Chapter 6-10

Chapter 6: Business

Soon, a middle-aged woman bought two scallion-meat pancakes, saying she wanted her parents-in-law to try them. Beside her, an elderly woman purchased one, intending to bring it to her notoriously picky grandson at home.

Just as Xia Mingyue thought her business was gaining traction, a woman with high cheekbones and a sharp tongue sneered, “You’re all being deceived. This is just meat stuffing wrapped in dough! What makes it worth two extra coins compared to others? These vendors probably hired someone to pretend to buy in bulk to fool you all. Tsk, tsk.”

Her words stirred doubt among the crowd. On West Street, people weren’t exactly poor, but seeing a man in coarse cloth and straw sandals buy nine pancakes earlier was odd. Clearly a farmer, he seemed too frugal to splurge like that——was he part of a ploy to trick others?

As suspicion grew, potential buyers hesitated, clutching their wallets while eyeing the pies. The golden crust and mouthwatering aroma tempted them, but uncertainty held them back.

Suddenly, the elderly woman who had purchased a pancake earlier returned, nearly out of breath from her hurried pace.

“You... you pancake...” she gasped.

The sharp-tongued woman cut in with a smirk, “What? Wasn’t it any good? I told you——how could food made by a pampered young lady and a rough-looking woman taste good?”

The elderly woman waved her hand dismissively, catching her breath. “Good? It was amazing! My picky grandson——who won’t eat this or that——ate the whole pancake in one go! He even said it wasn’t enough. I had to come back and buy more!”

With that, she pulled out her purse, counted out some coins, and eagerly handed them to Xia Mingyue. “Give me four more, please.”

Xia Mingyue smiled warmly but offered a gentle reminder, “Children can get indigestion if they eat too much, so it’s better to start with one or two. I’ll still be here tomorrow, so you can always buy more then.”

The old woman chuckled. “You’re a thoughtful one, aren’t you? Don’t worry——I’ll make sure he doesn’t overeat.”

Reassured, Xia Mingyue handed over the pancakes with a smile. “Thank you. Take care, and I look forward to seeing you again.”

The crowd, witnessing this heartfelt interaction, felt their doubts melt away. One by one, they approached the stall to try the pancakes for themselves. Soon, the small stall was bustling with customers, and the sneering woman had no choice but to leave, her face dark with frustration.

After half an hour, only two scallion-meat pancakes remained in the basket.

“These are for Da Hu and Er Hu,” Xia Mingyue said with a smile, covering the basket. “Sister Lu, let’s close up and head home.”

“Alright,” Sister Lu replied, helping to pack up their stall.

Once home, they tallied their earnings: twenty-two scallion-meat pancakes sold for a total of 176 copper coins.

“Sister Xia, after subtracting the costs——50 coins for meat, 10 for flour, and around 30 for seasonings, oil, and firewood——you’ve earned more than 80 coins today!” Sister Lu exclaimed. “If you make twice as many pancakes tomorrow and sell at this rate, you could make over 400 taels of silver in a month! That’s far more than any soldier’s salary.”

Excited, Sister Lu added, “You don’t need to follow me to Sister Wu’s house anymore. Just focus on this business. With these earnings, you won’t have to worry about anything!”

Xia Mingyue nodded but smiled thoughtfully. “The food stall is promising, but I can’t manage it alone. I’d like to ask you for help, Sister Lu. Of course, I’ll pay you a reasonable wage——one or two taels of silver a month.”

Sister Lu gasped. “One tael of silver? That’s too much! Even the famous Yueran Restaurant only pays 500 wen a month. I can’t accept such a high salary!”

“Sister Lu, don’t think it’s too much. There’s plenty of work to be done, and I’ll also need Da Hu and Er Hu to help with chores. Besides, you’ll play an important role in making this business a success,” Xia Mingyue said warmly.

After some hesitation, Sister Lu finally agreed. “Alright, I promise to give it my all!”

The two began planning in earnest. They decided to secure a permanent stall to avoid daily setup hassles, buy vegetables and meat in bulk to reduce costs, and establish relationships with local farmers and butchers for better deals.

As Sister Lu spoke enthusiastically about their plans, Xia Mingyue watched her in amazement.

Initially, Xia Mingyue had asked for Sister Lu’s help because of her familiarity with the area and her reliable nature. But now, seeing Sister Lu’s sharp mind and business acumen, Xia Mingyue realized she had gained more than just a helper——she had found a true partner!

“Sister Lu, it seems you know a lot about business,” Xia Mingyue said with a smile. “Have you done this sort of thing before?”

Sister Lu laughed modestly. “Not much, just some small things here and there. But I’ll do my best for you, Sister Xia!”

And so, their partnership began, a collaboration bound to turn a small pancake stall into something extraordinary.

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Chapter 7: Salted Pork Liver

Zhao Erhu thought that his mother really knew how to do business. So, after finishing the delicious meat pancake Xia Mingyue had prepared, Zhao Erhu approached her, his eyes sparkling with memories. "You know, Mom used to sell meat buns and made quite a fortune," he said, recalling the days of their bustling stall.

"Really? If your mom was so successful, why don’t you try it again?" Xia Mingyue asked, a mix of surprise in her voice.

Zhao Erhu's expression darkened. "Well, the last customer said our meat buns were terrible. Mom got into a heated argument with him, and in the end, he flipped our stall over. We lost everything that day."

Zhao Dahu chimed in, his voice laced with disappointment. "It was a disaster. We’ve struggled to get back on our feet since then."

Xia Mingyue felt a pang of sympathy. Their past misfortunes had made the idea of starting a stall again seem daunting.

Sister Lu, overhearing the conversation, waved her hand dismissively. "If you two are done eating, keep it down! Don't embarrass me here!"

At noon, Xia Mingyue savored a bowl of fragrant cabbage and egg dumpling soup that Sister Lu had thoughtfully prepared. After a brief moment of respite, she steeled herself for the busy afternoon ahead.

As planned, Sister Lu and Xia Mingyue strolled through the lively streets of the market, their eyes scanning for the perfect spot to set up their stall. They soon found a nook bustling with potential customers, where they carefully placed a small square table to mark their territory.

Their next stop was Brother Hong's butcher shop, the heart of the neighborhood's culinary scene.

Without wasting a moment, they jumped straight into negotiations.

Butcher Hong scratched his head thoughtfully, considering their proposal. "If you’re buying meat every day, that makes you big customers. I can offer you a two-cent discount per pound of meat."

"Brother Hong is a man of integrity. Let’s settle on that for now," Xia Mingyue replied, her smile warm but calculating. "However, if I start purchasing more pork in the future, can we discuss a better price?"

Butcher Hong nodded, understanding the importance of maintaining good business relationships. "Alright, but you must commit to buying your meat exclusively from me."

"Then you must ensure that our agreed price remains lower than the market rate, regardless of fluctuations. And the meat must always be fresh and of the highest quality," she added, her tone firm.

"Rest assured, Madam Xia," Butcher Hong replied confidently, thumping his chest. "My reputation as a butcher is well-known in West Street. I promise you won’t be disappointed."

"With that assurance, we feel much more at ease," Xia Mingyue said, her heart lifting. "We'll come by tomorrow morning to buy meat."

"Sounds good." Butcher Hong grinned and, after pondering for a moment, retrieved a piece of fresh pork liver from a basin at his feet, tying it with a length of hemp rope and presenting it to Xia Mingyue. "Here, take this. It’s fresh and perfect for someone with your cooking skills. Consider it a gift——a good ingredient for stir-frying or stewing."

Initially, Butcher Hong had thought of Madam Xia as somewhat lavish, but now he realized he had misjudged her entirely.

Feeling a mixture of gratitude and excitement, Xia Mingyue accepted the liver. "Thank you, Brother Hong. This will be a wonderful addition to our menu."

After leaving the butcher shop, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu made their way to the bustling vegetable market. They picked up vibrant onions, fragrant ginger, and aromatic garlic, ensuring they had all the necessary seasonings for their upcoming dishes.

With their baskets brimming with fresh ingredients, they returned home, where Xia Mingyue began processing the pork liver with meticulous care.

To remove any unpleasant odors and maintain its freshness, she soaked the liver in cold water, rubbing it vigorously before rinsing it multiple times and blanching it.

Once clean, she placed the liver in a pot filled with cold water, adding salt, rice wine, onions, ginger, pepper, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and a medley of other spices. As the pot simmered, a rich aroma began to fill the kitchen, making her mouth water in anticipation.

After letting the liver steep in the flavorful broth, she removed it from the heat and allowed it to cool, letting it absorb the savory essence of the seasonings. When it was finished, she sliced it thinly, revealing its tender, rosy interior.

The liver was exquisite, whether enjoyed on its own or with the broth, bursting with flavor and aroma that promised to delight anyone who tasted it.

Xia Mingyue felt a swell of pride as she plated the salted pork liver, sending a dish to Sister Lu in the dark night with a smile.

Sister Lu accepted the plate with gratitude, planning to savor it the next morning. However, the alluring scent of the liver wafted through the air, igniting her curiosity.

‘Why not taste it to check the saltiness? That way, I can plan a perfect meal to accompany it tomorrow morning.’

Sister Lu reasoned with herself, reaching out to grab a piece of the liver and bringing it to her mouth.

The liver was tender, succulent, and perfectly seasoned, with just the right hint of saltiness. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, enhanced by the fragrant spices that lingered long after.

Sister Lu smacked her lips, relishing the delightful taste, and murmured to herself, "I think I might have eaten too quickly and didn’t fully appreciate the saltiness. Maybe just a couple more pieces wouldn’t hurt?"

And so, the second and third slices of liver disappeared rapidly.

Before she knew it, half the plate was gone when two shadowy figures appeared in the kitchen doorway.

"Mom, what are you doing?" asked Zhao Dahu, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Zhao Erhu chimed in, "Mom is cheating!"

Sister Lu, caught off guard, quickly replied, "Nonsense! I just wanted to taste the saltiness to figure out what to cook with it tomorrow morning!" Her mouth was still full, making her words somewhat garbled.

“How does it taste?” both boys inquired eagerly.

"It's not too salty or bland; it’s just right," Sister Lu managed to say, grinning.

"I don’t believe it," Zhao Dahu said, tilting his head skeptically.

"Me neither," Zhao Erhu echoed. "Unless Mom lets us try it too."

Sister Lu hesitated, suddenly realizing she was outnumbered.

So, what had started as a simple side dish for breakfast had quickly turned into a late-night feast for the mother and her two eager children. By the time they finished, only a quarter of the dish remained, safely covered with a large porcelain bowl to keep it from curious hands.

Finally, they settled in for a good night’s sleep, laughter and contentment filling the air.

The next morning, Xia Mingyue rose early, the sun just beginning to peek through the window. She checked the dough, feeling excited about the day ahead, and prepared a simple but hearty breakfast.

She cooked handmade noodles in a clear broth with the stir-fried salted pork liver from the previous day. The flavors mingled beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal that warmed her from the inside out.

As she savored each bite, a sense of fulfillment washed over her. She was proud of what she had accomplished and eager to share her culinary delights with the community.

After washing the dishes and tidying up, she bought more meat, chopped it, processed the ingredients, mixed the filling, kneaded the dough, and set to work making meat pancakes.

With the assistance of Sister Lu and her sons, Xia Mingyue skillfully prepared fifty crispy and mouthwatering meat pancakes, which they then took to West Street to sell. They opened their stall an hour earlier than the previous day.

Sister Lu employed her talent for hawking, drawing in a steady stream of customers eager to buy.

Many of those who had enjoyed the meat pancakes the day before returned, eager for more. In no time, Xia Mingyue recognized several familiar faces among the crowd.

__________________________

Chapter 8: Mustard Leaves

Among the returning customers was the elderly lady accompanied by her picky grandson, the devoted young woman caring for her in-laws, the round-faced young man who appeared honest and straightforward, and the burly man who had purchased nine scallion-meat pancakes in one go the day before.

While laughing heartily, he struggled to articulate, "Hahahaha, I——haha——want five meat pancakes... hahaha...."

"Of course," Xia Mingyue replied, taking his money and wrapping the pancakes in oil paper.

"Hahahaha, young lady. Are you——hahaha——selling——hahaha——pancakes here all the time?" The burly man inquired.

"I have only recently started," Xia Mingyue said, observing the burly man, whose laughter had turned his face a deep shade of red. He was slightly out of breath but continued to chuckle. Curiously, she asked, "You seem quite joyful. Is there a celebration?"

The burly man felt a bit embarrassed but couldn't contain his laughter. "Oh, don’t mind me, hahahaha. Someone accidentally hit the wrong acupuncture point, and now I can’t stop laughing, hahahaha. But in about an hour——hahaha——I should be fine again...."

Xia Mingyue understood. Could this be the rumored 'laughing point'? She was momentarily at a loss for words.

Not wanting to pry further, she handed the pancakes to the burly man. "Take your time. Please come again next time."

"Of course, hahaha." The burly man nodded vigorously, already planning to return for more pancakes.

After all, today’s five scallion-meat pancakes were meant for his master. He could only watch in envy as he recalled the eight delicious pancakes he had devoured yesterday, leaving only one for his master. When his master discovered this, he had given him a 'needle', resulting in his uncontrollable laughter that caused others to steer clear of him.

If he indulged again today... he would surely be in trouble!

The burly man retracted his neck, suppressing his greed, and hurriedly left with his delicious pancakes.

By noon, all fifty scallion-meat pancakes had been sold.

As Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu began to pack up, several customers approached, inquiring about purchasing pancakes. However, upon learning that they were sold out, they left disappointed.

"Given the current demand, we should prepare more for tomorrow," Sister Lu suggested with a smile.

"Yes, we definitely need to make more. I’ll borrow your basin tonight, Sister Lu, and prepare additional dough," Xia Mingyue replied cheerfully. "But let’s not overdo it——just twenty more."

"Only twenty more?" Sister Lu was taken aback.

At this rate, they would have no trouble selling fifty more pancakes. If they made 150 scallion-meat pancakes, they could potentially earn a net profit of 500 to 600 coins a day!

"Let’s gradually increase our production. If we make too many at once, people might tire of them."

A successful dish relies on two key factors: the 'sense of taste' and the diner's 'psychology.' Only when these elements are harmonized can one evoke a multitude of cravings.

If one cannot eat enough, they will constantly yearn for more. Conversely, if one overindulges, they will quickly grow weary of it.

Sister Lu immediately grasped Xia Mingyue's strategy and gave her a thumbs up. "Sister Xia is quite astute."

No wonder Lu Qiyan had previously mentioned his admiration for women who were educated. It turned out that well-educated and experienced women possessed a broader perspective, far beyond the reach of an ordinary village woman like her.

After packing their belongings and collecting their earnings, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu made their way home.

The streets were bustling with vendors selling food, vegetables, and groceries, their calls rising and falling in a lively chorus.

"Dried mustard leaves! Who wants dried mustard leaves?! Affordable and in large quantities...!"

Dried mustard leaves? Xia Mingyue paused.

A slender girl, no more than thirteen or fourteen, was calling out her wares, her basket overflowing with dark, dried leaves.

The elderly lady selling eggs nearby noticed the girl’s voice was hoarse and advised, "Young lady, take a break."

"Thank you, Auntie. But if I don’t shout, I’m afraid no one will buy it," the girl replied resolutely, her small frame standing firm despite the doubt surrounding her.

"Even if you shout until your throat is raw, no one will buy these dried mustard leaves," an uncle selling fresh radishes and spinach across the way chimed in. His voice was blunt, carrying the weight of years in the market. "These dried leaves are nothing but scraps. Farmers like us won’t touch them if we have fresh vegetables. They’re fed to sheep, not people. Who in the city would buy this to eat?"

"Exactly," an old lady beside him agreed, smacking her lips as if to emphasize her point. "If you’re really looking to make money for your family, sell something worthwhile—mustard seeds, for example. Those would at least fetch a better price than these useless dried leaves."

The girl’s determined expression faltered. Her head dropped, and her shoulders slumped, her spirit deflated like a wilted vegetable. She stood there, clutching her basket, looking as defeated as an eggplant left out in frost.

Xia Mingyue, who had been watching from nearby, stepped forward. She picked up a handful of the dried mustard leaves from the girl’s basket and examined them closely. “They’ve been dried in the sun,” she noted aloud. “How much are you selling them for?”

The girl’s head shot up, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and hope. “Sister, do you want to buy some? They’re not expensive. This basket is only forty cents,” she said quickly, her voice tinged with desperation.

“There’s quite a lot here,” Xia Mingyue observed, noting how firmly the leaves had been pressed into the basket. “It feels heavy.”

As if worried Xia Mingyue wouldn’t believe her, the girl hoisted the basket into Xia Mingyue’s hands. “It is heavy! You see? It must be over ten pounds,” she added eagerly.

Xia Mingyue weighed the basket thoughtfully, her expression unreadable. Sensing hesitation, the girl bit her lip and pushed on. “Sister, if you can take it all, I’ll give you a discount——thirty-five... no, thirty cents!” Her voice cracked slightly as she forced out the last words, a desperate gamble.

The old lady and the uncle exchanged knowing looks and sighed audibly.

“Imagine that,” the old lady muttered. “The nerve of her, trying to sell animal feed for thirty cents. That’s nearly half a pound of meat! What a naive child.”

But Xia Mingyue simply smiled. “Alright, I’ll take them all,” she said. “My house is just down the alley ahead. Can you deliver them there?”

“Really?” The girl’s face lit up, her joy so palpable it was contagious. She nodded rapidly. “Yes, yes! I’ll bring them right away!”

With that, she slung the heavy basket onto her back and followed Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu down the street.

Watching them leave, the uncle shook his head in disbelief. “That lady doesn’t seem like a fool. Why would she spend so much on those dried leaves?”

“You don’t get it, do you?” the old lady replied, leaning in conspiratorially. “City folks may look like they’re living the high life, but when you think about it, we farmers are better off in some ways. At least we grow our own food. They have to pay for even the smallest scraps. If they’re short on money, they’re stuck eating mustard seeds. It’s not as enviable as it looks.”

The uncle nodded slowly, as if this new perspective was sinking in. “You’ve got a point there.”

For the first time, the allure of city life seemed less shiny to them both.

At Xia Mingyue’s home, the large basket of dried mustard leaves was placed into a wooden basin in the kitchen. Xia Mingyue carefully inspected the leaves, ensuring their quality, before finally paying the girl.

When the weighty copper coins fell into her hands, the girl froze, staring at them as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Thank you, Sister,” she whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude.

Xia Mingyue smiled gently. “There’s no need to thank me. You sold something, I bought it. It’s a fair trade.”

The girl clutched the coins tightly, bowing deeply. Though her journey to the market had begun in doubt and discouragement, she left Xia Mingyue’s home with a renewed spirit, her heart lighter and her head held high.

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Chapter 9: Even Pigs Won’t Eat It

“Thank you, Sister. Thank you so much!” The girl bowed repeatedly, her gratitude evident in every movement.

Xia Mingyue smiled gently. “You sell, I buy. It’s a fair trade——no need to be so formal.” Her gaze shifted to the large basket of dried mustard leaves. “But you sold such a big basket at once. Do you have a lot of these at home?”

“Yes, Sister. A lot,” the girl replied with a quick nod. “My family doesn’t own much land, so when we’re not farming, we gather unwanted vegetables for our meals. Mustard leaves are usually discarded, so my mother and I collect, squeeze, and dry them to eat. We made so many last year that I thought I could sell some to earn money.”

Her voice lowered, tentative. “Would you like to buy more dried mustard leaves?”

“I would,” Xia Mingyue replied, “but it’ll take about ten days before I can buy more. Bring another basket then. If I’m not at my stall on West Street, you can come straight to my house. My surname is Xia.”

“Understood!” The girl nodded firmly. “My name is Jiang Zhuguo. If I can’t make it, I’ll ask someone to deliver them instead.”

“Good.”

With the agreement settled, Jiang Zhuguo left, her bamboo basket empty but her steps light with newfound hope.

Sister Lu glanced at the large basin now brimming with dried mustard leaves. Her brow furrowed. “Sister Xia, can these really be turned into something delicious?”

She had seen Xia Mingyue work wonders in the kitchen before, transforming ordinary ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. But this? These dried mustard leaves seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

“In the past, I tried drying mustard leaves myself to save on vegetables,” Sister Lu admitted. “But whether I cooked them with noodles or stir-fried them, the taste was... unbearable. Eventually, I just fed them to the chickens.”

Xia Mingyue chuckled. “You can make dumplings and pancakes with them,” she said confidently.

“Pancakes? With these?” Sister Lu’s skepticism deepened, though she couldn’t deny her curiosity.

The next day, Xia Mingyue invited her to help make pancakes. The dried mustard leaves were first soaked, then finely chopped and mixed with minced meat. Seasonings were added, and soon, a savory aroma filled the air.

When the first batch of pancakes came out of the pan, Sister Lu hesitated before taking a bite. Her eyes widened in delight. “This is amazing! The mustard leaves give it such a unique flavor. It’s nothing like I imagined!”

Xia Mingyue smiled. “Let’s see how well they sell at the stall.”

The mustard-meat pancakes were a hit. Customers marveled at the rich, flavorful filling, the dried mustard leaves adding an unexpected depth to the taste. Within half an hour, the pancakes were sold out.

Two young scholars bought a couple of pancakes each and ate them as they strolled through the street.

“This is incredible,” one remarked. “How do you think it’s made?”

“My mother used to dry vegetables like these,” the other replied. “It’s probably dried mustard leaves.”

“Mustard leaves? Aren’t those for chickens?”

“To make something like this out of chicken feed, the chef must have real skill!”

“Agreed. And since mustard leaves are so cheap, they must be making a good profit.”

“Would you buy it again?”

“Absolutely.”

“Me too. Whatever secret recipe they’re using, it’s worth every cent.”

Not everyone was so accepting. Some customers wrinkled their noses upon learning that the delicious pancakes contained dried mustard leaves.

“Mustard leaves are for chickens, sheep, and pigs!” One person muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.

Xia Mingyue overheard and responded with a calm smile. “Take wild fruits, for example. Birds eat them, but so do we. Pigs eat sweet potatoes, and sheep eat cabbage and radishes. The point isn’t who eats it—it’s how it’s prepared. Even simple ingredients can become a delicacy with the right touch.”

Her reasoning resonated, and those hesitant customers soon found themselves savoring the pancakes without reservation. Some returned to buy more, while others, after checking their wallets, decided to save their cravings for another day.

By the end of the day, all the mustard-meat pancakes were gone, leaving only a few of the scallion-meat pancakes behind. As they counted their earnings, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu smiled in satisfaction.

“It’s been another fruitful day!”

But their success hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“Some people have no conscience,” a shrill voice rang out, dripping with contempt. “Selling pancakes made with mustard leaves——food even pigs won’t eat——to trick people out of their money!”

Xia Mingyue looked up to see a thin, sharp-faced woman with high cheekbones glaring at her.

Sister Lu sighed. “That’s Madam Zhang. She lives in Dahuaishu Hutong. Her husband used to be a squadron leader, like my Youcai. She used to boast about him being promoted to battalion leader, but it never happened. Then Youcai was promoted instead, and now Qiyan has been too. She’s probably jealous and trying to stir up trouble.”

“So that’s the story...” Xia Mingyue said softly, her gaze steady. She smiled faintly. “Some people can’t bear to see others succeed, can they?”

With that, they packed up their stall and left, their spirits unshaken.

*****

Provisional military system (Tang Dynasty): three people form a squad with a squad leader; nine people form a squad with a squad leader; fifty people form a battalion with a battalion leader

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Chapter 10: Tofu Vermicelli Pancake

Madam Zhang, driven by petty jealousy, seemed determined to disrupt Xia Mingyue's livelihood. How foolish!

Xia Mingyue met her gaze and remarked calmly, “Madam Zhang, perhaps you’re right——pigs truly don’t eat dried mustard leaves.” Her words were light, but the deliberate emphasis on the last phrase carried a sharp sting of irony.

Her voice, though gentle, was loud enough to reach the surrounding crowd. For a moment, there was silence, followed by muffled chuckles. The implications of her words were clear: anyone who made such a fuss over food with mustard leaves was, figuratively, no better than a pig.

Madam Zhang’s face turned crimson with humiliation. “You dare insult me, you wretch?” She snapped.

Xia Mingyue’s gaze remained steady. “What I said was deserved. If Madam Zhang continues with such antics, you won’t like what I’ll do next.” Her tone was calm but carried an unmistakable edge.

“What do you mean by that?” Madam Zhang demanded, retreating a step instinctively.

“It depends on whether Madam Zhang chooses to act sensibly or to test my patience,” Xia Mingyue said, her lips curving into a faint, unbothered smile.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Madam Zhang spat, though her voice faltered.

“That’s not for you to decide,” Xia Mingyue countered. “I came all the way from Chuzhou, fleeing famine and surviving trials you can’t even imagine. Do you really think I’m afraid of someone like you?”

Her icy tone sent a chill down Madam Zhang’s spine. She looked at Xia Mingyue again, this time with a mix of fear and uncertainty. The look in Xia Mingyue’s eyes——sharp and unyielding——gave her pause. She suddenly recalled the horrifying tales of famine survivors, their resilience born from desperation. The realization made her shiver.

With a startled cry, Madam Zhang turned and fled, her figure disappearing into the distance.

The crowd burst into laughter.

“Madam Zhang’s bark was worse than her bite!” Someone quipped.

Sister Lu couldn’t stop smiling. “Sister Xia, that was incredible! You handled her so effortlessly——it was like watching a general win a battle!”

Xia Mingyue smiled modestly. “It wasn’t bravery, Sister Lu. It’s just that I learned to survive by projecting toughness. When you’re fleeing famine, showing weakness can mean becoming a target.”

Sister Lu’s expression softened. She could only imagine the hardships Xia Mingyue must have endured. “Even so, I admire your courage. It’s something I need to learn. My husband always says peace is the most precious thing, but there are times when being too passive leaves you feeling wronged.”

Xia Mingyue nodded. “You’re right. There’s a balance to strike—being kind when it’s warranted, but standing firm when the situation demands it. That way, we protect our dignity and avoid unnecessary grievances.”

“That makes so much sense,” Sister Lu said, feeling inspired.

With Madam Zhang gone and the commotion settled, business resumed. By the end of the day, all the meat pancakes were sold out. On the way home, Xia Mingyue stopped to buy some tofu and dried vermicelli.

Back in the kitchen, she prepared steamed buns. The dough was perfectly proofed, and the filling——a mix of fried tofu, rehydrated vermicelli, and dried mustard leaves—was seasoned to perfection. When the buns were finally steamed, their soft, fragrant aroma filled the room.

She shared six buns with the Zhao family next door. As they eagerly bit into the tender, flavorful buns, the two young boys couldn’t stop praising the taste.

“This is amazing! I could eat eight of these!” exclaimed Zhao Dahu. His younger brother, not to be outdone, declared, “Seven and a half is enough for me... maybe.”

Sister Lu was equally impressed and suggested adding vegetarian buns to the stall’s menu. “With a cheaper price point, they’ll attract more customers and increase our earnings!”

“That’s a good idea,” Xia Mingyue agreed. “But we can’t rely on dried mustard leaves again——it would feel repetitive. I’m thinking of using leek, egg, tofu, and vermicelli for tomorrow’s batch.”

“That sounds perfect!” Sister Lu said enthusiastically.

Indeed, the mustard leaves worked well in meat pancakes because the meat balanced their flavor. For purely vegetarian buns, a different combination would ensure broader appeal.

As Xia Mingyue worked late into the evening, she felt a quiet satisfaction. Each step she took——whether facing down detractors like Madam Zhang or creating new dishes——brought her closer to success.

And tomorrow promised another busy, fulfilling day.