Chapter 64

Chapter 64

The old sugar seller found the remark reasonable and had no choice but to keep the matter to himself. He was troubled for many days afterward, feeling that no one in his family understood his good intentions, and he also regretted that Lin Chunyan could not become his granddaughter-in-law.

After finishing his meal, Young Master Wang took the items home. Seeing what he had brought back, Old Lady Wang exclaimed repeatedly, "How could you eat so much? Be careful not to upset your stomach. Your father will beat you if he finds out."

Once home, Young Master Wang, who had been composed outside, started to act coquettishly before the old lady, "Grandmother always accuses me unjustly. I bought these for you to eat. Since you enjoyed them at the Hu family's place, I thought of bringing some back, but you don't appreciate it."

Old Lady Wang hugged him affectionately and laughed for a while before mentioning Lin Chunyan, "This young lady is skilled, but she stands out too much, not understanding the principle that wisdom can lead to harm."

Young Master Wang didn't understand, but the few young ladies sitting below exchanged glances, comprehending the meaning.

Sister Rong said, "I heard that her chrysanthemum pastries were very popular recently. Many people went to buy from her, which cooled down Shufangzhai's business. These people don't care if the taste is good; they only care if their profits are affected, and that is absolutely unacceptable."

Young Master Wang was stunned and couldn't help but worry about Lin Chunyan, "What should be done? Won't Miss Lin be unable to set up her stall?"

"It depends on whether she is smart enough."

Old Lady Wang did not elaborate further and dismissed the young ladies early to rest. Zhou Wanniang read a book for a while, then asked her maid to bring out ink and practiced calligraphy, but her mind was restless, filled with memories of Lin Chunyan's busy figure at the dock.

In the past, when she lived in the provincial city, she would often go out to play. The streets were lively, with vendors selling all sorts of goods, mostly elderly men or women, and sometimes couples working together. It was rare to see such a young lady setting up a stall.

Moreover, Miss Lin's skills were so excellent that Zhou Wanniang couldn't help but admire her. She also remembered the favor of Miss Xue sending bean curd, so she thought for a moment and asked her maid to buy a bowl of jelly tofu for her, "Tell them I'm not feeling well and want something light and refreshing."

When Jiming heard that Zhou Wanniang was unwell, she hurried over to check, frowning and muttering, "She must have caught a chill at the Hu family's place. Their food is too greasy. How can a delicate young lady like you eat that? Even the old lady should know better."

Before she could finish, Zhou Wanniang gave her a stern look, "You're becoming more and more disrespectful. How dare you speak so recklessly? It's just that I'm not feeling well and got chilled on the way back. If you say such things again and others hear, I won't be able to save you no matter what I do."

Jiming immediately fell silent, knowing that she often couldn't control her mouth. If not for her loyalty, another senior maid wouldn't have broken her leg just as they were leaving for the Wang family to seek refuge, and this task wouldn't have fallen to her.

Seeing that she knew her mistake, Zhou Wanniang softened her tone, "Listen to me. After getting the jelly tofu, tell Miss Lin to do this and that."

Jiming was taken aback, not understanding why Zhou Wanniang wanted to pass this message to Lin Chunyan. Zhou Wanniang simply waved her hand, dismissing her, and picked up a book to lean against a large cushion and read.

Jiming had no choice but to inform the gatekeepers. They saw that Zhou Wanniang was favored by the old lady and treated her differently, unlike the initial rumors that she had been sent away. Plus, Zhou Wanniang was generous and often gave them tips, making the old women very attentive.

"Where are you going, miss? Why don't you let me handle it? You can rest here."

Jiming didn't dare reveal Zhou Wanniang's request and said, "Thank you, Mother Wang, but my young lady isn't feeling well and wants jelly tofu. It's not appropriate to make a big fuss, so I'll go and see."

She slipped a few copper coins to the old woman, who smiled even wider, opened the side gate, and said that food matters shouldn't pass through their hands, knowing that Zhou Wanniang, though new, was very particular.

They heard that the tea she used to rinse her mouth after meals was even better than what their own mistress drank.

Jiming left the Wang family's main gate, called a small sedan chair, and was taken to the dock where stalls were set up. Seeing the bustling crowd, Lin Chunyan was busy cooking noodles, unaware that she had already been targeted.

Thinking of her young lady's kindness, even though she had little connection with Lin Chunyan, she decided to tell her. She sighed, hoping that her good deeds would be recognized by heaven, resolving the issue sooner so they could return to the provincial city.

After cooking the noodles, Lin Chunyan poured the sauce over them and looked up to see a familiar-looking maid standing before her. She recalled that this was the maid who had quarreled with Shuxiang that day.

Lin Chunyan greeted her with a smile, "What would you like, miss? We have..."

Before she could finish, Jiming interrupted, ordering jelly tofu, "Give me a bowl, sweet, with extra hawthorn slices and raisins."

She threw a few copper coins, her attitude not very friendly.

Lin Taohong was frying tofu nearby and felt annoyed by Jiming's arrogance. In the past, Lin Chunyan always reminded her not to argue with customers, and she usually followed this advice, fearing that she might anger Lin Chunyan.

But seeing the maid's arrogant demeanor, she couldn't hold back her anger, "If you don't want to eat, don't come to our stall. Since you're here, why show such a face? Are you saying our food isn't good?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but Jiming had sharp hearing and heard clearly, glaring at her and saying to Lin Chunyan, "Your sister is quite sharp-tongued."

Lin Chunyan knew Lin Taohong's temper. She was usually friendly if others were nice to her, but if someone criticized the food or said something sarcastic, she would retort.

However, she had improved a lot and mostly kept her feelings inside.

Lin Chunyan chuckled and pinched Lin Taohong's waist lightly, "I praised you for improving, why are you back to your old ways today?"

Lin Taohong, feeling the pain, hadn't been hit by Lin Chunyan in a long time and had forgotten how it felt.

Daring not to argue, Lin Taohong quickly put on a smile, "Big Sister, don't be angry. I just couldn't hold back."

She bowed to Jiming and apologized.

Seeing this, Jiming felt somewhat relieved, "You and your sister are about the same age, yet you lack her composure."

Lin Taohong almost rolled her eyes but kept it hidden.

Finding it boring, Jiming relayed Zhou Wanniang's message.

Lin Chunyan was surprised that Jiming would say such a thing and looked around cautiously, "Thank you, sister, for passing this message. But I wonder what they intend to do?"

Jiming had only overheard part of the conversation and wasn't clear on the details, so she shook her head, "My young lady, considering our brief encounter and the pastries you've made for her, sent me to give you a heads-up. As for what they plan, I don't know."

Lin Chunyan thanked her and gave her some bean skin and bean curd, "I haven't made those pastries recently, but I have some bean skin and bean curd. Take them home for your young lady to try."

Jiming accepted the items and reported back to Zhou Wanniang about Lin Taohong and Lin Chunyan, "Miss Lin's younger sister has a temper like a charcoal fire. Anyone else would have slapped her after hearing such words."

Zhou Wanniang tapped Jiming lightly with her finger, "You criticize her, but aren't you the same? Hearing you describe her, I find her somewhat similar to us. It's not in vain that I advised her."

After hearing Jiming's message, Lin Chunyan pondered the situation, unsure how Shufangzhai would act. Would they attack directly or invite her for a talk?

Uncertain, Lin Chunyan closed her stall and went to visit Mr. Huang at Clear Breeze Building.

Now that they were familiar, Mr. Huang welcomed her into his room. It wasn't delivery time, and he knew Lin Chunyan must have something important, so he dismissed his assistants.

"Miss Lin, is there something wrong?"

Lin Chunyan recounted what she had heard from Jiming, "I wonder if Mr. Huang has heard anything about this?"

Mr. Huang really didn't know about such a matter, but after some thought, he realized that he must have played a part in the trouble.

The pastries from Shufangzhai weren't selling well, and most of the customers came to him instead, making him very profitable. How could the owner of Shufangzhai not be angry?

After some consideration, Mr. Huang said to Lin Chunyan, "Miss Lin Xiaoniang, don't worry. If they dare to make a move, just come to me. We at Clear Breeze Building aren't pushovers, and we have our own backing."

He also asked Lin Chunyan to pay attention to the situation on the road and never go out alone.

Lin Chunyan understood; if she hadn't known, she wouldn't have known what to do. Now that she knew they intended to harm her, how could she not take precautions?

After returning home, she told everyone else about it, especially warning those working at home, "If any strangers come, don't let them into the kitchen."

Aunt Lin spat on the ground as soon as she heard, "If they dare to cause trouble in our village, let them come and see what happens. I'll get your Uncle Lin over here; there's nothing much to do in the fields anyway, so they might as well stay idle at home."

On the other side, Zhao Linglan and her sisters also said they would ask Dog Egg's father to come over. He had been resting at home for a few days, having already harvested plenty of hawthorns, which were piled up in the cellar, enough to last until next year.

Dog Egg's father hadn't slept properly for many days, so Lin Chunyan gave him a leave, letting him rest well.

Seeing their serious attitude, Lin Chunyan comforted them, "I'm just giving you a heads-up, just in case. It might not even happen."

Lady Sun also said, "We no longer make chrysanthemum pastries, so we have no connection with Shufangzhai. If they still come to bother us, it would be unreasonable."

Lin Taohong then recounted Lady Hong's story, embellishing it a bit. Mrs. Zhang, who had already been upset about Shufangzhai, became even more agitated upon hearing this and rushed out, unable to be stopped.

She ran like the wind to Lady Hong's door, threw the things aside, and started cursing loudly.

The commotion quickly attracted some villagers, who asked what was happening.

Mrs. Zhang spat on the ground first, "I said we had a thief nearby, it must be someone in the village spreading rumors. Sure enough, it's this Lady Hong, jealous of others' good fortune, sooner or later she'll end up with a festering sore..."

Lady Hong inside was so frightened that she didn't dare open the door, only listening to Mrs. Zhang's tirade and the pointing and whispering of others. She could only look to the man beside her for help with pleading eyes.

Seeing Lady Hong looking at him, the man slapped her directly, "Why are you looking at me! You can't keep your mouth shut. Who told you to spread rumors? Always causing trouble instead of living a proper life, you can't even sell tofu anymore..."

Lady Hong's head was forced to the side by the blow. She had been beaten frequently recently, and the last time she cried at her mother's place was because of this. Dizziness surged through her head, and the man's curses seemed to fade away, making her gradually unable to hear them.

She suddenly remembered what her mother had said. The tofu stall was a skill she brought from her natal home. This man had nothing when they started, everything was built by her, how dare he show off and hit her in front of her.

She steadied herself, acting submissive, covered her bruised face, and went out to apologize to Mrs. Zhang.

Lin Chunyan also arrived, seeing that Mrs. Zhang had vented her anger, she explained to the surrounding people, "The officials said that Lady Hong did not intentionally inform the bandits. She just happened to say it when they were listening, an unintentional mistake."

There was a significant difference between intentional and unintentional, and everyone was surprised that Lin Chunyan would speak up for Lady Hong. If she hadn't said anything, wouldn't it have been a good opportunity to step on the Hong family?

Mrs. Zhang thought the same, pulling Lin Chunyan's arm hard, making her stop talking, and lost the mood to cause trouble, following Lin Chunyan back home.

Lady Hong originally thought she would be beaten by the villagers once she came out, but unexpectedly, Lin Chunyan stood up and spoke the truth, leaving her with mixed feelings.

If she had said it wasn't intentional, no one might have believed her, but coming from Lin Chunyan, it was different.

After all, she had taken advantage of the young lady. Mrs. Hong stood at the door and gave a bitter smile before turning to go home.

Mrs. Zhang still couldn't understand why Lin Chunyan had acted that way when she got back. She just held her head, saying she felt unwell, with her chest hurting from the anger.

Lin Chunyan couldn't help but laugh, "You were so lively just now, how come you're feeling unwell in one place and another as soon as you get back?"

"Of course it's because of you," Mrs. Zhang's eyes turned red, "Why did you have to speak up for her!"

"Why should we drive someone to their death? Besides, Mrs. Hong didn't do it on purpose. Didn't you see when she came out, her husband slapped her right across the face? If she hadn't told the truth, who knows what more suffering she would have endured."

Mrs. Zhang's expression turned awkward, "Her husband isn't much of a man either. He used to be gentle and considerate to Mrs. Hong, coaxing her into sharing her tofu-making skills. But after a few years, he became arrogant and started hitting her from time to time."

Everyone sighed deeply. Then Mrs. Zhang looked at Lin Chunyan again, "So your recipes mustn't be given to anyone else, especially not to your future husband's family."

Lin Chunyan knew Mrs. Zhang was looking out for her, but she didn't understand why the fire had spread to her. She quickly changed the subject.

The next day, while setting up her stall, Lin Chunyan was cooking noodles for a customer when she noticed a new face and took a closer look.

This master and servant pair sat down and looked around nervously, their eyes darting about, clearly not trustworthy.

Having seen many people over the years, Lin Chunyan had developed a good eye for judging character. A person's nature could often be read from their face.

The man ordered a bowl of meat sauce noodles. After a few bites, he let out a loud exclamation, drawing the attention of many others. Lin Chunyan's heart sank; she knew trouble was coming, but she wasn't sure what trick they were using.

She walked over without showing any emotion. The man was shouting loudly, "How could there be a bug in my food? How can you run a food business so carelessly?"

This caused a commotion. Regardless of whether they believed it or not, many people stretched their necks to look. The servant held up a large beetle, its legs still twitching, which was quite revolting to look at.

Some people hurriedly checked their own noodles, fearing they might also contain bugs and end up eating them, causing discomfort for a long time.

Seeing that the man had only planted a small bug, Lin Chunyan breathed a sigh of relief. She had initially thought he might try something bigger, like causing food poisoning or even a death, which would have made it harder for her to defend herself.

By then, Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong were already arguing with the man, "We've been running this stall for a long time. Where could a bug fly in? We wash every bowl several times."

Mrs. Zhang pointed to where she washed the bowls. She spent her days sitting there washing dishes, which often left her with a sore back. She hadn't even had a chance to complain about her own hardships when this man accused their stall of being dirty, which she found unbearable.

Familiar customers chimed in, "There must be some misunderstanding. Without mentioning anything else, Miss Lin's stall has always been very clean. Look at how spotless her stove is, not a speck of dust."

"Yes, I've eaten here many times and never seen a bug. This looks like an attempt to extort money."

Lin Taohong, emboldened by the support, said, "Why can't everyone else find a bug, but as soon as you two sit down, such a big bug appears? I don't think this kind of bug is from around here."

Others gathered to take a closer look. Old Qin said, "That's true, we don't have bugs this big around here. I've seen plenty of these in the south, though."

The servant was startled. He hadn't expected anyone to recognize that the bug wasn't local.

Lin Taohong had only spoken offhandedly, but seeing Old Qin's knowledgeable demeanor and the servant's changing expression, she became more confident, continuing to argue.

The gentleman-like man glanced at his servant, giving him a stern look, wondering how he could fail at such a simple task of planting a bug.

This insect is not something they have around here. This gentleman asked his servant to find an insect, but the weather has turned cold, and where could there be any insects outside? It's just that the cabin is warm, and there is this large black-shelled bug, so he brought it in. He didn't expect that today there would be someone on the stall who knew a lot and could immediately tell that this black beetle was not from their northern region.

At this point, Lin Chunyan chimed in, "Regardless of where this insect came from, it's truly strange that after being in the hot noodle soup for such a long time, it can still jump around without being scalded to death by the soup."

Lin Taohong jumped up at once, clapping her hands and shouting, "Exactly! The noodle soup is boiling hot. If this insect had been in there for a while, it would have died long ago. How could it still be moving its legs like this?"

The seated gentleman's face grew darker, casting an angry glance at his servant and the crowd. Without lingering any longer, he was about to stand up and leave.

But Lin Chunyan held him back, "Sir, please wait a moment. I wonder if Shufangzhai instructed you to do this?"

Lin Chunyan spoke bluntly, as she was not the one responsible; she saw no need to cover for Shufangzhai. Since the other party had already made their move, if she continued to passively accept it, she would eventually be left with no means of retaliation. It was better to make things clear and let everyone know that this was not an accident or a case of someone trying to extort them, but rather a deliberate attempt to frame them.

The gentleman did not expect Lin Chunyan to be so strong; he struggled several times but could not break free. Moreover, she had directly named Shufangzhai, which made his expression even worse. He only said, "Don't slander others with empty words, Miss. A business as big as Shufangzhai wouldn't bother with your small stall. You're flattering yourself too much."

Lin Chunyan pretended to sigh with relief, "That's good, then. I heard recently that the owner of Shufangzhai was angry because we sold chrysanthemum pastries and took away their business. They said they would deal with us later. I didn't believe it at first, thinking that such a large business, a century-old brand in the Imperial City, wouldn't bother with a helpless woman like me. I guess people must have misunderstood. When I saw you come over and play tricks with that insect, I thought Shufangzhai had finally made their move. I wondered if such a pastry shop would resort to such tactics to smear anyone whose pastries were better than theirs."

She spoke calmly and confidently. There were many customers eating noodles, and some had stopped their sedan chairs and carriages to watch the commotion. For a moment, the young gentleman's face turned bright red, and he didn't know what to say.

He had just denied that Shufangzhai had instructed him to do this. If he now spoke well of Shufangzhai, it would raise suspicion. But if he allowed Lin Chunyan to continue making these vague accusations, it would tarnish Shufangzhai's reputation. He was caught between a rock and a hard place, unsure of what to do.

Beside him, Lin Taohong added fuel to the fire, "Who says otherwise? If the people from Shufangzhai are really such petty-minded individuals, I think we should stop setting up our stalls and go home early, to avoid someone bringing insects or something else to harm us."

Lin Chunyan added, "Next time, it might not be an insect. They could put drugs in the food, causing my customers to get sick or even die. Where would I go to seek justice then?"

The sisters' coordinated efforts made the young gentleman unable to stay any longer, and he fled with his servant.

Other diners were discussing the incident. Hearing Lin Chunyan's words, they believed part of it, saying that the owner of Shufangzhai had a narrow mind and would harm others if their pastries were better. No one would dare buy from them anymore.

Most of those who came to eat at Lin Chunyan's stall were connoisseurs, originally the main customers of Shufangzhai's pastry shop. Once they stopped patronizing Shufangzhai, the difference became very noticeable.

The owner of Shufangzhai never expected that in just one day, his shop's reputation would be ruined by Lin Chunyan. Even regular customers who used to buy pastries from them had significantly decreased, much to the delight of the competition.

The owner of Wuji Pastry Shop sarcastically criticized the owner of Shufangzhai, telling him to drink more calming tea when he had free time instead of always staring at their stall.

The owner of Shufangzhai, Mr. Cao, could only grit his teeth in frustration. He couldn't understand how Lin Chunyan had the nerve to do this, nor could he figure out how she knew about their plan. As he pondered, a servant hurriedly reported that Lin Xiaoniang, who set up a stall at the dock, had arrived.

Mr. Cao was surprised and paced around the room, unsure whether to meet Lin Chunyan.

When Lin Chunyan arrived, she didn't rush. She found a seat and sat down, carrying some snacks. Many people in town who enjoyed spectacles had gathered at the door, especially the loafers.

These people spent their days delivering food and knew everything that happened in town.

They were aware of what had happened at the noodle stall and saw that Lin Chunyan had the courage to come to Shufangzhai, knowing that something significant was about to happen. They all stretched their necks, eager to see the spectacle.

After Lin Chunyan drank a few cups of tea, Mr. Cao finally appeared. In his forties, dressed in a long robe, he looked quite refined. Seeing Lin Chunyan, he smiled, "There was something going on in the shop earlier, and I didn't realize Lin Xiaoniang had arrived. I apologize for not greeting you properly."

While he spoke politely, his eyes betrayed his aloofness.

Lin Chunyan smiled, "Mr. Cao, you're too kind. We run a small business, just to make ends meet. How can we compare to a century-old establishment like Shufangzhai? I came to apologize. I don't want my words to ruin your reputation, which would be too much for me to bear."

Mr. Cao forced a smile, "What can I say? I just wonder why Lin Xiaoniang would fabricate a story about the insect being planted by us."

Lin Chunyan chuckled softly but remained silent, taking a sip of tea as if she knew nothing. Her demeanor didn't match that of a teenage girl but rather that of an experienced merchant.

Mr. Cao sneered inwardly, impressed by Lin Chunyan's boldness. Knowing she had offended them and feared future repercussions, she had spread rumors to deter Shufangzhai from acting rashly and then came to apologize, claiming it was a misunderstanding. He couldn't react too strongly.

Mr. Cao's eyes flickered, and he had an idea, "Everything else aside, we had no grudges against each other until you started selling those pastries. Your actions during the festival were a bit over the top, making it difficult for us to save face."

Lin Chunyan smiled but remained silent. After a pause, Mr. Cao continued, "Since Lin Xiaoniang has come, it shows sincerity. Let's speak openly. I don't ask for much, just the recipe for the filling in your chrysanthemum pastries. Tell us, and we'll forget the rest."

If Lin Taohong were there, she might have spat water in Mr. Cao's face. The chrysanthemum pastries were famous for their filling, and the crust and appearance could be easily copied.

But Lin Chunyan was there to negotiate, so she didn't rush, "The recipes were passed down from my grandfather. Even when we were poor, he never let me reveal them. However, Mr. Cao, rest assured, we only make chrysanthemum pastries during the Double Ninth Festival, not at other times."

Mr. Cao understood but still wanted the recipe. He sneered, "Then I wonder why Lin Xiaoniang came here, just to drink our tea?"

Lin Chunyan remained calm, "Of course, I came to reconcile. If you want the recipe, I propose we don't interfere with each other from now on. How about this: I will compete with your chef. If you win, you can have the recipe. If I win, we'll go our separate ways."

Mr. Cao hadn't expected such a suggestion and thought for a moment, "Are you serious?"

Lin Chunyan nodded, "We'll invite respected people from the county to judge. Since it's a competition, it should be fair."

"Fine, let's do it tomorrow. We'll each invite five judges."

The news spread quickly, and everyone knew that Lin Xiaoniang from the dock would compete with Shufangzhai's head chef. Everyone was eager to watch.

Lin Chunyan invited a few acquaintances. Mr. Huang, upon hearing the news, didn't object. He had already sent the information to his superiors, but they had taken no action, thinking it wasn't worth the trouble. It was better for them to resolve it themselves.

"Who should we invite?"

Lin Chunyan mentioned a few names of acquaintances. Mr. Huang knew they were all connoisseurs with discerning palates and didn't object.

Some people eagerly sought out Lin Chunyan, hoping to be judges, but were disappointed when they learned the spots were already filled.

Lin Taohong and Mrs. Zhang were nervous, wondering how an apology had turned into a competition. It wasn't that they didn't trust Lin Chunyan's skills; it was that Shufangzhai had hired a disciple from the Imperial City's Shufangzhai.

This disciple, Master Song, had come to the town at the request of Mr. Wang, whose grandmother loved soft foods and was concerned that the local pastries wouldn't suit her taste. He had paid a high price to bring Master Song.

Because of this, Mr. Wang had gained a reputation for filial piety in the Imperial City, despite not being the grandmother's biological grandson.

Mrs. Zhang suggested, "Why don't we just give them the recipe and avoid the competition? We don't use it often anyway."

Lin Taohong disagreed, "We can't just give them the recipe without a fight. Why should we suffer because they tried to harm us?"

They argued, while Lin Chunyan quietly prepared for the next day's stall. She planned to sell immediately after the competition.

Wang Yingniang gently tugged on Lin Taohong's sleeve, quieting her and Mrs. Zhang. Seeing Lin Chunyan so calm, Lin Taohong also calmed down.

"Don't worry, I'll help you with the fire tomorrow. Even if we lose, it's no big deal."

"Pah, pah, pah, how could Yan Niang lose? You're such a jinx."

Seeing the two of them arguing again, Wang Yingniang tried to mediate but to no avail. She could only sigh and ask Lin Chunyan, "Am I going with you tomorrow?"

"Aren't you afraid of seeing people from your village?"

Wang Yingniang felt a bit embarrassed, "I can't keep hiding forever."

"Alright, we'll all go together tomorrow then."

To their surprise, when they set out the next day, not only did the four of them go together, but Aunt Lin and the others followed behind, even Zhao Huaizi came along.

Zhao Muyang shouted loudly, "Anyone who wants to cause trouble, my uncle will take care of them."

Lin Chunyan couldn't help but laugh. Zhao Muyang walked beside her, making sure she wasn't scared. When they arrived at the town and saw the entrance of Shufangzhai, several tables were already set up. The Wu Family Pastry Shop had kindly provided many chairs, and quite a few people had already taken their seats.

Seeing Lin Chunyan arrive, someone quickly went to inform Chef Song of Shufangzhai. Chef Song had been studying the recipe for chrysanthemum pastries ever since they first appeared, trying various combinations, but none of his attempts matched Lin Chunyan's.

This left him very frustrated. He had long wanted to challenge Lin Chunyan. When Mr. Cao asked if he was willing to compete, Chef Song agreed without hesitation.

For those who worked in the kitchen, true skill could be judged by taste alone. Chef Song looked at the judges: Constable Sun from the town, Li Niangzi the cook from the Wang family, the gourmet Old Qin, and Mr. Zhao...

They were all familiar faces, known for their discerning palates. Chef Song turned to Lin Chunyan and asked, "Young lady, how do you propose we compete?"

"We will make the same pastry and let these people taste and judge. To ensure fairness, the appearance and size of the pastries must be identical."

This seemed fair enough. Chef Song then asked what kind of pastry they would make.

Lin Chunyan smiled, "Since I proposed the competition, I'll leave the choice of pastry to Chef Song."

Such audacity! Chef Song was displeased; even in the Imperial City, he had never been so arrogant.

But this was good. Chef Song didn't refuse the suggestion, thinking that he would crush Lin Chunyan, not only helping his employer get the recipe but also teaching her a lesson.

"Then let's make the Da Nai Cake."

This was a popular dish with a rich history, much loved by people. Choosing it wouldn't be unfair to Lin Chunyan.

Lin Chunyan nodded. The shopkeeper of Shufangzhai had already selected some plums and found some dried plums. On the table were placed sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts, and pine nuts, all ready to use.

Chef Song had thought of this pastry, so he let Lin Chunyan choose the ingredients first. Lin Chunyan didn't hesitate, taking the items and heading to the kitchen.

Lin Taohong, sitting in her seat, was nervous, pulling Wang Yingniang's hand and asking, "I wonder if Big Sister can make it. Why don't they let us watch?"

She just wanted to help with the fire, but there was nowhere to go.

"She definitely can," Wang Yingniang said, though she too was nervous, her hands cold.

Lin Chunyan remained calm. She first peeled the plums and removed the pits, but didn't blanch them in white plum and licorice water, as these would give off a medicinal flavor, making the plums more sour and the overall taste mixed and less refreshing.

She directly roasted the pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and walnut kernels. Speaking of sunflower seeds, it was now the season for harvesting sunflowers. In a while, they could gather some seeds for winter snacks.

The roasted pine nuts and sunflower seeds had a wonderful aroma, full and chewy.

To ensure fairness, no one else helped, and they had to handle the fire and cooking themselves. Lin Chunyan moved steadily, mashing the plums after removing the pits and mixing them with glutinous rice flour.

Steaming the plums directly would make them too sour, and even with honey, the sourness would be hard to mask. Lin Chunyan decided to mix the plums into the glutinous rice dough and shape them like plums.

Though it was just a pastry competition, Mr. Zhao hadn't eaten much since he heard the news yesterday. He eagerly awaited the event, and his wife teased him, but he defended himself.

"I've been told we're to be judges. Eating other things might dull our taste buds, how could we tell whose is better?"

Many shared his sentiment, and Li Niangzi had only sipped some tea. Such competitions were common in the Imperial City, but rare in this town.

On one side was Lin Chunyan, and on the other, the familiar Chef Song. Li Niangzi was eager to see the results.

The roasted pine nuts and sunflower seeds were coated in honey and formed into small balls, which were then stuffed into the plum-shaped glutinous rice dough. The edges were sealed with honey and dried plums before being steamed for fifteen minutes.

When the Da Nai Cakes came out, they were soft and sticky. As per the rules, the pastries had to look identical. After completing hers, Lin Chunyan met with Chef Song to confirm that their creations looked the same.

They then had a servant shuffle the food boxes so no one could recognize them, before serving them to the judges.