In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 742 Spicy Soup and Fried Cypress: The Mission Successfully Concluded
Li Zhigang was exhausted when he left the port.

They returned to the temporary accommodations arranged by the Provincial Administration Commission.

This is a fine inn, no different from an ordinary residence, with a hall and rooms.

He sat down at the round table in the center.

He took out a handkerchief from his bosom, picked up the teacup on the table, and poured some water into it.

Then apply it forcefully to your face and rub it vigorously.

Until the oily cheeks regain their dryness.
He finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Sigh, this job is really tough."

Thinking of the task assigned to him by the Ministry of Works,
Li Zhigang felt a sharp pain between his eyebrows, as if his forehead was pounding.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Sir, the food is here."

The weariness and embarrassment on Li Zhigang's face vanished in an instant, replaced by his former authority.

"come in."

The door opened, and a young clerk dressed in the uniform of the Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office walked in with a tray, smiling broadly.
"Sir, are you hungry?"
That Lord Wei is really something, summoning us in such a hurry in the middle of the night.
My nephew thought something terrible had happened.

Hearing his complaints, Li Zhigang's solemn expression relaxed considerably, as if he had just heard what Li Zhigang was thinking.

"Put the food down, go get another serving, and we'll eat together."

The young clerk chuckled:
"Don't worry, sir, there's enough for two people, so you don't need to go out and get any more."

Li Zhigang shook his head helplessly.

This nephew is glib and doesn't stand on ceremony at all.

However, this made him feel quite comfortable, as he no longer had to put on airs.

"Sir, this is the best spicy soup in Kaifeng."
These are meat pies and fried dough sticks from the street.

There are four tea eggs left; let's each take two.

The young clerk, without any hesitation, cheerfully distributed the breakfast.

When he placed a bowl of thick and creamy hot and sour soup on the table,
Li Zhigang frowned, sniffed the air, and then...
"what is this?"

"You didn't know that?"

The young clerk suddenly raised his voice, rubbed his hands together, and began to speak eloquently:

Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, the imperial chefs combined the "hangover soup" of Shaolin Temple with the "digestive tea" of Wudang Mountain.
A type of soup created,
It has the effects of sobering up, refreshing the mind, stimulating appetite and strengthening the spleen.

Emperor Huizong of Song tasted it and greatly praised it, bestowing upon it the name "Longevity Soup".

Later, after the Jingkang Incident, the imperial chefs were forced to flee to the common people and opened a breakfast stall.

A customer accidentally sprinkled some pepper powder he was carrying into the pot, and that's how this spicy soup came to be.

Li Zhigang stirred the contents of the bowl with a spoon, feeling its viscous consistency.

His expression was strange, but he couldn't stop himself no matter what.
"It contains pepper? Then this bowl must be very expensive."

The young clerk gave an embarrassed smile:
"Sir, it is indeed not cheap."
When my nephew went to buy it, it was mostly wealthy families buying it; one bowl cost forty coins.

"So expensive!"

Li Zhigang was startled and glared at him:
"You don't even know how to save money when you're traveling!"

"My lord, a poor family should travel with plenty of resources."

Coming to Henan to manage the floods was already a difficult task.
If the food isn't good either, that would be too pathetic.
"Try it, it tastes amazing!"

"You have eaten?"

The young clerk shook his head:

"No."

"Then how do you know it tastes great?"

“Forty coins a bowl, as long as it’s not swill, my nephew will say it’s delicious, otherwise wouldn’t this money be wasted?”

Li Zhigang's expression grew increasingly strange; he felt that what he said made a lot of sense.

The young clerk bent down and took a deep slurp.
“Hiss, my grass”

"what happened?"

"Hot!"

"Hahahahaha."

Seeing his disheveled appearance, Li Zhigang burst into hearty laughter, feeling much more at ease.

The thing he regrets least now is bringing along his distant nephew, Shen Zao.

Li Zhigang looked somewhat emotional:
If your father had your quick wit...

With that beautiful handwriting, he would have already entered the inner circle of officials, and his career path would undoubtedly have been much smoother than mine.

When her father was mentioned, Shen Zao's liveliness subsided somewhat, and she said thoughtfully:

"My lord, my father is well-versed in literature."

He could see his own shortcomings, which is why he let his nephew mingle in the streets.
Change the family tradition of being taciturn.

The father probably never imagined that his nephew would develop such a fearless and reckless personality.

Li Zhigang smiled, reached out and picked up a fried dough stick, looked it over from side to side, and said with a smile:

"Are you really afraid?"

Shen Zao paused, then chuckled:
"Of course I'm afraid, my nephew has no rank or grade,"
If it weren't for the protection of adults, he would never have tried to make a living in the government office.
Here, if you have a slightly weaker background, you'll get bullied.

Li Zhigang wholeheartedly agrees with this point.
"That's absolutely right. I've never had any powerful backers before."
Looking across the imperial court, I am the only fifth-rank official in the entire Songjiang region.

I'm completely helpless, with no one to turn to for help.
All I think about is finding a powerful backer so I can finally relax.
That's not good at all; instead, he's been branded as an opportunist.

"And now?" Shen Zao's eyes lit up as she slurped up her spicy soup.

At this point, Li Zhigang's expression was complicated, and he let out a long sigh:

"Now that the person who protected me has run away, I can't say for sure whether he can be considered a backer or not."

Fortunately, my situation in the capital has greatly improved.

At least the newly appointed Minister of State considers me one of his own and can offer me some protection.

It's a pity that those who receive benefits in the imperial court have to do the work.

Now that we're in Henan, we haven't even seen all the waterways yet!

He then became embroiled in a dispute between local officials and the Grand Canal transport authority.

It's difficult, so difficult!

After saying that, Li Zhigang took a big bite of the fried dough stick.
Although he was in his thirties, he looked like he was in his fifties, extremely old.

Seeing his dejected state, Shen Zao immediately perked up again.
Holding two fried dough sticks stuck together, he said:
"Sir, do you know the origin of these fried dough sticks?"

"I don't know."

"My lord, in the eleventh year of the Shaoxing reign of the Southern Song Dynasty..."
Yue Fei was framed and killed by Qin Hui and others on trumped-up charges, which aroused righteous indignation among the people.

It is said that there was a breakfast vendor in Lin'an.

The dough was shaped into small figures of Qin Hui and his wife, Wang, and then the figures were stuck back to back together and thrown into a pot of boiling oil to fry them, in order to vent their hatred. This was called "Fried Qin Hui".

Later, this method quickly spread.
People followed suit, and over a century later, it became the fried dough sticks we know today.

Li Zhigang held the fried dough stick and examined it from left to right.

The two sticky things together did indeed look like two little people, but he shook his head and smiled:
"Don't take rumors with a grain of salt; they're all nonsense."

"fake?"

Shen Zao suddenly realized,

Li Zhigang nodded:
"I told you to read more books in your spare time, but you insist on going out to have fun. Otherwise, you wouldn't even believe such rumors."

"Sir, what others are saying seems so plausible, how could it be false?"

Li Zhigang stirred the spicy soup and spoke calmly:
"When Yue Fei died, the whole world cheered, but there was no talk of him speaking out for the people's grievances?"

Shen Zao was dumbfounded; this seemed somewhat different from what she had heard.

Li Zhigang, his eyes deep-set, continued speaking, as if lost in thought:
"When Qin Hui was alive, he held the position of prime minister, was promoted to grand tutor, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Wei."

If you were an ordinary citizen, would you dare to use this fried dough stick to scold him?
If someone starts swearing and cursing, won't the government do anything about it?

Shen Zao was stunned. He thought of the idle street patrolmen in the capital.
Although it seems like a leisurely life, if any rumors or gossip arise in the capital...

They arrest people faster than anyone else.

If the Ming Dynasty was like this, the Song Dynasty should not be much different.

He shook his head:
"They probably wouldn't dare."

"That solves it. Qin Hui died peacefully and was posthumously granted the title of Prince Shen."

This is a king with a single character, comparable to a prince. Even the Duke of Wei was only the King of Zhongshan.

So even though Qin Hui is dead, you should be careful not to curse him.
So, the mention of fried dough sticks (youtiao) must have originated at least after the second year of the Kai Xi era.

"Why?"

"In the second year of the Kaixi era, Emperor Ningzong of Song posthumously stripped Qin Hui of his title of prince and changed his posthumous name to Miuchou, and only then were the deeds of Qin Hui exposed."

However, one must be more cautious in the first year of the Jiading era.

"My lord, why is that?"

In the first year of the Jiading era, the powerful minister Shi Miyuan restored his princely title and posthumous name.
Because his actions were exactly the same as Qin Hui's, both choosing to submit to and compromise with the Jin dynasty.

He also presided over the Jiading Peace Treaty, which stipulated that the Song and Jin dynasties were hereditary states of uncle and nephew.

The Song dynasty increased its annual tribute to the Jin dynasty and provided military rewards.
Therefore, criticizing Qin Hui at this time is equivalent to criticizing Prime Minister Shi Miyuan.
Deep-fried pine nuts might exist, but the cooking technique is far from being widely known.

Shen Zao had now realized that the claim that fried dough sticks were made from deep-fried cypress might actually be true.
But it shouldn't be as rumored.
When the people heard that Yue Fei had been unjustly killed, they made his likeness.

Instead, a long period of time passed.
Seeing his stunned expression, a hint of smugness flashed in Li Zhigang's eyes:
"How about it? Reading more books does have some benefits."

You often use the phrase "a scholar is useless" to avoid your studies.

But how could your father and I harm you?

If you don't study, you won't even be able to understand the blueprints and writing on the river embankment construction site. Wouldn't that make you even more useless?

Shen Zao looked solemn and fell into deep thought.
After a long while, he suddenly stood up and bowed deeply:
"Thank you very much, sir. I have learned a great deal." "Yes, to err is human, to forgive divine."

Li Zhigang was very satisfied with his performance and grew to like his nephew more and more the more he looked at him.

However, the next moment,
Shen Zao pursed her lips, sat down with a grin, and muttered to herself:
"If only one could become an official without studying."

Li Zhigang's face immediately darkened:

What kind of pipe dream are you having?
Let me tell you, in our Great Ming Dynasty, more and more schools are being built, and the number of literate people is increasing.
From now on, let alone becoming an official, even becoming a lowly clerk whose position is filled by a son replacing his father, requires literacy.

"what"

Shen Zao was somewhat shocked, but he quickly cheered up and happily ate the fried dough sticks.

“Sir, you don’t need to worry about me. My nephew can read.”

Li Zhigang froze on the spot, his lips trembling, his hands rubbing the chopsticks together as if he wanted to throw them at his head.

Shen Zao quickly made amends with a smile:

"Sir, please try this spicy soup, it's quite expensive."

"Let's eat and get some rest early; we need to go to the embankment tomorrow."

Li Zhigang had no choice but to calm himself down and try the spicy soup.
Upon entering the mouth, a tingling sensation arises, along with a strange spice flavor.

It's very thick, the soup base melts instantly, and the deliciousness explodes on your taste buds.

Li Zhigang's eyes lit up; he found the taste somewhat unbelievable.

He scooped up another spoonful to taste, and his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"Well, you see, there's a reason why adults are so noble."

"Hmm, it tastes excellent. Forty coins isn't expensive if enough Southeast Asian spices were used."

Just as Li Zhigang was making his comments, a soft knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."

The door was pushed open, and an official walked in, his face respectful.

"Sir, a middle-aged man claiming to be an old friend left a letter."
"Make sure the younger one gives it to you no matter what."

Li Zhigang's face turned cold, he sat up straight, and sighed heavily:
"Haven't I already said that I will not accept any mail?"
Go tell the person who came that the Ministry of Works had already made calculations regarding the construction of the river embankment.
They cooperate with Yingtian Construction Firm and do not purchase supplies from external sources.

Tell them not to exert themselves on me.

Go to the capital and consult with the experts at the construction companies!

The more Li Zhigang spoke, the angrier he became, and his voice gradually rose.
Shen Zao, who was standing to the side, also became serious and stopped joking around.

The clerk stood there holding the letter, looking troubled.
"Sir, the person who came has already left."

He also said that you would understand after reading the letter and that you would definitely meet with him.

Li Zhigang chuckled, shook his head, and stretched out his hand:
"Come, come, bring it here. Let me see which deity this is."

The clerk breathed a sigh of relief and quickly handed over the letter.

The moment Li Zhigang received the letter, his expression turned somewhat serious.

He rubbed his fingers vigorously on the envelope.
Hey?
The envelope has a delicate texture, is very resilient in the hand, and is also very dry.
It is clearly parchment commonly used for copying official documents and classic texts.

Instead of the bamboo paper commonly used in folk traditions.
"who is it?"

Li Zhigang opened the letter and took out the letter paper.
The texture is exactly the same as before, and even more refined.
He was a craftsman by trade, and he was confident in his exceptional intuition; he couldn't be mistaken.
Upon opening the envelope, the first sentence left him speechless with astonishment.
His brows furrowed, and his eyes flashed with doubt, surprise, and astonishment.

However, he quickly stuffed the letter back into the envelope and instructed the clerk:

"You go down first."

"Yes"

After the clerk left, Li Zhigang placed the letter on the table.
Seemingly sensing something amiss, he picked it up again and quietly placed it in his bosom.

Shen Zao noticed his strange behavior, and although she was curious,
But she refrained from asking any questions and instead silently slurped her hot and sour soup.

Instead, seeing his calm demeanor, Li Zhigang smiled and asked:

Aren't you curious about who it is?

Shen Zao shook her head vigorously,

"Sir, my father told me that I should never ask about things I shouldn't know, or it will never be good news."

A hint of admiration flashed in Li Zhigang's eyes:
"Brother Minze is well-read and possesses the integrity of a scholar."

Others say he is inflexible and stubborn.

But I knew he understood everything; he just disdained to do it.

The fact that he can teach you this means he understands the underlying principles.

Shen Zao wholeheartedly agreed with this statement, nodding vigorously.

"My father spent his whole life writing and really didn't like interacting with people."
But what he taught me was mostly about how to deal with people.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Li Zhigang burst into laughter. After receiving the letter, he felt the gloom in his heart dissipate somewhat.
"Alright, you'll come with me in Henan and see more of the wickedness of human nature."

That way you won't get scammed when you go out. After we finish eating, you don't need to follow me anymore.

Go home and rest early; I have some official business to attend to.

"I understand, nephew."

Shen Zao nodded obediently.

The uncle and nephew continued eating, although Li Zhigang appeared perfectly normal.

But Shen Zao could still sense a hint of expectation in the adult before her.
However, he didn't think much of it and went back to eating in silence.

After finishing his meal, Li Zhigang changed his clothes at the inn.
He also washed his body and applied two hot eggs to his eyes.

To alleviate bloodshot eyes and dark circles,
I waited until the beginning of the Si hour, which is around nine o'clock.

He tidied his appearance and left the house.

He stayed on the second floor of the inn, in a superior room that was warm in winter and cool in summer.
Li Zhigang did not go downstairs, but turned around and went up the stairs to the third floor.
They soon found a house called "Green Bamboo".

After looking around and making sure no one was following him, he gently knocked on the door.

"Dong dong."

"Boom"

"dong dong dong"

After striking according to a specific rhythm

There were no footsteps behind the door; the door simply opened.
The empty houses inside were revealed.

A look of doubt flashed in Li Zhigang's eyes, but he still stepped inside!
Upon entering, he spotted an old acquaintance hiding beside the gate and immediately broke into a smile.
"shush"

The person who came made a shushing gesture and carefully closed the door.

Only after the two tiptoed into the inner room did the newcomer speak with a smile:
"Lord Li, it's been several months since we last met. We're so glad to see you again."

Li Zhigang smiled when he heard the familiar voice:
"Your humble servant Li Zhigang greets Lord Chen!"

Chen Jingyi quickly stepped forward and helped him up:
"Why are you being so polite, Lord Li? I am just a border commander, far inferior to you."

Li Zhigang simply smiled faintly at this, without much self-deprecation.

When he was the head of the Ministry of Works, the provincial governors in various regions treated him with great courtesy.
Indeed, he is not comparable to any commander.

"Lord Chen, it's been many months since we last met. You seem to have aged since you returned to the border region."

"is it?"

Chen Jingyi touched his cheek, then looked at the bronze mirror beside him.

Only then did I realize...

She recuperated in Yingtian for more than half a year, and when she left, her skin was fair and her wrinkles were slightly reduced.

But after returning to the border region for more than half a year, it had returned to its original state.

Chen Jingyi gave a wry smile in response:
"Lord Li, everyone says that the South is good for people, and now I truly understand why."

The two sat down at the square table and exchanged pleasantries.
Chen Jingyi didn't stand on ceremony and said directly:

"Lord Li, I have come to you with an important request. I would be grateful for your assistance."

Li Zhigang hesitated for a moment, then asked:

"Lord Chen's sudden appearance in Kaifeng is surely not a simple matter. May I ask what brings him here?"

"This is not a private matter for me, but I am here on orders, and now there are some obstacles."

Li Zhigang became much more serious, his expression grave.
"Lord Lu's orders? Speak quickly!"

Chen Jingyi nodded, then shook his head.
Instead, he stretched out his finger and pointed upwards:

"There is a secret order from above."

Li Zhigang's expression suddenly changed. In the palace?

He was greatly shocked, but considering that Lord Lu still held the official title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince,
That makes perfect sense, Li Zhigang said in a deep voice:
"Since this is an order from above, please tell me, Lord Chen, and I will do my utmost!"

Chen Jingyi breathed a sigh of relief and took out a letter from his pocket, handing it over:

"This is a long story, and to avoid being overheard, Mr. Chen has already written it down."
Please, Lord Li, examine this immediately and then burn it.

"it is good!"

After a long while, Li Zhigang raised his head in disbelief, still shaken.

He paused for a long time before he could fully process what was on his mind.

He looked at Chen Jingyi with disbelief in his eyes, and felt his lips go dry.

"Lord Chen, is it really worth it?"

Chen Jingyi smiled calmly:
"I am a soldier, and military orders cannot be disobeyed."
Since my superiors have entrusted this matter to me, it means they value it. I must spare no effort to accomplish it well.

Li Zhigang was breathing rapidly, his eyes flashing with struggle, and he remained silent for a long time.

"Lord Li, if this is difficult, it's alright. I'm thinking of another way. Just pretend I was never here." After saying this, Chen Jingyi smiled helplessly.
"There were too many difficulties, so I came here. It was like grasping at straws when I was desperate."

"I did it." Li Zhigang's face was resolute, his fists clenched tightly.
"Rest assured, Lord Chen, I will certainly handle this matter well."

Chen Jingyi breathed a sigh of relief, his expression somewhat complicated. He stood up and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Mr. Li."

(End of this chapter)