Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Lovers Finally Unite
Madam Pei, who is also the Marchioness, visited Qu Fulan once.
She was pushed over in a wheelchair.
Madam Pei had not yet fully recovered, yet she came to see Qu Fulan. Qu Fulan truly felt overwhelmed by the honor.
"Madam, you’re too kind. You could have just sent someone over. Why trouble yourself to come in person?" Qu Fulan truly felt undeserving.
Madam Pei, however, smiled and said, "Ultimately, it was our oversight that brought you such misfortune."
"It had nothing to do with you. Those who intend to do evil will find a way; no one can completely guard against them."
Madam Pei nodded with a smile, "You see things clearly, just as the old lady said - you’re sharp and clever. I heard you’re skilled in many areas, particularly quite good at cooking?"
Qu Fulan nodded but dared not boast and simply replied, "It’s just that people aren’t picky, that’s all."
Madam Pei then laughed heartily, "You don’t have to be overly modest. If even the old lady praises you, it must be truly excellent."
Since she praised her so much, it wouldn’t be right for Qu Fulan not to respond, "If Madam is interested, once I’m recovered, I’ll cook something for you to try?"
"Alright, then I must come and taste it," Madam Pei readily agreed.
Qu Fulan thought she was just being polite, but from that day on, Madam Pei would come to visit every few days, eagerly hoping she would recover soon to taste her cooking.
Qu Fulan was a bit taken aback. It was just a polite exchange, wasn’t it always like this?
But Madam Pei really meant it?
In their repeated interactions, Qu Fulan gradually understood Madam Pei’s character.
Perhaps because of her background as a female general, she was straightforward. You could call it carefree, or, in another way, just carefree without many scruples.
The main thing is she has a hobby, which is eating!
Not only does she love to eat, but she’s also particularly picky, unwilling to settle for anything less than great food.
But she has one exceptional trait: while at the border, she could endure hardship, but when circumstances allowed, it had to be gourmet food! And it had to be top-quality delicious.
No wonder she’s her son’s mother. Heir Pei is the same way. But while he’d accept anything not too bad, Madam Pei wouldn’t, always nitpicky enough to drive the cooks in their mansion crazy.
Having heard of Qu Fulan’s culinary skills, wasn’t Madam Pei just trying to befriend her?
Although there are noodle shops and restaurants managed by others under Qu Fulan’s name, nothing compares to what she cooks herself.
Qu Fulan never imagined Madam Pei to be like this, leaving her somewhat stunned.
Perhaps because Madam Pei is so unique, she was able to go to battle and kill enemies, unlike other girls who stay within the confines of their homes.
So, in truth, no matter the dynasty, if one is exceptional enough, some rules can be bent for them.
But the reason Madam Pei can be different also lies in her noble family background, which supports her distinctiveness.
Once she recovered, Qu Fulan indeed prepared a sumptuous meal, leaving Madam Pei utterly satisfied and showering her with endless compliments.
"There’s no one in the world who can cook better than you, I swear," Madam Pei exclaimed dramatically.
Qu Fulan had realized that Madam Pei could bend simply for a taste of good food.
As for other things like fighting for affection and winning a husband’s love, they were utterly absurd to Madam Pei.
"Men are just for continuing the family line, are they worth the effort? If my legs weren’t injured, I’d still be fighting on the battlefield, more gallant than ever."
At first, Qu Fulan thought Madam Pei had been heartbroken or something, leading her to speak like this.
But it turns out that’s not the case.
Madam Pei has been obsessed with martial arts since childhood, and marriage didn’t change that.
No wonder Master Lu was able to succeed with his slander since Madam Pei, unlike other women, didn’t have those intricate, scheming thoughts, and thus didn’t guard against Master Lu. Her nerves were probably even tougher than those of Marquis Pei.
Qu Fulan was astonished, never imagining that ancient thoughts could be so forward-thinking. Madam Pei is practically a career-focused strong woman.
Now that her legs were wounded, unable to walk, it probably pained her more than losing a husband, but she took it in stride, shifting her focus to food.
Truly, those without worries tend to live happily.
"Miss Qiu, don’t be like those women stuck at home, turning around men all day. What’s the point? There are always schemes and calculations until they lose all their hair. Being happy doing what you love is better than anything. Moreover, you’re so skilled in business and cooking; I have high hopes for you!"
Qu Fulan chuckled, "What does Madam want to eat today?"
As expected, Madam Pei replied, "Steamed sea cucumber with a blend, braised assortments, braised fermented tofu, spicy chicken."
She said it all in one breath without pausing.
Qu Fulan knew then that it was the craving for good food that fueled the flattering words.
But she didn’t mind. It’s rare to meet such a broad-minded woman, especially one with the status of a noble lady, who’s simply irresistible.
Now that she had sufficient savings, she had a business venture that could start with Madam Pei.
When Heir Pei came over for tea, he suggested taking Qu Fulan to Prince An’s villa for some fun.
Previously, Qu Fulan would’ve agreed, as who would refuse an outing for entertainment? But this time, she declined, "I can’t. Madam Pei said she would take me to attend a banquet, and it’s tonight."
Pei Ji’an frowned just after finishing a sip of tea.
Since handling Cheng Ru’s situation last time, he had been swamped with tasks. After all, having been away from the Capital City for so long, there was much awaiting his attention.
But no matter how busy he was each day, he’d make time to visit Gaoyi Lane. As luck would have it, every time he came, his mother was present, each time just for that bite of food.
Pei Ji’an was exasperated. Was the Pei Mansion lacking her to eat or drink?
However, after all, she was his mother. How could a son complain about his mother?
He could only make concessions.
Finally, today, his mother wasn’t around, so he thought of taking Qu Fulan out for a few days, but again his plan was preempted.
"She’s taking you to some banquet, under what pretext?"
In the past, when Qu Fulan was a maid at the Pei Mansion, Pei Ji’an could easily take her to various banquets.
But later, it became inconvenient, lest it affect her reputation. Hence, he thought of taking her to events with only his close brothers.
Now that his mother wanted to take her out, under what pretext?
Qu Fulan blinked, "Just those noble ladies’ tea parties, Madam Pei said she’d take me as her adopted daughter."
"Cough, cough, cough..." Pei Ji’an was successfully choked, staring at Qu Fulan after recovering, "You agreed to it?"
Qu Fulan quickly shook her head, "I just said to go as a relative."
As an adopted daughter, it was too grand, undeserving, and likely to stir up trouble.
Pei Ji’an’s face darkened, "She’s always so capricious, never considering the consequences and leaving others to clean up after her mess. Gather your things and come with me."
Qu Fulan said, "Isn’t that inappropriate? I’ve already agreed with Madam Pei."
Pei Ji’an coldly left a few words, "Don’t worry about her." Seeing Qu Fulan’s troubled look, he added, "I’ll explain it to her clearly, you don’t need to worry."
Otherwise, they’d almost become siblings.