Miao Chu

Chapter 301 Lotus
Judging by the voice, Song Miao turned around while holding the vat, and sure enough, it was Han Li.

She glanced at the sky; the sun was only slightly setting. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Young Master Han, you're back so early today?"

Han Li stepped forward in response and said, "There are some matters at the yamen, and Master Wu asked me to return to the city first—what are you looking for?"

As he spoke, he stretched out his arm.

Song Miao stood on a chair, leaning against it. Although she was tall, her arms were not long enough. She rolled up her sleeves and reached into the water, but even though the water level was above her upper arm, she still couldn't touch the bottom. When she saw Han Li coming over, she didn't refuse his help and handed him the fire tongs.

The latter took the copper pliers, switched them to his other hand, and still extended his right hand.

Song Miao smiled and shook her head. Without needing anyone to help her or lend a hand, she grabbed the edge of the vat and jumped down to the ground by herself.

Her movements were very light; when she jumped off the high chair, her footsteps made only a very slight sound, clearly effortless. However, Han Li still subconsciously took a step forward and made a gesture of protection.

Song Miao waved her hand, smiled slightly, and pointed behind her, saying, "There are a few lotus stems at the bottom of the water vat. I'm afraid they'll rot. Young master, you're tall and strong, could you please help me pry them out?"

Han Li took the fire tongs and stepped forward. Without even using a chair, he reached out and bent down, and in no time, he took out four or five sections of lotus stems from inside. Then he noticed the lotus flowers hanging to the side and asked, "Should these flowers be put back in the pot?"

Song Miao quickly shook her head and said, "No need, I'll tidy it up and use it to put in a vase."

Han Li picked up the lotus flower and, feeling its slightly sticky texture, said, "It's probably been soaking for too long. How should we clean it? Let me do it."

As he spoke, he walked towards the well.

Song Miao followed and stood aside watching the man wash the stems of the lotus flowers one by one, doing so very meticulously.

Cheng Erniang stood aside without saying a word, just listening to the conversation between the two. Seeing what they were doing, she simply went back to her room and brought out two small stools for Han and Song to sit on.

Han Li washed the lotus flowers, and after he had washed one branch clean, Song Miao took it and opened its petals.

When Cheng Erniang returned and saw what was happening, she couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing, madam?"

Song Miao then said, "These lotus flowers were picked too young and separated from their roots too early. I need to give them some external help, otherwise I'm afraid they really won't be able to bloom."

Cheng Erniang sighed and said, "Although it was a good intention, it may be the first time I've bought something like this. I didn't plan ahead. The money was spent, and one of the flowers has already withered before it even bloomed. I don't know if any of the others here will be able to bloom. It's such a pity."

Upon hearing this, Han Li chimed in, asking, "Who was cheated by the vendor? Should we report it to the patrol?"

"I'm afraid it has little to do with the vendors. It's just that Young Master Xu thought that flower buds could last longer than fully opened lotus flowers, so he picked all the tender buds." Before Song Miao could speak, Cheng Erniang explained, "I heard that the flower seller even advised him to buy them together."

Han Li, who had been working with his head down, suddenly looked up upon hearing this and asked, "Young Master Xu?"

"It's the young master of the Xu family martial arts school where Xiao Liangyan is. After eating the char siu and roast pigeon at the shop last time, as well as various kinds of steamed buns, he often comes to take care of the business. He also helps Madam Xu get dried meat and cakes, and comes to buy food. He is not only a big customer, but also a very nice person. He often says he wants to help!"

At this point, Cheng Erniang immediately added, "But our restaurant's kitchen has many rules—as Young Master Han knows—so it's not good for him to come and go as he pleases. Otherwise, he would have shown off his wood-chopping skills when he came last time!"

She smiled and pretended to be very regretful.

After saying that, she didn't linger. She pointed to the kitchen not far away and said to Song Miao, "Wife, I'll go take a look inside. If you need anything, just call me."

After Song Miao responded, she slowly put away the fire tongs and took two small, quick steps, then three, four, or five, heading towards the back kitchen, her ears still perked up to listen to what was happening behind her.

As for the well behind, Han Li carefully washed the lotus stems again, and then, following Song Miao's example, loosened the lotus petals. He then asked, "After all, he is a distinguished guest of the restaurant. When he comes again next time, shouldn't we put the flowers out? Otherwise, wouldn't it seem like we are being disrespectful?"

Song Miaoying said, "That's what I think too, but I'm very afraid that I won't be able to raise them properly."

Han Li then said, “There is a Master Su in the upper dormitory of the Imperial Academy. His family has a skilled gardener who is said to be extremely good at growing lotus flowers. I’m going back soon, so I’ll grab him and ask him if he has any way to help me grow them.”

"It would be best if it could happen naturally. If you happen to meet someone on the way, just ask them for me. If you don't, then so be it." Song Miao sighed. "If it really doesn't work out, I'll buy some lotus flowers myself and explain it to that Young Master Xu properly. He's a very easygoing person and probably won't hold such a grudge. I'm just too embarrassed to do it myself."

After Song Miao finished speaking, she smiled and said, "Let's not talk about these trivial things—Young Master has returned early today, what would you like to eat?"

He added, "I just happened to have some soup made here, and I left a bowl each for you and Mr. Chen. I was originally planning to put it in a box outside tonight so you could take it back with you when you come, but this has saved me a lot of trouble!"

The flower stems had all been washed clean. Han Li sat on a small wooden stool, gently opening each lotus petal one by one, while also looking at Song Miao.

Seeing such lotus flowers and knowing their origin, he felt somewhat uneasy.

But when he heard the other person ask him what he wanted to eat, and then mention that they had saved some soup and made other arrangements, each sentence, spoken softly, flowed into his ears and into his heart, making him not want to pay any more attention to anyone or anything else.

When he heard that it saved energy, his smile became obvious, and he asked, "What kind of soup is it? You specially saved it for your senior brother, it must be very delicious?"

"My soup is, of course, quite potent!"

When the topic of soup came up, Song Miao's face lit up with excitement.

She told the other party how rare the pickled leg was, and mentioned that she used "shark fin given by Young Master Han". She then praised how beautiful the golden hook fin was. She then listed the old hen and pork shank, and after praising all the ingredients, she began to talk about how she prepared the dish. She said that it took several days to prepare the shark fin and half a day to pickle the leg. She also talked about how important the soup seasoning and cooking time were.

Han Li listened attentively, asking questions from time to time.

When Song Miao mentioned ham, he said that he had eaten a lot of ham before, but he didn't know why he always felt that apart from being salty, he couldn't taste much aroma. He then quoted a book to comment on it, and the two discussed it for a while.

When Song Miao mentioned the pig's shank, he asked why this spot was used to stew soup, and what the difference was between it and other places. He also mentioned that he had soup at a certain time last time, and whether the soup also contained pig's shank, praising the soup for its sweetness and fragrance.

When Song Miao mentioned shark fin, he asked what the difference was between different shark fins. He had compared them before and felt that they looked quite different. He searched through ancient books but couldn't find much about this food.

Etc., etc.

He wasn't just making conversation; it was simply his nature to explore. Song Miao, on the other hand, was equally curious about everything. After studying the lotus flowers for a while, they had unknowingly tidied them up.

Song Miao reached out and grabbed nothing, then realized what she had done and asked, "You've been so busy talking about such trivial things that you've forgotten the important matter—what would you like to eat tonight, young master?"

Han Li then said in a low voice, "I have something to do later, so I'll be leaving soon. I was just passing by and thought I'd drop in a carton of goat milk—do you like goat milk?"

—He asked the same question from the letter he had written the day before. Song Miao was extremely surprised. After understanding the itinerary, she realized that there was indeed no time. She could only say, "If you have something to do, why are you still lingering here, young master? I am just a few lotus flowers. I can take care of them myself whenever I want."

Han Li looked up and said, "It's been a long time since we last met. It's good to sit across from each other."

Then he changed the subject, saying, "There's another reason: I ran into Inspector Xin this morning, and he mentioned that you're still looking for a house, but it's been hard to find a suitable one—I wonder if that's true?"

Song Miao nodded and said, "Since we need a large courtyard and preferably close by, these two conditions are hard to meet."

He added, "I know that you said you would help last time, but I also think that if I could handle things myself, I wouldn't have to go through all that trouble."

"I inquired again, and there are many private residences that have been seized due to cases, especially those that are criminal residences. They won't be available for sale for five or eight years. I don't know how much effort it will take to get them released sooner. Young master is always very busy, so please don't let my little matter interfere with your important business."

Han Li remained noncommittal, only asking, "I calculated three auspicious dates beforehand. My wife, which one do you think is even slightly suitable? Or do you have other ideas?"

Song Miao told the truth and gave her reasons.

Han Li then said, "Even if we don't choose that day, if the restaurants can reopen after August, I should be able to make some progress here."

He said earnestly, “I went inside during the last raid and search. Thinking back now, even without mentioning the location, the size and layout of the opposite side are excellent. If we could buy it, in addition to drying meat and other things, we could also add a private room, which would be very useful. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. If you keep talking like this, you’ll spoil my mood.”

He added, “When others give lotus flowers, the shopkeepers remember them, not only washing and arranging them in a vase, but also worrying that the flowers won’t bloom well and disappoint the giver. But with you… I’m not even as good as others?”

Song Miao smiled and lowered her head, remaining silent for a long while. After a while, she raised her head and said with a smile, "Thank you for your trouble, young master—I can also look around here. If I find a suitable one first..."

"Then I admit my skills are inferior, and it doesn't mean the shopkeeper is unfair or treats people unfairly." Han Li immediately laughed as well.

After checking the time, Song Miao, though unaware of what the man opposite her had planned to do—he must have something to do—was already eager to send him away.

She asked a few questions briefly, but Han Li answered them all, including the name and address of the blacksmith's shop.

When Song Miao brought out the food box, he reached out and took it, then asked, "Do you have any pebbles?"

Song Miao immediately realized what was happening. She looked around and found that the backyard was so clean that she couldn't find a single pebble no matter how hard she tried.

She had no choice but to honestly reply, "I never expected the stones—I did have a letter."

Han Li's face lit up, and he held out his hand, saying, "Where's my letter?"

"There were some things I wanted to ask and answer, but didn't I already ask and answer them just now?"

Han Li didn't say a word, but just stretched out his hand with his palm facing up, looking like he was insistently asking for it. Although his smile was faint, it was clear that he was smiling.

Song Miao glanced at him briefly, then went back into the house, took out the letter, and pressed it heavily against her palm. She pursed her lips but didn't say anything.

Han Li's smile, however, became noticeably brighter.

He was unaware that the goat's milk he had used as an excuse in the letter had been returned. His heart was pounding with smug satisfaction when he said, "I'll be going now, I'll come back tomorrow."

He took his leave, picked up the food box, and rode his horse home.

He had only gone halfway—or rather, only run to the end of the alley—but his mind was in turmoil, sometimes rumbling softly, sometimes pounding loudly, and it wouldn't quiet down for a long time.

You know yourself best.

Seeing that it was inappropriate to go against his nature at this moment, he simply found a quiet, open space with few people around, reined in his horse, dismounted, put the food box aside, and took out the letter from his bosom. As he unwrapped the outer oil paper and leather bag, his heart finally started pounding. Even with long breaths, it was still difficult to suppress the urge.

Having read books for many years, Han Li knew as soon as he touched the envelope that there was definitely more than one page inside.

He looked around and, finding no shelter, turned away from the sunlight to slowly read the letter.

Three pages, filled with writing.

Although a single glance was enough to tell that there were no tender words—and there couldn't be any—and that the letter even cruelly offered to return his goat's milk, his heart still stirred involuntarily. He read it once, then again, and yet again. He didn't have time to ponder many sentences carefully, only regretting that he didn't have enough time. He could only hastily memorize the letter, then carefully put it back into his bosom, mounted his horse, and set off.

July is scorching hot, and the lingering summer heat is approaching. The afternoon sun is no less intense than during the sweltering summer; in fact, it's exceptionally hot. When it shines on your head and face, your whole body will feel burning hot in no time.

But Han Li couldn't be sure whether the burn was from sun exposure or something that happened spontaneously from his body.

Clutching the letter in his arms, he silently read its contents in his mind. The writing was so vivid that he could almost hear the tone of voice. At that moment, it was as if a young lady named Song was speaking in his heart.

No matter what you say, even if it's just casual, everyday questions, it all sounds wonderful.

After living for almost twenty years, Han Li finally understood what true joy meant.

***
When I got home, it was still a little early, and Master Chen had not yet finished his get out of class.

Han Li gave the food box to the servant, put the letter back in his room, carefully put it away, then went to his study to look through a few account books, carefully wrapped them in cloth, and went out again.

He went straight to the Imperial Street and entered the Ministry of Revenue.

Upon seeing his arrival, someone came to greet him, saying hurriedly, "Is this Young Master Han? Judge Jiang is already waiting."

This man took two steps at a time, barely managing to hold back from running, and led Han Li towards the back office.

Upon arriving at the destination, he knocked on the door once and called out, "Master Jiang, Young Master Han..."

Before he could even utter the words "You've arrived," footsteps sounded from inside, followed by a creak as the door opened. A person stood inside and exclaimed, "Zhengyan, you've finally come!!"

　Thank you, Mori Syaoran, for the one-in-a-million sword you sent me, and thank you, Axe Mountain Flower Bureau Chief, for the magnificent He Shi Bi jade you sent me. Such large and precious gifts! Thank you both!
　　Thank you to Diane from England for the peach blossom fan, to Abao20 for the sachet and amulet, to book friend 20180628075640538 for the sachet, to book friend 20250321160216798 for the herb and two amulets, to Fuyayoy for the herb and two amulets (which you wouldn't expect) :)

　　多谢麦兜爱小嘟、靓女007、纤莜、书友20251218195155815、寒山慧、书友160504161318831、书友20230602175037746、雪花呢78、火火火火燚、书友20191220230216732、杠精别来杠就是你对、马儿不想跑诸位亲们帮忙挂的平安符各一枚，已经把身上挂满了，新年大家一定都要平平安安呀^_^
　　Since this was compiled by hand, I hope nothing is missing (please don't!). Also, I'll thank all the readers from the bookstore and Xiaoxiang for their donations tomorrow :)
　　In addition, the book review section on Qidian has already started the January vote-for-points event that Xiaotu helped apply for. If you have a guaranteed monthly vote and want to give it to Xiaomiao, please reply and vote to get a little bit of money back. If you have already voted or can't catch up... well, you can treat Miaomiao to sweet fermented rice, okay?

　　(End of this chapter)