“Little Chef, give me medicine!! Hurry up and give me medicine!”

Cooking God System: Right, right, right—medicine, medicine, medicine!!!

The Cooking God System quickly conjured a small pill and placed it in Ji Rongxia’s palm. Without a word, Ji Rongxia hurriedly shoved the pill into Gu Tangjin’s mouth.

Before Gu Tangjin could even react, the pill was already down his throat.

“How are you? Do you feel any discomfort?” Ji Rongxia gripped Gu Tangjin’s sleeve and asked with great anxiety. “I’m fine, I don’t feel anything.” Gu Tangjin actually didn’t feel any discomfort at all.

Under the circumstances, the Cooking God System couldn’t be bothered with privacy clauses and quickly scanned the host’s partner from head to toe.

After the scan, the Cooking God System’s agitated core finally calmed down: “Host, rest assured. Your partner’s allergic reaction is relatively mild. It will clear up after taking the medicine. There’s no danger.”

After hearing the little chef’s reassurance, Ji Rongxia still couldn’t help but stay by Gu Tangjin’s side for a while. Only after confirming that Gu Tangjin was truly fine did he breathe a sigh of relief.

He didn’t want to eat any of this food either; it seemed a bit dangerous. He instructed the Cooking God System to put all the food away.

“Little Master, please put these away right away.”

The Cooking God System knew the host was still a bit shaken, so it obediently stored all the food temporarily in the system space. Seeing this, Gu Tangjin reached out and took Ji Rongxia’s hand, gently stroking the palm to help him relax.

“Don’t be afraid. We eat rice and noodles every day, and I’m not allergic to those. It’s just that I’ve never eaten dragon fruit before. I guess I’m allergic to that specific thing. We’ll just avoid it from now on. Don’t worry.”

“I just can’t help but worry,” Ji Rongxia pouted.

For once, Gu Tangjin simply couldn’t calm Ji Rongxia down.

“Then, shall we study reading and writing? I’ll teach you a little longer, and we’ll stay up a bit later. That way, you’ll see I’m fine,” Gu Tangjin suggested. Ji Rongxia, who had always hated studying, nodded obediently today: “Okay, okay.”

Sigh, he’d really gotten too carried away with joy today. Was this what the books meant by “too much joy leads to sorrow”?

Better stick to learning to read. Studying might dampen his excitement a bit—who knows, maybe their luck will turn around.

Gu Tangjin wiped down the desk, then set out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He began teaching Ji Rongxia to recognize and write characters.

Half an hour passed, and Gu Tangjin still showed no reaction.

Ji Rongxia, who had been watching him nervously all along, finally relaxed a little. Seeing this, Gu Tangjin put away the paper and brush and said, “Let’s go to sleep.”

Ji Rongxia: “Mm.” No more worries—reading and writing are so hard after all. Better to go to sleep early!

The two lay down on the bed. Ji Rongxia, snuggled up against Gu Tangjin, fell asleep almost immediately and entered the system space.

“Thanks, little chef. That was a close call. Thanks for the medicine.” Ji Rongxia first thanked the cloud-shaped system. The Cooking God System replied, “It was my oversight this time. No need to thank me, Host.”

Ji Rongxia waved his hand. “Let’s not talk about that. Let’s finish the cumin beef first. I’ll only be staying in the system space for half an hour today.” The Cooking God System flickered. “Then please begin the task, Host.”

Ji Rongxia had already completed 80% of the cumin beef recipe last time.

Today, as soon as he entered, Ji Rongxia worked for just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn and successfully completed the task.

【 Ding. Detection shows the seasoning completion rate for the cumin beef is 98%. Exceeding 95% triggers a special reward.】

【 Ding! Special Reward: The detailed recipe for the Cumin Beef seasoned by the Host and the Perfect Cumin Beef.】

“Hmm, it really is that simple,” Ji Rongxia clapped his hands, feeling quite smug.

The Cooking God System asked, “Host, you have one stick of incense’s worth of time remaining. Do you wish to continue the mission?”

Ji Rongxia was full of fighting spirit and, of course, wanted to keep working while he still had the momentum: “Let’s continue! I want to finish this mission early!”

【Eleventh Dish: Sweet and Sour Carp.】

【 Tip: A simplified recipe follows: After preparing the carp, score the skin in a crisscross pattern until the flesh lifts when the fish is held up. Remove the teeth, clean the fish, and soak it in water with a pinch of salt and a splash of wine.】

【 Finely chop the scallions, ginger, and garlic. Mix cornstarch and flour with water to make a batter. Pat the fish dry, dust it lightly with flour, then coat it in the batter. Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the fish.】

【Add a small amount of oil to a pan, then sauté the minced scallions, ginger, and garlic. Add vinegar and cook until fragrant. Once the aroma is released, add water, then sprinkle in sugar and soy sauce. Thicken the sauce with a water-starch slurry. Once the sweet-and-sour sauce is ready, pour it over the fried fish.】

【Please enjoy the finished dish, Host.】

A porcelain plate with a small fish pattern appeared in Ji Rongxia’s hand. The carp on the plate arched its body as if about to leap out of the water. The sweet and sour sauce glistened golden-red and crystal-clear.

The steaming, sweet-and-sour aroma wafted toward him, making his mouth water. Ji Rongxia: “This fish looks absolutely stunning!”

Never mind whether it tastes good—the presentation alone is stunning! He didn’t rush to eat it, but instead circled the sweet-and-sour carp. He almost felt reluctant to pick it up with his chopsticks.

But he couldn’t complete his mission without eating it, so Ji Rongxia finally picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks. The crispy fried fish was coated in a thick, translucent sweet-and-sour sauce—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and exceptionally delicious. It wasn’t just beautiful; it tasted amazing too!

Whether it was due to the seasoning or the carp itself, the fish had almost no muddy aftertaste. Ji Rongxia had a keen sense of taste; even when eating his father’s signature dish, braised fish, he could detect a faint, barely perceptible muddy flavor, yet this dish was completely free of it!

“This dish would make a perfect centerpiece for a banquet,” Ji Rongxia thought as he watched the flawless sweet-and-sour carp disappear before his eyes, feeling a bit regretful that he hadn’t taken a few more glances at it.

Cooking God System: “Yes, Host. This is indeed meant for a feast. Sweet and sour flavors are generally well-received by people. Serving sweet and sour dishes is a safe bet.”

“People in every region have their own taste preferences. Tastes developed from childhood don’t change easily, so while some cuisines are regionally specific, many dishes can adapt to the tastes of most people.”

“Among them, the sweet-and-sour flavor is one of the most widely accepted.”

Ji Rongxia listened quietly, silently committing the words to memory.

“All right, let’s get started.” Ji Rongxia clapped his hands, rolled up his sleeves, and began seasoning the dish.

Sweet and sour carp—the sauce is the soul of the dish. Ji Rongxia kept adjusting the proportions to recreate the flavor he had just tasted. With only the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn left, Ji Rongxia had only managed to get the dish to about sixty percent completion.

Sweet and sour sauce sounds simple, but it’s actually quite tricky to make, Ji Rongxia thought to himself the moment he left the system space. Ji Rongxia opened his eyes and looked over at Gu Tangjin, who was sleeping beside him.

Gu Tangjin’s complexion was normal, his breathing steady—everything seemed fine. Still, Ji Rongxia couldn’t resist reaching out to touch Gu Tangjin’s face and forehead.

Gu Tangjin opened his eyes at his touch. Meeting Ji Rongxia’s slightly worried gaze, he took his hand and placed it in his lap, and said patiently, “I’m really fine. I was just asleep a moment ago.”

“Just because you say you’re fine doesn’t mean I won’t check for myself!”

Although Gu Tangjin said this, Ji Rongxia still examined him carefully several times before he was completely reassured. He slowly moved a little closer to Gu Tangjin.

Gu Tangjin smiled helplessly. He wasn’t made of porcelain—he wasn’t that fragile. Still, he couldn’t help but feel pleased that someone cared about him so much.

The next day, after getting up, Gu Tangjin first soaked the wheat that Ji Rongxia had brought out. Then he went to water the taro.

“In another two or three days, these taro tubers will be ready to plant. Today, I need to go and till the soil first,” Gu Tangjin said as he lifted the straw mat to check on the sprouts.

Gu Tangjin: “I’ll go by myself.”

“Huh? I’m not going?” Ji Rongxia pointed at himself.

Gu Tangjin shook his head: “No need. I’ll handle it. You just focus on the shop. We need to update the menu with the dishes you selected today—you’ve got plenty on your plate.”

Gu Tangjin finally managed to dig out a wooden shovel and a sickle from among the clutter. He thought he’d need to buy a hoe and an iron rake as well.

Back when they didn’t own any farmland, they’d never bought a hoe or a rake. Now it was time to get them.

Gu Tangjin instructed, “If I don’t make it back by noon, just have Mother put it on account. She’s great with the books. She might be a bit swamped, though, so I’ll try to get back as early as I can.”

“But plowing is exhausting. Can’t you just stay home?” Ji Rongxia was still a bit hesitant.

Gu Tangjin went into the house and brought out some silver to buy the hoes and rakes: “Cooking is tiring too. I’m setting this silver aside to buy the hoes and rakes. Iron tools aren’t cheap, so I’ll take three taels of silver for now.”

“Mm-hmm. Go ahead and take it. We can’t skimp on this.” Ji Rongxia said, following behind Gu Tangjin. “I’ll make you some food to take with you. Eat it when you get hungry.”

Ji Rongxia thought for a moment and suggested, “By the way, I’ll handle setting up the breakfast stall on my own these next few days. Don’t worry about kneading the dough either. You should go out early—it’s not too hot in the morning. Come back once the sun gets too strong. We’ll work when it’s cool; don’t push yourself too hard.”

Gu Tangjin knew Ji Rongxia was trying to make things easier for him, so he nodded. “Alright.” “Wait a moment. I’ll go get you something to eat.” Ji Rongxia hurried off to the kitchen.

Ji Rongxia took out a bowl of chestnut and jujube congee from the system space, followed by a serving of braised pork belly with taro and a plate of oyster sauce spinach. He warmed up two steamed buns left over from the previous day, sliced them in half, and used the bun halves to sandwich a piece of taro and two slices of braised pork.

Just as he was about to add the oyster sauce lettuce, Ji Rongxia paused. Oysters can easily cause allergies—would oyster sauce made from them have the same effect? Tangjin hadn’t tried oyster sauce lettuce before.

He picked up a forkful of the oyster sauce lettuce for Gu Tangjin to try first, to see if he had an allergic reaction.

Gu Tangjin ate it and showed no adverse reaction, so Ji Rongxia finally felt at ease and tucked the lettuce into the steamed bun.

While Ji Rongxia was cooking, Gu Tangjin wasn’t idle either. He went to feed the little black and yellow dogs, who were still curled up together asleep, tidied up the yard, watered the cucumbers, taro, and chili peppers, and even kneaded all the dough needed for the day.

Ji Rongxia packed the food into a small basket: “In here, you’ll find fruit punch, steamed buns with meat, and eight-treasure porridge.”

“Alright, I got it.” Gu Tangjin changed into a worn, short brown tunic, carefully tied his hair back, and put on a straw hat. “I’ve already prepared the dough for the pan-fried buns; it’s on the stove on the east side.”

“Mm, I see it. You should go now; I can handle this little bit of work on my own. It’s too early today. If you can’t find a hoe, go borrow one from the village—don’t be stingy with the money.” Ji Rongxia tugged at Gu Tangjin’s hand as he gave him this advice.

Gu Tangjin nodded. “I’ll be on my way then.”

“Go on, go on.” Ji Rongxia let go of Gu Tangjin’s hand.

Gu Tangjin walked away quickly.

Ji Rongxia felt a bit of emptiness in his heart. Ever since they’d been married, they’d been inseparable, rarely spending time apart. He took a deep breath and went to work!

Today, he was making some pan-fried buns. Fisherman Wang had delivered fresh shrimp early in the morning, so Ji Rongxia had set them aside in a cool, shaded spot, planning to take them next door after he finished preparing breakfast.

“Hey, Xia-ger, why are you setting up the stall all by yourself today? Where’s Tangjin?” Guan Hongchi opened his shop for business and, seeing Ji Rongxia moving things in and out alone, asked in puzzlement.

“Tangjin’s out in the fields, so I’m setting up the breakfast stall by myself for now,” Ji Rongxia said. “Have you guys already bought the land?” Guan Hongchi asked curiously.

“Yeah, we’ve bought it all—a paddy field and a dry field. It’s over in Tongdong Village,” Ji Rongxia replied vaguely.

Guan Hongchi chuckled, “Oh, that’s great. Your family won’t have to harvest grain anymore. If you grow a lot in the future, I might even buy grain from you.”

Ji Rongxia waved his hand and said, “We’re nowhere near that yet. Brother Guan, please don’t tease us.” Guan Hongchi came over and bought three scoops of fruit drink.

“If you get too busy, just let me know, and I’ll have Guan Xiaomei come over to help you,” Guan Hongchi added as he was leaving. Ji Rongxia replied, “Don’t worry. If I really can’t handle it, I won’t hesitate to ask for your help.”

Liu Dalang, who had come out to buy fruit punch, overheard this and said, “No need to bother you. My place is pretty quiet right now. If you’re really swamped, Xia-ger, just come to my place. Xia-ger, give me four scoops of fruit punch.”

They sold pastries, so they were only busy during the baking hours; strictly speaking, they weren’t as busy as those who ran noodle shops or eateries. Ji Rongxia scooped four heaping scoops of fruit drink into the large bowl Liu Dalang had brought.

Ji Rongxia: “Here you go, Brother Liu.”

Several more customers trickled in one after another. Ji Rongxia was busy serving fruit drinks and dishing out pan-fried buns, but he was just about managing to keep up.

When it was finally Wu Baoquan’s turn, he quickly stepped forward and held out the two large bowls in his hands: “I’ll have peach fruit drink, and this mixed one—four scoops of each. And thirty Pan-fried buns for me.”

The last time he came to buy breakfast, he’d tried a little of each fruit drink, and after tasting them, he realized that these two were his and Zhu Pengyi’s favorites.

“Sure.” Ji Rongxia poured the fruit drinks for him and began wrapping the pan-fried buns.

“Is Xiucai Gu not here?” Taking advantage of the moment, Wu Baoquan struck up a conversation with Ji Rongxia. With such a talented cook, he’d better build a good relationship.

“He’s out in the fields,” Ji Rongxia replied briefly. “Out in the fields at this hour? Planting rice?”

Wu Baoquan wasn’t the kind of county magistrate who neglected his duties.

His hometown was near Qingchi County, so he naturally knew that both wheat and rice could be grown here. Wheat could be harvested twice a year: spring wheat and winter wheat.

Spring wheat grows faster and matures in about three months, ready for harvest by autumn. Winter wheat grows more slowly; sown in the fall, it isn’t harvested until the following summer.

Rice could also be planted in two seasons: in the spring and in late summer.

Rice planted in March or April is harvested in June or July, and planting begins immediately after the harvest.

Hence, there is also the term “Three Summers” here, which refers to summer harvest, summer planting, and summer management. During the summer, one must harvest grain, plant grain, and remember to apply fertilizer and tend to the fields.

Of course, while the books describe it this way, in practice, one cannot plant in this manner. If one were to follow this method strictly, even the most fertile fields could not withstand such strain! Therefore, generally speaking, it is simply not possible to plant so many seasons. Both wheat and rice are typically planted in two seasons, with a gap of one or two years in between, to allow the land to rest. During this time, crops like beans are planted to nourish the soil.

It’s already June now, so if we’re talking about what to plant, it should be the second crop of rice.

“Hmm, we should also plant some taro,” Ji Rongxia said.

Wu Baoquan’s eyes never left those plump pan-fried buns: “That’s great—taro tastes delicious when roasted, too.”

Ji Rongxia didn’t know how to respond, so he just smiled.

Suddenly, the Cooking God System emerged from its semi-dormant state and alerted him: “Host, someone is watching you—or rather, watching you and this county magistrate. The person is in the southeast.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Rongxia looked toward the southeast and indeed saw a scrawny man lurking there.

“What’s he up to?” Ji Rongxia paused as he was wrapping the pan-fried buns.

“He… said that Magistrate Wu moved his residence here because of… you, Host. He thought you two were having an affair.” 

“He’s going to go back and tell Magistrate Zhong.”

Actually, the man was referring to a mistress. The Cooking God System woke up from its semi-dormant state on its own because it detected keywords that were detrimental to the host.

Cooking God System: “That person has left now.”

The Cooking God System spoke vaguely, but Ji Rongxia understood perfectly. He was so angry he could laugh!

“Xia-ger, why aren’t you putting on a show anymore? The pan-fried buns are getting cold.” Wu Baoquan was getting a little anxious; these buns are best right out of the pan. Ji Rongxia withdrew his gaze and said coldly, “Magistrate, someone’s following you. Didn’t you notice?”

He wouldn’t get involved in this sort of thing—whoever caused the trouble should deal with it. Ji Rongxia had just called out Magistrate Wu Baoquan by name.

Wu Baoquan’s smile vanished instantly, and his gaze turned cold.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Pengyi immediately looked in the direction Ji Rongxia had been staring.

Wu Baoquan said solemnly, “Xia-ger, rest assured. I’ll take care of this.”

He just wanted to enjoy a peaceful meal—why was someone ruining it for him? Whoever dared to disturb his meal would have their rice bowl smashed to pieces!