Soon, the pile of firewood had turned into a pile of charcoal.
Xiao Xizi, who was always hungry, tossed a large handful of peanuts in their shells into it.
After a series of crackling sounds, a strong aroma of roasted peanuts wafted out.
Soon after, Xiao Xizi used a stick to dig them out one by one.
Covered in black charcoal ash and singed shells, they exuded an irresistible fragrance that made one’s mouth water.
A large plate of roasted peanuts was brought over.
Xia Ruqing smiled, grabbed a handful, wrapped them in a handkerchief, and handed them to Honored Lady Lan.
"Since you’re here, you might as well try some. They’re delicious!"
Honored Lady Lan was hesitant to accept. Lianlian, however, was more direct.
"My Lady, it’s a kind gesture from Xia Jieyu. Please accept it!"
Honored Lady Lan accepted, quite embarrassed.
"I just intended to pop in for a visit. I didn’t expect to come here and be treated to food and drink!"
They ate peanuts and drank tea.
Xia Ruqing smiled faintly.
"We can’t just eat while you watch!"
Since you’re already here, why be so embarrassed? If you genuinely felt awkward, wouldn’t it have been better not to come at all? That was the trouble with Honored Lady Lan—too coy, timid, and lacking conviction! Of course, if she had any conviction, she wouldn’t be manipulated by Lady Xi like this. Xia Ruqing suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. Would this not-so-clever woman before her be used by Lady Xi, or perhaps even framed? Of course, either way, it had nothing to do with her. Once back in the palace, she would stick to her own path. If Lady Xi were to show up today as well, she would, without a second thought, close the door and kick her out. That one was a true she-devil.
The peanuts were crisp and fragrant, and there were plenty, so mistress and servants ate them together.
By the time they finished the peanuts, the charcoal fire had mostly died down.
Xia Ruqing waited a little longer, then called out to Xiao Xizi.
"It should be ready. Dig it out!"
Xiao Xizi was also curious.
Could food cooked this way—without a pot, just buried in the earth—really be delicious?
Honored Lady Lan was curious too.
Of course, everyone was curious.
"It’s so hot!"
Xiao Xizi dug out a firmly baked, oval object that looked like a large egg.
It was scorching hot, so he dropped it on the ground.
BANG!
Everyone jumped in fright.
Xia Ruqing just laughed.
"How did it get so solid? It’s like a huge rugby ball!"
It was slightly narrower at the ends and thicker in the middle, somewhat resembling an egg.
Honored Lady Lan was a bit worried.
I wonder if it can even be opened? With such a solid exterior, the inside might be completely burnt. Can this thing really be edible?
Xia Ruqing leaned on her crutch and stepped forward.
She took a small shovel and tapped it twice.
BANG! BANG!
It sounded like tapping on pottery.
"It’s that solid?"
She touched it; indeed, it was quite hard.
"Looks like we need a tool for this!"
Just as Xia Ruqing was about to get up, Xiao Xizi produced a hammer from somewhere.
"My Lady, please step aside," Xiao Xizi said. "Let this servant break it open for you!"
Zi Yue was stunned and quickly helped her mistress back.
Xiao Xizi gathered all his strength and smashed down on the mud ball that looked like a giant egg.
CRACK!
A fissure appeared on the mud ball.
"It’s open, it’s open!" Lianlian exclaimed excitedly.
Zi Yue glanced at her but said nothing.
"Zi Yue, help me over there!"
"Yes, My Lady!"
Xia Ruqing went over, squatted down, and forcefully pried open the mud ball, which had already been cracked in two.
SNAP!
The mud ball broke apart.
Before they could even see what was inside, an extraordinary fragrance wafted out.
"Ah..."
"What is this aroma? It smells so good!"
Xiao Xizi leaned in closer.
Zi Yue also caught the scent.
"It really smells delicious!"
Lianlian had already run over, and Honored Lady Lan couldn’t resist either.
Xia Ruqing found a piece of cotton cloth to protect her hands and carefully took out the piping hot beggar’s chicken, which was wrapped in lotus leaves.
She placed it on a large plate.
"Luckily, it wasn’t a failure!" she said. "Bring it to the table!"
"Alright!" Xiao Xizi replied, very pleased.
This pheasant was so big... perhaps they could also get a taste! They had never seen such a way of eating in their entire lives!
After the chicken had cooled on the table for a while, Xia Ruqing tore open the lotus leaves. A golden-brown, glistening roasted chicken, continuously emitting its extraordinary fragrance, was revealed.
"Ah! My Lady, it really smells amazing!" Xiao Xizi came over and sniffed eagerly.
"My Lady, I’m getting hungry!" Zi Yue’s eyes were wide with surprise.
Good heavens, just how many peculiar ideas did her mistress have? Who would have thought food could be made this way?
Xia Ruqing was quite smug.
"Not bad, not bad at all! This was marinated by the chefs in the Imperial Kitchen!"
"Xiao Xizi, go get a knife. I’ll slice the roasted chicken, and we’ll all have a taste!"
Xiao Xizi’s face lit up with delight.
"Yes, My Lady!"
Soon, the knife was brought over.
The roasted chicken was sliced, and everyone took a taste.
It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Aromatic to the nose and even more delicious to taste, the pheasant was quickly devoured by everyone in a few bites.