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Su Wenyue had only brought it up casually, and was surprised to find that Han Yu was now intent on making Liu Xiu’s acquaintance, and could discern his extraordinary qualities just from what Deng Chen had said.

“Master Deng has a good eye for people. If he praises someone, they must be remarkable. Moreover, the Liu Family is descended from the Imperial Family. Even though they’ve declined over generations, they are still different from the rest.” Su Wenyue thought that Liu Xiu indeed later raised the banner of his imperial lineage to gather many followers and eventually became emperor.

“Yes, Brother Deng always has insight. Liu Xiu must have something exceptional about him. Acquainting oneself with such a person will not be disadvantageous. It’s just that he has been studying in Chang’an and there hasn’t been a chance to meet. Now that it’s New Year, he should be back. One of these days, when he comes to Xinye, I’ll invite Brother Deng Chen and him to our mansion. Then, have the Kitchen prepare some fine dishes; we’ll need to drink our fill.”

Han Yu was keen on befriending Liu Xiu, and Su Wenyue was happy to see it, smiling as she said, “Understood. When they come, I will take good care of them and not let you lose face.”

As for Deng’s Mansion, Mrs. Deng, knowing the value her husband placed on his friendship with Han Yu and considering Han Yu’s rank as a Sixth Rank Commander, graciously met with Aunt Li who had come to deliver gifts herself.

“Madam, how should we deal with the items sent by Madam Han?”

Usually, gifts from guests would be stored in the treasury, but most of the items Su Wenyue sent were food, which should go to the Kitchen. Not daring to decide on their own, the servant girls sought their master’s instruction, although they looked down on the gifts. Aside from the few pieces of fine cloth, the rest were just food items, particularly those jars, which looked refined and exquisite, but contained nothing more than pickles, making the jars themselves more valuable than their contents.

“Madam, Madam Han is really too stingy. Aside from a few pieces of cloth, everything else is cheap trinkets. Even though the jars look fine and elegant, they are filled with pickles, which seems rather measly. It’s said she comes from the countryside; no wonder she has such a petty bourgeoisie air.”

The other servants might have thought the same, but would never dare to say such things in front of Mrs. Liu, except for Lvru, her personal maid who had been brought from her mother’s family. Mrs. Liu, being straightforward herself, favored Lvru, who was somewhat like her in character, and thus was more tolerant of her.

Mrs. Liu admonished Lvru, “Don’t talk nonsense! You need to fix your habit of speaking without thinking. Though I, your master, overlook such things, the Deng Family isn’t some low-status civilian family that can tolerate indiscretion. If the Old Master and Madam get wind of this, I won’t be able to save you. Besides, considering my husband’s relationship with the Han Family, if he hears such talk, it will upset him, and he might think these are my own thoughts.”

“Please forgive me, Madam. I was wrong. I won’t dare to do so again,” said Lvru, kneeling down in fright and begging for forgiveness.

“Let it be. I won’t hold it against you this time. Just be more mindful in the future.”

“Thank you, Madam. But, regardless of how direct my words were, what Madam Han sent is really…”

Mrs. Liu shook her head: “You girl, you just can’t change. But you’re wrong this time. Madam Han’s background is not poor at all. Sending these things instead of the typically flashy gifts shows thoughtfulness.”

Seeing that Lvru didn’t understand, Mrs. Liu continued: “You don’t know, the Han Family’s pickles are really good. You think they are like those cheap ones from outside, but you have no idea how the Han Family makes them—they’re delicious. My husband especially likes them; he tried them once at the Han Family home and hasn’t stopped craving them ever since. No matter if our Cooks prepare them or if we buy them from outside, none compare to the Han Family’s flavor, which is to my husband’s satisfaction. Now that Madam Han has sent some over, it’s just perfect. The Han Family’s culinary treats are not to be compared with ordinary fare; keep these in the Small Kitchen.”

The Deng Family had great wealth and large establishments, including a Big Kitchen, but given Deng Chen’s status within the Deng Family, they used their own Small Kitchen for meals. Mrs. Liu’s decision to keep the items in the Small Kitchen clearly showed her attitude.

The maid, having received Mrs. Liu’s order and hearing the conversation, thought to herself that it made sense why the pickles came in such exquisite jars; they were different from the rest, and even the master favored them. She wondered about their unique flavor and the other unfamiliar food items that, despite not looking impressive, were novel to her. Were those dull, earth-colored lumps even edible?

It wasn’t until she was in the Kitchen that she finally asked her question.

“These are all fresh delicacies from the outer domain, which is why you don’t recognize them. The Han Family’s servants were thorough, having sent along the recipes. I’ve never seen these before either, and I’m curious about how they’ll taste,” the Cook mused as she inspected each item one by one, particularly the food from the outer domain, looking over them repeatedly to understand their value.

The maid realized then, “No wonder. These items are indeed valuable delicacies from the outer domain. Regardless of their price, the rarity alone sets them apart from other goods. Since Madam Han has sent them to Deng’s Mansion, they must be delicious. It’s just a pity I’m a servant; I can only marvel but not taste.”

Aunt Li had given several recipes for preparing the food, and Mrs. Liu had also just learned about the delicacies from the outer domain sent by Su Wenyue. After all, Aunt Li was only a servant, and even though Mrs. Liu had met her earlier, they had merely exchanged pleasantries without mentioning any of the foods. Aunt Li didn’t elaborate further, reporting only what was necessary to the old woman assigned by Mrs. Liu to receive her. Now, the old woman came in and reported the details to Mrs. Liu.

“So, it’s indeed delicacies from the outer domain. What a treat that will be! I knew the food sent by Madam Han wouldn’t be ordinary. Far from it, in fact. My husband will be home for lunch; tell the Small Kitchen to prepare dishes using the food Madam Han sent for noon. Not to say that my husband is fond of them, but I too am keen to try what Madam Han has delivered, especially the items from the outer domain which I’ve never had before. It’ll be good to see how they differ from those in Daming.”