Chapter Sixteen: Staying Behind

Page 1/3

Chief Clerk Wang said, “Sir, Lin Qiuran is a widow living in Xiao Family Village, quite far from the county seat. Traveling back and forth might be inconvenient.”

County Magistrate Li considered it a simple matter and had Chief Clerk Wang arrange a room for Lin Qiuran at the courier station, making it easier for her to cook.

There were many vacant rooms at the station, so she could stay here for a few days, with wages paid daily. The station would provide three meals a day.

Zhao Jinshan had not said when he would leave Yu'an or how long he would stay, and County Magistrate Li was also uncertain, but decided to proceed for now.

*

Chief Clerk Wang came to the kitchen and informed Lin Qiuran of the arrangement. “Settle in comfortably. For the next few days, you will be responsible for the daily meals of the officials—breakfast at 5:45 a.m., lunch at 11:45 a.m., and dinner at 5:45 p.m. Be sure not to be late.”

Wang glanced at Chen Cang. “If you need anything, tell Chen Cang to procure it. If it becomes too much, you can ask him to help. The dishes should be simple and delicious; no extravagance or waste.”

Lin Qiuran replied, “Understood.”

Chen Cang was taken aback for a moment. Wang looked at him again. “Chen Cang?”

Chen had worked at the courier station for three years and had decent skills, though still a notch below Lin Qiuran. His tasks were light since Yu'an rarely had visitors conducting official business. Even when officials did come, sometimes they went to restaurants instead. He worked only a few days a month but earned one or two taels of silver monthly—a well-paid, low-effort position.

Moreover, when officials arrived, the county’s hospitality budget increased, but there were only a few people, so the amount of food consumed was limited. Thus, Chen could still earn some extra benefits.

Despite his years as a cook, his skills were inferior to Lin Qiuran's, and Chief Clerk Wang regarded him as idling away his time.

When Wang called him again, Chen Cang quickly nodded, “Yes.”

He couldn’t help but ponder: a few days ago, officials mentioned hiring a cook. Initially, Chen didn’t take it seriously, thinking the helper was just to assist him. He had cooked for the officials in previous years, but this year, they insisted on hiring a separate cook.

He thought it would be for just one day, after which he’d resume his duties. He was glad for the break today, but Wang’s words about Lin Qiuran staying put surprised him.

If Lin Qiuran was to stay, then who would leave? Could it be him?

Henceforth, the courier station’s kitchen duties would belong to Lin Qiuran. Chen was unaware of how much Lin Qiuran was being paid. Even if she received no pay, just making an appearance and staying at the station would be advantageous.

The station’s work was light; they wouldn’t keep two cooks.

Wang was in a hurry to leave for the front area. After saying this, he departed. Chen gritted his teeth, thinking, “Who does he think he is, bossing people around?”

Lin Qiuran glanced at Chen, noticing his sullen, almost dripping-black face and harsh tone. “Madam Lin, if you need anything, just tell me.”

Madam Sun, seeing his large build and dark expression, felt uneasy.

Lin Qiuran smiled gently. “Brother Chen, do you have any ideas for dinner? Otherwise, we can decide together. Sometimes I have errands and might have to go home. If so, the flavor of the dishes won’t change, and you can handle it so the officials won’t think Yu’an’s hospitality is lacking.”

If Chen assumed she intended to stay at the courier station and steal his work, he was mistaken.

Lin Qiuran was paid four qian of silver per day. If she stayed at the station, she wouldn’t earn twelve taels a month but at most one tael. Though it was stable, she still preferred running her own business, accepting banquets to earn enough to buy a house. Even if it was more exhausting, it was better than working at the station.

Chen stammered, his expression softening, “This… you…”

Lin Qiuran smiled faintly. “My mother and I are new here; for the next few days, we’ll rely on Brother Chen.”

She was also pregnant, so if Chen harbored ill intentions, it would be unwise.

Lin Qiuran wasn’t truly consulting Chen but informing him that she would leave soon, not remain at the station, and wouldn’t take his work. He need not worry.

If Chen was intelligent, he would feel assured and would study carefully. Otherwise, if his dishes failed to please the officials, even without Lin Qiuran, he would be dismissed eventually.

The station’s work was light, and pay was ample. If he proved useless, even with connections, he wouldn’t last long.

Page 2/3

Lin Qiuran heard that the county assistant magistrate’s surname was Chen, an ordinary man—how could she find such a good place?

Chen Cang chuckled and flattered, “No need to discuss. You were invited by Magistrate Li and the others; naturally, your skills surpass mine. Whatever you decide, it’s final. If you need anything, just say. The leftover dishes are yours to eat. Otherwise, with this weather, they’d spoil, but the officials come first.”

Lin Qiuran nodded slightly. “Thank you.”

If Chen had asked how to make the dishes tastier, she could have shared some tips and promoted her thirteen-spice blend. But since he didn’t, she wouldn’t volunteer.

She said, “For dinner, let’s make some cold noodles. It’s hot now, and if the officials go out in the afternoon under the sun, they won’t have much appetite when they return.”

Chen replied, “You decide the arrangement.”

He then took a break.

With dinner still hours away, Lin Qiuran and Madam Sun went to the room assigned to them. The courier station’s rooms were not large but were clean, tidy, and well-equipped.

The bedding, water kettle, and teacups were far more comfortable than that night at the Wang household.

Madam Sun told Lin Qiuran to rest while she went to fetch and boil water, then headed to the market to buy some fruit.

They didn’t know how many days they would stay. Although the station provided lodging and meals, Lin Qiuran couldn’t just eat their food; she couldn’t rely on the station entirely. Madam Sun bought watermelon and pears. She had some money saved from Lin Qiuran’s fish-selling tips, accumulating a few dozen wen over several days. Madam Sun had no intention of keeping personal savings and wanted Lin Qiuran to spend freely.

She also bought a few snacks, but not many—just two of each—to avoid spoilage.

Lin Qiuran took a nap. When she woke, Madam Sun had already washed the fruit. “Qiuran, are you tired? Have some fruit first.”

Lin Qiuran blinked. “How much did it cost?”

Madam Sun smiled, “You still gave me money. Use it first; if not enough, I’ll ask you. By the way, how many days will we stay? Should we inform your father and bring some changes of clothes?”

Lin Qiuran sniffed her sleeve. Having been in the kitchen all afternoon, her clothes she had changed this morning now smelled of smoke and oil.

She said, “Mother, perhaps you should go back tomorrow during the day, inform Father, and bring me some fresh clothes.”

Since she was cooking for only one table, she hadn’t brought Xiao Dashi along, fearing he might worry at home.

At first, she didn’t know how long the prefect would stay, thinking two days at most, so she only brought cooking supplies for a short time. But it seemed one or two days wouldn’t suffice. The temporary worker had effectively become a short-term laborer—Xiao Dashi was unaware.

Madam Sun asked, “Is one set enough? What if we stay seven or eight days…”

That would earn enough to buy a house.

Lin Qiuran said, “It’s enough.”

She lowered her head. “I don’t think it’ll be that long.”

If she had to cook for seven or eight days, that would be three taels of silver. Would she be hired as a permanent cook? Lin Qiuran doubted it.

Even if Lord Zhao stayed that long, she couldn’t remain so long—it wouldn’t be working but courting enmity.

Madam Sun nodded. “Then I’ll make the cold noodles tonight; you rest.”

Madam Sun worried Lin Qiuran would be tired, and Lin Qiuran appreciated the thought but shook her head. “I’ll do it. You can just chop the vegetables.”

Madam Sun’s cooking was ordinary, but Lin Qiuran wanted homestyle dishes that tasted different.

Others making cold noodles would focus on the sauce, adding variety. The taste was good but not quite right.

Lin Qiuran didn’t intend to focus solely on the sauce. She planned to work on the noodles as well. There was some rich broth left from the morning, which she could use chicken soup to make the noodles, adding eggs and fresh mushrooms. The noodles would be not only chewy but flavorful. Even plain, they would be delicious, let alone with the tasty sauce.

*

Page 3/3

The sun set. Although it was August, the afternoon was still hot.

Especially with Magistrate Li leading Lord Zhao and others to inspect the river embankments. On official roads, they could ride in sedan chairs or on horseback, but by the river, it was all grass, and they had to walk under the blazing sun.

Fortunately, Lord Zhao was quite satisfied. “The embankments have indeed been reinforced. The recent rains raised water levels, but the downstream fields were unharmed—thanks to your efforts. Look at those clouds; there may be heavy rain in a few days. In the next two days, reinforce the embankments further and dredge the field ditches to prevent crop flooding. Even without rain, we must remain vigilant. That’s enough for today; let’s return.”

After a busy afternoon, everyone was parched and sunburned.

Lord Zhao went straight back to the courier station. Having eaten a large lunch, he wasn’t very hungry for dinner. County Magistrate Li followed, though he should have returned to his residence. He was concerned about the food quality and came to check for peace of mind.

Of course, Magistrate Li had his own reasons; the dishes Lin Qiuran prepared at noon were indeed better than those at home. He was paying her daily, not per person. Eating more was saving the county money.

When the officials returned, Chen Cang rushed to the kitchen. “Madam Lin, they’re back! Hurry and cook the noodles.”

Lin Qiuran said, “Brother Chen, bring this up first.”

She had asked Chen Cang to buy dried plums, hawthorn, and dried tangerine peel to make sour plum soup. After being out half a day, the officials would be hot and tired. This drink would refresh and stimulate their appetites.

Sometimes, lack of appetite wasn’t due to the food but the body’s condition.

Lin Qiuran noticed that none of the officials drank alcohol at lunch. If there were official matters the next day, they likely wouldn’t drink tonight either. Plain noodles with sour plum soup were just right.

Chen Cang nodded; he had thought it over in the afternoon. Since Lin Qiuran wouldn’t stay here, he decided to show himself more these days and not shirk duties.

Chen brought the sour plum soup, pouring a cup for each official. Lord Zhao observed the white porcelain cups filled with amber-colored liquid, which was quite pleasing.

After being out all day, they were indeed parched. He sipped; the sweet and sour drink cooled him instantly. Magistrate Li also drank, finding the taste perfectly balanced.

The station had no ice; Lin Qiuran used well water chilled just enough to refresh without freezing.

Magistrate Li drank two large sips, feeling his appetite awaken. “Is the food ready? Go urge them.”

Chen nodded and stepped out. Madam Sun arrived carrying a large basin of noodles. “The dishes are coming too.”

Chen went to fetch the dishes. There were three types of sauces and a plate of shredded cucumbers.

When the noodles and sauces were ready, Madam Sun served each official a large bowl, asking which sauce they preferred. Lord Zhao wanted pickled cowpeas with minced meat; Magistrate Li chose meat sauce; another requested minced meat with tofu—typical cold noodle toppings.

Except for the fried sauce, which needed extra cucumber and bean sprouts, the others were simply poured on.

After serving, Madam Sun topped off the sour plum soup.

Having finished, she withdrew. Chen said, “You and Madam Lin eat first; I’ll serve here.”

Madam Sun nodded and returned to the kitchen. Lin Qiuran cooked two more bowls. With noodles left over, and Chen saying the leftover dishes were theirs to eat, she thought, since the food was prepared, they might as well all enjoy cold noodles together.

The noodles were exceptionally chewy and tender, different from those Lin Qiuran made previously in her fish and tofu soup—much more refreshing. Tossed with sauce made from rich broth, each bite was truly memorable.

Chen helped make the sour plum soup and handled vegetable selection and washing, showing much better attitude. Lin Qiuran prepared his bowl as well, but that needed to be freshly cooked, so she didn’t rush.

She kept the fire burning, ready to cook noodles anytime.

After a while, when Chen hadn’t returned, Lin Qiuran prepared to put out the fire—after all, it was hot, and wasting fuel was unnecessary.

Just as she was about to rise, Chen hurried back. “Madam Lin, we don’t have enough noodles; we need to cook more.”