Embroidered Phoenix Chronicle

Just after breakfast, Ruiqian ordered two fish, each a foot long, to be brought over. Before Liulian could give any instructions, Cuicui began cleaning them—she was capable of cleaning anything, from chickens to fish. Liulian discovered a great strength in Cuicui: she was eager to learn anything and strived to do her best; she was a perfectionist. Since learning to make meatballs, chicken balls, and fish balls, she would seize any opportunity to practice. Liulian didn't dare teach her anything too complicated, partly for fear of exposure and partly due to a lack of ingredients. She only taught her simple dishes, and Cuicui learned each one meticulously, never cheating or shirking—Liulian had mentored several apprentices, and the most outstanding one wasn't necessarily the smartest, but definitely reliable. Liulian hesitated about whether to formally train her, but then decided against it. High-class restaurants wouldn't hire a female chef; with her wealth, she could only afford a small restaurant serving two kinds of meat dishes, requiring minimal skill. So, she only taught her simple stir-fries, braised meats, and soups. Now, Cuicui could manage her daily life.

Around noon, the old lady hosted a banquet for relatives, including Liulian. In the main room, the father and his three sons sat at a large table with two teenagers and a middle-aged man. Only one unfamiliar woman was present. After exchanging greetings with everyone, Liulian and Xiulan sat on either side of the old lady. He had glimpsed her from the outer room earlier; the old lady's grand-nephew was a sturdy young man, quite handsome, but Liulian, at thirty, wasn't interested in such a dull person—so serious at such a young age, he'd probably be a mess when he grew up. Liulian's ideal lover was a general on a white horse, wielding a silver spear, handsome and dashing, a towering figure—at the very least, a Zhao Yun. Although such an excellent man might not exist, it was still something to dream about.

Outside, "Salted Ribbonfish" was talking loudly; only his chatter could be heard, everyone else was quiet. When the fish balls were served, Ruiqian introduced them, saying, "These were just caught this morning. I asked Seventh Miss to make them. Everyone should try them; they're fresh and tender, and guaranteed to be boneless. Grandmother, eldest sister-in-law, and second sister-in-law all love them!" Everyone tasted them and praised them highly, partly out of politeness, and partly because they were truly delicious. Ruicai then urged everyone to drink a few more cups.

"Salted Ribbonfish" was so eager to try it that, under the guise of alcohol, he decided to strike first and took a cup of wine into the inner room. "Seventh Miss, after eating such delicious food, I have no choice but to offer you a toast as a token of my appreciation."

The group of people at the table, who had been chatting and laughing, were all stunned—a stranger casually offering a toast to an unmarried girl, what did he take her for? A prostitute? Liu Lian's face fell; even in modern society, this young man's behavior was inappropriate. "Young master, please have some self-respect!"

"Hey, don't be so hypocritical. Practice makes perfect. I treat you like Xiu Luan, just like my own sister! Let's all get along well!"

"Young master, I do not drink alcohol!"

"What are you talking about! You'll learn it after you learn! It's like drinking water; if you can drink water, you can drink alcohol!" As he spoke, he reached out and grabbed Liulian's wrist. Liulian was really angry. She worked in a restaurant, and because she was a young and pretty female chef, she was often approached by men who pretended to be drunk and tried to pick her up. This annoyed her so much that it was almost a conditioned reflex; Liulian loathed drunk men.

Liu Lian shook off his groping hand, glared at him, and exclaimed, "Brother Yu, you've had too much to drink! Get out of here, what kind of behavior is this!"

Salty Ribbonfish was a little embarrassed and angry. He shook off Ruihong and Ruiqian's hands and said, "Fine, I won't drink it. Why did you spill my wine? Fill my glass!"

Liu Lian wasn't going to put up with it anymore. If he shoved this thing into her hands, wouldn't she be easy to manipulate?

Liu Lian took a step back, about to kick him, when Feng Xian rushed forward, grabbed her, and pulled her out. "Salty Ribbonfish" got angry, cursing and pushing her. Feng Xian, caught off guard, fell to the ground. Luckily, Rui Hong reacted quickly, pulling her back, but both husband and wife tumbled to the ground. Liu Lian slapped the bastard across the face. "Salty Ribbonfish" wasn't about to take this lying down; if he didn't retaliate, he'd lose face! He rolled up his sleeves, ready to teach Liu Lian a lesson!

Ruiqian tried to stop him, but firstly, "Salted Fish" had already drunk some alcohol, and secondly, the room was crowded and cramped, so he had to consider others. Xu Shi and her brother's wife were just cursing the boy and didn't dare to intervene. Although Ruiqian managed to restrain him, the boy stretched out his body and started cursing back at Liulian. Liulian wasn't buying it—Liulian had quite a bit of experience dealing with drunkards. "Salted Fish" went berserk like a leashed dog, wreaking havoc in the room. Tables were overturned, chairs were knocked over, and Ruiqian grabbed Liulian, who was about to take the opportunity to hit her, and pulled her out of the room. The two of them chuckled at each other. Ruiqian dragged her to his elder brother and his wife, then went back into the room to save the day.

Inside the room, "Salted Fish" was pinned to the ground by the young master of the He family, who cursed and yelled at him, but he wouldn't let go. Rui Cai told Liang Jie'er and Xiuluan to hurry out. Inside the room, the old lady sat upright on the kang (a heated brick bed), her face sullen and silent. In the outer room, Master Liu sat upright at the table, also silent and with a sullen face.

"Salted Ribbonfish," having just been released, immediately lunged at the young master of the He family, hurling insults at him. The young master, however, was unfazed and easily dodged. Madam Xu and her brother's wife quickly helped the drunkard up, pulling and tugging him outside. "Salted Ribbonfish," unwilling to give up, jumped up and down, cursing. Once the farce subsided, Master Liu stood up and pulled his cousin and son to the table, smiling apologetically, "Cousin, don't mind that scoundrel. Let's eat. Mother, come eat outside. It's rare for me to come all this way!" He gestured towards Ruiqian, who went inside to help his grandmother out. The group sat down again, and the old lady sighed, "You flatter me!" Ruiqian and his son tried their best to lighten the mood, and the guests joined in, quickly making the atmosphere lively again. The boy stood up and ladled himself a bowl of fish ball soup, then said with a smile, "Grandma, these fish balls are so delicious! Do you know how to make them? I'll go back and ask someone to make them for my grandpa to try. His eyesight is failing and his hands are shaky right now, so he can't pick out all the bones properly. He'll definitely love these!"

"Good child, let me ask for you. This is Miss Qi's cooking. People from Shiqiao are the best at cooking fish and shrimp."

Master Liu also chatted with the guest about various things. Master Liu had always respected this cousin. When he was still struggling financially, this cousin's family had generously helped him, so the two families had always been on good terms.

Although this cousin is a farmer, he is quite insightful and lives a prosperous and comfortable life. His sons are also very well-behaved and sensible; he would certainly be a good marriage prospect!