Border Cook

"I've been to the capital city when I was on a escort mission with my father. There's a great dim sum shop in the capital called Shunyizhai. I tried two pieces at that time and found them extremely delicious. Now I'm eating the peach blossom pastry made by Madam Xia, and it's even more fragrant than the ones there." Zhuang Cui was also generous with her praise.

“It’s really delicious.”

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu also expressed their agreement.

The two of them spoke the least, but it was not because they didn't know what to say to praise her, but because they were busy stuffing the peach and pear cakes in their hands into their mouths...

While eating, they looked at each other.

I used to think that Aunt Xia was a delicious cook, but I never thought that her pastries were also so amazing. It really opened my eyes.

It seems that, no matter what else, I have to learn cooking just to satisfy my cravings.

I am determined to learn all of Aunt Xia's skills, so that I can eat all the delicacies in the world without having to ask others for help!

Well, I must learn cooking skills from you!
The two brothers made up their minds secretly.

Xia Mingyue took the finished peach blossom cakes and pear blossom cakes to the orchard on the second day and asked Guo Kanglai and others to try to sell them to see how the sales were.

Also brought along are some braised dishes that can be stored for a short period of time.

In order to cater to those who came to enjoy the flowers, Xia Mingyue selected several diligent women and girls from the orchard and taught them how to slice, decorate and arrange the fruits on a plate.

In addition, Xia Mingyue even suggested that Guo Kanglai install a small waterwheel on the small river near the house, so that he could make some flower branches and put them in vases in each room of the house.

There were many things to teach and improve, so Xia Mingyue did not go back that day, but decided to live in the orchard.

The courtyard in the house where the owner and guests live is kept very clean on a daily basis, and all necessary things are available, which is quite convenient.

Xia Mingyue was accompanied by Jiang Zhuguo and Zhuang Cui this time, who helped with the cleaning and preparation of meals.

Wu Jin was running wildly in the orchard, with the sunset glow all over his body.

People in the orchard work from sunrise to sunset and rest at night. After nightfall, everyone goes to bed early. Xia Mingyue and others have been busy all day and are already very sleepy, so they go to bed early today.

At the beginning of the night, Xia Mingyue was awakened by a knock on the door.

Guo Kanglai apologized, "Madam Xia, there is someone staying outside, please see..."

"Who is it?" Xia Mingyue asked, yawning.

She had insomnia because she had just moved to a strange place and had just fallen asleep.

"A girl, who said her surname was Cen, brought four servants with her. She said she was from Kezhou and was going to her ancestral home outside Changzhou City. Seeing that it was getting late and we had a lot of houses here, she thought of staying there for one night."

Guo Kanglai replied, "I will report this to Madam Xia, please make the decision."

In ancient times, traveling was troublesome and slow. It was common to walk for a whole day without seeing any human habitation. Sleeping in the open air was even more common, so asking for a place to stay was not a strange thing.

Xia Mingyue nodded, "Since you are here to stay, I will go and meet you."

This way, I’ll have peace of mind.

"Yes." Guo Kanglai agreed, invited Xia Mingyue to the hall, and also invited Madam Cen, who was staying overnight, to come over.

"Madam Cen, this is my master, Madam Xia." Guo Kang came to introduce.

"Madam Xia." Cen Ying subconsciously raised her hand, quickly bowed, and bowed to Xia Mingyue.

"Mrs. Cen." Xia Mingyue returned the greeting and took the opportunity to look at Cen Ying.

She was about the same age as her, standing straight, with regular features and a delicate appearance. Her skin was almost wheat-colored. She wore no makeup, her hair was tied in a bun, and she didn't wear any jewelry. She looked simple and neat.

She was wearing a plain dress and a cloak with a veil. The material looked to be of high quality. The embroidered patterns shone in the candlelight, highlighting the quality of the fabric.

The two slaves behind her were both servants. They were standing like green pines and looked well-trained.

Xia Mingyue's heart sank a little. "Just now I heard from Manager Guo that Madam Cen is from Kezhou and is going to Changzhou City?"

"That's right. My grandfather and his family are in Changzhou City." Cen Ying answered softly, "Changzhou City was in war for many years and the city was closed for a long time. There was no news at all. My mother and I missed them very much. My mother even became bedridden because of it."

"Last year, the war in Changzhou City was just beginning to settle. My mother and I sent people to inquire for a long time before we learned that my grandfather and grandmother were still alive. My mother was worried, so she asked me to go and visit them."

"It's just that I've never traveled far before, and I had no experience along the way, so I misjudged the road, miscalculated the time, and missed the time to stay. My subordinates discovered that there was an orchard here, so they found it and brought me here."

"I hope Madam Xia will not blame us for coming to disturb you rashly. Please allow us to stay for one night. We will leave early tomorrow morning and will not disturb you too much."

After that, Cen Ying took out her purse and presented it with both hands, "We are sorry to bother you, Madam Xia, please don't mind."

"You are so polite, Madam Cen." Xia Mingyue accepted the purse without hesitation. "When you are out, it is inevitable to encounter such situations. There are still vacant courtyards here. If Madam Cen doesn't mind, you can stay in one of them for a night."

"Thank you, Madam Xia." Cen Ying breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Xia Mingyue instructed Manager Guo to take people to tidy up the guest courtyard nearby, and then led Madam Cen and others there.

In the past few days, Guo Kanglai has been preparing for the flower-viewing business, and the courtyard used by guests has been cleaned and tidied. There is no need to be too busy at this time. He only needs to bring new bedding, fetch clean water, and add feed for the horses.

"Thank you, Manager Guo." Cen Ying thanked him. "I brought a lot of food and dry rations with me. You don't have to prepare meals for us. We can take care of it ourselves."

Guo Kanglai had entertained many relatives and guests for his former master before, and he knew that some people had their own preferences and taboos when it came to food, and didn't like to rely on others, so he agreed, "This is the kitchen, there are firewood, rice and flour in the room, if there is anything you need, you can call us at any time."

"Thank you." Cen Ying thanked.

Seeing that the courtyard was almost settled and all matters had been arranged, Guo Kanglai took his men and said goodbye.

"Thank you." Cen Ying said.

"Madam Cen, you are too polite." Guo Kanglai had a good impression of Madam Cen, who spoke in a low but very polite voice. He reminded her again to let him know if she had any problems, and then went to report to Xia Mingyue.

At this time, Xia Mingyue was sitting in the hall with a frown on her face.

After hearing Manager Guo say that everything had been settled, Xia Mingyue spoke up, "Manager Guo, please work hard tonight. Tell a few young men to be alert and take turns patrolling at night, especially to see what's going on in the courtyard next door."

Guo Kanglai saw Xia Mingyue's solemn expression, and his heart tightened immediately, "Madam Xia means..." (End of this chapter)