Huang Zilan gathered the locust flowers, dried them, and mixed them with flour. Liao Tingyu assisted him from the side.

Observing Liao Tingyu’s self-conscious demeanor, Huang Zilan smiled and quickly returned his focus to the task at hand. He considered himself fortunate to have married into the Liao family. His in-laws respected their privacy and only occasionally mentioned the idea of having a child over dinner.

His considerate husband always worked alongside him, without any pretensions of a gentleman avoiding the kitchen.

Despite invitations to a brothel place, Liao Tingyu had declined, which had earned him the envy of the townsfolk.

Huang Zilan stole a glance at his husband, who was now conscientiously washing dishes. He playfully brushed the hair covering his eyes behind his ears.

“What’s making you smile so happily all of a sudden? Did you think of something good?” Liao Tingyu teased him, using his wet finger to wipe a droplet of water from his forehead.

Huang Zilan chuckled, “Guess what I thought of?”

He wiped the water away with his hand, “You didn’t feel cold? Well, I thought the weather is just right. It’s the perfect time for a spring outing. When the birds are flying, how about you and I go to the countryside? I remember there’s a temple in the West Mountains. What if we visit and make a wish?”

Liao Tingyu considered the idea and realized that since marrying Huang Zilan, they hadn’t truly enjoyed a proper honeymoon, often shuttling between their small home and around the town. He thought it might be a wonderful opportunity for a countryside outing, a picnic, and a stay in a temple for a few days.

He added, “I’ve heard that the temple on the other side of the West Mountain has peach blossoms that bloom very early, and they’re in full bloom right now. The peach blossoms in the mountains and its petals dancing in the wind are a rare sight.”

Huang Zilan was intrigued by the idea, “Then I’ll prepare some delicious food, and we can gather everything we need. How about inviting Father, Mother, our big brother and sister-in-law? After all, it’ll be just the two of us; it might feel a bit deserted on the way.”

The Liao family was now prosperous, with plenty of money and goods.

Huang Yujin, Liao Tingyu’s father-in-law, had started a grocery store with the support of his in-laws, attracting many shoppers after the recent New Year’s celebrations.

Liao Tingyu shook his head with a smile, “These days are great for business. Father, mother, big brother and sister-in-law won’t be going out. Besides, how could you and I be considered deserted?”

Huang Zilan contemplated this and realized it made sense. After all, their big brother and sister-in-law were focused on their business, always being the first to open and the last to close on their street. No matter how much he urged them to open later, they were adamant about their early hours.

Huang Zilan agreed, “Then let’s head to the West Mountain for our outing. We’ll bring some pastries, and you can prepare some braised dishes. We’ll make sure to send some to our parents.”

.

Huang Zilan began planning what they would bring with them for their trip to the West Mountain.

Liao Tingyu considered it wise to bring more food for the trip, given the chilly spring weather. He suggested bringing some cloaks they had sewn earlier in the year to avoid catching a cold. He shared his thoughts with Huang Zilan, wondering if there was anything else to add.

“Since we’re driving our own carriage, why not bring a brazier on our journey? We can add charcoal, purchase fresh meat, and bring seasonings for a barbecue. Additionally, we plan to stay in the temple for a few days to worship Buddha, so we should prepare a few changes of clothes. It’s a picnic, after all, and we might want to enjoy some barbecue or similar treats.” Liao Tingyu proposed.

Huang Zilan was intrigued by the idea of a barbecue. She had never heard of it before but looked forward to his husband’s culinary skills. Liao Tingyu was known for his culinary knowledge, such as creating delicious braised dishes.

He assured him, “Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you.”

Huang Zilan playfully responded, “Smooth talker.” He was amused and found his husband’s charms irresistible.

“I’ll check with our father, mother, big brother and sister-in-law this afternoon. If they want to join, we can prepare more items.”

“That sounds like a plan. It’s a shame that father-in-law is away on business; otherwise, we could have invited him as well. I wonder what he’s thinking, running off shortly after the Chinese New Year.”

Huang Zilan recalled, “Indeed, Father is quite driven when it comes to making money. He hardly considers his own health. During previous Chinese New Year, I remember he spent them with a group of aunts in the backyard. Fortunately, we managed to spend this year’s Chinese New Year together before he left.”

.

Mother Deng inquired about the duration of their outing, “How long are you planning for this trip?”

Liao Tingyu replied, “We intend to spend about three to four days. Zilan and I are thinking of starting with a trip to the West Mountain for a leisurely lunch, visiting the temple to offer incense, worship Buddha, enjoy vegetarian meals, and stay for two or three days before returning.”@@novelbin@@

Mother Deng couldn’t quite grasp the appeal of such outings and commented, “What’s the point of outings around here? Aren’t the mountains and plains all the same? There’s nothing remarkable to see. As for burning incense and worshiping Buddha, I recall our family went to the temple on the 15th day of the lunar month last time. That should be enough!”

She continued, “I can’t fathom the thoughts of those who have studied. If you two want to go, then go. In my eyes, money is more substantial than mountains, trees, and flowers. How about you, old man?”

Liao Ming held his grandson and remarked, “You can enjoy your trip as much as you’d like. I’ve seen enough of mountains and rivers. I’d rather watch my eldest grandson while you two have fun.”

Wen Xiuer had become much cheerful and bold these days. It made people feel very comfortable.

Now, after they did business for so long, the couple was somewhat knowledgeable about their stuff, “What about your study? Will it be disrupted by your absence? I recall that many scholars have read in your study. Won’t this delay it?”

Liao Tingyu’s study were now highly renowned in the town. Many underprivileged children borrowed, copied, and read his books here. Being away for two or three days could potentially inconvenience many people.

Liao Tingyu turned Liao Ming and proposed, “What my sister-in-law said makes sense. I had overlooked this aspect. How about helping us take care the study? It won’t disrupt anything, and it can expose my eldest nephew to some scholarly influence.”

Mother Deng liked the idea, “That’s fine. We’re quite busy here, anyway. Old man, go assist your youngest son and others in looking after the place. Take the eldest grandson with you, and ensure he gains some literacy skills for me. I have a feeling he’ll return as a top scholar.”

Mother Deng’s favorite thing was saying nice things about her eldest grandson. If she said it often enough, it might become reality.

Liao Ming agreed readily, considering it wasn’t a significant inconvenience. After all, it was a family matter, and he often helped around.

.

It was settled, and the next morning, they cheerfully prepared their belongings and loaded them onto the carriage. As they passed the shop, they gave Liao Shi some of the savory braised dishes prepared the previous night.

Previously, when he saw such an abundance of meat and food, he would decline it, but now he no longer did.

Liao Shi openly expressed his gratitude, “Your culinary skills are truly exceptional. I heard that you were the one who cooked this. First, I was frustrated when you were chasing the chickens all over, and then I tasted it and couldn’t help but laugh. My father even got a taste and praised it!”

“This food is delicious, but the ingredients are quite expensive, and not many people would buy it. It’s suitable for occasional family meals. However, it’s a skill worth sharing. How about this? I’ll provide you with the ingredients and instructions. If an acquaintance wants to purchase some, you can sell them,” Liao Tingyu suggested. He believed this was a viable solution since he possessed various culinary skills.

Liao Shi also found it agreeable and didn’t hesitate to hand over a few taels from his savings, stating, “This amount may not be sufficient, but please consider it. It’s what I’ve saved up over time, and now it’s being put to good use.”

Liao Tingyu accepted it without hesitation, acknowledging the contribution. The exchange was cordial, and he made sure Liao Shi knew the money was appreciated, “Then, I will accept it. I’ll go in and talk to my parents first.”

“Okay.”

.

Mother Deng was still tending the chickens in the yard while the old ox grazed leisurely. Although they no longer need to use the old ox for travel but Liao Ming still sometimes took the old ox out to buy goods.

Cows ate a lot and it would take a lot of time to gather weeds. They simply buy some cow feed with few wens.

“Mother, you got up so early!” Liao Tingyu picked up the bean dregs and sprinkled them on the chickens. The chickens rushed over in a swarm and the old ox watched their performance quietly.

“You are going to set off now? Enjoy yourself. The temple in the West Mountain is quite effective. I visited it when I was pregnant with you, and the monk said I was carrying a blessed child. He would surely be granted an official title in the future,” mother Deng said with a warm feeling, “I am the pride of Liao family now.”

“Yes, yes. You are the biggest source of pride of our family.”

“Son, have you eaten yet?” Liao Ming held Mi Gao in his arms, the child’s eyes were droopy and he yawned continuously while Wen Xiuer was busy in the kitchen.

“I’ve eaten. The child hasn’t woken up yet. Why don’t you let him have a good sleep?” Liao Tingyu playfully poked the child’s delicate face. He had become quite fond of this baby.

Liao Ming used his hand to remove his youngest son’s hand from the child, “If you like it so much then you can have one yourself. Give me the key of the study. Wife, come give rice cakes to our youngest’s wife.”

“Here, mother made you this rice cakes. Bring it with you.”

Liao Tingyu looked at the crispy, fragrant rice cakes, “Mother still loves me the most. Father didn’t want his son anymore since he had his grandson.”

“You can be so sly. It’s getting late. Why don’t you hurry up to leave?” Mother Deng looked at her youngest son who was competing for attention. Her heart was softened to the point of being a soft mud.

Liao Ming glanced at mother Deng with a disapproving look and grumbled, “Hmph… just some words and you are so soft at him.”

Mother Deng’s eyes were so sharp, she shouted to the kitchen, “Eldest daughter-in-law, there is no need to serve food for your father.”

“…..”