Chapter 11-15

Chapter 11: Greedy

Compared to vegetable-and-meat fillings, vegetable-and-egg fillings offer a unique flavor. Adding tofu elevates the dish, making it feel like a great value for the price.

"Let’s buy leeks and tofu together when you get meat tomorrow morning," Sister Lu suggested.

"We’ll need to buy them now," Xia Mingyue replied with a smile. "Leeks bought in the morning will still be fresh and moist, which might make the stuffing too wet and affect the taste. If we buy them tonight and let them dry overnight, the moisture will be just right by tomorrow."

Sister Lu's eyes widened in realization. "No wonder the leek buns I made before were soggy and lacked flavor. It was because I used fresh leeks! I’ll definitely remember this trick for next time."

"You should try it," Xia Mingyue said warmly.

The two women headed to West Street to find farmers selling leeks.

Spring brought abundant growth, and chives, though not as thick as in summer, were fresh and plentiful. After buying the leeks, they sorted, washed, and left them to dry overnight.

The next morning, the leeks were chopped finely and mixed with diced fried tofu, scrambled eggs, softened vermicelli, and blanched mung bean sprouts. Seasoned with salt, hot oil, soy sauce, and pepper, the filling was aromatic and rich.

Once the dough was prepared, the stuffings were wrapped, steamed, and pan-fried to golden perfection. By midmorning, the pancakes were neatly arranged in baskets at the stall.

Before Sister Lu could start hawking, regular customers had already gathered.

The mustard-meat pancakes remained a hit, but the tofu-vermicelli pancakes, priced at six cents each, quickly gained attention. Customers marveled at the combination of spicy chives, fresh eggs and tofu, soft vermicelli, and the crisp texture of mung bean sprouts.

"I’ve always been a meat lover, but this vegetarian bun is incredible!" Exclaimed Boss Qian, the owner of a small cosmetics shop on West Street, as he devoured the tofu-vermicelli pancake with gusto.

"If Boss Qian likes it so much, you must come again," Xia Mingyue said with a smile.

"Of course," Boss Qian replied, nodding enthusiastically. "Madam Xia, you must visit my shop sometime!"

Sister Lu, who was busy packing a mustard-meat pancake for another customer, couldn’t resist chiming in. “I say, Boss Qian, aren’t you being a bit selective? Why invite only Madam Xia? Am I not worthy of an invitation?”

Boss Qian chuckled nervously. “You misunderstand, Madam Lu. But since you asked, let me explain. Madam Xia is a young, charming lady who’s just been married——it’s natural for her to want to dress up. As for you, Madam Lu, you’re already beautiful enough. I wouldn’t dare sell you anything that might attract even more admirers——Captain Zhao might chase me with a sword!”

Sister Lu’s laughter rang out. “Flattery won’t get you a discount! Let me tell you, I’ll pay full price for these buns because they’re worth every cent.”

Boss Qian grinned, taking out his purse. “Madam Xia, please pack two more mustard-meat pancakes and one scallion-meat pancake for me to take home.”

"Coming right up," Xia Mingyue replied, handing over the neatly packed pancakes.

“Your cooking skills are exceptional, Madam Xia,” Boss Qian said. “Do you plan to add other dishes to the menu?”

“For now, we’ll stick to what we have,” Xia Mingyue replied honestly.

Boss Qian nodded. “If you ever decide to expand or need help setting up a bigger stall, let me know. The front space of my shop is available——it’s a good location with lots of foot traffic.”

“If that’s the case, I might take you up on the offer,” Xia Mingyue said with a smile. “But don’t complain if my stall draws a noisy crowd.”

Boss Qian laughed heartily. “Not at all! It’d be convenient to have such delicious food right outside my shop. I’d save myself the trouble of walking!”

He waved goodbye, leaving the stall with his purchases.

Sister Lu mused, “I didn’t know Boss Qian was such a foodie, offering his storefront just to eat more buns!”

Xia Mingyue laughed softly. “He’s not just a foodie; he’s a businessman. His shop is well-known in town, but for people who rarely visit the city, it’s not very noticeable. Setting up a stall in front of his shop would attract more people to stop by, increasing his visibility and potentially drawing new customers.”

“That makes sense!” Sister Lu exclaimed. “I really thought he just loved your cooking. Sister Xia, you’re so perceptive!”

“Stop teasing me, Sister Lu.”

Meanwhile, Boss Qian returned to his shop, where his wife, Madam Liu, was bidding farewell to a customer. As soon as she saw him, her smile vanished.

“You went out to buy buns again?” She asked, squinting suspiciously.

“Madam Xia launched a new tofu-vermicelli pancake today, so I had to try it,” Boss Qian replied with a sheepish grin. “I even brought your favorite scallion-meat pancake——eat it while it’s hot.”

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Chapter 12: Making an Idea

Madam Liu accepted the pancake and took a bite, but her frosty demeanor didn’t thaw. “Madam Xia’s pancakes are indeed delicious, but no matter how good they are, you can’t eat them all day. Besides, I didn’t even say I wanted pancakes today. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re smitten with Madam Xia and keep going there just to talk to her!”

“Madam, you’re accusing me unfairly!” Boss Qian exclaimed, flustered. “You know me better than that. I’ve only been frequenting her stall because her pancakes are excellent, and her business is thriving. I thought we could invite her to set up her stall outside our shop to attract more foot traffic.”

“You actually came up with this idea?” Madam Liu asked, surprised. After a moment of thought, she nodded approvingly. “That’s a good plan. If her stall is in front of our shop, it’ll definitely bring us more customers.”

“Well, I’ll believe you for now. But if Madam Xia doesn’t end up setting up her stall here and I find out you’ve been lying, we’ll settle the score later.”

“Don’t worry, Madam Xia is a smart woman,” Boss Qian said confidently. “She’s seen our sincerity. When the time is right, she’ll accept the offer.”

Meanwhile, at Xia Mingyue’s food stall, two scholars approached. They were Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang, who had bought mustard-meat pancakes the previous day.

Carrying a small bamboo basket, Zhang Mingyi spoke up. “I’d like ten mustard-meat pancakes, eight scallion-meat pancakes, and six tofu-vermicelli pancakes——I heard they’re new today.”

Xia Mingyue smiled apologetically. “You’re a bit late. I only have three mustard-meat pancakes and two scallion-meat pancakes left. The tofu-vermicelli pancakes sold out earlier.”

“Only five pancakes?” Fan Pingyang frowned, turning to Zhang Mingyi. “That won’t be enough to share. What should we do?”

Zhang Mingyi thought for a moment. “Let’s buy these five pancakes for the Master. The others will have to wait until tomorrow. But with all our schoolwork, I’m worried we won’t be able to come early enough.”

Hearing the word 'Master', Xia Mingyue’s eyebrows lifted. “Are you two students at the county school?”

“Yes,” the scholars replied, nodding.

The Xin Dynasty’s reforms had made education more accessible, and the county schools had lowered their admission standards. As long as students passed the entrance exams, they could enroll.

However, while the county school provided a canteen, it seemed its food was less than satisfying. That, combined with the appeal of Xia Mingyue’s buns, had drawn the students here.

Opportunity knocked, and Xia Mingyue’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “If you’re from the county school, I can take reservations. Pay a deposit, and I’ll deliver the pancakes to the school tomorrow.”

“That’s a great idea!” Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang agreed immediately, handing over their deposit. “Please prepare 24 pancakes, as mentioned earlier. And, deliver them to the school gatehouse before noon tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have them there on time,” Xia Mingyue promised. Sensing a new opportunity, she added, “If you want to order again, just send someone with your reservation, and I’ll deliver it.”

The county school was located in Dongcheng District, some distance from her stall in Xicheng District. While her pancakes were popular, few would travel such a distance for them. This delivery arrangement could open new sales channels.

After finalizing the order, the scholars thanked her, bought the remaining pancakes, and left.

Satisfied with her plans, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu closed the stall and returned home. In the afternoon, they restocked ingredients—leeks, onions, ginger, and garlic. Once the chores were done, Xia Mingyue picked up her needle and thread.

To save money, she had bought fabric and decided to sew it herself. Guided by memories of the original owner, her sewing was slow but steady.

Sister Lu helped by cutting the fabric into appropriate sizes.

After two days of practice, her skills had noticeably improved. Her stitches were finer, and her speed had increased. By evening, she finished her first piece of clothing and tried it on. It fit perfectly—length, width, and sleeves all just right.

However, without a full-length mirror, she couldn’t admire her handiwork. A polished bronze mirror was expensive, and a dressing mirror was entirely out of reach.

“I’ll have to keep working hard,” she muttered, determination flaring in her eyes. That evening, while kneading dough with Sister Lu, she added two extra scoops of flour.

Tomorrow’s another day to make good money.

Sister Lu noticed and grinned. “Let’s work even harder tomorrow,” she said, her hands working faster.

The next morning was as busy as ever. Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu prepared the pancakes for delivery to the county school. They entrusted the task to Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, who were eager to prove themselves.

“Remember, these are for customers!” Sister Lu warned. “If you so much as eat one, there will be consequences!”

“Don’t worry, Mom!” Zhao Dahu puffed out his chest. “We’re not greedy!”

Sister Lu arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Just remember——this is an important job. If you mess it up, you’ll regret it.”

The brothers nodded earnestly, ready to carry out their task. With everything set, Xia Mingyue was confident that the delivery would go smoothly, and her plans for expansion were steadily falling into place.

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Chapter 13: Hele Noodles

'If Aunt Xia gets angry, they’ll definitely miss out on delicious food in the future, so they must handle this task well.'

“Don’t worry, Mother! Aunt Xia! We’ll get it done without a hitch!” Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu nodded vigorously, picking up the small bamboo basket left by Zhang Mingyi and his friend, and started making their way toward the county school.

Their expressions were serious, their steps firm, and they glanced around nervously, wary of anyone who might snatch the basket from their hands. After all, these pancakes were worth twenty-four taels of gold!

Sister Lu couldn’t help but tap her forehead, while Xia Mingyue smiled with pursed lips.

“I really don’t know if those two can manage,” Sister Lu said, still worried.

“The children are growing up and need to learn. I trust Da Hu and Er Hu will do fine,” Xia Mingyue reassured her. “You should relax a bit, Sister Lu.”

Sister Lu opened her mouth as if to protest but ultimately nodded, trying to calm her nerves.

After what felt like an eternity, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu finally returned.

As soon as they entered, Sister Lu rushed over, grabbing their arms. “How was it? Did you deliver everything? Did you bring the money back?”

“Don’t worry, Mother! All twenty-four pancakes made it to the county school and were given to Master Zhang,” Zhao Dahu declared proudly, puffing out his chest.

Zhao Erhu then pulled out a purse from his robes. “We brought back two hundred and ten coins——not a penny less!”

“Two hundred and ten coins?” Sister Lu exclaimed, surprised. “How is there so much money?”

“Master Zhang wants to order more pancakes,” Zhao Dahu explained.

“Exactly,” Zhao Erhu chimed in. “He asked for twelve mustard-meat pancakes, ten scallion-meat pancakes, and ten tofu-vermicelli pancakes. He gave us a deposit and asked us to deliver them again, and he wanted us to tell Aunt Xia.”

“That doesn’t add up,” Sister Lu said, counting on her fingers. “Half the amount for the buns delivered today plus the deposit comes to two hundred and eight coins. Why do we have two extra coins?”

“Master Zhang said it was a tip for running the errand,” Zhao Dahu replied. “But we discussed it and decided not to take it. We’ll give it all to Aunt Xia.”

“That’s right,” Zhao Erhu added. “Since we were paid to deliver, we can’t accept extra money from customers. It all goes to Aunt Xia.”

Hearing this, Sister Lu felt a wave of relief.

Just as Xia Mingyue had said, these two children were maturing. They not only completed tasks responsibly but also displayed good character by not trying to profit from small gains.

“Good job! I’ll make you scrambled eggs for lunch,” Sister Lu announced generously. “Two for each of you!”

It was important to reward children for their good behavior so they would continue to strive for success.

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue was at home preparing lunch and making noodles.

Typically, hele noodles are made with buckwheat flour, but here, they’re made with sweet potato flour. The noodles produced from pure sweet potato flour are shiny black, with a unique taste. However, sweet potato flour is less sticky, making the noodles prone to breaking during cooking. To counter this, Xia Mingyue mixed white flour in equal parts when kneading the dough.

This combination gives the noodles the fragrant flavor of sweet potato with the tenderness of white noodles. After cooking, she rinsed them in cold water, which added to their chewiness.

For the dish, Xia Mingyue stir-fried some meat cubes left over from making pancakes that morning, tossing them with garlic sprouts and soy sauce to create a vibrant, flavorful broth. She added blanched spinach for fragrance and a hint of sweetness.

The dish could be topped with chili oil and vinegar for extra flavor—smooth, sour, spicy, and absolutely delicious!

With the first bite of noodles, Xia Mingyue felt a soothing warmth spread from her throat to her stomach.

If she could describe that bowl of noodles in one phrase, it would be “I want another bowl!”

In the following days, the food stall flourished. Madam Zhang didn’t dare cause trouble again, and the production of pancakes steadily increased. Now, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu were making over 150 pancakes each day for sale on the street. Additionally, the number of pancakes delivered to the county school rose to around fifty per day.

It was estimated that the business was bringing in six to seven hundred coins daily.

Business is booming!

Xia Mingyue grinned as she took some of the money stored in the kang hole and headed to West Street to buy two new baskets.

Then she visited the blacksmith shop to purchase a kitchen knife, a one-foot-two-inch iron pan, a large cast-iron pan with a flat bottom for making pancakes, and a sizable soup pot.

The blacksmith, Boss Guo, listened to her requests and scratched his head. “Madam Xia, I know you sell pancakes at the street corner, and these tools will be useful for your business. But the iron needed for these items is in short supply. I’m busy right now and don’t have enough iron. You might have to wait a while.”

Due to ongoing conflicts, there was high demand for weapons, making iron tools scarce and hard to come by.

“How long will it take?” Xia Mingyue asked.

“You’ll have to wait about half a month,” Boss Guo replied with a smile. “But I can sell you a kitchen knife today. We have one ready.”

Xia Mingyue was a bit disappointed——it wasn’t quite what she expected——but something was better than nothing. She could manage without the other items for now.

“Alright, I’ll take the kitchen knife,” she said. “Could you sharpen the blade for me so it’s ready to use?”

“As you wish, Madam Xia. Don’t worry,” Boss Guo assured her. “I do have some work on my hands right now, so please come pick it up this evening.”

“Okay,” Xia Mingyue agreed. After leaving the blacksmith shop, she decided to take a stroll down the street.

While wandering, she happened upon the cosmetics shop owned by Boss Qian.

Taking advantage of the moment, she assessed the open space in front of the shop that Boss Qian had mentioned before.

The wall of the cosmetics shop appeared to have been recently renovated, with neat blue bricks extending about four meters. The entrance protruded slightly, forming a small corner in an "L" shape.

Both large and small layouts seemed suitable for setting up a stall with a shed.

However, Xia Mingyue recalled that although Boss Qian owned the shop, it was his wife, Madam Liu, who primarily managed it and made many of the cosmetics herself. Boss Qian, being somewhat henpecked, followed her lead.

If Madam Liu disagreed with her setting up a stall there, it could lead to complications.

Though eager to expand her business, Xia Mingyue was concerned about potential risks. After pondering for a moment, she stepped into the cosmetics shop.

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Chapter 14: Crucian Carp Stew with Tofu

Madam Liu wiped the counter clean, arranging the goods on display with meticulous care. As she noticed a customer entering, she greeted with a warm smile, “Hello there.... Madam Xia?” She paused, recognizing her visitor. “What brings you here today?”

“It’s dry and windy this spring, and I’m looking for some ointment to protect my skin and hands,” Xia Mingyue replied, her smile bright.

“Then I have just the thing for you! Why not try this lard cream?” Madam Liu suggested, retrieving a small, flat porcelain jar from the shelf. “It may not sound appealing, but it’s quite effective. If you apply it regularly this spring, your face won’t get chapped at all. Over time, it will leave your skin delicate and smooth.

What’s even better is that it’s affordable! A jar costs only twenty coins, so you won’t hesitate to use it generously on your face and hands. I know you spend a lot of time cooking, so your skin is often exposed to smoke and heat. This ointment would be perfect for you.”

“I’ll take a jar then,” Xia Mingyue said, pulling out her purse.

After paying for the lard cream, she turned to leave the shop, but Madam Liu hesitated, then hurried to catch up with her.

"Madam Xia! My husband mentioned he spoke to you about setting up a stall in front of our shop. Have you considered it?” Madam Liu inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Madam Liu’s question revealed a shared interest with her husband, and Xia Mingyue felt encouraged. “I believe this area has great potential. I have considered Boss Qian’s offer, but I’ve been busy preparing the equipment and items for the stall these past couple of days. There’s no rush, though, as I have a few priorities to handle first. I expect it will take about half a month to get everything ready for a proper food stall.”

Xia Mingyue smiled, “I planned to discuss this with Boss Qian and you after I completed my shopping, but it’s a happy coincidence that you brought it up first.”

Hearing this, Madam Liu breathed a sigh of relief. “Since you’ve confirmed your intention, I’ll start clearing the space outside right away. If you need any assistance along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, Madam Liu,” Xia Mingyue replied, her eyes narrowing in gratitude.

“You’re too polite, Madam Xia,” Madam Liu chuckled as she escorted her to the door.

Once Xia Mingyue’s figure faded from sight, Madam Liu returned to the shop. Just then, Boss Qian entered through the back door, his apron speckled with feathers. He looked flustered as he spoke, “Wife, I’ve plucked the chicken and cleaned it. Shall we start stewing it now?”

Madam Liu had mentioned earlier that she wanted chicken noodle soup for dinner.

“It’s still early. We can wait a little longer,” she said, glancing at her husband. “Madam Xia just came by.”

“Oh? What did she want? Did she say anything about setting up her stall here?” Boss Qian asked, a note of eagerness in his voice.

“She only came to buy lard cream. She didn’t mention anything else,” Madam Liu replied, noting the disappointment that crossed her husband’s face.

“Is that so?” he said, his shoulders sagging slightly.

“But I did ask her, and she mentioned she’s planning to do it. It’ll just take some time for her to prepare everything,” Madam Liu added, hoping to lift his spirits.

“Really?” Boss Qian’s expression brightened.

“Do I look like I’m lying?” Madam Liu shot him a mock glare.

“Of course not! My wife is always truthful,” he said with a playful grin. “I’ve said it before: our business thrives because of you, and it would never succeed without your dedication. After all, you care about me and want to share the burden.”

“Stop with the nonsense!” Madam Liu poked Boss Qian’s forehead playfully. “I just thought about how delicious Madam Xia’s food is and how convenient it would be for me to eat if she sets up her stall here.”

“Yes, yes, you’re right, dear....”

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue strolled along the street, savoring the fresh air. After purchasing leeks and dried vermicelli for her pancakes the next day, she also picked up a fresh crucian carp and a small piece of tofu. Her last stop was the blacksmith’s shop, where she eagerly collected her newly sharpened kitchen knife, its wooden handle perfectly fitting her grip.

Feeling quite satisfied, she returned home and immediately set to work. She skillfully scaled and cleaned the crucian carp, then fried it in a pan until both sides turned golden brown. Pouring in boiling water, she added slices of ginger and knots of scallions, bringing the pot to a rolling boil.

The water transformed from clear to a cloudy white, releasing a rich aroma. After a quarter of an hour, the soup had turned as white as milk, enticing her senses.

Xia Mingyue sliced the tofu and added it to the bubbling pot, letting it cook for another fifteen minutes until it became tender and glutinous. She seasoned it with salt, allowing the flavors to meld before serving the crucian carp and tofu, a dish she anticipated would be delightful.

The soup was milky white and boasted no fishy odor, only the distinct fragrance of fresh fish. The tofu, having absorbed the savory essence of the broth, was even more tender and flavorful than usual.

“It tastes amazing!” she exclaimed after finishing a small bowl, feeling satisfied and content.

However, knowing that crucian carp had many bones and that she should be cautious due to limited medical resources, Xia Mingyue decided not to risk eating more. She poured the remaining fish parts into the swill bucket and placed it outside the courtyard gate, intending to discard it when the swill collection truck came the next day.

That night, the sky was clear, and the moon shone brightly. The entirety of Jinqiu County was enveloped in a deep sleep, and Xia Mingyue was no exception.

A dark shadow wandered along West Street. After a moment of hesitation, it slipped into Xinghua Lane.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the stillness, and moments later, the alley returned to its quiet state.

The following morning, Xia Mingyue awoke as she always did, greeted by the soft, gray light filtering through the paper windows. After washing her face and straightening up her small but neat room, she sat down to a simple breakfast of porridge and pickled vegetables. The quiet of the morning, punctuated only by the faint stirrings of the street beyond her courtyard, felt like a small luxury before the busy day ahead.

Outside, the metallic clang of the swill cart reverberated through the narrow alleyways, a familiar sound that signaled the start of the day’s bustle.

Setting aside her work, Xia Mingyue wiped her hands on her apron, unlatched the wooden yard door, and stepped out into the crisp air. She knelt to retrieve the swill bucket, already planning the next task in her mind.

But as she lifted the bucket, her hands paused mid-motion. It felt oddly light.

Puzzled, she looked down. The bucket, which had been filled with scraps of crucian carp meat and bones the night before, was empty. Not only empty, but spotless, as though the swill had simply vanished.

“What could have happened?” Xia Mingyue muttered to herself, her brow creasing.

At that moment, Sister Lu appeared at the gate, a familiar figure with her neatly tied bun and a cheerful smile. She carried a small basket of flour, ready to help Xia Mingyue prepare pancakes for the day’s customers.

Noticing Xia Mingyue’s distracted expression, Sister Lu raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong, Sister Xia?”

Xia Mingyue glanced at her, still holding the empty bucket. “It’s nothing, really,” she said, though a hint of confusion lingered in her tone. “I threw out some swill last night, but it’s completely gone this morning. Even the bones are missing. It seems... something ate it.”

Sister Lu chuckled, setting down her basket with a soft thud. “It was probably a stray cat or two. Sister Xia, your cooking is so good, even the scraps are irresistible!”

Her tone was light, teasing, as she leaned against the gatepost. “It’s spring now, you know. The cats are always restless this time of year, wandering about and crying through the night. It’s no wonder one of them snuck into your yard for a midnight feast.”

Xia Mingyue tilted her head in thought, her lips curving into a faint smile. The explanation seemed reasonable. After all, she had often heard the plaintive cries of cats echoing through the quiet streets at night, their voices sharp and haunting.

“Probably,” she agreed lightly, dismissing the matter as she carried the bucket back inside. Whatever the cause, it wasn’t worth dwelling on. There was work to be done.

The rest of her morning passed in the steady rhythm of routine. Together with Sister Lu, Xia Mingyue mixed batter, fried pancakes, and packed them neatly for her stall. The fragrant smell of sesame oil and green onions filled the small courtyard, mingling with the laughter and conversation between the two women.

As the day wore on, the streets grew livelier. By midday, the sun hung high in the sky, casting warm light over the market stalls and carts. It was then that Jiang Zhuguo arrived.

With a large basket of dried mustard leaves strapped to her back, Jiang Zhuguo approached the stall, her face glistening with sweat from the long trek. She raised a hand in greeting as she stepped closer.

“Sister Xia!” She called, her voice carrying above the hum of the market. “I’m here with the dried mustard leaves! Two days ahead of schedule.”

Xia Mingyue turned from her stall, a smile brightening her face. She wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to greet Jiang Zhuguo. “Thank you, Miss Jiang. I wasn’t expecting you so soon!”

Jiang Zhuguo grinned, shrugging off the heavy basket with practiced ease. “It’s nothing. I know how busy you are, so I figured it’d be better to get these to you early. You can’t make good pancakes without the best ingredients!”

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Chapter 15: Provocation

"You arrived just in time," Xia Mingyue said, her bright smile revealing genuine relief and delight. She hadn’t expected the mustard-meat pancakes to be such a hit, their unexpected popularity catching her off guard. The large basket of dried mustard leaves she had bought from Jiang Zhuguo earlier had already been used up in no time.

Other than the small batch she had sent to the county school, she had managed to make just a dozen mustard-meat pancakes today——and they had sold out almost as soon as they hit the counter.

The constant need to apologize to her loyal customers for running out, had left her frazzled. Jiang Zhuguo’s timely arrival felt like a blessing, lifting a weight off her shoulders.

"Of course, that’s what I’m here for," Jiang Zhuguo said with a cheerful grin, clearly pleased to have arrived in time to help.

After leaving Sister Lu to watch the stall, Xia Mingyue led Jiang Zhuguo back to her home to unload the basket of dried mustard leaves.

The price was the same as always——thirty cents a basket. Yet as Xia Mingyue hefted the bamboo basket, she noticed it was noticeably heavier than usual.

"I thought I’d add a little extra this time," Jiang Zhuguo said with a warm smile. "No one else buys dried mustard leaves, so I figured I’d show some appreciation for my best customer."

Xia Mingyue chuckled, her eyes crinkling with gratitude. "Thank you. You’re too generous." She rummaged through the basket, pulling out a scallion-meat pancake. Without hesitation, she slipped it into Jiang Zhuguo’s pocket.

"Here, have this for the road," she said.

Jiang Zhuguo hesitated, her eyes flicking between Xia Mingyue and the pancake. It was nearing noon, and the journey back to her home would take hours. Finally, she accepted the gesture with a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Sister Xia," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I’ll bring another delivery in a few days."

As she turned to leave, Xia Mingyue stood at the doorway, watching her.

"Be careful on your way back," Xia Mingyue called out as Jiang Zhuguo departed, clutching the warm scallion-meat pancake Xia Mingyue had given her.

As Jiang Zhuguo walked, the tantalizing aroma of the pancake drifted upward, making her mouth water. But she resisted the urge to eat it. Instead, she carefully wrapped it in oil paper and tucked it securely into her arms. She planned to bring it home for her mother——a woman who had endured years of hardship to provide for their family.

Her father’s unreliability had left her mother to shoulder the burden of ensuring a better life for her children.

Lost in thought, Jiang Zhuguo quickened her pace, her worn shoes kicking up small clouds of dust as she passed through the bustling town square.

"Hey, girl!" A sharp voice interrupted her reverie.

She stopped and turned to see Madam Zhang, a middle-aged woman known for her jealous nature, waving at her from across the street

"Auntie, did you call me?" Jiang Zhuguo asked, approaching cautiously.

"Yes, come here!" Madam Zhang beckoned with urgency, her eyes darting around as if to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

"What can I do for you, Auntie?"

"Let me ask you something," Madam Zhang began, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "How much did you sell those mustard leaves to that woman surnamed Xia for?"

"Thirty cents a basket," Jiang Zhuguo answered without hesitation.

"Thirty cents?" Madam Zhang’s lips curled in disdain. "Child, you’re selling yourself short!"

Jiang Zhuguo frowned. "Auntie, do you think that’s too much?"

"Too much? Too little, more like!" Madam Zhang leaned in, her tone dripping with exaggerated concern. "Do you even know how much that woman surnamed Xia makes off those pancakes? Eight cents each! She sells hundreds every day. Do the math——she’s profiting off your hard work!"

Jiang Zhuguo’s brow furrowed as doubt crept into her mind. "She makes that much, and I only get thirty cents?"

"Exactly!" Madam Zhang said triumphantly, her voice rising. "You’re being taken advantage of. You should stop selling to her altogether!"

Jiang Zhuguo’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Then are you saying you want to buy dried mustard leaves from me instead?"

Madam Zhang’s face flushed with embarrassment. "Don’t be ridiculous! My family doesn’t stoop so low as to eat dried mustard leaves. I’m just trying to help you, child."

"Help?" Jiang Zhuguo’s tone grew sharper. "If you truly think I’m being taken advantage of, why don’t you buy them yourself?"

"Buy them? Why would I do that?" Madam Zhang spluttered, her discomfort now palpable.

"Exactly," Jiang Zhuguo replied firmly, adjusting the strap of her bamboo basket. "If you’re not buying, then don’t waste my time. I’ve met plenty of people like you——pretending to care while stirring up trouble. I know, you envy Sister Xia’s success."

Madam Zhang opened her mouth to retort, but Jiang Zhuguo cut her off. "Watch your words, Auntie. God is listening. Speak ill of others too often, and you’ll face the consequences."

With a glare that silenced Madam Zhang, Jiang Zhuguo strode away, her back straight and her steps confident.

Madam Zhang stood frozen, her face a mix of anger and humiliation. After a moment, she regained her composure and muttered under her breath, "That little brat. She’ll regret not listening to me!"

Suddenly, a loud thunderclap echoed through the sky, startling the townsfolk. Madam Zhang flinched, her eyes darting upwards in fear.

The townsfolk exchanged puzzled glances, while Madam Zhang scurried home, her face pale and tear-streaken.

Moments later, a puff of black smoke billowed from a nearby shop. A frantic figure stumbled out, coughing and brushing ash off his face. "I’m sorry! There was an old firecracker in the firewood——it exploded while I was boiling water!" he explained, his voice sheepish.

Meanwhile, back at the stall, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu closed up early. The shortage of mustard leaves meant they had only made a limited batch of pancakes, which sold out by mid-afternoon.

After picking up fresh vegetables from a nearby stall, they returned home to prepare lunch.

Xia Mingyue rinsed the soybean sprouts meticulously, discarding any skins. She stir-fried them with slices of pork belly, star anise, and minced garlic, adding soy sauce, salt, and five-spice powder for depth. A ladleful of boiling water transformed the dish into a rich, aromatic broth.

She then pulled her handmade dough into thin, even noodles, allowing them to soak in the flavorful mixture. The noodles turned a deep, appetizing brown as they absorbed the savory broth, while the aroma of pork and spices filled the room.

Sister Lu, accustomed to Xia Mingyue’s culinary skills, couldn’t help but inhale deeply, her mouth watering at the tantalizing scent.