Chapter Seventeen: Buying Spices

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Inside, several officials each finished a bowl of noodles one by one; then the county magistrate finished first. Chen Cang, having a keen eye, wanted to help serve more, but the magistrate insisted on doing it himself. Chen Cang noticed the second bowl was served with an even larger portion, fearing there wouldn't be enough noodles, so he hurried out. The officials needed some time to eat, and since the noodles were freshly cooked, more could be replenished shortly. Chen Cang said, “Madam Lin, there are eight people inside; each should have another bowl.”

Lin Qiuran considered the several grown men and thought she should make more, yet it still wasn’t enough. She nodded; there were still dry noodles left, and with the water boiling, the noodles would cook quickly. Once ready, Chen Cang delivered them again.

After the guests left, Mrs. Sun and Lin Qiuran continued eating. To be honest, Mrs. Sun had rarely tasted such delicious noodles; the fried sauce was especially flavorful, mixed with shredded cucumber and bean sprouts, each strand of noodle coated generously with meat sauce.

Even plain, without the sauce, these noodles would be tasty—cooked in clear broth, they still would be delicious. The noodles were chewy; rinsing them in cold water prevented them from becoming mushy or falling apart, even if left a while longer.

After more than fifteen minutes, Chen Cang returned, carrying a large basket of bowls and chopsticks. “The officials have finished eating. Madam Lin, your cooking is beyond praise—that’s the secret!” Chen Cang gave a thumbs-up.

Lin Qiuran was pleased; a cook always enjoys compliments but must remain humble. “I just threw it together, Brother Chen. There aren’t many noodles left, but the sauces remain.”

Chen Cang, as a man, certainly couldn’t eat enough. Waving it off casually, he said, “No problem. I’ll just add some noodle flakes and mix them up. You need to rest; you have to cook breakfast tomorrow. I’ll wash the dishes.”

Lin Qiuran nodded. “Then, Brother Chen, enjoy your meal.”

Chen Cang urged Lin Qiuran to rest promptly. Once the guests left, he kneaded some dough, rolled out noodles, and carefully tasted each sauce as he mixed them with noodles. The sauces smelled fragrant, especially the meat sauce, which was the most depleted.

Lin Qiuran had only a small handful of noodles left, which Chen Cang cooked and compared with his own. Not out of jealousy, but honestly, his cooking was far inferior to hers.

He finished Lin Qiuran’s noodles first, then put down his chopsticks. “Why is it so different?” he wondered, staring blankly, puzzled. He had watched Lin Qiuran’s preparation today; she tossed in numerous ingredients, even adding the broth she simmered this morning—using large bones, chicken, and duck, all without proper table presentation.

Normally, the magistrate might have scolded her, but after Chen Cang mentioned it, the magistrate not only didn’t complain but praised Lin Qiuran’s cleverness in cooking.

Chen Cang thought he might try this method next time. However, he also noticed Lin Qiuran added something else into the noodles and vegetables—a container from the relay station’s kitchen holding a brownish powder, though he didn’t know what it was. She took it away when leaving, keeping it hidden.

What could it be?

Chen Cang finished the remaining noodles, cleaned the dishes, but still couldn’t figure it out. He couldn’t taste anything unusual in the food, only that it was delicious. The clay pot still held stewed chicken and duck; the broth was gone, and the remaining meat wasn’t flavorful—hardly appetizing.

That night, Chen Cang remained clueless about the mysterious seasoning Lin Qiuran used. Instead, his mind kept racing, causing sleeplessness and making him oversleep the next morning.

Early the next day, Lin Qiuran arrived at the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Mrs. Sun had already eaten and returned to Xiao Family Village, likely to be back before noon.

Chen Cang wasn’t around, so Lin Qiuran surveyed the kitchen supplies. There were leftovers from yesterday, but no meat had been bought yet.

No meat was fine; since the officials had eaten well the previous night and people in this era rose early, they probably wouldn’t be hungry in the morning. A light meal would suffice.

There was still meat floss; Lin Qiuran made gnocchi soup and fried several egg pancakes. She didn’t mind the effort—before making the pancakes, she fried scallion oil, which made the pancakes more fragrant than usual.

After breakfast, Lord Zhao and the others left. Chief Clerk Wang even stopped by to deliver Lin Qiuran’s wages. Including yesterday and today, it totaled eight qian of silver.

He reminded Lin Qiuran to keep up the good work.

Lin Qiuran was diligent with money matters and pondered what to cook for lunch. When Chen Cang arrived, she asked him to purchase vegetables and meat.

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A large slab of pork belly was bought to steam the braised meat in a bowl, with chicken and marrow bones for soup, two carp fish, and vegetables limited to eggplant and cucumber.

Chen Cang quickly returned with the purchases. Mrs. Sun was still absent, so he assisted Lin Qiuran in the kitchen and took the opportunity to observe her cooking carefully.

He asked what she planned to cook today. Lin Qiuran replied, “Steamed braised meat, a few home-style dishes, and a sweet and sour fish. We’ll have rice too.”

Eggplants were versatile and excellent. During the hottest summer days, she steamed them directly with a dipping sauce, sometimes eating an entire meal of eggplant alone.

If Lord Zhao and others stayed until tomorrow, Lin Qiuran planned to cook an iron pot stew, but for today, she preferred home-style dishes. Since yesterday’s meal was well received, she didn’t want to change too abruptly and risk mistakes by trying something too novel.

Lin Qiuran said, “I’ll start by making a rich broth. Brother Chen, please help me kill the fish.”

Killing fish was easy, and Chen Cang, being a man, certainly wouldn’t let Lin Qiuran do it herself.

With swift strokes, Chen Cang prepared the fish while watching Lin Qiuran’s movements.

The broth wasn’t for drinking but for a flavorful base. Apart from scallions and ginger, nothing else was added. It simmered slowly over low heat as the foam and oil were skimmed off. After about an hour and a half, the broth turned a pale yellow and remained clear.

At the relay station, if money allowed, they might add pigeon, river fish, seafood, or premium mushrooms to enhance flavor.

Chen Cang observed for a long time and learned how to make the broth, but when it came to other dishes, he was lost.

Lin Qiuran’s knife skills were excellent, and her control over heat was something he couldn’t master. Each dish still contained the two cans of powder she added—sometimes more, sometimes less—including in the stewed meat.

After enduring his curiosity for a while, Chen Cang finally asked, “Madam Lin, what exactly did you add just now?”

Lin Qiuran was stir-frying eggplant, yet to add seasoning. The thirteen-spice blend she used was her own modification, enhancing aroma and masking any gamey smell without overpowering the dish.

Since Chen Cang asked, she decided to show him. Lin Qiuran thought she would only be here three days at most; if the magistrate was displeased, he might assign her more work with less pay. Better to let Chen Cang buy some spices—improving the flavor wouldn’t make them reluctant to keep her.

She still intended to earn money; this was a sustainable way to make a living.

Without a word, she picked a piece of eggplant and placed it in a bowl. “Brother Chen, try this.”

Chen Cang was skeptical but tasted it. The eggplant was not mushy and wasn’t watery at all.

Indeed, it was delicious.

Seeing him finish, Lin Qiuran added more spices, frying and mixing thoroughly, then handed him another piece. Chen Cang’s eyes widened as he swallowed. “Madam Lin, you haven’t put in big shell powder, have you?”

He had heard of it—once eaten, it was addictive!

Lin Qiuran was taken aback, then smiled wryly. “Brother Chen, this is for the officials. How could I dare? Besides, even if I had the courage, I’m just a rustic village woman; where would I get such a thing? This is a secret family spice blend that makes dishes much tastier. There are only two kinds, and today I’m just telling you.”

Chen Cang’s expression was complex. A family secret spice; he couldn’t even ask where to buy it. He hesitated to ask if she would sell it.

Lin Qiuran was unhurried. Seeing the time was right, she plated the dish and moved on to the next, smiling, “Brother Chen, you serve the dishes first.”

Lin Qiuran went to scoop rice. Today’s rice was slightly different from yesterday’s; in the morning, she noticed some glutinous rice in the kitchen and added a bit when steaming. The rice came out sticky, glossy, and more fragrant.

County Magistrate Li and others were present at lunch. The meal consisted of steamed braised meat, sweet and sour fish, stir-fried eggplant, fried eggplant pockets, stir-fried yardlong beans, and cucumber salad—a total of six dishes, plus the sour plum soup from last night. The quantity of dishes was modest, but each portion was generous.

Home-style dishes were just like this—plentiful portions, not overly refined, yet Zhao Jinshan felt they made guests feel truly welcome.

He was very satisfied with this meal and even ate an extra bowl of rice compared to yesterday. Today’s rice was exceptionally fragrant and sweet.

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This was exactly the kind of meal he wanted—meat present but not extravagant, with chicken, duck, fish, and meat all served appropriately. They were government officials; to indulge in luxury under the guise of inspection would be a betrayal of the people.

As for why it tasted so good, Zhao Jinshan hadn’t pondered deeply—probably just the cook’s skill.

After the meal, Zhao Jinshan remarked, “Yu’an Mountain is picturesque; even the cook’s skills here surpass most. Magistrate Li, your governance is commendable.”

Li County Magistrate humbly replied, “It’s all because the officials lead by example; otherwise, Yu’an wouldn’t be as it is today.”

The magistrate dared not reveal he had paid handsomely for the cook. With Lord Zhao pleased, he was more accommodating and affable toward all matters in Yu’an County.

Chief Clerk Wang had finally solved a dilemma for him: Lin Qiuran’s cooking was indeed excellent, but the magistrate felt her wage of four qian silver per day was somewhat high.

After all, Chen Cang earned only one to two taels per month; four qian a day meant that if Lin Qiuran stayed three days, she would earn one tael and two qian—equal to Chen Cang’s monthly salary.

Lord Zhao might stay five or six days, which would amount to two taels and four qian, a sum no cook could earn in a month.

If they negotiated lower pay with Lin Qiuran, it would be impossible. The magistrate was an official; once spoken, it was final. Besides, Lin Qiuran charged the same for banquet work elsewhere.

There was no room for renegotiation.

Thus, the magistrate thought if Lin Qiuran stayed at the relay station, paying her monthly wages would be cheaper. As for Chen Cang, being a distant relative of the county assistant magistrate, it was awkward to dismiss him; better to assign him elsewhere.

The county government or the county academy’s canteen would be suitable places.

He asked Chief Clerk Wang to inquire when convenient. Wang hesitated, “Sir, Lin Qiuran earns quite a bit from banquet work—one to two taels a month. She might not want to.”

The magistrate said, “Add two qian more. She lives in Xiao Family Village, but if she works at the relay station, she can live there.”

Living in the county seat without buying a house was a great benefit; a house in town cost a fortune. One shouldn’t focus only on small immediate gains. If the officials held her in high regard, there might even be bonuses. Wouldn’t that be better than working for others at banquets?

Wang sighed internally. “I’ll ask tomorrow.”

Working at the relay station, she could turn a blind eye when not busy and earn extra elsewhere. But they only needed Lin Qiuran; even if her in-laws helped, they wouldn’t be paid or provided housing. Although she could live at the relay station, it was of little practical use.

Today, Chief Clerk Wang already approached Lin Qiuran once and planned to ask again tomorrow.

In the afternoon, after resting post-lunch, Magistrate Li and the others followed Lord Zhao out.

At dusk, Lord Zhao returned and enjoyed a steaming bowl of fish slice porridge, accompanied by a light and refreshing dish of scallion tofu, salted duck eggs, and crispy scallion pancakes. He alone ate an entire pancake.

Zhao Jinshan thought the relay station’s cook was truly skilled—making porridge thicker and sweeter than elsewhere and even adding fish slices, something he had never seen before.

He drank two bowls of porridge. After finishing, Chen Cang tidied the dishes. With more dishes today, Chen Cang ate in the kitchen alongside Lin Qiuran and Mrs. Sun.

The fish slices were tender and smooth; the porridge was especially fragrant and sweet. Chen Cang had never tasted porridge like this. The scallion pancakes were also delicious.

That evening, Chen Cang watched Lin Qiuran cook. She said nothing, and he learned how to fry scallion oil and prepare scallion-ginger water. Without those secret seasonings, Chen Cang knew he could never replicate Lin Qiuran’s flavors.

After a meal’s worth of frustration, as Lin Qiuran and Mrs. Sun finished eating and prepared to leave, Chen Cang couldn’t help but ask, “Madam Lin, would you sell me those two cans of seasoning?”

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