Chapter 81-85

Chapter 81: It’s Hard To Describe In One Sentence

At the bustling intersection of South Street and a small alley, the location was roughly the same size as Xia Ji’s current establishment. A modest cloth shop stood beside it, its faded sign swaying slightly in the summer breeze. The spot reminded Xia Mingyue of the place Jiang Erniu had rented——it also required rent, though the cost was relatively low.

Once a location was chosen, the next step was to formalize the agreement with a written contract.

Ding Quan was officially joining Xia Ji’s franchise, and the terms of his contract needed to be identical to the one previously signed with Jiang Erniu. Since Xia Mingyue had already drafted such a document before, she knew exactly what was required. However, she decided to seek out a reliable scribe to copy it neatly.

She briefly considered hiring a local writer, but for a contract as important as this——one that outlined the franchise agreement——discretion was essential. The fewer people aware of its contents, the better. After some thought, she decided to visit the county school.

Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang had helped her before, and she trusted their character. They were diligent, well-read, and, most importantly..., discreet.

Fate, however, had other plans.

Before she could make her way to the county school, Zhang Mingyi, Fan Pingyang, and several of their fellow students arrived at Xia Ji’s stall around midday. Their expressions unusually somber.

The group ordered heartily——each person requesting two large portions of food——and, as an afterthought, they also asked for a dozen pancakes to take away.

“The weather’s too hot for food to keep for long,” Xia Mingyue reminded them as she wrapped the pancakes. “You’ll want to finish them quickly.”

Fan Pingyang sighed heavily. “That makes sense. Then..., maybe we should each take five instead?”

Several of the students exchanged glances, determination flickering in their eyes.

Even if they had to force themselves, they would eat all of them by tonight!

With that settled, they dug into their meals. Yet despite the delicious aroma and the familiar flavors, they ate mechanically, their faces twisted in barely concealed distress. They chewed, swallowed, and sighed——looking less like scholars enjoying a meal and more like prisoners awaiting sentencing.

Their unusual behavior caught Xia Mingyue’s attention.

“Gentlemen, why do you all look so downhearted?” She asked, puzzled.

At her question, the students let out another collective sigh, their faces scrunching up like steamed buns.

Zhang Mingyi finally spoke. “It’s because of Master Dai. Today, he proposed to the dean that the students have been distracted in their studies lately, probably due to the heat. He thinks we’ve been wandering the streets too often in search of cool spots, so he’s ordered that, starting tomorrow, we must stay inside the county school grounds.”

Fan Pingyang slumped over his bowl. “Which means..., we won’t be able to come to Xia Ji for lunch anymore.”

The room fell into a mournful silence.

Truthfully, the biggest problem wasn’t just missing out on Xia Ji’s food——it was what they’d have to endure in its absence.

The county school’s cook, Chef Wei, had a reputation. A terrible one.

His food was edible, technically. It wouldn’t kill them. But it had all the flavor of boiled paper and the texture of overcooked porridge.

To be condemned to such meals for an indefinite period? It was unbearable!

The students sighed again, heavier this time, as if mourning their own fate.

Xia Mingyue didn’t know how to console them. In the end, she simply scooped extra servings into their bowls, offering silent sympathy through food.

Once their meal ended, she mentioned needing two documents copied. Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang immediately volunteered.

“There’s no need to go elsewhere, Lady Xia,” Zhang Mingyi assured her. “If you ever need something written, just ask us.”

Fan Pingyang nodded. “Even if we can’t leave the school, we can have the doorman deliver it to you.”

Xia Mingyue thanked them earnestly and, as a token of appreciation, handed them a few extra meat pancakes.

The students left with heavy hearts, their sighs lingering in the air.

As they departed, Jiang Zhuguo chuckled. “Those students are quite amusing.”

Sister Lu, however, seemed distracted. She was peering across the street, frowning.

“What’s wrong, Sister Lu?” Jiang Zhuguo asked.

Sister Lu motioned toward Zhang Laifu’s steamed bun shop. “He hasn’t opened for the past two days.”

Zhang Laifu had caused trouble for Xia Mingyue before, yet ever since his failed attempt, he had disappeared from sight. Had his arm injury been severe enough to keep him from kneading dough?

Before they could speculate further, a middle-aged woman buying cold noodles leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

“Haven’t you heard? Zhang Laifu sold his shop. He’s quitting the business entirely!”

Sister Lu’s brows lifted. “Quitting? What’s he going to do instead?”

“No one knows,” the woman said. “But he’s even selling his house. Seems like he’s planning to leave the county altogether.” She smacked her lips. “He’s in such a hurry that he’s probably selling at a loss.”

Sister Lu snorted. “Serves him right.”

A man like Zhang Laifu, shameless and greedy, would only bring trouble wherever he went. If he was leaving, that was good news for everyone.

Still, she could only hope that wherever he went, he wouldn’t cause another harm.

The next morning, Xia Mingyue met with Ding Quan to finalize the agreement.

With Jiang Erniu’s franchise store already paving the way, she was more familiar with the process this time. After carefully reviewing the terms, she and Ding Quan signed the contract. He handed over the silver in full, and preparations officially began.

Ding Quan wasted no time. He meticulously noted down every instruction Xia Mingyue gave and immediately set out to purchase the necessary equipment.

By the time he returned home, it was well past sunset.

Madam Song, his wife, looked up in concern. “Why are you back so late? You must be exhausted. The vegetable rolls have gone cold——should I heat them up for you?”

Ding Quan shook his head. “No need. It’s too hot these days to waste extra firewood.”

Madam Song considered it, then relented. She placed four vegetable rolls in front of him, along with a bowl of thin cornmeal batter.

The so-called "vegetable rolls" were simple dumplings made by steaming a mixture of purple amaranth and mung bean sprouts inside thin, unleavened pancakes. The steaming process caused the vegetables to shrink and the dough to wrinkle, earning them the name "vegetable mang."

They were light on flour, heavy on vegetables, and not particularly filling——but they were cheap and kept the family from going hungry.

For days, they had relied on these rolls to sustain themselves.

Ding Quan, weary from his long day, ate quickly. He scooped up the softened vegetables, alternating bites with sips of thin cornmeal batter. The taste was plain, but it was enough to quiet his hunger.

Tomorrow, he would continue preparing for the new store. A long road lay ahead, but at least he was moving forward.

__________________________

Chapter 82: Trouble

Madam Song looked at Ding Quan as he swallowed the last bite of his food and asked, "So, how are things going?"

"Almost settled," Ding Quan replied, wiping his mouth. "The money isn’t a problem. I already talked to Brother Sun. I won’t be paying him the remaining sum for the house just yet——I’ll be using that to franchise Xia Ji first. Once I start making a profit, I’ll pay him back, plus an extra 500 coins as a thank-you."

Madam Song nodded, listening intently.

"But Brother Sun said I didn’t need to add the extra 500. He just wants me to succeed in business. Still, I can’t just take advantage of his kindness like that. It doesn’t sit right with me——I should repay him properly," Ding Quan continued.

Madam Song sighed, her expression softening. "That’s exactly how it should be. Brother Sun probably sees how hard things have been for our family and wants to help. He and his family have always been kind-hearted. We can't let them suffer for our sake. That extra 500 coins——no matter what——must be returned."

Ding Quan smiled. "That’s what I thought too. But there’s no point in worrying about it now. Once we start making money, he’ll probably accept it without argument. Let’s leave it at that for now."

He glanced at Madam Song before adding, "Once the food stall is open, you and our child will have to help me. It won’t be easy——you’ll have to endure some hardship."

Madam Song lowered her gaze, gently brushing her fingers over her right cheek. A familiar wave of hesitation washed over her. "It’s just business... it’s not that I mind the work. I’m just worried... that I might cause you trouble because of how I look...."

Her voice trailed off as her fingers traced the birthmark on her cheek——an apricot-sized mark tinged red and black. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to the way people glanced at her face. When she was eighteen, not a single marriage proposal came her way. No one wanted a wife with a face like hers.

Until one day, a young man fleeing famine knocked on her family’s door, asking for water.

That man was Ding Quan.

His father, already frail from hunger and exhaustion, had been bitten by a poisonous snake on the journey. Death was inevitable.

Her father saw an opportunity. He offered Ding Quan a deal——he would help bury the old man properly, but in return, Ding Quan had to marry Madam Song and settle in Dingjiazhuang.

Ding Quan agreed.

And so, they became husband and wife. Soon, their first child was born.

Although Ding Quan treated had always treated her kindly, perhaps even more affectionately than most husbands treated their wives. Yet, deep inside, Madam Song couldn't shake off the fear that their marriage was built on necessity, not love.

For a long time, she prepared herself for the day he might leave her.

But the years passed. Her father died. War and famine forced them to flee northward. Through every hardship, Ding Quan never once wavered in his treatment of her.

Slowly, Madam Song let herself believe.

Yet even now, with a home and a child between them, that lingering insecurity still whispered to her.

Ding Quan took her hand, stopping her from fidgeting. His grip was warm, steady. "When have you ever caused me trouble?" He asked. "If anything, I’m the one who’s always relying on you."

His voice was full of self-reproach. As a husband, he should have been the sole provider. Yet here he was, making his wife and child work alongside him just to survive.

"But then again," he added with a playful smirk, "maybe the heavens felt bad for me and decided to make my wife a little regretful. Otherwise, with your kindness and beauty, how could I have had the chance to marry you? There would’ve been plenty of suitors lining up!"

He chuckled. "I suppose it’s me who’s dragging you down. Please don’t blame me for it."

Madam Song, caught off guard, let out a small laugh. She shook her head, then ladled another bowl of warm cornmeal batter for him.

Ding Quan accepted the bowl with a grin, and for the moment, their worries melted away.

Over the next few days, Ding Quan and Madam Song worked tirelessly to gather everything they needed for their food stall. They also made frequent trips to Xia Mingyue’s house, where she patiently taught them how to make pancakes, liangpi (cold skin noodles), and various cold dishes.

Xia Mingyue was meticulous in her teaching.

However, Ding Quan struggled. As a former peddler, he had never spent much time cooking, so he wasn’t as quick to pick things up as Jiang Erniu, who had a knack for food preparation.

In contrast, Song proved to be a fast learner. Her hands were deft, her understanding sharp. She memorized techniques quickly, executing them with ease.

Seeing this, Ding Quan let out a long sigh.

He recalled a doctor’s words from years ago——how he supposedly had a "weak spleen and stomach." At the time, he had scoffed at the idea. After all, he was a man with a good appetite and a strong build.

But looking at his wife now, he realized the truth.

Perhaps the doctor was right.

After all, wasn't he the kind of man who survived by relying on his wife’s strengths?

If he was able to "eat soft rice"——to depend on his wife——it was only because she was an extraordinary woman.

Recognizing her talent, Xia Mingyue shifted most of her instruction to Madam Song, understanding that she would be the true backbone of the business.

A husband and wife were one. It didn’t matter which of them learned, as long as they worked together.

Madam Song understood this too, and she devoted herself to learning everything Xia Mingyue had to teach.

Meanwhile, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu were growing more anxious.

Despite searching high and low, they still hadn’t found the false nightshade fruits that Xia Mingyue had asked for.

It wasn’t just that they couldn’t find the fruits——many people had never even heard of them.

Frustrated, the brothers finally returned to Xia Mingyue, admitting their failure.

"Aunt Mingyue," Zhao Dahu said hesitantly, "we’ve asked everywhere, but no one seems to know what false nightshade is. What does it look like?"

Xia Mingyue blinked, then smacked her forehead.

"Ah! I was so careless! I gave you the name without describing it. No wonder you couldn't find it."

She sighed.

Different regions had different names for the same plants. It was foolish to expect them to locate it based on the name alone.

Realizing her mistake, she grabbed a piece of paper and used a burnt firewood stick to sketch a rough drawing of the plant. Her artistic skills were lacking, but the image was clear enough to be recognized.

With the drawing in hand, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu resumed their search.

This time, they found a lead.

The "false nightshade" that Xia Mingyue sought was known locally as "little lantern fruit" and grew wild in the fields.

The brothers were overjoyed.

"Can you gather some?" They asked a young woman selling long beans. "We’ll pay fifty coins for a basketful!"

The woman scoffed. "A basket? That stuff grows everywhere, but it’s not a crop. It pops up here and there in small patches. You’d need ten days or more to fill a basket. You’d make better money just tending vegetables."

The brothers exchanged glances.

So it was abundant, but not easy to collect in bulk.

Still, some households might be willing to gather it for extra income.

Determined, they continued asking around.

Hours passed. The sun climbed high, and yet, no one was willing to take the job.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu grew disheartened.

"If we fail this task," Zhao Dahu muttered, "we’ll miss out on Aunt Mingyue’s reward..., and I bet it’s something delicious."

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted their lament.

"Why do you two look so miserable? What happened?"

__________________________

Chapter 83: Cold Shrimp

The person asking the question was He Shunzi, who had just jumped off the ox cart, dusting off his sleeves as he walked over.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu recognized him immediately——he had delivered goods to the stall several times and had also bought food from them on occasion.

"Brother Shunzi," Zhao Dahu whined, his lips trembling as if he were on the verge of tears. "We might not get to eat delicious food anymore...."

His tone carried such exaggerated sorrow that He Shunzi raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Why?" He Shunzi asked, puzzled. Following Madam Xia, there are times when one can't eat good food? That seemed impossible.

Zhao Erhu, clearly unimpressed by his brother’s theatrics, gave him a light shove. "Don’t listen to his nonsense, Brother Shunzi. Here’s what happened...."

After listening to the full story, He Shunzi let out a hearty laugh. "So this is what’s troubling you two?"

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu exchanged glances.

"Brother Shunzi, do you have any ideas?" Zhao Erhu asked hopefully.

"Of course," He Shunzi said, rubbing his chin. "These little lantern fruits are common enough, but gathering a whole basket takes time. Most adults won’t bother——they’re too busy with more profitable work. But while the adults might not be willing, the children certainly will be."

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu blinked, intrigued.

He Shunzi explained, "It's the hot season now. Crops are growing slowly, and even weeds are struggling under the sun. There’s not much farm work to do, so the village children spend their days gathering pig fodder or catching insects for the chickens. Those chores don’t bring any rewards, and if they slack off, they get scolded. But if you offer them money to pick these little lantern fruits, they’ll jump at the chance.

Besides, I make regular trips to the nearby villages to supply vegetables and eggs to Dexinyuan. I can spread the word and organize the children. In a few days, I guarantee we’ll have a basket ready for Madam Xia."

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu beamed. "Thank you, Brother Shunzi!"

He Shunzi waved a hand dismissively. "No need for thanks——it’s no trouble at all. But tell me, what does Madam Xia want with these little lantern fruits? Is she inventing some new dish again?"

Zhao Erhu scratched his head. "We don’t know. Aunt Mingyue didn’t say."

But judging by how determined Madam Xia was, it had to be something important.

He Shunzi straightened his back, thoughtful. If it turns out to be delicious, maybe I should ask Madam Xia to sell me some...

Having settled the matter, He Shunzi climbed back onto his ox cart and drove away.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu wasted no time rushing back to Xia Mingyue’s house to deliver the good news.

When she heard they had found a reliable way to collect the false nightshade fruits, Xia Mingyue smiled in relief. "Good job, you two!" She praised. "Come, I just finished making some cold shrimps. Have a bowl."

She ladled portions into their bowls.

Cold shrimp wasn’t actually shrimp——it was made from rice paste mixed with clear lime water, cooked until thick, and then pushed through a colander into cold boiled water. The rice paste formed plump, white droplets resembling peeled shrimp, giving the dish its name.

After soaking long enough to cool, the delicate morsels were served in bowls of chilled brown sugar water.

The moment the brothers took their first bite, their eyes widened in delight. The cold shrimp was smooth and bouncy, the syrup cool and sweet. After running around all morning in the heat, this was pure bliss.

Zhao Dahu finished his bowl in seconds, then held it out eagerly. "Aunt Mingyue, can I have another——"

Xia Mingyue chuckled but shook her head. "Too much cold food at once isn’t good for you. I’ll give you a little more, but save the rest for later."

Reluctantly, the boys agreed. But as they helped around the kitchen afterward, their eyes kept drifting toward the wooden basin of cold shrimp.

Another bowl would be perfect.

Two bowls would be even better.

Three bowls? We could skip dinner!

In the following days, Ding Quan and Madam Song worked tirelessly, mastering the recipes and preparing for the food stall’s opening.

Though Ding Quan had plenty of business experience, he rarely cooked. His progress was slower compared to Jiang Erniu. On the other hand, Madam Song proved to be quick-witted and skillful, grasping the techniques with ease.

Xia Mingyue took note of this and adjusted her teaching accordingly. Husband and wife are a team——whoever learns faster should take the lead.

Seeing Madam Song excel in cooking, Ding Quan sighed. He recalled how a doctor once warned him about his weak spleen and stomach. He had dismissed it at the time——after all, he had a strong appetite. But looking at Madam Song’s progress, he thought wryly, Maybe the doctor was right. I was meant to live on soft food... cooked by my wife.

On the day of the stall’s grand opening, Xia Mingyue personally went to oversee the setup. The approach was the same as Jiang Erniu’s opening——small portions at first to ensure quality and avoid waste.

With Ding Quan’s experience and Madam Song’s cooking skills, the South Street branch thrived immediately.

Watching the bustling customers, Xia Mingyue felt satisfied.

However, as she jotted down supply estimates that night, she frowned.

Jiang Erniu’s stall on North Street was thriving, which meant larger and more frequent orders. Ding Quan and Madam Song’s business would soon expand as well. As the central kitchen supplying both, her workload was increasing rapidly.

And on top of that, she still had to manage her own food stall on West Street.

Even with Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu’s help, the burden was overwhelming.

She needed more workers...!

After discussing with Sister Lu, they spread the word about hiring assistants. By the next day, a steady stream of applicants arrived——some familiar, some strangers.

There were young women around Jiang Zhuguo’s age, newlywed wives whose children no longer needed constant care, older women hoping to earn money for their children’s weddings, and even elderly grandmothers with gray-streaked hair.

After careful selection and inquiries about their character and family background, Xia Mingyue finally settled on one candidate.

Her surname was Zhou. Her husband had died serving in the army a few years ago, leaving her with a six-year-old son and an eight-year-old sister-in-law to care for, supported by her aging in-laws.

As Sister Zhou sat across from her, hands folded neatly in her lap, Xia Mingyue studied her.

A widow, supporting an entire family... she must be strong.

"Are you sure you can handle the work?" Xia Mingyue asked.

Sister Zhou’s back straightened. "I have no choice but to handle it," she replied firmly.

Xia Mingyue nodded in approval.

This was exactly the kind of person she needed.

__________________________

Chapter 84: Ice Jelly

Sister Zhou was gentle, quick-handed, diligent, and always kept things clean. Her in-laws were reasonable people, making her an even more ideal worker. After trying her out for a day, Xia Mingyue found that Sister Zhou adapted quickly and decided to keep her on. She started at 400 coins per month, with a promise to raise it to 500 after the first month and make up the difference.

Sister Zhou was delighted with the wages and worked hard, arriving before dawn and leaving only when night fell. Her dedication pleased Xia Mingyue, who found her a reliable addition to their growing operation.

As the scorching dog days came to an end, Xia Mingyue planted cabbage seeds. The radish and mustard greens she had sown earlier had already sprouted, their tender green shoots stretching toward the sky.

Thinning out the overcrowded seedlings, she carefully picked out the roots, washed them clean, and mixed them with scallions, garlic, and chili oil. The result was a crisp and refreshing side dish, perfect for hot summer mornings or as an accompaniment to a bowl of porridge at night. The spicy aroma and crunchy texture made it a simple yet satisfying treat.

Just as the radish and mustard seedlings were nearly finished, He Shunzi arrived, carrying a small basket wrapped in cloth.

"I've brought the little lantern fruits," he announced, setting the bundle down.

Xia Mingyue’s eyes lit up at the sight of the small brown seeds. "Thank you, Brother He," she said sincerely, reaching for her purse to pay him. She even took out a little extra, knowing the effort it must have taken to collect them.

He Shunzi waved his hand. "No need for that," he said with a chuckle. "I’d rather trade for something more interesting——how about a taste of whatever you're making with these?"

Xia Mingyue smiled. "No problem. But the dish needs to chill overnight. Come by early tomorrow with a clay pot, and I'll fill it up for you."

"Deal," He Shunzi said, nodding in satisfaction before climbing onto his ox cart and heading off.

As soon as he left, Xia Mingyue got to work.

She sifted through the seeds, removing stray debris, then gave them a thorough rinse to wash away any dust. Next, she tied them in a cloth bag and soaked them in freshly boiled water for the time it took to drink a cup of tea.

Then came the most crucial step——rubbing.

With steady, patient movements, she massaged the cloth bag, coaxing out the natural gum from the seeds. Slowly, the water in the basin thickened, tiny bubbles forming on the surface. The more she rubbed, the denser the consistency became, turning into a translucent jelly-like liquid.

Once the fruits had released all their gum, she strained the mixture through a sieve, removing any stray particles, and added a bit of clear quicklime water to help it set. Then, she poured the liquid into a clay jar and lowered it into the well to chill overnight.

By evening, the ice jelly was ready.

Under the soft glow of lantern light, she scooped it into bowls, cutting it into delicate, wobbly cubes with a spoon. Over the top, she drizzled fragrant brown sugar syrup that had been simmered and cooled earlier in the day. To enhance the flavor, she sprinkled crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over it, then topped it off with fresh watermelon cubes she had bought from a passing farmer.

Wanting to share the first batch, she invited Sister Lu and her kids over to taste it.

Under the moonlight, the translucent ice jelly glistened in the bowls, the golden syrup pooling around the edges.

With the first spoonful, everyone let out a sigh of satisfaction.

"It's smooth and chewy," Sister Lu marveled. "Cool, sweet, and refreshing!"

The crushed peanuts and sesame seeds added a nutty richness, while the watermelon brought an extra burst of juicy sweetness. With each bite, the summer heat seemed to melt away, leaving behind a cooling sensation, as if autumn had arrived early.

"This is just as good as cold shrimp!" Someone exclaimed.

As the bowls emptied, everyone slowed their pace, savoring the rare treat. Even Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, who had been eating enthusiastically, suddenly began taking tiny bites, unwilling to finish too quickly.

"Sister Mingyue, what is this dish?" Sister Lu asked.

"Ice Jelly," Xia Mingyue replied, scooping a spoonful into her mouth.

"Ice Jelly really suits this dish well!" Jiang Zhuguo nodded. "This is as clear as ice, with the texture of jelly. It's cool, smooth, and delicious——these details perfectly suits it."

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, on the other side of the table, didn't bother with what the food was called. They were too focused on stretching out their last few bites, unwilling to let the moment end.

Watching their puffed cheeks, Xia Mingyue couldn't help but laugh. "Don't be hesitant to eat up. I'll make more tomorrow. Two bowls each!"

Hearing this, the two brothers instantly swallowed what was in their mouths, their eyes shining with excitement.

Meanwhile, Wu Jin, the dog, lay nearby, watching the scene unfold with deep resentment. He huffed, sending up a small puff of dust.

Why was it that humans got to enjoy all these delicious things, while dogs were stuck with boring food?

What a dull, unfair life!

That night, under the bright moon, Xia Mingyue prepared another batch, her hands moving with practiced ease. She had perfected the process now——soaking, rubbing, chilling, making syrup.

By the time He Shunzi arrived the next morning with his clay pot, the ice jelly was ready.

Xia Mingyue filled the pot generously, adding syrup and toppings before handing it to him. She also gave him a small bowl to taste on the spot.

One bite, and He Shunzi's eyes widened. "This is incredible!" He exclaimed.

Satisfied, he hurried off to deliver the rest to Dexinyuan.

At the corner gate, Jin Bao grinned as he saw He Shunzi arriving with food. "Brother Shunzi, you always think of us!"

"Of course," He Shunzi said, smiling. "You’ve all been good to me. This is a special treat——freshly made ice jelly, perfect for cooling off in this heat."

He handed over the jar. "I've saved some for Steward Fu and the kitchen staff. The rest is yours to share."

Jin Bao’s face lit up as he carefully carried the precious cargo inside, ready to spread the delight.

The summer heat continued, but thanks to Xia Mingyue's creation, they all had a sweet, refreshing way to endure it.

*****

False Nightshade (physalis) or Little Lantern fruits are native to South America and were later introduced to China——which now, can be found in many of its provinces. However, the specified period was not considered here.

Physalis fruits can be used to make 'ice jelly'——a great heat-relieving dish. This plant blooms in summer and begins to mature in August.

For the sake of the plot, time discrepancies have intentionally not been considered. So, please don't mind.

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Chapter 85: Stupidity

He Shunzi had his own responsibilities, ensuring the kitchen at Dexinyuan was well-stocked, but Jin Bao——working in the estate——had his own network of relationships to maintain. Knowing how to distribute favors was an unspoken skill, and He Shunzi had no problem letting good things circulate as long as they benefited everyone involved.

Jin Bao, catching on to He Shunzi’s intention, chuckled. “Understood. Steward Fu, Madam Luo, and Madam Wang won’t be disappointed. Trust me, they’ll be very generous in return.”

“I trust you the most.” He Shunzi grinned, then added, “I’ll bring you some fresh edamame and peanuts another day.”

Jin Bao’s eyes lit up. He wasn’t one for extravagant hobbies, but when he wasn’t on duty, he enjoyed a good drink. And nothing paired better with a drink than freshly boiled edamame and peanuts——earthy, soft yet firm, and infinitely more satisfying than even meat at times. The mere thought made his mouth water.

“Deal!” He agreed quickly, rubbing his hands together as if already anticipating the snack.

Once He Shunzi left, Jin Bao carried the clay pot carefully to the kitchen. He set it down and began rummaging for bowls and spoons.

Madam Luo, the head of the kitchen, smacked her lips as she eyed the jar. “What rare thing have you brought us this time? It looks intriguing, and the fragrance is tempting.”

Jin Bao, pleased with the reaction, ladled a portion into a bowl and handed it over. “This is Ice Jelly, a new delicacy He Shunzi brought over. He wanted me to bring it to you and Madam Wang as a little gift.” He smiled, his voice carrying a hint of flattery. “I thought you’d want to taste it first, see how it compares to your own skills.”

Madam Wang, standing nearby, received her own bowl. The two women examined the ice jelly, intrigued by its crystal-clear appearance and the way the brown sugar syrup glistened over it. Without hesitation, they took a spoonful each.

The first taste was a delightful surprise——icy, smooth, and just the right balance of sweetness.

“Oh my, this is good.” Madam Wang let out a sigh of pleasure, savoring the refreshing texture.

Madam Luo, less reserved, took another bite..., then another. “This is much better than those mung bean cakes or almond tofu we’ve been making. It’s sweet but not cloying, light yet satisfying. What a clever creation!”

She turned to Jin Bao with a curious gleam in her eyes. “You said He Shunzi brought this over. Did he make it himself?”

Jin Bao shook his head. “No, he only delivered it. He mentioned someone else made it, likely one of the farmers he deals with regularly. Maybe a wife or daughter experimenting with new recipes.”

That made sense. Farmers often shared cooking tips among themselves, and women in the village liked to gather and discuss food. A recipe like this wouldn’t stay a secret for long.

Madam Luo set her spoon down thoughtfully. “Tomorrow, when He Shunzi comes back, ask him where this came from. If possible, see if we can get the recipe.”

Jin Bao readily agreed, but before he could turn to leave, Madam Luo suddenly stopped him.

“Wait, wait, give me some more.”

He turned back, amused. “Didn’t you just say one bowl was enough?”

Madam Luo huffed. “One bowl was enough. Now I want another.”

She held out her bowl, but just as Jin Bao was about to scoop more, she slyly swapped it for an empty one.

“Fill this instead.”

Jin Bao smirked but said nothing, playing along. He filled the fresh bowl generously, adding extra syrup. Maintaining a good relationship with the kitchen staff always had its benefits.

Seeing his accommodating nature, both Madam Luo and Madam Wang exchanged knowing smiles. As Jin Bao left, they continued savoring their treat, setting the remaining bowl in a basin of water to keep cool for later.

Just as they were enjoying the last spoonfuls, a familiar voice called out from the doorway.

“What are you two eating that looks so delightful?”

The two women looked up to see Miss Biyun, the old madam’s personal maid, standing at the entrance. She had an amused expression, but her eyes were sharp.

At once, Madam Luo and Madam Wang straightened, hurriedly setting down their bowls.

“Miss Biyun! What brings you here?” Madam Luo asked quickly.

Miss Biyun waved her hand. “No need for formalities. The old madam didn’t eat much breakfast and is feeling peckish now. Mother Gui asked me to see if there’s something cool and refreshing she might like.” She glanced at the now mostly empty bowls. “That looks just about perfect. Let’s prepare a portion for the old madam.”

Madam Luo and Madam Wang exchanged nervous glances.

The problem was, they only had one bowl left.

Could they refuse? Of course not. But what if the old madam liked it and wanted more? They’d have nothing to offer until tomorrow.

Just as the two hesitated, Miss Biyun’s expression darkened slightly. “What’s the matter? Are you reluctant?”

“No, no, of course not!” Madam Luo hurriedly assured her. She quickly composed herself. “This dish is rather complicated to make, and today’s batch was just a small trial. But since Miss Biyun thinks the old madam will like it, we will bring it to her immediately. However, this is all we have for today. If the old madam enjoys it, we will make more tomorrow.”

Miss Biyun seemed satisfied with the explanation. “That’s fine. Just hurry up——the old madam is waiting.”

As she turned and left, Madam Luo let out a small sigh of relief.

“We need to get this to her before she changes her mind,” Madam Wang murmured.

The two quickly transferred the ice jelly into a crystal bowl, adding a few final touches. Since watermelon had worked well in the dish earlier, they sliced up some fresh peaches and added a handful of plump, juicy grapes——both among the old lady’s favorite fruits.