Chapter 42

The chef the Chen family hired had actually come by yesterday. Last night, the Chen family even saw him off to the village entrance. It was agreed he would come first thing in the morning to manage things, but they waited and waited, and no sign of him. Thinking he might be running late, they didn’t worry much. But seeing time was truly running out, they got anxious and talked about going to meet him outside the village.

The eldest Chen’s son ran out to meet him and found out today happened to be market day in town. The chef, coming from another village, had taken the ox cart. But halfway, the ox somehow went wild, overturned the cart, and several people on board fell into a ditch.

Fortunately, they weren't washed away by river water, but the chef injured his back from the fall and had to be carried to a clinic by passersby.

How could they blame the chef? It wasn’t intentional. The Chen family had no reason to hold a grudge. At this point, how could the chef even think of solutions for the Chens? Who knew if his back would recover? If not, forget cooking; he might end up bedridden, paralyzed.

Hearing Xu He's words, Madam Chen immediately went out to find Xu Shaochun.

“Huh? The chef… can’t come?”

Seeing the Chen family’s earnest request for help, Xu Shaochun felt no honor by being needed, but rather alarmed.

“Auntie, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but my skills aren’t up to such an occasion. It’s not just two or three tables. Even if I can cook a couple of dishes, it’s nothing compared to a proper chef. If I ruin things, wouldn’t I spoil cousin’s wedding banquet? I really can’t shoulder this responsibility!”

Madam Chen, unaware that Xu Shaochun spoke the truth, took it as mere modesty and insisted, “We all came happily for the celebration, but the chef’s accident left us no choice but to trouble you. Regardless of outcome, I won’t blame you, just want to get through today’s banquet. Think about it—the bride arrives this afternoon. If there’s no banquet or it’s delayed, wouldn’t that upset your cousin’s in-laws?”

“Shaochun, just do it. I’ll have your cousin give you a big red envelope. Even if not as good as a chef’s cooking, the villagers are reasonable; they won’t complain, right?”

Everyone, understanding the situation, nodded and agreed, urging Xu Shaochun, “Good girl, agree to it.”

“Yes, your skills are excellent. Take a chance; maybe you’ll become the main chef for village events big and small later.”

Xu Shaochun could handle one person, but with everyone pushing her, she immediately felt overwhelmed. Flustered, she didn't know how to refuse or handle it. Since marrying into the Fei family, she had never fully taken charge of cooking. Madam Fei seemed afraid she didn’t know her son’s tastes, always handling meals herself.

She usually just helped. A couple of days ago, after her husband returned to the academy, Madam Fei let her cook simple meals. But cooking for three was easy, and with the scholar gone, the Fei household ate very frugally, aiming to fill stomachs, not caring about taste. Xu Shaochun easily managed.

Cooking for an occasion like this would definitely expose her. She looked to Madam Fei for support, thinking—she was the wife of a scholar; she shouldn't have to work as a cook.

Unexpectedly, Madam Fei said, “Shaochun, help your aunt.”

Thunderstruck, Xu Shaochun didn’t know how to end this when Liu Xianglan swooped in. “Oh dear, Shaochun caught a chill. Wouldn’t cooking spoil things?”

Hearing this, Xu Shaochun immediately feigned delicate breathing, coughing softly.

Madam Chen’s expression soured, feeling embarrassed. Liu Xianglan quickly grabbed Xu He. “How about letting He Ger do it? He can cook too.”

Xu He, watching the drama, suddenly found himself in the spotlight. He subtly freed himself from Liu Xianglan’s grip, not wanting to be his sister’s shield again.

Madam Chen glanced at Xu He, frowning, her lips pressed together and not responding. She felt Liu Xianglan really wasn't taking her family's important event seriously, just pulling someone casually to take the fall. How could she be happy about that?

“Can He Ger do it?”

“Madam Chen, let He Ger do it. If it’s not perfect, please bear with it.”

Suddenly, Zhang Fangyuan’s voice rose from the crowd. Xu He glanced sideways, eyes widening, surprised Zhang Fangyuan was also suggesting he do it.

Zhang Fangyuan didn’t speak, just gave a ‘you can do it’ look.

The Chen family was at their wits' end. They were somewhat annoyed by the Xu mother and daughter pair’s refusal to help in a crisis—truly, a neighbor is better than a distant relative. They also thought that although Zhang Fangyuan had been a scoundrel before, regardless of his past, had never cheated their family. This time, he had also provided significant help. So, gritting her teeth, Madam Chen said, “He Ger, then we'll trouble you. Is that alright?”

Seeing his husband had spoken up, and his aunt’s repeated requests, regardless of Xu Shaochun and Liu Xianglan, he had to consider Zhang Fangyuan's face. So, he agreed.

Madam Chen, delighted, hurried to get a brand new apron for Xu He. This was a gift traditionally given to the person in charge of the cooking for such events—something useful in daily life.

Tying the new apron around his waist, Xu He took a deep, quiet breath.

He was used to working inconspicuously. The last time acting under public gaze was his wedding day, but today differed greatly.

Seeing a chef secured, everyone relaxed slightly—today’s banquet was saved.

Looking back, people’s expressions toward the Xu mother-daughter turned subtle, but with everyone together, no one said anything openly.

Madam Fei, sharp and influential in the village, sensed something off. Smiling, she pulled Xu Shaochun aside softly. “Shaochun has a chill? I didn’t know. Summer’s approaching; weather changes fast. You must take good care of your health.”

Xu Shaochun smiled awkwardly. “Just felt a bit unsteady the day I returned home after the wedding. Didn't expect Mother to remember.”

Liu Xianglan, thick-skinned as ever, said, “Yes, that day the child coughed a bit. Someone else’s joyous wedding banquet—wouldn’t it be bad for Shaochun, carrying illness, to cook?”

Madam Fei gave a stiff smile, tone edged. “That return visit was days ago. Still not well? Should take some medicine when you go back.”

Xu Shaochun said sweetly, “Alright. Didn’t want to worry you, Mother-in-law.”

Everyone gradually returned to their respective tasks. After lunch, Xu He started preparing main dishes. For such large banquets, there were fixed main courses: chicken, duck, fish, braised pork… Xu He knew how to make all these. It was just a matter of scaling up from one table's worth to several dozen.

Actually, stewed and steamed dishes already had people helping. The crucial part was stir-frying. All ingredients were prepped and chopped; it really was just standing at the stove, and adding the seasonings and ingredients to the wok. The final taste truly depended on a bit of practice and natural talent.

When gongs and drums sounded outside, Xu He knew the bride had arrived. While the wedding ceremony was taking place, women and ger helping out would set up tables in the yard, arrange bowls and chopsticks, and serve two cold dishes first—one of peanuts, one of pumpkin seeds. After the ceremony concluded, the guests for the first seating could take their places to eat.

Two appetizers came first, followed by main dishes and stir-fries, ending with soup and pickled vegetables. That meant once guests were seated, Xu He could start stir-frying.

“Madam Chen, quick! They’ve already stepped over the brazier! Time to go to the main hall to receive the newlyweds’ bows!”

Madam Chen was very uneasy about the kitchen, afraid Xu He would falter and mess things up. It was really a case of forcing a duck onto a perch. Anxious yet grateful for help, she stayed despite repeated urging. Only when Xu He said, “Auntie, go ahead with peace of mind,” did she give a few more instructions before returning to the main hall.

It wasn't just Madam Chen who was worried; even the helping women and ger whispered—a poorly done banquet would be talked about for a long time.

After the ceremony, the yard outside grew lively again, and firecrackers were set off.

Xu He decisively poured oil into the wok, added seasonings to stir-fry until fragrant, immediately filling the entire kitchen with an enticing aroma. The woman tending the fire was the fist to stand up, craning her neck. Cabbage, cooked just until crisp, not overcooked, was plated. A ger carrying dishes caught a fragrant whiff.

Madam Chen hurried over. Before even entering the kitchen, she relaxed slightly. When she arrived, Xu He was stir-frying lean pork with celery. Without hesitation, Madam Chen tasted directly from the wok. Meat fragrance lingered, the lean pork tender and juicy with sauce. Her heart instantly settled back in place.

“Good! Excellent! He Ger, your skills are fit for a chef! It would save our village from having to hire from outside.”

Madam Chen’s face brightened with joy, immediately chatting and laughing with others in the kitchen, all praising Xu He’s excellent cooking skills.

Xu He acknowledged the praise briefly without saying much and continued working. Zhang Fangyuan leaned at the kitchen door, watching everyone surround Xu He. He didn’t enter, smiled, turned, and went out to help carry large bowls and replenish dishes.

“Xu He is truly capable. Never thought he could handle such a big event. Tossing vegetables in the wok, a few spatula turns, and it smells so good, no less than a professional chef. Such large-scale cooking, yet seasoned perfectly.”

“Never heard Liu Xianglan mention Xu He could cook, only knew he worked hard. Oh, Liu Xianglan is really biased.”

“Earlier, when asking Xu Shaochun to help—she’s their own niece!—she refused again and again, unwilling to do it. What's so great about marrying a scholar? We're all fellow villagers; was it necessary to be so absolute?"

“Absolute? It looks more like Xu Shaochun simply doesn't know how to cook. Otherwise, with the way that mother and daughter love to show off, wouldn't they have agreed immediately? Why push Xu He out instead?”

"Hey, now that you mention it, that makes sense. Several times when I passed by the Xu house, I saw Xu He cooking in the kitchen. Never thought deeply about others’ affairs, but now it’s quite possible.”

Madam Fei, washing her hands by the water vat, overheard the two women helping wash dishes with their backs to her, chatting animatedly. Her face turned rather unpleasant.

The Fei and Xu families lived east and west of the village, quite far apart. Naturally, she couldn't know everything about the Xu family. Today's events had already made her somewhat unhappy. Now, hearing the women's gossip, she immediately had more thoughts and concerns.

Since Xu Shaochun married in, the young couple had been stuck together like glue every day. Her son, who should have returned to the academy earlier, delayed by two days. Recalling her son’s earlier heartache over not getting Xu He and losing weight, she always wanted to nourish him well.

After Shaochun came, her son seemed better. Although she felt Xu Shaochun clung to her son too much, distracting him from his studies, she didn’t comment much, just urged her son to return to the academy sooner. She had completely neglected to properly test this daughter-in-law.

A wave of regret washed over her. Fortunately, it wasn't too late; her son was back at the academy. Smelling the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, she felt secretly worried, hoping it's not really as these women say. Otherwise, wouldn't that become a huge joke?

Troubled, she barely ate at the banquet. Hearing everyone praise Xu He made food even harder to swallow.

By the time Xu He finished his work and came out, it was already dark. Stir-frying in the smoky, fiery kitchen, he hadn’t noticed the heat. Stepping out for some air, a cool breeze made him realize his back was soaked.

“Chef Xu, you've worked hard.”

Zhang Fangyuan popped out from somewhere, taking out a familiar handkerchief to wipe his sweat. Xu He, recognizing it, wondered if the man carried it with him all the time.

He looked at Zhang Fangyuan, unusually teasing. “It’s not the chef working hard; it’s the chef’s life that’s hard.”

Zhang Fangyuan burst out laughing. “What's hard? Everyone praised your cooking today. From now on, they'll invite you whenever there's a family event. I was just drinking and bragging that all the dishes were made by my wife. Every man in the village is envious.”

Hearing this, Xu He slapped Zhang Fangyuan’s arm. “Bragging and talking nonsense! So you reckon if I’m kept busy in the kitchen, no one would manage you while drinking, and you can keep boasting?”

“Wronged! How dare I think that?” Zhang Fangyuan lowered his voice. “I just can't stand your Second Sister and mother clinging to false pride. Want the whole village to know the capable one is you. Just now, I saw Madam Fei leave—her face was a sight. Just wait, your Second Sister is in for it.”

Xu He's brow furrowed slightly. He lifted his head, gazing out at the dark wilderness beyond the yard, and murmured, “I don't want to bother with them, nor oppose them either. I just want to live my own life well.”

“We’re not opposing them; we’re just not being their stepping stones anymore.” Zhang Fangyuan said, “Actually, this is good for your Second Sister too. A person can’t live their whole life on appearances and lies; eventually, they must face reality. We have decades in this life, and it's only just begun. Waking up earlier might still lead to good days later, though the process might be hard.”

Xu He looked deeply at Zhang Fangyuan, feeling his words today made some sense. He naturally didn’t know this came from personal experience.

“Zhang Fangyuan, can you still drink or not! Stop clinging to your wife over there and come back!”

“You brat, daring to challenge me? Today, I'll drink until you can't crawl into the bridal chamber!” Zhang Fangyuan turned, rubbed Xu He's head, and said, “Go eat something.”

Xu He shook his head. It was a joyous occasion; he wouldn’t be a killjoy managing his husband, letting him be.

He really was quite hungry himself.

***

T/N

I read all the comments, thank you soo much! it's really encouraging knowing you all are enjoying this story!

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