Chapter Seventy-Two: Delicious

When Spring Grass and Red Apricot returned, Xu Ruojin called them into her room.

Focusing her gaze on Red Apricot, Xu Ruojin asked pointedly, “Those three maids have been here for quite some time now. What do you think of them?”

Red Apricot seemed taken aback by the sudden question and pondered for a moment before replying, “Since Sister Hemiao arrived, they have restrained themselves a lot. They behave properly before me, and even when scolded, they show no impatience and immediately get to work. Nothing stands out.”

“However, that Little Ke is rather straightforward—she acts before she thinks and is prone to foolishness. Starfruit is the most cunning; she never takes the lead in anything, always stays in the background, but she gets along best with Plum Blossom and is also on good terms with Little Ke.”

Red Apricot glanced at Xu Ruojin, “Do you have any plans, Second Miss?”

Xu Ruojin’s face darkened for a moment before she said, “I returned a bit earlier just now. Little Ke was in the room, claiming to be wiping the wine jars.”

“She’s really grown bold. I’ve warned them countless times not to enter your room, but she took advantage of mine and Spring Grass’s absence to sneak in!”

Red Apricot, hands on her hips, scolded harshly and glanced around to see if anything was missing. “Was anything stolen?”

“Stealing is too much for them to dare,” Xu Ruojin said, looking at the wine jars. “But for the next couple of days, keep a close watch on the wine. No one must touch it. I need to select some to send to the county magistrate’s residence.”

Red Apricot nodded at once. “I’ll move my bedding over tonight and sleep right by the jars. I’ll be up even in the middle of the night—let’s see who dares lay a finger on them.”

“That’s not necessary. It’s just a few jars of wine—just keep an eye on them,” Xu Ruojin said with a smile, letting the matter drop. But Red Apricot could not swallow her anger.

Once outside, she found an excuse to scold Little Ke thoroughly before letting it go.

Spring Grass saw Xu Ruojin sitting at her desk, brow deeply furrowed, busy for a long time. She asked no questions, only poured her a cup of hot tea before leaving to prepare the new winter clothes.

After writing out a prescription, Xu Ruojin called Spring Grass over. “Take this to the young servant by Third Young Master’s side. Ask him to bring it back for me when he goes out. Give him two taels of silver—don’t be stingy.”

Spring Grass, now serving at Xu Ruojin’s side, had learned to read a little. Seeing the words “small wine jar” on the note, she said, “Second Miss, don’t we still have some jars in our courtyard?”

Xu Ruojin smiled, “Things are valued for their rarity. If we bring a big jar, who will think it’s anything special? Go on, and buy the medicinal ingredients on the list as well—our stock is running low.”

“Yes, Miss.” Spring Grass took the money, changed her clothes, and left.

Xu Ruojin called her back once more. “See if Third Young Master is in. If he is, tell him I need his help with something and ask him to come by in the next couple of days.”

“Certainly, I will be sure to pass on your message.”

As Spring Grass left, Xu Ruojin closed her eyes to rest.

Though she didn’t want to suspect those around her of foul play, Little Ke’s actions today had left her shaken, growing more uneasy the more she thought about it.

If the wine were tampered with and something happened at the magistrate’s residence, not only she but the entire Xu family might face ruin.

Zhang Zhongheng, do you truly wish for my death?

Well, I will live out my days happily just to spite you—to make your liver ache, your lungs rot, and your fat body weighed down by fury!

As Xu Ruojin cursed inwardly, Red Apricot returned. True to her word, she had brought her bedding and prepared to sleep right by the wine jars.

“What’s the need for this?” Xu Ruojin said, half laughing, half exasperated. “I only meant for you two to be a little more vigilant.”

“That won’t do,” Red Apricot replied, full of remorse. “Spring Grass and I had planned to take turns, but I thought there was no real risk, so we went together. Who would have thought they’d really use the opportunity to act?”

Red Apricot was quite serious. “This trip of yours is especially important, Second Miss. There must be no negligence. I will guard the wine jars until the morning after tomorrow!”

Xu Ruojin looked at her in astonishment. “Are you going to sit here sewing new clothes?”

“It’s a small hardship, nothing more!” Red Apricot picked up her sewing basket and began threading the needle. Xu Ruojin patted her own face; she had thought herself stubborn, but clearly, someone could outdo her.

Ever since Hemiao’s affairs had been settled, her relationship with Red Apricot had grown naturally closer. This pleased Xu Ruojin, and brought with it a deeper sense of responsibility.

They were all her maids. Treat them with kindness, and they would repay her in kind.

The next afternoon, Xu Zimo arrived at Xu Ruojin’s courtyard with Qi Er.

They brought the small wine jar they’d purchased. Xu Zimo tossed the two taels of silver back to Xu Ruojin. “Must I ask my sister for silver just to buy a few things? Are you mocking your own brother?”

“It was for his running about—why did you confiscate it?” Xu Ruojin smiled at Qi Er.

Qi Er quickly replied, “How could I dare accept silver for serving Second Miss? I’d be risking my own head.”

“Red Apricot, pour them some hot tea,” Xu Ruojin instructed.

Xu Zimo then asked what she needed from him. “Sister, if you need anything done, just say the word!”

Ever since Xu Ruojin had boldly drunk that entire jar of wine in front of the crowd on the street, Xu Zimo’s admiration for his second sister had known no bounds.

In his eyes, such courage was rare even among men, and the fact that his frail sister could stand her ground made her his role model.

“Father and Mother are having me bring wine as a gift to the magistrate’s residence—you know about that, don’t you?” Xu Ruojin asked. Xu Zimo nodded immediately. “Of course. Are you worried about it, Second Sister? There’s absolutely no problem! Your wine, even Li Zhonglin, that old rascal… even he couldn’t help but drink too much. It must be rich and delicious—everyone will praise it. What are you afraid of?”

“Don’t exaggerate,” Xu Ruojin said, pointing to the corner. “There are so many jars. I don’t know which to choose. They’re all for promoting blood circulation and treating aches and pains. You’re not a child anymore, so try a bit of each. If you notice anything amiss, tell me, and I’ll make adjustments in the next couple of days. Will you do it?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Xu Zimo’s eyes nearly disappeared with his grin. “Ask me anything else, and I may not manage, but when it comes to tasting wine, you won’t find a better man!”

“Why not ask Big Brother?” Xu Zimo asked, rubbing his hands together. “Actually, Big Brother is the true wine connoisseur—he’s visited every wine shop in Zhonglin County.”

“He’s busy. I can only trouble you, Third Brother.”

Xu Ruojin had the servants bring over all the wine jars, unsealing them one by one. As the lids came off, a rich fragrance filled the air, making Xu Zimo’s mouth water on the spot.

She poured a full cup and handed it to Xu Zimo. “Taste this.”

“This one is mainly for promoting blood circulation and treating bruises,” she explained.

Xu Zimo carefully lifted the cup, sipped it, and his small eyes immediately widened. He took another sip, and then another, quickly finishing the cup.

Xu Ruojin hastily stopped him, watching intently. “Don’t drink too much. Well? How is it?”

“I can’t quite say,” Xu Zimo replied with a sly smile. “Sister, may I have another cup?”

“Greedy boy! Just one cup—there are several more jars to try!”

“Just one more, I mean, just the last cup from this jar.”

“Well? How is it?”

“It’s delicious!”

“And?”

“Still delicious…”