Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Mistress Fan was swift in her actions. By noontime, she had brought everything over. Meng Die instructed Tao'er and Ying'er to head to the kitchen to boil sheep's milk and cow's milk. The cow's milk could be heated directly, but sheep's milk was different. It had a strong, pungent odor that needed to be removed before it could taste good.

Following Meng Die's instructions, Tao'er and Ying'er divided their tasks into two pots in the kitchen. One pot contained almonds, while the other had vinegar. Both substances were effective in eliminating the sheep's milk's odor. In fact, jasmine tea could have done the job too, but Meng Die was concerned that the strong fragrance of jasmine might taint the milk with the tea's aroma, turning it into a sort of milk tea.

Next, Meng Die asked Mei'er to fetch some old dough and alkali from the kitchen to add during the dough-making process, which would hasten its fermentation.

When the sheep's milk was ready, Tao'er and Ying'er returned with it. Meng Die tasted it and found that the vinegar and almond methods were similarly effective in neutralizing the odor. However, the pot with almonds seemed to have more almonds, lending the milk a subtle, barely perceptible bitterness.

Meng Die distributed the sweetened almond-infused sheep's milk to the servants in the courtyard, pointing at the remaining cow and goat's milk. "Let this cool down, then use it to make dough. Add eggs and sugar with various proportions."

Xing Huang nodded eagerly. "That won't be a problem."

In a hurry, Xing Huang and Xue Qing fetched bowls and basins, bustling with the hot milk back and forth, cooling it down significantly faster. Meng Die couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

Once the milk was cooled, Xing Huang promptly began kneading the dough. Each batch had a different combination of eggs and sugar. Xue Qing stood by, diligently jotting down the measurements. Mei Hong and Hulu sorted out the firewood that would be needed later. This recipe was a closely guarded secret, so only Meng Die, Lu Wei, Xue Qing, Xing Huang, Mei Hong, and Hulu were present in the second courtyard.

When the dough was almost ready, Meng Die instructed them to add butter and salt. As before, each portion received a unique blend of these ingredients. Xue Qing scribbled down the details swiftly, while Lu Wei double-checked everything to ensure accuracy.

With everything in order, the dough was placed in a warm spot to rise, awaiting its transformation.

The waiting was torturous, and Meihong couldn't help but voice her doubts, "Will this really taste good? There's a hint of a fishy smell to it."

Xue Qing agreed, "I think the goat's milk still has a bit of its distinctive odor, albeit slightly. The cow's milk, on the other hand, seems fine without any off flavors."

Even Lu Wei had her reservations, "With so much sugar added, yes, it'll be sweet, but too much sweetness can be overwhelming."

Meng Die, however, was filled with confidence, "Why rush? We'll know for sure once we give it a try."

In the midst of their chatter, the dough was kneaded and left to rise. Following Meng Die's instructions, Xing Huang brushed another layer of egg wash onto the smooth dough. Meanwhile, Meihong and Hulu lit the firewood, and the iron oven soon heated up.

Xing Huang placed the dough on a removable grate and, after donning a pair of thick cotton gloves, carefully inserted it into the oven, making sure to seal the door properly. Meihong and Hulu began tending to the fire with great attention.

After about fifteen minutes, a distinct aroma emerged from the oven, a blend of creamy sweetness and wheat fragrance that tantalized everyone's taste buds and stimulated their salivary glands.

Xing Huang swallowed, asking, "Did we succeed?"

Meng Die, who hadn't tasted bread in many years, equally eagerly swallowed and replied, "Probably."

Lu Wei declared confidently, "It must have succeeded. Such a fragrant smell couldn't possibly indicate failure."

Meihong hesitated slightly, "The aroma has filled the air, so the contents should be cooked by now, right? Can we take them out? We don't want to overcook them."

Meng Die was also uncertain, "I'm not sure either. Perhaps we should just open it and check. If it's not done, we can always put it back for more baking."

Meihong and Hulu promptly reduced the fire, while Xing Huang opened the iron door. A rush of hot air, carrying an irresistible fragrance, spilled out, enveloping their faces.

All of them, somewhat helpless, swallowed their saliva. Once the heat had dissipated considerably, Xing Huang, wearing thick gloves, used chopsticks to carefully remove the bread one by one from within.

The bread could not be deemed a perfect bake; it seemed slightly overdone. The edges were visibly dry and charred, but the center appeared delectable, with its glistening, fluffy texture that stirred one's appetite.

Xue Qing fetched a knife to slice a piece, allowing everyone to sample a small portion.

Xing Huang's eyes gleamed. "Delicious, albeit a tad overcooked. Xue Qing, did you note down how long we baked it for?"

With her mouth full, Xue Qing nodded, then, after finally swallowing the bread, promptly replied, "Yes, yes, I did."

They quickly tasted the other loaves. Some had too much sugar, bordering on bitter. Xue Qing promptly crossed out the corresponding ratio in her records. Others had an excess of eggs, making them not necessarily unpleasant to taste, but certainly not delightful; they, too, received a cross. There were also those with too much butter, leaving an overly rich and cloying sensation upon a single bite, earning them the same fate of a marked cross.

Eventually, the six of them settled on three promising combinations. Without hesitation, Xing Huang began kneading dough again, focusing on perfecting these three recipes. As Meng Die took Lu Wei to pay respects in the main house, Xing Huang finally discovered the ideal balance of eggs, sugar, butter, and salt, as well as mastered the cooking temperature.

That evening, Meng Die enjoyed bread for dinner, and so did Lu Wei, Mei'er, and even the servants and maids in the courtyard. The air of Qixia Courtyard was perfumed with the aroma of freshly baked bread.

After they finished eating and had a chance to rest, Xing Huang's overheated mind gradually cooled down. "Second Lady, something's not right. We didn't use any cream at all. Didn't you say we'd make something delicious with cream?"

Meng Die yawned indolently. "Bread is the simplest starting point. We need to take it one step at a time. First, we master the basics, then we can tackle more challenging recipes."

Xing Huang accepted her explanation. "This bread tastes so good. Should we sell it in our shop?"

Xue Qing hesitated a bit: "Is it too ostentatious? What if someone accuses us of collusion between officials and merchants?"

Meng Die chuckled. It seemed that Old Madam Cui's words from back then had left a psychological shadow on both Xue Qing and Xing Huang. "Bread is meant to stave off hunger, unlike wine which is for pleasure. Selling bread is akin to running a small noodle shop; it doesn't escalate to the level of corrupt dealings between officials and merchants. Nevertheless, we can't sell this either. Apart from the laborious process of making it, it's not visually appealing for me to openly engage in business, and the profit margin isn't substantial."

Xing Huang grew anxious. "How can something so delicious not have high profits? We'll surely hit it big if we sell it. It might be tiring, but we can compensate the workers with more pay then."

Meng Die chuckled. "Such a delightful recipe could indeed gain immense popularity. How many people do you think would be willing to purchase this formula?"

Xing Huang's mouth gaped wide. "Second Grandmama plans to sell the recipe? That's possible?"

Lu Wei pondered, "Should we sell exclusively to one buyer or distribute to multiple?"

Meng Die replied, "Such a delicious treat would be a waste if only one shop had it. I'll sell to a few major establishments. In no time, there will likely be bread shops in all the prosperous areas of the Great Yi Dynasty."

Lu Wei agreed, "That sounds like a good plan."

Meng Die continued, "Tomorrow, you should inform Nurse Fan and order three more ovens. Give two to our estate and one to Manager Rong's place. This time, we must pay in silver. Also, take a few loaves of bread to the master baker and tell him about our intention to sell the recipe. Mention that he too can sell his baking skills."

Lu Wei smiled, "That's a clever idea. If we really sell the recipe to a few major players, the demand for ovens will skyrocket. One master baker won't be able to meet it all. It's better to sell the crucial techniques to these establishments as well. That way, he can relax and still earn silver."

Meng Die nodded. "Xing Huang, spend these few days experimenting with adding meat floss and crushed nuts to the bread, as well as cream. Tomorrow, try making some cream for cream-filled bread."

Xing Huang frowned. "Use milk? But we don't buy many cows on the estate, so there isn't much milk available. Goat's milk has a strong, gamey taste, and cream can be quite rich."

Meng Die pondered the situation. Indeed, they did have an abundance of goat's milk. "How about this – after making the cream tomorrow, we can boil it with almonds to reduce the gaminess. I'll think of something else then."

Xing Huang agreed. "Alright, I'll give it a try tomorrow."

Meng Die thought of another matter. "The scent from our kitchen is quite strong today. Tomorrow morning, you all should rise early to knead and ferment the dough. Let's send some bread to each room and the young ladies for breakfast."

Xing Huang chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I've got it all planned out. Tomorrow, I'll mix the flour with eggs, sugar, and some sheep's milk that has been deodorized. I'll just stir it roughly so no one will know my exact proportions. Then, I'll hand the dough to the kitchen maids to knead. When they're almost done, I'll take it back to add butter and salt, give it a brief knead, and by then, they won't be able to tell what I've added."

Xue Qing immediately agreed. "That's a good plan. Apart from the sheep's milk they'll be continuously adding, they won't know the ratios or even what ingredients you've used. The eggs and sugar will be hidden in the white flour, and the touch of butter and salt will be indiscernible."

Xing Huang nodded. "Yes, kneading the dough is the most laborious part. The kitchen maids will do that, and I just need to get up a bit earlier tomorrow morning."

Xue Qing offered, "Then I'll get up with you. I'll tend to the fire."

Hulu spoke up, "Sister Xue Qing, you and Meihong have to help Second Aunt with her grooming early tomorrow morning. Let me wake up early to assist Sister Xing Huang instead."

Xue Qing: "That works too."

With just a few brief words, the maidservants efficiently divided their tasks, sparing Meng Die any worry.

The next morning, Xing Huang and Hulu woke up early to start their chores. By the time Meng Die rose, the courtyard was already filled with delightful aromas.

When she went to the main house to pay her respects, Madam Wen blushed slightly as she inquired, "What were you doing yesterday evening and this early morning? It smells so delightful."

Meng Die chuckled and crouched down in front of Can Jie. "I assume you're asking on behalf of Xi Ge and Can Jie."

The hint of bashful blush on Wen's face subsided, replaced by a teasing tone. "Well, at least you know."

Meng Die said, "Xī-ge and Càn-jie, your auntie has prepared a little treat for you. You'll get to enjoy it during breakfast."

Jin responded, "Now you've piqued my curiosity. What is it?"

Meng Die chuckled. "It's a new snack I've developed. It tastes delightful, whether served hot or cold. During breakfast, I'll have the maids distribute it to everyone."

Jin replied, "Sounds great, I'll give it a try too."

Sure enough, during breakfast, every household received a few slices of bread, as Meng Die had mentioned that it could be enjoyed both warm and cold. Everyone opted for the cold version, and they were instantly captivated by its taste. The aroma of malt, the hint of sweetness, and the airy texture made the bread an instant hit among adults and children alike.

When Meng Die went to the Jingxi Pavilion to assign tasks, Wen Shi commented, "This bread is truly delicious. Xiaoge couldn't let go of his piece. Thankfully, Tao'er, who delivered the bread, mentioned that it's made from flour and can substitute rice. She said it's fine to eat more. Otherwise, I'd have to figure out how to persuade him to put it down."

Jin Shi chuckled, "Let alone Xiaoge, even I, an adult, found it hard to part with my slice. I indulged in a whole large piece of bread."

Meng Die replied, "If you enjoy it, I'll instruct someone to send you two more pieces tonight. This bread can replace rice, so it's fine to have it with your dishes."

Jin Shi responded, "In that case, I won't decline your kind offer."

Wen: "And don't forget about me. I doubt Xige and Canjie will have an appetite for anything else today or tomorrow."

Meng Die took charge: "No problem at all."

The bread-making process progressed exceptionally well. Within two days, Xing Huang had crafted nutty bread, jam-filled bread, and meat floss bread.

The cream cake recipe, however, remained troublesome. Both the cream and the cake were proving difficult.

The sheepish aroma of the cream could be eliminated by boiling almond milk with blanched almonds, then straining the mixture and chilling the cream in an ice cellar before adding sugar and whipping it.

The whipped cream was delightfully light and fluffy, devoid of any gamy taste. It received praise from Lu Wei and the others for its texture and flavor, but Meng Die found it wanting. The cream was too soft and airy; it lacked the necessary stiffness to hold its shape in a cake. It might suffice as a filling for bread, but it wouldn't cut it for a proper cream cake.

As for the cake, Lu Wei and the others couldn't tell the difference, but Meng Die, recalling the texture from her dream, knew theirs was still not fluffy enough. The main issue lay with the ingredients. In her dream world, cake flour, also known as low-protein flour, was used to make cakes. But where on earth could she buy low-protein flour here? There weren't even supermarkets!

Xue Qing enjoyed her cream-filled bread, saying, "Second Grandma, there's no need to worry just yet. This bread is delicious enough. I'd happily eat it every day, every meal, for an entire year without getting tired of it."

Meihong chimed in, "I wouldn't get bored either. And that cake, it feels quite soft to me already. Second Grandma thinks it's not soft enough. I really can't imagine how much softer it could possibly be!"

The room fell into a thoughtful silence.

Hulu said, "Does Second Lady want it to be as soft as steamed buns?"

Meihong replied, "I've tried steamed buns too, and I think their texture is quite similar to this cake."

Hulu shook her head. "The steamed buns you had were probably the common ones. A while ago, my brother completed a task, and Third Master rewarded him with a few delicacies from the Supreme Flavors Pavilion, including steamed buns. He didn't dare to eat them and brought them back for us to try. I tasted one of those steamed buns, even though they were cold, they seemed softer than the ones in our manor. Indeed, they were very delicious."

Meng Die rested her chin in her hand. "Really that soft?"

Hulu nodded confidently. "Yes, they were exceptionally soft when I ate them."

Meng Die looked at Lu Wei and said, "Mei'er, give Xiaoyao a couple of taels of silver to buy some Flavored Pavilion steamed buns from outside the second gate."

"Okay."

Xing Huang hurriedly chased after her and called out, "Try to get them warm if possible."

Mei'er replied, "I got it!"

With Meng Die willing to spend money, Xiaoyao and the others received generous tips, so they carried out their task promptly. Soon, steaming buns were delivered into the courtyard.

Lu Wei divided the steamed cake into several pieces and offered one to Meng Die first. Meng Die took a bite and chewed thoughtfully, conceding that Hulu was right; this steamed cake was indeed fluffier than those she usually had at the Marquis's residence.

Xing Huang swallowed the steamed cake in her mouth, "It is indeed more fluffy. Strange, how does their bakery manage to achieve this?"

Xue Qing speculated, "It must be due to a secret recipe. This steamed sponge cake isn't considered an exquisite delicacy; even high-end pastry shops wouldn't bother selling it. The Unrivaled Flavor Pavilion is renowned in the capital for its pastries. The fact that they still offer this steamed sponge cake indicates they must have a unique and exclusive formula."

Meng Die took another bite of the steamed cake. "Do you think they would sell me the recipe if I were to ask for it?"

Xue Qing: "If their shop only used this soft method for steamed buns, perhaps they could sell them. But if they applied it to all their pastries, they surely wouldn't succeed. Otherwise, wouldn't they be revealing their trade secrets to the public?"

Lu Wei suggested, "Why don't we try all the pastries they sell and see if they are indeed softer than those from other shops?"

Meng Die: "That could work too."

Xing Huang promptly interjected, "There's no need to buy it." She quickly chewed and swallowed the steamed cake in her mouth. "Steamed buns mainly consist of flour. The reason for their softness must be due to the quality of the flour. Most pastries use glutinous rice flour instead. If they could make other desserts equally fluffy, why would they bother selling steamed buns exclusively? It seems that this steamed bun is their specialty."

Meng Die blinked. "Indeed, that's the logic. Lu Wei, you should go out tomorrow and discuss the matter of purchasing the recipe personally with the owner of Juwei Restaurant."

Xing Huang: "Second Aunt, shall we wait a few days before making the purchase? I'll study it first, perhaps I might figure it out."

Meng Die waved her hand grandly. "If a problem can be solved with silver, why waste the effort?"

The group burst into laughter.

Lu Wei said, "Then I'll send Mei'er to inform Nurse Fan first, so she can start preparing. I'll also give the shop a heads up, just in case I arrive tomorrow to find nothing."

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

Xing Huang chimed in, "I'd like to accompany you tomorrow as well."

Meng Die: "Go ahead. If the negotiation is successful, you can learn the solution on the spot."

Thus, the plan was set. Early the following morning, Lu Wei and Xing Huang readied themselves and departed from the marquis's residence via the back entrance. There, three palanquins awaited them. Beside each palanquin stood not only the bearers but also an attendant matron.

Lu Wei and Xing Huang emerged, while Nurse Fan, having received a prompt from the maid, descended from her palanquin.

Lu Wei: "Why have we changed the palanquin?"

Nanny Fan wore a helpless expression. "These days, it's fashionable to show one's status by traveling in sedan chairs. Carriages are considered less prestigious. That's why we used the carriage last time when we visited multiple maritime merchants in a single day. But since we're only visiting one place today and it's for purchasing a recipe, it's better to take a sedan chair."

Xing Huang curled her lips. "I recently read in a book that this kind of palanquin is an extravagant symbol of replacing animal power with human labor, criticized by many scholars. Now it's fashionable again. Truly, the world's morals are declining."

Lu Wei couldn't help but scoff. "Peace has lasted too long, and people have forgotten the hardships of the past. No wonder many families in the capital have become more outrageous."

Mammy Fan chimed in, "It's not just the palanquins. Haven't you noticed how patterns on clothes have become more elaborate, and jewelry designs more intricate over the past two years? And the rules—today one thing, tomorrow another. It's exhausting."

The trio grumbled as they stepped into their respective palanquins, soon arriving at the entrance of Delicate Flavor Pavilion. A servant promptly emerged to guide the bearers through a side door into the inner courtyard.

As the bearers stepped aside, three matrons helped Mammy Fan and the others down from the palanquins. The head steward and his wife of the Delicate Flavor Pavilion immediately approached them. "Mammy Fan, Miss Lu Wei, and this young lady, please come this way."

Nanny Fan followed the steward into the parlor, where they took their seats according to protocol. Servants served tea, and the steward promptly introduced himself, "My surname is Yun. This is my wife."

Nanny Fan promptly responded, "Master Yun, Lady Yun."

The steward smiled and said, "Nanny, you're too kind."

Lady Yun wasted no time and went straight to the matter at hand, "Nanny, I heard that yesterday you were sent to convey a message saying that our Second Lady is very fond of your bakery's steamed buns?"

Nanny Fan chuckled and replied, "Indeed, our Second Lady has always had a liking for soft pastries. Yesterday, when someone mentioned that your steamed buns are particularly fluffy, she became curious and sent Xiaoyao to purchase a few. After tasting them, she was highly satisfied."

Madam Yun beamed with delight, "It's our great honor that Second Lady is satisfied. Our shop is right here in the capital; if Second Lady ever desires these steamed buns, just a word from her and we'll deliver them promptly."

Nanny Fan chuckled and turned to Xing Huang, "This is Xing Huang, who attends to Second Lady. She oversees Second Lady's meals and enjoys creating new culinary delights. She mentioned that with this recipe, she could experiment by adding other favorite ingredients of Second Lady when making the steamed buns. Hence, Second Lady, intrigued, has sent us to inquire with Madam Yun whether this recipe is available for purchase and how it would be sold."

Madam Yun nodded at Xing Huang, "If it's for Second Lady's personal enjoyment, we'd be glad to simply give her the recipe – no need to mention selling it."

Nanny Fan waved her hands repeatedly, "Oh no, that won't do. While this recipe may not be the foundation of your livelihood, it is still a legitimate source of income for you. We can't simply take it for free."

Shopkeeper Yun interjected, "If Second Lady wishes to use this steamed bun recipe to create other dishes she enjoys, how about this: we won't ask for silver. Instead, once Second Lady has developed a new dish using the recipe, she can share it with us. This way, we can consider it an exchange of secret recipes."

Silence fell upon the room, so still that a pin dropping could have been heard. Nurse Fan barely managed to keep a straight face, for this was truly a case of someone being shamelessly unaware of their own audacity.

Master Yun felt a bit abashed. He knew he was taking advantage, but with Mr. Hai's bloody lesson still fresh in his mind, anything that could catch the Second Lady of the Marquis House's interest couldn't be as simple as her craving for it. Before leaving home, the head of the family had repeatedly exhorted him: giving away the recipe would be better than selling it. What choice did he have?

Breaking the silence, Lady Yun suggested, "Well, that is one way to look at it. But how much can we really earn from these steamed cakes? If the Second Lady develops an even better recipe through our exchange, wouldn't we still be at a loss, despite it being a secret recipe swap? How about this: we still exchange recipes, but if what the Second Lady creates turns out superior, we can either compensate with money or offer something else."

Lu Wei smiled. "Lady Yun does make a valid point, but Xing Huang usually bakes such wheat flour-based pastries in the kitchen of the Marquis House. With so many eyes and ears around, sharing the recipe with us would be tantamount to making it public knowledge."

Xing Huang chimed in, "Not just these wheat flour pastries, even those made with glutinous rice flour are prepared there. The manor has two skilled cooks, and we often collaborate on new ideas." Smiling, she added, "If I were to receive this recipe, there's no way I could keep it a secret."

There was a momentary stiffness in Madam Yun's smile before she continued with a laugh, "That does make sense."

Lu Wei added, "So it would be more convenient for us to purchase the recipe. As for these steamed buns, as long as our recipe doesn't leak, you can still sell them normally. If it ever does get out, I suppose this business opportunity will come to an end."

Madam Yun's eyes were filled with disappointment.

Manager Yun sighed softly, "We understand Miss Lu Wei's intentions completely. Actually, the recipe is quite simple, but Miss Lu Wei is right – it's ultimately a way to earn silver."

Lu Wei nodded in agreement.

Steward Yun: "I must be frank with Miss Lu Wei, this steamed cake doesn't sell particularly well in our shop. Despite its softness, the preparation method is rather crude, and it's not to the liking of the noble patrons. Hence, I don't have much desire for this recipe – two thousand silver taels will do."

Xing Huang's eyebrows shot up instantly. If this wasn't considered overpriced, did he expect to sell it for twenty thousand?