Chapter 80

Chapter 80

As the New Year's Eve approached, the small opera troupe had left, and only the occasional sound of distant firecrackers could be heard.

Hongniang’s home returned to its usual quietness. She no longer cried incessantly but resumed making tofu.

Some villagers, feeling pity for her, bought tofu from her, providing her with some income.

Shiliu finally heaved a sigh of relief, thinking about her father who had died from a fall, and silently wept again.

Why did such misfortune befall them?

Maiya came back from outside carrying firewood, placing it in the kitchen as she said, "I ran into Uncle Peng, who helped me chop the wood. I don’t know what he was doing up in the mountains."

Hongniang didn’t react, only saying, "He might be a good person, but we have our hands and feet. My tofu is selling well, so you won’t lack food or drink in the future."

Maiya nodded and didn’t mention it again.

Every year before the New Year, Zhang Tianhe would set up a table at the threshing ground to write Spring Festival couplets for people.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chunyan also set up a table nearby to sell her last batch of New Year’s goods.

The boiled pig offal was laid out, with a fire lit beside it to keep it warm, emitting a continuous stream of steam that carried the aroma far and wide.

Sanlang was right next to Lin Chunyan, continuing to sell his crispy fish.

Most of the town’s households had already bought what they needed, and those who hadn’t wouldn’t come even if he shouted himself hoarse. Sanlang wisely stopped trying.

The money he made from selling fish during this period was enough to make him happy for a while.

Others were fine, writing their couplets and going home, perhaps lingering to smell the aroma and causing their stomachs to rumble, but Zhang Tianhe had to endure the scent all the time.

After a while, he would have to swallow saliva frequently, and if he didn’t wipe it in time, it might just flow down.

Perhaps his appearance was too amusing, as Lin Taohong couldn’t help but laugh, making Zhang Tianhe blush.

"Can’t blame young Master Zhang for acting like this; who wouldn’t be tempted by that smell?" an old man couldn’t resist chiming in.

Zhang Tianhe felt no better after hearing this explanation; instead, he felt even more embarrassed.

Lin Chunyan, taking advantage of his presence writing couplets, thought for a moment and fished some boiled large intestines from the pot, placing them in a bowl and handing it to him.

"Try the taste of my boiled offal."

Zhang Tianhe had interacted with Lin Chunyan a few times and knew she was very kind. After a couple of refusals, he accepted, picked up a pair of chopsticks, and took a bite.

The offal had been cooked for a long time, and the meat was tender and soft. One bite of the soup-soaked large intestine was refreshing all the way to the top of his head.

The old man who had spoken earlier watched the scene and asked, "Young Master Zhang, how does it taste?"

Zhang Tianhe gave a thumbs-up and, after swallowing, said, "Of course, it’s delicious. Lin Xiaoniang’s cooking is excellent, and it bursts with juice when you eat it."

The old man drooled at the description. Who wouldn’t be tempted by such boiled large intestines? They looked so chewy, and for those who loved them, they were even better than meat.

Zhang Tianhe felt warm and comfortable all over, sighing contentedly.

He knew the grandson of the sugar water vendor, and learned that the scholar actually didn’t want to marry Lin Chunyan, which Zhang Tianhe found foolish.

However, he had no other thoughts. After interacting with Lin Chunyan a few times, he found them to be decent people, unlike the unscrupulous merchants he had imagined.

Living in the same village, he naturally developed a liking for them and didn’t want others to say anything bad about them.

He didn’t take Lin Chunyan’s food for free, writing a couplet and sending it to her. Lin Taohong, who couldn’t read, insisted on having Zhang Tianhe read it aloud.

Zhang Tianhe blushed again, reading it haltingly.

"You claim to be well-learned, yet you can’t read smoothly?"

Lin Chunyan didn’t understand why Lin Taohong always liked to tease Zhang Tianhe, watching him turn red and run away with his sleeves covering his face.

"That girl is formidable and has a grudge against us. Be careful she doesn’t come looking for trouble."

Lin Taohong wasn’t afraid, snorting, "I haven’t done anything wrong. Just a few words, and this is not allowed? Besides, it’s clearly because he’s too thin-skinned."

Lin Chunyan ignored her and went to prepare the New Year’s gifts.

Besides the gifts for Uncle Zhang and the others, Lin Chunyan also planned to send some to Mr. Huang and Officer Sun.

She didn’t want to seem too calculating, so she wouldn’t give gifts to everyone else.

Mr. Huang was a good person, and they would continue to work together in the future. Sending a gift was a gesture of goodwill.

Before she could go, Mr. Huang’s carriage arrived first, complaining about the difficult road, "Since you’re not setting up a stall in town anymore, no one clears the snow?"

"Who knows when it will snow again? In the cold winter, no one wants to suffer."

Lin Chunyan quickly welcomed him inside and brought out the prepared gifts, "I was planning to visit today, but it seems we had the same idea."

Seeing the items in Lin Chunyan’s hands, Mr. Huang couldn’t help but feel curious, eager to know what they were.

Once in the carriage, Mr. Huang couldn’t bother with formalities and opened the package.

Seeing the pepper plum wine and snowflake pastries, he became excited and immediately tasted a bit of the pastry.

The snowflake pastries were usually made by adding oil to a small pot and then mixing in roasted flour.

But Lin Chunyan’s snowflake pastries were different. She used less oil and added kiwi fruit dry and peanut bits, giving them a faint dairy flavor.

Mr. Huang savored each bite, putting the remaining pieces back into the wooden box, already planning to ask Lin Chunyan to make more of these snowflake pastries after the New Year.

The saffron cake sold very well last year, earning him a reward from the master and even a promise to transfer him to the county town.

How could Mr. Huang agree? In his eyes, Lin Chunyan was now a treasure, one he wished to keep hidden and venerated. How could such close interactions continue in the county town?

Mr. Huang didn't particularly like the Tengbai wine, which was brewed with Sichuan pepper and pine, always leaving a disagreeable taste.

He casually set the wine aside, cherishing only the snowflake pastries.

The gift he gave to Constable Sun's family was also this. Li Dainiang, who wasn't good at cooking, had bought some pastries early on. When they came to deliver the gift, she kept them talking for a long time, eventually handing over the pastries.

"You three young ladies are truly beautiful, far better than my two disobedient ones."

Constable Sun and Sun Anyuan, seeing that Lin Chunyan had brought wine, had already gone to the next room to avoid suspicion.

With no need to go out these days, the two of them had been nagged by Mrs. Zhang so much that their ears felt calloused.

Constable Sun pondered, could it be that he really needed to marry a wife?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he saw Sun Anyuan opening the Tengbai wine and taking a sip. The idea of compromising and marrying a wife was immediately suppressed.

"Good, you're actually sneaking a drink. Let me try what it tastes like?"

The Tengbai wine had a strong aftertaste, with the numbing flavor of Sichuan pepper and the fresh scent of pine, making it much better than chrysanthemum wine.

They took turns sipping, and by the time Li Dainiang called them, they had already drunk more than half.

Li Dainiang almost grabbed a broom to hit them, "You two troublemakers, get out of my sight quickly."

They chuckled but were already thinking about when they could ask Lin Chunyan to brew more.

Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong loved sorting through the gifts others brought. Last time, Official Zhao brought many fine things, most of which they didn't recognize, yet they still studied them with great interest.

This time, Mr. Huang's gift was also generous. Lin Chunyan glanced at it and, seeing the dried longans, thought about using them in a stew later.

The pastries given by Constable Sun would be saved for the New Year's Eve offerings.

After Zhang Tianhe returned home, he saw Mrs. Zhang arguing with the Village Headman's wife, with Little Lady Zhang siding with the latter, creating quite a commotion.

He looked around the house but didn't see the Village Headman or his elder brother. He didn't dare approach, so he found a place to sit down.

Writing Spring Festival couplets these days didn't earn much, but it added a bit to the household income. It was clear why his elder sister-in-law was causing trouble.

The Village Headman's wife was so upset that she cried. At this point, the Village Headman finally appeared, telling her to stop crying, "It's the New Year, don't bring bad luck."

The Village Headman was also troubled; his eldest daughter-in-law was too domineering, not tolerating any sand in her eyes. Originally, his eldest son was good, but if this continued, his heart might also be swayed.

"We need to find a wife for the second son soon."

The Village Headman's wife was stunned, "What? Why do we need to find a wife? Besides, we don't have that much money."

"Just find a wealthy one."

The Village Headman didn't want to marry Zhang Tianhe off so early, hoping he would pass the imperial examination and find a better match, but unfortunately, they couldn't wait any longer.

With a wife, he could focus more on his studies, getting some support from her side.

The Village Headman's wife only knew people from nearby villages, but the Village Headman had already thought of several daughters from the town's gentry families.

Both were preoccupied, and after another argument, neither had the mood to prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, so they decided to buy some from Lin Chunyan.

Lin Chunyan was weighing items for Old Master Qin. His family didn't have a cart, only a small donkey. He arrived with a red face from the cold, first cursing Official Zhao.

"That scoundrel is too ungrateful, eating here and then envying me when he goes back."

He couldn't eat or sleep well at home, so he told Old Master Chen, and the two of them came together.

Lin Chunyan's braised offal hadn't sold out yet. Old Master Qin tasted it and wanted to buy the rest.

Back home, he would have to share with Old Master Chen and his daughter-in-law's relatives, leaving little for himself.

When the Village Headman's wife heard this, she hurriedly stepped forward, "Old Master, please leave us some. It's unfair to take it all."

Feeling upset, she spoke sharply. Old Master Qin, who was usually polite, directly asked Lin Chunyan to bring the pot over, "No need to pack it separately, the broth is delicious too. We'll make noodles with it when we get home."

Seeing them start to move the items, the Village Headman's wife stomped her feet anxiously, "What can I do? Yan Niang, say something. We're all from the same village, leave us some."

Lin Chunyan was helpless; Old Master Qin had come first, and she couldn't refuse him.

Seeing Lin Chunyan wouldn't agree, the Village Headman's wife turned to Mrs. Zhang, "Sister, you must help me. We can't let Old Master take it all."

Old Master Qin had planned to stay and eat something, teasing Official Zhao when he got home. But seeing the Village Headman's wife's reaction, he feared she might come and snatch it, so he and Old Master Chen quickly loaded the items onto the donkey cart and left.

Mrs. Zhang watched the cart go, only able to pout, "I can't do anything. There are still a few days before the New Year, you can still make it in time."

The Village Headman's wife sighed, "Yan Niang, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you. My eldest son and his family won't be used to my cooking when they return for the New Year."

Lin Chunyan agreed. After they left, Mrs. Zhang said, "She says the same thing every Winter Solstice when buying dumplings. If you didn't know, you'd think her daughter-in-law was a very picky person."

Lin Cuixiang invited everyone to her house to make rice cakes on the 28th day of the 12th lunar month. Lin Chunyan tidied up and went over.

The second branch's house was near the third branch's in the village. Liu Niangzi and Hu Niangzi lived nearby, often creating lively scenes.

Unfortunately, the place was small, with only a front yard and a tiny kitchen.

Accustomed to living in a larger space, everything felt cramped.

The kitchen couldn't accommodate so many people, so Lin Chunyan took out the glutinous millet flour to knead.

Lin Fengdie couldn't help much, but since the sisters had played well last time, she came along this time.

Indeed, several sachets were made, and Li Shi knew they were for them, so she brought out some good materials.

Lin Chunyan also received one, with a swallow embroidered on it, perfectly matching her name.

"Thank you so much, Die Niang, your hands are truly skilled."

Lin Fengdie smiled shyly, seeing that they genuinely liked them, her eyes crinkled with joy as she helped Wang Yingniang grind the almonds.

However, she still didn't speak much. Lin Taohong noticed several times that she seemed to want to say something but held back, finding it strange.

"What do you want to say? Why do you always look like this?" Lin Taohong mimicked her pouting mouth, "I remember you used to like this when you were little."

Lin Fengdie wasn't angry; she just smiled, "Maybe I just like being this way."

Lin Taohong didn't ask any more.

After the yellow rice flour was scalded with hot water, it was placed in the steamer, with some pitted red dates sprinkled on top. It was steamed for the duration of one incense stick, then more yellow rice flour and red beans were added, repeating this process until the yellow rice cake was done.

During steaming, it was layered, and when cut, it revealed layers of red dates, red beans, and brown sugar.

The young ladies all exclaimed, looking at the layers that were very appetizing. Even though the rice cake was still hot, they put pieces in their mouths to taste.

"This year's yellow rice flour is really good, it sticks to the teeth when you eat it."

Lin Chunyan deliberately stretched the rice cake a bit. The red beans were cooked soft, leaving only a fragrant, sticky texture, and the red dates were very sweet, making them easy to eat without the pits.

Lin Cuixiang ate one and noticed Lin Fengdie kept glancing at her, thinking she might have something on her face, she even touched her face.

Seeing this, Lin Fengdie quickly turned her head away, no longer looking at her.

Even Lin Chunyan sensed something was off and asked several times.

Lin Fengdie's lips moved, but seeing only genuine concern on their faces, she finally relaxed and said, "I heard Xiang Niang's sister is going to be betrothed?"

She and Silang both loved gossip, but while Silang could chat with Mrs. Zhang, she rarely went out and had no one to talk to.

Talking to Li Shi would make Li Shi unhappy, and Li Shi never let her speak much.

Lin Fengdie had to keep her mouth shut and dared not speak much to others.

But hearing about Lin Cuixiang's betrothal, Lin Fengdie couldn't help herself.

After saying it, she felt much lighter, letting out a long sigh.

But everyone else was completely stunned. Lin Cuixiang was shocked at how Lin Fengdie knew, while Lin Chunyan and the others were shocked that such a big event had gone unnoticed by them.

Before Lin Cuixiang could ask how she knew, Lin Taohong was already standing with her hands on her hips, "Now you don't treat us like sisters. Such a big thing, and we didn't even hear about it."

Lin Cuixiang quickly pleaded, "It's not that I didn't want to tell you, it's just hard to bring up."

Since Silang and Wulang weren't there today, Lin Cuixiang had said they would play together, so she wasn't afraid of losing face and quickly told them about the betrothal.

"It's the son of the couple who sells steamed buns."

Lin Chunyan suddenly understood. She had sold shrimp skins to them before, and later, the matter was handed over to Lin Cuixiang, who might have interacted with them more and caught their eye.

"That's a good thing. They have a shop in town, so their family must be well-off. Did they send a matchmaker?"

Instantly, everyone gathered around Lin Cuixiang, laughing and chatting, even Wang Yingniang joined in.

Lin Cuixiang shook her head, "No, they used an intermediary. But my mother is too busy to manage me now, you know about my second brother's situation."

Erlang had wanted to marry his aunt's niece, but his aunt-in-law disagreed, and that was that.

But later, Erlang helped sell things in town and earned money every day, which made his aunt-in-law reconsider.

"My brother is the most stubborn person. He refused flatly and won't even go to my uncle's house."

Lin Chunyan asked curiously, "What does Second Aunt think?"

"Of course, she wants him to marry my cousin and even suggested they stay for a while during the New Year."

Second Aunt had mentioned this to Mrs. Zhang, "It took a lot to get her to agree, so I had to seize the opportunity. Who knows what Erlang is thinking? If he regrets it later, he'll blame me."

Pausing, she continued, "And Xiang Niang's marriage proposal came too suddenly. I don't know whether to accept it or not."

Mrs. Zhang said, "We don't know much about this person in town, so we need to find out more. Have you seen the boy? What does he look like?"

Lin Cuixiang blushed and shook her head, "I haven't seen him yet. It's just that someone has been sent to discuss it."

Wang Yingniang thought for a moment and whispered, "If they really like Xiang Niang, that's great, but if they're just after the shrimp business, that's a different story."

She always suspected the worst, and Lin Chunyan thought it made sense, "So we need to take it slowly and figure things out. A fox can't hide its tail forever."

"Is Yan Niang here?"

Liu Niangzi called from outside. She now had some money and came over when she heard the girls' laughter in the courtyard.

Lin Chunyan quickly responded, and the young ladies stopped talking about it and continued grinding the almonds.

Liu Niangzi took out some money, "I heard you're making rice cakes today. Just give me a piece; I love eating this."

Lin Chunyan indeed cut a piece and didn't take any money, "Just eat it quietly, don't let the boys outside see."

Silang and the others were surely waiting outside, and if they saw, they would come to cause trouble.

Lin Fengdie saw Liu Niangzi and tightly pursed her lips. Lin Taohong now knew why and quickly tugged at her sleeve.

"Do you know something?" Lin Taohong's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Is her daughter-in-law arguing with her again at home?"

Lin Fengdie quickly shook her head and only spoke when the person had walked far away, "I saw her daughter-in-law following Uncle Peng."

Lin Taohong was unsatisfied, "What's the big deal? Maybe it was just a coincidence that they were on the same route."

Lin Fengdie shook her head again, "Of course not. My mother even said that Liu Dama’s daughter-in-law might have some other background."

She knew nothing more, but Lin Fengdie was overjoyed, unable to keep the smile off her face.

From then on, she would have someone to talk to, no longer having to hold everything in as before.

The almonds had been ground into a pulp, with some walnuts and peanuts added, and it was boiled in a pot like soy milk.

The walnuts had their skins removed specifically, making the almond milk come out milky white. Even without sugar, it was sweet and refreshing with each sip.

Lin Chunyan also took some of the New Year cake home, so there would be no need to make more for the New Year.

Mrs. Zhang ate a small piece and asked what they had done today. Lin Taohong was already showing off her purse, and listening to her, Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang exchanged amused glances, finding it quite amusing.

After finishing the New Year cake, which was hard to digest, the two of them simply led the mule to find some hay to eat.

There were few branches left on the mountain, and the mule was much thinner than before. They could only feed it acorn residue mixed with bran.

After circling around, the two returned home and made more snowflake pastries.

This time, with more experience, they turned out better and more exquisite.

If they had butter, it would probably be even more fragrant.

The bread oven emitted waves of aroma; inside, a chicken was roasting, brushed with a layer of honey. When it came out, the skin was crispy and sweet.

The chicken was caught from the backyard. Mrs. Zhang was initially reluctant, but since this chicken didn't lay eggs, keeping it was just a waste of food.

In a few days, it would be the Start of Spring, and on that day, they would eat spring pancakes. Lin Chunyan thought about roasting a duck.

Their village raised many ducks, so they could buy one for a few coins and prepare other seasonal vegetables.

Not just the children looked forward to the New Year; Lin Chunyan was eagerly awaiting it too.

On New Year's Eve, there were even more firecrackers being set off, the popping sounds filling the air. The last time Lin Chunyan went to town, she bought a string of firecrackers and hung it on the door early, ready to light it with a candle.

They covered their ears and stood nearby, listening to the popping sounds, the rich scent of gunpowder spreading through the air. Lin Taohong sniffed deeply.

"This smell is really nice."

Firecrackers were only set off once a year, and the children stood by early, waiting to pick up any unexploded ones after the fireworks.

Gada picked up a few, but being small, he watched helplessly as they were snatched away. He didn't cry but directly tussled with the older child, leaving a red mark on the older child's hand.

Gada knew he had caused trouble and quickly ran to Lin Chunyan, whispering, "When my mother comes, can you please ask her not to get angry?"

Sure enough, Ding Hui Niang arrived, and after the older child complained, she waited to see what would happen.

Lin Chunyan hurriedly intervened, "Gada picked them up first, and they started fighting when the others tried to take them."

Ding Hui Niang knew Gada's character; he wouldn't start trouble on his own.

But she still had to come because her family had no one to back them up. If she didn't, the older child's parents might come looking, making things worse.

Ding Hui Niang could only apologize and have Gada bow to the older children as an apology.

"There's no need for that," Lin Chunyan felt she was overstepping, but seeing such a young child treated this way made her heart ache.

Wang Yingniang ran into the house and brought out some sunflower seeds, giving each of them a little.

"Gada didn't do it on purpose. Don't be unreasonable."

The older children, satisfied with the sunflower seeds, scattered immediately.

Ding Hui Niang felt embarrassed, "No need to go to such lengths; just having Gada apologize would be enough."

"That won't do. Gada hitting someone was wrong, but those older children were also at fault. We can't always suppress the children."

Ding Hui Niang understood this well, but the bitterness of the situation was something only those who had experienced it truly understood.

Wang Yingniang watched as they left and whispered, "When I was a child, I was like Gada. I accidentally offended someone, and my parents always made me apologize."

They never cared who was right or wrong and never stood up for her.

Lin Chunyan thought back to long-ago times and smiled, "Helping Gada today is like helping our younger selves."

Wang Yingniang didn't understand what she meant by "our younger selves" but followed her into the house.

Uncle Zhang and his family came over, bringing them some Tusu wine and inviting them to spend the New Year with them.

Seeing them, Mrs. Zhang was delighted, "We have everything prepared here. We'll celebrate at home today."

Mrs. Zhang directly declined their invitation to spend the New Year at their place, packed the gifts for her family, and ensured both sides were satisfied. Uncle Zhang's family got more salted eggs, while Uncle Zhang's family received more fish.

This New Year's Eve was the first they celebrated independently after establishing their household, and they naturally wanted to stay at home.

Uncle Zhang and his family didn't press the matter, only saying they would come to pick them up on the second day of the New Year.

"We'll stay overnight at Uncle's place."

The journey was long, and they would likely arrive at noon, so staying overnight was necessary.

Lin Chunyan watched as the fermented black beans began to form threads and slowly poured them into a jar.

Lin Taohong suggested, "Why don't we build a snowman?"

"Alright."

The New Year’s Eve dinner was sumptuous. On this night, they would eat the Five Spices Platter, which was believed to ward off diseases and ensure good health throughout the year.

They also placed persimmons and cypress branches on the same plate, along with a few oranges from the New Year’s gifts given by Mr. Zhao.

These were truly valuable items, showing genuine thoughtfulness.

Putting these three items together was a way to wish for good fortune in all matters.

For those who couldn’t afford oranges, they could embroider them on cloth or make Chinese knots to hang from the rafters, each family finding their own way.

Wine was poured at the table, and they gathered around the kang table, enjoying the meal with great enthusiasm.

"I hope that by next year, we will have opened our tavern."

Lin Chunyan raised her wine glass, setting the goal for the coming year.

"It’s a pity we don’t have any fireworks here. I’ve heard they set them off in the county, but I haven’t seen them many times."

"Then let’s wait until the 15th and go see them."

Lin Chunyan also wanted to go, so she set the date.

Fortunately, it didn’t snow on New Year’s Eve.

After eating the oranges, the room was filled with a fragrant aroma. Everyone ate slowly, reluctant to finish.

No one threw away the orange peels; they kept them to steep in water or use to smoke sausages, as they were all valuable.

On the second day of the New Year, they visited their elder and younger uncles’ homes. The Ma family and Hu family were very courteous, treating everyone warmly.

In the past, when Mrs. Zhang returned, they never prepared such a fine meal, leaving her with mixed feelings.

Naturally, the topic of marriage came up. Hu had previously found a suitable match for Zhang Niuli, but now felt the family was too poor and not quite right.

Mrs. Zhang said directly, "We’re not a wealthy family. As long as the girl is good, that’s more important than anything else."

Later, Hu told Elder Uncle Zhang, "I can’t believe those words came from your eldest sister’s mouth. It’s truly surprising."

Elder Uncle Zhang had been drinking a lot lately. Even when there were village matters, the Village Headman would invite him, and he knew why.

"I think what my sister said makes sense. That young lady is good in every way, and we shouldn’t look for another."

Hu remained silent, calculating in her mind.

Lin Chunyan met the two young ladies from Younger Uncle Zhang’s family. They were about the same age but seemed much more reserved and quiet, not knowing how to speak up.

Ma, noticing this, pulled the two girls into the house, clearly disapproving.

She secretly compared herself to Mrs. Zhang. In the past, she always felt superior to Mrs. Zhang, having given birth to a son while Mrs. Zhang could not.

Mrs. Zhang’s husband had even run away.

But in just half a year, everything changed dramatically.

Ma didn’t understand how this happened. Lin Chunyan hadn’t changed much in appearance or height, nothing particularly outstanding.

Younger Uncle Zhang, seeing Ma’s thoughts, knew what she was thinking. He had already told her to be kinder to the two young ladies, pointing out how lively and fresh Lin Chunyan and her family were.

The two cousins didn’t step out of the house until Lin Chunyan and her group left, and even Mrs. Zhang couldn’t bear to see it, muttering to Ma.

Later, Ma decided to marry off the two young ladies.

Younger Uncle Zhang became furious and ignored Ma for a long time before she gave up the idea.

Back home, Lin Chunyan started preparing for her stall. After the New Year, people’s appetites would be better, so she planned to prepare more appetizers.

King Zhao returned from outside in the snow. This year, the snow was unusually heavy, and many places had suffered disasters.

The servants respectfully greeted King Zhao, who only asked, "What is Concubine Chao doing?"

The servants knew that King Zhao’s favorite was the young lady sent by the Hu family, who was very beautiful but illiterate. They wondered what had caught his eye.

In an instant, the servant replied, "Your Highness, Concubine Chao is in the garden now."

King Zhao changed his clothes and went to the garden. However, the Concubine Chao in the garden was digging the soil with a hoe.

Seeing King Zhao return, Zhao Xinghua hastily bowed and continued digging.

King Zhao gently helped her up, "Why are you doing this? Didn’t I say to let the servants take care of it?"

Zhao Xinghua tried to pull her hand back but couldn’t, so she forced a smile, "This is the only thing I know how to do. If I don’t do it, I’ll just be eating without working."

King Zhao knew her background and could tell from her rough hands that she wasn’t a pampered young lady.

When he first saw Zhao Xinghua, King Zhao was stunned, even suspecting that one of his brothers had sent her to test him.

After a few days, he realized that Zhao Xinghua was very different from Zhou Wanniang, but both had a stubborn streak.

Knowing Zhao Xinghua’s story, King Zhao didn’t inform the Zhou family. Instead, he took her in, feeling more sympathy for her and allowing her to do whatever she wanted in the mansion.

Zhao Xinghua wanted to farm, and after testing a few times and seeing that King Zhao didn’t object, she really did start cultivating a plot in the garden. However, it was winter, and even if she dug the soil, she couldn’t plant anything immediately.

King Zhao suggested she grow plants in the greenhouse to avoid the cold, but Zhao Xinghua insisted that plants grown in the greenhouse lacked meaning.

King Zhao led Zhao Xinghua by the hand into the house and had the maids bring water. This water was specially carried from Green Spring Mountain, used by many wealthy families for tea, but King Zhao considered it too good for that and used it only for washing hands and face.

After washing, there were several types of face creams and lotions to apply. When Zhao Xinghua first arrived, she didn’t know these things, and the maids would giggle behind their hands, looking down on her ignorance and coarseness.

There wasn't even a third-class maid in the mansion who would dare to do such a thing.

But when King Zhao found out, he sold all these servants, and from then on, no one dared to be disrespectful to Zhao Xinghua.

After washing his hands, King Zhao pulled Zhao Xinghua to learn calligraphy. He had been teaching her for almost a month, but Zhao Xinghua's writing was still far from presentable, which filled King Zhao with a sense of defeat.

Everything about Zhao Xinghua was good, except for one point where she could never match Zhou Wanniang.

He had read extensively since childhood and preferred the company of learned women, not someone as ignorant as her.

King Zhao put down his brush, tilted his head to look at Zhao Xinghua, and played with a strand of her hair, "Apart from farming, what other pastimes do you enjoy?"

Seeing that he finally stopped teaching her how to write, Zhao Xinghua felt relieved. She thought for a moment and said, "I also like to go up the mountain to collect things. In spring, I can dig bamboo shoots and wild vegetables. There is a young lady in our village who is an excellent cook. I often take what I find to her house to exchange for a few copper coins."

These stories were told with interest, but King Zhao listened in disbelief, wondering why anyone would be happy to climb mountains just to exchange for a couple of copper coins.

However, seeing a smile on Zhao Xinghua's face, he listened half-heartedly.

After talking for a while, Zhao Xinghua fell silent, looking at the snow on the branches outside, wondering if it was the same in White Cloud Town.

King Zhao soon called for the meal. Li Dainiang's cooking was very meticulous, with exquisite plating. A small dish of crystal cake, when lifted, revealed the plum blossom pattern on top.

These delicacies might cost more than the silver she earned from selling herself. Yet, Zhao Xinghua was not particularly happy, eating only a few bites before putting down her chopsticks.

King Zhao also put down his chopsticks, frowning and asking Zhao Xinghua, "Is it not to your taste? Someone, take all this away."

Zhao Xinghua hurriedly waved her hands in fear, "That's not necessary; I just don't have much appetite today."

"Working in the garden for a while, how can you lose your appetite? It must be that Li Dainiang's cooking isn't good. If you don't like her food, we can simply change the cook."

King Zhao then lifted Zhao Xinghua onto his lap, caressing her waist, "What do you want to eat? Just tell me."

This mansion had more than one young lady, and King Zhao had once spent lavishly for others. To please a young lady, making some food was merely a matter of lifting a finger for him.

Zhao Xinghua, smelling the familiar yet somewhat repulsive scent from King Zhao, felt his warm hands on her, causing her body to tremble. After some thought, she said, "I actually miss the tofu skin from our town."

Back then, she wouldn't spend the copper coins she earned from picking mushrooms, thinking that if she married Li Youfu and had children, she should save more money.

But every time she went to Lin Chunyan's place, Lin Chunyan would always bring out the tofu skin, letting her have a few bites.

Now, with fine clothes and delicious food, what she most wanted to eat was still that tofu skin.

King Zhao remembered this and immediately instructed his servants to find it, "If you can bring more, bring it back together."

At his command, even in the icy cold, the servants galloped to White Cloud Town.

Lin Chunyan's stall hadn't been open long when a crowd gathered, some ordering hot noodle soup, others tiptoeing to see what new treats were available, creating a lively scene.

Constable Sun and Sun Anyuan ordered noodles first, mentioning the braised meat taken by Old Qin, "He deliberately invited us to drink, only giving us a small dish, which made us so hungry."

"Didn't you show him the food you brought to tease him?"

Constable Sun shook his head, "How could we bear to? The two of us barely had enough to eat."

Old Qin, hearing this, jumped over, "What? You two were hiding good food from me? I've been thinking about you!"

At their table, Scholar Song and Scholar Qin also came over for noodles, noticing the braised pork offal and ordering a plate.

"Chef Song?" Hearing this voice from afar, Lin Chunyan looked up and saw Chef Song, whom she had competed against, coming over.

He smiled sheepishly, rubbing his stomach, "Happy New Year, young lady. Do you have any new treats?"

He had wanted to come and eat for a long time but was too embarrassed to do so.

With the crowd, he decided to blend in.

Lin Chunyan introduced the crab roe noodles and braised pig's stomach he ordered.

Seeing Chef Song, everyone laughed, and he just chuckled, heading to eat the braised pig's stomach.

All the offal was cooked in one pot, so the taste was similar, but eating a bowl in winter made one feel warm all over.

A boatman also came over for a bowl of noodles, chatting with Lin Chunyan, "Why hasn't your little uncle come out? It's been a while since I last saw him."

Since the last trip to Qixia Town to sell goods to several taverns, Uncle Zhang hadn't left home the entire twelfth lunar month. The last time they visited his family, Uncle Zhang said he would go out to sell goods once it warmed up.

Uncle Zhang was even more eager than Lin Chunyan; each trip meant earning money.