By the time the two of them returned to camp, Qing Mei was already busy kneading dough. When she saw Qiao Zilin and Long Zhenting walking back side by side, her heart lifted with quiet joy. It was obvious that their relationship was growing closer by the moment.
As soon as she arrived, Qiao Zilin slipped behind a stack of large wooden crates. Using them as cover, she retrieved the chicken giblets she had set aside the day before from her space. They were still as fresh as when she had stored them, proving that Xiao Bai had not exaggerated about the space’s ability to preserve food. She also took out a pickled radish from her jar, along with some ginger and garlic.
The giblets had only been rinsed roughly the day before. Recalling a method from Gourmet Cooking Strategies, she decided to clean them properly using flour. According to the book, flour could absorb impurities and remove any lingering odor. She tossed a handful into the basin and rolled up her sleeves.
Just as she was about to start scrubbing, Long Shiyi hurried over. “Madam, let me handle this kind of work.”
Qiao Zilin had no attachment to the task, so she handed it over without hesitation. “Mix the flour well and scrub them thoroughly for about seven or eight minutes. Make sure you clean off all the slime, then rinse them until they’re completely fresh.”
Long Shiyi nodded enthusiastically and carried the basin to the riverbank, squatting down to scrub with full focus. Meanwhile, Qiao Zilin began preparing the base for the dish.
A proper sour and spicy flavor required chilies and pickling brine. The book mentioned pickled cowpeas and ginger, which she did not have yet, but she planned to prepare them once they reached Peach Blossom Village. For now, she minced fresh chilies and sliced the garlic and ginger thinly.
By the time she finished, Long Shiyi returned with the cleaned giblets. He set them down proudly beside her, his expression practically asking for approval.
“Madam, look. Not a trace of smell left.”
Qiao Zilin glanced at them and saw they were indeed spotless. She smiled and teased, “Not bad, Shiyi. Perhaps you should just stay by my side from now on.”
Long Shiyi’s eyes lit up at once. Staying with Madam meant delicious food every day. But before he could respond, Qing Mei suddenly sniffled.
“Miss… do you not want me anymore?”
Qiao Zilin blinked, caught off guard. “Why would I say that? Our Qing Mei is capable and sweet. Why would I ever send you away? Though if you wish to marry someday, I certainly won’t stop you.”
At that, Qing Mei’s eyes filled with tears. “Miss, I don’t want to marry. I want to stay with you forever.”
Seeing her on the verge of crying, Qiao Zilin quickly soothed her. “Alright, no marriage, no marriage. Now hurry and help me tend the fire. We need to eat and get moving.”
Long Shiyi glanced at Qing Mei’s tearful face and immediately stepped in. “I’ll handle the fire. The smoke will get in your eyes.”
Qiao Zilin worked swiftly, cutting the intestines into sections and slicing the liver, heart, and gizzards into thin pieces. She remembered a decorative cutting technique from the book but decided to save it for another time.
“Madam, the water is boiling,” Long Shiyi called.
“Coming.”
She brought the prepared giblets to the pot, added a splash of strong liquor, then tossed in ginger, scallions, and the meat. As soon as the giblets hit the boiling water, they curled. She quickly scooped them out, plunged them into cold water, and set them aside.
Next, she heated the wok, added oil, and sautéed the ginger and garlic until fragrant. Then came the giblets and chilies. The spicy aroma rose immediately, rich and inviting. She added a splash of pickling brine, followed by spring water, salt, and soy sauce. Once the broth came to a boil, she poured it generously over freshly cooked noodles.
Just like that, a steaming bowl of sour and spicy giblet noodles was ready.
“Miss, just the smell alone is enough to make me hungry,” Qing Mei said eagerly. “My stomach hasn’t stopped rumbling.”
“Madam, this came from those organs? The aroma is incredible,” Long Shiyi added, the others nodding in agreement.
“Then what are you waiting for? Eat before the noodles turn soggy.”
Qiao Zilin mixed everything together and took a satisfying bite. “Perfect. Husband, try some. It’s really good.”
Long Zhenting followed her lead and took a mouthful. His eyes lit up at once. It was his first time tasting noodles like this. The balance of sour and spicy flavors instantly awakened his appetite.
For several minutes, the only sound beneath the tree was the steady slurping of noodles.
…
An hour later, they packed up and continued their journey.
This time, Qiao Zilin did not return to the carriage. Instead, she chose to ride with Long Zhenting. The constant shaking of the carriage had left her body sore, and she had no intention of enduring it any longer. Since she vacated her seat, Qing Mei felt it inappropriate to sit alone, so she climbed onto Long Shiyi’s horse instead.
“Let’s go. Husband, faster,” Qiao Zilin called out as the horse began to move.
“So my wife prefers speed?” Long Zhenting’s low voice brushed against her ear.
“Yes, faster,” she laughed, clearly enjoying the rush.
The wind whipped past them as the horse surged forward. Qiao Zilin felt as if she were flying, exhilarated by the speed.
Long Zhenting watched her bright expression and smiled faintly. He had always known his wife was no ordinary woman. With a flick of the reins, the horse accelerated.
They rode like that for nearly an hour. Though she loved the thrill, the friction began to make her uncomfortable. Not wanting to return to the carriage, she shifted her position and turned to sit facing him.
That simple movement made things far more complicated for Long Zhenting.
With the woman he cherished sitting so close, his composure was tested. Qiao Zilin quickly noticed and flushed deeply.
“Long Zhenting, you rogue. How can you be like this?”
Long Zhenting looked at her calmly, his tone almost innocent. “Wife, I am a man. When I hold the woman I love, is this not a natural reaction?”
Qiao Zilin felt her face burn hotter. This man truly had no shame.