When Xia Chunfeng was about to pick up his third cup of drink, Qi Jiao finally couldn't bear it any longer and advised, "Although this drink can relieve heat and quench thirst, it is cold in nature. One should not drink too much. Why don't you try this steamed milk custard, Lord Xia?"
This suggestion hit the spot for Xia Chunfeng. He had long been eyeing the delicate pastries on the side.
The steamed milk custard was smooth and milky, incredibly sweet. It really whetted Xia Chunfeng's appetite. He popped half a piece into his mouth and looked utterly content.
After tasting five or six kinds of snacks, Xia Chunfeng, impressed, looked at Jiao Niang again. His eyes were no longer those of initial aloofness and curiosity, but rather showed a strong eagerness for talent.
Normally, a woman would feel offended if a man stared at her so frequently.
But Qi Jiao knew that Xia Chunfeng was no lecher, for his eyes were pure and held no hint of disrespect.
Fang Yunxin and Fang Du saw this and naturally understood that their imperial cousin had taken a fancy to Jiao Niang's cooking skills.
After three rounds of tea, Fang Yunxin said, "Cousin Xia is really lucky to have tasted the delicacies made by our Jiao Niang. You must return the favor some other day."
Xia Chunfeng laughed heartily. "Haha, of course. I'll definitely invite Jiao Niang to my place some other day. And you, cousin, must come too! Your cousin - in - law has been talking about you non - stop. It's been driving me crazy..."
Qi Jiao had met many noble guests in the past few days.
Most of them had come because of the boasting of Fang Yunxin and her brother. They thought Qi Jiao was a divine chef and came to see for themselves. A small number, however, held a disdainful attitude, believing that a country bumpkin of a cook like Qi Jiao couldn't possibly have any real skills.
But no matter what their initial attitudes were, after tasting Qi Jiao's food, they all sang her praises.
So Qi Jiao simply regarded Xia Chunfeng as an ordinary nobleman and didn't think much of it. However, just one night later, Fang Yunxin received an invitation from the queen. The queen, before the Grain in Ear season, invited her and several other noble ladies to the palace to enjoy the flowers.
Of course, Jiao Niang also received an invitation.
Only then did Jiao Niang realize that the Lord Xia from yesterday was actually the emperor himself.
Surprised, Qi Jiao recalled whether she had been disrespectful. But after a moment, she relaxed.
Since the emperor could travel incognito, there weren't so many strict rules for the common people. Moreover, she could tell that he was not a narrow - minded person.
The emperor was just the emperor.
The emperor was also a mortal with a love for good food.
Fang Yunxin was afraid that Qi Jiao would be nervous, so she came to talk to her. "Jiao Niang, you don't have to be afraid. The queen is the kindest woman in the world. You'll know when you meet her."
Qi Jiao understood. As long as she treated the situation with a normal heart and paid attention to etiquette, it would be fine.
The flower - viewing banquet, although named for flower - viewing, was actually an idea the queen came up with on the spur of the moment after catching the emperor, who had sneaked back to the palace.
There was nothing she could do. The emperor had described his trip out of the palace, and his greedy look had made the queen both angry and amused.
She was tired of the food cooked by the palace chefs. Unable to wait any longer, the queen issued an imperial edict as soon as she woke up, inviting many noble ladies to the palace so that she could see for herself what this cook was like.
The next day was a beautiful spring day with gentle breezes.
Qi Jiao entered the palace with Fang Yunxin.
As the carriage passed through the palace gate, Qi Jiao lifted a corner of the curtain. She saw that the palace was vast and magnificent.
A palace maid led them into the Yongjin Hall.
The Yongjin Hall was the largest and most luxurious hall in the harem. It was in the best location and was the residence of the queen.
Outside the Yongjin Hall were fragrant flowers and herbs everywhere. The gentle breeze made it seem like a beautiful fairyland.
Qi Jiao was impressed. She wondered what kind of celestial being lived in such a wonderful place.
When they entered the hall and paid their respects to the queen, Qi Jiao heard the queen say "Rise", so she slightly raised her head.
Seeing the woman wearing a phoenix crown on the throne, Qi Jiao felt as if her heart had been deeply touched.
The queen was like a fairy. She was so beautiful that she didn't seem to belong to this mortal world.
It wasn't just her graceful appearance; even her extraordinary bearing made Qi Jiao willing to bow down and submit.
The queen on the throne saw Qi Jiao's envious look and couldn't help laughing. "This must be the virtuous and talented Jiao Niang, right? I've heard about your deeds in Yulin County. You're truly a heroic woman and an example for us women."
The queen really lived up to her status. Her words were more pleasant than those of ordinary people.
Qi Jiao blushed and replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I've only done a little bit. It's really nothing."
The queen smiled and told her to rise, then had a seat arranged for her on the side. "I heard that your child and husband have come to the capital with you. Are they getting used to life here in the capital?"
Qi Jiao answered, "The capital is a big place, and it's not easy to live here. Thanks to Sister Fang, Lord Hui, and the two families' help, we don't have to worry about anything. And we're honored to meet Your Majesty and the emperor."
The queen said, "Cousin Yunxin has been in Lingle County for three years. Thanks to your sincere friendship. And the emperor was being silly yesterday and ate a lot of your delicious food. I must reward you well this time to show my gratitude."
Then she ordered the head maid to prepare the banquet.
Fang Yunxin raised her eyebrows slightly, thinking, Cousin - in - law, stop pretending. You just want to eat Jiao Niang's food. It's that simple.
She raised her tea cup to toast the queen. "Cousin - in - law, you must be tired of the palace food. Why not try Jiao Niang's cooking today?"
Hearing this, the queen said "Good" twice. A palace maid led Jiao Niang to the kitchen. All the ingredients and utensils were ready.
Originally, Qi Jiao wanted to bring some food for the queen from outside the palace. But considering the palace rules and safety issues, she gave up this idea.
She just prepared a meeting gift for the queen like the one she gave to the wife of the Duke of Song.
They were all useful items, which would avoid any risks.
The palace was truly full of talented people. In less than an hour, with the help of several palace maids, Qi Jiao made ten kinds of delicious food.
Each dish was exquisite and unique, and the portions were small, so one wouldn't get fat or bloated even if they ate a lot.
Qi Jiao put all her effort into cooking - this was for the fairy - like queen, so it had to be perfect.
When the delicious food was presented, the queen tasted them one by one and felt that her taste buds had never been so satisfied.
If it weren't for her status, she would have jumped up and hugged Jiao Niang.
The queen's eyes were shining as she looked at Qi Jiao. She almost blurted out the words to ask her to stay in the palace.
The noble ladies around looked at Qi Jiao with envy and jealousy. At the same time, they complained that there were too few of those perfect dishes and they couldn't taste them...
Fang Yunxin guessed what the queen was thinking and said, "If you like Jiao Niang, you can just invite her to the palace from time to time. Jiao Niang has her own business to take care of outside and is very busy."
"Exactly. I'm bored all day. If Lady Qi has time in the future, come to the palace with Yunxin more often to keep me company."
Qi Jiao smiled and agreed. "As long as Your Majesty doesn't mind my clumsiness, I will definitely come."
After the palace banquet, Qi Jiao left the palace with generous rewards.
On the way, she couldn't help talking to Fang Yunxin about the queen's kindness. "I've never met such a dignified and kind person. The queen is so generous and has rewarded me with so many things. I really don't know how to repay her..."
Fang Yunxin laughed at her. "You think this is a lot? This is just a casual reward from the queen. It's not even half of what a noblewoman would get. You know, the emperor and the queen have fought their way to the top. Her willingness to reward you means she values your worth, whether it's you as a person or your cooking. As long as you show your sincerity, she will reciprocate. Don't take it too seriously."
Hearing this, Qi Jiao looked at Fang Yunxin with admiration. She had learned a lot.
**
As for Pei Xia, after the couple came to the capital, they lived separately.
Qi Jiao lived in the Duke's Mansion with their child, while Pei Xia lived in the outer courtyard of the Marquis's Mansion.
After a few days of rest, he hadn't received any tasks yet and was about to go and ask Hui Zhenyu.
Just as Pei Xia stepped out of the courtyard gate, Hui Zhenyu came in person.
Hui Zhenyu smiled and said, "Wait a minute." Then he went into the house with Pei Xia and they had a long conversation for a whole morning.
At noon, Hui Zhenyu simply had lunch at Pei Xia's place and continued to talk while eating.
It turned out that after Hui Zhenyu finished his report, he immediately started making plans for Pei Xia.
He reminded Pei Xia that the selection of officials in the Court of Judicial Review was very strict. All officials, from the third - rank chief justice to the ninth - rank clerk in the Court of Judicial Review, had to memorize the imperial laws. Before an official could be appointed to the Court of Judicial Review, they had to pass a law examination. Only those who passed could be appointed; otherwise, they would lose the qualification.
In the past few years when Pei Xia was a constable in Lingle County, he had read all the laws of the Great Sheng Dynasty in the constable's office. Qi Jiao often reminded him that in the end, everything came down to knowledge and foundation.
Pei Xia also knew that with his talent, he had to work harder to make up for his shortcomings. He had been reviewing the laws over the years and had them almost memorized. However, as a commoner, he had the opportunity to become an official without passing the imperial examination. Pei Xia didn't dare to slack off.
Hui Zhenyu's father, the Marquis of Yongjia, heard that his son had such a brave man under his command. He took the time to test Pei Xia.
Sure enough, the Marquis of Yongjia was very impressed with him. After learning that there was a vacancy in the Court of Judicial Review, he used his connections to get Pei Xia a chance to take the examination.
This was exactly what Hui Zhenyu came to tell Pei Xia about.
Pei Xia was extremely grateful and was even more determined to study hard. If he couldn't even pass the examination of the Court of Judicial Review, he would be ashamed of Jiao Niang, himself, and Lord Hui and his father.
In the following days, Pei Xia burned the midnight oil and buried himself in his studies.
This matter was of great importance. It was an opportunity that even regular scholars and low - ranking Jinshi rarely got. So Qi Jiao only came to deliver food to Pei Xia occasionally and didn't bother him on other days. She just silently cheered him on in her heart.
———————————
The sun was extremely hot on the Dragon Boat Festival this year.
The inside and outside of the Duke's Mansion were busy with the festival. Some were sprinkling realgar, some were hanging wormwood, and the young masters and ladies of the mansion went to watch the dragon - boat race. The streets and homes were all bustling.
On such a lively day, Jiao Niang was restless in the lower quarters of the Marquis's Mansion.
She had run back and forth so many times that the two young servants guarding the gate of the Marquis's Mansion couldn't bear it anymore and advised, "Lady Qi, please go inside and wait. When the messenger official comes, we'll go in and report immediately. The sun is so hot outside. You might get heatstroke."
In this situation, Qi Jiao couldn't just stand at the gate waiting for news anymore. She gave the gate - keeping servants two taels of silver and asked them to pass on the message conveniently.
The servants readily agreed.
Qi Jiao anxiously awaited the news, while Pei Xia just sat beside the couch, eating and drinking as usual. If someone didn't know, they would think it was Qi Jiao who was taking the official selection exam.
Finally, as the sun was setting in the west, the Ministry of Personnel sent the transfer document to the Marquis's Mansion.
The document stated that Constable Pei Xia had solved many cases and made outstanding contributions during his tenure in Lingle County. He had also done many righteous deeds. Therefore, he was specially transferred to the capital to fill the position of a clerk in the Court of Judicial Review. His official rank was the ninth - rank, with a monthly salary of three taels. He was ordered to take up his post immediately.