Chapter 15

Chapter 15

As the days passed, the weather grew increasingly warmer. Meng Die held her fan in hand, incessantly fanning herself. "I overheard some commotion coming from the Eastern Courtyard yesterday. This morning, Mother didn't mention anything. Does anyone have any idea what's going on?"

"I am aware," replied Xue Qing, the seasoned gossip connoisseur of the Meng household, who had not lost her touch since arriving at the Marquis's residence. Over time, no piece of news, big or small, escaped her notice within the manor. "When the heir returned yesterday, he was flushed red and emanating heat. Lady sought out a physician, who diagnosed it as a case of overheating and advised plenty of water to help cool down."

Meng Die understood now; her father-in-law was suffering from a mild case of heatstroke.

Xing Huang interjected, "Aren't there ice blocks provided in all government offices?"

"The ice from the government office won't be available until the Dragon Boat Festival," Lu Wei replied, who had recently been assigned by Meng Die to read through the Great Yi Laws and various miscellaneous texts.

Meng Die couldn't help but grumble, "It's strange, the weather is already this hot before the festival."

Xing Huang chimed in, "Second Lady didn't have much for breakfast this morning. Shall I prepare something?"

Meng Die replied weakly, "I don't feel like eating anything hot, and cold food doesn't taste good either. Forget it." She slumped onto a cool chair, yearning for the air conditioning of another world that could instantly lower the temperature with a simple switch.

Xing Huang suggested, "Second Lady, how about I make some cold skin from the kitchen?"

Liangpi? Meng Die opened her eyes; this sounded delightful, tangy and refreshing. "Alright, making this requires quite a bit of wheat flour. Take two silver coins with you."

"Understood." Xing Huang sprang up eagerly, reached into a cabinet to fetch two silver coins, and then called for Mei'er and Ying'er to accompany her to the kitchen.

The kitchen of the Marquis residence was situated in the northernmost part, adjacent to the lotus pond. At this moment, the entire pond was filled with lush green lotus leaves, casting a refreshing sight that lifted one's spirits.

Upon Xing Huang's arrival at the kitchen, the head chef, Mu Wufu from the Mu family, immediately approached her. "Why has Miss Xing Huang come in person? If Second Lady has any instructions, she could simply send a young maid to convey them."

Xing Huang replied with a smile, "Our Second Lady is craving a delicacy from the Guan region."

From the Mu family: "What is this 'Guan Xiao Shi'? What does it refer to?"

Xing Huang: "Liangpi."

From the Mu Youfu family came an exclamation, "Oh, I must say, I've never heard of this before."

Xing Huang nods and retrieves the two silver coins from her sleeve. "Making this requires quite a bit of fine white flour. I would be grateful if Sister could prepare more for me."

Mr. Mu Wufu demurred politely, "Oh my, Miss is too kind. How could I possibly accept money from you?"

Xing Huang said, "Sister-in-law, accept it. Although the kitchen doesn't have fixed amounts for each item, you still need to reconcile with the purchasing and manor accounts at the end of the month. This food requires quite a bit of wheat flour. By paying for it now, it will save you a lot of trouble later. If there's any money left, consider it as treating the sisters to a drink."

Mu Youfu's family accepted the silver and replied, "Then we thank Miss Xing Huang. We might not know how to make this delicacy, but we can surely assist you."

"Many thanks then."

With Xing Huang's quick hands and ample assistance, they soon finished making the cold skin. "Ying'er, go back and fetch a large food box. Put a block of ice at the bottom of the box."

"Yes, I will."

Ying'er brought the food chest, and Xing Huang placed the sliced cold skin on the second-to-last layer, with ice at the very bottom to keep it cool even during the journey. On top of the chest were various condiments, all fitting perfectly thanks to the spacious design.

Mei'er and Ying'er carried the food chest as they followed Xing Huang back to Qixia Courtyard, arriving just in time for noon.

Cold skin was a delightful treat, especially in the summer, which was why it was so popular nationwide and could be found in every corner of the streets.

Meng Die didn't rush to eat but stood up instead. "Let's head to the Eastern Wing Courtyard."