Feng Yiyi returned home; as soon as she stepped into the yard, she called out: “Grandma, I’m back!”
Wang Shi was on the kang sewing winter clothes. Hearing Feng Yiyi’s shout, she hurriedly tried to put on her shoes to get down.
Before she could, Feng Yiyi entered.
She smiled brightly: “Grandma, I bought you pastries and candies. Come try them!”
Feng Yiyi handed the paper package to Wang Shi.
“Yiyi, you’re treating Grandma like a child! With the money you earned, no need to buy for Grandma!”
“Grandma, how much can you eat? These aren’t expensive; just tell me if you want more!”
Wang Shi took a piece of candy and put it in her mouth; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten sugar.
“Yiyi, I’m really lucky to have you. You have some too.”
Feng Yiyi smiled: “Grandma, I don’t like sweets much; I prefer spicy food. You eat; I’m going to work.”
“Then go ahead.” Grandma said.
Feng Yiyi entered the space, took out coarse and fine chili powder, packed them in buckets.
Beer could be used or not; if not, add a little water, or the chili powder would fry.
Feng Yiyi took two bags of MSG; they were in Korean, but they couldn’t read it anyway.
She packed what was needed into a bag.
Tomorrow, bring some cooked intestines; once taught, endless money…
…
The next day, Feng Yiyi carried several bags and rode Liu Er’s ox cart.
At Fumanlou, the manager saw her and greeted her with a smile.
Prince Xuan had no appetite these days; after yesterday’s spicy sausage, he finally ate a full bowl of rice.
Feng Yiyi smiled sweetly, “Manager, let’s go to the kitchen.”
The manager led, carrying the bags, to the kitchen.
Feng Yiyi brought out the cooked intestines.
People here didn’t eat intestines, thought them too stinky.
Mainly not washed well; flour was precious, reluctant to use. Also, no chili in seasonings.
Feng Yiyi taught them to wash intestines with flour for thorough cleaning.
Feng Yiyi continued: “To save time today, I brought cooked intestines.
Next, I’ll teach you how to make spicy sausage.”
Feng Yiyi took out the chopped ingredients, told them what veggies to add.
For chefs, it was about marinating; the marinade was new.
The manager watched; when Feng Yiyi brought out strange things, he was shocked.
Was he ignorant? No, must show the master; he knows everything.
When the head chef served a plate of fragrant spicy sausage, the manager tasted a piece, Feng Yiyi too.
Feng Yiyi thought: Without beer, still good. She nodded satisfied.
She asked the manager: “Manager, do you have tofu and bean sprouts?”
The manager puzzled: “What are tofu and bean sprouts?”
“Oh, just some food; you’ll see soon.”
Feng Yiyi added: “Manager, I have a few more recipes to sell.
If the price is fair, I’ll sell to your restaurant.”
“What recipes?”
“Dongpo Pork, Braised Lion’s Head.”
“The names sound nice; never seen them!”
Feng Yiyi took the prepared dishes from the basket.
“Miss Feng, our boss is here; let him taste first!
If he says yes, we’ll discuss price.
If not, we’ll pay for these dishes.”
The manager’s words pleased Feng Yiyi.
That was reasonable; they had to taste.
“Miss Feng, I’ll take you to a private room to rest, have pastries and tea.”
“Thank you, Manager.” Feng Yiyi said politely.
Prince Xuan sat at the table drinking tea with divine doctor Mo Ranchen.
The manager entered, carrying two plates.
“Master, these are the dishes Miss Feng wants to sell recipes for.
I brought them; see how they taste. Should we buy?”
He placed the dishes; two pairs of chopsticks.
Prince Xuan picked up chopsticks: “Ranchen, try them!”
The manager said: “This is Secret Dongpo Pork!”
Prince Xuan: “This dish is bright red, like agate!”
He carefully put a piece in his mouth, chewed, nodded repeatedly.
Mo Ranchen ate a piece: “This Dongpo Pork is tender without greasiness, soft and fragrant, melts in the mouth—a great dish.”
“Our restaurant’s meat can’t achieve this flavor; buy the recipe.”
“Yes, Master!”
“This is Braised Lion’s Head.”
They each took a piece; Mo Ranchen praised: “Tender, soft texture, vibrant color with enticing aroma, rich meat and sauce—delicious.”
“Indeed, buy this recipe too.” Prince Xuan said.
“Then I’ll negotiate with Miss Feng. Master, how much for these secrets?”
“Five times the normal price.
That way, no matter how many recipes she has, others can’t match; she’ll choose us.”
“Yes, Master!”
The manager went to Feng Yiyi’s room; she hadn’t eaten pastries, just sipped tea elegantly.
Her manners didn’t show a village girl.
“Miss Feng, our boss tasted them; we’re buying both dishes.”
“We usually pay 50 to 100 taels per recipe.
Our boss says 500 taels each.
Same rule: can’t sell to others.”
“Good, I agree. Sign a contract?”
“Miss Feng is trustworthy; we believe in your character. No need.”
“Thank you for trusting!”
“Miss Feng, here’s 1000 taels in notes; take them.”
Feng Yiyi took the two 500-tael notes, “Manager, pleasant cooperation!”
“Miss Feng, bring good recipes to our restaurant.”
“Good!”
Feng Yiyi carried her basket, put the basin in it, and left the restaurant.
Just across the street, four or five 18-19-year-old thugs blocked her path.