Higher Level Wife - 108 - Thoughts

Chapter 108: Thoughts

Author: White Pear Flower

Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/

Translated by Gumihou

Proofread by Pill Bug

Gumihou: In this chapter, the [Maybe-Tahini-Based-But-Surely-Contains-Garlic-Flower Sauce] has now split into [Garlic Chive Flower Sauce] and [Hoisin Sauce].

Here, Li Dezheng accepted a teapot from a lesser eunuch by the corridor. He returned to the Imperial study, poured a cup of tea for the emperor and was about to hand the cup over when the emperor asked, “What were you and Fengju whispering about just now?”

Because Jin Fengju was Prince Rong’s brother-in-law, he was considered part of the Imperial Family by marriage. Therefore, it was perfectly natural for the emperor to address him by name. It was also part of how the emperor showed his favour.

“Clearly, nothing gets past the emperor’s eye. The Young Marquis expresses concern over the emperor’s well-being, asking if Your Majesty has trouble eating. The Young Marquis mentions that Your Majesty’s cheekbones appeared to be protruding and that it pricks at his heart. He even says that he shall bring some curious appetizer that will stimulate Your Majesty’s appetite. This servant does not know what the Young Marquis plans to bring, after all, what precious mountain treasures and delicacies from the sea have not passed Your Majesty’s lips? Still, since the Young Marquis appeared confident, this servant’s curiosity is piqued.”

The emperor stroked his teacup. He did not say anything for a long time. After a while, a smile stretched his face and he said, “It’s been hard on him. I dare say that his efforts would most likely be wasted, but still, send someone to invite Prince Rong and Princess Consort into the palace. Since their brother-in-law will be bringing something in, surely it is only right that they get to taste it too. Wu, though I dare say they might have already tasted it.”

Li Dezheng’s heart stuttered and he quickly flashed a flattering smile at the emperor. “This servant believes that it should not be so. After all, with how filial Prince Rong is, would he not rush over quickly to share this treasure with Your Majesty?”

The emperor smiled slightly and nodded, “That is true. That one could hardly hide the thoughts in his heart. Though he could still endure when it comes to major matters, over these little things, he might as well have shouted to the whole world from the rafters. Fengju is also a sensible one and would never commit a social mistake like this. At any rate, have someone send a decree to Prince Rong.”

“Yes,” Li Dezheng answered. As he stepped out of the room, he wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. He thought: The older the emperor grows, the more suspicious he becomes. It’s rare for even Prince Rong and the Young Marquis to receive such compliments now.

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Let’s speak of the time when Jin Fengju returned home.

Naturally, the people immediately gathered around him to question him. Therefore, he had no choice but to inform them of the emperor’s will. Old Madam Jin and Elder Madam Jiang were a little unhappy. They thought: No wonder so many gifts suddenly appeared. To think that the emperor wants our boy to run errands for him just before New Year. Still, he should not be so domineering, ah. The Old Master hasn’t returned yet and this errand sounds both dangerous and urgent. If something were to happen and father and son never got to see each other… Ah, no, no, enough with the inauspicious thoughts. Let us pray some more to cleanse our souls.

Once he was done reporting, Jin Fengju realised that Fu Qiuning was not in the crowd. So, he asked Old Madam about it. Old Madam Jin said, “Earlier, she wanted to bring the children back to Night Breeze Pavilion for an afternoon nap. However, I refuse and had them sleep in the warm room instead. You may go and see them there.”

Jin Fengju nodded and made his way towards the warm room. As expected, Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao were sleeping on the kang bed. Jin Zhuan and Lu Hua were sleeping on a nearby couch while Fu Qiuning, Yu Jie and Aunt Yu were dozing on chairs, their chins in their hands.

“To not even be able to rest properly, the fault is all mine,” Jin Fengju said as he approached Fu Qiuning. She woke up with a start at his voice. When it looked like she was about to get up, he quickly placed his hand on her shoulder to press her back into the chair and whispered with a chuckle, “No need, I am fine. It is a little noisy outside, so I came in here for a little peace.”

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie also woke up. When they saw Jin Fengju, they both rose to give their whispered salute. Fu Qiuning smiled at them and said, “There’s no need to whisper like mice, the children have slept for a good hour. Now that the days are shorter, I dare not let them sleep too long or they would not be able to sleep at night.” Then, she looked at Jin Fengju and said, “Why have you been called to the palace? Since we received so many bribes, they must want you to do something troublesome.”

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie had already withdrawn, so Jin Fengju smiled slightly and said, “What else could it be? It is related to the matters I had spoken to you about last night. Only, I had not expected the situation to develop so fast. If I were to leave right away and deal with the incident quickly, I may still return in time for the reunion banquet.”

Fu Qiuning nodded, “This assignment sounds a little suspicious. Lord Husband should take care and look after yourself. [1]”

Jin Fengju looked at her, the smile on his face practically sparkling as he gently said, “Are you worried about me? I am very happy to hear the care in your words.”

Fu Qiuning [1a] blinked slowly, then lowered her gaze. Her voice was indifferent as she said, “[1b] But of course, Lord Husband. We are tethered on the same rope and will share both suffering and fortune together. How could I not care?”

When Jin Fengju caught the meaning of her words, he could feel the barrier between them reinforced once more. A little anxious and unhappy, he coughed and said, “Qiuning, do you truly intend to be so estranged? You must know that you are my official wife and not just in name only. Today’s award, the Phoenix Vest Rank 5 title should have been yours. However, there is no need to be anxious, we have a long future together. So long as you and I are in harmony, I’m sure even a Rank 1 title is possible for you.”

Fu Qiuning snorted. “Phoenix Vest? Rank 1? I have no need for such exquisite things. I only wish for a peaceful and contented life. I see that Little Sister Wan is very happy to receive such things. Therefore, Lord Husband only need secure such things for her.”

Jin Fengju’s face stiffened. A long time later, he forced a smile and said, “I know what you truly think of me. You are clearly a woman that stands above the masses, with thoughts that many other women dare not even entertain. Only, my meaning is, perhaps you do not quite understand my meaning. Wanying, she… is not like the Wanying of the past. As for my feelings towards you, it is not because I could not obtain you and…”

“Lord Husband, is there a need to speak of certain things with such clarity? I know it well. For me, it is good enough to be Lord Husband’s confidante, and that delusional thoughts should never be entertained.” Fu Qiuning took the opportunity to break off the topic by looking away and made to pour tea for Jin Fengju.

As for Jin Fengju, he stared at her dumbly for a long moment, before exhaling a long sigh. He took a sip of the tea and, after putting away his overly affectionate gaze, said in an indifferent voice, “I believe the vegetables from the farmstead have arrived. I should go and have a look.”

Fu Qiuning stood up, “If that is the case, I shall order Aunt Yu and Yu Jie to bring the Garlic Chive Flower Sauce and Hoisin Sauce [2] here. Unfortunately, they are all handmade by [2a] us. I fear that our shallow skills will show and detract the enjoyment of the meal.”

“I have tasted the sauces and found them to be excellent, Qiuning need not belittle yourself,” said Jin Fengju with a smile. Then, he left.

Fu Qiuning stood in place as she stared at Jin Fengju’s tall and confident form disappear from sight. Once he was gone, she sat down [1c] contemplatively. She thought: Jin Fengju, ah, Jin Fengju. You are indeed a dragon amongst men of this era, but we have no fate, so don’t even think about it. You dare say that Little Sister Wan has changed, but have you thought about how I would change if I were to fall in love? [d] I dare say I would be no different than her, wanting to monopolise your time and refusing to let other women touch you.

[e] If I have to suffer. I choose to suffer from lack of companionship and not sacrifice my dignity and peace of mind to pointless jealousy and harem politics. One should never be too greedy in life. I [f] have already agreed to be your confidante. So what if we are married? I have no choice but to march beside you for the rest of my wretched life.

As she continued to contemplate the rest of her life, Fu Qiuning called Aunt Yu and Yu Jie in. She ordered them to fetch all the Hoisin Sauce and Garlic Chive Flower Sauce from Night Breeze Pavilion. She had specially learned how to make these [2b] from cookbooks back in the modern day. Though they were not as fragrant as those store-bought swish pot sauces, they were more or less similar. Otherwise, Jin Fengju and Jin Ming would not have gorged themselves to the point of growing a food baby.

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie returned not long after with the sauce pots in their arms. Jin Fengju came in and joyfully proclaimed, “Qiuning, the vegetables have arrived, quickly go and have a look. I have selected the best ones to be sent to the palace. The rest is up to you to do as you wish. Everyone is very curious and waiting for your special hotpot.”

Fu Qiuning [3] paused at the overly enthusiastic reaction from Jin Fengju. Wait, send to the palace? Special hotpot? Seriously?

[3] She spent exactly three seconds contemplating how to react, before deciding that a non-reaction was probably her best bet.

Fu Qiuning made her way to the hall and saw that several tables have been set up. There was a stove and a pot on each table and she got busy ordering people to make the simple soup base consisting of wolfberry, yam and jujubes. Then, considering the [3a] pitiful amount of sauces left in her jar, she went to the kitchen to direct the cooks. He’shi, Jiang Wanying, Xu’shi, Huo’shi and the rest all followed her and stood by the side with eagle eyes. Since Jin Fengju [3b] had made such a big fuss about this ‘special hotpot’ that he had loudly declared would be ‘send it to the palace’, even Jin Luanfeng watched Fu Qiuning’s action with great interest.

“[4a]…And that’s it, if you wish to eat either the meat or vegetables, just swish them in the hot soup or a little while and it can be eaten with this [4a] dark brown sauce,” finished Fu Qiuning. She paused, looking at the big pot of sauce and said in the mildest manner, “In fact, it is all very simple. I fear that I have let everyone’s expectations down. However, please do not blame me. It is not I who ask everyone to come and view this sauce. You have all come, hoping to find some trick behind this sauce, even after I have insisted that hardly any special steps are needed. Still, no one believes me, thinking that I must hide some secret skills. Well? Do you understand now?”

After Fu Qiuning spoke, everyone laughed. Xu’shi laughingly said, “It is so, it certainly looks very simple. Moreover, the sauce has a rather unappealing appearance. Who would like such a black-looking thing? Really, I cannot understand why Lord Husband would praise this thing to the high heavens.”

Jiang Wanying laughed and said, “Sister, your bad habits are showing again. You’ve always judged people by their appearance and it looks like this habit extends to food too. Back then, when the chef made jujube cakes, you even said that they looked like a pile of poop. However, when it came to eating, you ate the most pieces. To this day, I swear that you have the sweetest biscuits and cakes sent to your rooms. You say that this sauce is unappealing, well, I shall look forward to seeing if you can restrain yourself from eating it later.”

Xu’shi was struck speechless. Her face changed colours a few times and she finally snorted, “Why shouldn’t I eat it? Even if I dislike it, I still have to show consideration for Lord Husband’s face. Back then, I did not know how to conduct myself and could not please my Lord Husband. No wonder Lord Husband disliked me back then. I am different from some people who understand how to flatter Lord Husband, to the point that they will like the things Lord Husband likes. Even with things that they used to hate to the point of death, a smile still blooms over their faces like flowers blooming in the sun.”

Fu Qiuning thought: Well, this is how a woman is. When she hates, would she care about places or occasions? In terms of etiquette, no matter how many grievances you have inside, it is only good manners to not vent in front of Jin Luanfeng, right? As the only man in the scene, he looked incredibly awkward and uncomfortable at the exchange.

Pitying the man, Fu Qiuning forced herself to laugh and said, “I have incurred ridicule from Elder Brother. Compared to the mountain treasures and delicacies from the sea that Elder Brother must have tasted during your travels, this must appear crude and superficial. How could such a thing even attract the eye? I fear that Fengju must have been hungry that day and made a great fuss when I served him this common food.”

Jin Luanfeng breathed a sigh of relief, clearly glad for the change of topic. He laughed and said, “Too modest. I must say that this has been a very meaningful experience indeed. Though it is indeed crude and simple, it still attracted Fengju’s praise. That’s right, I recall that he has a few stores under his name. I shall speak to him about this.”

With that, he quickly made his escape.

[Gumihou: And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the men of the house usually solve their harem issues. By averting their eyes and running away.]

[1] Deleted excessive words of care. Like FQN already said ‘take care and look after yourself’ but, then AR Qiuning just had to add ‘Your safety is of the utmost importance’

[a] Deleted: heart throbbed

Nope, no heart throbbing here, only =_=;;

[b] Replace ‘absolutely do not misunderstand me~’ with ‘but of course’

Because indifference hurts worse than active dislike.

[c] Replaced ‘sadly’ with ‘contemplatively’ because she’s clearly being possessed by AR Qiuning.

[d] Draw a clearer similarity with the women of this era. Sympathise with them instead of looking down on them.

[e] Instead of ‘I’d rather not love~~ kyaa~~ don’t blame me~~’ be more ‘I prefer to suffer from lack of companionship and not sacrifice my dignity’

[f] Instead of ‘kyaa~~ being your confidante is more than enough for me~~’ be more ‘I already allow this much’

[g] Absolutely DELETE: I hate that we did not meet before we marry~~

Dude, no. Yeet.

[2] Hoisin Sauce- could technically be made in that era, like ketchup in the Medieval world

The original [Maybe-Tahini-Based-But-Surely-Contains-Garlic-Flower Sauce] has now split into [Garlic Chive Flower Sauce] and [Hoisin Sauce] [a] Change ‘I’ and ‘me’ to ‘we’, to prevent JFJ from unnecessarily complimenting us.

[b] Author’s own patch – The patch is clearly slapped on, because people who deign to make sauce from scratch would not end up with [c]. Because as the maker of the sauce, you will eventually tweak the recipe to suit your taste.

[c] Not as good as store-bought – Actually, homemade is almost always better. The Author most likely never made it, so did not know what she’s talking about.

[3] Bland Fu Qiuning after [1]?

Unlikely, let’s adjust mood to ‘ugh, seriously?’ especially when JFJ performed that overly enthusiastic ‘kyaa~~’ reaction to a hotpot. Like, hello? Are you on drugs?

[a] Roll eye moments.

[b] Solo actor JFJ

[4] Everything Wrong with the Swish Pot

– Never mention the finely sliced meat (the absolute essential thing)

https://omnivorescookbook.com/beijing-hot-pot-dipping-sauce/

Speaking of which, there is also a variation of 韭花酱 called Leek Flower Sauce, which is, amazingly enough, brown in colour. All other sites showed green variation. I dunno…

https://omnivorescookbook.com/beijing-hot-pot-dipping-sauce/

When I try to track this sauce down further,

[4a] Adjustments so that the recipe or steps makes some sense

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