Chapter 138: A New Dish
Young Master Zhu sized up Gu Zhang. He was dressed in a sheepskin jacket and spoke the official dialect, so he clearly wasn’t a local.
Considering Gu Zhang’s words, Young Master Zhu thought for a moment. ’Since they’re just lodging here, Young Master Su must have approved it. The manor steward wouldn’t be bold enough to let people stay here on his own authority.’
But arranging for them to stay at the manor also meant they weren’t important guests.
’Probably some distant relatives or neighbors looking for a handout.’
Of course, Young Master Zhu could also see that Gu Zhang had something of a scholar’s air about him, but he looked more like a farmer.
However, no matter who they were, Young Master Su was someone he couldn’t afford to offend. Young Master Zhu smiled. "So it’s Mr. Gu. Let’s speak inside."
Gu Zhang followed him inside. "Not at all, not at all. I’m the second-born in my family. Just call me Gu Er."
The group entered the manor and took their seats in the main hall. Only then did Young Master Zhu say, "Mr. Gu, you came over specifically, so I imagine you have some business with me?"
Gu Zhang hesitated, unsure how to begin.
Gu Fei stepped forward and curtsied. "Greetings, Young Master Zhu."
Gu Zhang quickly added, "This is my young daughter."
Young Master Zhu gave Gu Fei a casual glance and nodded.
Gu Fei said with a bright smile, "Pardon my forwardness, Young Master. I heard you own several restaurants, and I have a novel dish I’d like you to try. I wonder if you would be willing to wait just a moment?"
Young Master Zhu had just finished breakfast and had absolutely no interest in tasting any food. However, these people had some connection to Young Master Su, and he might be able to use that connection someday, so he had to show them some courtesy. He gave a slight nod. "Fine. I was just about to look around the estate anyway."
Gu Fei curtsied and left.
She found the manor steward and pulled him aside. "Uncle, I’d like to use your kitchen. If you have any ingredients, I’ll need to borrow some as well."
As she spoke, she stuffed two taels of broken silver into his hand. "This is for you to buy yourself a drink."
The steward weighed the silver in his hand. "You’re going to make food for that Young Master Zhu?"
Gu Fei nodded. The steward pondered for a moment and said, "Girl, using the kitchen isn’t a big deal, but my master is already wrapped up in trouble. If something happens to Young Master Zhu after he eats your food—"
"Don’t worry, Uncle. My family has a favor to ask of Young Master Zhu, so how could we have any intention of harming him? Besides, you know we’re staying at Young Master Su’s manor." Gu Fei had no choice but to play the Young Master Su card.
The steward thought about it and nodded. "Then I’ll take you there."
Entering the kitchen, Gu Fei looked around. There was a small piece of meat and some green vegetables, likely what the steward ate himself.
Gu Fei took the meat, washed it, and quickly sliced it into thin pieces.
Then, she lightly marinated it with salt and cooking wine before placing it in a pan to fry.
When the meat was golden-brown on both sides, Gu Fei took out several paper packets from her robes. She sprinkled on chili powder, cumin powder, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and chicken essence, finally topping it with vibrant green scallions.
With the pan-fried meat ready, Gu Fei quickly carried it to the main hall.
Young Master Zhu and Gu Zhang were sitting opposite each other, drinking tea.
Gu Fei placed the plate on the table, lifted the cover, and offered a pair of bamboo chopsticks. "Young Master Zhu, please have a taste."
Young Master Zhu glanced at the plate and was greatly disappointed.
He had thought it would be a truly novel dish, but it turned out to be just pan-fried meat.
He reluctantly picked up his chopsticks, took a slice, and ate a bite. His brow furrowed.
After finishing the slice of fried meat, Young Master Zhu’s brow gradually smoothed out. "This flavor— Hiss, it’s so spicy."
He took a sip of tea, but couldn’t resist picking up another slice. He nodded as he ate. "It’s spicy, alright, but this flavor... how should I put it? The more you eat, the more you want."