Before being sent to the County, those chili plants already looked a bit unwell, but unexpectedly, after a few days in the Zhao Family’s mansion courtyard, they beca completely revitalized. Not only had they grown considerably taller, but their leaves also shone with a glossy brilliance, bringing joy to anyone who glanced at them.
Hua Xiaomai was so engrossed in admiring her cherished plants that she wasn’t paying attention to what the Zhao Family’s servant was saying. It was only when Luo Yuejiao nudged her arm and softly called, "Sister Xiaomai," that she abruptly looked up and smiled apologetically, "Ah, my apologies, young sir, please go ahead, I’m listening."
The servant didn’t seem to mind and said earnestly, "My master ntioned that he plans to try your cooking along with Mr. Song from Taoyuan House tomorrow. You don’t need to prepare anything special— you have a food stall, right? Just tell where it is located, and tomorrow evening, they will find you there themselves."
This ans they’re... coming to support the business? With no close relations to Old Master Zhao, Hua Xiaomai felt sowhat perplexed and pondered for a mont, "The one accompanying Old Master Zhao, is it Mr. Song who runs Taoyuan House in the Prefecture? Has he been staying in Fuzhe County all this while?"
"Of course!" the servant nodded, "Mr. Song cos to Fuzhe County every year during May and June to make purchases. Due to his longstanding friendship with my master’s Lady, he always stays at our mansion and spends a whole month here each year. Our Fuzhe County may not look prosperous, but when it cos to all kinds of produce, it really is second to none. Fish, at, vegetables, fruits, various dry goods... it’s all very abundant! The prices are fair too; buying here in the County saves quite a bit of money compared to the Prefecture!"
"Oh," Hua Xiaomai acknowledged with understanding, "but my stall just sells simple hand-pulled noodles, wontons, and a few side dishes. I’m afraid... that Old Master Zhao and Mr. Song might not be accustod to eating them."
"You needn’t worry about that." the servant interjected before she could finish, "My master has tasted your cooking and is quite aware of its quality. If it weren’t good, he wouldn’t bother coming. Moreover, Mr. Song has so specific requests, which I will now share with you."
Requests as well?
Hua Xiaomai felt even more bewildered.
What exactly is Song Jingxi trying to achieve? When they first t at the Zhao Family’s mansion, he had sowhat tested her with nurous questions. Now, although he seed to be coming to patronize her business, he also had special requirents, clearly intending to probe further.
After all, she was just a country girl skilled in cooking; how could she be worth such repeated scrutiny by Song Jingxi?
She continued to ponder inwardly while maintaining a smile, "May I know what requirents Mr. Song has?"
The servant, with an excellent mory, recounted everything fluently: "Mr. Song ntioned that he does not like at; greasy at dishes need not be prepared. Now that the wild flowers are blooming beautifully, you can pick so edible ones and prepare a couple of simple dishes. No need for large quantities, just to taste and enjoy."
Listen to this, starting right off with using flowers in cooking, so elegant! Yet, had Song Jingxi not considered the possibility that Hua Xiaomai might not know how to cook them or might botch the dishes, wouldn’t that be embarrassing in person?
After considering briefly, she already had a rough idea and agreed without hesitation, adding, "May I ask if Old Master Zhao has any other instructions?"
"My master loves gourt food and appreciates good taste! He has already enjoyed your cooking; there wouldn’t be any specific instructions. Just prepare earnestly, he said, and he will make sure not to let it cost you; on the financial side, you will not be short-changed!"
Apparently eager to return, the servant, having said his piece, pushed the cart ready to leave. Hua Xiaomai, after a thought, ran back to her room to get ten Copper Coins, not minding whether he would value them or not, and stuffed them into his hand to buy a drink. The servant didn’t make a fuss, juggled the coins in his palm, nodded to Hua Xiaomai, and turned to leave.
Throughout, Luo Yuejiao had been standing by, listening to their conversation. Once the servant had left, she nudged Hua Xiaomai’s arm busily, "Sister Xiaomai, Old Master Zhao must be wealthy, right? Even coming to the stall to eat is so particular. Tsk tsk, tomorrow I should co early and go with you to see the excitent!"
Hua Xiaomai turned her head to see her friend’s excited, flushed face and couldn’t help but tease, "You’re welco to co with , but with your pretty face, aren’t you afraid he might fancy you and take you back to his ho as a concubine? Or... perhaps you also fancy living a few days as a rich person?"
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