Seeing the stout, broad-shouldered woman hesitate, she feared…
The meaning of those words was that he would just have to accept the loss.
How peculiar!
Since when did vendors willingly take a loss?
Lu Runrun focused her gaze and saw it was a pancake seller. The more pitifully he cried out, the more customers flocked to buy. She couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head—this was indeed an excellent sales tactic to stand out. In Bianjing, where merchants gathered like clouds, one could always witness something novel.
She couldn’t resist buying two pancakes herself before returning to her sedan chair and continuing on her way.
The sedan chair only went as far as the back gate. This was the entrance used daily for purchasing vegetables and disposing of night soil. Beyond it lay the rear annex, and after passing through a covered walkway and a courtyard, one would reach the kitchen. Though Deputy Commander Wu held only a fifth-rank official position, it was a crucial post. Moreover, with a princess for a mother, his residence was naturally far more spacious than those of ordinary capital officials.
Otherwise, many officials in Bianjing had to rent houses, and some who were less adept at managing their finances even lived with their families in remote, shabby alleys and poor dwellings.
Though civil officials received generous salaries, they couldn’t withstand the exorbitant housing prices in Bianjing.
Thus, Lu Runrun was quite satisfied with her family’s three-courtyard mansion in a prime location. It was akin to owning a courtyard house right next to the Forbidden City. Even if she lived as a carefree young lady, it was more than enough for a comfortable and leisurely life.
After stating her purpose to the gatekeeper and mentioning her mother’s name, she was allowed inside.
Today, Deputy Commander Wu’s household was hosting a banquet. The back gate bustled with a constant stream of people, like a flowing river—those delivering vegetables, those bringing wine, many of whom looked quite familiar. After all, among the well-known establishments, only a handful frequented such places.
For instance, the one currently delivering wine was an attendant from the White Alum Tower, also known as Fan Tower. It was said that Fan Tower originally sold alum, or perhaps its founder was in the alum trade. In any case, older generations of Bianjing residents loved calling it the White Alum Tower, flaunting a touch of distinctive pride to prove their worldly experience and authentic Bianjing roots.
The attendant from the White Alum Tower, noticing Lu Runrun’s gaze, quickly nodded with an ingratiating and amiable smile.
Lu Runrun averted her eyes, gave an impassive nod, and walked away.
It wasn’t that she was harsh or looked down on others. As a professional female chef, she inevitably had to interact with outsiders. Maintaining a certain distance made it less likely for others to find fault. Moreover, dealing with all sorts of people, the more unapproachable and exacting one appeared, the less likely they were to be bullied by those who preyed on the weak.
These were lessons her mother had repeatedly drilled into her.
Lu Runrun would never presume that having lived a previous life gave her the right to look down upon all the rules of this era. Experience had proven that her mother’s words were golden. Ever since she learned to face everything with a cold demeanor, not a single young lady or lad in the alley dared to provoke her lightly.
Though, given Nanny Chen’s notorious reputation for being fiercely protective and unreasonable, no young lady or lad in the nearby alleys would have dared to bully her in the first place…
With the same impassive expression, Lu Runrun walked to the rear annex, where another gate stood guarded by two stout and sturdy women. Their inspection was far stricter. For example, the person delivering vegetables with a cart had his produce nitpicked and had no choice but to secretly slip them a bit of money.
There was also another person, likely hired from outside—a young lady who had clearly just started working a few days ago. After being given a hard time, she stood to the side, bewildered.
When it came to Lu Runrun's turn, things went a bit better. Her attire and appearance set her apart from ordinary young women from common households. With a stern expression, a slender figure, and fair skin, she immediately exuded the refined air of a professional female chef from a wealthy family, making ordinary people hesitant to provoke her.
Seeing the stout, broad-shouldered matron hesitate, likely still hoping to extort some money, Lu Runrun acted decisively. She furrowed her brows, her beautiful face filled with impatience, and snapped, "If you don't believe me, just call someone to fetch my mother for verification. What's the point of dawdling and blocking people here? If you delay the banquet, aren't you afraid your master will hold you accountable?"
Who would have thought such a delicate, picturesque young lady would have such a terrible temper? It was hard to imagine how she was raised. Another matron tugged at the sleeve of the plump one blocking the way. The plump matron also knew that if she truly delayed the master's banquet and caused embarrassment, she, as a mere gatekeeper, would inevitably face punishment and might even be driven out.
In short, secretly taking money to make things difficult for others was only possible when bullying those who couldn't reach the master and dared not offend them.
The plump matron relented, pursing her lips without another word. The other matron hurriedly ushered Lu Runrun inside, smiling obsequiously and saying, "Please proceed slowly, young lady. Just walk straight ahead, and you'll find the kitchen. With so many people today, you definitely won't miss it."
Lu Runrun nodded casually. Just before entering, she noticed the shy young woman standing by the door and suddenly asked, "From the Four Departments and Six Bureaus?"
The shy young woman felt as if she had been rescued, her eyes lighting up as she nodded emphatically.
Lu Runrun gave an "oh" and beckoned for her to come along, casually saying, "Let's go."
Then, with her head held high, she walked inside, leading the shy young woman.
Because of this, the smiling matron later said to the plump one with lingering fear, "Thank goodness we didn't offend her. She looks like the type who would make a scene."
The plump matron grumbled resentfully, "She's just destined to be a professional female chef someday. What difference is there between her and us lowly servants? I don't know where she gets such arrogance."
The smiling matron gave her a surprised look, unconsciously curling her lip to hide her disdain before explaining, "You've just come from the estate, so you probably haven't heard much. A professional female chef like her mother is nothing like us servants. Nobles and dignitaries line up with sedan chairs to invite her to cook, and her home is piled high with strings of copper coins!
"It's a shame my daughter isn't clever or talented enough. Otherwise, if I had sent her to learn cooking from a young age, along with reading and arithmetic, by now she could have ensured my family's comfort."
Hearing the smiling matron's reluctant sigh, the plump one was nearly frightened into a panic and couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement.
She had seen the smiling matron's daughter—proper and beautiful, clever and capable—and because of this, she had been favored by the Madam and made a maid in the Second Young Lady's courtyard. In her eyes, the girl was already as precious as gold and jade. Yet even she couldn't become a professional female chef?
The plump matron had limited experience. In her mind, a professional female chef was nothing more than a greasy, plump cook from a rural jiaodian (unlicensed eatery), spending all day by the stove in a messy state. How could she know the caliber and appearance of the professional female chefs hired by wealthy and noble families, the piles of gold and silver offered to support them, or even the extent to which many families now valued daughters over sons?
Lu Runrun did not dwell on the earlier commotion. She was already running late, and with the further delay, she was certain to face a scolding from her mother later. Yet she dared not walk too hastily or carelessly—if her mother found out she had behaved in such a manner outside, the consequences would be truly…
After all, receiving such generous wages and rewards from their employers required maintaining a certain demeanor, making it clear that they were not easily hired by just anyone. This way, the prestige was heightened, the hosts gained face in front of their guests, and they themselves reaped tangible benefits—a win-win situation.
Thus, upon entering the employer’s premises, adopting an air of refinement and poise became paramount.
And so, though her steps were small, she moved swiftly. Her skirt did not sway excessively but flowed gracefully like tassels, revealing only the tips of her embroidered shoes, exuding an elegant and leisurely charm reminiscent of the performers in the Goulan.
This was by no means a derogatory comparison. During the Song dynasty, Goulan were legitimate performance venues. If the female performers there were exceptionally skilled, they might even be summoned by the imperial court to perform in the palace and occasionally receive official honors, making their popularity a trend in the capital.
The timid young lady who had luckily followed Lu Runrun inside trailed closely behind her, gazing at Lu Runrun with admiration shining in her eyes.
"You… you’re so kind. As soon as you spoke, that woman didn’t even dare to stop you. I… my surname is Yu, and I’m the sixth child in my family. I live on Lushi Lane. And… and you?"
This young lady had quite a lot to say, though she stumbled over her words when nervous.
When Lu Runrun heard "Lushi Lane," a flicker of surprise crossed her mind. That area was mostly inhabited by brothels and unlicensed courtesans, with only a small section near the neighboring Embroidery Lane housing a few nuns. She didn’t visit often herself, but the nuns from Lushi Lane often sold needlework, and Nanny Chen, seeking bargains, would occasionally buy items like socks and sleeve covers there.
For this reason, Nanny Chen often grumbled. She said Lu Runrun’s grandmother had been exceptionally skilled at needlework, and back then, her grandmother’s household even employed a woman dedicated to sewing, who adored the clever and talented grandmother and taught her everything she knew.
Yet, when Tan Xianniang married into the family, she learned none of it, leaving Lu Runrun without the opportunity to inherit this craft. Even simple tasks now had to be outsourced or purchased.
Of course, Nanny Chen only dared to voice these complaints in front of Lu Runrun, never in Tan Xianniang’s presence.
Lu Runrun merely felt a momentary surprise but showed no expression on her face. Another person’s background or story had nothing to do with her. So she simply replied, "Lu Wei. You can call me Wei Niang."
Lu Wei was the formal name given to Lu Runrun. In her childhood, her family, fearing she might not survive, consulted a fortune-teller for her name. The nickname "Runrun" was specially chosen to align with her birth chart.
Seeing that Lu Runrun showed no disdain upon hearing where she lived, Yu Liuniang’s delight was impossible to conceal. She wanted to draw closer but hesitated, unsure. Lu Runrun, however, paid it no mind and casually asked, "You’re new to the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, aren’t you?"
Yu Liuniang was astonished, her admiration for Lu Runrun growing even more. "How did you know?"
No sooner had she asked than a member of the Four Departments and Six Bureaus approached, carrying flowers—clearly on their way to decorate the banquet. The woman, upon seeing Lu Runrun, greeted her with a smile, and Lu Runrun politely returned the greeting.
As they walked further ahead, they encountered more members of the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, busy yet orderly in their tasks.
As Lu Runrun passed by, many people greeted her, and even those who didn't speak at least nodded with a smile. She appeared far more familiar with the surroundings than Yu Liuniang, who belonged to the Four Departments and Six Bureaus.
Lu Runrun didn't answer Yu Liuniang's question; she simply spread her hands, as if to say the reason was self-evident.
It was because she was well acquainted with most of the people from the Four Departments and Six Bureaus.
The Four Departments and Six Bureaus undertook banquets for officials, nobles, and a few wealthy families. They were responsible for everything from banquet invitations and drinks to sobering tea, as well as the venue, lighting, decorations, and dishwashing—handling it all from start to finish without requiring the host to lift a finger. They could also adapt flexibly according to the host's requests.
As long as there was enough silver, there was nothing the Four Departments and Six Bureaus couldn't accomplish.
As the top Professional female chef in Bianjing City, Tan Xianniang naturally had frequent dealings with the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, especially since many official households specifically requested her to cook.
Thus, Lu Runrun became familiar with them as well.
After all, she had to assist her mother!
Just then, a Madam spotted Yu Liuniang and urgently scolded her, "How could you be late on your first day? If it weren't for Master Miaohui's repeated requests, I wouldn't have taken you on. The work in the Oil and Candle Bureau is light and easy—many people are scrambling for such a position!"
The Oil and Candle Bureau was responsible for the lighting during banquets within the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, ensuring the flames didn't go out and adding oil from time to time. Although it wasn't like the Tableware Department, where one could serve dishes, meet guests, and receive tips, it was still considered an easy job. Compared to being a washerwoman or a Suozao Niangzi in a market eatery, it was undoubtedly a much more respectable and desirable position.
Yu Liuniang immediately turned pale and hurriedly apologized repeatedly.
Seeing this, Lu Runrun didn't interfere. If she spoke up to help Yu Liuniang now, her own conscience might feel relieved, but Yu Liuniang still relied on working under this person to earn her wages.
However, there was no need to stay and watch someone else's embarrassment.
After greeting the Madam from the Oil and Candle Bureau, Lu Runrun turned and left.
As soon as she stepped through the door, she sidestepped to avoid someone rushing in with a tray of candied fruits. Despite their haste, their steps were steady and orderly amidst the busyness—a sign of seasoned experience gained from frequent practice.
Inside the kitchen, everyone belonged to the Four Departments and Six Bureaus; there wasn't a single servant from the Wu household.
Even with several stoves in the Wu family's kitchen, they still weren't enough. A few pots had been set up simply in the small courtyard attached to the back of the kitchen.
Lu Runrun didn't linger; her mother definitely wouldn't be out here.
Sure enough, as soon as she entered, she saw her mother surrounded by two or three people, all busy at work. Even in the kitchen, her mother, Tan Xianniang, still appeared radiant—though this wasn't surprising. Despite having a daughter as old as Lu Runrun, she was actually only in her thirties. In modern times, this would be the prime age to build a career.
Moreover, she had fair skin and delicate features, making her stand out even in the smoky, fiery kitchen.
Unlike Lu Runrun, who often had to remind herself to act a certain way, Tan Xianniang's every move truly resembled a painting of a noble lady—graceful and beautiful.
However, when she spoke, this serene beauty was shattered.
"How did you pick these? The edges of these petals are damaged—how can they be used?" Tan Xianniang's tone was filled with stern impatience, her scolding voice enough to make one's heart tremble.
Seeing this, Lu Runrun thought to herself, "This isn't good."
Sure enough, the next moment, Tan Xianniang caught sight of Lu Runrun from the corner of her eye. Her gaze sharpened, her tone unsparing as she scoffed, "What? Now that you're here, why are you just standing there? Do I need to invite you over?"
Having been her mother's daughter for over a decade, Lu Runrun naturally knew how to read the room. She hurried forward, not daring to wear a cheeky smile, and wisely lowered her head to admit her mistake.
After all, she was her own flesh and blood. Tan Xianniang shot her a glare before continuing her admonishment to the assisting Madam.
"Remember this well: the most crucial part of this Crispy Fried Peony Petals dish is frying them to be delicate and beautiful. Even though they're coated in batter, the veins of the petals should still be visible. Don't think that coating them in batter and frying will hide any damage. Today is the hundred-day banquet for the grandson of the Grand Princess of Wei. Countless members of the imperial family and nobility will be attending.
"If the guests see something laughable, it won't just be the host's face that's lost—it'll be the reputation of your Four Departments and Six Bureaus, and my own name, Tan Xianniang!
"If you make another mistake, I'll have someone else assist me."
Tan Xianniang was usually quite easygoing, but when it came to culinary arts, she always became stern and serious, tolerating not a single grain of sand in her eye.
People of the time favored gentle and elegant women, but in Lu Runrun's view, compared to refined manners and delicate beauty, it was her mother's serious and strict demeanor at the stove—that effortless composure—that truly made her shine.
Lu Runrun shook her head, temporarily pushing aside these jumbled thoughts. She took the bamboo draining basket and examined it carefully. "There aren't many damaged ones. I see there are still some peony flowers left. I'll pick and wash them—it should be enough."
Tan Xianniang hadn't intended to make things difficult for the other woman. She was strict about the task, not the person. So when Lu Runrun stepped in to smooth things over, she gave a slight nod, her hands never stopping. First, she dripped a few drops of batter into the oil to test the temperature. Once satisfied, she began coating the intact peony petals in batter, frying them until they floated to the surface, then lifting them out before they turned completely golden.
Lu Runrun went to pick the remaining peony petals, while Tan Xianniang continued working without pause, her expression unreadable as she calmly said to the assisting Madam, "For this Crispy Fried Peony Petals, what matters isn't just that they're delicious and crispy—they must also look tender and beautiful. If they're fried until completely golden, they lose the peony's natural color. Just a hint of gold at the edges is enough; they'll still be just as crispy when eaten."
Lu Runrun nodded secretly. Her mother might be strict, but she wasn't a bad person—she never played underhanded tricks.
She began picking the peony petals seriously. Spring had just passed, and peonies were slightly out of season. Finding peonies that hadn't fully bloomed yet, with petals large and plump, wasn't easy—and they were expensive, too.
Lu Runrun sat on a small bamboo stool, repeating the motion of picking petals. Drowsiness crept up on her belatedly, and she yawned, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. Just as she was starting to feel dazed, a rich fragrance suddenly wafted over.
Setting aside other spices, the first scents Lu Runrun detected were borneol and musk—both expensive fragrances, rich and aromatic, far beyond what someone from the Four Departments and Six Bureaus could afford to wear.
It must have been picked up from the banquet.
She already guessed who was coming. She looked up and, sure enough, it was Wei Yangyang, holding a redwood tray.
"Lu Runrun!"
"Wei Yangyang!"
One blinked, the other raised an eyebrow, and they exchanged knowing smiles.
"Savory snacks?" Wei Yangyang whispered, leaning close to her.
Lu Runrun nodded, holding up one finger.
Wei Yangyang nodded in return.
Then the two exchanged a knowing, sly smile.
Author's Note:
Shigu: Refers to a Buddhist nun. According to Zhuang Jiyu's Jilei Bian from the Song Dynasty: "In the capital, monks are respectfully called 'Great Master,' while nuns are respectfully called 'Female Monk.'" Therefore, subsequent references to monastics will follow this convention.
Crispy Fried Peony Petals: The name and method are borrowed from Song Banquet, while the original recipe is based on Shanjia Qinggong: "Whenever fresh vegetables are brought from the rear garden, peony petals are always picked and mixed in… their fragrance is especially delightful."
Oil and Candle Department: One of the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, primarily responsible for charcoal fires and lamps during banquets.
Tableware Department: One of the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, mainly in charge of serving dishes and urging guests to drink, as well as preparing all plates, bowls, and utensils for banquets, and delivering food and wine to guests who did not attend.
Savory snacks: The people of Bianjing refer to going to the Zhouqiao Night Market for late-night snacks as "savory snacks."