Old Lady Li carried the food box and headed toward the backyard. Upon stepping outside, she ran into Madam Gu, who was out to round up her two little troublemakers for dinner.
Seeing the food box in Old Lady Li’s hand, Madam Gu couldn’t help but ask, "Lady Li, where are you heading?"
It was known that although the cook at Scholar Gu’s house was a servant, she always appeared amicable but occasionally revealed a disdainful attitude toward the rural nature of the county.
Madam Gu had conversed with Old Lady Li a few times and had repeatedly heard her praise her young master, claiming he was a gifted talent, known for his brilliance at a young age, even famous in the capital city.
Madam Gu had bluntly asked why, if he was so famous in the capital, he bothered coming to Jing County.
Her question left Old Lady Li speechless. After that, Old Lady Li didn’t enjoy talking to Madam Gu much, and whenever they did speak, she would criticize the county for lacking this or not being as good as the capital.
She pitied her young master for having to study in the county and suffer such a hardship despite his noble status.
Madam Gu often thought if it was so distressing, they might as well return to the capital. After all, Jing County had plenty of students seeking education each year, and wouldn’t miss one Scholar Gu.
Moreover, studying away from home, with three servants tending to him, living a life where clothes are handed and food is ready to be served — if that was supposed to be hardship, then what kind of life was she living?
Thus, she wasn’t keen on interacting with Old Lady Li, feeling that Old Lady Li was particularly arrogant and looked down on Jing County people due to being from the capital.
Nevertheless, at that moment, they were face to face, and she had to say hello.
Old Lady Li didn’t think much of it and casually said, "I’m taking some food to Scholar Song’s house in the backyard."
As soon as she said it, she looked at Madam Gu’s children and felt a bit embarrassed. In a neighborhood where everyone lived door to door, giving food to the Song Family without giving any to Madam Gu’s family felt awkward now that she had been seen.
Blushing, Old Lady Li forced a laugh, "My young master suddenly wanted to eat spring pancakes today, so I made extra for everyone to try. Madam Gu, if you don’t mind, I will share a few with your children to taste."
As she spoke, she opened the food box and took out ten pancakes and was about to get some side dishes.
Madam Gu snapped out of her thoughts, realizing she had just wondered why everyone was desperate to eat spring pancakes as summer approached.
Both her husband and Scholar Gu desired them?
Looking at the pancakes Old Lady Li made, thin as a cicada’s wing and almost translucent, holding no weight even with ten in hand.
The food box contained several small plates of dishes such as sliced pork, shredded sauce pork, and some side vegetables.
Madam Gu’s children stared at the sauce pork slices, salivating.
Madam Gu lowered her voice and said, "Lady Li, it might be inappropriate to send this food box. Lady Wang’s father just passed away; they are still in mourning."
Old Lady Li paused and then slapped herself, "Oh dear, I was so busy that I forgot! Thank you for reminding me, Madam Gu. I almost turned a good deed into a disaster!"
She then took out the plate of pork slices and handed them to Madam Gu’s children, patted their heads, and said, "Good kids, come to my house tomorrow, and I’ll cook something delicious for you!"
She nodded to Madam Gu and carried the food box to the Song Family’s gate to knock.
Song Chongjin opened the door, looking at Old Lady Li with curiosity. After hearing her intention and seeing the food box, he initially planned to refuse but hesitated when he saw Madam Gu and her children standing behind Old Lady Li. He thanked her, accepted the box, and invited Old Lady Li into the yard.
Old Lady Li was still thinking about her own young master, so she quickly bid farewell, reminding Song Chongjin, "These spring pancakes are freshly made, best enjoyed while hot. It’s best to steam them over the stove."
Song Chongjin sent Old Lady Li off, knowing that Wang Yongzhu appreciated her culinary skills, these spring pancakes were likely good too, so he took them into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Old Granny Zhang was preparing side dishes, as they never lacked fresh vegetables brought from the countryside.
Old Granny Zhang had already stir-fried some chives with eggs and finely sliced green beans with chili, making them look bright and appetizing. She also prepared shredded cucumber and scallions, all ready to be served.
As Song Chongjin enjoyed stronger flavors, Old Granny Zhang had also specially prepared a bowl of spicy and sour dip for him.
When she saw Song Chongjin bringing in another box of spring pancakes and heard it was from Scholar Gu’s house, she laughed, "What a coincidence! Did everyone decide on spring pancakes together?"
Peeking into the food box, she praised, "What fine craftsmanship!"
Wang Yongzhu, walking in at that moment, heard Old Granny Zhang’s praise and couldn’t resist approaching to look.
Indeed, Old Lady Li’s cooking was impressive; the pancakes were translucent yet resilient, perfect for wrapping chives and eggs, green bean slices, cucumber, and scallions, matched with sauce, making the colors vibrant and refreshing.
Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but make one wrap to admire, then fed one to Old Granny Zhang and another to Song Chongjin before making one for herself. The pancake was indeed crisp and refreshing, reviving her appetite, dulled by the long, tiring journey.
Seeing her daughter enjoying the food, Old Granny Zhang hurriedly set the table, brought out the pancakes and accompaniments, and had the family sit in the courtyard to enjoy the meal amidst laughter and conversation.
Old Lady Li’s delicate pancakes, wrapped with side dishes, looked like works of art, almost too good to eat.
Madam Gu’s cooking was more straightforward, with slightly thicker pancakes kneaded deftly to be chewy.
While Wang Yongzhu liked Old Lady Li’s delicate pancakes, for a man like Song Chongjin, Madam Gu’s substantial pancakes were more satisfying.
Old Lady Li’s pancakes were like children playing house, providing no real fullness when eaten.
Despite the different tastes, the family had a pleasant dinner, brewed some tea, chatted for a bit before Old Granny Zhang, feeling tired, retreated to her room to rest.
Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, also feeling sleepy, said goodnight and headed to their rooms. As they reached the doorway, Wang Yongzhu suddenly turned to look at the wall connecting to the front yard.
Song Chongjin also turned to look but saw only the wall with no apparent abnormalities, yet he spoke with caution, "What’s the matter?"
Wang Yongzhu shook her head, "Nothing—".
Just as she was about to enter, she thought she had heard hurried breathing from the other side of the wall. Seeing nothing, she assumed she had misheard and went inside.
Once Song Chongjin also went in, the Song household’s small yard lights were extinguished.
At the wall, a small hole appeared, a bit of candlelight flickered through but was quickly covered, making the wall appear undisturbed.