"Of course. Let's quickly pack our things. Zhu Fei, go out and buy some groceries. I'll make hot pot for you all tonight! Remember to take an umbrella!"
Mu Fengqie looked at the pattering raindrops outside the window and thought of her favorite hot pot from her past life. It was late autumn now, and it happened to be raining. Such weather was perfect for hot pot!
After taking a short break, the girls got busy with their respective tasks in a well - organized way. They didn't bring many things, so it only took them less than half an hour to tidy up their clothes.
Zhu Fei was also very quick. Her slender hands were full of vegetables and meat, enough for them and the Shangshu family.
Seeing Xiao Qing and Zhu Fei act so quickly, Mu Fengqie couldn't help but give them a thumbs - up. Then, smiling broadly, she took the groceries in her hand and went to the small kitchen. She was going to use this hot pot meal to repay Mrs. Shen and Lord Shen for taking her in.
Preparing hot pot was different from other dishes. All they needed to do was slice the meat thinly, prepare some chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings, and then wash the vegetables. Then they were all set.
When Mrs. Shen and Lord Shen heard the report, their faces were full of surprise. Then they followed Xiao Qing to Tingfeng Garden, where Mu Fengqie was currently living. They could smell the delicious aroma from afar.
However, when they saw what was in front of them, the surprise on their faces didn't diminish at all. There was a big pot set up in the yard, and the table was filled with uncooked vegetables and meat. They sat down, not quite sure what was going on.
"Godfather, godmother, you're here. Qi'er is too young to eat hot pot. I made some medicinal porridge and nourishing side dishes for him and sent them to his wet - nurse."
Although Mu Fengqie had only met Qi'er a few times, she truly loved him from the bottom of her heart. This little guy had suffered so much at only two years old. Now that he was cured, he was a lively, cheerful, and smiling child. She hoped that when her own child was born, he or she would be as smiling as Qi'er.
Hearing this, Mrs. Shen showed a guilty look on her face and said chidingly, "You've been traveling for two days to get to the imperial city. Why don't you have a good rest and do these things? You can just leave these to the servants. You're the young lady of our Shangshu Mansion!"
Mrs. Shen was overjoyed to know that Mu Fengqie was going to stay in the imperial city. She couldn't wait to introduce Mu Fengqie to the nobles in the imperial city, so that everyone would know that this outstanding young lady was her adopted daughter.
Mu Fengqie lowered her eyes and smiled gently. "I'm not really a young lady. It's just that godmother doesn't mind taking me in. So today I made hot pot to repay godfather and godmother."
"Is this the hot pot you were talking about?" Lord Shen frowned slightly and stared intently at the table full of green vegetables.
Mu Fengqie nodded. "This is a delicious dish I discovered when I was idle. Eating hot pot always gives a warm feeling. Godfather, godmother, please try it and see if it suits your taste?"
So, under Mu Fengqie's eager gaze, Lord Shen and Mrs. Shen picked up their chopsticks, followed Mu Fengqie's example, swished the meat in the hot pot a couple of times, and put it into their mouths. Immediately, they felt a mellow aroma fill their hearts. It was truly delicious.
"This hot pot is truly a delicacy in the world. Today we're really lucky to be able to taste such a delicious dish thanks to Qie'er." Mrs. Shen smiled and said in amazement.
Mu Fengqie was secretly happy to receive the praise. She was just taking credit for someone else's creation. But since no one here knew about hot pot, she could justifiably claim to be the inventor of this dish.
While secretly rejoicing, Mu Fengqie said, "Actually, I was worried that godfather and godmother wouldn't be used to the taste of hot pot. I'll make the snacks you like tomorrow."
Mu Fengqie was good at cooking and had a strong learning ability. If there was something she didn't know how to make, she could quickly learn from Xiao Qing and make a delicate snack. Many of the snacks were taught to her by Xiao Qing.
Hearing this, Lord Shen slowly put down his chopsticks. His face was full of kindness. "Now that you're here, just stay here at ease. You're the young lady of our Shangshu Mansion and also Qi'er's savior. Don't be so formal. In fact, in our eyes, you're just like our own daughter."
Mu Fengqie felt extremely complicated. She was in a daze. How lucky she was to have met Lord Shen and Mrs. Shen. She would definitely protect the Shangshu Mansion from any harm in the future!
"Yes, so don't be so constrained. Tomorrow, mother will take you to meet the young ladies from noble families in the imperial city so that everyone can get to know you." Mrs. Shen took Mu Fengqie's hand and said, "This hot pot is so delicious. Haven't you thought about opening a hot pot restaurant in the imperial city, Qie'er?"
Mrs. Shen had a hunch that if Mu Fengqie opened a restaurant, hot pot would surely become popular, just like her express delivery station.
Hearing this, Mu Fengqie's eyes lit up. She had never thought of opening a hot pot restaurant before. Since Lord Shen and Mrs. Shen liked the taste of hot pot so much, it must be well - received by the public!
Soon, Mu Fengqie put this idea into practice. She was no longer the shy and penniless girl she used to be. Buying a storefront was no problem for her at all.
So she declined Mrs. Shen's kind offer and chose a store on the busiest street in the imperial city. However, it would take a few days for the decoration, so she had a rare few days of leisure.
Early the next morning, Mrs. Shen came to Tingfeng Garden. At this time, Mu Fengqie had just finished washing and dressing when she saw Mrs. Shen coming to the garden with a group of servants. The sight was quite spectacular.
"You're awake. I brought you some clothes and jewelry. I don't know what colors and patterns you like, so I brought one of each. Try them on and see if they fit?" Mrs. Shen said with a smile.
Mu Fengqie twitched the corner of her mouth and couldn't help but frown.
Mrs. Shen was so kind to her that she didn't know how to repay her. There were at least a dozen pieces of clothing, in various colors and patterns, which showed that Mrs. Shen had really put a lot of effort into it.
The morning sun shone through the window, and the bright sunlight shone on Mu Fengqie's and Mrs. Shen's faces. It felt warm everywhere, making people feel extremely comfortable.
"Godmother, you're so good to me that I don't know how to repay you..." Mu Fengqie lowered her eyes, her face full of shyness and guilt.
Mrs. Shen sighed. "Silly girl, I'm good to you because I consider you part of the family. You don't need to feel burdened. You just need to always remember that you're the young lady of the Shangshu Mansion. As long as I'm here, no one in the imperial city dares to bully you."
Mrs. Shen's voice was firm. Mu Fengqie was stunned. Her dark pupils shrank, and she stood there motionless for a long time, unable to come back to her senses.