Xiangbei directed her team to bring over the coarse salt, oyster sauce, coconut oil, and sugar that Cheng Mo had previously stored in the carriage.
Taking advantage of the available space, they also brought out several bags of alkali blocks and a few jars of honey wine. The whole cowhide was taken for nitrification, and Xiangbei taught Tong Xi how to use tea husk charcoal and alkali to refine coarse salt.
Additionally, she guided the preparation of meat by marinating it with salt, sugar, wine, and Chinese five-spice powder.
Personally taking charge, Xiangbei went to the stove, instructing everyone on steaming and stir-frying rapeseeds and tea powder.
After using the iron ring and straw brought back by Duo'er to mold two oil cake blanks, she was summoned to the hall. Xiangbei instructed everyone to complete the tasks and promised to return shortly to prepare for the oil extraction.
Elder Master Tong sat in the main seat of the hall, Tong Dinshan and his wife sat on one side, accompanying SiNan. Awkwardly, Qiao Ziqiu looked towards Xiangbei, who walked directly to Elder Master Tong.
"Grandpa, Xiangbei returned to the mountain and didn't have time to greet you before getting busy. These past few days have seen significant changes piled up."
"Stand up straight and then speak. Such a big girl, with disheveled hair and standing without proper posture, isn't afraid of being rude and causing laughter in front of people." Elder Tong lovingly smiled, about to respond when he was interrupted by a stern female voice – it was from Madame Huo.
"Yes, Xiangbei, look, Young Master Qiao is still sitting here. You should quickly go back to your room and freshen up. Young Master Qiao, my daughter grew up in the mountains since childhood. When she marries into your distinguished mansion, please offer her more guidance." Tong Dinshan, with a submissive demeanor to Madame Huo, ignited a blaze of anger in Xiangbei.
After all these years, did he ever manage the household, and did he even realize she was his daughter and not just a tool for a man?
"Xiangbei, in the capital, your mother, me, and the elders of the Qiao family have already arranged a marriage between you and Young Master Qiao. In the future, you must not behave so rudely, and don't engage in such coarse work. Go inside, tidy yourself up, and come out to greet Young Master Qiao." Madame Huo had already planned Xiangbei's present and future with just a few words.
"Mother, these coarse tasks are the foundation on which the Tong family has survived over the years. If Xiangbei doesn't do them, what will everyone eat?" Tong Xiangbei was a bit speechless about the young miss's arrangements.
"Regarding this matter, daughter-in-law is about to report to you," Madame Huo turned to her father-in-law, Elder Master Tong and continued, "Brother from my maternal family, the current Grand General of Yunmeng's Cavalry, out of concern for daughter-in-law's years of amnesia and separation, and understanding the hardships of life, has prepared a generous dowry. It will be delivered to Zebei Town by my brother shortly, which should be enough to support the Tong family's living expenses." Without pausing, Madame Huo turned her attention back to Xiangbei, "Your wedding is approaching, and there will be servants to take care of the coarse work. You just need to focus on learning etiquette and needlework, and prepare for your marriage."
"Wedding approaching? Who arranged it, when was it arranged, when will I marry, and to whom?" Although Xiangbei knew the details of the situation and had envisioned the moonlit vows with Cheng Mo, the shared future expectations might never come true. Yet, hearing her mother speak so decisively and presumptuously still stirred emotions she couldn't suppress.
"Xiangbei, do you really like Young Master Qiao? In the capital, your mother and Mr. Qiao have arranged a marriage for both of you. After your coming-of-age ceremony, the Qiao family will come to escort you. The Qiao and Huo families, both being martial marquises, have been friendly for generations. They will surely treat you well."
"You've been away for many years, and before your return, you've already arranged my marriage. Did you ever ask if I agreed?"
"Xiangbei, be careful with your words. Speaking like this in front of Young Master Qiao is disrespectful, and it might invite ridicule. Parents make decisions, and matchmakers make arrangements. A girl doesn't get to choose for herself." Madame Huo looked at Xiangbei with a slightly furrowed brow, feeling that this girl was quite different from her memory.
"Parents' decisions? I didn't know when my father went to the capital, nor when he agreed to this marriage proposal."
"I agreed willingly. Xiangbei, your mother is the legitimate daughter of the Huo family. She has known Young Master Qiao's family since childhood. Being sought after by the Qiao family is for your own good. Listen more to your mother's advice.
Starting today, focus on learning etiquette at home, take care of your health, and these years without your mother around, I indeed neglected your education. It's time to settle down." Tong DinShan's eyes were fixed on Miss Huo, the one he had been longing for these past few years.
Xiangbei had little hope of having a meaningful conversation with a servant-wife, but when it came to these heartfelt words, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for the little girl Miss Tong, who had carried the burden of the family for several years and eventually lost her life due to worrying about her father's safety.