The Lady's Sickly Husband

C8. Into the City

In the afternoon, Mo Qian Xue stayed in her kitchen to grind fish and dried shrimp into fine powder. This was her own recipe for monosodium glutamate, which will be used to spice fresh dishes. If she plans to earn gold in the city, this spice would prove essential.

After she finished grinding, she dipped her finger into the mixture and tasted. Her eyes brightened up and she smiled with satisfaction. Mo Qian Xue was able to make natural msg without additives or synthetics ingredients-it was quite delicious!

After tidying up, Sister Zhang came by to remind Mo Qian Xue that tomorrow was the day Tie Zhu and his father would head to the city for business. She could join them for their trip tomorrow morning.

Ning Shaoqing, who had been quietly listening through the door, suddenly heard clattering sounds along with his wife's nearing footsteps. When she entered the room, he was seated quietly by the table with his eyes closed, wearing an cold and distant expression.

"Xiansheng** may I borrow your inkstone and paper?" Mo Qian Xue asked cautiously.

She wanted to make a list for herself before heading out to the marketplace. It wasn't easy to travel to the city, so she needed to make sure that she buys all that she needs.

Ning Shaoqing frowned and replied, "The inkstone and paper are on the table. You may use it yourself."

Although he agreed, he did not stand aside to give her space. Instead, he removed the chair beside him so she could have room to stand by him.

This irritable, narrow-minded man!

Mo Qian was annoyed yet amused by his temper so early in the morning. The corner of her lips raised while she gave him a measuring gaze. She ambled leisurely to his side and began to grind the ink in a casual and unceremonious manner. Mo Qian Xue spread the paper then took a brush dipped with ink using one hand. Finally she reached out in a smooth movement as she adeptly swept her brush across the canvas.

Ning Xiaoqing sat quietly on the side to observe. Initially he waited to see her make mistakes before he could have her redo her writing. He was planning to give her pointers and guidance, and perhaps even gain a compliment from her.

However, when he saw Mo Qian Xue's calligraphy, his eyes lit up with surprise.

Her plum blossom script bloomed on paper like a flower petal. It was as if its fragrance spread attractively on the sheet.

An impressive calligraphy!

Feeling as if his pride was overcome by her plum blossom script, Ning Shaoqing stood up. "Where did you learn to write like this?"

"I may have been a maid in the past who worked in the kitchens. This small plum blossom script is convenient to use when listing dishes and their ingredients. Who knows? Perhaps I worked in a well known restaurant in the city," Mo Qian Xue responded while continuing to write.

Seeing her thoughtfully add to the list, Ning Shaoqing's gaze became conflicted. In the past he never cared about how much food he ate or wasted daily, but now his wife could only add vegetables to their list.

Mo Qian Xue did not notice the change in his expression. She continued to appreciate her small plum blossom script. It had been many years since she last used this style of writing. Such a skill was a treasure that finally had a use! She proudly picked up her finished list and blew on the paper. Mo Qian Xue laughed and turned to her husband. "Xiansheng, is there anything you want to add? I can buy it for you."

Ning Shaoqing shook his head. He walked out of the house and stood quietly by the old willow tree in the courtyard. His gaze began to blur as memories flashed through his mind.