19, Picky (4th Update)
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 assortment of goods and was managed by a relative of the Liu Family. It was inevitable that they would take advantage of Madame 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 Madame Liu.
After arranging for a business family of good standing to supply goods to Madame 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 meat was too enticing. Anyone who passed by stopped in for a serving, let alone the wealthier gentlemen who, upon hearing the news, immediately sent people to reserve a table. However, the food was limited, and it sold out quickly.
But this did not deter customers drawn in by the fragrance; even if the meat 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.
Customers who managed to taste the braised meat, 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 same time, he was mindful of his parents in the back yard, moving from table to table, arranging to send them some small dishes, and informing them that his family had come to town and would leave tomorrow. He had to spend time 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 moment, 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 came home, making the family gathering wonderfully lively.
Xie Zhinuan finished tidying up and, upon seeing the room full of people, mingling joyfully, had a moment of stupefaction.
Suddenly, a woman came 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!”
Smelling 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 men 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 mentioned that you’ve forgotten your past?” Yuan Ya inquired.
Xie Zhinuan paused for a moment, “I’ve forgotten many things, but I remember my name and how to cook some dishes, and I also recall how to sew!”
As for the original memories, she truly knew nothing about them.
Where did she come from? What had she experienced in the past?
“If you can’t remember, don’t dwell on it. Let nature take its course; maybe one day it will all come back to you. The food you cook is really delicious; just smelling it makes my mouth water!” Yuan Ya giggled.
She kept chatting away with Xie Zhinuan.
She also commented 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 demeanor was indeed endearing.
Yuan Cheng came in with a smile, seeing that the whole family had gathered and was ready to start the meal.
Yuan Ya clung to Xie Zhinuan, wanting to sit at the same 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; some dishes were overcooked, some were cut too coarsely, like the fish, which had too strong a fishy smell.
Out of a dozen dishes, she could find a multitude of issues.
Chapter 21