Chapter 229: Mushroom Cultivation

Hua Zhi had her mind set on her journey south. Upon returning home, she immediately began preparations for the trip. Naturally, the Hua family was reluctant to let her go, but apart from veiled expressions of disapproval, they couldn't say much more. Even Zhu Shi gritted her teeth and swallowed all her objections.

After handing over household matters to her fourth aunt, Hua Zhi said, "Ying Chun and Nian Qiu will stay behind. Fourth Aunt, please use them well."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Wu Shi looked thinner and her spirit was somewhat wilted, but she forced herself to ask, "Do you have to go on this trip?"

"I have to. The Hua family is still far from being where it needs to be. Those other branches are busy with their businesses, so you just need to pay a little more attention. If they don't come to you, you don't need to bother with them. Also, about Hua Qin's marriage, I wasn't at the manor when she got married. Although I've already given a portion, the Hua family still needs to give another portion on the surface. Fourth Aunt, you can decide how much to give and how to give it. When you're handling these matters, take second sister and the others with you. I see that they've all improved a lot. I plan to let them take over these chores in the future."

Not only had they improved, but they had all changed into different people. With such a good example in front of them, who wouldn't want to become better?

Wu Shi smiled and agreed.

At the door, Ying Chun announced, "Miss, Tang Yong is here to see you."

Tang Yong?

Hua Zhi's heart skipped a beat. "Quickly bring him in."

Tang Yong entered the room carrying a bamboo basket and bowed deeply without raising his head, "This one greets the eldest young miss."

"Please rise." Hua Zhi glanced at the basket beside him. "Is there good news?"

"Yes." Tang Yong lifted the cloth covering the basket, revealing a basket of tender mushrooms. Although they were just ordinary oyster mushrooms, it proved that the method she had improved was feasible. It was only a matter of time before other varieties of mushrooms would be cultivated.

Tang Yong carefully took out the top layer of oyster mushrooms and placed them on the ground. Only then did Hua Zhi realize that there were also king oyster mushrooms underneath.

"They have been fruiting continuously for some time, but I didn't come back to report because I thought they hadn't reached the standard you required, young miss. I think this batch looks pretty good, so I brought it over."

Hua Zhi couldn't help but stand up and picked up an oyster mushroom to smell it. It was the right smell. She then pressed the king oyster mushroom and it felt firm. Glancing at the hourglass, Hua Zhi turned to Wu Shi and smiled, "Fourth Aunt, let's have a taste today."

Wu Shi thought she was just asking the kitchen staff to prepare it, but she didn't expect her to go to the kitchen herself. She was startled and quickly followed.

Rolling up her sleeves and tying them tightly, Hua Zhi gestured for Lan Qiao to watch carefully. She picked the oyster mushrooms apart and tore them into small pieces, soaking them in water. Then she washed and sliced the king oyster mushrooms, found some green peppers, and sliced them along with some scallions, ginger, and garlic. When she saw that there was tofu in the basket, she sliced the tofu into pieces. Finally, she made a stir-fried green pepper with king oyster mushrooms and a stewed tofu with oyster mushrooms. She was still in mourning, otherwise, it would have been better to add some meat.

Wu Shi didn't know whether to be surprised that Zhi'er could cook or that these two dishes were so fragrant, and she did it so skillfully, it was clear that she wasn't doing it for the first time.

"Fourth Aunt, try it." Hua Zhi filled a small bowl and handed it over. She had already tasted it herself, and she didn't know if it was because of the different water and soil, but the freshness was much stronger than in the world she had been in before. When there was a large surplus, she could make it into a powder and add it to dishes to enhance the flavor. Yes, she could have someone make some first and take it with her to the north.

Wu Shi ate several mouthfuls, and the fresh and smooth taste made her finish the small portion, even drinking the soup. Just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by another voice, "It smells so good, Huahua, there's something delicious and you didn't call me!"

What a good nose, Hua Zhi laughed and personally filled a bowl and handed it to her, teasing her, "Aren't you always squatting by the sandbox and won't move?"

"The smell distracted me from thinking. I won't be able to beat Xiao Liu if I don't fill my stomach first." As she spoke, Shao Yao blew on the food and put it into her mouth, her mouth full of oil, and her eyes shining. "It's delicious, Huahua, it's delicious."

"I'm not delicious." Scolding her with a smile, Hua Zhi filled another bowl and handed it to the Sixth Prince who had just come in. She didn't force the Sixth Prince to go to the clan school. Since he was interested in the sandbox, it wouldn't hurt to study it more.

Eating in the kitchen was the first time for the Sixth Prince, Gu Chengqian. He found it both novel and comfortable. Following Shao Yao's example, he blew on the food and put it into his mouth, then nodded at Hua Zhi, his eyes expressing two words: delicious!

With the approval of a foodie and a prince, it was obvious that the taste was indeed good. Hua Zhi was in a good mood and asked Ying Chun to distribute the rest, even Tang Yong got a small portion.

From the kitchen to the study, Hua Zhi had already listed a long list of menus. She wrote them all down and noted the methods, and even put the remaining mushrooms together and asked Xu Ying to send them to Fu Dong.

There's only been such a small yield, and she wasn't planning to sell it now. It's perfect for giving to Fu Dong to practice with.

"Is there any more at the manor?"

"Yes, about twenty more jin. The servants and I estimate that we can expect another small harvest in about half a month."

"Very well, send all the rest to the Shi Zai restaurant."

"Yes."

"There should be a large harvest later. Be sure not to slack off. Unless I send word otherwise, all the mushrooms harvested after this, except for the shiitake mushrooms which should be sent here, should be sent to the Shi Zai restaurant."

"Yes, I will definitely manage it well."

"You've worked hard." Hua Zhi's tone softened. "I heard that you've already betrothed yourself to Chen Mama's daughter. The wedding has been set for next month. You should prepare a new room at the manor, and bring her with you when she goes. The two of you should manage the manor for me."

This was a huge surprise to Tang Yong. He quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude. His fiancée had been serving by the Second Madam's side, and she had already hinted that the Second Madam had no intention of letting her go. He had originally thought that after they got married, they would have to live in two places. He had never expected the Eldest Miss to grant him this favor. For a moment, he didn't know how to thank her.

After Tang Yong had thanked her profusely, Hua Zhi instructed, "When they get married, send them a gift in my name privately."

Ying Chun agreed. Tang Yong was a trustworthy person, and his parents were both in the manor, so they didn't worry about him causing any trouble. They were all at ease.

"By the time they send the shiitake mushrooms, the weather should have improved. Then you should have people wash and dry the shiitake mushrooms, and grind them into powder. Remember to make sure they are completely dry, otherwise they won't keep for long."

"Yes."

"If there's a lot, you can send a portion to the Shi Zai restaurant. If there's only a little, keep it all. I want to take it with me to the North."

"Yes, I'll remember." Ying Chun hesitated before asking, "Can I really not go with you? If we go by water, we don't need to ride a horse. I won't be a burden."

"I'll have Bao Xia go with me. You have to stay. Ying Chun, you're my major steward. All the big and small matters in the manor need you to take care of. The Hua family is my base camp. Only if you're here to hold down the fort can I feel at ease. It's like playing a game of chess. I'm charging at the front, but my ultimate goal is to protect my rear base. I can lose battles at the front and then counterattack, but if my base camp is in trouble, then I've lost everything. Do you understand?"

Ying Chun nodded, her eyes red and her lips bitten. "I will definitely guard it for you."

———TN: I'm currently taking a break from my day to relax and get some work done. I'm sitting at a car wash, waiting for my car to be cleaned. It's an unusual surprisingly peaceful place to work, as I can sit and use my tablet to update you on my progress. I'm enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the opportunity to focus on my tasks.