The bustling marketplace of Xudu City.
Xudu City now boasted much of the splendor of the former imperial capital, Luoyang.
In the East Market, slavers hawked their human merchandise.
In the West Market, all sorts of unheard-of curiosities were on display.
The South Market featured Indian performers, drawing crowds with their acts and presenting exotic camels and rare fruits transported via the Silk Road.
The old street of the North Market was a foodie's paradise, with countless restaurants enjoying booming business.
Among them, Lu Yu's Weijia Mutton Dumpling House, a collaboration with the Wei family, stood out with its exceptionally good business…
Meanwhile, Cao Hong's strong liquor, sold in partnership with the Imperial Academy, had also opened branches here, with stalls drawing long queues daily and demand far exceeding supply!
Various private schools had sprung up wherever there was an opportunity…
They filled Xudu City!
The alleys were also exceptionally lively, with mischievous children provoking dogs, teasing cats, and stealing bird eggs… leading to street brawls at the slightest disagreement.
The winners would laugh heartily, while the losers often shouted, "My father is XX!"
Some particularly audacious children, when outmatched in a father-off, would resort to fabricating claims: "My father is Lu Yu!"
With "Father Lu" invoked, all other fathers instantly paled in comparison!
At this moment…
Xiao Qiao was strolling through the West Market with her maid.
"This fan is exquisite. My husband will look exceptionally elegant with it. Buy it!"
"This jade pendant is also quite lovely and matches my husband's temperament perfectly. Buy it!"
"Oh, right, my husband doesn't seem to like carrying sachets, but… nearly all the court officials wear them. Let's buy these fragrant sachets with subtle scents, so my husband can choose himself."
Xiao Qiao's shopping spree could be summarized in three words: Buy! Buy! Buy!
Her maid followed behind her, her arms laden with a large pile of items, and said with a wry smile, "Miss, we've already bought so many things, all for Master Lu. You haven't bought a single thing for yourself!"
This maid was Xiao Qiao's personal attendant…
She had been brought into the Ministry of Agriculture along with Xiao Qiao.
In ancient times, personal maids and their mistresses often grew up together, their relationships as close as sisters. In this Xudu City, among the women, apart from her elder sister Da Qiao, the maid was the one Xiao Qiao was closest to.
However…
This was the first time their mistress had bought so many things for one man. Crucially… she seemed to have forgotten herself, not purchasing a single item for the maid.
This…
"Ah… is that so?" Xiao Qiao turned her head, looking at the full bundle of items the maid was carrying, and pouted slightly. "You're right. I should buy myself a beautiful dress too. Tomorrow… my husband will be back, and I must make him see me in a new light."
Ah…
The maid blinked slightly, feeling that the weight in her arms was about to increase.
"Miss… last time in Lujiang, in your chambers… I distinctly heard Master Lu say… he said he liked seeing you the most…"
Before the maid could finish, Xiao Qiao darted forward and clamped her hand over the maid's mouth.
*You know too much!*
It was hardly surprising, as in ancient times, personal maids' chambers were often connected to their mistresses' and masters' sleeping quarters, allowing for service at any time during the night. Therefore, it wasn't unexpected that she overheard intimate conversations.
"Don't say another word…"
Xiao Qiao's cheeks flushed as she hastily commanded.
The maid looked speechless, pouting. "Clearly… clearly Miss's waist is what Master Lu likes the most, but how can he see it or touch it when you're clothed!"
"Be quiet…"
Xiao Qiao covered her mouth again.
*What is she thinking…*
How could these words be spoken aloud? Besides, daytime and nighttime were different, weren't they!
As Xiao Qiao's pretty face flushed, at that very moment…
"Clang!"
The sound of a gong rang out. Following this, from the entrance of the marketplace, a procession approached, escorting a sedan chair. The group numbered over twenty people. Though not a large number, the fanfare of gongs opening the way indicated considerable status.
"Halt…"
A clear, high-pitched female voice commanded. The sedan chair lowered, and a woman of graceful bearing and stunning beauty stepped out from within.
Xiao Qiao noticed that among the guards beside the sedan chair were some dressed as Imperial Guards, walking in attendance. This clearly indicated the woman's noble status.
Seeing this scene…
Xiao Qiao softly murmured in curiosity, "Such a grand display? And escorted by Imperial Guards. Who could it be?"
At this moment…
The maid stared intently at the woman alighting from the sedan chair. "No wonder such a grand entrance. So it's her?"
"Her?" Xiao Qiao quickly asked, "Do you know her? Who is she?"
Xiao Qiao sighed deeply. "This is the sister of the State Uncle Dong Cheng, the current Consort Dong. I hear… His Majesty has been particularly fond of her recently. His carriage and etiquette are almost… identical to the Empress's. Looking at it this way, such a procession is not unexpected."
Upon hearing this…
Xiao Qiao nodded. So it was Consort Dong…
This explained everything. Who in Xudu City didn't know about it recently!
His Majesty had bestowed the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry upon the State Uncle Dong Cheng and had shown immense favor to Consort Dong.
It seemed that, in an instant… even the status of Empress Fu Shou and General Fu Wan had been overshadowed by the Dong family.
News of this had spread like wildfire throughout the city, becoming more and more exaggerated, to the point where it was rumored His Majesty was planning to depose the Empress.
At this moment, Consort Dong stepped elegantly from her sedan chair, her head held high, her proud figure accentuated. Her eyes narrowed as she was about to enter a nearby fabric shop, seemingly to order lavish clothing!
As she stepped forward, the women already inside the shop were expelled. Some were still trying on clothes, their bodies partially exposed, leaving in disarray!
Immediately, a contingent of Imperial Guards sealed off the entire street, preventing Xiao Qiao from making any further purchases…
Xiao Qiao had intended to buy herself clothes to make her husband's eyes light up.
But… this…
Xiao Qiao, known for her straightforward nature, felt a surge of displeasure.
"Hmph… she's just relying on His Majesty's favor?"
She immediately uttered this sentiment…
Xiao Qiao disdained women like this. Sister Zhaoji was hailed as the leader of scholars, managing the Imperial Academy, and her reputation was far superior to this Madam Dong. Yet, she had never been so ostentatious. What right did a mere consort have to be so arrogant?
With this thought, Xiao Qiao muttered, "She's just His Majesty's favored consort, not the Empress? Is it necessary to be like this…"
Indeed…
A consort, however favored, was still a concubine. In this world, how could a concubine be so overbearing and arrogant?
As a concubine herself, Xiao Qiao found it intolerable!
Coincidentally, her words reached Consort Dong's ears.
Step…
Consort Dong paused her steps, turned her head to face Xiao Qiao, and a mocking smile spread across her lips. "It seems there are truly some ignorant commoners who don't know their place."
With this thought, her gaze turned cold…
"Arrest her!"
As the words left her mouth, the Imperial Guards moved to apprehend Xiao Qiao. Her maid, fiercely protective, blocked Xiao Qiao, but was roughly pushed aside.
Xiao Qiao's face turned pale with fright…
She wanted to run, but how could she escape these Imperial Guards?
At the critical moment…
"Stop…"
"Under the Imperial City? What audacious villain dares to cause trouble!"
A stern voice boomed out…
The voice was not loud, but each word was spoken with powerful clarity, sending shivers down one's spine. The Imperial Guards inexplicably froze, unwilling to proceed with the arrest.
Xiao Qiao instinctively turned her head…
The man who appeared before her eyes was someone she recognized: Man Chong, the Magistrate of Xudu City, responsible for maintaining order. He was known for his unyielding demeanor.
When he intervened, there were usually screams and wails.
Man Chong's appearance caused Consort Dong to pause slightly. Clearly, even the currently favored Consort Dong was quite wary of Man Chong's reputation.
"So it is Magistrate Man."
With a fawning smile, Consort Dong, who usually looked down on everything, addressed Man Chong with a smile.
She seemed unwilling to offend this "bringer of death judge"!
"Under the Son of Heaven's watchful eye, in broad daylight, does Consort Dong intend to privately administer punishment and make an unauthorized arrest?"
Man Chong's tone was exceedingly cold.
"No…" Consort Dong smiled slightly. Her gaze returned to Xiao Qiao, her expression becoming as radiant as a blooming flower. "I was merely playing with this little sister. I didn't expect such a trivial matter to alarm Magistrate Man. Very well, I'm done playing now. I need to choose my clothes. Would Magistrate Man care to join me?"
Upon hearing this, Man Chong's eyes narrowed.
"Consort Dong, please proceed…"
Saying this, he helped the fallen maid to her feet and then ordered men to escort Xiao Qiao and slowly withdraw from this part of the West Market.
This might seem like a minor incident, a coincidence.
But in reality, it was inevitable!
Out of gratitude for Lu Yu's patronage, Man Chong paid special attention to everyone from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Not only Xiao Qiao, but even when Da Qiao or Cai Yan went out, he would specially arrange for personnel from his office to provide discreet protection. This time… he happened to be nearby, heard about the incident, and rushed over immediately. Fortunately, he wasn't too late!
Meanwhile…
After Man Chong safely escorted Xiao Qiao away.
"Hmph…"
A cold snort.
Consort Dong's eyes fixed in the direction they had left. She coldly commanded, "Follow them. I want to see which young lady it is! Who dares to have the audacity to openly provoke me!"
As she spoke, Consort Dong curled her lips and murmured two words—"Seeking death!"
As she spoke, several Imperial Guards hurried after them.
Seeing the guards depart, Consort Dong touched her belly and then looked towards where Xiao Qiao had left, a cold, fierce glint appearing in her eyes.
Few knew that Consort Dong, at this moment, was acting so arrogantly and presumptuously because she was carrying the Emperor's heir. With a humble mother and a noble child… with this child, she didn't believe she couldn't deal with an ignorant "girl" who didn't know the immensity of heaven and earth!
Of course, apart from the "Dragon Seed," the Dong family… was about to be entrusted with great responsibility by the Emperor!
…
On the other side…
After safely escorting Xiao Qiao to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Xiao Qiao bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Magistrate Man, for helping this humble woman."
Man Chong waved his hand. "It's nothing. However, Consort Dong is consistently overbearing and narrow-minded. The Dong family is currently in the spotlight. I fear Consort Dong will not let this matter rest. Fortunately, the Minister Lu will be returning tomorrow. Miss, you might as well tell him about this, so Minister Lu can be prepared!"
"Thank you, Magistrate Man, for the reminder."
Xiao Qiao bowed respectfully again.
Then…
She gracefully retreated into the Ministry of Agriculture.
Man Chong watched Xiao Qiao enter the mansion, his eyes suddenly turning cold. He commanded, "Assign more guards to this location. Before Minister Lu returns, ensure the Ministry of Agriculture remains unharmed!"
"Yes!"
A chorus of agreement, and countless yamen runners sprang into action.
…
…
Within the Ministry of Agriculture, in the South Garden of Xudu City.
Da Qiao was holding a copy of "Lüshi Chunqiu: The Essence of Flavor."
This was the fourteenth volume of "Lüshi Chunqiu," which detailed methods of "cooking" and recorded the delicacies of the world during the time of Shang Tang.
Since being brought into the Ministry of Agriculture, Da Qiao would often pick it up during her free time to learn cooking techniques.
Speaking of which, she was much more insightful than Xiao Qiao. Her mother had always taught her that to win a man's heart, one must first capture his stomach… Da Qiao remembered this advice firmly.
Therefore…
Da Qiao placed great importance on her culinary skills. For every new dish she learned from these cookbooks, she would practice it repeatedly until her technique was proficient and the resulting dishes were visually appealing, fragrant, and delicious.
This was not for any other reason than to ensure that when her husband returned, he would be pleased with the food she personally cooked;
And so that Sister Zhaoji, after a day of teaching at the Imperial Academy, could eat delicious food upon returning home to relieve her fatigue.
She was a very sensible woman.
Of course…
Creating a table of delicious food was not easy!
Especially…
The culinary arts in the Han Dynasty had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Her husband had invented the large iron pot, and… the oil produced by the oil press, which had almost revolutionized traditional cooking!
One must understand that, originally, Han Dynasty cuisine was divided into three types: flatbread, rice, and congee!
Being able to eat flatbread was a privilege for the upper class in this era.
It was no exaggeration to say…
If one were to encounter a beggar in the city and ask him what he would most want to do if he miraculously became emperor, the beggar's answer would undoubtedly be to eat sesame cakes every day!
Indeed… fine grains like flour were exclusively enjoyed by the upper class, while the lower classes were relegated to drinking congee and eating coarse grains like unpolished rice and barley.
However… due to this large iron pot and the appearance of oil, everything had been completely overturned.
It could be said that cooking in Xudu City now valued frying everything, as even locusts were once eaten with great relish, so what couldn't be deep-fried!
Corresponding to the five grains were the "six domestic animals": horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, dogs, and pigs, plus poultry!
In the Han Dynasty, the most commonly consumed were fish, sheep, dogs, and chickens…
The common people of the Han Dynasty were particularly fond of dog meat…
Coupled with the seasonings that had already appeared: coarse salt, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar (molasses, not cane sugar), cinnamon, scallions, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, cornel berries, cinnamon, lemongrass, etc…
Under this series of prerequisites, it seemed easier, yet also more difficult, to stir-fry delicious and abundant dishes.
"Lüshi Chunqiu: The Essence of Flavor" offered limited help to Da Qiao; many dishes required original creation.
Fortunately… Da Qiao was exceptionally intelligent and resourceful, and was already capable of preparing many delicious dishes.
"My husband returns tomorrow… What dishes should I make?"
"Drunken duck? Meat patties? Fried fish? Or…"
Da Qiao was contemplating how to make her husband's eyes light up tomorrow!
At this moment.
Xiao Qiao entered, her expression solemn as she approached Da Qiao, and said in a low voice.
"Sister, I think… I think I've caused trouble."
Caused trouble?
Upon hearing this… Da Qiao was slightly startled. She and her sister had received the news early that the army would return triumphantly tomorrow, and their husband would be back by noon. Her sister had gone out gleefully… to the West Market to buy some items for her husband?
How had she… caused trouble?
"What happened? Speak slowly!"
"I… I offended the current Consort Dong… Magistrate Man saved me. Magistrate Man told me… said… said Consort Dong would not let this matter rest."
This…
Da Qiao's face changed, and a trace of worry appeared in her eyes. She repeatedly asked, "Are you unharmed?"
"My maid sustained a minor skin injury, but I am fine!"
"How did you offend her?" Only after hearing that Xiao Qiao was unharmed did Da Qiao's mood calm down.
"I…"
Xiao Qiao recounted the day's events. As Da Qiao listened… she couldn't help but shake her head. "You, you just can't keep your patience. Your husband is returning tomorrow, and this… is causing trouble for him!"
"Then… what should we do?"
Da Qiao put down the book she was holding and stood up. "Don't go out for now. Tomorrow… I will accompany you to admit our fault to your husband."
…
…
On the outskirts of Xudu City, by the Ying River!
In this area of Yongqiu, surrounded by water…
Unique residences and a cluster of well-arranged buildings appeared before everyone's eyes.
This was the Imperial Academy… a place eagerly anticipated by scholars from all over the world!
From within the various pavilions… the sounds of clear reading, debating…
And the sounds of composing essays and composing Fu poems could be heard.
In Cai Zhaoji's class, she was teaching students of the Imperial Academy how to compose "Fu" poems with conciseness and refinement!
One must understand that bamboo slips were the primary writing medium in the Han Dynasty, requiring much time and effort, and were inconvenient for transport and preservation.
This necessitated people to avoid unnecessary words, avoid writing lengthy texts, and conserve resources.
"Fu" poems generally consisted of four-character phrases, highly condensed, enhancing students' artistic cultivation while also serving as professional training.
Official documents, memorials, letters, and eulogies were all composed in the Fu style.
Almost every class, the instructors required students to compose Fu poems, known as "Daily Fu."
Today, Cai Zhaoji was discussing how to write "Fu" poems for memorials!
In simple terms, it meant not writing thousands of words filled with filler, like some online novel authors, creating vast oceans of water, a boundless expanse, unfathomably deep…
This has been the case since ancient times, forcing readers to draw their swords!
Therefore, Han Dynasty "Fu" poems required extreme conciseness; not a single superfluous word!
Of course, Cai Zhaoji's teaching was not just about "conciseness," but also about having a beginning and an end.
Simply put, an event should be written as concisely as possible within a memorial, without constantly teasing the reader!
Deliberately breaking off sections… is very dangerous!
If you dare to break off sections for the Emperor, the Emperor will break off your head.
Of course, readers are almost equivalent to the Emperor…
As the saying goes, "One day, with a sword in hand, I will slaughter all those who break off sections," which roughly conveys this sentiment!
After a class finished…
Cai Zhaoji, as usual, played her Jiaowei zither. Amidst the melodious ringing, class was dismissed…
When the music faded…
An assistant collected the Jiaowei zither, and Cai Zhaoji smiled and instructed, "Later, please inform all instructors and students that the Imperial Academy will be on holiday for three days starting tomorrow!"
Ah… ah…
As these words left her mouth, the assistant was stunned!
He pondered, it seemed… tomorrow was not a special festival?
"Chief Director Cai, is tomorrow a special day?" the assistant immediately asked.
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji smiled faintly.
"Of course, it is a special day. Your Chief Director Lu is returning triumphantly!"
This…
The assistant's eyes darted, and he immediately understood.
Chief Director Lu was Chief Director Cai's younger brother. With the brother returning, it was understandable for the elder sister to take time off for the family to spend time together.
However…
How should this be conveyed to the students? Your Chief Director Lu is back… you can have a holiday!
Er…
Something seemed not quite right!
As the assistant was about to ask again…
Unexpectedly, a voice rang out.
"Chief Director Cai, it is precisely because Chief Director Lu is returning that the Imperial Academy cannot have a holiday tomorrow!"
Upon hearing this…
Cai Yan and the assistant turned their heads. Standing before them was a general…
Of course, for Cai Yan, this was an old acquaintance!
…
…