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“We all share the surname Meng and live in Mengjia Village in Huaiyuan

County. In the future, if you want to eat fish, just come and find us. You don’t need to pay such a high price anymore.”

“Haha, I’ll thank you in advance.”

The two exchanged smiles and nodded to each other. Qiao Mai continued on her way.

After Qiao Mai had gone a distance, she asked some passersby for information and learned she was in Huaiyuan County, part of the Great Ming Dynasty in the southeast – Yan City.

Here, they produced salt and fish. In this ancient and less developed era, the hardworking people in the south had found various ways to make a living, such as drying fish and shrimp to make dried seafood.

Qiao Mai wasn’t in a hurry to return home. Along her journey, she bought some dried fish and salted fish.

She also bought seaweed, dried sea squill, and conch meat.

She had a lot of money, so she decided to provide some benefits for the local people.

If she couldn’t eat it all, she would sell it in her shop. She had space to store everything.

During her trip, it seemed like Qiao Mai had looted the town, as her space was

filled with a wide variety of seafood, which she had taken from the shores.

Greeny watched all of this in awe. Qiao Mai, who never ate the seafood from her space, was now gleefully feasting on what others provided.

“Master, you’ve been away for quite some time.”

“How many days?” “Five days.”

“Wow, I had so much fun.’

She quickly put the horse carriage into her space. She rode Dong Zao during the day and flew with her wings at night.

On a dark evening, Qiao Mai returned to Tianshui Town, unlocking the front gate and entering Lucky Garden, her family’s residence. As she arrived, the Qiao family household came to life with excitement and joy.

As soon as her family heard that she had returned, nobody had any intention of sleeping. She had been gone for several days, and they were curious to see what she had brought back.

One after another, curious faces looked at Qiao Mai as she unloaded a fish that weighed five to six hundred pounds from her carriage.

They all stared in amazement, as it was the first time they had seen anything like it.

Luckily, it was winter, so Qiao Mai left the fish outside. The house was filled with crates containing various seafood items.

Qiao Mai began unloading the goods from the cart, and the others eagerly took over. Old Master Wang stroked his beard and watched while the rest of the family seemed to be ecstatic like a group of fools, except for him, as he remained clear-headed.

The amount of goods the cart carried was too much. Perhaps only these seemingly clueless folks could believe it.

Despite this, the sight of so much seafood brought great joy to him. He smacked his lips in anticipation, realizing there would be some excellent side dishes for the following day’s drinks.

It was late at night. Qiao Mai insisted that everyone should rest after unloading the cargo, and she didn’t ask the kitchen staff to prepare her dinner.

The servants were dismissed for the evening, but her family stayed in Qiao Mai’s courtyard, gazing upon the mountain-like bounty of seafood.

“Wife, what would you like to eat? I’ll make it for you.”

Yuan Jiaqi offered, knowing that his culinary skills were nothing special, but he could make something simple.

“No need, I’ll cook for myself. Why aren’t you all sleeping?

“We’ll leave after you’ve had your meal.”

“Alright, go to the living room. I’ll make myself some noodles.”

“What kind of noodles? I’d like some.

The smell of seafood had made everyone hungry. Qiao Mai had awakened their appetites.

Qiao Mai went to one ot the boxes and found a large basin, which she used to scoop out shrimp and take them to the kitchen.

First, she heated some water, then cleaned the shrimp and blanched them briefly with hot water.

Afterward, she set another pot of water to boil and retrieved instant noodles from her space. She intended to prepare a deluxe version of noodles for everyone.

Yue Hong and Yue Xia waited near the kitchen door. They were aware that Qiao Mai preferred to cook without anyone standing by.

The people sitting in the living room felt somewhat embarrassed. They realized that after a long journey, Qiao Mai was tired, yet they couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate a late-night snack.

Some wanted to leave but also wanted to stay for the meal. They looked hesitant, and it was comical.

Not long after, the noodles were ready. Qiao Mai served them in large bowls with three big prawns, ham slices, half a boiled egg, and a few green leaves as garnish, making the dish look appetizing.

Yue Hong and Yue Xia took the bowls and brought them into the living room, with Qiao Mai following them and bringing her own bowl.

As they entered, they saw everyone eagerly slurping their noodles.

People were not only eating but also enjoying the soup.

Instant noodles were a universally beloved food, especially in the modern world, where they came in varieties.

There were cup noodles, hand-pulled noodles, stir-fried noodles, and many other creative flavors. With such a wide range of options, no one could resist the allure.

Even ancient people couldn’t resist this delicious treat.

Ling’er was asleep and didn’t get to enjoy the meal, but Qiao Mai had cooked it for her on previous occasions.

As for the others, it was their first time trying such a dish.

Everyone relished the food, especially Old Master Wang. He couldn’t resist looking at others’ bowls while eating his own.

“Girl, is there any more?”

“You still want more?”

“I was just asking,” Old Master Wang said, a little embarrassed.

“If you want more, I’ll make it for you tomorrow. Eating too much at night isn’t good for your health.”

“Alright, it’s a deal. Tomorrow’s breakfast will be this.”

“Sure, I’ll add some more seafood for you.”

“By the way, what about that big fish of yours?”

“We’ll have it for lunch tomorrow. I’ll pan-fry some for you to taste in the morning.”

“Hehe.”

Everyone smiled. With Qiao Mai around, they all had hearty appetites.

Even Yuan Jiaqi, the bookworm, couldn’t help but gulp when thinking about Qiao Mai’s culinary skills.

The next day, everyone was looking forward to the instant noodles. They arrived in Qiao Mai’s yard early in the morning. To prevent them from feeling bored, Yue Hong prepared tea for them in the living room.

Since they knew Qiao Mai was tired, they didn’t disturb her sleep. They all had growling stomachs, but none of them left.

When Qiao Mai woke up and saw this scene, she chuckled. She wore peculiar pajamas and slippers as she walked to the kitchen. Old Mistress Wang followed her. “What are you wearing?

“Pajamas.”

“That’s quite a peculiar look.”

“But it’s very comfortable.”

“These are what you wear when you sleep?”

“Yes.”

“Can you get a couple of sets for me too? I’d also like the thing you’re wearing on your feet.”

“Sure, I’ll get you two sets for the New Year as a gift. But not right now; I need to contact him.”

Early in the morning, Qiao Mai prepared a seafood feast for everyone.

Steamed yellow croaker, braised belt fish, pan-fried tuna, garlic steamed oysters, oil-braised king prawns, and garlic stir-fried sea crabs—each dish was served in large bowls.

Old Master Wang had set up the alcohol and invited everyone to dig in when the seafood was served.

In front of each person was also a bowl of the deluxe instant noodles. This time, even Ling’er had her portion.

Yue Hong and Yue Xia took turns holding Ling’er while she ate. They knew they were included in the seafood meal thanks to serving Ling’er.

After breakfast, Old Master Wang took the children to their lessons.

Old Mistress Wang went to feed her poultry, and Ling’er snuggled up in Qiao Mai’s arms.

“Mom, I’ll be four years old after the New Year.”

“Yes, what do you want to say?”

“I want to study and learn to read with my brothers. Is that okay?”

Qiao Mai sighed. In ancient times, educated women couldn’t take the imperial examination, and besides, what her brothers were learning now wasn’t suitable for her. Teaching her from scratch wasn’t the best solution either.

It seems that after the New Year, she would have to find a female teacher for her daughter.

“Sweetie, at your age, it’s time to play. I promise you can start studying when you’re five. I’ll find a female teacher to teach you properly. Is that okay?”

Ling’er shook her head. “No. My brothers are studying, and I’m just playing. It’s not right.”

“Alright. After the New Year, I’ll find a female teacher for you, okay?” Ling’er nodded obediently.

Qiao Mai asked, “You only want to learn to read, not martial arts?”

Again, Ling’er shook her head. “Martial arts are too tiring. I can’t handle the hardship. I’d rather study.” “Okay, my dear. You can learn anything you want as long as you enjoy it.”

“Hehe, Mom, you’re the best.”

Ling’er kissed Qiao Mai on the face. “Mom, you’re so fair and smell so nice..”