If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

"Yuan Liang."

"grown ups."

Zhou Wu could see Deng Yuanliang and Ji Yongfeng talking from afar.

"It's been a long time, how have you been, sir?"

After several months, Zhou Wu showed no signs of change, which put Deng Yuanliang at ease.

"I'm fine. Is everything alright back home?"

Zhou Wu was overjoyed to see his fellow villagers and wanted to hear news about his hometown from Deng Yuanliang.

"With the Ox God in charge at home, everything is fine."

. . . . .

With the money and provisions for over a dozen large ships secured, Ji Yongfeng was finally at ease. At noon, Zhou Wu ordered a feast to be prepared, and Zhou Wu, Su Jing, Deng Yuanliang, and Ji Yongfeng enjoyed a good meal. Ji Yongfeng, in particular, hadn't had a decent meal in a long time.

"My lord, we owe you a great debt this time. I, Ji Yongfeng, would like to offer you a toast."

This time, Deng Yuanliang brought a large amount of money and grain from Niujia Town. Ji Yongfeng witnessed it firsthand. The once-empty county government warehouse was now full. During the banquet, he specially raised his glass to toast Zhou Wu. If it weren't for Zhou Wu, Qingzhou would probably still be in a state of despair.

"Old Ji, you're too kind."

"No, sir, this is ostensibly a transaction, but I, Ji Yongfeng, am not stupid. Compared to what you have paid, what Qingzhou has paid is negligible."

Ji Yongfeng had always believed that Qingzhou had only contributed two things: a share of the revenue from kelp and seaweed. This amount of money could be considered a pillar industry for Qingzhou, but compared to the money Zhou Wu had contributed, it was just a drop in the ocean. As for the ownership of the dock, Zhou Wu had originally paid for its construction. Qingzhou had only contributed a piece of land that nobody wanted.

The construction of the housing and dock was supervised by professionals, so Zhou Wu didn't need to worry about it. Therefore, Zhou Wu only occasionally came to the seaside drying area to check on the drying of kelp and seaweed and offer some suggestions.

. . . . . .

Capital.

Snowflakes had begun to fall in the capital at this time. The weather was freezing cold, and there were very few people strolling around on the streets. Those who could still go out at this time were either rich people who couldn't stay at home, or poor people who, in order to survive, had to go out to do their small business or get some work done as soon as possible, regardless of wind or rain.

At this moment, the Gu Family Restaurant was completely different from the freezing cold outside. Fire pits were lit all around, making it steamy, and some diners even took off their coats.

"Changqing, why are you being so kind today, inviting us brothers to your restaurant for dinner?"

Several men dressed in fine clothes, clearly nobles or wealthy young men, entered the restaurant and saw Gu Changqing, who had been waiting for them for a long time.

"Hey, I've come up with some good stuff lately, so I'm inviting you guys over to try it out."

Gu Changqing was entrusted by Zhou Wu.

"As expected of the number one restaurant in the capital, you are indeed incredibly capable. No wonder other restaurants can't compare to you."

Since Zhou Wu helped the Gu family renovate three restaurants, the Gu family's restaurant business has soared, becoming the most popular restaurant in the capital. Their unique stir-fry dishes are unparalleled. Although many other restaurants have recently tried to learn from them and launched their own stir-fry dishes, they have only superficially imitated them and have not been able to shake the business of the Gu family's restaurants. In addition, since this is the restaurant of the Duke of Gu, no one dares to have any bad intentions and can only watch others make money.

"It's freezing cold, and we've been eating lots of meat and fish all day. Now everyone just wants some vegetables, but I'm sure you're all tired of eating common vegetables like cabbage and radishes."

Gu Changqing spoke for everyone. None of us here are short of money, but money isn't everything. Just like in winter, money can't magically produce vegetables.

"Of course, I've been eating too many radishes these past few days, I've been farting all the time."

"That's right, thankfully we have potatoes and corn, but we can't eat them every day."

"Changqing, hurry up and take it out, let's try it out, and it'll also help spread the word about you."

Gu Changqing's words immediately resonated with everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please wait a moment, we'll be right there. Come on, let's serve the food."

Soon, a waiter came in carrying a tray.

"Let me introduce them to you. This time, I was fortunate enough to get two brand-new vegetables, one called kelp and the other called nori. They are both produced in the sea, so we can eat them regardless of the season, even in winter. Most importantly, these things can be stored for a long time after being dried."

“I said, Changqing, it’s dried vegetables again. Dried vegetables have no flavor.”

Before Gu Changqing could finish speaking, someone impatiently jumped out. They had thought it was fresh vegetables, but it turned out to be dried vegetables, and they were instantly disappointed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, these are not dried vegetables. The two kinds of vegetables I am talking about can be stored after being dried, but they will return to their original appearance after being soaked in water."

"What? You mean it can be restored to its original state, just like when it was freshly picked?"

"Yes."

"Changqing, stop talking so much. Let's try the food first."

"Well said. No matter how eloquently I describe it, it's better for everyone to try it out for themselves. Let me introduce it to you."

With just a glance from Gu Changqing, the waiter opened all the lids.

"The first dish is braised pork trotters with kelp."

The group saw the new dish for the first time. The seaweed looked a bit dark and didn't look very appealing. The group, who had been full of anticipation, were somewhat disappointed.

"Don't be fooled by the dark color of the seaweed, try it first, it tastes great! I ate a whole big bowl of it by myself yesterday."

"Shall we try it first?"

Since Gu Changqing has said so, everyone should give him some face.

Everyone started with the seaweed, picking up a piece with their chopsticks, putting it in their mouths, and slowly savoring it.

"This taste is truly unique, soft, glutinous, and fragrant; it can be described in four words."

"Brother Wang's description is spot on. This seaweed grows in the ocean and naturally has a salty and savory flavor. Paired with the aroma of pork trotters, it's a perfect combination."

"Not bad, not bad. It doesn't look like much, but it tastes delicious."

"I like the taste and texture."

Sure enough, after taking the first bite, everyone at the table praised the dish. Gu Changqing quickly seized the opportunity and continued to introduce the other dishes.

"This is a cold seaweed salad, everyone please try it."

"Braised pork ribs with kelp".

"..."

Stewed dishes, cold dishes, braised dishes—seaweed was used to create several different cuisines, and everyone said it tasted great.

"Changqing, didn't you say there were two kinds of vegetables?"

"That's right, I'm almost full, and the second dish hasn't been served yet."

The dishes on the table were almost finished before someone remembered that another dish called seaweed hadn't been served yet.

"Everyone, please be patient. The last dish, seaweed soup, is quite simple to make. Here it is."