Chapter 136-140

Chapter 136: Crispy Hemp Leaves

"Okay." He Shunzi nodded repeatedly, his expression serious yet tinged with hesitation. "Actually, there's something else I wanted to discuss with Madam Xia, but I hesitated because I thought you might not be interested. Still, I figured it wouldn't hurt to bring it up."

He glanced at Xia Mingyue, gauging her reaction before continuing, "Steward Fu from Dexinyuan has been talking about the food you've made before——rice dumplings, ice jelly, and now the snow skin mooncakes. He says they’re all incredibly delicious. Because of that, he wanted me to ask if you’d be willing to take up a position as a cook at Dexinyuan."

Pausing for a moment, he exhaled softly. "Of course, I already told Syeward Fu that you're very busy with your own business, so you'd most likely refuse. I thought that was the end of it, but I still wanted to inform you out of courtesy."

He Shunzi then added, "But Steward Fu didn't seem too disappointed. He only said that if you ever create any new dishes, you might consider letting them have a taste first. If it’s something good, they'd be happy to buy from you."

Xia Mingyue listened calmly, nodding slightly as she absorbed the information. "I have no interest in becoming a cook in someone else’s household," she admitted, her voice steady. "But I wouldn’t mind putting more thought into making fresh and unique food in the future."

Seeing that the conversation had at least led to a positive outcome, He Shunzi brightened. "Then I’ll have to trouble Madam Xia in the future," he said cheerfully. "I'll visit often to keep you informed, and if there's something good, you can make a profit from it."

"That’s true." Xia Mingyue smiled, pleased with the arrangement.

With the matter settled, He Shunzi didn’t linger. He soon climbed onto his ox cart and set off, leaving Xia Mingyue to return to her work.

*****

As the afternoon sun bathed her small courtyard in warm light, Xia Mingyue busied herself with purchasing ingredients and preparing another batch of snow skin mooncakes. While working, she recalled He Shunzi’s words about making more food and decided to try something new——crispy sesame hemp leaves.

Hemp leaves could be made in both sweet and savory flavors.

For the sweet variety, she added white sugar while kneading the dough with flour and eggs. Once the dough was well-mixed, she rolled it out evenly, cut it into strips three inches long and one inch wide, then made a two-inch slit in the middle. Folding one end through the slit and pulling it gently created a delicate, twisted shape resembling a dough stick.

Once ready, she heated oil until it reached the right temperature——about sixty percent hot——before carefully frying the hemp leaves. As they turned golden and crisp, she scooped them out, letting the excess oil drain before brushing a thin layer of honey over the surface. The honey added a light sweetness without being overwhelming, unlike syrup, which could sometimes make it too cloying.

For the savory version, the preparation was mostly the same, except that she replaced the sugar with salt. To enhance the flavor further, she added a touch of pepper powder to the dough. Once fried, the hemp leaves had a fragrant, salty taste with a slight numbing spice that made them irresistibly addictive.

Considering that Madam He came from a well-off family and likely had a refined palate, Xia Mingyue decided to include only a small portion of sweet hemp leaves in the package. Instead, she focused on the savory version, believing that the pepper-salted crispiness would be more appealing to someone accustomed to rich delicacies.

*****

The next day, He Shunzi arrived to pick up the snow skin mooncakes, his usual enthusiasm evident. However, when he noticed that Xia Mingyue had also prepared fried hemp leaves, his expression flickered with uncertainty.

He picked one up hesitantly, taking a cautious bite. The crispiness spread across his palate, followed by a burst of flavor that made him pause in surprise. His eyebrows lifted slightly as he chewed.

"Hmm?"

Yet despite the delicious taste, he couldn’t shake his doubts. Looking at Xia Mingyue, he asked tentatively, "Madam Xia..., these fried hemp leaves... are they meant for Dexinyuan?"

Hemp leaves were common food among farmers, a simple treat made only on special occasions when oil was available. In most households, children rarely had the luxury of eating them outside of festivals. When they did, they would hold the crispy pieces in their hands like precious treasures, savoring every bite.

But this kind of food——something so humble and ordinary——was not what one would expect to serve to a high-status lady like Madam He.

Even though the hemp leaves made by Xia Mingyue were exceptionally well-crafted, He Shunzi couldn’t help but worry. Would Madam He appreciate them? Or would she see them as nothing more than a poor man’s snack?

He had always sent food to Dexinyuan as a form of filial piety, but whether the Old Madam liked it or not had never really mattered. Now, however, he was buying something specifically for her. That thought alone made him uneasy.

"It’s for Dexinyuan." Xia Mingyue, sensing his concerns, reassured him with a calm smile. "Don’t worry, the Old Madam will like it."

Wealthy families were used to lavish feasts, their tables filled with delicacies beyond ordinary imagination. But the best-tasting foods were often those tied to nostalgia——things they hadn’t had in years, or flavors that reminded them of childhood.

Fried hemp leaves, while simple, were not something Madam He would have eaten often. If she had ever tasted them before, it was likely long ago. Whether it was a long-forgotten treat or a new experience, Xia Mingyue was confident that the crispiness and subtle spice would capture the Old Madam’s interest.

No matter which one it is, Reassured by her confidence, He Shunzi nodded. "Then..., I’ll take them over."

Meanwhile, as He Shunzi left deep in thought, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu sat nearby, enjoying their own portion of the sweet hemp leaves.

Zhao Dahu chewed happily, then tilted his head in confusion. "These are delicious, so why did Uncle Shunzi seem doubtful?"

"Maybe he’s worried the Old Madam won’t like them," Zhao Erhu guessed.

"But even if she’s from a rich family, why would she dislike these?" Zhao Dahu said, still puzzled. "Do rich people have broken taste buds?"

Zhao Erhu fell silent.

“...That’s not exactly how it works."

"Or maybe," Zhao Dahu continued, "rich people don’t like simple food because they only feel satisfied when eating fried crispy meat every day?"

Another long pause.

Finally, Zhao Erhu sighed and tried to explain, "Think about it this way——if you had to eat fried hemp leaves and fried crispy meat every day, would you still find them delicious?"

Zhao Dahu didn’t hesitate. "Of course! Everything Aunt Mingyue makes is delicious!" He shot Zhao Erhu a suspicious glance. "Are you doubting her cooking skills?"

Zhao Erhu blinked.

...Why did he feel like he had just walked into a trap?

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Chapter 137: Amazing

With a mix of excitement and apprehension, He Shunzi carefully handed over the snow skin mooncakes and crispy hemp leaves to Jinbao.

His fingers hesitated slightly as they let go of the package containing the fried hemp leaves. He opened his mouth, wanting to offer some kind of explanation——to justify why something so simple was being sent to Dexinyuan——but in the end, he swallowed the words before they could form.

'You have to trust Madam Xia,' he reminded himself. 'Just like believing that miracles exist in this world.'

When Jinbao saw the fried Jinbao accepted the package, his eyes widening the moment he caught sight of the fried hemp leaves. His lips parted as if to ask something, but when he saw He Shunzi nodding vigorously, he decided against it. Whatever doubts he had, he kept them to himself.

'If it's something meant for Dexinyuan, it must be different somehow,' Jinbao reasoned.

After debating with himself for a moment, he sighed and took the responsibility of delivering the items to Steward Fu.

Steward Fu stared at the items in front of him, his brows furrowing slightly.

“...This is the new food that He Shunzi brought from Madam Xia?” He asked, skepticism evident in his tone.

Jinbao nodded earnestly. “That’s right.”

“But these fried hemp leaves....” Steward Fu scratched his ear, glancing at them again as if expecting them to transform into something more luxurious. “Aren’t they a little too... ordinary?”

“I thought so too at first,” Jinbao admitted. “But since Madam Xia personally made them, and He Shunzi delivered them so solemnly, maybe there’s something special about them?”

Jinbao paused, searching for a more convincing argument. “Besides, the ingredients used might be different from the usual ones. Maybe the taste is unique?”

He wasn’t entirely sure himself, but that was the best explanation he could come up with.

Steward Fu fell silent, contemplating the situation. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he picked up the plate of hemp leaves and turned toward the inner residence.

Well, if I’m going to die, I might as well walk to my execution.

After all, he had already been scolded by the Old Madam once before. If this ended poorly, what was one more round of criticism?

Still, as he approached the Old Madam’s quarters, he made sure to keep his smile intact, presenting the plate with extra care.

“Old Madam, this is the new food for today,” he said, his voice deliberately light. “Please try it first. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I’ll have it changed immediately.”

He purposefully avoided using the word “ordinary,” hoping the Old Madam wouldn’t recognize the snack’s humble origins.

Madam He glanced at the plate, and the moment her eyes landed on the crispy hemp leaves, she let out a soft laugh.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” She mused. “Aren’t these fried hemp leaves? That’s a common countryside snack.”

Steward Fu tensed. Recognized instantly.

A bead of sweat formed at his temple. He hurriedly opened his mouth to explain, to salvage the situation before she dismissed the food outright.

But before he could say anything, the Old Madam reached for a hemp leaf and took a bite.

A small sound of approval escaped her lips. "Mmm."

Within seconds, she had finished the piece. Then another. And another.

By the time she had eaten three in a row, she finally spoke again, her expression softened by nostalgia.

“It’s just as delicious as I remember,” she murmured. Then, after a brief pause, she added, “No, it’s even better than what I’ve had before.”

She touched her lips thoughtfully, savoring the lingering taste of salt and spice. A smile curved her lips.

“When the Old Master and I went on an outing many years ago, we came across a farmer selling these by the roadside. I remember buying a couple, just out of curiosity. They were simple, but I found the flavor rather unique. Later, I mentioned them to the Old Master a few times in passing.”

She chuckled softly, her eyes distant, lost in memories.

“More than twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye,” she mused. “And yet, tasting them again now..., they seem even more flavorful than before.”

For a moment, silence filled the room as she reminisced. Then, with a fond smile, she reached for another hemp leaf and turned to Steward Fu.

“You certainly went through some effort to find this,” she remarked.

Steward Fu blinked, momentarily stunned. Wait… did she just praise me?

Hadn’t he spent the past two days worried that she would still be angry over the cook’s incident? Hadn’t he been preparing himself for another scolding?

Yet now, not only was she in a good mood, but she was also complimenting him?

Feeling both relieved and flattered, he rubbed his hands together and bowed slightly. “As long as the Old Madam enjoys it, that’s all that matters.”

The moment Steward Fu left the Old Madam’s quarters, he hurried to find Jinbao, relaying everything that had just transpired.

Jinbao let out a long breath, patting his chest. “He Shunzi really knows what he’s doing.”

“It’s more than that,” Steward Fu said, shaking his head in admiration. “He’s incredibly reliable.”

From this moment on, He Shunzi’s role at Dexinyuan was cemented——no one else could take his place without Steward Fu’s approval.

And as for Madam Xia?

Her cooking skills were not to be underestimated.

“I’ll have to ask He Shunzi to buy more food from Madam Xia in the future,” Steward Fu muttered, already making plans.

Just as he was discussing this with Jinbao, a servant arrived with another report——some potential cooks had been found, and Steward Fu needed to go and assess them.

It seemed that all of his recent troubles were slowly being resolved, one by one.

'There’s no need to panic over everything,' he reminded himself. 'You just have to handle things step by step.'

Smiling, he raised his hand. “I’ll go take a look now.”

*****

Later that day, Jinbao hurried to inform He Shunzi that the Old Madam had approved the crispy hemp leaves and that Steward Fu had emphasized how crucial he had become to Dexinyuan.

Hearing this, He Shunzi let out a deep sigh of relief. “That’s good, that’s good.”

The next day, unable to contain his excitement, he went straight to find Xia Mingyue.

“Madam Xia, you’re truly incredible!” He beamed, giving her a big thumbs-up.

She had won over the Old Madam’s favor with nothing more than a plate of humble, crispy hemp leaves.

Xia Mingyue, however, merely smiled modestly. “It wasn’t anything extraordinary. Just a bit of luck.”

“But since the Old Madam enjoyed it, I can continue experimenting with new dishes in the future without hesitation.”

He Shunzi’s eyes lit up. “I’ll be looking forward to it!”

If she could do this much while still being cautious, then once she truly let loose... how many more incredible dishes would she create?

The mere thought excited him. He grinned so wide that his eyes nearly disappeared into the creases of his face.

*****

After seeing He Shunzi off, Xia Mingyue turned her attention back to her food stall, already thinking about what new dishes she could create for Dexinyuan.

As the weather grew colder, she knew she had to adjust her menu.

After seeing He Shunzi off, Xia Mingyue was thinking about what to do for Madam He of Dexinyuan in the future, while she was busy with the snack cart.

Rather than removing cold pot skewers entirely, she decided to introduce oden, using her carefully refined bone broth as the soup base.

Customers would have the option of picking steaming hot skewers, served with a ladleful of rich, flavorful broth.

With this new addition, Xia Ji Cold Pot Skewers officially became Xia Ji Oden & Cold Pot Skewers, marking another step forward in her growing business.

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Chapter 138: Sister-in-law Is Like A Mother

The Golden Lucky Bag is a delicately crafted dish made by blending egg liquid and cornstarch into a thin, round wrapper, then generously stuffing it with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, fresh river shrimp, and seasonings. A chive leaf is carefully tied around the top, securing the filling within, making it resemble a small, plump fortune pouch.

Once stewed in a rich bone broth, the golden lucky bag soaks up all the delicious flavors, its outer layer infused with the subtle fragrance of eggs while retaining a satisfyingly chewy texture. Inside, the savory meat juices meld seamlessly with the fresh, slightly sweet essence of the river shrimp. The delicate chive binding adds a mild, aromatic sharpness, enhancing the overall taste. Each bite is bursting with layers of flavor, leaving a lingering warmth and a feeling of sheer contentment——a true delight that doubles one's happiness with every mouthful.

Fish Tofu, another staple of Xia Ji’s menu, is prepared by blending fine fish paste with tapioca starch, sweet potato starch, and a carefully measured mix of seasonings. The mixture is shaped into rectangular strips, then sliced into bite-sized cubes about an inch wide and half an inch thick. These cubes are deep-fried to set their texture before being skewered and added to the simmering broth.

Fish, already naturally delicious, takes on an even more irresistible depth of flavor after being transformed into fish tofu. As it simmers in the broth, the tofu absorbs the essence of the slow-cooked bones, creating an umami-rich, melt-in-the-mouth experience with a bouncy texture that appeals to both young and old alike.

With these new additions, Xia Ji's oden and cold pot skewers business flourished beyond expectations. The irresistible aroma of simmering bone broth and the rich, hearty flavors of the skewers attracted even more customers, turning the small stall cart into a bustling hub.

Many patrons were particularly enamored with the bone soup base, showering it with praise. Some even asked if they could purchase an entire clay pot of the broth to take home and use for cooking thin noodles. However, Xia Ji’s stall did not sell the broth separately. Instead, as a small courtesy, they would ladle an extra spoonful or two of the steaming soup into customers' paper cups when they ordered skewers.

Soon, a new trend emerged——customers would visit the stall daily, buy a few skewers, and request extra broth to take home. They would then use the fragrant soup to cook noodles, soak pancakes, or even sip it as a comforting evening drink.

The surge in popularity placed an increasing strain on operations. The stall carts were overwhelmed, and demand on the central kitchen continued to rise.

Xia Mingyue found herself busier than ever, managing both production and supply. It quickly became evident that the central kitchen was understaffed.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, she began searching for new hires to alleviate the pressure. At the same time, she sought potential franchisees who could take over the Xia Ji stall on West Street, hoping to optimize her expanding business.

However, finding reliable workers and franchise partners was no simple task. Resolving these issues would take time, and until then, Xia Mingyue had no choice but to extend the working hours of her current team.

One evening, as her team gathered at the central kitchen, she addressed them earnestly.

“I know this period has been tough on everyone,” she said, her tone sincere. “With business booming, you’ve all been working extra hours——coming in early, staying late, and putting in so much effort. I can’t thank you enough.”

She paused, glancing at their tired but loyal faces. “As compensation, I’ll cover your morning and evening meals, and I’ll increase your wages by 20% during this period.”

There was a brief silence before Sister Zhou, one of her most trusted workers, shook her head and said hurriedly, “Madam Xia, you’re being too generous. You’ve always treated us well. Our wages are fair, you pay us on time, and you even let us take food home. That’s already more than enough.”

“That’s right,” Sister Song added. “Whenever we need time off for family matters, you never complain. We all appreciate that. Now that you need help, it’s only right that we step up. We wouldn’t dream of taking more money for it.”

The others murmured in agreement, their expressions warm with gratitude.

Xia Mingyue’s heart swelled at their loyalty, but seeing how overworked they were, she decided to ensure their meals were extra nutritious instead. She instructed Jiang Zhuguo, the cook, to make their breakfasts and dinners even more substantial, so they could maintain their strength.

As the workload intensified, she found herself returning home later and later each night.

*****

Autumn had arrived, and the days grew shorter. By the time she finished her tasks, the sky was already dark.

One evening, Sister Song——one of her most diligent workers——also finished late and hurried home. However, as she approached her house, she heard noises coming from the yard.

Under the dim glow of the moonlight, she spotted a familiar figure——her younger brother-in-law, Li Shuisheng.

Seeing that it was him, she let out a small sigh of relief. But then she noticed something unusual. He was crouched over a basin, scrubbing clothes.

Startled, she called out, “Why are you washing clothes this late? You should go inside and rest.”

Li Shuisheng looked up and smiled. “It’s fine. I finished early today, so I’m not too tired. And since my sister-in-law has been working so hard at Madam Xia’s place, I thought I’d help out.”

Sister Song hesitated.

Since marrying into the Li family, household chores had always been her responsibility. Even after her parents-in-law passed away, she continued managing everything, including caring for Li Shuisheng as he grew up. He had never had to do such tasks before.

Stepping closer, she reached for the basin. “I’ll do it. You should rest.”

As she touched the clothes inside, her hands froze.

These aren’t his clothes. They’re mine.

She looked up, surprised. “You washed... my clothes?”

Li Shuisheng glanced away, somewhat hesitant. “I was fetching water and saw your clothes near the water tank. You’ve been so busy..., I figured I’d wash them for you.”

Sister Song’s lips parted slightly, unsure how to respond.

Technically, they were family——but she was his sister-in-law, and he was her brother-in-law. It was unusual for him to do such a thing.

Li Shuisheng seemed to realize this as well. He scratched the back of his neck and added, “It’s just... I wanted to help. You’ve done so much for me all these years.”

A strange feeling settled in Sister Song’s chest. Was it gratitude? Embarrassment? Something else?

Breaking the silence, she waved her hand dismissively. “From now on, don’t bother. I’ll take care of my own things.”

She crouched down, rolling up her sleeves to take over the washing. “I’m just used to it. If I don’t do it myself, I feel uneasy....”

She trailed off, unsure if that sounded like an excuse or something deeper.

Li Shuisheng studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

Without another word, he stood up and went inside. A few minutes later, he reappeared, holding a bowl of warm water. He placed it gently beside her.

“For you,” he said simply. “Drink some when you’re done.”

Sister Song kept her head down, focusing on the soapy water in the basin. “Mm.”

As he lingered, he suddenly spoke again.

“The housekeeper said I’m getting a raise.” His tone was casual, but there was a quiet determination behind it. “If we save carefully, in two years... we might be able to buy this courtyard instead of renting.”

There are only two rooms in this house. When Li Shuisheng gets married the house could still accommodate them. But when Li Shuisheng had children and the children grew up, the house would not be enough.

Sister Song nodded. “That’s good. By then, your marriage will be settled.”

A pause.

Li Shuisheng frowned slightly. “...We’ll see.”

Before she could say more, he turned and disappeared into the house.

This child....

Sister Song exhaled, shaking her head. But for some reason, her hands lingered in the water, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

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Chapter 139: Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles

Sister Song felt a bit puzzled but quickly brushed the thought aside. She figured that Li Shuisheng was already at an age where discussing marriage might make him uncomfortable, so she simply shook her head with a small smile and continued washing the clothes in the basin.

She worked quickly, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. The water sloshed softly as she rinsed each garment twice, ensuring no soap remained. Then, she lifted them out, wrung them dry with firm twists, and hung them on a thick hemp rope strung between the sturdy tung tree and the wooden window frame. The damp fabric swayed slightly in the cool evening breeze, the scent of soap mingling with the crisp autumn air.

Once the chores were done, Sister Song took a final glance at the courtyard, making sure everything was in order before heading inside to rest.

Meanwhile, in the quiet darkness of his room, Li Shuisheng lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. The room was silent, yet his thoughts were restless. He turned over with a sigh, his eyes still wide open. No matter how hard he tried, sleep wouldn't come

*****

The following days remained just as busy.

However, amidst the hustle and bustle, there was progress——Xia Mingyue had finally selected potential candidates to take over the Xia Ji Stall on West Street. After much consideration, she had settled on two women: Aunt Feng’s nieces-in-law, Sister Cao and Sister Chen.

Both women were known for their honesty, cleanliness, and quick hands. Their children were already in their teens, capable of helping with simple tasks such as wiping tables, collecting dishes, or assisting in the preparation of wontons and steamed dumplings.

With two families working together, the stall would have enough manpower to operate smoothly.

Having long trusted Aunt Feng’s character, Xia Mingyue believed that the women she had raised would be equally reliable. Still, she took the time to sit down with them and discuss the details in depth.

The more she talked with them, the more satisfied she became.

Sister Cao and Sister Chen had spent most of their lives tending to their families, displaying both diligence and filial piety toward Aunt Feng. They were no strangers to cooking and adapted quickly to new tasks. Though they had never run a business before, they were eager to learn, and more importantly, they possessed a strong drive to earn money.

It didn’t take long for both parties to come to an agreement. That very day, Sister Cao and Sister Chen handed over their silver, signed the contract, and officially became franchisees of Xia Ji Stall.

*****

The next morning, training began.

Xia Mingyue personally taught the two women how to prepare the stall’s signature dishes. They worked hard, listening intently, their hands quickly learning the rhythm of kneading, rolling, folding, and cutting.

While they honed their skills, Xia Mingyue seized the opportunity to make some strategic adjustments to the stall’s menu.

She decided to discontinue the cold noodles, replacing them with the previously popular wontons and hand-pulled noodles. Since sesame seed cakes took too long to prepare, she put them on hold for the time being. Instead, she introduced willow leaf steamed dumplings, a dish that had received high praise in earlier trials.

Additionally, she crafted a new sauce to accompany the noodles——chicken stewed with mushrooms.

For this, she chopped a whole chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and simmered it slowly with an assortment of mushrooms. The result was a deep, rich broth with a fragrant braised flavor. The tender chicken and mushrooms were then ladled over chewy, hand-rolled noodles and garnished with fresh coriander. Each bite was warm and deeply satisfying.

To maintain the best flavor and texture, the stew was prepared fresh every morning and kept simmering in a charcoal basin. The gentle heat kept it warm without overcooking the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.

By the time all preparations were complete and Sister Cao and Sister Chen fully took over the food stall, early September had arrived.

The air had taken on a distinct chill, especially in the mornings and evenings, hinting at the approaching autumn.

With additional manpower in the central kitchen, operations became more structured. Tasks were divided efficiently, and the once——overwhelmed staff now worked in an orderly manner, each fulfilling their role with precision.

With the busiest period behind her, Xia Mingyue finally had some breathing room. And as always, when she had time, her mind turned to new recipes.

As the days grew colder, she found herself craving something warm and comforting.

Then, an idea struck her——Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles.

A beloved specialty from Yunnan, this dish had an intriguing origin. Legend had it that a devoted wife used to bring food to her husband, a scholar who studied on a pavilion across a bridge. She discovered that by layering thinly sliced meats and fresh ingredients in a bowl and pouring boiling hot chicken broth over them, the meal would remain hot and flavorful.

The thought of it made Xia Mingyue’s stomach rumble.

Excited, she set to work preparing the ingredients.

First, she made the rice noodles from scratch. Mixing glutinous rice flour, corn starch, and a bit of vegetable oil, she kneaded the dough until smooth. Using a noodle press, she shaped the dough into thick strands and dropped them into boiling water. Once cooked, she quickly transferred them to cold water to preserve their chewy texture.

When the noodles had cooled completely, she set them aside and turned her attention to the heart of the dish——the broth.

Using an old hen with thick, flavorful meat, she placed it in a pot with onions, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. The broth simmered for hours, turning clear and golden, with a fragrant layer of chicken oil floating on top.

While the broth cooked, she prepared an array of toppings:

Fresh mung bean sprouts; thinly sliced bean curd sheets; tender pork loin, cut paper-thin; crisp chives, cut into small segments; and, cooked chicken gizzards, sliced into bite-sized pieces

To make the dish even more authentic, she searched the market and managed to find fresh quail eggs. She also returned home with a small potted chrysanthemum.

As soon as she walked in with the flowers, she noticed curious glances from the others.

Sister Lu leaned toward Jiang Zhuguo and whispered, "Isn't Sister Mingyue making rice noodles? Why did she buy a pot of chrysanthemums?"

Jiang Zhuguo thought for a moment before replying, "Maybe she just wanted to add some decoration to the house. We don’t have any flowers, only vegetables in the courtyard."

"That makes sense," Sister Lu nodded, then hesitated again.

But, before she could say anything else, Xia Mingyue picked up a pair of scissors and carefully snipped off a few chrysanthemum petals.

Sister Lu’s eyes widened.

The others exchanged puzzled glances.

"Are you cooking with flowers?" Someone finally asked.

Xia Mingyue simply smiled and continued her work.

When everything was ready, she gathered everyone around the table.

They eagerly sat down, expecting steaming bowls of noodles, but instead, they found plates of raw ingredients and chilled rice noodles.

Confusion flickered across their faces.

How were they supposed to eat this? Did they have to eat it raw?

Some had heard of people eating raw fish——an elegant dish called sashimi——but this?

Seeing their bewilderment, Xia Mingyue chuckled. "Just wait," she said.

With that, she ladled the steaming golden broth into each bowl, watching as the raw meat and eggs cooked instantly upon contact. The fragrance of chicken, mushrooms, and fresh herbs filled the air, and within moments, their doubts melted away.

As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with surprise and delight.

Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles had made its debut, and judging by their reactions, it was a resounding success.

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Chapter 140: Scars

It seemed that today, Madam Xia wanted them to experience how the rich and powerful dined.

Everyone hesitated at first, exchanging uncertain glances. However, out of respect for Madam Xia, they ultimately nodded and reached out with their chopsticks.

"I really can't accept raw meat," someone thought, hesitating as they hovered over the dish. "I might as well eat some raw leeks first."

After all, Madam Xia had gone through the trouble of preparing such an elaborate meal. The least they could do was show their appreciation.

Seeing their hesitation, Xia Mingyue chuckled. "This is the first time any of you are trying Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles, isn't it? Don’t worry, I'll show you how to eat it properly."

With that, she removed the plate that had been covering the large bowl in front of her.

The moment the cover was lifted, an intoxicating aroma of chicken soup filled the air. The golden broth shimmered under the light, but a thin layer of chicken oil on the surface locked in the heat, preventing steam from escaping too visibly.

"Be careful," she warned gently. "The soup is very hot."

As she spoke, she began demonstrating the proper way to add the ingredients into the soup.

Rather than dumping everything in at once, adding each ingredient in a specific order allowed the flavors to develop fully. The famous Mengzi Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles even had an auspicious name for every step, each one carrying a symbolic meaning of good fortune.

One, egg brings wealth——quail eggs; two, brings luck——thinly sliced pork tenderloin; three, pure ones bring Taoism——leek segments and various green vegetables; four, flowers bloom in all seasons——Chrysanthemum petals; five, blessings come to the door——bean curd skin and mung bean sprouts; six, brings good luck——sliced cooked chicken gizzards; seven, stars shine brightly——a drizzle of chili oil for prosperity; eight, money comes from all directions——the silky rice noodles; nine, are of one mind——cover the bowl and wait; ten, are perfect——enjoy the meal.

After placing everything in the broth, she instructed them to wait for half a cup of tea’s time before eating. This allowed the ingredients to cook to perfection, absorbing the flavors of the rich, simmering broth.

As the minutes passed, the colors in the bowl became more vibrant——the pale chrysanthemum petals bloomed atop the soup, the quail eggs turned opaque, and the tenderloin slices curled slightly at the edges, their pink hue fading into a tender white.

When it was finally time to eat, the group marveled at the beauty of the dish before them. The broth was thick and fragrant, its aroma alone enough to make mouths water.

The moment the first bites were taken, a chorus of delighted exclamations filled the room.

"The tenderloin is so fresh and smooth!" One person gasped.

"The bean curd has such a rich, savory taste!" Another added.

"The leeks have a hint of spiciness, but they blend so well with everything!"

"And the noodles——so chewy and satisfying!"

The warmth of the broth spread through their bodies, chasing away the autumn chill. Their stomachs felt full, but not heavy——just pleasantly content.

Between sips of soup and slurps of noodles, one phrase kept repeating throughout the meal: Delicious! Truly delicious!

Even Xia Mingyue, despite being the cook, couldn't resist the temptation. She picked up another bite of rice noodles, savoring the flavors that lingered on her tongue.

"It really is good."

So good, in fact, that she decided to make it again the very next day.

*****

The following morning, Xia Mingyue set about preparing another batch of Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles. This time, however, she made some adjustments.

Instead of just pork, she added two thin slices of fresh fish to the second step and a handful of fish balls——cut in half——to the fifth and sixth steps.

The result was even more spectacular than before.

The already rich chicken broth now carried a delicate seafood umami, enhancing its depth of flavor. The fish slices cooked instantly in the hot soup, becoming soft and flaky. The fish balls, firm yet bouncy, added another layer of texture to the dish.

Once again, everyone at the table was in awe.

“This is even better than yesterday’s!” Someone exclaimed.

“The fish adds such a nice sweetness to the broth,” another remarked.

“I could eat this every day,” a third person sighed happily.

Encouraged by their reactions, Xia Mingyue felt a surge of confidence.

She decided that the next time He Shunzi came by to deliver bamboo skewers, she would prepare a serving for him as well. Not only as a kind gesture, but also as a way to introduce this new dish to Dexinyuan.

She carefully packed the ingredients into separate food boxes, ensuring they remained fresh. The chicken broth was poured into a sturdy clay pot, which was then placed inside a small woven basket lined with corn leaves to retain its heat.

Just as she was finishing up, the sound of an ox’s low moo echoed from outside the courtyard.

Xia Mingyue wiped her hands and went to open the door.

However, instead of He Shunzi, a young man stood before her. He looked slightly younger than He Shunzi, though there was an undeniable resemblance between them.

"Good day, Madam Xia," he greeted quickly, his voice polite but slightly rushed. "I am He Shunzi’s cousin, He Chuan. My cousin hasn’t been feeling well these past few days, so he asked me to help deliver the goods on his behalf."

Xia Mingyue glanced past him and saw that he had indeed arrived with He Shunzi’s ox cart. The bamboo skewers and other supplies matched the order, so she nodded.

After settling the payment, she instructed the workers to unload the goods while carefully placing the food boxes and the hot clay pot onto the cart.

“Be careful with the heat,” she reminded He Chuan. “And when you get to Dexinyuan, be sure to explain how to eat the noodles properly. You must add the ingredients in the correct order for the best flavor.”

He Chuan, having already been briefed by He Shunzi, listened attentively and repeated the instructions back to her to ensure he had them right.

"That's correct," Xia Mingyue said approvingly. "Take your time on the road, and when you return, send my regards to Brother Shunzi."

"Will do, Madam Xia," He Chuan replied with a smile before guiding the ox cart away.

Contrary to what he had told his cousin, He Shunzi was not at home resting.

Instead, he was by the village pond, herding a group of white geese.

As the colder months approached, villagers were preparing for the annual sale of geese——some for roasting, others for their valuable down feathers. A well-fattened goose could fetch a good price.

Watching the geese nibble on water plants and small fish, He Shunzi let out a deep sigh.

'I’ve saved up enough money, but at this rate, I won’t be able to marry until after the New Year.'

As he sat by the water’s edge, his reflection stared back at him. The scars on his face had started to scab over, but they would take weeks——if not months——to fully heal.

He sighed again, lost in thought.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Hey, isn’t that He Shunzi? Look at him, sighing like an old man despite making good money these days!"

A chuckle followed.

"If anyone should be sighing, it’s us poor souls who got chased out of the fields!"

He Shunzi turned around, scratching his head with an embarrassed grin.

“Ah, well... even a man with money has his troubles.”