. After smelling the fragrance, she quickly got off the bed and washed up. Then, she sat upright beside the desk.
The entire set of actions was like flowing water, done in one go.
'Mother's shredded meat noodles are delicious, right?" After a while, the bottom of the bowl of shredded meat noodles could be seen.
'But looking at the sky outside, it's getting late, right?"
'Yes, it's already 9 am." Shen Yao sighed as he wiped her lips. "I was reprimanded by mother this morning. She accused me of going back on my word.
'Huh? Why?"
"It's probably because my Ah Tao is too good at sleeping, so Mother misunderstood.'
Although Shen Yao said it casually, Ji Zhao still blushed..
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Chapter 235: Claypot Rice
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shen Yao turned around and sat on the rattan chair, sighing softly.
The current Sun family had monstrous power. It was very difficult to overthrow the Sun family with just that ledger.
Shen Yao, who was deep in thought, frowned thoughtfully. His slender fingers landed on the table at the side, making a rhythmic sound.
He thought for a moment and briefly explained the origin of the ledger.
'Miss Fengdie of the Wind and Moon Restaurant shouldn't have died by accident." Shen Yao thought for a moment and looked up at the silent Qin Minghong. He asked softly, "1 wonder if Young Master can help me again?
'You want to find out the cause of the courtesan's death?" Qin Minghong instantly understood what he was thinking.
'Yes." Shen Yao nodded and said, "It's never too late for a gentleman to take revenge. Moreover, I have plenty of time to search for evidence of the Sun family's crimes. As the saying goes, things will be released after accumulation.
When the time is right, I'll think of a way to list all the evidence of the Sun
family's crimes. As the saying goes, things will be released after accumulation.
When the time is right, I'll think of a way to list all the evidence of the Sun family's crimes!"
Hearing this, Qin Minghong's eyes were filled with admiration.
Shen Yao was patient enough.
'Back then, GoujianO suffered a lot and finally succeeded in his revenge. He relied on the word 'endure'." Qin Minghong could not help but praise, "Shen Yao, you're very powerful."
'Young Master, you flatter me." Shen Yao sighed softly. "I'm not holding back. I just know my limits.'
With his current strength, going against the Sun family was no different from throwing an egg at a rock.
At the same time, in the Shen family's kitchen.
After Ji Zhao prepared all the side dishes, she took out the small clay pots that she had ordered before the New Year.
'Ah Tao? Why do you have so many clay pots?" Zhao Lanhua could not help but ask, "When you bought so many clay pots back, I wanted to ask. We have clay pots at home!"
'Mother, the reason why I prepared so many clay pots is because I plan to make clay pot rice!" Ji Zhao explained with a smile. "Although this clay pot is a little small, it will be of great use later!"
'Mother, help me wash the rice and soak it in water!" Ji Zhao said with a smile. Then, he rolled up her sleeves and began to work.
She quickly dealt with the wild rabbit. After removing the rabbit's head, she began to deal with the rabbit meat and cut all the rabbit meat into pieces.
'Ah Tao, you're so lucky!" Eldest Sister-in-law Shen, who was helping to burn the firewood, couldn't help but laugh. "Every time Ah Tao goes to the back mountains, you won't return empty-handed!"
Ji Zhao smiled faintly, but she had already made up her mind. After the clay pot rice was ready, she would go to the Earth Temple to pay her respects to the Earth God.
After all, her good luck was brought about by the Earth God!
As a person, the most important thing was to repay kindness!
In addition to the clay pot rice, Ji Zhao also planned to make a few side dishes. The main event was the spicy rabbit!
She cut the rabbit meat into cubes, cut the dried peppers into segments, and washed the ginger and garlic.
When the oil in the pot was 50% hot, she fried the rabbit cubes until the surface was golden. She immediately fished them out and began to stir-fry the spices.
Soon, the kitchen was filled with a fragrant and spicy smell!
In order to make the color of this dish even better, Ji Zhao added half a spoonful of chili sauce personally made by Zhao Lanhua!
That fragrant and spicy smell drifted all the way into the Shen family's central room.
The men who were playing leaf cards swallowed their saliva at the same time.
'This is too fragrant!" Eldest Brother Shen could not help but take a deep breath. "Third Sister-in-law must have made delicious food again!' 'Third Brother said that he and Third Sister-in-law caught a wild rabbit in the back mountains. This fragrance... It must be spicy rabbit!" Second Brother Shen said confidently.
'Smelling this fragrance, I actually feel a little hungry." Second Manager You laughed self-deprecatingly. "I'm not afraid of being laughed at, but I ate a whole bowl of Egg-Fried Rice this morning!"
'Hahaha, Second Manager You, you must be hungry from the smell!" Brother Shen teased with a smile. "It's just that Third Sister-in-law's cooking is extraordinary. I think not only are you hungry, but we're also hungry!"
Shen Dashan and Second Brother Shen nodded silently.
In addition to the spicy rabbit, Ji Zhao made another pickled fish, century egg tofu, and fried peanuts!
In addition, she also made scallion oil chicken and vermicelli steamed pork ribs.
Halfway through the afternoon, six exquisite dishes were served on the red square table in the central room.
Shen Dashan even specially took a jar of rice wine that he had kept for five years!
After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere became even more lively!
Qin Minghong and Second Manager You were talkative people to begin with. More importantly, they did not put on airs in front of the Shen family, so everyone chatted happily.
While everyone was happily eating, Ji Zhao returned to the kitchen.
To her relief, the claypot rice was a success!
She put a portion of sausage claypot rice into a food box and hurried out of the Shen family's courtyard.
She taught quickly and arrived at the Earth Temple in a short while.
After respectfully serving an incense stick of incense, she placed the clay pot rice on the altar. 'Earth God, this is clay pot rice made by your devotee herself. It tastes very good. Remember to try it when you're free!"
'Thank you for giving me the ability to foresee danger," Ji Zhao, who was kneeling on the praying mat, said with heartfelt gratitude.
After kowtowing three times sincerely, Ji Zhao left with the food box.
However, she vaguely felt that someone was following behind her. However, when she suddenly turned around, there was no one behind her.
The more Ji Zhao thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong. She immediately quickened her pace and rushed back to the Shen family's courtyard.
At that moment, Shen Yao was about to go out to look for her. When he saw her flustered and anxious expression, he hurriedly came forward and asked with concern, "Ah Tao, what's wrong?
'I
l... I feel like someone is following me." Ji Zhao frowned and grabbed Shen Yao's sleeve nervously.
'Don't be afraid, I'm here." Shen Yao held her hand and comforted her softly. "Father and Mother said that your claypot rice is very delicious. Second Brother You was about to ask you about your claypot rice. Why don't you go back to the central room first?"
'Okay."
After being comforted by Shen Yao, Ji Zhao felt less nervous.
She forced a smile and nodded obediently. After adjusting her emotions, she returned to the central room.
At the same time, Shen Yao walked out of the Shen family's courtyard.
He stood outside the door and looked around. In the end, he sneered and smiled.
He picked up a tree branch on the ground and rushed towards the southeast!
The man in black who was hiding on the roof of the house did not expect the other party to be so sharp. He subconsciously dodged, but his identity was immediately exposed!
"Why are you following my wife so sneakily?" In just two rounds, the branch in Shen Yao's hand had already landed on the man in black's throat.
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Chapter 236: Of Course I Don't!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shen Yao lowered his eyes. The hostility in his eyes was self-evident.
However, the man in black who had lost to him exuded a cold aura.
BANG!
A wisp of smoke suddenly appeared in front of him. After a while, the man in black in front of him disappeared without a trace.
The moment the smoke dissipated, Shen Yao pursed his lips and remained silent. Then, he turned around and returned to the central room.
At that moment, Second Manager You was full of praise for Ji Zhao's sausage clay pot rice.
'Ah Tao, this clay pot rice tastes really good!" Second Manager You could not help but ask, "Why don't we discuss the cooking method of this clay pot rice? As long as you're willing to tell me the method to make this clay pot rice, the price is negotiable!"
'Second Brother You, Brother Qin." Ji Zhao smiled and asked softly, 'Actually, I have a question to ask you.'
'Ah Tao, what do you think?"
'Brother Qin, Hongxing Restaurant is indeed one of the best restaurants in
Dingyuan County, but it's probably not ranked in the prefecture city, right?"
'Ah Tao, you..." When Second Manager You heard this, he couldn't take it anymore. He was also very depressed.
On the other hand, Qin Minghong had a calm expression.
He looked at Ji Zhao with a burning gaze, as if he wanted to see through her through that sharp gaze. However, the emotions he saw in Ji Zhao's eyes were gentle and indifferent.
'Ah Tao, since we're already friends, why don't you just say it?" Qin Minghong lowered his eyes and hid the hostility in them. The smile on his face was as gentle as ever.
Ji Zhao naturally did not miss the probing look in Qin Minghong's eyes just now, but she did not want to explore it. After all, to her, she only needed to care about Shen Yao's emotions. That was enough. As for the other men, they were not important.
However, at this stage, she wanted to use the Qin family's power to build a business empire that belonged to her.
'The prefecture city." Looking at their stunned gazes, Ji Zhao opened her red lips slightly and smiled. "We have to set our sights on the long term. Compared to Dingyuan County, the business in the prefecture city is more profitable, right?"
'Ah Tao, running a business is not as simple as you think!" Second Manager You was the first to speak. 'Our Dingyuan County is the intersection between Yunchuan Prefecture and Guichuan Prefecture. Therefore, there are many merchants coming and going here. The reason why Hongxing Restaurant's reputation is so good is firstly because Dingyuan County doesn't have many big restaurants. Secondly, it's convenient and cheap.'
'The reason why the Hongxing Restaurant can stand tall is also related to the location of the restaurant," Second Manager You continued, "Our Hongxing Restaurant has a good market entrance and an obvious location. Not only is the lobby spacious and bright, but even the rooms on the second floor are clean and exquisite. But Ah Tao, do you know how much money it will cost to open the restaurant in the prefecture city?
Even in Dingyuan County, shops were in high demand for high prices. The prefecture city was an existence where every inch of land was worth a lot of money!
'Second Brother You, have you heard of the story of a small ball pushing a big ball?" Ji Zhao took a sip of milk tea and chuckled. "I also know that every inch of land in the prefecture city is expensive. If you want to find a big shop with a suitable geographical location, not only will it consume a lot of energy, but it will also consume a lot of money. What I'm talking about is not biting off more than I can chew, but I have the conditions to perfect this business plan."
'More importantly," Ji Zhao's gaze fell on Qin Minghong's face again, "Does Brother Qin want to stay in Dingyuan County for the rest of his life?"
Ji Zhao did not know much about the Qin family.
However, she had heard from Eldest Brother Shen that the Qin family was not only the richest family in Dingyuan County, but also the richest family in the prefectural city. As the eldest son of the second branch of the Qin family, Qin Minghong had come to this small Dingyuan County. On the surface, it was said to sharpen his ability, but this was ancient times! The so-called scholars, farmers, and businessmen were the most respected in this dynasty. Could it be that the Qin family did not even have this vision?
Most importantly, Qin Minghong did not return to the prefecture city's Qin family!
Qin Minghong did not expect Ji Zhao to ask this question. For a moment, he was stunned and did not know how to answer this question. Did he want to stay in Dingyuan County for the rest of his life?
Of course not!
As a man, he naturally wanted to study hard so that he could bring honor to his ancestors and serve the imperial court!
However, everything had changed since his mother passed away when he was five years old.
His father married another lady from a prestigious family, Madam Liu.
In the beginning, Madam Liu treated him with sincerity. She asked about his well-being and was gentle and caring.
Everything changed when Madam Liu had her own child.
Later on, the teacher who taught him fell sick every other day. Gradually, he also felt that studying was boring. He also saw his father's disappointment in him.
He was the eldest son of the second branch of the Qin family, but he was like an outsider who did not fit in. His father, Madam Liu, and his half-brother were a warm and loving family.
What was he?
After thinking it through, Qin Minghong went to plead with his grandmother, the old lady of the Qin family. In the end, he successfully left the prefecture city and came to Dingyuan County.
In the beginning, he had never thought of doing business. After all, the money his biological mother had left him was enough for him to enjoy for the rest of his life.
As for the matter of buying the Hongxing Restaurant, he did not expect a restaurant to bring him much profit. He just felt that it was fun, so he handed all the matters of the restaurant to Second Manager You.
However, Qin Minghong was most surprised to meet Ji Zhao. He had never seen such a bright and confident woman, especially when she was cooking. It was as if her entire body was shining!
More importantly, Ji Zhao's dishes were really delicious.
It was unforgettable.
Unfortunately, Ji Zhao had married someone else.
At first, Qin Minghong agreed to rent the restaurant's empty front to her purely because he wanted to see her more. That was all. However, as they worked together more and more, Qin Minghong's feelings for her changed.
At first, he admired a beautiful woman from a man's point of view. However, it was different now. He looked at Ji Zhao with heartfelt admiration.
'Of course not." After a long silence, Qin Minghong slowly said, "Ah Tao, what do you want to do?"
'Brother Qin, can I ask you another question?" Ji Zhao thought for a moment and slowly asked. Seeing him nod, she continued to ask, "What do you really want?"
"Why do you ask?"
'Because in my eyes, you no longer lack a luxurious life!" Ji Zhao smiled. 'Everyone seems to be born different, but in fact, they are the same. Some people may have lived a mediocre life, but the ordinary feeling they feel is another kind of greatness. Some people may be vigorous, but the bumps and thorns they have experienced are unimaginable.. However, I really want to know if Brother Qin wants to continue being a carefree and wealthy country squire, or do you want to fight for your own pride?"
*****************************************************
Chapter 237: I... Wasn't It All For You!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
'Ah Tao," Shen Yao suddenly said. He walked up to Ji Zhao with a graceful smile and reached out to scratch her palm. He smiled and said, "Young Master and Second Brother You are guests at our door. You suddenly threw out such a profound question. It's confusing.'
Only then did Ji Zhao realize that she had made things sound a little too serious. She hurriedly smiled apologetically and said, "Brother Qin, Second Brother You, I shouldn't have said these things on a rare day of rest. I admit my punishment. I'll punish myself with three cups, okay?"
'Punish with what? Wine?" Qin Minghong, who had regained his senses, suddenly smiled and asked in a clear tone, "If it's milk tea, I'm afraid you'll be happy to drink 30 cups, right?"
'My alcohol tolerance is really bad, but I'll risk my life to accompany you today!" Ji Zhao also felt that she had said too much. She thought for a moment and really poured herself a glass of white wine. She drank it in one gulp!
Before Shen Yao, who was sitting beside her, could stop her, she had already drunk cups glasses of wine.
'Boohoo... I'm so dizzyœ'
After a while, Ji Zhao felt the world spinning in front of her. Everyone's faces were blurry—
'Ah Tao's alcohol tolerance...." Second Manager You couldn't help but laugh when he saw Ji Zhao's silly smile. "It's really not good!'
'Young Master, Second Brother You, apologies." Shen Yao smiled helplessly.
Then, he stood up and carried Ji Zhao. "I'll carry her back to our room first. Please forgive me!"
"It's fine, it's fine. Go take care of Ah Tao first!'
Shen Yao smiled gratefully and carried Ji Zhao back to his room.
"It's uncomfortable-" Ah Tao, who was hugging his neck tightly, suddenly opened her eyes. Her eyelashes, which were as long as butterfly wings, seemed to be covered in a layer of mist.
She pouted aggrievedly. The expression on her face was extremely aggrieved. "Why did you drink so much even when you're feeling uncomfortable?" Shen Yao smiled helplessly.
'Tm already in so much pain, yet you're still scolding me... Boohoo..."
At this moment, Ji Zhao shrunk into his arms aggrievedly. Her two pink fists were punching Shen Yao's chest.
'Silly girl." Shen Yao placed her on the bed and explained gently, 'How can I bear to scold you? My heart aches! You know that you can't hold your liquor well, so why did you drink so much? Huh?"
At this moment, Ji Zhao's eyes were red and she looked like she was about to cry. She looked aggrieved and pitiful. 'Il... It's all for you!"
"For me?" Shen Yao frowned in confusion.
"1 know that Ji Huai isn't here for me!" Ji Zhao said angrily. 'On the surface, he's here for me, but in reality, he wants to harm you, right? I... You... I want to protect you! Although I don't know about the Qin family, I think Brother Qin must have been forced to come to Dingyuan County!"
'So you said those words in front of Qin Minghong just now to motivate him?" Shen Yao thought for a moment and understood Ji Zhao's intentions.
'Yes!" Ji Zhao nodded vigorously. "I, I... I know that I can't help you. After all, matters in the bureaucracy are very complicated! But I will work very hard to earn money. With a lot of money, it will be easy to do things!"
"It's just that I don't dare to tell you what I think. I'm afraid you'll think that I'm tacky." Perhaps it was the effect of the alcohol, but Ji Zhao told him everything that she had hidden in her heart.
However, she was too sleepy. She did not hear Shen Yao's response at all and fell asleep.
Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, Shen Yao felt a little complicated.
He seemed to have underestimated Ah Tao's intelligence. In fact, she knew everything.
However, now was not the time to fight the Sun family head-on, so the method Ah Tao came up with was considered another good choice.
Cooperating with Qin Minghong was not necessarily a bad thing.
'Silly girl." Shen Yao planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. His deep eyes were filled with love. "Why would I think you're tacky?"
She probably did not know that to him, she was a ray of bright sunlight that shone into his heart, pulling him out of the dark swamp and seeing the light again.
After tucking her in, Shen Yao walked out of the room quietly.
He came to the central room and saw Qin Minghong drinking tea.
"1 heard that the snow scenery at the back of Shanghe Village is very beautiful. I wonder if I can trouble Shen Yao to accompany me around?" Qin Minghong looked at him and smiled.
'My pleasure."
The two of them walked side by side to the back mountains.
However, the bright sunlight for the next few days had already melted the snow covering the mountain. Without the embellishment of the pure white snow, the scenery on the back mountains was not bright.
The bare branches added an indescribable bleakness to the scenery before them.
'Ah Tao's words are thought-provoking." Qin Minghong stood with his hands behind his back and looked at a lonely tree in the distance. He was the first to break the silence. "Actually, when I was young, I made up my mind to study hard. Every time the teacher praised me for my improvement in front of my father, there would be a glint in his eyes. That glint was probably because he was proud.'
'IAS the eldest son of the second branch of the Qin family, I've lived a life of luxury since I was young. It could be said that I lived a luxurious life. However, all the changes happened in the year my mother passed away."
Qin Minghong suddenly let out a long sigh. Although he was trying his best to restrain himself, Shen Yao could still hear a trace of resentment and hatred in his tone.
"1n less than two months after my mother died of illness, Madam Liu entered the family and became my father's second wife. In less than a year, I had a half-brother.'
'Everyone thought that wealthy families were great, but after I grew up, I realized that there was dirty and dark mud hidden under those seemingly prosperous flowers. No matter how brilliant the flower on the surface was, the rotten mud still existed."
'Do you know why I didn't like to study later?" Qin Minghong smiled self-deprecatingly. "It was because the teacher who taught me fell sick every few days and often said some specious words in front of my father. My father naturally thought that I was not obedient and angered the teacher. I tried to explain, but my father never gave me any trust. Gradually, my reputation as a good-for-nothing spread. Even after I came of age, Madam Liu directly asked the maidservant who served me to drug me... My reputation was not good, and I had a servant girl who I slept with early on. How could I get the favor of a young lady from a wealthy family? In order to avoid Madam Liu's schemes, I begged Grandmother and fought for the chance to leave the prefecture city. I didn't expect that it would be two years already.
'You want to return to the prefecture city." As the listener, Shen Yao suddenly looked into his eyes and said calmly, "1n your heart, you've already made a choice.."
*****************************************************
Chapter 238: What You Say Makes a Lot of Sense
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Minghong smiled.
'Yes, I want to go back." He casually broke a plum blossom branchwith a faint smile and a deep gaze. "After all, Ah Tao is right. Not to mention that running away won't solve any problems, I don't want to leave any regrets in my life." He had to seek justice for himself!
His good stepmother had a hypocritical gentle and kind face. She had deceived his father for so many years. He had to personally tear off that human skin mask, right?
In the past, he did not dare to face it. But now, he had the courage.
"1 plan to leave tomorrow." Qin Minghong played with the plum blossom in his hand and smiled gently. "Actually, that Master Song in my residence is really not bad."
'Ten years ago, His Majesty Emperor Tianqi appointed Master Song as the third place ranker of the imperial examination, but because he was too straightforward and offended a noble, His Majesty disliked him. Later, Master Song resigned from his post and returned to his hometown. However, on his way back, he was almost assassinated by an evil person, and I saved him," Qin Minghong said softly. "By the way, the person who Master Song offended is the current favored Imperial Concubine Sun."
The reason why the Sun Family was so noble and illustrious was because Emperor Tianqi favored and doted on Imperial Concubine Sun.
'Master Song is talented. If you can get his favor, it will definitely be a help to you," Qin Minghong said sincerely. 'Shen Yao, if you miss out on a good teacher because of your prejudice against me, you will definitely regret it in the future."
'Young Master, you're being too serious." Shen Yao smiled faintly. "I don't have any prejudice against you.'
'Oh?" Qin Minghong raised his eyebrows thoughtfully. "I have a good impression of Ah Tao. You don't mind?"
'Everyone loves beauty. Besides, my Ah Tao is very good. It's not surprising that she will be admired by other men, right?" Shen Yao smiled indifferently.
It was just that he didn't realize how much force he used to enunciate 'my Ah Tao'.
'Shen Yao, Shen Yao! You're really interesting!" Qin Minghong was amused by his tone. "But don't worry. Although I really admire Ah Tao, I'm not someone without a bottom line."
'But if you and Ah Tao are separated one day, I won't miss any chance."
"That day won't come." Shen Yao looked at him with a burning gaze and a firm tone.
The moment their eyes met, they smiled at the same time.
'Sometimes, when dealing with people who have the face of a beast, you can try to use softness to overcome hardness," Shen Yao suggested sincerely. "It's not embarrassing to show weakness. On the contrary, it can sometimes become a more advantageous weapon. Young Master, your biological mother passed away early. Doesn't your father feel any guilt? If you can use the trace of guilt in your father's heart, perhaps there will be an unexpected outcome?
When Qin Minghong heard this, he fell into deep thought.
In the past, he had always been defeated by Madam Liu. It seemed that it was because Madam Liu was very good at pretending to be pitiful and soft that she had won his father's trust!
'What you said makes sense."
"It's getting late. I have to go back and take care of Ah Tao." Shen Yao could not help but smile when he saw that he understood what he meant. He said softly, "1f Ah Tao wakes up and finds that I'm not by her side, she'll be worried.
Qin Minghong rolled his eyes. So what if he had a wife?
However, having a good wife like Ah Tao was indeed quite impressive!
Sigh, why wasn't he the one who met Ah Tao first?
The more he thought about it, the more depressed Qin Minghong became. He also walked down the back mountain.
It was dusk, and the golden sunlight shone on the ground.
After the winter snow melted, tender green grass had already appeared on the steps of the Shen family's courtyard.
In the room, Ji Zhao rubbed her sore temples and took the hangover soup from Zhao Lanhua's hand. She drank it in one gulp.
The sweet and sour taste traveled down her throat and finally woke her up.
'Mother-'
Ji Zhao held Zhao Lanhua's arm affectionately and grinned foolishly.
'You're not obedient at all!" Zhao Lanhua poked her forehead angrily. Her tone was angry and full of heartache. "Your alcohol tolerance is so bad, yet you still dare to drink so quickly?"
Ji Zhao chuckled. 'Tm just too happy, aren't I? By the way, have Big Brother Qin and Second Brother You left?"
'Yes, they returned to the county city not long after dinner." Zhao Lanhua suddenly held Ji Zhao's arm and asked nervously, "Ah Tao, isn't the New Year's gift we gave them too shabby?"
'Huh?" Ji Zhao was stunned, his gaze blank.
"The two guests have given us a lot of New Year's gifts. Not only are there all kinds of goods, but there are also a few beautiful pieces of fabric. I heard from your elder brother that it seems to be, what, Shu brocade! Just one piece of cloth is worth more than ten taels of silver! Oh right, in addition to these, they also gave us six jars of yellow wine, two sets of good brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, and two pairs of silver bracelets for children!"
The more Zhao Lanhua spoke, the more uneasy she became. "Ah Tao, I've discussed it with your father. These gifts are too expensive. Why don't we think of a way to return them?"
'Big Brother Qin and Second Brother You gave so many gifts?" Ji Zhao did not expect them to be so generous.
"That's right!" The more Zhao Lanhua thought about it, the more worried she became. "Ah Tao, why don't you and Third Brother send the things back tomorrow? After all, we're already happy enough that they can come to our house for a meal. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to accept so many gifts!"
'Mother, if we really send the things back, it would be really inappropriate." Ji
Zhao shrugged helplessly and smiled. "Just keep them in peace."
'Ah? Are we really going to accept it?"
Zhao Lanhua was still a little hesitant.
'Mother, don't worry and keep the things." Ji Zhao smiled faintly, but her tone was exceptionally firm.
After all, the value she could create was definitely far more than this!
'Mother, can you take me to see those fabrics?" Ji Zhao said with a smile. "Let's call Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law to choose together?" After a while, the women of the Shen family arrived at the main house.
'Mother, isn't this fabric too soft?" Second Sister-in-law Shen was the first to choose a light yellow cloth embroidered with a butterfly pattern. She asked lovingly, "It's so soft!"
"This is Shu brocade!" Zhao Lanhua said proudly. "I heard that this single piece of material is worth more than ten taels of silver!"
'So expensive?" Eldest Sister-in-law Shen and Second Sister-in-law Shen were dumbfounded!
Especially Second Sister-in-law Shen, who hurriedly let go.
She could not ruin such good fabric.
"The Shu brocade is rich in color and exquisitely crafted," Ji Zhao explained with a smile. "In addition, the craftsmanship of the Shu brocade is especially complicated, so it's said that every inch of the brocade is worth gold. In addition, the clothes made of Shu brocade are also especially beautiful. Second Sister-in-law likes this light yellow Shu brocade.. Why don't you cut it and make a long dress? You can wear it when spring comes! "
*****************************************************
Chapter 239: Then It's Decided!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
"This... This is too expensive..." Second Sister-in-law Shen hurriedly waved her hand. "1 don't want it.'
'No matter how precious the fabric is, if it can't be made into clothes, then no matter how exquisite the fabric is, it's meaningless!" Ji Zhao advised with a smile. "Besides, Second Sister-in-law, your skin is fair, and your facial features are very delicate. If you wear a lively and elegant light yellow dress, Second Brother will definitely stare at you!'
'Ah Tao, you, you, you... How could you say such a thing-" Second Sister-in-law Shen blushed from being teased. She, who had always been eloquent, actually stuttered at this moment!
'Mother, look at Ah Tao!" Second Sister-in-law Shen had no choice but to look at Zhao Lanhua for help!
"I think Ah Tao is right." Zhao Lanhua nodded happily. "Then this cloth will be given to Second daughter-in-law."
Zhao Lanhua thought for a moment and picked out a pea green cloth. She handed it to Eldest Sister-in-law Shen, who was smiling. "Eldest daughter-in-law, Mother thinks this color suits you very well. Do you like it?" 'Thank you, Mother!" Eldest Sister-in-law Shen nodded happily and beamed.
'Ah Tao, I'll give you this light pink fabric. You look good in pink."
'Alright, thank you, Mother!"
'This dark gray one is for your father. These sapphire blue ones are for each of the three brothers to make a set of clothes. As for this bright red one and this light brown one, I'll put them away, okay?"
Zhao Lanhua quickly distributed the fabrics. "Do you have any objections to me dividing them like this?"
'Yes!"
The other three nodded in unison.
'Tell me about it." Zhao Lanhua crossed her arms in front of her chest in confusion.
'Mother, you didn't choose for yourself!" Ji Zhao said with a smile. "You can't be the only one wearing old clothes after our family has made new clothes, right? If word gets out, won't people think that the three of us are the bad wives who abused our mother-in-law?"
'That's right. Mother, I heard from Shen Lei that Father likes you in red dresses the most!"
'Mother, don't worry about making the dress. Leave it to Eldest Sister-in-law and me!" Second Sister-in-law Shen patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, Eldest Sister-in-law and I will definitely make a beautiful dress for you!'
'Alright, then it's decided!" Ji Zhao was afraid that Zhao Lanhua would refuse, so she quickly winked at the two sisters-in-law.
The two of them immediately carried the red Shu brocade and ran out...
'You guys!" Zhao Lanhua smiled helplessly, but her eyes couldn't help but become misty.
'Mother." Ji Zhao smiled obediently and poured her a cup of hot tea.
'Ah Tao, what should we do with the rest of the things?"
'Other than food, I'll have to trouble you to keep the other things and take good care of them." Ji Zhao smiled. "Mother, are you going to the Tian Family Village tomorrow?
'Yes." Zhao Lanhua nodded gently. "We'll have to face it sooner or later."
'Alright." Ji Zhao nodded in agreement. "Mother, there's something else I want to tell you."
Ji Zhao thought for a moment and still voiced out the guess in her heart.
'There are definitely not so many coincidences in this world, so I think that the so -called traveling Daoist priest who said that your eight characters were unknown back then might have been arranged by someone with ulterior motives?" Ji Zhao gently held her hand and comforted her in a low voice. 'There's a saying in the Three Character Classic that humans are innately kind. But sometimes, we have to admit that the human heart is unpredictable, right?"
Who could tell if the other party's heart was kind?
Moreover, there were always some vicious people who would put on an aggrieved white lotus posture after hurting others like a hypocrite.
Ji Zhao thought that Tian Xiu'e was probably that kind of person.
The curtain of night quietly lifted. When Shen Yao walked into the room, Ji Zhao was sitting in front of the desk, seriously drafting a business plan.
The dim candlelight swayed gently, accentuating the lines on her side profile.
In fact, Ji Zhao had long wanted to go to the prefectural city to do business. The first step of doing business was naturally to open up the business market! Therefore, she had long thought of starting a small food and beverage industry. The first step was this clay pot rice.
After all, the cooking method was simple and the cost was relatively low.
It was within Ji Zhao's expectations that everyone would praise the claypot rice endlessly.
As the saying went, it was better to have a big tree to lean on. That was why she encouraged Qin Minghong to return to the prefecture city. This way, it would be easier for them to open up the business market in the prefecture city!
However, she had to draw up a detailed plan that could convince others.
Seeing that she was engrossed in writing, Shen Yao smiled gently, unwilling to make any sound to affect her.
The serious and focused Ah Tao was really beautiful.
This was probably what it meant to look at a beauty under the light, right?
Shen Yao's heart skipped a beat. He spread out a paper and seriously drew her appearance.
An hour later, Ji Zhao finally finished the proposal.
She stretched lazily and realized that Shen Yao was standing opposite her with a faint smile.
'When did you come back?" Ji Zhao was stunned at first. Then, she hurriedly walked around the table and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. She smiled sweetly.
"1 came back a long time ago." Shen Yao smiled gently and tapped the tip of her nose affectionately. "It's just that Ah Tao was so focused on writing that I couldn't bear to disturb her."
The smile on Ji Zhao's face became even sweeter. "I must have been in a trance. Otherwise, how could I not even hear your footsteps? But Ah Yao, do you want to take a look at this proposal I wrote?"
'Okay."
Shen Yao happily agreed. He walked around the table and looked at the neat paper.
'Ah Tao's handwriting is so beautiful.'
Ji Zhao, who was praised, couldn't help but smile. However, two shy blushes still appeared on her cheeks.
"I wrote it randomly."
"It's really good." The more Shen Yao looked at it, the more he liked it. "Ah Tao's handwriting is neat and beautiful. It's really pleasing to the eye." 'But Ah Tao, do you really want to go to the prefecture city to do business?
'That's right." Ji Zhao immediately nodded. "After spring, you and Chenchen will go to school. I don't want to be idle, so I want to set up the shop first. When business is on the right track, I'll hand the shop over to father and mother to manage. "
'Then, when the time is right, I'll open another small food shop that specializes in selling fast food like clay pot rice. When the reputation is good, I'll open a shop in the prefectural city," Ji Zhao said with a smile. "1 want to make the brand Ah Tao Clay Pot Rice and earn a lot of money. After I earn money, I'll reshape the golden body of the Earth God!"
'After this goal is achieved, I have to work harder.. It's best if I can become the richest businesswoman in the world!"
*****************************************************
Chapter 240: You Asked For It!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
'Then, when you retire in the future, let's roam the world together, okay?" Ji Zhao smiled and hugged his arm, thinking about the future. Hearing that he was in her future plan, Shen Yao smiled.
'Okay."
'Qin Minghong plans to return to the prefecture tomorrow." Shen Yao could not help but pull her into his arms and said gently, "I've also given him the ledger.'
'Tomorrow, Father and Mother will return to the Tian Family Village." Ji Zhao nestled in his arms and gently closed her eyes. "I'm afraid there will be a commotion these few days.
'IIS there any news about the courtesan of the brothel?"
'Not yet." Shen Yao shook his head. "But this afternoon, Big Brother and I found the wandering Daoist priest who swindled people back then. So tomorrow, let's go back to the Tian Family Village together."
The next morning, the weather was bright and sunny.
However, Zhao Lanhua, who was sitting in the carriage, was also in a gloomy mood.
This morning, she met the traveling Daoist priest who had once looked into her birth characters.
Ah Tao's guess was right. Back then, it was Tian Xiu'e who bribed the Daoist priest and made the fake Daoist priest say many specious words in front of Tian Guangsheng. That was why Tian Guangsheng sent his only daughter out of the Tian Family Village like sending away the plague and even changed her surname.
Zhao Lanhua was Tian Guangsheng's only daughter because Tian Dazhuang and Tian Xiaotou were not Tian Guangsheng's biological sons. In other words, Tian Guangsheng had worked hard for so many years to raise someone else's
'Lanhua." Shen Dashan's heart ached when he saw her frowning and not saying a word. He quickly held her hand and comforted her softly, "Don't think too much. The heavens have eyes. Those bad people will definitely get their retribution.'
Zhao Lanhua forced a smile, but it was bitter.
"When I was young, I really felt very blessed." Zhao Lanhua sighed deeply and slowly said, 'After all, every family in the entire Tian Family Village favors boys over girls. Those uncles and aunties think that girls' lives are cheap. The daughters they raise will have to work for others in the future, so in their eyes, their daughters are useless."
'But my father is different."
'He ignored all the objections and brought me to his side. He also doted on me very much. I thought I was very lucky until that fake Daoist priest appeared. He said that my birth characters were hard and that I was obstructing my parents and my family," Zhao Lanhua said with a bitter smile. "Then, my father stopped liking me."
Especially after Tian Xiu'e successfully gave birth to Dazhuang, the way Tian Guangsheng looked at her became more and more complicated...
Zhao Lanhua thought that she was not crying, but her tears poured out like a flood.
'Mother, don't be sad." Ji Zhao hurriedly took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears on her face. She comforted her softly, "Those bad people will definitely get their retribution!"
At that time, in the Tian Family Village.
Tian Guangsheng looked at the gorgeously dressed Tian Xiu'e and frowned unhappily.
"It's not a big day today. Why are you dressed so delicately?"
'Doesn't it look good?" Tian Xiu'e pretended not to hear the anger in his voice. Instead, she smiled smugly. "I think it looks pretty good. Besides, they all say that I look best in red.
'Take it off!" Tian Guangsheng slammed the table angrily and roared.
"Why should I take it off?" Tian Xiu'e rolled her eyes and posed in front of the palm-sized bronze mirror again. Finally, she prepared to leave.
Tian Guangsheng rushed to her angrily and grabbed her hair. He threw her onto the bed and ruthlessly pressed on her!
Unfortunately, he still didn't have the ability.
The anticipation in Tian Xiu'e's eyes gradually turned into resentment. She pushed him away angrily
"1 told you long ago that you don't have the ability!"
'Brother Guangsheng, do you think I don't want to be a good woman who takes care of my husband and children?"
'But you can't even satisfy the most basic requirements. I have no choice.'
Tian Xiu'e buttoned up all the buttons on her body and tidied her messy hair. Before she left, she did not forget to look at him aggrievedly. "Breakfast is ready in the kitchen. Go eat first. I'll be back in time to make lunch.'
Tian Guangsheng, who was lying on the bed, closed his eyes weakly.
He panted heavily, his heart filled with sorrow.
When Zhao Lanhua and the others rushed to the Tian family, they smelled a strong smell of alcohol.
Tian Guangsheng, who was sitting in the central room, was drinking alone. On the square table that had lost its paint, other than the crooked wine jar, there was only a plate of peanuts.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Lanhua felt very upset.
"Father?"
'Lanhua?" Tian Guangsheng rubbed his red eyes and barely saw who it was. 'You're back? Did you bring wine?"
"Father, drinking so early in the morning is very harmful to the body," Zhao Lanhua sighed helplessly and advised softly.
'Don't worry, your father's alcohol tolerance is as deep as the ocean!" Tian Guangsheng suddenly burped and laughed. "My good daughter, why don't you have a drink with me?"
'Where's Tian Xiu'e?" Zhao Lanhua looked around and frowned when she realized that there was no one else in the house. "It's the new year. Where did she go? Why didn't she dissuade you"
BANG!
Tian Guangsheng suddenly smashed a wine jar in anger!
'Shut up! If you don't know how to speak, don't speak!"
'You! Why did you mention that slues name?" Tian Guangsheng was furious. "Why did you do this? Do you still have me in your eyes?! Or are you here to laugh at your father?"
'Enough!" Shen Dashan, who was standing outside the door, could not stand it anymore. He rushed up angrily and pointed at Tian Guangsheng. He scolded angrily, "A married daughter is like water that has been splashed out. Now that Lanhua is my wife, what right do you have to scold her?"
'Besides, Father-in-law, even if you're angry, why don't you vent your anger on Tian Xiu'e? Why? Do you think that Lanhua is soft and easy to bully? To put it bluntly, you asked for it!"
'Bastard!" After being scolded by Shen Dashan, Tian Guangsheng sobered up a lot. "How dare you criticize your elders? Do you still have me in your eyes as your father-in -law?"
"1f you want people to respect you, you have to first learn to respect others!" Ji Zhao could not help but say, "Grandfather, don't you feel any guilt towards my mother all these years? Just because of a fake Daoist priest, you pushed your beloved daughter out of the house and even raised someone else's son. Don't you regret it?"
'Do you really think that Tian Xiu'e and her son treat you sincerely?"
'All these years, the three of them have been like parasites, relying on you to survive! But what about you? Even if you caught them in the act, you never thought of widening your eyes to see their true faces!"