Chapter 1276: Chapter 1273: Returning the Favor Chapter 1276: Chapter 1273: Returning the Favor The two of them had been speaking in low voices when unexpectedly a straightforward colleague sitting next to them widened his eyes in disbelief and said, “Such delicious food, and you still say it’s not good?”

The moment Liu Ruying heard it, he laughed, thinking to himself that he had eaten even better.

Initially, he wasn’t very happy, having not gotten the meal he expected, but now he felt somewhat proud.

The colleague didn’t understand why he was laughing.

Out of curiosity, he asked, “Official Liu, what are you laughing about?”

“Today’s food is delicious, it’s just that I’ve eaten even better,” Liu Ruying said quite smugly.

The other person subconsciously doubted, “Impossible, this meal is comparable to what’s served in restaurants, where a single dish sells for several taels of silver, which I can hardly afford to eat.”

Liu Ruying, even prouder at this, replied, “That’s just because you aren’t lucky enough. Anyway, Lord Chu’s house has even better food!”

“Lord Chu, why did you change cooks today?” Liu Ruying didn’t forget to ask the question that concerned him most.

Chu Heng gave him a glance, “Yesterday’s meal was prepared by my wife.”

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Liu Ruying and Zhang Zhi both coughed violently.

“Sister-in-law?” Liu Ruying didn’t expect that he had enjoyed such a privilege yesterday and sincerely praised, “No wonder I found yesterday’s meal delicious. I had heard before that sister-in-law is a good cook, indeed the rumors were true.”

Zhang Zhi nodded, “My lord, the lady’s cooking is really great.”

“I heard that the Junyue Cookbook is a shop opened by sister-in-law?”

Chu Heng thought of the food shop that had made a fortune in just a few months and was trending to become a restaurant, but because it was located on North Street, those with any status disliked going there, although it was very popular with ordinary people.

“Hmm,” Chu Heng grunted, feeling that today’s meal was exceptionally delicious, even more than the ones prepared by Ye Muyu, wishing she could rest more right now.

“No wonder, my kitchen maid also bought some back; it was very delicious,” Zhang Zhi said with a shy smile.

The other officials hearing this, “I ate it too, and it really tasted good, although it was only snacks and couldn’t be considered a main course.”

“Does Lord Chu know if sister-in-law plans to add more dishes?”

“I’ll ask her when I return,” Chu Heng did not give a firm answer; actually, such matters could be handled by Madam Hu, no need for Ye Muyu to personally manage them.

The others responded in agreement.

Soon it was afternoon roll call, and they could go home.

Chu Heng, as usual, took the unfinished yamen business back to deal with at home but was barely halfway into his carriage when he was called from behind by Liu Ruying and Zhang Zhi running over.

“My lord, wait a moment.”

The two approached, panting.

Liu Ruying smiled ingratiatingly, “My lord, this is a gift I prepared for sister-in-law, to thank her for her meal yesterday.”

Zhang Zhi also handed over a gift box, small, for the same reason.

Chu Heng accepted them, thanked them, and told the two to also head back early to rest instead of wandering outside, before he finally settled in the carriage and opened the gift boxes to see.

He wouldn’t feel at ease letting Ah Yu use anything unsafe.

Liu Ruying had gifted a Hetian jade bracelet of excellent quality, clearly not a common item, and likely not cheap.

Zhang Zhi had given a Guanyin for Child Delivery, and although the jade material was ordinary, it had a good meaning and suited his family background.

When he arrived home.

Chu Heng went straight to the backyard and saw Ye Muyu sitting on a soft couch reading.