Chapter 18: Departure

The kitchen was lit by candlelight. Lin Qiuran turned her head to look over, noticing Chen Cang's face bore a trace of flattery. She feigned confusion and asked, “Buying spices?”

Chen Cang gave a dry laugh, “My cooking skills are far inferior to Lady Lin’s. Even if I buy these spices and cook with them, the dishes won’t match yours. I was just thinking that when any official visits Yu’an County, having tastier food would show that we here are attentive hosts.”

He wanted to reassure Lin Qiuran that his purchase of spices was solely for the relay station’s work; he wasn’t trying to outdo her or steal her place.

The rest of his words were what Lin Qiuran had said earlier, which Chen Cang had brought up. He feared she might be reluctant to sell, so he brought up the family secret recipe. After all, it was just buying seasonings, not the recipe itself. He hoped she wouldn’t be too stingy.

Sun Shi stood silently nearby, but inside she was in turmoil. Good heavens, who would have thought the spices she’d blended could be sold for money! This could actually make a profit.

Lin Qiuran thought for a moment, then feigned hesitation, “Brother Chen, this is my family’s secret recipe. Before, when someone asked to buy it, I never agreed.”

Chen Cang grew anxious, “Lady Lin!”

Lin Qiuran shifted her tone, “But Brother Chen also said, everything must prioritize Yu’an County. I think selling it is the only way to make proper use of these spices. You surely know spices aren’t cheap. Buying them cost quite a bit. This jar is five qian of silver. If you want to buy it, I can give you a discount of twenty wen. Any cheaper and it wouldn’t be feasible.”

Lin Qiuran had carefully considered the pricing. Spices were naturally expensive. Ordinary households only needed a few basic ones like star anise and cinnamon for cooking; the rest were rarely used.

If it weren’t for preparing for a banquet, she wouldn’t have spent so much. Even if she set the price at two qian, not making a single wen of profit, some still couldn’t afford it.

These spices weren’t meant for ordinary folks who barely had enough to eat, let alone care about flavoring their dishes.

So it made sense to price them higher and sell mainly to chefs and cooks in various government offices. If they found them useful, they’d likely pay.

Take Chen Cang for example. His daily purchases were funded by the county, so spending five qian on thirteen-spice blend was pricey, but it didn’t come out of his own pocket.

Other offices also had procurement staff who could afford a jar or two. The spices lasted a long time.

Five qian was not cheap, but Lin Qiuran only made a profit of three qian. For Chen Cang, it was just less of a cut, but with tastier dishes, the work would continue steadily.

It was a choice between short-term gain and long-term benefits.

Lin Qiuran had already given a twenty-wen discount on a family secret recipe. Chen Cang was not in a position to haggle further.

Lin Qiuran said, “There are two jars. One uses more spices, priced at five qian. The other uses less, priced at two qian.”

Inside were three types of mushrooms and two kinds of spices, all blended according to Lin Qiuran’s formula, with salt and sugar to enhance flavor. All were dried and ground into powder for long shelf life.

Anyone could try making it themselves, but the taste would differ. Lin Qiuran had improved it based on future recipes, making it unmatched.

Chen Cang was older than Lin Qiuran and understood her meaning. She had already given a discount. Asking for more would be unreasonable and he wouldn’t agree.

Though expensive, if the taste was good, Chen Cang was willing to try. He gritted his teeth and said, “Alright.”

Lin Qiuran continued, “Half the payment as a deposit first. Tomorrow morning I will prepare the spices for you to taste. By the way, my mother said there is some family matter the day after tomorrow. I need to inform the magistrate that I won’t be cooking then.”

Chen Cang was momentarily taken aback, then he relaxed, which he quickly corrected, and shifted to a concerned tone, “If there’s something serious at home, feel free to say. We know each other now; don’t be so formal.”

Lin Qiuran smiled and shook her head, “It’s nothing major, but I have to go back.”

Chen Cang said, “If you need anything, just tell me!”

Lin Qiuran nodded and returned to the room with Sun Shi.

Sun Shi couldn’t help but ask, “Qiuran, you’re not going to continue? What’s the matter that you need to go back? Everything at home is fine, isn’t it?”

She had no idea something had happened back home.

Lin Qiuran replied, “Mother, I guess I can’t keep doing this. I’ve been cooking for three days, earning four qian per day, which totals one liang and two qian. Though cheaper than treating the magistrate to a meal at a restaurant, my wage is still more than Chen Cang’s. If Lord Zhao and the others don’t leave soon, where will the county find so much silver to pay me? Either they’ll reduce my wage, or they’ll have me stay here to cover Chen Cang’s duties.”

Lin Qiuran was unwilling to accept lower pay. Cooking three meals a day was more demanding than preparing fish. Moreover, if the wage was reduced, the magistrate’s future banquets would also pay less. The magistrate was an official; she was a commoner and had no grounds to refuse. Staying on would mean stability but significantly less income. Better to take the initiative to leave.

If there was something wrong at home, no one would stop her.

Lin Qiuran was content with what she earned at the relay station.

Sun Shi nodded, not as thoughtful as Lin Qiuran, and followed her lead, “Since the spices have been sold, going back is fine.”

One shouldn’t be too greedy.

Lin Qiuran smiled, “Mother, tomorrow morning you should go buy the spices—the same ones I mentioned.”

When Lin Qiuran purchased the spices, she bought equal amounts of each to prevent others from deducing the recipe. She also told Sun Shi to buy a few unnecessary items to throw off suspicion, fearing Chen Cang might secretly follow.

Chen Cang took two jars and paid half the deposit. The deposit was necessary to prevent him from backing out after the spices were made.

The next day.

In the morning, Lin Qiuran made simple noodles for the officials. After all, they had eaten a lot the previous night. If every meal was excellent, they might take the taste for granted. Sometimes it wasn’t the food’s fault but the palate’s.

The noodles were light and refreshing, with vegetables and eggs, suitable for breakfast.

After breakfast, Wang Zhubu arrived and handed her four qian in silver, “Lady Lin, this is today’s wage.”

Lin Qiuran accepted the silver and, seeing Wang Zhubu linger, asked, “Have the officials said when they plan to leave?”

Wang Zhubu shook his head, “No exact date, but probably another two or three days.”

Lin Qiuran smiled slightly, “Sir, I’ve cooked for two days here. Yesterday my mother went home and told me there is something at home that requires my return tomorrow. However, Brother Chen has already bought my family’s secret spice recipe, so the dishes should improve. Officials on the magistrate’s side need not worry.”

Though the taste might be slightly off, it was home cooking. Even if Lord Zhao noticed, he wouldn’t make a fuss.

Wang Zhubu paused, surprised that Lin Qiuran was already planning to leave before anyone suggested she stay.

He furrowed his brow and asked, “Is it something urgent at home?”

Lin Qiuran answered, “Not really urgent, but I must go back.”

Wang Zhubu nodded without pressing further, “Lady Lin, you’ve cooked for two days and must have seen that relay station work is light, and officials don’t come every day. There are vacant rooms for you to stay, and no one would interfere during idle times. Have you considered staying here to cook?”

Lin Qiuran lowered her head, “I’m just a country woman. How could I be so fortunate to cook for officials? Besides, my parents are elderly. I can’t bear to leave them alone in the village.”

Wang Zhubu sighed, “Very well, I will discuss this with Magistrate Li. Finish today’s work, and you can return tomorrow morning.”

Lin Qiuran found Wang Zhubu to be a decent and upright man. Though his wife had made things difficult, he tried to help and even found her work at the relay station.

After sending Wang Zhubu off, Lin Qiuran returned to the kitchen. There is a saying: a day’s work must be done well. She had already received her wage for the day, so naturally, she worked diligently.

She asked Chen Cang to buy two chickens and two pounds of ribs. With so many people, one chicken would not suffice. Braised pork would be better with pork, so she planned a stew with green beans and potatoes as side dishes, accompanied by torn flatbread and a small amount of steamed rice—enough to satisfy everyone.

They had eaten a lot of rice yesterday, proving that adding a little sticky rice was indeed delicious.

Sun Shi went to buy the spices, while Chen Cang helped with slaughtering chickens, peeling garlic, washing vegetables, and chopping.

The chicken and ribs were cut into small pieces for better flavor absorption.

After blanching, caramelized sugar was stir-fried, then spices, scallions, ginger, garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon, star anise, and a little thirteen-spice blend were added. After mixing, boiling water was poured in, and the stew was left to simmer.

Lin Qiuran made dense flatbread. Once the water boiled again, she rolled out the dough, torn it into large pieces and placed it on top of the stew. Over time, the bread would cook fully, soaking up the broth’s flavor without becoming mushy. As the broth reduced, the bread became chewy, infused with the aroma of pork and chicken fat, leaving a lingering taste.

She also added dried hawthorn—something Chen Cang didn’t see. She had no intention to tell him; everyone had their own secret recipes. Chen Cang might have his own cooking tricks. They weren’t related, and Lin Qiuran was not foolish enough to reveal everything.

The stew had to simmer slowly over low heat. Lin Qiuran also prepared two cold dishes and, once Sun Shi returned, took a mortar back to her room to grind spices. In less than twenty minutes, the spices were ground and packed into jars.

Lin Qiuran brought the jars to the kitchen. “Brother Chen, the spices are ready. See, they’re full.”

Chen Cang looked them over. “That’s quite a lot.”

Lin Qiuran asked, “Taste these and compare with what I made before. Is the flavor the same?”

Chen Cang sampled carefully and confirmed the taste was indeed identical. He promptly paid the remaining balance and inquired how to use the two jars.

Lin Qiuran pointed to the thirteen-spice blend, “This one is mostly used for marinating meat and stewing dishes to enhance aroma and remove any gaminess. The other is more for stir-frying, to freshen up flavors. But the most crucial factors are knife skills and cooking time. Even the best spices can overpower the natural flavors if used excessively.”

That would be counterproductive and unpleasant.

Chen Cang nodded, “Got it. When these two jars are used up, I’ll buy more from Lady Lin. The price must be a bit cheaper.”

Lin Qiuran said, “No problem. If anyone else wants to buy from you, I’ll give you ten wen commission for each jar sold.”

She wouldn’t let Chen Cang help for nothing; the more the better.

Selling spices was definitely more profitable and easier than cooking. The cost of two jars was 280 wen in total. They sold for 670 wen, which at today’s rate of one qian silver to 102 copper coins, earned 402 wen—nearly four qian silver.

Lin Qiuran made nearly as much cooking for one day at the relay station.

But not everyone knew how to use them, nor could everyone afford them; otherwise, she would be rolling in money.

Chen Cang nodded but belatedly recalled that Lin Qiuran had said she wouldn’t sell outside before. People really were full of surprises...

When the time came, Lin Qiuran uncovered the pot. Some broth remained. She instructed Chen Cang to turn up the heat to reduce the sauce, which became richly fragrant. Before serving, she added minced garlic and chopped scallions for aroma. Chen Cang smelled it and could not help but praise Lin Qiuran’s skill.

He filled two large basins, placing the flatbread separately in bowls, then brought them up. Some broth was left in the pot for their midday meal.

Usually, chicken and ribs were cooked separately. This group had never seen them stewed together. Yet it was incredibly delicious. Even Zhao Jinshan, who claimed not to eat rich meat, had no complaints. After all, breakfast was just plain noodles; a better lunch was acceptable.

After the meal, Zhao Jinshan drank a cup of sour plum soup and said, “No need for fuss tomorrow. Let’s keep it simple.”

Magistrate Li thought to himself that tomorrow would naturally be simpler. He looked at the empty basins and bowls and smiled, “Yes, but since the officials have been here several days, I should entertain them properly. There are many people, and the meat dishes also include plenty of vegetables. It’s just ordinary chicken bought and cooked by the relay station, not as expensive as a restaurant.”

Magistrate Li also ate heartily but still felt regretful. It would have been good if Lin Qiuran could stay at the relay station. But since she was unwilling, he could not force her.

He instructed a simple dinner. Lin Qiuran cooked porridge, some cold dishes, and salted duck eggs, which pleased Lord Zhao greatly.

The next morning, Sun Shi carefully cleaned the house. Lin Qiuran packed her things, taking with her the earnings from the past few days—one liang and six qian in total—and left early with Sun Shi to return to Xiao Family Village.

They walked because the ox cart wouldn’t return until afternoon. After a while, Sun Shi urged Lin Qiuran to rest, worried she might tire.

The relay station was north of the city, while Xiao Family Village was reached through the south gate. The two reached South Street early, before breakfast, and bought some food to eat on the street.

Lin Qiuran ordered a bowl of soy milk, a fried dough stick, and a tea egg. Sun Shi ordered a fried dough stick and finished the remainder of Lin Qiuran’s soy milk.

After eating, Sun Shi bought a bun and another tea egg for Lin Qiuran to eat on the road. They rested a while, planning to return to the village soon. No matter how nice the outside world was, home was always better.

Before they could set off, a man suddenly stood in front of Lin Qiuran.

Lin Qiuran frowned and looked up. The man had a square face and tall stature, wearing a blue long robe. He was the clerk who had shown them the house that day. She was startled, “You…”

“Lady Lin, you really are hard to find. Didn’t you say your family sells fish on South Street? I’ve been looking for two days but couldn’t find you!”