The Dali Temple's food supplies were restocked every three days.
This task had previously been assigned to another kitchen servant, Zhuang Xing, but he was tough on the inside and soft on the outside. When buying pork from a new stall at Xi Shi, he was too embarrassed to haggle when the stall owner quoted an exorbitant price. The meat he brought back was not only insufficient in quantity but also 20% more expensive than the market price.
Upon learning this, Shen Fenghuo immediately took the pork and confronted the stall owner, slamming it heavily onto the meat counter. She argued with the stall owner, saying that since childhood, she had slaughtered pigs and could tell at a glance that six liang were missing.
As she spoke, she "snapped" out her Dali Temple identity token and asked if the stall owner wanted to taste the instruments of torture at the Dali Temple. The stall owner's face turned pale with fright, quickly making up the missing weight and refunding the money.
Zhuang Xing watched in stunned silence, completely won over by this seemingly gentle newcomer. She was soft-spoken and polite to people at the Dali Temple, yet she was like this when dealing with unscrupulous merchants.
It felt like Sister Shen could do more than just knock out two of Chen Chu's teeth.
After this incident, the purchasing task naturally fell to Shen Fenghuo.
Early in the morning, Shen Fenghuo first helped out in the Dining Hall, cutting pickled vegetables and simmering a pot of fragrant scallion oil.
The morning porridge was handled by Wu Yu and a few others. She went to the kitchen department to collect the purchase documents listing the items, quantities, and budget, and at Chen hour, first quarter, she stepped out of the Dali Temple gate on time.
Entering Xi Shi from the Dali Temple via the Jin Guang Gate was relatively close, and Shen Fenghuo was already completely familiar with the route.
But today, Xi Shi was a bit different—it now included Lu Jin.
He had just left the court, wearing a Red Official Robe, his brow gentle and soft.
He had been waiting at Xi Shi for who knows how long.
"A'He, good morning."
Lu Jin naturally walked to Shen Fenghuo's side.
Shen Fenghuo coughed lightly, "Good morning."
Even though she was often left breathless by the Lord's nighttime visits, seeing him during the day still felt oddly refreshing.
So strange.
The two walked side by side for a few steps. Shen Fenghuo noticed many familiar passersby along the way and whispered, "Lord, should we walk a bit farther apart?"
Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, a cheerful humming sound came from behind.
A small clerk in blue robes, holding a Hu Ma Bing, passed by. Catching sight of the two, he quickly bowed in greeting: "Young Minister Lu, good morning! Shen Niangzi, are you out purchasing ingredients?"
Shen Fenghuo could only brace herself and reply, "Yes, we're running low on vegetables, so I came to stock up."
The clerk's gaze shifted between the two, curious: "Young Minister Lu, didn't you just leave the court…"
Lu Jin's expression remained unchanged, "Just passing by."
"Oh!"
The clerk nodded as if suddenly understanding.
Returning to the Dali Temple from court was a straight path—detouring to Xi Shi couldn't possibly be "just passing by." But Young Minister Lu had always been measured in his actions; he must have his own considerations.
He asked no more, smiled, bowed again, and quickly walked away.
At the Meat Market, Shen Fenghuo bought five jin of lamb ribs, five jin of pork leg, and two ducks, which needed to be freshly slaughtered.
After buying the meat, she headed to the Vegetable Stall south of the Fruit Market, selecting Chinese cabbage, radishes, and picking scallions, garlic, and the like. She also bought two jin of tofu and one jin of dried tofu.
At the dried goods stall next to the pastry shop, she restocked salt, soy sauce, vinegar, replenished Sichuan peppercorns, dried ginger, and other seasonings, and bought some baking soda for later use.
Once all the ingredients were purchased, Shen Fenghuo prepared to call a familiar porter to sort the ingredients into bamboo baskets and carry them back along the route from Jin Guang Gate to West Street of the Imperial City.
Lu Jin stepped forward and naturally took the bamboo basket from her arm.
"No need to hire help, I can carry these."
He gathered the various packages together and lifted them steadily.
Shen Fenghuo thought for a moment but did not refuse.
After all, the lord was tall and sturdy—might as well make use of it.
At the entrance of Dali Temple, the clerk on duty saw the two of them and his eyes instantly widened.
Assistant Minister Lu’s arm held a bamboo basket filled with vegetables and seasonings, while his hands carried pork, lamb ribs, and two ducks…
"Young Minister Lu?"
The clerk held back for a long while but couldn’t resist speaking up.
Lu Jin’s expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "I passed by Xi Shi on my way and happened to pick these up for Shen Niangzi."
The clerk nodded in sudden understanding.
How exactly this "happened" to be on the way, he began to trace the route in his mind.
But since Young Minister Lu said so, there must be a reason for it!
When the two reached the entrance of the kitchen courtyard, Lu Jin skillfully carried the items inside, while Shen Fenghuo hurriedly followed.
"Lord, you should go ahead and attend to your duties. I can handle things here."
"Mm."
Lu Jin set down the items and pulled a paper packet from his sleeve. Opening it revealed an assortment of sugar figurines in various poses.
Flowers, birds, and small animals, all exquisitely crafted.
He distributed them to Wu Yu and the others who gathered around, finally handing a rabbit sugar figurine to Shen Fenghuo.
Wu Yu held the sugar figurine, deep in thought.
Had sugar figurines become a popular treat in Chang’an lately?
After taking stock of the purchased ingredients, storing them, and settling the accounts, Shen Fenghuo joined Wu Yu and a few others for tea and sugar figurines.
Looking at the sugar figurine that closely resembled Xue Tuan, Shen Fenghuo hesitated only for a moment before taking a crisp bite.
So sweet.
By noon, it was time to prepare hot drinks for the clerks.
Winter was perfect for orange, pear, and red date tea.
Shen Fenghuo took some oranges, cutting them into pieces with the peel intact. The pears were peeled, cored, and the hard skin removed. The red dates needed to be softened in warm water, with the pits removed, leaving only the plump flesh.
Once everything was prepared, she placed them in a clay pot to simmer. From time to time, she gently stirred with a long-handled spoon to prevent the fruit from sticking to the pot.
When the broth thickened slightly and fine, sweet bubbles rose to the surface, she let it simmer on low heat, ready for the clerks to enjoy.
After finishing the hot drink, the residual heat from the stove was just right, so Shen Fenghuo took the opportunity to make steamed egg cakes.
Egg yolks were mixed with glutinous rice flour and an appropriate amount of sugar, stirred until no lumps remained and the batter became as smooth as satin.
The inside of the steaming bowls needed to be coated with a layer of pork oil, not only to prevent sticking but also to enhance the aroma. The bowls were then neatly arranged in the steamer and slowly steamed.
After about half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the cakes gradually solidified and rose, indicating they were done.
Steam wafted forth as the egg cakes emerged fluffy and soft. Gently shaking the steaming bowls made the cakes tremble slightly.
Shen Fenghuo used a small knife to cut the cakes into small pieces and arranged them on a plate.
Wu Yu leaned close to the steamer, sniffing incessantly. "Good heavens, this aroma is enough to make one’s soul float away. How did you think of making pastries, sister?"
Shen Fenghuo held a bowl of hot drink herself and took a sip. "The winter days are cold, and the officers are busy from morning meal to evening meal. It’s inevitable they’ll feel hungry and chilled in between. A drink alone isn’t enough, so I thought of making some warm pastries to tide them over."
A few clerks who had come for hot drinks poured into the Dining Hall entrance. As soon as they stepped inside, they were greeted by a sweet, rich aroma.
The orange, pear, and red date tea exuded a fruity fragrance, accompanied by the sweet scent of the egg cakes.
"What delicious treat has Shen Niangzi made?"
Sun Pingshi was the first to step forward and take a look.
Shen Fenghuo smiled, holding a spoon as she replied, "I’ve made sweet hot drinks, paired with some egg cakes. Would you like to try some, Sun Pingshi?"
In the wooden bucket, orange slices and pear chunks floated in the hot drink, with bright red dates bobbing among them, steam curling upward and a sweet aroma wafting through the air.
On the nearby plate, the egg cakes were a tender yellow, smooth as congealed fat, exceptionally pleasing to the eye.
Everyone eagerly took bowls to serve the hot drink and picked up the pastries.
The pear meat in the hot drink had been stewed until soft and glutinous, melting at the slightest touch, while the sweetness of the dates intertwined with the faint fragrance of orange peel, making it perfect for warding off the cold.
The egg cakes were even more exquisite—soft as clouds upon entering the mouth, with a rich egg aroma yet not a hint of fishiness.
Sweet but not cloying, with a lingering aftertaste.
"The flavor is truly wonderful."
Sun Pingshi finished one piece in a few bites, then picked up another, praising, "Shen Niangzi is so skilled!"
Tomorrow, he would buy her a sugar figurine.
Pang Lushi stuffed several egg cakes into his mouth, eating until he was comfortably full.
Nowadays, the meals at their Dali Temple were delicious, with both hot drinks and pastries.
As for retirement… later, even later…
The weather was cold, and the sun set quickly.
After the last clerk left, chatting and laughing, Shen Fenghuo finished tidying everything up before setting off on the journey home with Lu Jin.
Even without the Cat Ghost Case, he seemed to have grown accustomed to leaving work with her.
The streets were nearly empty of pedestrians, and the two walked side by side, occasionally exchanging a few idle words.
Before long, Lu Jin suddenly stopped, turned, and gently pressed Shen Fenghuo against the moss-covered wall at the side of the alley.
Tall and imposing, he rested one hand on the back of her neck, his thumb gently stroking the curve of her ear.
Before Shen Fenghuo could react, he leaned down and kissed her.
Lu Jin's kiss was soft and warm, without the slightest urgency, only a gentle, lingering exploration.
But it lasted a long time.
Shen Fenghuo mumbled indistinctly, "Lord… we could have waited until we got home tonight…"
Lu Jin drew back slightly, his nose touching hers, their breaths mingling. "Be good."
He leaned in again, his tongue gently parting her lips to entwine with hers.
Lately, her lord had developed a habit of kissing her on the way home.
She truly couldn't understand it.
By the time they returned to the estate, the night was deep. Shen Fenghuo went first to the adjoining room to bathe.
Lu Heng sat at the table outside, leaning his chin on one hand.
Not long after, Xiangling entered, carrying a bowl of hot soup.
"Master, this is soup the old madam personally prepared for you. She said the weather is cold today and asked you to drink it while it's hot."
Lu Heng lowered his gaze and saw the soup in the bowl was murky, with a few indistinguishable chunks of meat floating in it—its appearance was truly unappealing.
But since it was made by his mother, he naturally had to drink it.
Lu Heng took the spoon and finished more than half of it in a few mouthfuls.
The soup carried a faint medicinal taste upon entering his mouth, mixed with the smell of meat, creating an indescribable strangeness.
He frowned and handed the bowl back to Xiangling. "Tell Mother not to make this again next time. The flavor is too odd."
"Understood, understood."
Xiangling quickly agreed, holding the bowl as she retreated with a smile.
Lu Heng still felt somewhat annoyed.
Today, his wife's lip rouge had been smudged exceptionally badly.
Had Lu Jin never kissed anyone before?
Was Lu Jin some kind of ravenous wolf?
Did Lu Jin have a habit of kissing other men's wives?
His gaze swept over the table, where he spotted an unfinished jug of wine. He casually picked it up and took several gulps.
The wine was clear and cool but not strong enough to suppress the restlessness in his heart.
Lu Jin.
Could he stop kissing his wife?
"Bring more wine."
Xiangling, hearing this, replied from outside, "Master, the young madam's room has wine. Why not drink hers?"
"Fine."
Seeing Lu Heng agree, she hurried to fetch a small, palm-sized jar, delicate and finely crafted.
This was what she had found while tidying up the lady's satchel. She had opened it and smelled it—both the aroma and the appearance of the bottle suggested it was fine wine.
Lu Heng pulled out the stopper, and a strong scent of alcohol rushed out, much more potent than the wine from earlier.
Without much thought, he tilted his head back and drank most of it. The spicy liquid slid down his throat, yet it seemed to dissipate some of the inexplicable restlessness within him.
The small jar was no larger than a palm, and in just a moment, he had emptied it.
"Lord, have you been drinking?"
When Shen Fenghuo came out, she caught the scent of alcohol in the air.
It was strong, yet the fragrance was peculiar, as if infused with medicinal herbs.
Lu Heng responded with a faint "Mm," then turned and headed to the adjoining room.
She was very particular about cleanliness, and nowadays, he made sure to keep himself tidy as well.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t let him hold her for long.
After both had bathed, Lu Heng, as usual, with a hint of a victor’s pride, kissed Shen Fenghuo’s lips and the side of her neck in detail.
He used his own, more intense presence to completely overwrite the faint traces Lu Jin had left during the day.
Only after doing this did he contentedly wrap the warm, soft figure tightly in his arms and close his eyes.
The night grew deeper.
In her sleep, Shen Fenghuo felt the surroundings growing hotter and hotter. The chest pressed against her back was like a blazing furnace, startlingly hot.
He was gently kissing her—her brows, the corners of her eyes.
Even the lord’s lips were burning.
She groggily opened her eyes and, by the hazy moonlight, saw Lu Heng frowning as he looked at her. In his eyes was a turbulent darkness she had never seen before.
"Lord, you’re so hot."
Instinctively, she reached out to touch his forehead. "Are you ill? Have you caught a chill?"
Lu Heng caught her wrist as she reached out. Where their skin touched, the heat intensified.
He replied hoarsely, "No."
Damn it, what had he eaten?
He had only intended to kiss her for a while while she slept, but the discomfort only grew worse.
"Lady…"
He almost gritted his teeth as he called her.
"Hmm?"
Shen Fenghuo shifted her body to face him. "Lord, would you like some tea? I’ll fetch some cool—"
"Help me."
As the words fell, a kiss filled with heat descended, more urgent and forceful than any before, as if a sense of irrefutable plunder blocked all her words.
Shen Fenghuo understood instantly.
She knew the lord had been drinking.
But.
There was plenty of wine in the estate—who had taken her Deer Wine and given it to the lord?
As Lu Heng covered her lips, she wondered why his entire body felt so frighteningly hot.
Under the thick moonlight, she clearly felt that beneath the covers, it was nearly as thick as her wrist.
Its presence was startling.
She sobered up almost immediately, shrinking back in panic. "Lord, you’re a bit…"
Exceptionally gifted.
Her mind was filled with the sensation.
He whispered, "Lady, your face is hot too."
Her blushing face was truly lovely.
He wanted so badly to tell her that it had always been Lu Heng by her side.
He wanted so badly to hide her away, to cherish her.
"Good lady."
His breath fell on the curve of her ear, coaxing. "My lady’s skillful hands can prepare fine dishes, so surely they can handle other things too, right?"
Suddenly, a clear perception.
"Lord…"
She saw him looking at her and frowned. "Don’t laugh at me."
Shen Fenghuo felt that heat was contagious.
Everywhere was hot, and her palms even more so.
"You’re doing very well."
Lu Heng praised her patiently.
He lowered his gaze and kissed the corner of her lips. "Call out to me more. It makes me happy to hear it."
She passively endured the sensations, so embarrassed she almost wanted to curl into herself, yet he held her firmly in his embrace.
Lu Heng was utterly captivated by her shy and flustered demeanor.
Her face was like the dawn of spring, her eyes like bright stars.
Her current state was entirely because of him.
Because he was Lu Heng.
He bit her ear and murmured softly, "…Call me Lu Heng, my lady. Be good, call me Lu Heng…"
He urgently wanted to confirm that the one before her now was Lu Heng.
Not Lu Jin.
It was unclear how much time had passed.
Shen Fenghuo felt on the verge of tears. Despite her efforts,
there had been no change; instead, it had grown even more intense.
"Lord, are you feeling better now?"
In that precarious state of being on the brink, Lu Heng felt his consciousness being forcibly pulled away from the current situation.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!
The person before Shen Fenghuo suddenly opened his eyes moments later.
His gaze was intense yet gentle as jade.
He had not yet fully adjusted to the darkness before him or the unfamiliar pleasure.
The first thing he heard was the shy call from the person in his arms: "Lu Heng…"
And then, her hand.
-t———————-
Author's Note: A'He: What is this, what is this, what is this?
Lu Heng: Don't covet my wife.
Lu Jin: …May I ask… A'He.