Chapter 177: Puzzled

Chapter 177: Puzzled

The guard, who had been busy, had sweat on his forehead. He fished out the last egg and put it in a bowl, handing it to the person in line. He gave an apologetic smile to those behind, saying, "No more meat."

No more meat?

The words instantly sparked a chorus of dismay.

"I was worried that by the time it was my turn, there would be none left, and sure enough..." The person holding the bowl stomped their foot in frustration.

Further back, someone started quarreling, "I told you to hurry up, but you dawdled, and now look, we missed out!"

"Waaah!" The child, who had been scolded, burst into tears.

Another guard, responsible for ladling out porridge, called out, "There's still porridge!"

Still porridge?

Though the appeal of porridge couldn't compare to braised pork, this was white rice porridge. It was far better than the coarse rice they usually ate. Not to mention, the coarse rice porridge they had was always so thin, unlike this porridge which was thick and fragrant.

"Can I get some meat broth?"

The guard naturally obliged.

By the end, the barrel of meat was empty, the barrel of porridge was empty, and there were still more than a dozen people who hadn't gotten any.

"Neighbors, don't worry, we'll be back early tomorrow," Liu Zhou shouted.

"Coming back tomorrow?" Hearing this, the crowd pressed forward.

Among them were not only those who hadn't received porridge, but also most of those who had gotten porridge earlier.

They had already heard from the first arrivals that the porridge distribution would last several days, so they stayed to learn more. Especially since it was such a novelty that a young lady from a wealthy family was giving out porridge to thank the neighbors for helping find her cat. Even if they stayed purely for the spectacle, it was worth it.

"Young man, are you really coming back tomorrow?"

"Yes, our young miss said she would give out porridge for four days."

"What time will you come?"

"Early in the morning," Liu Zhou said with a smile, repeating what Xin You had instructed. "Neighbors, come early tomorrow. Our rice porridge and braised pork are limited, first come, first served."

Hearing this, people looked at each other and silently resolved to come early the next day, determined not to end up like the unlucky ones who missed out today.

"Don't just stand outside."

Gu Yuniang smiled gently, "I came out just guessing you were about to arrive home. Come in and eat breakfast."

"Mother, I've already eaten at the Imperial Academy."

Not all students were allowed to go home during holidays. On the days of the holiday, the Imperial Academy also provided meals, and Guyu always came home having eaten his fill.

Entering the house, Guyu was momentarily stunned when he saw a piece of braised pork on the table.

"I'll heat it up."

Gu Yuniang quickly reheated the meat and brought over the warmed porridge.

"Mother?" Guyu was filled with confusion.

Could it be that they are waiting for him to come back for the Laba festival? But they don’t eat meat on Laba festival days in previous years.

As Gu Yuniang handed chopsticks to her son, she chattered on, "A young lady came by a few days ago."

After listening to his mother, Guyu frowned. "Is that young lady surnamed Kou?"

"Yes, everyone calls her Miss Kou."

"Mother, can you describe what Miss Kou looks like?"

After hearing the description, Guyu frowned even more deeply.

It was undoubtedly that Miss Kou from Qingsong Bookstore.

Why had she come to his neighborhood to distribute porridge and give away meat?

If it were a coincidence, Guyu wouldn’t believe it in a million years.

Although Guyu’s knowledge was limited due to his family’s circumstances, unlike those young masters from noble families, he was an intelligent one. He had a gut feeling that Miss Kou’s actions were related to him.

Could it be because of that day when he didn’t believe her words?

But what did that have to do with her coming to distribute porridge?

"Tomorrow morning will be the last time. It’s perfect that you’re back, Yun. We can get two portions."

Guyu instinctively replied, "I need to head back to the Imperial Academy early in the morning."

"There’s time. Miss Kou comes very early every day to distribute porridge. Yun, quick, try this braised pork. It’ll get cold soon."

"Mother, you eat it. I don’t lack meat at the Imperial Academy."

"You’re at an age where your body is growing, and studying is hard work."

After some back-and-forth between mother and son, they ended up sharing it.

The next day, before dawn, Gu Yuniang woke Guyu up.

"Yun, get up quickly. If we’re late, we won’t get any."

Guyu was momentarily stunned. "What?"

"Go claim the braised pork that Miss Kou is giving away!"

Guyu snapped out of it, quickly tidied up, and left the house with his mother.

It wasn’t the braised pork that motivated him, but rather his confusion about Miss Kou’s actions.

As they stepped out of their home, Guyu was surprised to see many neighbors rushing out with bowls in hand.

"Hurry, hurry, a lot of outsiders came yesterday, and there might be even more today."

"It’s shameless, really. Miss Kou came to offer porridge out of gratitude for our help, so why should people from other places come?"

"It’s useless to say that. They probably won’t make such distinctions."

Guyu ran with the crowd, joining the line and looking ahead.

"Ma, who exactly is giving away porridge?"

Before Gu Yuniang could answer, a young woman holding a child smiled and said, "Miss Kou will be here in a little while."

Guyu was surprised. "Sister Zhang, why are you out here with your child in this cold weather?"

"There’s no choice. The porridge and braised pork are only given to those who come in person, regardless of age or gender. If you don’t come, you won’t get any."

"Here she comes, here she comes!" The crowd stirred, but the line remained orderly.

Guyu looked and saw that it was indeed Miss Kou at the front.

"Good morning, Miss Kou!" The neighbors greeted her.

"Good morning," Xin You responded with a smile.

Guyu wore a contemplative expression.

Could it be that Miss Kou was seeking fame?