Chapter 518: The Village Market
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
There were more dishes on the table Lan Ruozhu did not recognize. Everything looked different from the food he had eaten before.
“That’s stinky tofu,” Su Wenzhe enthusiastically explained, “My mother fried some for dinner. Since Binglan didn’t come home for dinner, she left it in the pot for Binglan to reheat.
“Our stove always has burning firewood below, so we can reheat food quickly. That’s braised duck neck. Grandma sent some over just now. It goes well with rice. ”
Su Fengchen and Miao Zhizhi tidied up a room in their house and started making braised dishes after their wedding. They had also hired the Su Teng villagers to help.
Their braised dishes tasted unique, and everyone thought they were even more delicious when eating them with rice. Su Fengchen had also built a small shop at the village’s entrance, where everyone could go to buy his signature dishes.
However, it only opened for a limited time daily. No one could buy a portion if they were late. The people from surrounding villages also went there to buy his signature braised dishes.
The Tenghe townsfolk had eaten Su Fengchen’s braised meats before, so they often visited Su Teng Village to buy some. Many people said Su Teng Village was livelier than some towns.
Indeed, many people came and went to Su Teng Village daily, like going to a market. Of course, the village had its own market that opened once every five days.
Whenever the village’s market opened, it was even livelier than in town. People from every village within ten miles would visit Su Teng Village to take advantage of the market’s limited opening time to buy things like tofu and braised chicken.
The more visitors there were, the more the Su Teng Villagers would sell. The town’s market typically closed by noon, but Su Tengs market only closed in the evening.
Many people came and went to Su Teng Village from morning till evening. Those who bought things would return home with full loads, and business was good. The villagers sold more things than usual whenever the market opened.
Su Wenwu thought of something and said, “Oh, Brother Ruozhu, our village’s market will be open tomorrow. It’ll be very lively. You and Blue Eagle can go and look around if you want.”
He treated Su Binglan’s “adopted brother” as his own. Therefore, it did not feel strange when he called Lan Ruozhu “brother.”
Su Binglan calculated the time and thought it was indeed time for the village to open its market. Su Teng Village was incredibly lively when it was time for its market to open.
She raised her brow, saying, “That’s right, Brother Ruozhu. I’ll bring you to the market tomorrow morning if you want to see it. It’s on the street at the village’s entrance.
Su Wenwu nodded and explained, “Yes, the market is massive, extending from one end to another and the outside. Fortunately, the street at our village entrance is spacious and can accommodate many people.”
Lan Ruozhu’s eyes lit up when he heard that. He looked expectant as he asked Su Binglan, “C-Can I go and take a look?”
He was worried he would trouble his sister.
After some thought, Su Binglan said, “The weather is a little colder, but you’ll be fine just wearing a hat and a scarf.”
Then she paused and whispered, “Others won’t recognize you if you wear those.’
However, those with ulterior motives might still recognize Lan Ruozhu if he was sitting in his wheelchair.
Su Binglan pondered again before saying, “I’ll perform acupuncture on you again later, Brother Ruozhu. Then I’ll rub ointment on your legs before you sleep. You can walk when you’ve regained your strength.”
Lan Ruozhu’s legs were okay, but his body was weak, and he had no strength. Hence, he could only sit in his chair and could not walk. He could only walk without help after recuperating.
He became even more excited when he heard his sister’s words. After all, he did not want to sit in his wheelchair either.
He had always wanted to go somewhere lively with his sister when they were younger. He was interested in shopping, watching lanterns, and going on boat rides with her.
He choked up but nodded thoughtfully and said, ‘All right, Sister.”
Although Lan Ruozhu had already eaten before coming, it was hard for him to refuse the Su family’s hospitality. Moreover, the food on the table looked extraordinary and delicious.
He ate plenty of rice, and Blue Eagle did, too. Blue Eagle was shocked when he finished eating.
‘Was I always this gluttonous? Will The Majesty and Princess Lan think I’ve overeaten?’ Blue Eagle carefully raised his head to look at Su Binglan.
The latter watched Blue Eagle take two more rice bowls and felt gratified. She thought, ‘He should eat more.’
Su Binglan gently asked, “Do you want another serving?”
Blue Eagle was embarrassed and shook his head. “T-Thank you, but I’m full. I can’t eat another bite.’
He had already eaten the food Su Binglan made in the evening. It was so delicious that he had overeaten.
‘Why did I take two more rice servings? The braised chicken tasted too good with rice. The rice is fragrant, too! It’s the best rice I’ve ever eaten.’
However, Blue Eagle did not know that the Su family had added spiritual spring water to their rice when they cooked.
Su Binglan would constantly add spiritual spring water to the tank. Therefore, even the water the family drank and the food they made was more delicious and fragrant.
Moreover, overeating would not upset one’s stomach as food made with spiritual spring water was easier to digest. Thus, Su Binglan would feel more at ease if Lan Ruozhu and Blue Eagle ate more. Then she would not have to worry about their nutrition.
It had been a while since Lan Ruozhu and Blue Eagle ate this much. Their stomachs felt warm, and their entire body felt comfortable. Of course, as a Shadow Guard, Blue Eagle would never let himself get tired. He would always be vigilant.
It was the same for Lan Ruozhu because he was royalty. He had to remain vigilant, even in his sleep. Still, the two could not help but relax at this moment. They felt like they were about to fall asleep.
‘Is this what it feels like to have a full belly?’
Lan Ruozhu only had his sister when he was younger. With his parents around, he could eat, drink, and sleep soundly to his heart’s content. Later, he could no longer sleep well and would wake up at the slightest sound.
Su binglan noticed his expression and said, “You should be tired, right? Follow me. I’ll show you to your room.”
There were many rooms in the vast house, so Su Binglan arranged for the duo to stay next to hers. She wanted to remain close to them.
Since Luo Jin’an had yet to return, she lived alone in a small room.
Blue Eagle steered Lan Ruozhu into the room Su Binglan had arranged for them. Then Su Binglan said, “Wenxiu just warmed the brick bed and prepared the bedding for you. Everything is fresh and clean. That’s a duvet for you to keep yourselves warm.”
“Thank you for all this, Sister.”
Su Binglan retorted, “Why are you still being so polite to me?”
Lan Ruozhu shook his head. “Your family and this place are perfect. I’m thrilled for you, Sister.”
“You can stay if you’re happy. You’ll be safe here,” Su Binglan raised her head to look outside as she continued, “l know the Shadow Guards are all around to protect you, so you can rest assured..”