A Good Country Wife-Chapter 671 - 664_1

Wang Dachuan was the best cook in their household, so it was most appropriate that the meals for Minister Li were left in his hands. However, those with some abilities tend to have their quirks or self-regard, and Wang Dachuan was no exception. He was so engrossed in his culinary skills that he didn’t bother much with other servants unless they were particularly to his liking.

Minister Li was considered a rather distinguished guest in their home, and Lin Yue didn’t trust this matter to be conveyed by servants. She felt more at ease doing it herself, lest Wang Dachuan disregard what a servant said and cause a mishap.

"Madam, for such a trivial matter, you could have just sent a servant to tell me," said Wang Dachuan, "you needn’t have made the trip yourself. Rest assured, I will use all my skills to prepare the signature dishes and treat that guest well, guaranteeing his satisfaction." Lin Yue was the person Wang Dachuan admired and felt the most grateful toward in his life. Whatever she requested, as long as she spoke, he would certainly handle it perfectly.

After a trip to the kitchen and having obtained Wang Dachuan’s assurance, Lin Yue felt relieved. She thought it over and decided to take some aged fine wine from the cellar to send to Minister Li. Most food connoisseurs tended to enjoy good wine as well, and she hoped that these few jars of wine would be to Minister Li’s liking.

Lin Yue guessed right. Once the wine was delivered to Minister Li, just the aroma from unsealing the jar let him know it was from aged old cellars, fragrant and rich. The scent alone made one feel tipsy and utterly suited his taste. This was better than any gold or treasure he could have received. Lady Lin was indeed a clever woman, considerate and thorough in her actions. For the sake of this wine, he would have to take extra care of Zhao Erhu and his wife if they ever encountered any issues in the palace.

"Such fine wine. Please return and convey my thanks to Lady Lin," said Minister Li, "tell her I am thankful for her generous gesture. Should Lady Lin have any requests in the future, as long as it’s within my power, I will do my best." True to the nature of a food lover, Minister Li, usually so tight and shrewd, easily gave such a promise for a few jars of wine.

Lin Yue was indeed catering to his preferences, with the intent to make Minister Li’s stay comfortable and happy, laying the groundwork for future relations. Hearing such promising words from him was an unexpected joy.

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Inside the Government Office of Xin’an City

"My lord, I have found out that Minister Li is here by the Emperor’s order to deliver a reward to Lady Lin of Zhao Family Village, and he is now staying at Zhao Erhu’s home. As for further details, I wasn’t able to investigate more. My lord, you don’t know how strict the Zhao family rules are, and how tight-lipped the servants keep. It took me considerable effort to gather even this much information."

"My cousin has informed me about the palace matters, and I’m aware of who Minister Li is. Although he’s not on par with Minister Abao, who grew up serving directly by the Emperor’s side, his background and power in the palace are still quite significant. He’s a second-in-command, serving close to the Emperor, just under Minister Abao. Many people try to flatter him."

"My lord, it’s clear you come from a great family with such broad knowledge, even about affairs within the palace," Quan An said obsequiously to Ceng Lu, patting his ego. Ceng Lu felt extremely pleased hearing Quan An’s words, thinking him insightful and efficient in handling matters. In that moment, he trusted Quan An even more than his usual butler and tutor, involving Quan An in all decisions. In Ceng Lu’s eyes, the butler and tutor were merely servants, while Quan An was a subordinate he could rely on.

The butler and tutor, who used to revel in Ceng Lu’s authority, now watched with dissatisfaction as Ceng Lu’s trust in Quan An grew. Fortunately, Quan An was still sensible enough not to act arrogant in front of them, which put them at ease to some extent. However, that didn’t stop them from secretly trying to trip Quan An up whenever they could.

As for who exactly Quan An was, it turned out he was recently promoted by Ceng Lu to the position of assistant to the chief official after only earning a Scholar title. His success was due to his flattery and making himself known with silver coins. Gradually, through careful planning, he had gained Ceng Lu’s trust and reliance.

The butler and tutor, standing aside, watched Quan An’s relentless boot-licking with disdain. After all, the master enjoyed this kind of flattery, and a good servant is one who can humble himself. To regain Ceng Lu’s trust, they exchanged glances and signaled, "The lord is certainly the most formidable, with incomparably broad knowledge, far beyond what we servants could comprehend, not to mention those deplorable scholars who have suddenly emerged, thinking they are worth something."

As the butler finished, the tutor did not wait for Quan An to respond, adding, "Also, my lord, since Minister Li rarely leaves the palace for Xin’an City, and although he’s delivering rewards to the Zhao family at the Emperor’s command, he is not really that close with them. As for matters of face and friendship, my lord, you have a cousin who is the Emperor’s favorite concubine. If you make a move, Minister Li will surely not ignore it, and he might even seek to flatter you."

The tutor knew this wasn’t the case and spoke against his wishes, as flattering Minister Li, who served the Emperor, was hardly necessary, much less for Ceng Lu. Calming down the master is imperative, to not let that upstart Quan An show off, especially not in front of the lord. Besides, a poor scholar turned Scholar, no matter how capable in the art of flattery, would be clueless about palace affairs and wouldn’t know what to say. Therefore, he was unusually quiet now.

The butler and tutor genuinely looked down on Quan An, remembering how he had bribed his way in and they had recommended him to the master, thinking him capable. They never imagined Quan An would gain such favor and trust from the master.

Having served Ceng Lu for so long, the tutor used to work in Ceng Lu’s best interest, so some actions went against his desire. Now, particularly keen to please Ceng Lu, he echoed every word and sentiment Ceng Lu favored. Delighted at being cajoled, Ceng Lu nodded, flattered, "You have a point. With my cousin favored in the palace, Minister Li, despite his capabilities, is still just a servant. He might even have to flatter my cousin, and I doubt he’d dare to act big in front of me."

"However," continued Ceng Lu, "Minister Li is still a seasoned palace servant, and we should give him due respect. It would ensure his further loyalty when carrying out tasks. Why don’t I personally go to welcome Minister Li and treat him well, to show my sincerity?"