The moment they stepped through the residence gate, Zhou Ying pulled Shen Zhihe straight toward the backyard. In her haste, Shen Zhihe only had time to clutch Shen Zhian in her arms while twisting her head to glance at the cart she had brought, anxiously saying, “A Ying, the ingredients I brought are still on the cart.”
“Don’t worry, someone will deliver the cart to your courtyard later.” Before the words fully faded, they were already several meters away from the gate.
Dragged along, Shen Zhihe didn’t even get a chance to observe the layout of the Zhou Residence before Zhou Ying whisked her to the kitchen.
Zhou Yao, left behind, watched his sister’s whirlwind departure and shook his head with a wry smile. Yet he found it curious—his sister, usually so aloof, now held Shen Xiaoniangzi in such high regard. But perhaps it was natural, given that even that ancestor who never approached women seemed unusually attentive to Shen Xiaoniangzi today.
He had actually sent Lu Li to fetch her personally—a rare occurrence. Though Lu Li was nominally Lu Jin Yu’s subordinate, he was actually the youngest son of his uncle. The two had grown up together, their bond far stronger than his with the Wang Residence’s heir. Normally, no one dared order that young man around.
Zhou Yao shook his head again, hands clasped behind his back, and instructed the servant at the gate, “Move Shen Xiaoniangzi’s luggage to the West Garden.”
Then he followed the two women.
The trio now stood in the kitchen, gathered around a bamboo basket containing a black fish roughly the length of an adult’s arm. Shen Zhihe’s heart leapt with joy, thinking to herself that the suancai she had brought would finally be put to good use today.
Her eyes swept across the surroundings, and she inwardly marveled at how well-stocked a wealthy family’s kitchen was—every tool and ingredient imaginable, unlike her own constant worries about sourcing supplies. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she turned a puzzled gaze toward Zhou Ying, who was squatting in front of the basket.
“A Ying, how were you so sure I could cook fish?” Shen Zhihe asked, staring at the black fish in the basket.
“After tasting your pork xiao long bao that day, I knew your skills were exceptional. I’ve never seen anyone else prepare pork without even a hint of gaminess,” Zhou Ying replied, holding a chopstick she had procured from somewhere and poking the black fish, which lay belly-up with its mouth gaping.
Instantly, the fish thrashed violently in the basket, as if deeply offended, splashing water everywhere and startling both Shen Zhian and Zhou Ying into stepping back.
Zhou Ying looked up and met Shen Zhihe’s impassive gaze, offering an awkward smile. “I thought it was dead since it was lying there motionless with its mouth open.”
She lowered her head to avoid Shen Zhihe’s eyes, grumbling inwardly that although Shen Xiaoniangzi usually seemed gentle and approachable, her stern expression was more intimidating than A-die’s. Thankfully, none of the water had splashed on Shen Zhian, or she would surely have faced a scolding.
“Does anyone in the residence know how to clean fish?” Shen Zhihe asked, eyeing the flailing black fish with frustration. Though she was skilled in cooking and loved eating fish, she had never mastered the art of cleaning them—likely because holding the slippery, slimy, struggling creature felt thoroughly unpleasant.
Meeting Zhou Ying’s bewildered gaze, Shen Zhihe felt an ominous premonition rise within her. Her eyes narrowed with displeasure as she gritted her molars and said, “Judging by this situation, it seems I’ll have to be the one to kill this fish? Don’t tell me this grand residence of yours doesn’t have a single soul who knows how to handle a fish?”
“Well, it’s not that exactly. It’s just that our cook took the day off today due to family matters.” Seeing Shen Zhihe’s near-furious expression, Zhou Ying felt a pang of guilt. In her fluster, she forgot she was the mistress of the house and silently cursed her miscalculation—she had assumed Shen Xiaoniangzi could do everything, forgetting she was merely a young girl of fourteen or fifteen. Summoning her courage, she reached toward the bamboo basket.
The moment her fingertips touched the wet, slippery coldness of the fish scales, Zhou Ying shuddered and jerked her hand back instantly. She looked at Shen Zhihe with a pitiful expression.
Seeing this, Shen Zhihe sighed helplessly. Though the person before her wasn’t putting on airs, she was still a delicate young lady from a wealthy family—attempting this was already her limit. At this moment, Shen Zhihe found herself dearly missing modern-day markets, where fish vendors not only cleaned the fish but even sliced them into fillets, with some even marinating them upon request.
Rolling up her sleeves, Shen Zhihe glanced at the blackfish in the bamboo basket, reached in, and lifted it by gripping both sides of its gills. With a swift motion, she slammed the fish onto the cutting board. Watching it flail relentlessly, Shen Zhihe raised the kitchen knife and brought it down toward the fish’s head with a force akin to striking down a sworn enemy.
However, the fish thrashed so violently that the blade missed its head and instead lodged itself into the cutting board. Shen Zhihe felt as if she saw a flicker of mockery in the blackfish’s eyes, and instantly, her pride as a food blogger felt challenged. She set down the kitchen knife.
Her gaze swept the room and quickly landed on a rolling pin as thick as an arm not far away. She strode over, picked up the rolling pin, and marched back to the cutting board with an imposing air.
This rare display made Zhou Ying stare in astonishment. In her memory, Shen Zhihe, though young, had always carried herself with a maturity that made people forget her age. Today’s behavior, however, was a rare glimpse of her fitting the image of a spirited youth.
Thump! A dull thud echoed through the kitchen. Two pairs of eyes—one older, one younger—stared at Shen Zhihe in shock. There she was, one hand brandishing the rolling pin, the other pressing down on the blackfish, delivering a fierce blow that looked painful even from a distance.
Her ferocious expression startled Lu Jin Yu, who had just stepped one foot over the threshold. He froze momentarily before calmly crossing into the room as if nothing had happened. “Did the fish confess before it died?”
As soon as he spoke, Zhou Ying was the first to burst into laughter, unable to hold back. Shen Zhihe’s previously fierce expression crumbled, and she joined in the laughter, leaving only Shen Zhian—who hadn’t understood the joke—staring at the two in confusion.
“You always used to say a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen,” Zhou Ying remarked, having been at odds with Lu Jin Yu since childhood, largely because her hearty appetite made her disdain this picky noble with his poor appetite. After stifling her laughter, she looked him up and down.
As usual, Lu Jin Yu paid her no mind. His eyes scanned the room before he casually dragged over a stool, sat down with leisurely ease, propped his chin on one hand, and narrowed his captivating peach-blossom eyes.
Watching Shen Zhihe’s deft movements as she handled the black fish, the kitchen knife danced nimbly in her hands. In no time, the fish was cleaned thoroughly, sliced into thin pieces, and neatly arranged on a plate.
“Miss Shen, who taught you these skills? Such knife work must have taken years to master,” Lu Jin Yu’s clear voice sounded from behind. Since Shen Zhihe’s cooking suited his palate perfectly, he had someone investigate her background. Before her parents passed away, she had never shown any culinary talent, and her father merely ran a noodle shop—hardly a master chef.
Could she be a spy sent by that person in the capital, planted beside him?
If she truly was sent by that man, he would ensure she never left the Zhou Family residence today. A flicker of murderous intent crossed Lu Jin Yu’s slightly lowered eyes.
“My grandfather previously owned a restaurant and was highly skilled in cooking. Unfortunately, neither my father nor my uncle had the talent, so grandfather passed his culinary arts to me,” Shen Zhihe replied without turning her head. After patting the sliced fish dry and placing them in a bowl, she added various seasonings to marinate them, then began preparing to cook the Sauerkraut Fish.
“With skills like yours, why not reopen the restaurant?” Lu Jin Yu pondered the credibility of her words and spoke again.
Hearing this, Shen Zhihe glanced up at him, feeling puzzled. Earlier, this young man had stood up for her at the Ji Shi, leading her to believe he was kind-hearted. Why was he so interested in the Shen Family’s affairs today? “My uncle’s gambling addiction is well-known. Naturally, grandfather had to mortgage the restaurant to pay off his gambling debts,” she explained.
Casually sorting through the seasonings on the stove, she gathered the ingredients she needed. Now, she was missing the most crucial one—the soul of Sauerkraut Fish: the Suancai. “A Ying, where did you put my cart?”
“Have you ever left the Northern Border, Miss Shen?”
“Never? If you have something to say, speak plainly. There’s no need to beat around the bush with all these probing questions—it’s irritating,” Shen Zhihe frowned at Lu Jin Yu. Though the man was handsome, he was far too verbose. All this indirect questioning left her wondering what he suspected.
“Lu, if you ruin my chance to eat this fish today, I’ll snap your precious orchid in half,” Zhou Ying glared, her willow-leaf eyebrows raised. “Miss Shen, I’ll take you to where the cart is stored.”
Seeing Shen Zhian toddling after them on his short legs, Shen Zhihe smiled helplessly. “Zhi An, wait here for Elder Sister. I’ll be back soon.”
Zhou Ying led Shen Zhihe along the corridor toward the West Garden. “Don’t mind him, Miss Shen. Despite what he says, Lu absolutely adores your cooking.”
Meanwhile, in the Zhou Family’s kitchen, Shen Zhian and Lu Jin Yu—one small, one tall—stared at each other, wide-eyed. Shen Zhian was the first to look away.
The young man observed Shen Zhian’s plump, round cheeks and thought to himself that Lu Li was right—this child’s short limbs clearly weren’t suited for martial arts. With that in mind, he beckoned to Shen Zhian. “Come here, little one.”
To his surprise, Shen Zhian merely glanced up at him before lowering his head again, squatting with his bottom in the air as he played with the little turtle Zhou Ying had given him. He completely ignored Lu Jin Yu, his expression uncannily similar to Shen Zhihe’s. First, he’d been dismissed by the older one, and now he was being ignored by the younger one. Lu Jin Yu couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
He rose from his chair and walked over to Shen Zhian’s side, reaching out to pinch the chubby cheek of the boy. “Do you wish to study?”
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhian’s eyes lit up. Though young, he was more sensible than children his age. He knew that his elder sister worked so hard at her street stall not only to provide a better life for him but also to enable him to receive an education. His gaze toward Lu Jin Yu was bright with hope, yet he remembered his elder sister’s words: there is no such thing as a free lunch. If someone treats you well, they must have an ulterior motive.
Waving his short little arms, he pushed Lu Jin Yu’s hand away and crouched on the ground, poking at the turtle’s shell with his finger.
Outside, snowflakes began to drift down. Lu Li, who had been watching the scene unfold for quite some time, hurried inside to take shelter. It was rare to see his young master being bested—and even rarer for it to happen twice in one day, at the hands of both the sister and brother. “Young master,” Lu Li said, “you clearly enjoy Shen Xiaoniangzi’s cooking immensely. Why must you provoke her? Aren’t you afraid she might refuse to sell you food in the future?”
Hearing this, Lu Jin Yu shot a glare at his witless cousin and sighed inwardly. After all they had experienced in the capital, his cousin had shown no improvement—truly, you can’t carve rot from rotten wood. Without a word, he returned to his previous seat, propped his head on his hand, and gently massaged his temples, too weary to engage further.
Before long, Shen Zhihe and Zhou Ying returned with the suancai, carrying a good amount of chili as well. Shen Zhihe held up the dried red chilies in her hand and called out to the people inside, “Can you handle spicy food?”
The two men inside exchanged puzzled glances. Having grown up in the capital, they had rarely encountered spicy cuisine. After a moment, Lu Li humbly inquired, “Young lady, fish is usually braised in soy sauce or steamed. Why add chili?”
Perhaps because she had a favorable impression of Lu Li, Shen Zhihe wasn’t annoyed by his question. As she tossed sliced garlic and ginger into the sizzling oil to fragrance it, she patiently explained, “This fish is snakehead, perfect for making suancai fish. The dish is both sour and spicy, incredibly delicious.”
“Then let it be as the young lady says—add the chili!” Little did Lu Li know that his bold declaration would bring misery upon both himself and Lu Jin Yu.
As Shen Zhihe added the fish to the pot, an enticing aroma filled the air. After simmering for about a quarter of an hour, she watched the fish slices change color, then scooped them out, sprinkled them with chopped dried chilies and white sesame seeds, and poured a ladle of sizzling hot oil over the top.
With a loud “sizzle,” an overpowering spicy fragrance permeated the entire kitchen. The pungent aroma caused everyone to sneeze repeatedly, and soon their eyes were red and teary. Shen Zhihe covered her mouth to hide a smile. “My apologies, everyone. I forgot to mention how pungent these chilies can be.”
Lu Jin Yu knew full well that the young woman had done this on purpose, likely to get back at him for provoking her earlier. He lowered his head and smiled wryly, yet felt a sense of relief. Someone who refused to suffer losses like this couldn’t possibly be a spy sent from the capital. However, it seemed he had inadvertently left a poor impression on Shen Xiaoniangzi, which was rather troublesome.
Before anyone around the small kitchen table could pick up their chopsticks, a robust voice sounded from the doorway. “How nice of you all to feast here without inviting this old man.” A man around fifty years of age stepped inside. His hair was graying, his demeanor dignified, and his eyes sharp and bright. Following the scent, he made his way straight to the group.
Casually taking the bowl and chopsticks from Zhou Ying, he picked up a piece of fish, blew on it briefly, and popped it into his mouth. The initial taste was sour and fresh, followed by the spiciness and numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns dominating his palate. The fish itself was tender, flavorful, and melted in his mouth. Most surprisingly, there was not a hint of fishiness—this was his first time tasting fish prepared this way.
The old man narrowed his eyes slightly. This spiciness was different from what he was accustomed to—though potent, it didn’t overpower the dish but instead harmonized perfectly with the fish slices. The snow-white fish was coated in a golden broth, its tangy and spicy flavor wonderfully appetizing. Soon, fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, yet he found it thoroughly satisfying. Tired of the usual mutton and beef, this pot of Sauerkraut Fish was both a treat and a relief from monotony.
Noticing the suancai floating in the fish soup, the old man scooped up a piece and tasted it. It was crisp and tangy, making his mouth water.
Seeing the old man help himself to one piece of fish after another, the others quickly joined in, afraid they might miss out if they hesitated. In no time, their lips were flushed red from the heat, and they exhaled visible puffs of breath in the harsh winter cold.
Yet it was immensely satisfying. Red Leaf Town, located at the northernmost edge of Da Ye, endured bone-chilling cold each winter. Today, the spicy Sauerkraut Fish warmed them from head to toe.
Shen Zhihe glanced at Lu Jin Yu sitting across from her. Not only were his cheeks red, but the tip of his nose was flushed bright crimson, and even the corners of his eyes carried a captivating, watery blush. Paired with his striking looks, the effect was utterly mesmerizing. Clutching her racing heart, Shen Zhihe quickly averted her gaze, silently chiding herself for being swayed by such allure.
“Young lady, did you pickle this suancai yourself?” The old man’s lips glistened with oil as he picked up another piece of suancai. Its crisp, tangy taste was entirely different from that produced on his own estate—clearly, the suancai brought by this young woman was superior.
After all, this was Northeastern suancai, refined over millennia through collective wisdom. In her previous life, the first time she had tried suancai with pork bones, she had been captivated by its unique flavor, so distinct from the pickled vegetables of Xi City. Even after arriving in Da Ye, she had never forgotten it.
Shen Zhihe’s eyes curved into a smile. “If you like it, sir, I can send some to your residence in a few days.”
“Splendid! Is this little one your brother?” The old man laughed heartily, impressed by the girl’s cleverness.
His gaze fell upon the two children, one older and one younger, seated at the table. Though the siblings came from a modest background, the young lady carried herself with grace and wore neat clothing. The little boy, in particular, was fair and clean, with rosy cheeks that made him look like a child from a New Year’s painting.
His moist eyes held a trace of timidity, softening the old man’s heart. Without waiting for Shen Zhihe’s reply, he set down his chopsticks and approached the siblings.
“Come here, let A-weng hold you,” the old man said kindly, crouching in front of Shen Zhian with outstretched arms.
Shen Zhian hid behind Shen Zhihe, clutching the hem of her clothes and peeking out with half his face, timidly eyeing the elderly man before him while nervously scuffing the ground with his toes.
“Go on,” Shen Zhihe encouraged softly, patting his head. She could tell he was tempted.
Since their parents passed away, it had been just the two of them, relying on each other with no elders to shelter them from life’s storms. If her guess was correct, this elderly gentleman was Lord Zhou. He seemed genuinely kind—no wonder he had raised a daughter like Zhou Ying with such a temperament.
She subtly glanced at Zhou Ying, who was still engrossed in eating not far away, and silently mused that if she hadn’t seen Old Zhou, she would have suspected Zhou Ying was also a transmigrator like herself after spending half a day together.
After enjoying a satisfying meal, Zhou Ying led the Shen siblings through the snow-covered courtyard toward the West Garden. Along the way, they saw eaves blanketed in pristine white snow.
Occasionally, they passed hurried servants who bowed without glancing sideways before rushing off again.
“A He, may I visit you often in the future?” Zhou Ying, thoroughly won over by the sauerkraut fish, grew even fonder of Shen Zhihe. She linked arms with Shen Zhihe and spoke affectionately.
Shen Zhihe glanced at her. “Are you just planning to drop by for meals?”
“A He, not only are your dishes delicious, but you’re also so perceptive!” Zhou Ying, her intentions exposed, feigned boldness by pinching Shen Zhihe’s cheek before laughing and running off.
“You must be tired today. Rest well—dinner will be delivered later. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you to meet another pastry chef.” Zhou Ying stood beneath the carved stone gate, smiling and waving at Shen Zhihe.
Watching her figure disappear, Shen Zhihe lowered her head with a helpless smile. This was the first time she had felt this close to someone other than Shen Zhian, and she found she didn’t mind it.
Leading Shen Zhian inside, she found the room warm and cozy, likely heated early with a stove. Though small, it was fully equipped, and the quilts on the kang appeared new, soft, and imbued with the warmth of sun-dried fabric.
Burying her face in the quilt, she felt a pang of sorrow. In her previous life, she had been utterly alone. Now, though she had family, everyone except her young brother seemed to have ulterior motives. She had assumed she would harbor the deepest resentment toward this unfamiliar world.
Yet today, these distinguished individuals hadn’t looked down on her humble status. Instead, they had protected what little dignity she possessed.
That sauerkraut fish hadn’t really been for Zhou Ying’s sake. Noticing Shen Zhihe had arrived past mealtime, Zhou Ying feared she might go hungry but didn’t want to embarrass her by saying so outright. So, she used the excuse that no one in the manor could prepare fish and hastily took her to the kitchen.
Recalling how Zhou Ying had been intimidated by her stern expression earlier, Shen Zhihe smiled faintly. Before coming, she had only intended to use this tea banquet to build her reputation. But after today’s events, she needed to plan carefully to avoid disgracing the Zhou Family.
If she could seize this chance to connect with the Zhou Family’s pastry shop, she wouldn’t have to worry about selling her pastries in the future.
“Elder Sister, that young master today asked if I wanted to study.” Shen Zhian clumsily climbed onto a stool and poured two cups of hot tea for himself and Shen Zhihe.
“How did Zhi An respond?” Shen Zhihe’s soft voice drew her back from her thoughts. She looked up with interest as Shen Zhian approached with the teacups.
“Elder Sister said to be wary of people who are inexplicably kind. I ignored him.” Shen Zhian puffed out his chest proudly, showing he hadn’t forgotten his sister’s advice.
His smug little expression made Shen Zhihe laugh aloud, dispelling her earlier melancholy. She reflected that idleness truly bred pointless sentimentality—she had only been free a short while before sinking into mournful thoughts.
The sky darkened, and scattered pedestrians hurried along the streets.
Wang Dalan trudged through the wind and snow until he reached a household. He eyed the vermilion gate before him, a flicker of greed passing through his narrow eyes. Lowering his head, he turned and bypassed the main gate, heading toward a side entrance. Through the thick accumulation of snow, the characters “Qin Jia” were faintly visible on the nameplate.
The wind and snow whistled, quickly covering Wang Dalan’s footprints. He arrived at a low door and rapped lightly on it with his knuckles. Before long, a sharp-featured old woman pulled the door halfway open and leaned out, her piercing eyes scrutinizing Wang Dalan with disdain. “Who are you looking for?”
“Please trouble Granny to call for Wang Zhaodi. I am her elder brother. Today, our mother fainted at home, and the Langzhong said it’s serious.” Having rushed all the way, Wang Dalan’s swarthy forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, appearing genuinely worried about Wang Niangzi.
The old woman snorted coldly, “Wait here. I’ll go call her for you.”
After about the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, hurried footsteps echoed from behind the low gate before it was pushed open forcefully. Wang Zhaodi rushed out with disheveled hair, stepping toward Wang Dalan. As she passed the old woman, she was abruptly grabbed by the arm. The old woman steadied herself by holding her shoulders, trembling as she stood straight. “Be careful. Your elder brother doesn’t look like someone whose family has a critically ill person.”
Pausing mid-step, Wang Zhaodi looked at the old woman, seeing nothing but concern for her in those cloudy eyes. Indeed, since being sold to the Qin Family as a child, this Granny had always been the one caring for her, treating her better than so-called blood relatives. She nodded and, urged by Wang Dalan, followed in his footsteps.
“Why didn’t you send money home today?” Wang Dalan twisted his head to glare at Wang Zhaodi walking behind him with her head lowered, his tone full of dissatisfaction.
“Elder Brother, on the fifteenth of last month, I just gave Mother one tael of silver—that was three months’ worth of my saved wages. It’s only been ten days since then; how could I have any spare money now?”
“Well, working as a maid in a wealthy household certainly makes you different. Now you dare speak to your elder brother like this.” Wang Dalan halted abruptly, causing Wang Zhaodi to bump into his back unintentionally.
Rubbing her nose, she looked up in confusion. Wasn’t Mother critically ill? Why did Elder Brother seem completely unhurried? Could it be that Granny Qin was right—Elder Brother had deceived her into returning home on purpose?
Dusk deepened, and the snow fell heavier. Not a soul was visible in the shops lining the street. The siblings quickened their pace, hurrying home and barely making it before the blizzard hit. Just as Granny Qin had predicted, Wang Niangzi sat perfectly healthy at the table, her complexion rosy.
“I’ve found you a marriage match—the second young master of the Sun Family in the east of the city. You’ll marry him after the New Year.”
“I won’t marry. Mother knows well that young man from the Sun Family brings misfortune to his wives—he’s already had four wives die. Does Mother want to send me to my death?” Wang Zhaodi’s eyes reddened, fury rising in her heart, but upon seeing her mother’s icy expression, she let out a despondent laugh. “Because I’m a girl, Mother never liked me since I was young. How much betrothal gift did the Sun Family’s Erlang offer to make Mother so eager to marry me off?”
Amid the sound of shattering porcelain, a worn teacup smashed at Wang Zhaodi’s feet. “Let me tell you, your very life belongs to me. You will marry, whether you want to or not.”
With that, she flung her sleeves and left, leaving Wang Zhaodi alone with red-rimmed eyes.
The next day at Mao hour, after finishing her morning ablutions, Shen Zhihe took advantage of the rare free morning to lead Shen Zhian through a session of BaDuanJin in the courtyard. Although they had earned a fair amount of silver from setting up their stall recently, improving the siblings’ meals considerably, it still couldn’t compare to her regularly exercised self from her previous life.
Just as they concluded their movements, Zhou Ying arrived through the stone gate with servants delivering Chaoshi. “A He, come eat your morning meal quickly. Afterward, I’ll take you to meet another pastry chef.”
For once, she didn’t have to wake up early to cook. The morning Chaoshi spread before her consisted of ordinary congee with simple side dishes, accompanied by steamed buns and stuffed buns. However, the dough was made from rare Jing Noodles, filled with savory and delicious Mei Gan Cai, making it quite delightful.
“Not as tasty as what you make, but let’s make do with a bite.” Zhou Ying sat nearby, propping her chin with one hand as she watched Shen Zhian stuff his cheeks until they bulged like a squirrel hoarding food for winter. She resisted the urge but ultimately couldn’t help herself, reaching out to poke Shen Zhian’s plump cheek. “Your Elder Sister is busy today. How about coming with me?”
Shen Zhian, who was munching on a bun with greasy hands, looked up in confusion. He glanced at Shen Zhihe beside him, then at Zhou Ying across from him, and reached his oily hand toward Shen Zhihe. She swiftly stood up to avoid him, causing Shen Zhian’s eyes to redden instantly. Mumbling incoherently, he pleaded, “Elder Sister, I’ll be good. Don’t leave me.”
Hearing his amusing accent, the two women exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. “We’re not leaving you. It’s just that your Elder Sister has things to attend to today and won’t be able to look after you. Don’t you like Sister A Ying? Let her take you out to play today, and she’ll bring you back by evening.”
At these words, Shen Zhian’s anxiety eased. After swallowing the bun in his mouth, he picked up a bowl of millet congee and slurped it down with pickled vegetables. His appetite stunned Zhou Ying, who gave him a thumbs-up. “Impressive! Your appetite looks much better than that Young Master Lu’s. Boys should eat more.”
“Is Young Master Lu’s appetite poor? The other day, I saw him eat quite a bit at my stall.” Recalling the young man’s pale complexion, Shen Zhihe hesitated for a moment before asking softly.
“That picky fellow! Since arriving in this town, he’s been refusing to eat this and that, growing thinner by the day. My father is worried sick, afraid his beloved disciple might starve himself to death.”
“Luckily, there’s you. Strangely enough, that picky guy has taken a special liking to your cooking. But then again, A He, your skills are arguably the best in this town.” Zhou Ying rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the elegant young woman before her. She thought to herself how fortunate she was to have recognized Shen Zhihe’s talent early and made a good impression.
“Enough with the praise! If I had a tail, it’d be wagging up to the sky by now.” Shen Zhihe waved her hand dismissively, silently reminding herself not to take the flattery seriously. Was A Ying equipped with some kind of compliment-generating system? Except for their first meeting when she was still somewhat reserved, she’d become increasingly extravagant with her praise. Could it be that even a simple steamed egg she made would be exalted to the heavens?
The snow that had fallen all night finally stopped. Zhou Ying led Shen Zhihe to the back kitchen, then carried Shen Zhian toward the backyard. Shen Zhihe watched their figures disappear before turning to knock on the tightly shut wooden door.
“Please come in.” A gentle voice came from inside. Taking a deep breath, Shen Zhihe pushed the door open, feeling slightly nervous. By modern standards, she was like a parachuted employee—often the most disliked type.
Keeping her head lowered, she glanced sideways at the table. The ingredients were incredibly abundant. Beyond the common items, Shen Zhihe had already spotted cow’s milk on the table and what seemed to be a variety of flower jams. Her eyes lit up as she approached the table laden with flower jams. Just as she picked up a jar, she heard the person beside her speak.
“This is osmanthus sauce, young lady. I’ve heard from Miss that you have exceptional culinary skills. Might I have the honor of witnessing them today?”
The woman’s gentle tone eased Shen Zhihe’s anxiety. She pursed her lips into a smile, “You flatter me. Were all these flower sauces brewed by your own hands? Even before opening this jar, I can catch a faint floral fragrance. Your skill in preserving flower sauces is remarkable. I imagine it would be wonderful if you could brew flower wine as well.”
“Indeed, both the Madam and Miss enjoy flower sauces. I preserve a considerable amount every year. If you like them, young lady, I’d be happy to give you two jars.” Initially thinking this young woman, having gained Miss’s favor at such a tender age, might be difficult to get along with, Wu Niangzi was now delighted to find her well-mannered. Her earlier resentment over the sudden addition of personnel vanished completely as she linked arms with Shen Zhihe affectionately.
Seeing this, Shen Zhihe breathed a sigh of relief. When she first entered the room, though the woman’s words were gentle, she clearly harbored some displeasure. However, she wasn’t a narrow-minded person after all. “Niangzi, with the tea banquet just days away, have the types of pastries been decided?”
“Of course, here is the list. Let’s look at it together, young lady.” Wu Niangzi retrieved a sheet of white paper from her sleeve and handed it to Shen Zhihe.
The list contained only common pastries, making it difficult to make a striking impression. She tentatively suggested, “Niangzi, I notice the pastries on this list are quite conventional. Apart from the osmanthus cake using some dried osmanthus, none utilize your flower sauces. May I add two more types of pastries?”
After a moment’s consideration, Wu Niangzi nodded, “But if we’re adding pastries, they must be approved by the Madam. Why don’t you prepare some first? Then you and I can present them to the Madam for tasting. How does that sound?”
“Certainly, that would be fine.” Shen Zhihe smiled, thinking to herself that this was perfect. With all ingredients available, she could now make Begonia Cake, a pastry she had loved in her later life. Not only was it simple to prepare but also delicious. The Zhou Family being a scholarly household, and with the red plum blossoms outside the window in full bloom, using red plums as an ingredient to create Plum Blossom Cake would surely make a splash at the tea banquet.
Looking around, Shen Zhihe picked up a bamboo basket and hurried outside. Treading on the snow, she tilted her head to gaze at the plum tree laden with blossoms. Standing on tiptoe, she strained to reach a branch, brushed off the snow, and plucked the red plum blossoms one by one.
This scene caught the eye of Lu Jin Yu from a nearby pavilion. He saw a girl in a lotus-pink padded jacket, stretching like a kitten to pick red plum blossoms from the branch, creating a uniquely charming sight.
“Young lady, why are you picking red plum blossoms?” Wu Niangzi stood by the window, leaning out halfway, noticing Shen Zhihe’s cheeks flushed from the cold and her fingers reddened from gripping the branch, she asked in surprise.
“These red plum blossoms are for making pastries. You’ll understand once you taste them later.” After gathering all the blossoms from the branch, Shen Zhihe gazed wistfully at the higher flowers, paying no mind to the now bare branch.
She sighed, blaming her current body for being too short. Turning back to the kitchen, she washed the red plum blossoms and set them aside. Watching her bustling about, Wu Niangzi lowered her head and began preparing the pastries on the list.
Around noon, the kitchen wafted with the rich aroma of pastries, quickly drawing a crowd of servants who gathered outside the closed kitchen door, swallowing hard as they stared longingly. They marveled inwardly: How could today’s pastries smell so extraordinarily enticing? Though Wu Niangzi’s pastries had always been fragrant, they’d never been this utterly captivating.
Not only were the servants outside bewitched by the scent, but even Wu Niangzi inside the kitchen was flushed with excitement. Shen Xiaoniangzi was truly miraculous! By adding cow’s milk and jasmine sauce to the recipe as she’d instructed, the originally ordinary Milk Cake had transformed into something rich and aromatic. Topped with a spoonful of glistening Osmanthus Sauce, the pastries looked irresistibly tempting.
Wu Niangzi could hardly wait to deliver these treats to Begonia Courtyard for Madam Zhou to sample. However, Shen Xiaoniangzi’s Plum Blossom Cakes required meticulous work, and they had only just been removed from their molds and placed in the steamer.
After about fifteen minutes, the creamy fragrance of milk blended with the delicate scent of plum blossoms began drifting from the steamer. Shen Zhihe felt a surge of delight, though she noted one shortcoming: without the specialized iron molds used in later eras for Begonia Cakes, she could only produce ten cakes per batch in about ten minutes. Truly, technology was the primary productive force!
Lifting the steamer lid, Shen Zhihe gazed at the fluffy, delightful cakes and carefully picked one up with chopsticks, taking care not to break it.
“Would the young lady accompany me to Begonia Courtyard?” Wu Niangzi now regarded Shen Zhihe with complete admiration. Not only had she created Begonia Cakes and Plum Blossom Cakes unlike anything Wu Niangzi had ever seen, but even the adjusted recipes had elevated the pastries’ texture to an entirely new level.
When Wu Niangzi opened the door and saw the crowd gathered outside, she started in surprise. “Why is everyone gathered here?”
“What pastries did you make today, Niangzi? They smell absolutely divine!”
“Yes, this aroma has awakened all my cravings!”
…
“Shen Xiaoniangzi adjusted the recipes. Alright, everyone disperse now. We need to deliver these pastries to Madam Zhou,” Wu Niangzi explained with a smile.
As the crowd scattered, the two women proceeded along the corridor toward Begonia Courtyard. Soon arriving at their destination, Shen Zhihe paused beneath the carved archway, observing her surroundings with quiet composure while waiting for Wu Niangzi to announce their arrival.
“Young lady, come quickly! It so happens the master, madam, young master, and young lady are all here today,” Wu Niangzi urged, hastily leading Shen Zhihe inside.
Upon entering, Shen Zhihe saw Zhou Ying restraining Shen Zhian—who had been toddling toward her on his short legs—while seated beside an elegant, dignified woman. Zhou Ying blinked at her meaningfully.
“So you’re the Shen Xiaoniangzi A Ying mentioned?” Madam Zhou drew Shen Zhian closer, popping a pine nut candy into his mouth before smiling. “You look even younger than A Ying, yet you’ve raised your brother so well.”
“I’m honored by the young lady’s kind words…”
“Enough with the formalities! Wu Niangzi, bring the pastries quickly—I could smell them from afar!” Zhou Ying waved her hand, cutting short the pleasantries.
“You, already grown up yet always thinking about food.” Madam Zhou tapped Zhou Ying’s forehead before offering Shen Zhihe an apologetic smile. “Don’t mind her, Shen Xiaoniangzi. We’ve spoiled A Ying terribly.”
“Of course not. A Ying’s straightforward nature is quite endearing,” Shen Zhihe replied, lowering her head as a flicker of yearning passed through her eyes—this was the familial warmth she had longed for across two lifetimes.
Perhaps noticing Shen Zhihe’s low spirits, Madam Zhou took a piece of Plum Blossom Cake and placed it into Zhou Ying’s mouth just as she was about to speak. Zhou Ying’s eyes instantly lit up, her attention captured by the pastry. Her reaction piqued Madam Zhou’s curiosity. Hovering her fingertips over the treats, she picked up a Begonia Cake adorned with colorful fruit shreds, melon seeds, and sesame. The surface caramel had been baked to a crisp. Taking a small bite, Madam Zhou marveled inwardly.