Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots-Chapter 1445 - 264, Incoming Letter (6)

Lin Yuan greatly appreciated Xu Muqing’s excellent upbringing and had a server bring two plates of vegetarian dishes and two bowls of rice before sitting down to eat together.

However, Lin Yuan had clearly underestimated Xu Muqing’s appetite. The plate of fish and two plates of vegetarian dishes disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving Xu Muqing only half-full.

Lin Yuan couldn’t help but press her forehead, thinking to herself, no wonder this girl is so plump, it’s uncertain whether Wei Borong, that Second Fool, would ever be able to feed her enough.

She went to the main kitchen again and ordered two more vegetarian dishes, a pot of boiled meat slices, and three bowls of rice before Xu Muqing finally put down her chopsticks and patted her belly, saying, "Ah, I’m finally full! If there were a bowl of soup as well, it would be perfect."

Lin Yuan: ...

Eventually, Lin Yuan didn’t give her any more soup. The two sat in the courtyard for a while, and just before the candied lotus root was nearly ready, Lin Yuan added some dried osmanthus and boiled it a bit longer before fishing out the two lotus roots.

That wasn’t the end; she also scooped out the syrup from the stewed lotus roots, reduced it in a smaller pot until it was thick, and after the candied lotus roots had cooled, sliced them thinly and drizzled the sticky syrup over the slices. Only then was the dish, Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root, truly completed.

Despite having eaten three large bowls of rice and many dishes just before, Xu Muqing’s mouth watered at the sight of the candied lotus roots, and she ate three slices before she could stop herself.

As she’d said herself, her favorite was soft, chewy glutinous rice, and clearly glutinous rice wasn’t enough with lotus roots alone; she picked and stuffed into her mouth all the glutinous rice that fell off while slicing.

Seeing Xu Muqing eating so joyously, Lin Yuan amusedly had the server pack up what was originally intended for Xiao Linshuang and the others for Xu Muqing.

Seeing all the food being given to her, Xu Muqing was both excited and conflicted, "Aren’t those for Weiwei and the others? Maybe you should keep it for them. I... I’m good with this." She indicated the half-eaten dish of candied lotus root on the table, reluctantly acknowledging the principle that a gentleman does not covet what others enjoy.

Lin Yuan watched her amusingly and said, "It’s still early, I can make more for them. Don’t refuse, all this candied lotus root is yours. Oh, by the way, come again tomorrow. We should have Peacock Spreading Tail and Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root for sale at Dong Tian then. When you feel like eating, just come to Dong Tian."

"Yes, yes, I’ll come! I’ll come every day!" Xu Muqing nodded excitedly. On other matters, she might hesitate, but when it came to food, she wouldn’t refuse!

After the server had packed the candied lotus root, Xu Muqing politely took the tightly wrapped Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root and trotted away, saying, "Yuanyuan, I’m going now. I’m off to bring some treats to Brother Rong!"

Lin Yuan chuckled, realizing this girl still held her affection for her foolish Brother Rong!

After sending off Xu Muqing, Lin Yuan rested for a moment before picking another two lotus roots to make two more servings of Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root, one for Xiao Linshuang and her sisters and the other to send to the General Mansion for Princess An Le.

Ever since Princess An Le had tasted her cooking once in Zhuma Town, she’d been longing for more. Lin Yuan had wanted to cook for her again, but Princess An Le, fearing Lin Yuan might overexert herself, firmly asked her not to cook again. Today presented a perfect opportunity to send some over.

Besides making Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root, Lin Yuan also selectively took a few good lotus roots and some fine fish to send to the General Mansion, allowing them to enjoy some freshness today.

While the Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root was stewing, Lin Yuan found time to write down the recipes for Peacock Spreading Tail and Osmanthus Candied Lotus Root, conveniently passing them to the chefs in the main kitchen.

After she had busied herself with everything, she finally had the chance to rest her head on the small table and take a nap. As soon as she closed her eyes, unsurprisingly, she thought again of Xia Zheng’s sly, cheap-looking handsome face.

Ah! When would he finally come back?

Far in Xiliang, someone was meticulously passing on his undercover agents to Xia Zhen when he suddenly sneezed out of the blue. Sniffling, he boasted proudly, "First, think, second, curse, third, catch a cold, hehe, Yuanyuan must be thinking of me."

Xia Zhen, who was intently studying a map, couldn’t help but roll his eyes, yet he felt somewhat uneasy. Why hadn’t he sneezed recently? Could it be that Huihui did not miss him? No, he couldn’t lose face!

Achoo!

Xia Zhen also arrogantly lifted his chin, his face even prouder than Xia Zheng’s!

The circle of generals at the table watched the childish behavior of the two brothers and all frowned in disapproval.

Since her meeting with the Third Prince at River View Tower, Chen Leyao had often received invitations from him — today to a tea house, tomorrow to boat on the lake. The two got along exceedingly well.

Chen Leyao also kept thinking about Chen Ruochu’s words. After discussing poetry and literature with the Third Prince a few times, she became thoroughly convinced of this exceedingly learned and talented prince’s sincerity.

After interacting this way for about ten days without the Third Prince making any further advances, Chen Leyao grew impatient. The Third Prince obviously liked her, so why hadn’t he mentioned her moving into the Prince’s Mansion?

Finally, after Lady Jiang had hinted several times about Peach Blossom, she visited once again.

It was still Lady Jiang’s courtyard, with the same people, only this time, everyone’s attitude had changed.

As soon as Chen Leyao saw Peach Blossom, she sweetly called out "Auntie," causing Peach Blossom to beam with joy, her silk flower trembling as if about to fall off her head.

"Big sister, what brings you here so suddenly? Could it be..." Lady Jiang couldn’t resist leaning close to Peach Blossom, her eyes nearly cramping with curiosity.

Peach Blossom laughed heartily and patted her hand, "Sister, you are brilliantly perceptive! And you guessed right! The Third Prince, ah, he sent a letter!"

Upon hearing this, both Lady Jiang and Chen Leyao perked up their ears, their eyes shining as brightly as the stars at night.

"The Third Prince, ah, he particularly likes his grandniece. He says she is gentle and elegant, knowledgeable and reasonable, and also kind and caring - she’s exactly the ideal partner he has in mind!"

Lady Jiang nodded repeatedly, "Exactly, exactly, my Leyao is truly one in a million!"

"Mother!" Chen Leyao shyly nudged Lady Jiang’s arm, her cheeks burning red, looking incredibly adorable.

Yet, just as mother and daughter were enjoying the moment, Peach Blossom suddenly changed her expression, heaving a deep sigh and appeared to be holding back her words.