Hu Lihua returned to Yufeng Pavilion feeling full and drowsy. She held a book in her hands, but it was upside down. No matter how hard she tried to read, she couldn't make sense of a single word.
Xixi, seeing Hu Lihua looking dazed, chuckled softly and said, "Miss, you're reading it upside down. Do you want to take a nap?"
Hearing Xixi's words, Hu Lihua blinked a few times and immediately realized what was wrong. She gave Xixi a slightly accusing look. "I've been staring at this book for half a cup of tea, and you're only telling me now?" She closed the book and placed it on the table before sighing. "Yes, I think I'll take a short nap before cooking."
Xixi nodded and stepped forward to help Hu Lihua remove her outer robe.
"Did you store the intestines properly?" Hu Lihua asked to confirm.
"Yes, Miss. You don't have to worry. The weather is quite cool, so they'll be fine," Xixi reassured her.
Hu Lihua nodded. Luckily, it was autumn, and the temperature was cool enough that she didn't have to worry about the intestines spoiling. She lay down on her bed and reminded Xixi before closing her eyes, "Tell Yuyu to clean the intestines just as I taught you before. If she does it properly, the smell will be completely gone."
"Yes, Miss," Xixi responded. Not long after, the soft sound of Hu Lihua's steady breathing filled the room—she had already fallen asleep.
Xixi walked out of the room and gently closed the door behind her. She glanced around the courtyard until her eyes landed on the person she was looking for.
"Yuyu."
Yuyu, who had been sweeping the yard while playing with a twig and Heiqi, turned to look at Xixi.
"Xixi, is there something you need?" she asked.
Xixi quickly explained what Hu Lihua had requested. Yuyu nodded in understanding and headed toward the small kitchen at the back of the courtyard.
Meanwhile, Xixi crouched down in front of Heiqi, who wagged his tail excitedly. She poked his belly and teased, "Look at you! Where is the skinny Heiqi I used to know? In just a few days, you've started to put on some weight. If Miss keeps spoiling you, you'll turn into a fluffy black ball."
"Woof!" Heiqi barked once in protest. No way! He wouldn't be a fluffy black ball—he would grow into a strong, majestic black dog!
"Ssh! Keep it down! Miss is sleeping," Xixi scolded him. "Alright, go play, but be quiet."
After that, she returned to stand by Hu Lihua's door in silence.
---
The sun began to set over the General Hu R0esidence, painting the sky with golden-orange hues that slowly faded into the evening. A gentle autumn breeze rustled the silk curtains hanging by the intricately carved wooden windows. Inside the spacious room, the lingering scent of incense mixed with the subtle fragrance of chrysanthemums from the small garden outside. Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting soft shadows on the polished wooden floor.
A warm glow fell across Hu Lihua's face as she slept, making her eyelashes flutter slightly. The warmth nudged her awake, and she slowly opened her eyes, blinking as her vision adjusted.
For a moment, she lay still, gazing at the ornate golden vine carvings on the ceiling. Then, taking a deep breath, she finally gathered her thoughts. Moving lazily, she stretched before sitting up, letting the cool autumn air brush against her skin.
"Xixi."
The door opened, and Xixi entered, carrying a bronze basin filled with warm water. A soft silk face cloth floated on the surface, steam gently rising from it. The warmth of the water contrasted with the crisp autumn air as Xixi set the basin carefully on the carved vanity table.
"Miss, you're awake," Xixi greeted her.
Hu Lihua, still a little drowsy, glanced at Xixi and nodded before picking up the warm cloth. She pressed it to her face, enjoying the soothing heat that melted away the last traces of sleep.
"Ahh… this feels nice," Hu Lihua sighed in satisfaction. Then, setting the cloth down, she turned to Xixi and said, "Help me change. I'm going to cook."
After changing into fresh clothes, Hu Lihua asked Xixi to inform her mother that she wouldn't be joining dinner at Ruyi Pavilion tonight.
Xixi nodded and left to deliver the message.
Meanwhile, Hu Lihua made her way to the small kitchen at the back of Yufeng Pavilion. Her mind was already filled with thoughts of delicious dishes made with pork intestines. There was braised pork intestines with a rich, savory sauce, spicy stir-fried pork intestines bursting with fragrant heat, pork intestine soup with radish that was light yet flavorful, and crispy fried pork intestines—crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside. Just imagining them made her mouth water.
Hu Lihua sighed, trying to contain her excitement, and quickened her pace toward the kitchen. Today, she would finally cook something that truly satisfied her. The Zhang Dynasty had been wasting such delicious ingredients for far too long!
When Hu Lihua arrived at the kitchen, she found it empty. Without hesitation, she stepped inside and began preparing the ingredients and spices she needed.
Before long, the enticing aroma of her cooking spread through Yufeng Pavilion, catching the attention of the servants nearby. One by one, they gathered, curiosity lighting up their faces.
"Miss! What are you doing?" Yuyu was the first to react. She rushed inside, quickly grabbing the spatula from Hu Lihua's hand in anxious. "Miss, if you want to eat something, just give the order. You don't have to do it yourself!"
"She's right, Miss! Let us handle it," added Liuli, one of the kitchen maids, as she hurried forward.
"There's no need to worry, I can do it," Hu Lihua said confidently, reclaiming the spatula. "Just stand there quietly and don't disturb me. I'll let you all taste it later."
The gathered servants exchanged hesitant glances but didn't dare to stop her again. Earlier, when she had ordered them to clean the intestines, they had been doubtful. Was their young lady really planning to eat something so… unappealing? But now, seeing her so focused, they finally believed she wasn't joking.
"Xixi, aren't you going to stop her?" Yuyu whispered when she saw Xixi arrive.
"If the First Miss says it's fine, then it's fine," Xixi replied casually. "I'll help her instead."
With Xixi assisting her, Hu Lihua successfully finished cooking four dishes in just half an hour.
"Alright, you can all try it now!" Hu Lihua declared proudly. She divided the dishes into two portions—one for herself and one for the servants.
At first, the servants hesitated, remembering that these dishes were made from pork intestines. But finally, Liuli, gathering her courage, picked up a piece from the spicy stir-fried pork intestines with her chopsticks. The moment she took a bite, her eyes widened. The rich, spicy, and fragrant flavors exploded in her mouth, making her unable to stop eating.
"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, which encouraged the others to dig in as well.
"Alright, alright, eat slowly. Don't forget the rice," Hu Lihua reminded them. She puffed out her chest proudly, feeling like a victorious general returning from battle. After that, she left the kitchen, followed closely by Xixi, who carried a large tray with their share of the food.
Back in her room, Hu Lihua and Xixi arranged the dishes on the table. Hu Lihua handed a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks to Xixi and said, "Come, sit with me and eat."
Xixi beamed with happiness and eagerly sat beside her mistress, waiting for her to start eating.
Just as Hu Lihua was about to take a bite of the braised intestines, a familiar voice made her hand freeze in mid-air.
"Hua'er, what are you having for dinner?"
Hu Lihua looked up and stared at the two figures entering the door, her face filled with horror.
[I'm doomed!]