When Lin Shanyue had left the pastries behind yesterday, she had guessed that Liu Niang might notice them—but she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction.
She froze for a moment before asking, “You really liked them, Madam?”
Liu Niang laughed as she pulled her into her private room.
“How could I not like pastries this delicious? Do you think I’ve lost my mind? Did you bring some today?!”
“I did.”
“Quick, take them out.”
Only after entering the room did Lin Shanyue realize that Liu Niang had already prepared an assortment of pastries. They were all popular treats sold around the capital: milk cakes, crispy pastries, walnut-and-yam cakes, and thousand-layer cakes.
Lin Shanyue had indeed made a fresh batch of milk cakes that morning. She took out a plate and set it on the table.
“How did you make these? Why do they taste even better than Yongfangzhai’s?”
Yongfangzhai was the most famous pastry shop in the Eastern Market, always packed with customers and constantly selling out.
Lin Shanyue was startled.
“They’re not that good… are they?”
“Why don’t you taste them yourself?”
Only then did Lin Shanyue realize that the other pastries had all been bought from Yongfangzhai. She understood Liu Niang’s intention.
The two women sat across from one another, and Lin Shanyue picked up a small piece of Liu Niang’s pastry to taste.
The moment she did, she immediately understood the difference.
The milk flavor was much lighter, and it wasn’t nearly as sweet.
Of course, that was all thanks to the wonderful ingredients the Mirror Spirit Young Master had given her.
Quietly, she set the pastry down.
“Well? Mine’s better, isn’t it?” Liu Niang asked.
Lin Shanyue nodded.
“It is a little better. I didn’t realize my baking was this good.”
“Exactly! So tell me—how do you make them?”
Liu Niang’s tone was filled with curiosity, though there was also a hint of probing.
Fortunately, Lin Shanyue had already prepared both an explanation and a plan the previous night. She embellished the fabricated background story she’d told before.
“Perhaps it’s because I grew up in the south. My mother used to be a cook in Yangzhou Prefecture and specialized in making delicate pastries like these. My father ran an incense shop, so…”
In just a few sentences, she explained both her pastry-making skills and why she knew how to make Suhe Incense.
She then added a little more about her husband’s family.
It was only then that Liu Niang learned she even had a son.
She sighed sympathetically.
“What a hard life you’ve had…”
Lin Shanyue smiled.
“Fortunately, I met you, Madam. Things are difficult now, but I believe they’ll get better.”
“They certainly will! Your skills are remarkable. Are you selling these milk cakes?”
Lin Shanyue nodded.
“Actually… I came today with a rather presumptuous request. I was too embarrassed to bring it up.”
“Go ahead.”
“I rented a house in Guangde Ward because I had very little money. But now I’m raising my son alone, and there are many things I can’t do by myself. Even if I can make good products, I don’t have any way to sell them. So… I was hoping to borrow your influence…”
Liu Niang immediately understood. She raised a hand, signaling Lin Shanyue not to continue.
“I didn’t even taste the pastries you brought on the first day, yet I still understand exactly what you’re trying to say.”
She thought for a moment before continuing.
“How about this? I’ll lend you fifty taels of silver. Go buy yourself some decent clothes and jewelry, and hire a maid.”
“Your Suhe Incense has been selling extremely well in my establishment, but the supply is pitifully small.”
“As for these milk cakes—I want them.”
“From now on, you’ll supply all the pastries for Huayue Pavilion.”
“If you’re doing business with my establishment, you can’t look shabby. Do you understand what I mean?”
Lin Shanyue’s heart pounded.
This was exactly what she had hoped for.
Negotiating with smart people really was wonderful—you didn’t even need to finish your sentences.
Deeply moved, she said,
“Thank you, Madam. I will never forget your kindness…”
“Enough, enough.”
Liu Niang waved her off.
“I only have two conditions.”
“First, you must supply Suhe Incense on a long-term basis, and the quality cannot decline.”
“Second, from now on you’ll make all kinds of pastries for Huayue Pavilion.”
“I mean all kinds.”
“And naturally, the prices must favor me.”
“I don’t care how much you sell them for elsewhere, but for my establishment…”
“Please rest assured.”
Lin Shanyue answered without hesitation.
“From now on we’ll be long-term partners. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied with every price.”
Liu Niang nodded approvingly.
“Good! I believe in you. You’ll definitely make a name for yourself in the capital!”
After a pause, she added,
“Actually, forget buying a maid. Go to my back kitchen and choose one of the girls working there. Use her for now. Buying servants costs money—better to save what you can.”
Lin Shanyue was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanked her repeatedly.
The two women walked to the rear courtyard of Huayue Pavilion.
It was completely different from the elegant front hall.
The kitchen bustled with old women tending fires and young servant girls running errands.
Liu Niang was extremely busy. After bringing Lin Shanyue there, she said,
“Pick whoever you like. Just let me know before you leave, and you can take her.”
Lin Shanyue nodded.
Although Huayue Pavilion housed many beautiful entertainers, they sold only their talents—not their bodies. Some sang, others played instruments or danced. Since they all needed to maintain their appearance, luxurious ingredients like bird’s nest and fresh milk were constantly prepared in the large kitchen.
Lin Shanyue quietly observed the workers.
One little girl tending the fire immediately caught her attention.
She looked no older than twelve or thirteen, with two braided pigtails and a round, cheerful face.
Tending the stove was exhausting work.
Most of the others tried to slack off whenever possible.
But this girl didn’t.
She diligently crouched in the corner, continuously feeding firewood into the stove.
Her face was smudged black with soot, yet she didn’t seem to care.
Only when someone suddenly shouted,
“Time to eat!”
did her eyes instantly light up as she eagerly looked toward the food.
The sight made Lin Shanyue laugh out loud.
Hearing her laughter, the kitchen workers noticed her.
“You’re one of the new performers, aren’t you? What are you doing back here?”
Lin Shanyue shook her head before beckoning to the little fire girl.
“You, come here.”
The round-faced girl looked around in confusion before realizing she was the one being called. She hurried over, bowed respectfully, and asked,
“Did you call for me, Madam?”
“What’s your name?”
“I… I’m Chunlan.”
“Chunlan… that’s a lovely name.”
Lin Shanyue smiled.
“Would you like to come with me?”
Chunlan clearly didn’t understand.
Her large round eyes stared at Lin Shanyue in confusion.
Smiling, Lin Shanyue explained,
“Liu Niang has allowed me to take one servant girl with me. From now on, you’ll help me run my business. If you’re willing, come with me now.”
After saying that, she turned to leave.
Only then did Chunlan finally understand.
The previously dull look in her eyes suddenly burst into excitement.
“I… I really can?!”
“Of course. If you’re willing, then come with me.”
Seeing Lin Shanyue already walking away, Chunlan didn’t even stop to eat the steamed bun she’d been longing for moments before.
She hurried after her.
“Wait for me, Madam! I’m willing!”
Many of the girls in the kitchen watched with envy.
Unfortunately, Lin Shanyue had already made her choice.
She brought Chunlan to Liu Niang.
Liu Niang looked the girl up and down.
“She’s an honest one, though she’s a bit rustic.”
Chunlan nervously twisted her hands together.
Lin Shanyue smiled.
“I’m not exactly beautiful myself. Let her come with me and work. Being honest is what’s important.”
Liu Niang laughed.
“If you like her, then take her.”
“But…”
Her gaze lingered on Lin Shanyue’s face for a moment before she smiled.
“I don’t agree with that last part.”
“Little Sister Shanyue, you’re underestimating yourself.”
Lin Shanyue paused before realizing she was being complimented.
She smiled in response.
After bidding Liu Niang farewell, she left Huayue Pavilion with Chunlan.
Being beautiful wasn’t capital.
In this world, a woman’s beauty too often became nothing more than an ornament for men.
Lin Shanyue wanted no part of that.
She turned to Chunlan and said gently,
“Work hard and stay by my side. All I ask is that you’re diligent.”
“If you do well…”
“One day, I’ll buy your freedom.”
Buy… my freedom?
Chunlan suddenly looked up, her eyes widening in utter disbelief.