Satisfied Apprentice
Su Li taught Lingdang cooking skills, but she did not forget to treat everyone equally and called the other three apprentices over as well.
The kitchen immediately became busy, with the four apprentices learning from Su Li. Outside, Yuanbao leaned against the kitchen door watching, while Xiao Yun followed behind, gnashing his teeth.
Our General Xiao was almost turning this farmhouse courtyard into the Jin Dynasty's top secret guard hub!
Xiao Zetian looked at his beloved little wife bustling about cooking with a doting expression, while the four apprentices tactfully took on all the chores. Su Li only needed to give verbal instructions and personally handle the cooking.
"These four are quite reliable in their work," Xiao Zetian rarely praised his subordinates.
Xiao Yun touched his nose, thinking, "How could they not be reliable? They are the top four secret guards under General Xiao!"
"With these four at home, the safety here is guaranteed. Xiao Yun, have Lingdang get close to A Li often, preferably staying by her side to protect her closely," Xiao Zetian instructed.
"Yes," Xiao Yun replied, but in his heart he thought, "Poor Lingdang, she has to protect the female lead closely but can't be a third wheel interrupting the male and female leads' romance. That's a tough job!"
Su Li found the four apprentices unexpectedly reliable and quick-witted. She only explained the cooking details once, and they all remembered perfectly.
Su Li was thrilled. With such perceptive apprentices, her Su-style cuisine was sure to flourish!
"Master, you can rest. We're here. We remember all the points you just emphasized," Lingdang said with a smile, fanning the fire and repeating Su Li's instructions word for word.
Su Li smiled happily at her outstanding apprentice and said, "Good, Lingdang, I leave this to you all."
With that, she happily left the kitchen and boasted to Yuanbao about how smart and perceptive her apprentices were.
"Ah, my four apprentices will definitely inherit my skills and carry forward my culinary art! Especially Lingdang, she's clever and diligent. I must nurture her well," Su Li said happily as she went to the hall to drink hot tea.
Yuanbao listened, pleased that Su Li was satisfied with the secret guards she arranged. He made a mental note: Lingdang made A Li happy, so increase Lingdang's monthly salary later.
Just as they finished praising the apprentices, a servant led the midwives and the wet nurse over.
Two midwives arrived, both from neighboring villages, booked in advance. One was surnamed Zhang, the other Liu.
The wet nurse was hired from Qingmiao City, surnamed Hu. She looked clean, young, and slightly plump—clearly kind-hearted.
Su Li carefully inquired about the wet nurse, such as how many children she had raised and any illnesses. Learning that Hu had raised two healthy children, she felt reassured and let Bailu lead Hu to the prepared side room.
Then Su Li spoke with the two midwives.
Midwife Liu was taciturn, answering only what Su Li asked; meanwhile, Midwife Zhang was talkative, eagerly recounting her experiences delivering babies.
"Madam Su, rest assured, I have delivered nearly a thousand babies, if not eight hundred. There won’t be any problems!" Midwife Zhang pounded her chest confidently.
Su Li smiled and said, "Both of you come highly recommended, which is why I chose you. However, I have some childbirth knowledge to share that you should pay attention to."
Midwife Zhang was inwardly disdainful—after so many years, it was her first time being taught by a woman who hadn’t given birth. Yet she smiled and said, "Madam Su, please speak freely. Whatever you say, we will absolutely follow."