Chapter 288: Chapter 288: Drunken Crab and Raw Pickle

Translator: 549690339 |

If he was still insistent on giving this wine as a gift, he would have to inquire elsewhere. If there was still another way to obtain it, so much the better; if not, he would have to completely give up hope.

After making some inquiries, they did find another place – Xu Ji’s Braised Flavors Shop, not far from Zuixian Residence.

They also sold thyme here, but just like in Zuixian Residence, they only sold one jar per day. Each person could only buy one jar at a time, no more. The price was the same as at Zuixian Residence, ten taels of silver per jar.

Buying it once to try was not difficult, just time-consuming. However, it would be quite difficult to buy several jars as gifts.

Weiyichen, sitting in the academy, listened to the people around him discuss this matter. Although he did not plan to give the same gift, he still got the hang of it.         6

On the 18th of May, Xiu Fengyuan, who was studying at the Academy in Anzhou, received a letter from home. His grandfather had fallen at home and was bedridden.

Xiu Fengyuan immediately asked for leave from the academy to return to Taizhou Prefecture. As required by academy rules, he needed someone to accompany him, so Wei Yichen went with him.

Thankfully, Old Mr. Xu was still robust despite his age. His leg was broken from the fall and he needed bedrest, but his life was not in danger.

After making sure that Old Mr. Xu was fine, Wei Yichen thought about stopping by his home on the way back.

After discussing with Xiu Fengyuan, Xiu Fengyuan agreed, since Wei Yichen’s father was still recovering from his injuries at home. Being the eldest son, Wei Yichen should visit regularly.

So, the two agreed to split up for the day and meet again at the city gate early the next morning to return to the academy.

upon returning home, Wei Yichen first paid his respects to Wei Mingting and Madame Yun and reported his recent studies and academic performance in the academy.

Then, he asked about his father’s condition and the recent situation in the Taizhou prefecture.

Last of all, Wei Yichen asked about his younger siblings.

“How are Ruoruo and Wanwan lately?”

-Both of them are doing well. They go to Tianqin Garden every day to attend Tongzhi Prefecture’s classes. Your elder sister is occasionally invited by Madame Yuan to visit the prefecture’s office,” Wei Mingting replied.

“Did Madame Yuan invite Ruoruo to the prefecture’s office for a visit, or does

she need Ruoruo’s advice on something else?” Wei Yichen asked.

“I did not ask in detail. If you’re concerned about Ruoruo, go and ask her yourself. She’s home today because her tutor is taking a leave,” replied Wei Mingting.

This served as a reminder. Wei Mingting knew that the relationship between the siblings had become quite strained after last time’s slap incident.

“I see.”

Wei Yichen had indeed intended to visit Ruoruo. After the incident at Yusheng

Tea House, they had parted in a hurry. He had only had time to send a servant to deliver the wild ginseng to Ruoruo, but had not had the chance to have a proper conversation.

When Wei Yichen approached the door of Tingsong Garden, he could hear the sound of laughter from inside.

‘Miss, a crab is crawling on your sleeve! Hahaha…”

“Stinky Meimei, you still laugh. Quickly, capture it.”

“Miss, don’t move. If you move, I won’t be able to catch it.”

“Hurry up, I don’t want to get pinched by it. Its pincers could pinch a chunk of meat off me!”

Alright, alright, put it back in the bamboo basket. Miss, how do you want it to die? I’ll avenge you!”

“Half of these crabs will be used to make drunk crab with wine, and the other half will be marinated raw. Let’s see which one tastes better! As for the one that just crawled on me, let it suffer in fiery torment by stir-frying it with scallions and ginger!”

“Okay! No problem! I’ll go get the wine.”

Weiruo has been very busy these few days, so she hasn’t been to Tianqin Garden for a few days. Fortunately, Madame Yuan and Mr. Wang Caiwei have been covering for her, so even if she misses class, she doesn’t have to worry about her family finding out.

Today, she finally had some free time, so she and Xiumei were processing the fresh seafood that villagers from Stone Village brought her. It was caught not long after the Japanese Pirates quieted down.

Even though it was not the best season to eat crab, no one could predict when the Japanese Pirates would strike. Therefore, they ate whatever they could.

In a while, Weiruo was planning to work with Xiumei to make some taro snacks. She has harvested quite a few taro in her private space recently. Apart from saving some for replanting, Weiruo also wanted to make some taro products to try.

Weiyichen stood at the door of the garden for a while before finally deciding to knock.

After a while, Weiruo came to answer the door.

Seeing Weiyichen, Weiruo showed no expression: “What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing urgent, I just returned home today, came to see you…how have you…been recently?”

“Everything is fine.”

“That’s good,” Wei Yichen said.

After that, the two of them fell silent and looked at each other without speaking.

At this moment, Xiumei returned with the wine, holding a basin filled with crabs with one hand and pouring the wine into the basin with the other.

This task was not easy for a maid without much strength. It required someone as strong as Xiumei.

As Xiumei walked, she talked to Weiruo, “Miss, is the wine enough to cover the crabs?”

So engrossed in her task, Xiumei didn’t notice Wei Yichen standing at the door. When she got close enough to recognize him, she hastily greeted, “Young Master.”   6

She was left standing awkwardly, with no place to put down what she was holding.

weiyichen smelled a rich and somewhat familiar fragrance of wine. Looking at the clear liquid that Xiumei was pouring into the basin, he naturally thought of the Thyme that had been hotly discussed these days.

Was it really the Thyme you now had to order ahead and queue for? Wouldn’t Ruoruo be a bit extravagant to use it to marinate crabs?

Weiyichen was a bit doubtful, but he swallowed his question and asked, “Are you preparing a meal?”

“Yes, we got some seafood,” Weiruo replied.

“Is it drunk crab and raw marinated crab?”

“Yes.”

“People in Taizhou Prefecture seem to really like this approach. I’ve had it a few times at banquets before, but over the years, due to the Japanese Pirates, there have been fewer people going out to sea and therefore fewer people eating it.” “Yes.”

“This is not a common dish for us northerners. If Ruoruo likes it, I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare some for you next time.”

“Yes.”

Once again, both of them fell silent.

After a while, Wei Yichen said, “You continue with your work, I’ll go back to my room. We can talk more during dinner.”

“Yes,” Weiruo replied before shutting the door.

Weiruo and Xiumei then listened to the sound of footsteps fading away outside. Once it was confirmed that he was far enough away, Xiumei asked in a low voice, “Miss, do you think the Young Master suspects anything?” “Suspects the crab or the wine? Don’t worry, I have a lot of money Even if it’s an expensive item on the market, I can afford to buy it. If asked, just say I bought it myself, there’s nothing for him to suspect..”