Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
âOf course,â Zhou Ying agreed. âGo ahead and handle the land purchase as you see fit. A larger plot will be more convenient for managing any crops you choose to plant.â
âUnderstood,â Gu Zheng replied. âAlso, my wife is pregnant. You mentioned pregnant women shouldnât work in the workshop. So, about the managementâ¦â
âHold an open interview,â Zhou Ying interrupted. âWhoever can convince the workers will be chosen. This will encourage everyone to contribute their best.â
âThatâs a good idea,â Gu Zheng acknowledged. âIs that all for now?â
âYes, for now. Just remember, quality control is paramount. No defective products or items with problems are to be sold.â
âUnderstood,â Gu Zheng said before taking his leave.
Zhou Ying, alone again, found the recipe for puffs and ventured into the kitchen. The aroma of cream soon wafted through the air, attracting Chenchen.
âThe little glutton is here,â Zhou Ying smiled, noticing him peering in. âBut be careful; itâs still hot.â
Chenchen, clearly eager and wary of past burns, retracted his tongue. He couldnât resist staring longingly at the plate of puffs, though.
Amused by his cuteness, Zhou Ying prepared two puffs and handed them to the nanny. âThere are only two, so make them last. Donât spoil him.â
âYes, Mistress,â Mrs. Zhang replied, whisking Chenchen away.
Moments later, Mingyu and Zhuangzhuang arrived, also drawn by the delicious smell. âWait a bit,â Zhou Ying instructed, placing the first batch in the oven and starting another.
Mingyu took Zhuangzhuang to wash their hands, and then they each enjoyed a puff.
âYou went to the manor without me?â Mingyu playfully complained. âThat wasnât nice.â
âIt was a spur-of-the-moment decision,â Zhou Ying explained. âBesides, with Huaiming gone, who would look after the house?â
âThe butler can manage,â Mingyu countered. âSpeaking of outings, I heard the Emperor built a five-room building at the Mother Temple for tourists. Should we check it out? Apparently, thereâs also a mountain with stunning peach blossoms nearby.â
The idea of staying in the ancient building intrigued Zhou Ying.
âAlright,â she agreed. âWhen are you free?â
âTomorrow works. Oh, should I invite my fifth sister?â
âSheâs pregnant, so maybe a noisy outing wouldnât be ideal. We can visit her next year.â
After chatting for a while, they enjoyed a leisurely lunch and packed half the puffs before setting off for the Mother Temple with Mingyu and Zhuangzhuang the next morning.
Upon entering the temple grounds, the abundance of incense offerings surprised Zhou Ying, indicative of the thriving business.
As they approached an incense shop, a woman in her forties abruptly rushed towards them, blocking their path. The guards immediately drew their swords in responseâ¦.