Yuanbao returned before it got dark. Knowing that Li Hengyi had already retired for the night, he didn't disturb him. Instead, he went to check on the shop, which now sold an assortnt of goods and was managed by a relative of the Liu Family. It was inevitable that they would take advantage of Mada Liu's ignorance of the market.
He then went to Qianke Row to purchase a wet nurse, a maid, and a page boy and sent them all to Mada Liu.
After arranging for a business family of good standing to supply goods to Mada Liu, this matter could also be considered settled.
Zhao'an County
Business at the Yuanji Restaurant today was exceedingly good, primarily because the aroma of the at was too enticing. Anyone who passed by stopped in for a serving, let alone the wealthier gentlen who, upon hearing the news, imdiately sent people to reserve a table. However, the food was limited, and it sold out quickly.
But this did not deter custors drawn in by the fragrance; even if the at dishes were sold out, they were happy to order a few other items, make reservations for the next day's lunch or dinner, or even join with friends to share a table together.
Custors who managed to taste the braised at, marinated chicken, or duck were particularly generous, ordering several more jugs of fine wine — and in a restaurant, wine was not cheap.
Yuan Cheng greeted the patrons warmly, his abacus clicking away. At the sa ti, he was mindful of his parents in the back yard, moving from table to table, arranging to send them so small dishes, and informing them that his family had co to town and would leave tomorrow. He had to spend ti with his parents to fulfill his filial duties. Entrusting the collection of money to his apprentice Donghua, he cautioned him to be careful and then made his way to the back yard.
At this mont, the back yard was also bustling with activity. Old Lady Ni's three daughters had all returned, bringing several granddaughters and grandsons, while those granddaughters who were married and grandsons who were studying also ca ho, making the family gathering wonderfully lively.
Xie Zhinuan finished tidying up and, upon seeing the room full of people, mingling joyfully, had a mont of stupefaction.
Suddenly, a woman ca forward and took Xie Zhinuan's hand, "You must be Zhinuan, right? You're so beautiful!"
Zhinuan, this is my eldest granddaughter; if you don't mind, just call her Sister Ya," Old Lady Ni said with a smile.
Yuan Ya quickly added, "It's the 'Ya' from elegant!"
Slling the delicious aroma from the kitchen, Yuan Ya knew it was due to the recipe that Xie Zhinuan had sold to the family, so she was especially courteous.
Seeing Yuan Ya take the lead, a few cousins greeted Xie Zhinuan with beaming smiles, and even if they were jealous of her beauty, they did not show it.
The young n of the Yuan Family were not yet married, but they knew of romantic affairs. They found Xie Zhinuan's beauty breathtaking, which inevitably made their hearts race, yet out of shyness and propriety, they dared not stare too long.
Xie Zhinuan sat beside Yuan Ya, listening to her speak and rarely intervening, content to just listen quietly. It was evident Yuan Ya was very sociable and a very forthright woman.
"Your grandparents ntioned that you've forgotten your past?" Yuan Ya inquired.
Xie Zhinuan paused for a mont, "I've forgotten many things, but I rember my na and how to cook so dishes, and I also recall how to sew!"
As for the original mories, she truly knew nothing about them.
Where did she co from? What had she experienced in the past?
"If you can't rember, don't dwell on it. Let nature take its course; maybe one day it will all co back to you. The food you cook is really delicious; just slling it makes my mouth water!" Yuan Ya giggled.
She kept chatting away with Xie Zhinuan.
She also comnted on Xie Zhinuan's outfit, saying how she used to dress plainly but now appeared stunningly beautiful.
An adage goes, a beauty in fine clothes.
Xie Zhinuan smiled gently, listening to her endless chatter without arguing. Her docile deanor was indeed endearing.
Yuan Cheng ca in with a smile, seeing that the whole family had gathered and was ready to start the al.
Yuan Ya clung to Xie Zhinuan, wanting to sit at the sa table with her. Xie Zhinuan naturally agreed.
One by one, the dishes were served, and Xie Zhinuan tasted them.
The flavors were acceptable, but the ingredients weren't quite right; so dishes were overcooked, so were cut too coarsely, like the fish, which had too strong a fishy sll.
Out of a dozen dishes, she could find a multitude of issues.
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