Chapter 301 - Chapter 301: Chapter 309: The Most Complete (2/2)
However, he was dissatisfied with the current situation. Even if he could resolve the immediate complications, Han Yu preferred to be on the battlefield, leading charges and earning military honors through sheer skill rather than navigating daily through scheming for fame and profit. While he was able to handle it, he found it unfulfilling. Young and full of passion, he desired to apply his strategic mind on the battlefield.
The Art of War he’d received from his daughter-in-law was already thoroughly ingrained in him, and he eagerly awaited the chance to apply it on the battlefield. He was confident that the imperial court would soon plunge into chaos, offering plenty of opportunities for battle. Unlike ordinary people, he wasn’t anxious, but rather filled with anticipation and excitement. He knew his wife wouldn’t approve of such thoughts, since he was a family man, yet he believed a man’s legacy should be built on the battlefield, earning glory for his wife and child. Han Yu had not forgotten his promise to make his wife a royal wife.
“Then please be mindful of your safety,” Su Wenyue said, seeing that Han Yu had a plan and thus refrained from asking further. With external affairs in Han Yu’s hands, she had plenty on her plate as well, as the days were already advancing into the month, and the Little New Year was approaching without them having prepared the New Year’s goods yet.
As for food, Su Wenyue planned on producing it herself within the estate, not wanting to overspend. Although they had acquired a treasury of valuables, she was thinking long-term. If Han Yu were to have his own army in the future, the expenses would be considerable.
In her previous life, Han Yu solved these issues alone and even relied somewhat on Noble Consort Li’s aid through his association with Liu Xiu. Su Wenyue didn’t want the same to happen in this life. Preferring to avoid her husband interacting too much with the ‘Noble Consort Li’, she began preparing early on to ensure they didn’t owe any favors to other women.
Besides, nothing purchased outside could compare to what was made at home. Su Wenyue herself was adept at culinary arts. Still, she had to personally source certain unique ingredients the household lacked, which couldn’t be entrusted to Aunt Li. After all, she had a unique talent for recognizing superior items that others often overlooked, like certain foods from outer domains. The City of Daming still naturally traded with foreign lands, occasionally bringing in exotic goods that went unnoticed due to unfamiliarity.
“Madam, take a look—our spices are of the finest quality; some were even sourced painstakingly from outer domains,” said the store owner obsequiously. Judging by the customer’s attire and status, this could turn into a significant sale.
Life was hard for everyone these days, and ordinary folks struggled just to eat and stay warm. Few were willing to spend extra on spices, which were mainly sought after by wealthier households. The store’s business had plummeted, so the owner was keen on serving a potential big spender well.
Su Wenyue surveyed the store’s selection of spices, which was indeed comprehensive. She wasn’t there to buy spices but rather to procure seasonings for the kitchen. The common oil and salt shop sold only the most basic seasonings; to buy a full range, one had to visit spice or herbal medicine shops, which most people didn’t realize. Hence, the foods they cooked were mediocre in flavor.
“These spices do seem quite nice,” Su Wenyue said after smelling them and tasting a bit, affirming their quality. Indeed, the prefecture offered goods that one couldn’t find in a county town.
“You can tell at a glance that the madam knows her stuff. Nowhere in the entire Yiyang Prefecture will you find a more complete selection of spices than in my store, and we have the best sales too. However, the current state of the world has led to a downturn in business; even our shop is struggling. If the madam buys in bulk, or perhaps trades with food, I can offer you some discount,” the shopkeeper offered.