Chapter 292 - Chapter 292: Speak Up
Chapter 292: Speak Up
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations
Hongxing Restaurant.
Qin Minghong was flipping through this spring’s account book. When he heard that Official Ji had invited him over for a chat, his shimmering peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, and a layer of mist appeared in his eyes.
“Young Master, do you plan to go?” Second Manager You asked softly. “If you don’t want to go, then I’ll find an excuse to prevaricate?”
“There’s no need.” Qin Minghong silently curled his lips and pondered. “It’s a good opportunity to see what he’s selling in this gourd. ‘
After all, he and Ji Ting’an were old acquaintances!
An hour later, Qin Minghong had just stepped into the living room when he saw Shen Yao and Ji Zhao sitting on the right. ‘This is?”
“Brother Qin, long time no see!” Ji Ting’an greeted him with a hearty smile.
Qin Minghong opened the folding fan in his hand and silently took two steps back to distance himself from him.
“If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t act like we’re very close.”
was already used to his cold attitude.
He immediately instructed the servant behind him, “Zhu Bai, quickly brew a pot of top-notch Biluochun!’
“After so many years, I wonder if Brother Qin’s taste has changed?” Ji Zhao, who witnessed this scene, seemed to be lost in thought.
So Official Ji and Brother Qin were old acquaintances?
“Let’s get down to business.” Qin Minghong raised his eyelids and looked at him. His tone was deep and emotionless.
Feeling guilty, Ji Ting’an touched his nose in embarrassment and slowly said,
“Brother Qin, to be honest, I have something I need your help with.”
Half an hour later, after understanding what he meant, Qin Minghong narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “You want me to buy unripe grain at a high price?”
“Yes.” Ji Ting’an felt more and more guilty. He did not even dare to look Qin Minghong in the eye anymore. “Once the locust plague passes through, the consequences will be unimaginable… Now, I’m afraid only you, Brother Qin, have the ability to buy such a large batch of grain in Dingyuan County…”
“Even so, why should I help you?” Qin Minghong raised his eyebrows and looked at him. His seemingly calm eyes were filled with undisguised mockery. “Brother Qin, are you still angry about what happened previously?” Ji Ting’an explained anxiously. “There was really a reason for what happened back then..
“No matter what reason or excuse Official Ji has, it’s wrong to barge into someone else’s private room and even plot against someone else.” Qin Minghong looked at him coldly.
“Huh?” Hearing the conversation between the two, Ji Zhao’s eyes widened in surprise. “Brother Qin, Official Ji, you… you two?”
She did not expect society of the Great Jing Dynasty to be so open-minded!
Qin Minghong immediately closed the folding fan in his hand. “Ah Tao, have you read too many novels?”
“Oh…”
For some reason, their relationship was not what she had imagined. Ji Zhao was actually a little disappointed?
“There are a total of ten villages around Dingyuan County. Among them, there are at least 1,000 acres of farmland,” Qin Minghong said in a low voice. “Not to mention that most of the crops in the fields are not ripe yet. Even if I buy these crops now, it’s a sure-loss deal for me.”
“Official Ji, I’m a businessman. Why would I do such a unprofitable business?”
‘Well
who was at a loss for words, could only look at Ji Zhao’s face. “Ahem,
Ji Ah Tao, as you can see, it’s probably impossible to buy crops in advance.”
“Ah Tao, is this your idea?’ Qin Minghong was a little surprised. He looked at Ji Zhao in confusion.
“Brother Qin, I have a way to make sure you don’t lose anything.”
Ji Zhao smiled, her gaze firm and confident.
Qin Minghong’s curiosity was piqued. “Can you elaborate?’
“Just as Brother Qin said, the crops in the fields around Dingyuan County have yet to fully mature. In fact, because it has been drought for too long, the production this year will definitely decrease compared to previous years.”
“However, Shen Yao and I have already investigated. Most of the villagers around Dingyuan County grow spring wheat and sweet cane. However, because the terrain and soil of Dingyuan County are a little special, most of the commoners still grow wheat at home. ”
“Half-ripened wheat can also be used to make craft beer.”
“Beer?” Qin Minghong was even more confused. “What kind of wine is that?” “Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from wheat malt and processed through a series of processes. The alcohol content is much lower than white wine. However, beer tastes very good. Most importantly, beer can also be added to dishes. For example, beer braised duck, beer braised beef, and so on,” Ji Zhao explained with a smile.
“Okay.”
Ji Zhao effortlessly made Qin Minghong agree to the plan to buy food.
Ji Ting’an suddenly felt a little aggrieved.
“It’s getting late. Why don’t we have lunch together?” Ji Ting’an invited with a smile.
“No need. ” Qin Minghong rejected expressionlessly.
“Ahem.” Ji Zhao pretended to cough twice before giving Shen Yao a look.
Shen Yao instantly understood what his wife meant and hurriedly said, “Since
Official Ji has invited us so warmly, we’ll have to trouble you.’
“Official Ji, can I borrow your kitchen?” Ji Zhao smiled obediently and said, “I want to personally cook two dishes.”
“Of course! eyes lit up instantly. “I’ve long heard that your culinary skills are extraordinary. It’s just that ever since I came to Dingyuan County, I’ve been busy with work and didn’t have the time to go to Spring Breeze Pavilion to try your cooking. I’m in for a treat today.”
“Zhu Bai, quickly bring Madam Shen to the kitchen.”
When they heard the title of Madam Shen, Shen Yao and Ji Zhao looked at each other tacitly and saw strong affection in each other’s eyes.
“Eh? Brother Qin, didn’t you say you were leaving just now?” Ji Ting’an looked at Qin Minghong, who had not moved an inch from his chair, with a blank expression.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted Ah Tao’s cooking.” Qin Minghong glanced at him from the corner of his eye and said calmly, “Why? You don’t welcome me?”
“Of course not! I’m naturally bursting with joy that Brother Qin can stay!’ Ji Ting’an hurriedly smiled apologetically.
For some reason, Shen Yao felt that the conversation between the two of them was a little straneg.
When Ji Zhao walked into the kitchen of the county office, she was in a daze for a moment.
Previously, when Ma Bin was the county magistrate, she had also come to the kitchen of the county office. At that time, the grand scene in the kitchen was still fresh in her mind. There were vegetables and fruits, hot and cold stoves, and people came and went. It was very lively.
But now…
There were only a handful of ingredients under the shelf.
“Madam Shen, if you need anything, just let me know. I’ll go buy it immediately.” Zhu Bai scratched his head and said guiltily, “It’s just that our lord is too thrifty. He felt that the use of the county’s kitchen was a little extravagant previously, so he cut down a lot of people. However, I’ve also heard that a clever woman cannot cook without rice. So if you need any ingredients, just ask. I’ll buy them immediately..”