The Eunuch Has A Wife - Chapter 36

Wei Ziwan smiled gently: “Husband, you’re overthinking it. Who said only sweet soup recipes are valuable?”

As long as it’s a culinary recipe, especially one delivered to their doorstep, it’s unlikely that Lou Shang Lou, unless foolish, would refuse.

Bai Zhi’s breath hitched slightly. She naturally understood this logic; the issue was she didn’t know any other culinary recipes.

She observed Wei Ziwan’s expression, feeling uncertain: “Ziwan, do you have other recipes?”

Wei Ziwan chuckled softly: “No, but first, we need to visit Lou Shang Lou to assess the situation.”

Otherwise, blindly developing a recipe only to find out they already have it would be a waste of effort.

Hearing they were going to Lou Shang Lou, Bai Zhi was momentarily puzzled but then understood—they were likely going to see what dishes the restaurant offered.

She instinctively changed into the snow-blue brocade outfit, a gift from her cousin Bai Li when they first arrived at the manor. After that, it was mostly rough hemp clothes.

Now thinking about it, this cousin of hers was quite thoughtful, as if he had specifically prepared a set of outdoor clothes for each of them.

Wei Ziwan also changed into her moon-white dress, this time with an additional layer of cotton undergarments. Despite this, the winter wind was still bitingly cold.

It seems we need to buy some winter clothes, Bai Zhi thought, unsure if the manor had prepared any for them. This time, instead of taking the ox cart, they headed straight for the carriage.

Upon arriving at Lou Shang Lou, they immediately ran into Manager Xi.

Manager Xi, who remembered them well, greeted them warmly: “Brother Bai, Miss Wei, what a pleasant surprise! Please, come in.”

Wei Ziwan gracefully walked in, while Bai Zhi hesitated for a moment before following the plan—she would handle the conversation with Manager Xi.

“Brother Xi, how have you been? To be honest, we’re here to ask for a favor.”

“Brother Bai, no need to stand on ceremony. Please, speak freely.” Manager Xi replied, his expression calm but his mind racing.

He didn’t have much of a relationship with these two, aside from a previous transaction.

However, after their last encounter, the chief manager of Ninglin Prefecture had instructed him to maintain good relations with Lingjue Manor, especially to show respect to the Bai family from the capital.

He was good at reading people, and from their accents and demeanor, it was clear these two were from the Bai family in the capital.

After a brief hesitation, Bai Zhi got straight to the point: “Would it be possible to see your restaurant’s menu? Is that convenient?”

Manager Xi was momentarily taken aback but then laughed heartily: “Of course, it’s no trouble at all. The menu is meant for customers to see. Brother Bai, you’re too polite. Please, come this way.”

As he led them, his mind quickly pondered their intentions.

Lou Shang Lou’s menu rarely changed, only slightly adjusted with the seasons. It was early winter, the time to replace some cold dishes with more nourishing soups.

Which menu should he show them?

Manager Xi thought quickly but didn’t take them upstairs. Instead, he led them to a study in the backyard used for receiving guests.

He could tell they weren’t here to dine. Coming specifically to see the menu?

They could be competitors, or just curious, or perhaps they had a new recipe and wanted to see if Lou Shang Lou already had it.

His heart stirred, recalling the simple yet profitable sweet soup recipe they had acquired last time. He felt as if he wasn’t escorting two people but welcoming two treasure-bearing envoys.

After ushering them into the study, Manager Xi had tea served and brought out the latest menu.

Bai Zhi and Wei Ziwan thanked him, exchanged a glance, and silently sat down. Manager Xi’s enthusiasm was somewhat overwhelming.

About fifteen minutes later, both had a good idea of the menu.

Winter dishes were mostly stews and hot soups, with few vegetables or cold dishes. Radishes were also on the menu, used as a side in meat soups.

Seeing them put down the menu, Manager Xi considerately asked: “Do you think there’s anything on our menu that needs improvement?”

His question made it seem as though they hadn’t come uninvited to see the menu, but had been asked by Lou Shang Lou to review it.

Not only did it give them an easy out, but it also showed humility, which was quite pleasing to hear.

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Manager Xi was clearly skilled in hospitality.

She glanced at Wei Ziwan, who gave a slight nod.

This meant they should be honest. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who had a good impression of Manager Xi.

In dealing with people, sincerity is key.

Whether Manager Xi was genuine or not, he had shown goodwill. If they were evasive, it would seem rather ungrateful.

“To be honest, Brother Xi, we’re working on some new dishes and wanted to see what Lou Shang Lou already offers to avoid any overlap. We hope we’re not imposing.”

Manager Xi continued to smile warmly, shaking his head: “Not at all. I’m delighted you thought of Lou Shang Lou for your new dishes. How could it be an imposition?”

He had guessed right; they did have new recipes. The question was whether they could be used.

However, he knew better than to ask directly. He simply smiled more sincerely.

Bai Zhi paused. Could she say they didn’t have any new recipes yet?

Thinking about it, it did seem a bit ungrateful on their part.

Wei Ziwan then spoke up: “The new dishes are still in development. Once they’re ready, we’ll definitely come to Brother Xi for your opinion.”

Manager Xi was momentarily surprised. They hadn’t developed them yet?

Or did they have other plans?

He nodded understandingly: “No rush. Since you’re here, why not stay for a meal? This study doesn’t have much, but the paintings are worth a look. I’ll arrange a table for you. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

With that, Manager Xi left. His straightforward and trusting demeanor was quite endearing.

Bai Zhi looked at Wei Ziwan: “Well?”

Wei Ziwan smiled: “I have some ideas.”

Bai Zhi felt a bit reassured. Though puzzled by Manager Xi’s attitude, she knew it wasn’t the place to discuss it. She decided to wait until they were back to talk it over with Wei Ziwan.

They exchanged a glance, silently agreeing not to continue the conversation. Instead, they stood up to admire the paintings on the wall.

Bai Zhi, having grown up in the palace, was taught to read and write by the old dowager at her adoptive father’s request. While she could read and write, she was far from being well-read.

As for her ability to appreciate paintings…

She only had two criteria: either it looked good, or it didn’t.

As she looked at each painting, she stopped at a landscape painting, reminded of the one hanging in the old dowager’s room.

Back then, the old dowager had asked indifferently: “Do you like it?”

She replied: “Yes.” She could see the mountains and water clearly, and since it was hung in the old dowager’s room, it must be good.

The old dowager scoffed: “I painted it. Over the years, you’re the second person to say it’s good.”

Bai Zhi: “…” Who was the first?

She didn’t ask, but the old dowager seemed to hear her thoughts, murmuring: “The first person who said it was good… was the most beautiful scenery in the world.”

Bai Zhi: “…” I don’t understand.

The landscape painting before her seemed to merge with the one in the old dowager’s room.

Bai Zhi’s thoughts slowed, vaguely understanding the old dowager’s words.

The most beautiful scenery in the world…

Involuntarily, she thought of Wei Ziwan again.

Yes, Wei Ziwan.

A woman as beautiful as a landscape painting, serene and picturesque.

“Do you like this landscape painting, husband?”

In the quiet room, a familiar voice whispered in her ear, tinged with amusement.

Bai Zhi’s thoughts paused, her heart flustered. She quickly denied: “No, not at all.”

Wei Ziwan’s smile faded, replaced by confusion and curiosity. If she didn’t like it, why the hasty denial and guilty look?

Bai Zhi turned to meet Wei Ziwan’s gaze, her heart racing, but her face showed exaggerated disdain as she stepped back.

Wei Ziwan’s breath caught, seeing Bai Zhi seemingly avoiding her, her eyes darkening, her heart growing cold.

Silence fell, the atmosphere turning delicate.

“The meal is ready. Please, follow me.” Manager Xi entered at that moment, and the tension in the room eased slightly.

During the meal, Bai Zhi and Manager Xi chatted amiably, while Wei Ziwan smiled quietly, as if nothing had happened.

After leaving Lou Shang Lou, Wei Ziwan’s expression turned cold.

In the carriage, Bai Zhi watched Wei Ziwan, who looked listlessly out the window, and remained silent the entire way.

After getting off the carriage, Wei Ziwan, usually unhurried, walked briskly ahead.

Bai Zhi opened her mouth, wanting to explain but not knowing where to start.

She thought of the landscape painting and sighed silently.

That night, Bai Zhi looked at Wei Ziwan, who lay facing the wall, and softly said: “Actually…”

After a long pause, only a sigh came from behind, then silence.

Wei Ziwan closed her eyes, suddenly turning around, her voice cold: “Actually what?”

In the dim light, their eyes met, the atmosphere tense.

Bai Zhi was momentarily stunned, then averted her gaze, changing the subject: “It’s winter. Are you cold?”

Wei Ziwan lowered her eyes, murmuring: “What if I am? What if I’m not?”

Bai Zhi clenched her fists, muttering: “If you’re cold, let’s sleep together.” Once the words were out, she felt calmer and continued: “We’re both women, it’s not a big deal. Besides—”

Besides, they were married, by the Empress’s decree.

But she couldn’t say that. The earlier words were already inexplicable.

Bai Zhi clenched her fists. She just felt she should explain her attitude at Lou Shang Lou—the exaggerated disdain wasn’t genuine.

But she also felt it was unnecessary to explain. Perhaps showing a desire to be closer would be better than words.