The Peasant Wife: The Prime Minister's Beloved

Preparations for lunch are also proceeding in an orderly manner.

Chen Xi first worked out the recipe in his mind, so that he could cook with ease.

She took out the piece of meat that she had specially bought the day before from the refrigerator and cut it into three even portions.

Part of it is planned to be used to make twice-cooked pork with black fungus, and the other part will be cut into thin strips to be stir-fried with green peppers.

The remaining piece was prepared for mushroom and meat soup. Thinking that there was a bumper mushroom harvest in the yard, paired with a simple and refreshing fried eggplant, today's lunch would be perfect.

While I was busy, the fragrance of green beans rose from the pot and filled the entire kitchen.

Chen Xi couldn't help but scoop a spoonful of soup to taste it. It was sweet but not greasy, and the mung beans melted in his mouth. After finishing a bowl, it seemed as if all the fatigue of the past few days had dissipated.

She walked across the yard, calling out in a loud voice: "Masters, it's very hot. Put down your work and come down to drink a bowl of mung bean soup that I specially made to relieve this unbearable summer heat."

When the workers heard the sound, they couldn't help but smile sincerely, with surprise and gratitude flashing in their eyes.

Most of them are men who work in the fields all year round, and they feel an indescribable warmth in their hearts for this compassion from their employer.

"Moisten your throat first and cool down. I'll cook a few more of my specialties later and we'll enjoy them together."

Chen Xi's words were like a clear spring, nourishing everyone's heart.

Everyone praised this young employer, thinking that he was thoughtful and considerate. Although he was young, he was more meticulous and thoughtful than ordinary people, which made people respect him involuntarily.

The cool mung bean soup slowly slid down the throat; the sweetness and coolness seemed to penetrate directly into the heart, lifting the workers' spirits and doubling their motivation.

They know how to be grateful, and when faced with such kindness, they will definitely repay it with redoubled efforts.

At this time, outside the yard, various tools and construction materials were scattered on the ground, looking a bit messy.

Chen Xi carefully considered the safety issues and let Xiaoyang and Xiaochen stay in the house to play, and did not forget to bring them the freshly cooled mung bean soup.

After some fun, seeing that lunch time was approaching, Chen Xi bent down and discussed with Xiao Yang and Xiao Chen: "Little darlings, can you play games for a while now? I want to ask Brother Chen Rong to help light the fire and cook, how about that?"

The two little guys nodded happily, anticipation flashing in their eyes.

Stepping into the kitchen, Chen Xi already had a plan in mind. He decided to stew a pot of delicious soup first, and then stir-fry a few dishes that would be delicious.

He carefully cut the mushrooms into small pieces, and when the oil in the pan was hot, he gently stir-fried them until they gave off an enticing aroma, then added water and brought them to a boil.

While waiting for the water to boil, he neatly cut the shredded meat and peppers into thin strips, preparing for the next step of cooking.

When the water boils, he gently slides the meat slices coated with a thin layer of starch into the boiling water one by one. When they slowly float up, he sprinkles them with green chopped green onions. Then, a pot of mushroom and meat soup with an enticing aroma is ready.

She turned to her brother Chen Rong, who was standing leisurely beside her, and ordered, "Xiao Rong, hurry up and call the chefs to come down and wash their hands. It's time to prepare for dinner. I'll fetch some clear well water so they can wash themselves so they can enjoy this meal refreshed."

Just when everything was ready, two men slowly walked in from outside, holding fresh mushrooms in their hands, their faces filled with joy of harvest.

Looking at the full basket, one can't help but wonder if the mushrooms in the mountains are particularly abundant today, so that the reserved 50 kilograms were picked so quickly?

Chen Xi was quick with his eyes and hands. He took down the familiar scale from the corner and weighed the two of them skillfully.

The two people who walked into the house were Song Zhipeng and the other was the second son of the Zhang family.

As soon as they stepped through the threshold, their eyes were immediately drawn to the dishes on the table.

Which family could have such a sumptuous dinner on an ordinary day?

Song Zhipeng's throat moved up and down unconsciously, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and asked with a bit of envy: "Chen Xi, is there a distinguished guest at home? Why did you prepare so many delicious dishes?"

As he spoke, his desire was hard to conceal.

While Chen Xi was calculating the value of the mushrooms deftly, he counted out three hundred copper coins from his purse and divided them into two parts.

"My family is busy renovating the old house, so we hired some helpers. With more people, they naturally eat more."

Her answer was brief and clear, without any unnecessary explanation.

Song Zhipeng felt itchy in his heart. It would be much more comfortable to enjoy such a feast just by building a house than picking mushrooms.

On the side, Zhang Laoer collected the money and noticed Song Zhipeng's reluctant look. He gently tugged at his collar and signaled with his eyes that it was time to leave.

Song Zhipeng responded with an embarrassed smile, then followed Zhang Laoer out of the house.

Outside the door, Zhang Laoer finally couldn't help but speak: "When I saw the look on your face just now, I thought you wanted to stay here for a free meal. But I don't think Chen Xi has that intention."

Song Zhipeng chuckled, looking a little cunning: "You don't know her. If we dawdle for a while, she will definitely relent and treat us to a meal. Look at the meat on that table, aren't you tempted?"

"We are moved, but we can't be so shameless as to insist on staying here even though they didn't invite us. Let's go home so that they don't think we are impolite." Zhang Laoer said as he quickened his pace.

Meanwhile, the craftsmen, who had just washed their hands, sat around the dining table.

Without exception, their expressions revealed surprise and joy, which was exactly the same as Song Zhipeng's reaction before.

This is not just a simple workers' meal, it is comparable to the standard of entertaining VIPs!

Three kinds of meat dishes that are delicious and colorful, plus a plate of eggplant that looks simple but is actually carefully cooked. I can't eat such delicacies when I work normally, and most of the time I can only make do with vegetarian dishes.

Today's employer not only prepared meat dishes, but also shared mung bean soup. For them, such a meal, although ordinary, is a rare luxury.

The workers sat around a simple dining table, their expressions a little reserved, their hands fiddling unconsciously, their eyes occasionally drifting towards the simple dishes on the table.

Seeing this, Chen Xi frowned slightly, mistakenly thinking that his cooking skills did not meet everyone's expectations, and quickly comforted him in a gentle tone: "Everyone, don't be restrained, just eat whatever you want. Our conditions here are simple, and there are no delicacies from the mountains and the sea. Simple meals are enough to fill your stomach."

An elderly worker, with dark skin and traces of time on his forehead, seemed to be the leader of the group. He put down his bowl and chopsticks and responded sincerely: "Boss Chen, you can't say that. You are so thoughtful to us. We don't have the opportunity to enjoy such treatment on weekdays, and this mung bean soup to relieve the heat. We are really grateful in our hearts."

Chen Xi smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of sincerity: "Since you are here to help my family, then we are a family. You eat what we eat."