The Prime Minister’s Little Wife

Chapter 37: Envy and Jealousy

In the afternoon, Xu Zhizhi indeed made another large pot of braised meat.

She also cooked a big pot of rice.

After the sun set and the work was done, she gave each worker a bowl of meat and a bowl of rice to take home and share with their families.

The men carried the bowls of meat and rice, walking quickly.

The aroma wafted through the air, making those who smelled it drool with envy.

Those who hadn’t come to work were filled with envy and jealousy, but there was nothing they could do.

They could only secretly resent the Xu family.

After all, human nature is not only drawn to strength but also harbors resentment toward the wealthy.

As it grew dark, Xu Zhizhi braised another pot of pork, preparing to take it to Drunken Fragrance Pavilion the next morning.

The people of Qili Village might not recognize tiger meat, but Nangong Yunhao, with his vast experience, would surely know. So, she decided to braise wild boar meat instead.

She filled a large basin with the braised meat, placed it in a basket, and stored it in her portable space.

She also prepared the medicinal herbs and the specific tiger bones requested by Physician Shangguan.

After finishing everything, she entered her space, took a bath, and slept soundly.

The next day, Chunhua, Lanhua, and Xu Daniu stayed home to prepare meals.

Third Uncle and Xu Dahu loaded the bean sprouts before dawn.

Xu Zhizhi led Xiaohua and Xiaowu to town.

It had been almost a month since Xu Zhizhi arrived in this ancient era. She had grown a bit taller, but her face was still smeared with dark makeup.

Xiaowu, on the other hand, had become fairer and chubbier under her care, though he was still far from being overweight. He looked quite adorable.

Along the village path, they encountered some early-rising women who greeted them warmly.

Xu Zhizhi responded with a smile but had no desire to engage in lengthy conversations.

The two children were extremely excited, chattering nonstop along the way.

After walking for a while, Xiaowu and Xiaohua couldn’t bear their hunger any longer. Xiaowu rubbed his stomach and licked his lips.

He was hungry but too embarrassed to say so. In the past, he could go a whole day without eating, but now, spoiled by his sister, he couldn’t last even a single meal.

Fortunately, Xu Zhizhi heard his stomach growling and patted his head, scolding herself. “I’m so silly! I forgot to bring some food for you to eat on the way!”

“Sis, I’m not hungry…” Xu Xiaowu said, lowering his head.

Xu Dahu laughed. “Xiaowu, just hang in there a little longer. We’ll be there soon. The breakfast at Drunken Fragrance Pavilion is delicious.”

As Xu Dahu spoke, he himself swallowed hard. Only when Sister Zhizhi came along did they get to eat such delicacies.

When they arrived at Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, the waiter immediately welcomed Xu Zhizhi inside and sent someone to inform Manager Li.

Manager Li, upon hearing that Xu Zhizhi had arrived, stopped what he was doing and came over.

Seeing that Xu Zhizhi had brought two children, he immediately ordered breakfast to be served.

“Miss Xu, what brings you here today?”

Xu Zhizhi replied, “Manager Li, I’ve made a new dish. Would you like to try it?”

“I also came to ask for your help. My cousin is getting married the day after tomorrow, and I’d like to borrow a chef from your kitchen. Is that possible? We’ll pay well.”

Manager Li, smelling the aroma of the braised meat, swallowed his saliva. “Of course, absolutely.”

After saying this, Manager Li took the braised meat to the kitchen…

Xiaowu and Xiaohua stared at the table filled with plates of pastries in various shapes and flavors, looking at their sister.

Xu Zhizhi nodded with a smile. “Eat as much as you want. Take whatever you like.”

Upon hearing this, the two little ones quickly reached out, stuffing pastries into their mouths one after another. Their cheeks puffed out like little drums as they devoured the food.

Xu Zhizhi sipped tea and ate pastries leisurely. Soon, Third Uncle and Xu Dahu arrived.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Xu Zhizhi said, “The chef has already agreed. Dahu, go back and fetch Second Uncle and Second Aunt. They can come to town and see what else needs to be prepared.”

“Third Uncle, you can go ahead with your tasks. I’ll take Xiaohua and Xiaowu around town and wait to go back with Dahu and the others in the afternoon.”

Just as they were about to leave, Manager Li emerged, his mouth still greasy from eating.

Third Uncle and Xu Dahu exchanged greetings with Manager Li before leaving.

Xu Zhizhi stopped and asked, “Manager Li, how was the braised meat?”

“It’s truly delicious. Our young master hasn’t left yet and is handling some business nearby. He might come back for lunch,” Manager Li said.

“Alright then. I’ll come back in the afternoon to teach your chef how to make the braised meat. For now, I have some errands to run, so I’ll take my siblings and go.”

Manager Li saw them off warmly.

“Sis, where are we going now?” Xiaowu asked, looking up at his sister.

“To the medical hall. Let’s visit the big brother we sent there last time. Do you remember, Xiaowu?”

“Yes, I remember!” Xiaowu said excitedly. He remembered his sister saying that the man would become very rich in the future.

Xu Zhizhi held their hands, carrying a basket on her back, and walked into Kangning Hall.

Sun Hao, who had just finished breakfast, saw Xu Zhizhi and shouted in surprise, “The ugly village girl is here!”

Xiao Jingheng, who was about to drink his porridge, nearly dropped his bowl upon hearing Sun Hao’s shout.

Old Physician Shangguan walked out briskly. “Zhizhi, it’s been a while!”

Xu Zhizhi inwardly scoffed. *It’s only been a few days. How fake.*

“Physician, how have you been? It’s only been a few days.”

“I’m doing well, Zhizhi. Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yes, I had some while delivering bean sprouts. I also brought a new dish for Drunken Fragrance Pavilion to try. Manager Li kindly treated us to breakfast.”

Sun Hao’s eyes lit up at the mention of new food. “Ugly… uh, Miss Xu, what dish did you bring today?”

In light of the new dish, he decided to drop the “ugly” label.

Xu Zhizhi looked at the proud young man and took out the braised meat from her space, placing it in the basket. “I brought some for you to try.”

Sun Hao quickly stepped forward and took the basket.

Just then, his master said, “Hao’er, take it to that boy’s room.”

Sun Hao pouted, about to say something, but the aroma of the braised meat wafted up, and he immediately fell silent, hurrying inside.

Old Physician Shangguan invited Xu Zhizhi to follow.

Xiao Jingheng sat on the bed, quietly watching the person entering the room. “Zhizhi, you’ve finally come to see me?”

As soon as he said it, he regretted it. Zhizhi? What kind of nickname is that? He must have heard the old man say it too many times…

Despite being mentally prepared, Xu Zhizhi was still taken aback by Xiao Jingheng’s address.

Zhizhi…

Since when had they become so familiar?!

The disheveled man she had seen before was gone.

After half a month of rest, though still thin, his demeanor was intact. The dark lines on his face couldn’t hide his handsome features.

His eyes were like a misty abyss, deep and unfathomable.

But the coldness and cruelty she had seen before were gone.

His low, magnetic voice was like a heavenly melody, incredibly pleasing to the ear.

Sun Hao watched as the two of them stood there, silently gazing at each other, as if no one else existed.

“Ugly beggar, have you eaten yet? The ugly village girl brought something delicious.”

Hearing Sun Hao’s voice, Xiao Jingheng suddenly remembered the hideously ugly face he had seen in the mirror and felt utterly ashamed!

Upon seeing her, he had completely forgotten his current appearance, still thinking he had his former peerlessly handsome face…

(End of Chapter)