Chapter 299: Of Course

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations

“Official Ji, would you like to have a taste?” Ji Zhao handed the plate of fried locusts to him with a smile.

Ji Ting’an subconsciously waved his hand to refuse. However, when he smelled the fragrance, he was eager to give it a try.

“Is… is it really edible?”

“It’s edible.” Ji Zhao smiled firmly. “If you don’t want to set an example and taste it, I’m afraid the villagers of Dingyuan County won’t try it easily, right?’

Upon hearing this, Ji Ting’an’s eyes flashed. A moment later, his eyes were filled with determination.

In the end, he simply closed his eyes and picked up a fried locust and put it into his mouth!

It was different from what he had imagined. The locusts that had been fried were fresh and crispy. When he took a bite, they were actually filled with fragrance?

…..
The strangest thing was that he actually felt like he hadn’t had enough?

‘What do you think, Official?” Ji Zhao had already come to an answer when she saw the expression on his face.

‘Very good!’

Ji Ting’an was overjoyed. He really did not expect Ji Zhao’s culinary skills to be so superb. Even the infamous locusts could be made into delicious delicacies by her!

“Sir, I’ve already written down the cooking method for locusts.” Ji Zhao generously offered the ‘secret recipe’. Then, she made some very valuable suggestions regarding the cooking of locusts.

Ji Ting’an kept nodding. He only sighed after sending the couple off.

“If Ji Ah Tao is a man, she will definitely be loyal to the emperor and patriotize the country in the future. She will do her best for the imperial court!”

Zhu Bai, who was standing behind him, nodded silently. Madam Shen was indeed extraordinary.

She was kind and had a good temperament, making people want to get close to her.

“But sir, I’m afraid it won’t be easy to convince everyone to eat locusts,” Zhu Bai said worriedly.

“It’s fine. I’ll send a letter to the Prince. I believe His Highness will have a way to resolve this matter,” Ji Ting’an said firmly. “Compared to other provinces and counties, Dingyuan County is the least affected. I believe it has already attracted the attention of some people with ulterior motives.”

“Previously, His Highness specially instructed me to think of a way to get close to Shen Yao subtly. But now, I feel that his Madam is more interesting.” Ji Ting’an lowered his head and rubbed the ring-shaped jade pendant on his waist. He raised his eyebrows thoughtfully. “Zhu Bai, what do you think will happen if I send Ji Ah Tao’s portrait to the capital?”

“Sir, you still suspect Madam Shen’s background?” Zhu Bai was a little surprised, but after thinking about it carefully, he could understand Official Ji’s thoughts.

“Yes, JiAh Tao was not born in Pomegranate Village, not to mention that her appearance is very similar to Eldest Aunt.” Ji Ting’an seriously considered for a while and finally decided to quietly draw a portrait of Ji Zhao and send it to Eldst Aunt. After all, Eldest Aunt was a benefactor to him.

The locust plague finally ended, and the citizens of Dingyuan County welcomed a hearty rain at the end of July.

The heavy rain lasted for an entire day and night. It only stopped at dawn on the first day of August.

Crystal clear dewdrops were rolling around on the green banana leaves, mischievous and cute.

The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh.

The spot beside the sleepy Ji Zhao was already cold.

She sat up in bed in a daze. After yawning, she was finally completely awake.

Squeak—

The moment the door was pushed open, Shen Yao gathered the oil-paper umbrella in his hand and shook the raindrops outside the eaves. Then, he turned around and walked into the house.

In his arms were two budding hibiscus flowers.

“Zhaozhao, you’re awake?” Shen Yao smiled at her. Then, he found a clean bottle and inserted the two lotus flowers inside.

The fragrance of the hibiscus flowers added a touch of beauty to the room.

“You woke up so early to pick lotus flowers?”

“Yes.” Shen Yao smiled and walked to her side. Then, he raised his hand and tapped the tip of her nose. “Have you forgotten what you said last night?”

“Last night?’ Hearing this word, Ji Zhao instantly blushed.

Ever since they became husband and wife, she realized how energetic Shen Yao

Every time they did the deed, he would never stop if she did not cry and beg for mercy.

However, this feeling was a sweet burden.

“Zhaozhao, why did your face suddenly become so hot? Huh?” Shen Yao rubbed her chin, his gentle tone filled with a faint smile. The meaning behind it was self-evident.

“Cough cough… Is it hot? I don’t think so!” Ji Zhao silently moved his hand away and pretended to blink blankly. “Last night… What did I say last night?”

‘You said that you’ve been eating too much greasy things. You want to drink a bowl of snow fungus lotus seed soup,” Shen Yao pinched her nose helplessly and said softly.

“So you went to pick the lotus seed pods early in the morning?” Ji Zhao was surprised but also extremely touched.

“Yes!” Shen Yao nodded slightly. “I’ve already sent the lotus seed pods to the kitchen. Mother said that she would call us when the snow fungus lotus seed soup is ready.”

“Shen Yao, why are you so nice!” Ji Zhao rushed into his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist. The moment she looked up at him, her almond-shaped eyes were as bright as the stars.

“Silly girl! Shen Yao lowered his head and pressed it against her forehead. He said gently, “You’re my wife. It’s only right that I treat you well.”

The smile in Ji Zhao’s eyes deepened. She hugged him tightly, unwilling to let go.

“Zhaozhao, I don’t mind letting you sleep a little longer, okay?” Shen Yao raised his eyebrows and looked at her. A faint smile appeared at the corners of his eyes. The deeper meaning was self-evident.

At this moment, Ji Zhao was like a frightened little rabbit as she hurriedly let go.

“I’ll go to the kitchen and see if Mother needs my help!’

With that, she hurriedly ran out—

After all, if she was slow, she would definitely not be able to get out of bed before lunch today.

An hour later.

When Ji Zhao returned to the room with the cooked snow fungus lotus seed soup, Shen Yao was reading seriously.

“Shen Yao, let’s eat the lotus seed soup first?” Ji Zhao smiled and handed the bowl of snow fungus lotus seed soup to him. “Shouldn’t we leave for the prefecture capital in two days?”

The Fall Quarter Examinations of the Great Jing Dynasty usually started in mid -August. When the Fall Quarter Examinations ended, the osmanthus flowers would bloom. That was why there was a osmanthus laurel ranking.

There was another name for the Fall Quarter Examinations, which was the village examination.

Shen Yao was already a student seven years ago, but he unfortunately failed the exam four years ago.

If Master Fan had not told Shen Yao the truth before he died, he would not have dared to believe that his results had been swapped in advance.

‘Yes.” After finishing the bowl of snow fungus lotus seed soup, Shen Yao nodded slightly. “If nothing goes wrong, we should set off in two days.”

“Then it’s time for me to pack my luggage!” “Ah Tao?” Shen Yao suddenly called out.

‘Yes?’

“If I don’t succeed this time…”

“Shen Yao,” Ji Zhao walked around the table and walked to his side. She said with a serious gaze, “Regardless of whether you can pass or not, to me, you are only my husband.. No matter what your identity is, do you understand?”