Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Lin Chunyan only had connections with Mr. Li and Young Miss Li in the Li residence.

This was because she had come here once before to cook. Although she had encountered Hu Erqiang on the way back and almost gotten into danger, there was no such thing as a fruitless trip in this world.

Lin Chunyan felt very grateful that she had gotten to know Young Miss Li because of this. She remembered that Jin Niangzi had said that Mr. Li and the young miss here loved good food, and the last time she had prepared a meal, both of these masters had praised her cooking.

In her mind, Lin Chunyan quickly flashed through all the possible dishes she could make and thought of the honey-glazed snapdragon flowers.

The honey-glazed snapdragon flowers were considered a rare treat at this time, mainly because they required the use of ghee.

Lin Chunyan paced for a moment before asking Sun Anyuan to go to the establishment to fetch her ghee. “My sister knows where it’s kept. Also, bring some rose syrup. Just say that I need them.”

Sun Anyuan didn’t ask any questions and turned to leave.

Lin Chunyan planned for a while longer. Seeing this young miss wouldn’t be easy, so she decided to seek out Jin Niangzi.

Since Jin Niangzi had brought her over to cook for the Li family before, she must have had some connection with the Li family.

Even if she was only familiar with the lower-ranking old women, having her mention it a couple of times to Young Miss Li would be better than aimlessly wandering around.

Chef Ren heard that Lin Chunyan was going to fetch ghee and secretly marveled at her ingenuity. His hands moved a little faster than before.

He didn’t want to lose to Lin Chunyan, especially when she was about to pull off something big.

Sun Anyuan returned quickly, taking only half an hour. Lin Chunyan saw the sweat on his forehead and thanked him sincerely.

Sun Anyuan waved it off, “It’s nothing.”

Lin Chunyan didn’t push the matter further and took the ghee out of the jar. This was made from their sheep’s milk, stored for a long time in the jar, and as soon as it was opened, a milky aroma filled the air.

She divided the ghee into several portions. Since she was asking Young Miss Li for a favor, she wanted to make this pastry perfectly.

She steadied her nerves and added rose syrup to a portion of the white ghee, which instantly turned a bright red.

The rose syrup in the remaining portions of ghee was gradually reduced, creating a spectrum of colors from pale pink to deep red.

Zhao Zilan was cooking vegetables on the other side and happened to look up just as Lin Chunyan had finished coloring the ghee. Lin Chunyan placed the snow-white portion on a plate and, with a few deft movements, created a flower design.

Zhao Zilan was momentarily stunned and almost forgot about the dish she was cooking. It was only because Chef Ren had been paying attention to her and called out her name a few times that she snapped back to reality.

Lin Chunyan was focused on making various flower shapes, and for a moment, the world around her seemed to fade away. After completing the jasmine flower designs, she created some lotus designs on another plate.

The two plates of honey-glazed snapdragon pastries—or rather, what were now more accurately just jasmine designs—each had their own beauty. Just looking at their shapes was tempting enough to make one’s mouth water.

Not sure of Young Miss Li’s preferences, Lin Chunyan decided to take out the remaining ghee to mold into small rabbits.

Finally, she dissolved honey in cold water and poured it over the base.

Jin Niangzi had been at Mr. Li’s residence that day. While waiting for Sun Anyuan to deliver the items, Lin Chunyan had already approached her.

As soon as the honey-glazed snapdragon pastries were completed, Jin Niangzi returned in a hurry with the information she had gathered.

“That old woman is indeed from our village and we’re distantly related through a complicated network of connections. When she heard we wanted to send some pastries to Young Miss Li, she was initially reluctant to help but eventually agreed.”

Hearing this from Jin Niangzi, Lin Chunyan let out a huge sigh of relief.

She was someone with little influence and could do only a limited amount. All she could do was hope Miss Dong would be fine.

Miss Li had just returned from mourning at the ancestral altar after a whole night and was about to rest when the old nurse attending her came over and said that Miss Dong wanted to see her.

"Who?" Miss Li looked up in surprise, "Miss Dong?"

She hadn’t interacted much with Miss Dong. To be honest, she felt that the reputation of the Li family had been damaged since Mr. Li took Miss Dong as a concubine.

She didn’t want to meet her, "Let her stay put. Why is she coming out?"

At this time, she assumed Miss Dong was there to stir up trouble.

This maid had received money from Miss Dong and, knowing that Miss Dong was a pitiful person, leaned in to explain that Miss Dong had been imprisoned upon her return.

"The last time she went out to buy something for our master, she was locked up when she came back. It was the eldest son who did it."

Miss Li stood up abruptly, looking shocked and uncertain as she looked at the maid, "Is what you're saying true?"

The maid nodded. Miss Li, who had previously been unwilling to see Miss Dong, now no longer hesitated and immediately invited her in.

After finally meeting Miss Dong, the old nurse lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing that the ice in the room was running low, she quickly asked the maid to add some more, while at the same time asking Miss Li, who was suffering from a headache, "Would you like to eat something?"

Miss Li was somewhat annoyed and waved her hand, saying no, "I'm going to lie down on the kang for a bit."

She pondered whether to help Miss Dong. Helping her would certainly offend Mr. Li, but not helping her would, as Miss Dong herself said, likely cause domestic turmoil.

The old nurse was unaware of the earlier incident and thought that Miss Li was still grieving over the death of Mr. Li.

It was understandable that Miss Li was so distressed. In the household, both the elder lady and Mr. Li favored the young master, and all the other women were secondary.

However, because both Miss Li and Mr. Li liked eating, he had shown her some favor.

If everything went well and she married Zhang Tianhe, she would only be staying in the household for a short time. If Zhang Tianhe truly had a promising future, she might even become a titled lady one day.

Unfortunately, the Zhang family scholar had never been very enthusiastic from the beginning, and Miss Li couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

The old nurse thought of many things and looked at Miss Li with increasing affection, "You still need to eat properly. Before, didn't Master Li ask Miss Lin to come over and make some food? Do you remember Miss Lin?"

Miss Li didn’t know why her old nurse suddenly brought up something from the past but still nodded, "Is she preparing the banquet today?"

"Her apprentice is preparing it, but she came over just now. I just heard from the people in the kitchen that she specially made some honey-fried pear blossoms for you to try."

Miss Li wasn’t a fool. There was no reason for her to curry favor without cause. Thinking about what Miss Dong had just said, she half-closed her eyes, "This is interesting. It's Miss Lin's goodwill, so bring it over and let's take a look."

This wait felt like the time when she went to pick up Lihua, making Lin Chunyan feel uneasy and uncertain. Cooking had always been a kind of enjoyment for her, but when she had to use the food she made to please or ask favors from others, she always felt something indescribable in her heart.

If Wang Yingniang were here, Lin Chunyan would have someone to consult with.

Perhaps because she had remained silent for too long, Sun Anyuan, who hadn’t spoken until now, suddenly asked her, "If you want to save Miss Dong, why not directly ask Mrs. Li for help?"

Lin Chunyan then realized that Sun Anyuan hadn’t left yet. The banquet outside had already started to get lively. This was the first day of the banquet, and Mr. Li had said he would go out in person. It was somewhat inappropriate for Sun Anyuan to be delayed here.

Thinking back to when he had been so enthusiastic about saving Wang Yingniang, Lin Chunyan didn’t suspect anything and quietly explained to him, "If Mrs. Li could really make decisions, Miss Dong wouldn't have been locked up in the backyard. She would have been sold off long ago."

Besides, she had no relationship with Mrs. Li at all. Going up to her rashly would only harm Miss Dong.

In matters like this, even a small mistake could be fatal.

The honey-glazed crispy flower pastries were presented, and Miss Li looked at the exquisitely crafted jasmine and lotus flower shapes. On another plate were adorable little rabbit-shaped pastries. Even before tasting them, she could tell that these pastries must have required a lot of effort.

She couldn’t help but remark, "I thought Dong Xiaoniang was only interested in money, but it seems I misjudged her."

The old woman was momentarily confused and wondered why the conversation had suddenly turned to Dong Xiaoniang again.

The maid who had just returned with more ice understood the context. If Dong Xiaoniang were only after money, she wouldn’t have come to see Miss Li in person while being locked up.

Many maids and older women must have helped her behind the scenes.

Miss Li chose not to dwell on it. She gently scooped up a piece of the jasmine-flavored pastry with a spoon and placed it in her mouth, immediately tasting a rich milk flavor.

She had tried this pastry before and knew how challenging it was to make. The crispy oil used was not commonly found in ordinary pastry shops.

Yet, Lin Chunyan not only made it but also improved its taste significantly.

The best part was that the crispy oil used in this pastry had no hint of gaminess at all, only a delightful scent.

She glanced again at the lotus-shaped pastry. Born in summer, Miss Li hesitated to eat the lotus-shaped pastry that Lin Chunyan had inadvertently made to resemble her favorite flower.

However, she had no such hesitation with the rabbit-shaped pastries. The lifelike rabbit-shaped pastries were soon eaten up.

She hadn’t had a proper meal in days, and after eating the honey-glazed crispy flower pastries, she finally felt less empty.

Seeing that she enjoyed it, the old woman was also very pleased. "If the young miss enjoys it, I’ll invite this young lady to make more in the future."

Miss Li neither nodded nor shook her head in response. After washing her hands, she instructed the old woman to invite Lin Chunyan over.

Sun Anyuan had many questions, and since Lin Chunyan was already nervous, she simply answered all of them. The two of them sat in the kitchen, listening to the crackling of firewood and the chopping sounds, occasionally making small talk.

Chef Ren always kept one ear open to their conversation. He wasn’t sure if Lin Chunyan didn’t consider him an outsider or if Sun Anyuan wasn’t being cautious enough, but Chef Ren understood most of what they were saying.

He was secretly amazed at how fortunate Mr. Li was to have such a talented wife. At the same time, he was worried about Dong Xiaoniang.

He also had a daughter, and if something like this happened to her, he would be furious enough to kill someone.

Before they knew it, a familiar old woman came to invite them. Lin Chunyan and Jin Niangzi both stood up quickly.

Lin Chunyan, too anxious to think of anything else, quickly followed the maid inside.

Sun Anyuan couldn’t enter the backyard. In her hurry to meet the people, Lin Chunyan forgot to tip the messenger, but Jin Niangzi had already taken out some coins from her sleeve, intending to help Lin Chunyan with the tip.

Since Jin Niangzi and Mrs. Zhang were close, and Lin Chunyan had taught her how to make wontons, Jin Niangzi already considered her a close friend. Spending a few coins to reward the messenger was nothing to her.

However, just as Jin Niangzi was about to tip, Sun Anyuan beat her to it. The messenger was surprised, looked at Jin Niangzi, then at Sun Anyuan, and finally at Lin Chunyan, who was already following the maid to the backyard. She was confused about what was happening.

Sun Anyuan regretted taking out the money as soon as he did it. Seeing the suspicious looks from Jin Niangzi and the messenger, he could only cough a few times and try to explain awkwardly.

The messenger smiled and took both tips, then followed into the backyard. Only Jin Niangzi and Sun Anyuan were left in front of the kitchen door.

Jin Niangzi stared at Sun Anyuan with a very direct gaze. Mrs. Zhang had only ever mentioned the merchant Wang, and Jin Niangzi thought that although he was good in many ways, he was always away. She feared he might follow in Lin Laodie’s footsteps and keep a side family without them knowing.

Sun Anyuan, being a bodyguard, was also away most of the time. Lin Chunyan could already earn quite a bit on her own, and Jin Niangzi worried that one day Sun Anyuan might suddenly disappear.

Moreover, he was quite old, probably in his twenties by now.

Jin Niangzi’s gaze was too direct, and Sun Anyuan felt very uncomfortable under her scrutiny. Realizing his earlier impulsiveness, he didn’t dare say anything and could only endure her gaze.

Fortunately, Jin Niangzi was soon distracted by the aroma coming from the kitchen. She then exclaimed and went off to the front to eat.

Lin Chunyan followed the maid through several twists and turns until they reached the rear garden. This was her first time visiting the residence of the young miss. It was said that the kitchens in these high-ranking households were already quite large, but upon actually entering, she realized that the rear garden was where the most effort had been invested. Every step offered a new view, with carefully arranged flowers, rock formations, and a pond—each element meticulously planned.

Lin Chunyan found herself unable to take in all the sights quickly enough. She didn’t pretend to be accustomed to such grandeur, and even the mourning banners hanging everywhere in the house didn’t dampen her appreciation.

The maid instructed Lin Chunyan to wait in the courtyard while she went inside to report. After a short while, the maid returned and invited Lin Chunyan in.

Lin Chunyan bowed to Miss Li. Miss Li, being courteous, quickly stepped aside and had a maid fetch a stool for Lin Chunyan.

"Thank you for making those honey glazed crispy flower pastries. They were delicious. I hear you have something to discuss with me?" Miss Li lightly blew on the tea foam as she spoke. Lin Chunyan sat on the stool and explained her purpose.

Although Miss Li had anticipated it, she was still taken aback by Lin Chunyan’s straightforwardness.

"Miss Lin, are you aware of what you’re saying?"

Lin Chunyan looked directly into Miss Li’s eyes. Her eyes showed little surprise, and understanding dawned quickly, allowing her to breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Indeed, just as she had thought, Dong Xiaoniang was not one to sit idly by. She must have realized that the only person in the estate who could help her was Miss Li.

Miss Li saw the smile in Lin Chunyan’s eyes and was momentarily surprised before quickly understanding what Lin Chunyan was thinking.

She smiled suddenly.

"That’s quite interesting. How did you know I would help?"

"It’s only logical that you would." At that moment, Lin Chunyan was fully certain, and the unease in her heart disappeared. She stood up and respectfully bowed to Miss Li.

Miss Li did not dodge the gesture but stood up and bowed back to Lin Chunyan.

The two looked at each other and smiled. After sitting down again, Miss Li continued, "Since that’s the case, please don’t spread this around. After all, family scandals should not be aired in public."

Lin Chunyan solemnly agreed.

After Lin Chunyan left, Miss Li finally started to eat the lotus flower pastry she had been reluctant to touch earlier. Her maid, who had listened to the entire conversation, was still confused and had no idea what the two had been discussing.

Miss Li did not provide any explanation. Only after finishing the plate of lotus flower pastry did she stand up and say, "Let’s go find Mother."

Back in Dong Xiaoniang’s room, her maid was pacing anxiously. Ever since Dong Xiaoniang had returned from meeting Miss Li, she had been sitting in resignation.

"Wu Ya, should we flee? While the household is in chaos, let’s run away to a place where no one will recognize us."

But they lacked their freedom papers. Even if they escaped, where could they hide?

Dong Xiaoniang pulled her maid to sit down beside her. "Don’t be anxious. Let’s wait a bit longer."

"Wait for what?" The maid’s voice already carried a sob. "If the master refuses to release us, no one can save us. Neither Madam Chen nor Miss Lin can help us."

The maid was complaining about how Dong Xiaoniang had wasted her only chance to leave the estate on Lin Chunyan. If she had gone directly to Madam Chen, even if she had been locked up upon returning, it would have been better than this uncertainty.

Dong Xiaoniang remained silent, staring out the window. She had considered every possible action. Now they could only wait.

If things didn’t work out and she ended up becoming Mr. Li’s concubine, she would still find a way to live. She would live well for the sake of her four elder sisters.

She would never yield to fate.

After preparing his signature dish, Golden Chicken, Chef Ren presented some to Miss Zhao. "Miss Zhao, what do you think of the taste?"

Miss Zhao took a bite of the Golden Chicken and savored it carefully before enumerating all the ingredients Chef Ren had used.

To make this golden chicken tasty, sesame oil, Sichuan pepper, and scallions are indispensable. These ingredients need to be put into the pot, and then simmered over a low flame with water.

Only add the scallions after the chicken skin changes color; otherwise, the flavors won’t fully develop.

Chef Ren's expression grew increasingly serious, the smugness from his face moments ago now gone, his voice filled with disbelief. “Did you just peek at me cooking?”

Chef Ren's gaze wandered, as this was his signature dish, not something he would normally prepare so easily.

Zhao Zilan quickly shook her head, “You were watching me the whole time, how could I have glanced over at you?”

Chef Ren knew she was telling the truth. Zhao Zilan was always very focused when cooking, just like Lin Chunyan when she made the honey glazed crispy flower pastries, both never lifting their heads.

Since she couldn't have seen it, it must mean Zhao Zilan tasted it and figured it out.

Chef Ren's mouth dropped open. He had assumed Zhao Zilan was just copying, but he hadn’t expected her to have real skill.

Zhao Zilan put down her spoon and gave Chef Ren an honest evaluation, “As expected of a signature dish, it’s really quite delicious.”

“I didn’t expect you to be this impressive, able to identify the ingredients with just one bite. Does your master know?”

Chef Ren immediately felt admiration for her talent. He had seen many chefs who were wary of their apprentices, even becoming envious if the apprentice showed too much promise.

Zhao Zilan couldn’t help but laugh, “Of course, she knows. My master is even more skilled than I am. I can only guess about half of the ingredients, but my master can guess eight or nine.”

What impressed Zhao Zilan the most was that Lin Chunyan could continuously come up with many new and fresh dishes.

Just when she thought Lin Chunyan had hit her limit, she would soon come up with something else.

Zhao Zilan didn’t know how long it would take her to acquire such skills.

When Lin Chunyan returned, Chef Ren's view of her had changed.

Fortunately, he hadn’t tried to show off earlier, or he would have been too embarrassed to face them.

Just by looking at Lin Chunyan’s expression, Zhao Zilan and Sun Anyuan didn’t need to ask how things had gone; they could already guess about eight or nine out of ten.

The heavy weight in Lin Chunyan’s heart was finally lifted. Seeing the steaming golden chicken exuding its aroma, she immediately knew it was Chef Ren’s work.

Chef Ren had set this dish on the table earlier, wanting Lin Chunyan to see it as soon as she returned, but after Zhao Zilan’s comments, he didn’t dare to have any other presumptuous thoughts and hurriedly smiled as he put the dish away.

“Nothing to show off, nothing to show off. We’re all cooks; who’s better than who, really?”

If it had been before, just moments prior to Zhao Zilan identifying all the ingredients, Chef Ren would have thought the same. But now, he realized that cooking truly required both talent and effort, neither of which could be lacking.

Well, at his level, being a sought-after chef in the nearby villages was good enough. He didn’t aim for anything higher.

He took the golden chicken back and, noticing that Lin Chunyan was in a good mood, pointed to the leftover scraps from when she had made the honey glazed crispy flower pastries. “May I have a taste?”

Earlier, when making different shapes, as if carving, Lin Chunyan had left quite a few leftover scraps, though they didn’t look very appealing.

Lin Chunyan passed the plate over, and Zhao Zilan and Sun Anyuan each picked up a piece. Both were used to eating Lin Chunyan’s food, but after eating the honey glazed crispy flower pastries, they remained silent for a long time.

Even more so for Chef Ren. At that moment, his mind went blank, leaving only his taste buds, overwhelmed by the fragrance of the sesame oil and honey mixture.

It was so delicious!

When Chef Ren snapped out of it, he quickly chewed and swallowed what was in his mouth, then reached for another piece from the plate.

Sun Anyuan thought the same, and their hands met in the air, but they instinctively and simultaneously avoided contact, reaching for something else instead.

The banquet was to last all day, and the old woman outside would occasionally come in to inform them which dishes were running low. Chef Ren and Zhao Zilan would immediately spring into action. When things weren’t busy, the two of them could sit for a while in the kitchen and rest.

By the time they returned, it was already dark, so Lin Chunyan decided not to go to the shop. She thanked Sun Anyuan, who had escorted them back, saying, “It’s really thanks to you.”

Sun Anyuan smiled and said it was nothing. Seeing them heading into the village, he then set off home under the moonlight.

Lin Taohong and Wang Yingniang were waiting under a large tree. Lin Taohong, bored, swatted at mosquitoes and watched the occasional swallow fly low, before curiously asking Wang Yingniang, “Why has it been so humid for so many days? Why hasn’t the rain come down yet?”

Wang Yingniang’s eyes were fixed on the entrance of the village. “Who knows? We can’t control Heaven.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she dashed off, leaving Lin Taohong stunned. It took her a moment to react and realize that it was Lin Chunyan who had returned.

Lin Taohong ran a few steps after Wang Yingniang and, upon seeing Lin Chunyan, complained, “Why did you come back so late? Did you bring back the raincoat and oil-paper umbrella I sent?”

Lin Chunyan pointed to the items tucked under her arm. “Of course I brought them back. I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful.”

Lin Taohong grinned. “Naturally, but the heavens didn’t cooperate; it didn’t rain.”

As if in response to her words, a loud clap of thunder rolled overhead, startling them. The group of young women ran back in fright.

They had walked the road from the village entrance to the east side of the village countless times, and even in the dark, they could make out the path. When a figure suddenly appeared ahead, they were still startled.

“Oh my! What is that!”

Lin Taohong’s first reaction was anger; her temper was always high in summer, and she couldn’t help but start yelling.

The person realized they had startled them and began waving and nervously explaining. As soon as she spoke, they knew who she was, though only the refugees had a different accent.

Jiang Qin gestured and spoke for a while, but Lin Chunyan couldn’t understand what she was trying to say. It was too dark to see her gestures. Jiang Qin realized they couldn’t understand her and simply placed a bowl of pickled bamboo shoots in Lin Chunyan’s hand before quickly running off.

They looked at each other, puzzled. Wang Yingniang hesitated before asking, “I guess she wanted to give this to us?”

Lin Chunyan nodded. “Probably so.”

They didn’t chase after Jiang Qin but took the bowl of pickled bamboo shoots and pushed open the door to their home.

Mrs. Zhang wasn’t knitting a sweater. Somehow, she had fallen asleep in the lounge chair in the courtyard, with Xue Tuan curled up on her. The two of them looked quite comfortable.

“I see why Mother didn’t come to wait with us at the village entrance. She wanted to nap.”

Mrs. Zhang woke at the sound and lazily yawned. “You’re back. There’s food in the kitchen. Go have some.”

Lin Chunyan joined Wang Yingniang and had a simple meal and wash-up before falling into bed.

In the middle of the night, she woke up to use the toilet and realized that Lin Taohong hadn’t been sleeping. Her eyes were bright as she stared at Lin Chunyan.

Lin Chunyan was startled by her gaze, which was as clear as Xue Tuan’s even in the dark.

“What are you doing!” Lin Chunyan hissed, “Are you acting up again and asking for a beating?”

Lin Taohong pouted unhappily. “Big sister, why did you say that?”

But fearing that Lin Chunyan might actually hit her, she shifted slightly away.

Wang Yingniang had woken up earlier and, not wanting to disturb Mrs. Zhang, urged them both to sleep. “We have to work early tomorrow morning.”

But Lin Taohong didn’t want Lin Chunyan to sleep. She quietly tugged at her clothes. “Big sister, when you went to the Li family’s place today, did you see Miss Li?”

Lin Chunyan stopped yawning and gave a sidelong glance at Lin Taohong. "Why are you asking about this?"

Lin Taohong let out an awkward laugh, "I'm just curious, that's all."

Lin Chunyan didn't believe her. Seeing that she wasn't telling the truth, she couldn't be bothered to engage further and simply turned to face Wang Yingniang to sleep.

But Lin Taohong wasn't willing to let it go. She lay on top of Lin Chunyan and whispered into her ear.

Lin Chunyan felt itchy and tingly all over. It was hot in the summer, and the rain didn't seem to be coming anytime soon. The thunder rumbled once and then fell silent. Lin Chunyan was so annoyed that she got up and patted Lin Taohong's back a couple of times.

"Go to sleep."

Although Lin Chunyan's strength wasn't heavy, Lin Taohong didn't dare to provoke her again and could only lie down sullenly, her mind filled with thoughts of Zhang Tianhe and what he had told her by the small riverbank.

Lin Chunyan slept until dawn and, seeing Lin Taohong's dark circles as she got up, knew that she hadn't slept well. She glared at her and said, "What was wrong with you last night?"

Lin Taohong, seeing that Lin Chunyan wasn't as angry, quickly covered her back and played up her misery, "Big sister, you haven't hit me in a long time. You really gave me a good beating last night."

Lin Chunyan knew how much force she had used. She hadn't applied much strength at all. She picked up a basin and left, ignoring Lin Taohong's whining.

Wang Yingniang followed her out, and Lin Taohong quickly grabbed her, "Yingniang sister, could you ask big sister for me?"

Wang Yingniang was puzzled and slowed her steps, "Why are you interested in that young lady from the Li family?"

"Never mind that. Please, Yingniang sister."

Lin Chunyan first washed her face with pig pancreas soap that had dried flowers added to it and then brushed her teeth with tooth powder. After splashing the water in the yard, she stretched.

She hoped to hear good news in the next few days.

The swallows were flying lower than the previous day, and dark clouds seemed to blanket the sky. Lin Chunyan looked off into the distance and felt that it might rain today.

If this oppressive heat continued, Lin Chunyan was starting to feel like a canned fish struggling to breathe.

After Wang Yingniang finished washing, she went with Lin Chunyan to the small riverbank. They needed to cut some reeds.

There were already many people washing clothes by the riverbank. Seeing them, they greeted them warmly. Most people in the village did their laundry either early in the morning or in the evening when it was cooler. No one would wash during the midday heat.

There were also many people cutting reeds. They needed to take advantage of the recent high temperatures to dry the cut reeds by the riverbank.

With this hot weather, half a day of drying would be enough. Then they could bundle them up and carry them home to either weave into mats, use to cover the roof, or even use them as bedding.

Jiang Qin was also cutting reeds. Lin Chunyan saw her and went over to thank her for the bowl of pickled bamboo shoots she had brought the day before.

Because it was daytime, the two of them communicated using gestures, and Lin Chunyan eventually understood what they meant.

They were thanking her for teaching them how to pickle the bitter bamboo shoots.

When Lin Chunyan had mentioned it before, Jiang Qin had excitedly gone down the mountain to call her family up. These people had known hunger, and hearing that the shoots were edible, though still somewhat skeptical, clung to a sliver of hope. Five people cut a large amount.

Jiang Qin had also learned how to pickle them from Mrs. Zhang and, after returning, pickled them for her family to eat.

After several processing steps, the bitter bamboo shoots lost their bitter and numbing taste and became crisp and refreshing. As they ate, a few of them were moved to tears.

Jiang Qin felt the same way. They had these bamboo shoots there, a bamboo forest on the mountain that grew them. When there was nothing to eat, they would pick these bamboo shoots to take home.

But after eating them a few times, their mouths lost feeling, and they couldn't taste anything. It was believed to be poisoning, and they were afraid that continuing to eat them would cost them their lives, so they dared not dig any more.

If only we had known earlier that these bamboo shoots were edible, how many lives could have been saved.

After they finished eating, the oldest person in their household, Old Lady Jiang, asked Sister Jiang Qin to deliver a bowl to Lin Chunyan, knowing that they also had some at home, as a gesture of goodwill.

If Lin Chunyan hadn’t mentioned it, they would never have known.

Seeing that Lin Chunyan had started cutting reeds, Sister Jiang Qin helped cut quite a lot too.

These reeds, whose leaves can be used to wrap zongzi, are actually treasures throughout. The stalks can be used as animal feed, and they brought them back for the animals at home.

Reed roots are also edible.

Lin Chunyan took some reed roots and reed rhizomes to the shop, all of which were for Mrs. Song.

Mrs. Song happily accepted them. Reed roots and reed rhizomes can be used to make tea, boiled to clear heat and reduce summer heat, and cooked to make drinks.

“I made some honey cakes this morning, go give them a try.”

Honey cakes, when cut open, have a honeycomb-like texture, which is why they are called honey cakes.

Mrs. Song was worried that Zhao Zilan and the others might not wake up early, so she specially made some food for them.

Lin Chunyan gladly accepted her kindness and went to wash her hands.

After Mrs. Song brought it over, she seemed a bit embarrassed. “I don’t know if the taste is good or if you’ll be accustomed to it.”

The honey cake, when broken open, was very fluffy, and when tasted, it was soft and delicious.

“It’s delicious.”

Lin Chunyan gave her a thumbs up, “I never knew you had such talent.”

Mrs. Song was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling, “Back when my Juan’er was still here, she loved the honey cakes I made the most, and it’s been many years since I’ve made them.”

Auntie Zhang ate three in a row before stopping and enjoyed them with some side dishes. After finishing, she said, “Sister-in-law, I never knew you had such talent. I’ve made these honey cakes too, but they weren’t as delicious as yours.”

Mrs. Song wiped the corners of her eyes, though no tears fell, “Since you all say it’s good, I’ll make it more often in the future.”

This feeling of being needed made Mrs. Song feel important again, and hope suddenly rose in her heart.

She used to just get by day by day, but seeing how vigorously Lin Chunyan and the others lived, she had many new reflections.

If her daughter Juan’er could see this, she would be happy too.

Mrs. Song also mentioned the bees raised by the village fool. Lin Chunyan had been waiting for this news and sat up straight upon hearing it.

Raising bees is not an easy task; beekeepers have to follow the migration of the bees, searching for places where flowers bloom to ensure high honey production.

This time of the year is the busiest for beekeepers; not only do they have to harvest honey, but they also need to frequently check the condition of the bee colonies.

“In any case, they’ve finally managed to raise them, and they’ll likely bring us honey soon.”

Lin Chunyan was excited and kept looking outside from time to time while working.

In addition to waiting for the honey, she was also waiting for news from the Li family.

When it was time for Xinghua’s mother’s burial, Lin Chunyan didn’t go with Lin Cuixiang. Since they lived in the same village, nothing significant would occur.

She needed to bid farewell to Mr. Huang, the innkeeper at Clear Wind Inn.

Lin Chunyan had known that Mr. Huang would be leaving, but when she actually heard the news, she still couldn't help but let out a few sighs. She took two jars of the plum wine she had brewed earlier and brought some dried fruits she had prepared herself.

Lin Taohong was also going along, so they had to entrust the shop’s management to Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Song. The two of them didn't plan to stay long; they would offer their gifts, exchange a few words, and then head back.

Clear Breeze Inn was still the same as ever. People were drinking tea, listening to music, and some performers were entertaining. Wang San saw them and hurried over to greet them.

Being old acquaintances, Lin Chunyan didn't stand on ceremony with him and handed over the items. "Where's Mr. Huang?" she asked.

"He was here just a moment ago; he should be back shortly. Please sit, ladies."

At that moment, Lady Zhu appeared out of nowhere and served them each a cup of hot tea, the smile on her face impossible to hide.

Lin Chunyan was taken aback. Given that Mr. Huang was leaving, she was surprised to see Lady Zhu so cheerful and immediately guessed the reason. With a smile, she asked, "Has the manager position been secured for you?"

Lady Zhu didn't expect Lin Chunyan to ask about this directly and was momentarily stunned before clapping her hands in praise. "You’re sharp to have figured it out so quickly."

Lin Taohong was even more surprised. "So, you really are taking over as manager?"

At that moment, Mr. Huang returned from the back, seeing Lin Chunyan and the others. He quickly came over to speak. "It seems you’ve already heard. Soon, Lady Zhu will be the manager here at Clear Breeze Inn."

His tone carried a hint of worry. He truly knew Lady Zhu's temperament and was afraid that one day she might lose her temper, argue with someone, or even throw out a customer if she disapproved of them.

However, she has worked here for many years, is quite capable, and has good relations with Lin Chunyan and the others. There won’t be a shortage of fresh pastries in the future.

Seeing his expression, Lady Zhu harrumphed. "Now you must think this place is better."

Mr. Huang didn't want to argue with her further and continued with the unfinished business. "You know how much we rely on Madam Lin in the establishment. Please try to control your temper."

He then turned to Lin Chunyan. "Madam Lin, Lady Zhu is excellent in every way, but she has a bit of a temper. If she offends you, please bear with her."

Before Lin Chunyan could say anything, Lady Zhu had already sat down beside her and said to Mr. Huang with a smile, "From now on, you’ll have to call me Manager Zhu."

Mr. Huang wanted to retort but held back. After a few more words, he took the two jars of wine and left.

"Some people might come soon. I’ve told them to head directly to your establishment. Let’s have a good celebration."