After noon, guests gradually began arriving to purchase fruit leather.
The entrance of the Su residence became lively, attracting the attention of nearby residents.
It was rare to see so many visitors at the Su household, yet in the past few days, people—either masters, servants, or maids—kept coming and going, all returning with parcels of various sizes.
It was then learned that the Su family had launched a new product: potato chips, with two flavors available.
Butler Guan held out a large tray of potato chips for guests to sample. Those who tried them all praised them highly. Families who wanted to buy more were disappointed by the purchase limit and could only return earlier the next day.
Little Fatty, Li Yuanyuan, was tasting the chips. The thin slices were crisp and fragrant—so delicious she couldn’t stop eating. Her hands were greasy, and she even licked her fingers clean.
Lady Li lectured her daughter, “Little Fatty, wipe your hands with a handkerchief. That’s too improper.”
“Mother, we can only buy five packs? I’ll go find Tongtong and ask her to help me buy more.”
“The Su family already said fried foods shouldn’t be eaten too much, especially by the elderly and children. We’ll just have the servants come early tomorrow,” her mother replied.
Just then, Su Lele happened to overhear their conversation and walked into the side hall.
“Are you Tongtong’s friend? My little sister isn’t awake yet. Since you like potato chips so much, I’ll give you one pack—but you must eat it slowly.”
“Fairy big sister, you’re so kind!” Little Fatty replied sweetly.
Su Lele smiled and gently patted her cheek. As expected, it was as soft and round as her little sister’s.
Lady Li looked at the young woman in front of her—beautiful beyond words, fair as snow, tall and graceful. She guessed this must be the second young lady of the Su family. It seemed her previous foolish illness had truly been cured.
Later, nearby residents learned that the visitors coming to the Su residence were there to buy snacks, and that they tasted excellent. Those who usually enjoyed snacks also came to try them.
Just like that, word spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred—quickly spreading throughout the capital.
Butler Chen reported to Su Lele, who was sitting in the hall eating fruit leather.
“Second Miss, I have followed your instructions and asked around all nearby villages. No farmers are growing potatoes.”
Could it be that they were only cultivated in the northern frontier region?
“Butler Chen, go ask the escort agency if any nearby prefectures grow them. Also go to Liu Village and inform Liu Shitou’s family that they can consider planting more potatoes in the next season. We will buy as many as they harvest. Potatoes are drought-resistant and can even be grown on barren land—tell them to reclaim more fields for planting.”
“And also inform the village chief—any family willing to grow them, I will purchase them all.”
If no nearby prefectures grew potatoes, then she would have to encourage surrounding farmers to plant them. It seemed the moment potato chips became popular, supply was already at risk.
Trying to make more money was truly difficult!
Su Lele had originally hoped fruit leather and potato chips could generate income for about a month, enough to open a small workshop and expand production.
But red fruits would be out of season in a month. She would need to develop other snacks, so supply would not be interrupted throughout the year.
Grandfather Su Dong had been happily eating potato chips and drinking tea, thoroughly enjoying himself. But when he heard that the chips were about to run out, he immediately slowed down his eating, savoring each piece carefully.
Such delicious chips—gone after only a few days! What a pity!
“Good granddaughter, can you secretly save a few packs for me?”
Seeing her grandfather’s pitiful expression, Su Lele smiled knowingly.
“Alright, just between us.”
Second Prince’s Residence — Yijing Pavilion
The Marquis of Zhen’guo’s heir, Leng Yunmo, sipped high-quality oolong tea and asked:
“I heard from your guard Leng Feng that you’ve been busy handling cases and haven’t returned to the palace for three days.”
Across from him sat a young man dressed in a dark green embroidered robe with jade belt, his face pale and refined, his figure tall and straight, exuding a cold and distant aura.
He spoke briefly, his voice low: “Mm.”
This was the Second Prince, Leng Yichen, responsible for the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Court.
He had just returned to the capital from Nanzhou with his guards Leng Feng and Leng Yu after several days of travel, and had recently finished discussing matters with the Emperor.
“That brat Zhou Jingxuan is as busy as you. He’s been inspecting shops everywhere lately. I heard you’re the one pushing him.”
The Zhou family had been imperial merchants for generations, with shops all over the Great Yun Kingdom. Zhou Jingxuan was highly business-savvy, operating restaurants, pawnshops, pastry shops, fabric stores, and porcelain shops—some even co-owned with Leng Yichen.
“Flood prevention construction is starting in Yunzhou. It requires a large amount of silver,” Leng Yichen said.
“I’m relatively free compared to you. The Ministry of War hasn’t been too busy lately. In two months, I’ll go to the northern frontier to take over from my father.”
Leng Yunmo’s father, Leng Feihong, was currently stationed in the northern frontier. Although Great Yun and the neighboring Great Li Kingdom had signed a permanent peace treaty, a general was still needed to guard the border.
Leng Yunmo preferred freedom, and the northern frontier suited him better, so he had requested an imperial decree to switch posts with his father.
“Mm,” Leng Yichen replied.
Leng Yunmo was already used to his cold and taciturn nature.
“Oh right, I secretly brought a pack of delicious snacks from my grandfather. Try it.”
He instructed his guard Jianyue to bring it in.
The moment the oil paper was opened, a strong aroma filled the room. Even Leng Yichen, who had shown no interest at first, turned to look.
“Come on, Yichen, try it.”
“This plain flavor is also good. No wonder that old man is so stingy—he only let me taste a few spicy pieces, not enough at all. Hurry and eat—it’s really good!”
Leng Yichen, who had little appetite, suddenly felt slightly hungry after smelling the aroma.
He picked up a piece and chewed it. The crispy texture filled his mouth, savory and slightly salty with the natural taste of the vegetable.
“What is this made of?”
“It’s made from yams, according to my grandfather. This snack is called potato chips, with plain and spicy flavors.”
“It’s from the same Su family my grandfather’s friend belongs to. I heard they only sell five packs per household per day. I originally sent Jianyue to buy some at noon, but they said it was limited to five packs per family, and my grandfather had already sent servants earlier. So I had to risk being scolded and secretly steal his stash.”
Leng Yunmo looked proud, as if saying “see how good I am to you, praise me.”
Leng Yichen ignored him, but kept eating piece after piece with elegant movements, occasionally sipping oolong tea.
Soon, the entire bag was finished.
“So fast? I haven’t had enough yet. Jianyue, tomorrow morning you must go early—earlier than grandfather!”
“This Su family is quite interesting. They don’t open shops, yet sell from their residence, and still make good business. But why limit purchases? Shouldn’t selling more mean earning more silver?”
“You may leave,” Leng Yichen said, standing and heading toward the study.
Leng Yunmo cursed at his back: “Ungrateful guy!”
In the study, after finishing his official duties, Leng Yichen instructed Leng Feng and Leng Yu:
“Tomorrow morning, you two go to the Su residence to buy potato chips. If needed, you may report using the Zhou residence or Zhen’guo Marquis residence.”