Chapter 61

The Grand Tutor came back again. Shen Qing gripped the gate with both hands and asked, “What business do you have?”

Clearly, he wasn’t eager to invite the man inside. The Grand Tutor curiously peered into the courtyard. In front of the house were two vegetable plots, lush and green, with red and green fruits hanging heavily from the plants—an unusual and rather novel sight.

Recalling someone had addressed the man as General Shen earlier, the Grand Tutor asked, “General Shen?”

“I am,” Shen Qing replied.

He wondered why the man wouldn’t leave; their dinner was almost ready. A pot of mushroom chicken soup was simmering, the savory scent filling the air. He didn’t want to share it with outsiders.

Xiao Wanling stepped out of the kitchen and asked, “Do we have a guest?”

“Uh…” Shen Qing hesitated.

“I’ll come back another time,” said the Grand Tutor, tactfully.

Shen Qing nodded and closed the gate with a smile, then turned and brought the chicken soup to the table.

Xiao Wanling brought out bowls and chopsticks. “Did that official have something to say to you?”

Shen Qing, distracted by the delicious aroma of the soup, said, “He wasn’t here for me. I don’t know him.”

Xiao Wanling guessed he might’ve come because of the corn. But they’d have to wait until the seeds matured before replanting; it couldn’t be rushed.

She had already saved some sweet potatoes and potatoes; the farm supervisor had also procured many. Once sprouted in the greenhouse, they could be planted.

After the New Year, nearly a month had passed, and the teahouse staff—Chen Qiao’er, Sister-in-law Lu, and the others—were all familiar with the work. Jiang Ting could handle orders and deliveries on her own. Xiao Wanling often felt tired and planned to rest for half a month to focus on her pregnancy.

Each day, she checked whether the corn seeds were mature. The pepper plants had thickened through the winter, their stalks growing nearly as thick as saplings.

She planned to plant ginger near the house, along with taro, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn—all staples used in the teahouse.

Whenever Shen Qing had time, he’d till and sow the land, planting even the odd corners. Seeing crops sprout gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.

Eventually, the corn stalks fully dried. The mature ears turned a rich orange under the sun. After two days of sun-drying, she removed each kernel and stored them in a cool place to await spring planting.

Jiang Ting arrived driving an oxcart and handed over some banquet orders—both for weddings and funerals. She asked Xiao Wanling to suggest a menu. Using the braised meat hotpot as a base, paired with homegrown greens, garlic shoots, radish tops, and more, there can be a good balance of meat and vegetables.

Xiao Wanling brought out the pre-prepared spice packets of dried bay leaves, cinnamon, star anise, dried tangerine peel, and other seasonings. “Buy meat and vegetables at the market, and settle accounts at month’s end.”

Qishan Village now had a store selling local produce. The market was bustling—meat, vegetables, sundries, cloth, garments—everything imaginable dazzled the eyes.

Houses were being built near the market, and after ten-odd days, most new arrivals had settled. A decree from the newly enthroned emperor granting amnesty to all arrived soon after.

Aunt Wu commented, “I heard the palace outside Jin City is expanding. They’re building houses along both sides of the main road. Bricks and tiles have all gone up in price!”

She felt like a meat pie had fallen from the heavens and landed in her lap. Someone had rented her courtyard for five taels of silver a year—enough for her grandson’s tutor fees, with money left for books and stationery.

Many others felt the same. Who would’ve thought their little mountain village would one day be filled with high-ranking officials as neighbors?

While writing menus, Xiao Wanling added fried potatoes and matcha milk tea to the banquet and teahouse offerings. Seeing how well pearl milk tea was selling, the farm supervisor began raising dairy cows and goats in the village, planning to slowly expand the tea offerings.

Aunt Wu and Chen Qiao’er watched Xiao Wanling brew tea. They saw her add powdered green tea to water and bring it to a boil, then stir in hot milk and sugar. The process was simple and fast.

Xiao Wanling flipped the sand timer by her side. When the sand ran out, ten minutes had passed.

The two women exchanged a look. “That’s it?”

“All done,” Xiao Wanling said as she pushed two bowls of matcha milk tea toward them. The milk and tea formed concentric rings—a beautiful sight. It was served hot now, but in summer, they could chill it with ice.

As for the potatoes, if peeled, cut into chunks, then boiled until just tender, drained, then coated in starch and deep-fried. While still hot, they were tossed with ground spices until each piece was fully coated.

Speared with bamboo skewers, the crispy exterior and tender inside paired perfectly with cumin, salt, and chili powder, which was absolutely addictive.

Aunt Wu and Chen Qiao’er’s eyes lit up. These fried potatoes would definitely be a hit. They quickly asked Xiao Wanling about the finer points of preparation and rushed off to get started.

They went to the farm supervisor to buy potatoes. He was overjoyed—no one else knew how to cook them, so they had been gathering dust. Now that Xiao Wanling had figured out a recipe, they’d be sold out in no time.

Madam Shi and Gu Yaofang were manning the teahouse when Aunt Wu and Chen Qiao’er returned. Curious, they asked, “What’s today’s tea special?”

Aunt Wu hung a wooden sign at the teahouse entrance: “Matcha Milk Tea.”

Chen Qiao’er added quickly, “And fried potatoes!”

Young attendants and maids were already waiting at the teahouse door, hoping to grab the tea and snacks while they were still hot to bring back to the manor.

Suddenly, an imperial eunuch from the palace arrived, bearing a roll of bright yellow silk.

Aunt Wu’s legs gave out, and she clutched the table for support. She pulled Gu Yaofang and Madam Shi down to kneel beside her.

The white-haired eunuch greeted them kindly, “Is Agricultural Officer Xiao present?”

Chen Qiao’er rushed from the shop. “I’ll fetch her!”

Xiao Wanling had been experimenting with dairy recipes. When she heard someone from the palace had come to deliver a decree, she steadied herself and walked to the courtyard.

Shen Qing brought the horse around, lifting Xiao Wanling onto his shoulders before placing her on the saddle and leading the horse out front.

Chen Qiao’er closed the gate and hurried after them.

Meanwhile, someone slipped quietly along the back path and, seeing that the Shen family gate was ajar, snuck in and shut it behind him.

He went straight to the vegetable plots, searching for something called corn seeds. All he found were rows of garlic shoots and red and green chili peppers—none of the golden seeds shown in the painting. He then looked toward the house.

…

At the market, crowds had gathered—mostly women and children from nearby villages. When Xiao Wanling arrived, they nearly wept with joy. “She’s here! Agricultural Officer Xiao is here!”

The white-browed eunuch took one look at her; she was very young, with her hair in a graceful cloud bun pinned by a jade hairpin, wearing a light purple embroidered jacket and a white fox-fur cloak. Apart from her slightly rounded belly, she looked slim and elegant. Was this the woman who had grown corn?

He couldn’t help but admire her.

He nodded and read aloud the imperial decree: “We, enthroned by the Mandate of Heaven and blessed by fortune, bestow the title of Minister of Agriculture upon Xiao Wamling of Qinsha, who through diligence and study has cultivated high-yielding corn. An annual stipend of eighty taels is granted. All departments are to fully cooperate in expanding the planting of corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.”

Eighty taels a year—more than a seventh-rank official! A woman receiving such an honor?

The officials present were dumbfounded.

Xiao Wanling received the decree with both hands. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The eunuch gently helped her up. “As you are with child, no need to kneel.”

Shen Qing discreetly handed over a pouch of silver, which the eunuch accepted with a smile. With a sweep of his horsetail whisk, he hurried back to report.

The square was filled with cries of “Congratulations, Agricultural Minister Xiao!” Women familiar with Xiao Wanling wiped their eyes—not just for her, but for themselves.

The three supervisors stepped forward. The mulberry supervisor flushed red as he lifted a wine gourd. “Agricultural Minister Xiao, we await your command!”

Xiao Wanling smiled. “Let’s get the land planted first.”

The farm supervisor beamed. “Of course!”

He remembered that during the famine, many would have starved without her.

The tea supervisor quietly smiled too. He had always sensed she was extraordinary, and he was right.

Xiao Wanling planned to retrieve the corn seeds from home. Shen Qing said he’d go ahead on horseback and swiftly rode back.

But when he reached the gate, he saw the window was open. Alarmed, he hurried inside. The bed was untouched, and the cups and furniture were as they had been. He rushed to the back and saw that the wolves were gone. The back path showed signs of fresh trampling.

He grabbed his bow and arrows and followed the trail.

He found Silver Wolf pinning down an unconscious man while Little Silver circled nearby. Seeing Shen Qing approach, the little wolf let out a yip.

Shen Qing tied the man up and searched him but found no corn seeds. Moving quickly, he followed the noise of a distant scream and came upon Grey Wolf pinning another man.

He drew his bow and shot—the arrow pierced the man’s leg. The man stumbled and tried to flee but was caught again by the wolf. As the animal yanked him around, the arrow scraped along branches and ground, drawing agonized screams.

Shen Qing arrived just as the man passed out. From his chest he retrieved an oil-paper packet—it contained the corn seeds.

He heard someone approaching and signaled the wolf to hide.

It was Yin Sheng.

“Why are you here?” Shen Qing asked.

“The farm supervisor sent me. He said you were gone too long.”

Shen Qing pointed. “Take that one back. I’ll get the other.”

Yin Sheng dragged the unconscious man like hauling a mountain, soaked in sweat.

Afterward, Shen Qing returned. The wolves slipped back into their den.

When Shen Qing arrived at the market, Xiao Wanling finally relaxed. Next time, I’ll keep the seeds on me. They’d only stepped out briefly, and already someone had tried to steal them.

The supervisors decided to plant the corn on the mountain behind Qishan Village so that it was close enough to keep an eye on.

With tools and buckets in hand, the three supervisors, Shen Qing, and Xiao Wanling made their way up the mountain.

Yin Sheng panted under the mulberry tree, calling out to the patrol, “I caught two thieves!”

Shen Qing leaned over to Xiao Wanling and whispered, “I chased them just now.”

“Who sent them?” she asked.

It was awfully coincidental that the theft happened just after she’d been appointed agricultural minister.

The supervisors exchanged glances. “There haven’t been thieves in the village for a while…”

“We’ll soak the corn seeds before planting,” said Xiao Wanling.

She was just making a show of it—otherwise someone might come dig them up again.

The farm supervisor chuckled. “Good idea! You really grew all these from just twelve seeds?”

Xiao Wanling thought, maybe I should’ve saved more…

More people meant more eyes, but also more trouble. Even the simplest task required caution.

Xue Defu came running. “They’re from the Jin family!”

The three supervisors exchanged glances, faces darkening.

The farm supervisor growled, “During the recruitment, the Han and Jin families already tried stealing tea and silkworm cocoons.” They’d endured it at the time because Madam Ji had too much power.

XiaonWanling divided the seeds into six portions, each containing about 400 seeds, and gave them to the steward, Xue Defu, and others, “Just in case!”

TL’s Food Notes:

matcha milk tea: