Chapter 18: The Ring

They exchanged a glance, mouths opening and closing as if swallowing stones.

Master Xia still did not look at them, merely toying with the ring on his thumb.

“Master Xia, you might not know, but these two are Xia Ya’s trusted men. All of Xia Ya’s affairs were handled by them; Xia Ya merely served as the liaison with you.

I have already explained to them the reason behind your actions, and they fully understand.

They wish to assist you in continuing your endeavors, and they vow to devote themselves utterly to your cause.”

“Oh! Interesting! Then how do they intend to help me?”

Butler Liu cast a glance towards Liu Jia.

Seeing an opportunity, Liu Jia quickly seized the floor.

“Master Xia, we have over ten core members, all of whom are the ones doing the work.

Previously, all the dirty and arduous tasks were done by us; we certainly can keep providing women for you, sir!”

“Ten or so? If I pay you all, I won’t have any money left to support those women. What should I do then?”

Upon hearing this, Liu Jia understood. Master Xia was determined to pinch the modest dividends they already had.

He wanted to secure some benefit for his brothers; if he couldn’t get their daily expenses, they might stop working for him.

He himself did not wish to work but was forced into these unlawful dealings.

Yet, it was not entirely their fault, for in any era, all quick and easy ways to make money were outlawed.

Liu Jia gritted his teeth, deciding that some gain was better than none.

“Everything will be distributed according to your arrangements, Master.”

“Hahaha! No need for that, when I see your true worth, I will reward you more.”

Liu Jia, hearing this, no longer resented Master Xia’s harsh manner, and resolved to work diligently, even grateful for his generosity.

Unbeknownst to them, in the 21st century on Earth, such promises were called “painting a big picture” — empty promises.

“Butler, give them some funds for operations and acquaint them with the procedures,” Master Xia said.

At this moment, Liu Jia and Wang Si were thrilled, wholly focused on winning the master’s favor.

What they did not realize was that when Xia Ya died, they could have turned back.

But now they chose the path of no return, breaking the law, and would ultimately face punishment.

The heavens’ net is vast and never misses.

In the Great Zhou, selling women against their will and killing men were crimes of equal severity.

Chen Fan and his team, having set traps at the yamen, spent the entire morning gathering grass seeds.

After laying the traps, they went to the riverbank where he first drank water here.

He drank and sat down, catching his breath, recalling the times he hunted with Yue Rou and the others here.

He found himself wanting to kiss her again.

They had brought no provisions, so after drinking, they returned directly to the yamen.

---

The county magistrate of Cao County arrived at the training ground with all the yamen staff.

They set up all the tables and chairs from the yamen here—over a dozen tables, quite a grand scene!

After the magistrate took his seat, everyone followed suit.

Once the magistrate had taken his first bite, others began eating as well.

They all praised the meal enthusiastically.

“Hmm—truly delicious!”

Yet the magistrate remained silent for some time; the movement of his thick beard showed he was chewing.

Master Du had served under Lord Cao for many years and knew he had been a county magistrate near the capital, often invited to the emperor’s banquets and tasted various delicacies.

He thought the magistrate would not be easily impressed.

Still, he did not find Chen Fan’s plan unreasonable, as everyone praised the recipes.

If someone who had eaten imperial chef’s dishes admired them, it meant the recipes truly held great value.

Perhaps they could develop new cuisine and attract gourmets from far and wide.

That might bring greater prosperity to Zeng County.

He shook his head, sighing that such delicious food had yet to move the magistrate.

He already began formulating advice to persuade the magistrate to continue implementing Chen Fan’s policies.

Unexpectedly, the magistrate swallowed and spoke:

“This is truly a culinary masterpiece! Such simple seasoning and procedures bring out the food’s exquisite flavor!

Master Du, quickly find a word to describe it!”

Master Du was stunned; it turned out the magistrate was the greatest admirer of these dishes.

No longer formal, he rolled up his sleeves, stood, and boldly took a piece of braised pork.

He stuffed it into his mouth and chewed and swallowed heartily.

The others watched, somewhat surprised.

Master Du said:

“This braised pork is rich but not greasy, melting in the mouth, utterly irresistible!”

He ate several more pieces.

“This flower chicken retains its original flavor, fresh and delicious, with an endless aftertaste!”

He ate more.

“This mapo tofu is tender and fresh, numbing and spicy, exhilarating!”

More bites followed.

“These hot and sour shredded potatoes are sour, spicy, and crisp, with a rich texture that refreshes the palate!”

He took several more bites.

“This steamed bass is sweet and fresh, so tasty one cannot put down the chopsticks.”

He ate a few more mouthfuls.

Finishing, he sat down, satisfied.

The crowd burst into enthusiastic applause.

As cultured people, they marveled at how food could be described so beautifully.

Such delicacies deserved such praise.

Some laborers and assistants thought Master Du was just freeloading.

The magistrate mused that Master Du’s talents had indeed improved.

Meanwhile, Li Xing did not rush to eat but quietly jotted down Master Du’s words.

Master Du himself thought that the arrangement of those phrases had exhausted all his lifelong learning.

If there were more dishes, he wouldn’t be able to continue without revealing his bluff.

He felt a lingering thrill, grateful he had performed so boldly.

Everyone ate and drank, leaving not a drop of broth behind.

Afterward, the magistrate and others dispersed.

Back in his study, the magistrate personally drafted several appointment letters.

He arranged for Yue Rou and Yue E to become the chief chefs at a tavern, a position open to women under the law.

The statutes stated that both men and women could work in commerce and markets.

However, with increasing male dominance and female subjugation, women often faced harassment at work.

Men were unwilling to work; most positions were still filled by women.

Men also liked to cause trouble, leading to widespread disorder in the country.

Chen Fan arrived at the yamen just in time for mealtime.

Today they were eating plain steamed buns made from white flour; usually, everyone had at least three each.

Today, none were willing to eat more than one.

Chen Fan, shamelessly, piled them all into his bowl.

He planned to take them home for Yue Rou and Yue E to eat, feeling quite embarrassed as he left.

He glanced back at his colleagues.

They waved him off, saying:

“Take them, take them... no need to be polite.”

On his way home, Chen Fan muttered to himself:

“Why is everyone so picky about food today?”