Chapter 100: The Glorious Country House (2/2)

Cui Ling could not help but chuckle, “Sir treats Ma’am really well! In the past, I’ve never seen—E, Ma’am, do your feet still hurt?”

Cui Ling had wanted to say, In the past, I’ve never seen Sir treating anyone this good, not even Miss Gu. But recalling her mother’s glare as well as her words, she cleverly stopped herself.

“They’re alright now! Oh, and here you go, your handkerchief!” Sang Wan smiled and shook her head as she handed a handkerchief to Cui Ling.

Cui Ling received it with thanks, and the three turned to return to the country house. Passing through the forest of fruits, they took a little detour and strolled around for a while longer. Cui Ling carefully picked two bunches of ripe purple grapes, and she said that those had to be washed first before letting Sang Wan taste their freshness.

When they arrived near the country house, Auntie Cui saw them return, and she went up to greet them while helping Sang Wan, “Ma’am, Sir, you’re back! Have a rest first before lunch!” Then, she smiled at Sang Wan and asked, “Ma’am, are you feeling tired? Were you alright walking on the road?”

With a smile, Sang Wan said she was fine, and then they went into the country house together.

Not too long later, Auntie Cui, together with a servant, laid the dishes onto the table. There was a unique fragrance to the dishes because all the ingredients were either self-produced or picked from the mountains. The country house also had no chef, and the food was all done by Auntie Cui and two other servants. They employed a simple stir-fry method commonly used by farmers, using no condiments other than oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar.

But Sang Wan ate happily as the lunch tasted very similar to home cooking. She went on to praise Auntie Cui’s cooking skill since it had been some time since she last ate something this good.

The head chef in the Shi household dared not to claim himself the best in Qingzhou as that was reserved for the best of the best. But what good things weren’t there in the household? Auntie Cui did not believe Sang Wan’s words, but anyone hearing those words would surely brighten up, and she smiled. “It’s good that Ma’am likes it! How about Ma’am bringing laonu back too and having laonu cook for Ma’am every day? But I’m just afraid that Ma’am might get tired of eating my cooking after two days!”

Sang Wan smiled and replied, “Really? I really can’t ask for more! But I’m just afraid that Auntie Cui cannot bear to leave this place!”

“I don’t want to hide this from Ma’am, but laonu really cannot bear to leave this place!” Auntie Cui did not wish to pretend and she chuckled. That made everyone laugh.

Auntie Cui could not help but quietly observe Sang Wan. The Sang missy is indeed dignified and elegant. And the way she treats others, as well as her temperament, is excellent. No wonder the young master treats her so well! In the past, she pitied the relationship between the young master and Miss Gu, but after today, she felt that the ma’am wasn’t too bad, either! The young master sure is fortunate! Her heart soon started to ponder about Miss Gu’s well-being and wondered why she didn’t come this time around!

Thinking back at the bright and refreshing smile of Miss Gu, Auntie Cui’s mood suddenly felt complicated because she was unsure whether to side with Ma’am or Miss Gu. She used to think that Miss Gu and the young master were a suitable pair, but the two figures in front of her today seemed more like a match made in heaven!

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After the meal, Shi Fengju and Sang Wan sat in the lounge to have tea. Auntie Cui busily washed the fruits that were just freshly picked before serving them up. Some gorgon fruits, chicken head, lotus seeds, and lotus roots simmered in water were also served.

“These were all cultivated in the country house. Even though they might not be worth much, please have a taste of their freshness!” Auntie Cui smiled and offered.

Sang Wan nodded, “Thank you, Auntie Cui! It’s rare to have them this fresh!”

“That’s right, the lotus roots that grow in the lake here are particularly crispy and refreshing. Here, have a taste!” Shi Fengju used a toothpick to pierce a piece of tender lotus root before giving it to Sang Wan.

Sang Wan was not used to his intimate behavior in front of others, and her face turned slightly warm. She also did not have the heart to refuse his offer, so she took it before taking a bite. The juice was silky and sweet, giving it a unique taste. Sang Wan smiled at him before giving her praise.

Auntie Cui was also delighted after seeing that she liked it. She couldn’t help but laugh as she boasted about the lake.

After she was done, Shi Fengju then asked, “Why do I not see any water chestnuts? There should be quite a lot during this season!”

Auntie Cui smiled and answered, “The young master sure is observant! Lots of water chestnuts have been picked this morning, but they are already a bit old, so they aren’t as sweet and crispy anymore. And that’s why laonu didn’t serve them out. Later, laonu will have someone to pick a few to let Ma’am and Sir have a taste!”

Shi Fengju’s eyes glistened, and he suggested, “That’s just about right. The weather today is good, so Sang Wan and I will come along later! We’ll go there and take a dip!” He then smiled towards Sang Wan, “Where there are crabs, the water chestnuts will also be great! Since you’re here, you have to give it a try!”

“The young master is right,” Auntie Cui hurriedly added, “Then please rest here for a while first. Laonu will have someone to prepare the boat.”

Shi Fengju smiled and said, “There’s no need for too much trouble. Just the usual small wooden boat used for picking water chestnuts will do!”

Sang Wan also smiled, “I’ve never been on that kind of boat before! It’ll be a memory to remember!”

Auntie Cui then agreed, “Alright then! But the boat’s a little dirty, so it’ll still need a little scrubbing first!” With that, she went on to instruct a servant.