Chapter 532 - 534: Peanut Feast
Chapter 532: Chapter 534: Peanut Feast
He knew these County Magistrates were all trying to curry favor with him, but he was even more displeased by their thoughtless suggestions.
Even though Ancient Wen Heng wasn’t an expert in agriculture, he understood that laymen could only see the surface while experts saw the intricacies. Professional matters required professional hands.
After making a wide tour and randomly selecting a family to have their yield weighed, Ancient Wen Heng still felt a bit dissatisfied, even though the common folk considered it a bountiful, high-yield harvest. After taxes, this amount of grain was just barely enough to scrape by.
Even with the additional wasteland cleared for them, it was merely a small supplement to keep people from going hungry. There was still a long road ahead before they would have any surplus silver.
"My Lord, the family from just now sent over these peanuts. They said it’s for you to have a fresh taste," Ming Zhong reported from outside the carriage, holding a basket.
Ancient Wen Heng nodded. "Thank the villager on my behalf. Give him a reward."
Having served for so long, Ming Zhong understood his master’s intention—he didn’t want to take things from the common folk for free. "Yes, My Lord."
The carriage was about to depart when the old man from the farming household chased after them. "Lord Prefect, this is just a small token of my gratitude! These peanuts aren’t worth anything, just a little something for you to taste. How could I possibly accept a reward from Your Lordship?"
He was genuinely grateful to the Lord Prefect. Ever since this official had taken his post, he had shown compassion for the common people and done so much for them. How could he dare accept such a large reward for a few humble peanuts that were hardly presentable?
Ancient Wen Heng simply waved his hand, not bothering to argue. "Back to the office."
The old man knew he couldn’t refuse the reward silver in his hand, so all he could do was stare blankly as the carriage receded into the distance.
From that day on, however, he praised the Magistrate to everyone he met, which truly forged a fine reputation for Ancient Wen Heng.
Upon arriving at the government office, Ancient Wen Heng saw the basket of peanuts beside the carriage, picked it up himself, and carried it to the back office.
"You’re back early today," Jin Qianqian remarked, setting down her ledger as he walked in.
"You haven’t been coming back until after dark these days. Why are you so early today?" She glanced at the sky. The sun was still hanging at a slant.
Ancient Wen Heng held the basket up, winking playfully. "I’ve brought Madam a fruit of the autumn harvest."
"Peanuts," Jin Qianqian said, reaching for the basket. But she underestimated its weight and nearly strained her back. Fortunately, Ancient Wen Heng caught her in an embrace at the last moment.
"My fault, I let go too soon. They were just dug up, so they’re pretty heavy. I should have just carried it."
Jin Qianqian said, "I misjudged. I thought they were dried peanuts and didn’t put enough muscle into it. This ten-or-so-pound basket of peanuts almost made me take a tumble.
What made you think to buy peanuts today?"
Ancient Wen Heng set the peanuts on the table. "This is the most heartfelt gift I’ve ever received as an official. I brought it back specifically to share with you all."
"Are you bragging to me?" Jin Qianqian could easily detect the smug tone in his voice. "You’re just taking advantage of someone’s kindness."
"Nonsense," Ancient Wen Heng retorted. "I gave them reward silver.
And look, these peanuts were all grown in reclaimed wasteland, yet they’re still nice and plump."
Jin Qianqian crouched down, picked one up, and cracked it open with her fingers. "They really are plump. I’ll have them sent to the kitchen in a bit. Do you want them boiled or seasoned with five-spice? Or, better yet, we could make a whole peanut feast out of them for a change."
Ancient Wen Heng was suddenly reminded of the endless variety of peanut dishes from the future. "Does the kitchen know how to make all that?"
"Of course not," Jin Qianqian said. "I’ll have to personally supervise."
She wasn’t a great cook herself, but the servants were quick-witted. She just needed to be there to give the orders.
"Then I’ll have to trouble you today, Madam." Ancient Wen Heng was also eager to try something new.
With a word from the madam, the servants ran themselves ragged. By nightfall, a full peanut feast was finally laid out on the table.
Peanut and Pork Rib Soup, Crispy Peanut and Ox Tongue Pastries, Jade-Green Fish Fillets with Peanuts, Lotus-Shaped Peanut Buns, Noodles with Peanut Sauce...
"You certainly put that small basket of peanuts to full use." Looking at the grand spread, Ancient Wen Heng gave his wife a thumbs-up. The two little ones beside him were already getting restless.
The table was filled with dishes they had never seen before, and the fresh, fragrant aroma made them gulp with anticipation.
As was their custom, they didn’t have servants waiting on them. The family sat down together.
"Father, Mother, can we eat now?" Gu Ben Can lacked his brother’s patience. If his parents didn’t pick up their chopsticks soon, he felt like he would just grab the food with his hands.
"You little glutton," Jin Qianqian chuckled, placing servings of two dishes into each of their bowls. "I personally taught the kitchen staff how to make this meal today. Have a taste, and tell me if it’s good."
"Of course it’s delicious," said Gu Benluo.
Ancient Wen Heng put a piece of food in Jin Qianqian’s bowl with his chopsticks. "Little sycophant. Go on, eat!"
"So? What do you think?" Jin Qianqian asked expectantly, waiting until they had all sampled every dish.
"It’s all so delicious!" Gu Ben Can exclaimed, his mouth smeared with peanut sauce.
"Mother is the most amazing," Gu Benluo added. He knew that while his mother wasn’t a great cook, she was full of brilliant ideas. Whenever a new type of food appeared in their house, it was always his mother’s doing.
Seeing his wife looking at him with hopeful eyes, Ancient Wen Heng swallowed the noodles in his mouth. "These two little rascals have already said all the nice things. But my wife is truly capable. I bet if the Heavenly Restaurant rolled out these new dishes, business would reach a whole new level."
Jin Qianqian gave him a thumbs-up. "We’re on the same page. We should let everyone know about all these new ways to eat peanuts. It could increase the farmers’ income."
As she said this, it suddenly clicked. "Ah, so that’s what you were getting at. If you had just asked me directly, do you think I would have refused?"
Ancient Wen Heng grinned sheepishly. "It’s just that the Heavenly Restaurant launching new dishes is far more effective than me, the Magistrate, hawking them on the street. Besides, it’s about time our restaurant added some new items to the menu."
Jin Qianqian shot him a glare. "You’re only thinking about selling off the peanuts, but you haven’t considered the limits of my restaurant’s sales volume.
Have you forgotten that peanuts have another, far more important use?"
"Please enlighten me, Madam," Ancient Wen Heng said.
Jin Qianqian said, "Oil..."
Ancient Wen Heng slapped his forehead. ’Right, I completely forgot about that.’
In this era, everyone was accustomed to using lard and soybean oil. He had lived here so long that he’d grown used to it and completely forgotten that peanut oil even existed.
"Yes, oil! Peanut oil, tea seed oil, sunflower seed oil... How did my brain not make that connection?"
"Well then," Jin Qianqian said, "it looks like you’ll have to be the designer again. How much do you know about traditional oil-pressing methods?"
Ancient Wen Heng glanced at their two sons, who were listening with pricked ears. "You little rascals, if the food is good, then focus on eating. Stop eavesdropping."
"And you’re any better?" Jin Qianqian retorted. "I’ve never seen a father like you. ’Little rascals,’ you actually said it out loud."
Ancient Wen Heng looked aggrieved. "You’re taking their side again."
Jin Qianqian let out a short laugh. "They’re just quietly eating their dinner, not bothering you in the slightest. If I don’t stick up for them, who will?"