Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The weather was sweltering, and Madam Ning was equally listless. After a brief nap, she had just changed her clothes. Though hungry, she had no appetite for anything; the food sat untouched on the table.

Granny Zheng prompted, "Madam, Second Lady is here."

"Oh?"

"Mother." Meng Die greeted with a bow, casting a glance at the dining table.

Lady Ning smiled and gestured to the chair beside her. "Why have you come at such an hour on this sweltering day?" The midday sun was the most scorching.

"Mum, the heat makes it hard to eat. I had my maid prepare a refreshing snack, and I thought we could share it together," Meng Die explained.

As she spoke, Lu Wei had already opened the food box, arranging the cold skin and various condiments before them.

Lady Ning inquired, "This is...?"

Meng Die proceeded to explain, "It's called cold skin, a dish from the Guanzhong region. Grandfather learned it when he was stationed in Jiangnan years ago."

Madam Ning gazed at the cold noodles coated in sesame paste, "Guanzhong? Jiangnan?" These were two distinct regions, quite far apart from one another.

"Meng Die hasn't been to Guanzhong either, but Grandfather mentioned that during summer, the region is as hot as Jiangnan. Perhaps that's why this cold noodle dish has naturally made its way to Jiangnan," Meng Die stood up again and picked up a small spoon from the condiments tray, "Sesame oil, peanut oil, chili oil, and cilantro. Is there anything you don't prefer, Mother?"

Madam Ning replied, "There isn't anything I particularly dislike."

Meng Die continued, "In that case, I'll add a little of each at first. If Mother finds a particular ingredient to your liking, we can add more after tasting it."

"Sounds good."

A dash of sesame oil, peanut oil, and chili oil were swiftly added, and Meng Die stirred the mixture with her chopsticks. "Mother, please give it a try."

Madam Ning, born into wealth, didn't have high expectations for such simple fare. However, as a dutiful daughter-in-law, Meng Die's offering deserved her attention. The first bite erased any thoughts of indifference; the tangy sweetness with a hint of chill was the perfect summer delicacy.

Madam Ning asked, "What's this made of? Is it suitable for the elderly?"

Meng Die chuckled. "It's made from refined wheat flour. Back in my family home, my grandparents would always enjoy this during the summer months."

Observing the large food box, Madam Ning finally understood why it was so big and became even more pleased. "Lianqiao, take a portion to send to the Old Lady."

"Yes."

Lu Wei promptly divided one portion for Qiao Qiao, who, mimicking the original food box's arrangement, placed a piece of ice at the bottom layer.

Meng Die continued, "Mother, this is made from refined flour, and there's nothing harmful inside. It's just a bit cold. I'm not sure if Eldest Sister-in-law can consume it. I overheard her maid mentioning that she hasn't had an appetite these past few days."

"Thank you for thinking of her," Madam Ning smiled. "I've just taken a bite, and it's cool but not excessively cold. She should be able to eat it too, just in smaller quantities. Autumn Osmanthus, please send a bowl over to Eldest Sister-in-law."

"Understood."

After sending away the two servings of cold noodles, Lady Ning and Meng Die enjoyed a delightful lunch together. Both the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, rarely in such high spirits, had a satisfying meal, even indulging in dishes they initially didn't want.

As they sat chatting and digesting their food, Jinzao, the chief maid sent by Madam Hou, arrived on the scene.

"Madam, Second Lady," said Jinzao with a smile in her eyes. "Old Madam found the cold noodles to be quite appetizing. She ate more than half a bowl."

Lady Ning's face lit up with joy. "That's excellent news."

Jinzao continued, "Old Madam also mentioned that she would like to borrow someone from you to teach her kitchen staff. Tomorrow, she plans to prepare the dish for the whole family to taste. If they enjoy it, it could become an additional summer delicacy in the future."

Meng Die readily agreed, "Today, it's Xing Huang's turn to cook in my quarters. She's most skilled at this. I'll ask her to head to the kitchen right away."

As expected, the kitchen sent cold noodles to each residence for lunch the next day. It was said that everyone enjoyed them greatly, and from then on, cold noodles became a daily staple in the marquis's mansion.

Amidst this sweltering heat, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived promptly. At every door of the marquis's mansion, mugwort, peach branches, and calabashes were hung, yet the days grew even hotter. If the previous days had been so hot as to make people restless and short-tempered, finding fault with everything and easily falling into arguments, now the heat had sapped the vitality from everyone, rendering them lifeless, much like vegetables wilted under the sun’s relentless glare. Arguments were out of the question; even drawing breath felt like a burden.

This also led to the unusual situation during the Dragon Boat Festival where the Marquis household did not invite an opera troupe to perform. Instead, they simply laid out several banquet tables. Only the cold skin was completely consumed, while considerable amounts of fish, meat, eggs, and various seasonal vegetables were left uneaten.

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the heat became so unbearable that one could wish to be ensconced in an ice cellar. Lady Elder issued an order, exempting everyone from their morning and evening greetings.

On this day, Madam Ning emerged from Lady Elder's quarters with her sisters-in-law. She halted their steps and said, "I have something to discuss with you all. If any of you have pressing matters, go ahead and attend to them. I'll wait for you at the Water Curtain Pavilion by the lotus pond."

"There's nothing urgent for us to attend to."

"Then let's go together."

Madam Ning addressed, "Yun girl, you may return first. Dai girl can stay with me."

Wen Shi bowed respectfully. "Mother, Aunt, I'll take my leave first."

Meng Die accompanied Madam Ning to the Water Curtain Pavilion.