Chapter Ninety: Cooking at the Marquis’s Mansion

Chapter 90 Cooking at the Marquis’s Estate

Lady Qin found it incredible. Lv Zheng had already introduced himself, so the other party must have known he was from the Marquis of Anyang’s estate. A brief inquiry would reveal Lv Zheng was the former marquis. Knowing all this, why would they ask for such a small favor?

To be honest, Lady Qin had considered that this family dressed plainly. Lv Zheng mentioned their regional accent, and after having servants investigate, she confirmed they were indeed from out of town and had only recently arrived in the capital.

If it were Lady Qin, even if she felt too embarrassed to ask for too much, she would still leverage this favor for something crucial—perhaps using connections or asking Lv Zheng to tap into his network for introductions.

But the note merely inquired if the marquis’s household hosted banquets. Lin Qiuran stated her culinary skills and offered to come. This wasn't asking for help; rather, it was offering to work for the household.

Lady Qin was puzzled. "Marquis…"

Lv Zheng held the note at a distance, read it, then brought it closer again. He sighed and said, "That child’s mother has said more than once that it was just a small matter and no thanks were needed. It seems she wouldn’t ask for anything major, so she mentioned a small thing to ease our minds."

Moreover, knowing this was the marquis’s household, they certainly wouldn’t ignore it. To that family, the marquis’s household was both a great tree and a fierce tiger. Relationships needed to be maintained, and it couldn’t be a one-time transaction.

Lv Zheng was willing to do anything, but in Lin Qiuran’s eyes, he was just a suddenly appearing, persistent old man who wanted to return the favor. She was probably afraid that making other requests would be inappropriate. Acting cautiously and carefully had its advantages; on the contrary, it was very smart.

Lv Zheng liked that child but had not been inappropriate by asking about Lin Qiuran’s husband’s whereabouts. As he thought, even if the child wasn’t Min Zhi’s descendant, he still liked him.

Love me, love my dog. He thought well of Lin Qiuran, though of course not as much as Tangyuan.

Lin Qiuran’s approach was much better than if she had written in the note from the start asking Lv Zheng to help buy a house. She was reasonable, understanding, and knew her boundaries. Lv Zheng nodded and said, "Since she has this request, just make arrangements."

Perhaps it wasn’t simply about preparing a banquet. Lin Qiuran might have some goal she wanted to achieve through this. Regardless, it wasn’t a difficult matter for Lady Qin.

Lady Qin nodded and looked at the note again. "They live on Luyang Street in the east of the city. The houses there aren’t cheap. I wonder if they bought or rented it."

Lady Qin hoped they were doing well, at least not lacking money. She wrote a reply, informing Lin Qiuran that the marquis’s household would hold a Flower Viewing Banquet in three days and that she needed to come three days in advance to prepare the tea service, snacks, and menu. She should come as agreed.

Lady Qin didn’t mention having Lin Qiuran bring Tangyuan, as that would seem too abrupt. If they grew closer in the future, there would be plenty of opportunities to meet. She thought this was fine. If Lin Qiuran had skills, they could feel more at ease.

In her lifetime, she didn’t know if she would ever see Min Zhi’s child. This matter hadn’t been told to anyone else, so it was best if the child’s mother was capable.

Lady Qin worried about Tangyuan’s well-being. Seeing that child, she couldn’t help but think of her grandson, and the thought of her grandson suffering made her heart ache unbearably.

But to be honest, although the Xiao family’s circumstances couldn’t compare to those of the capital’s noble families, ever since Lin Qiuran learned she was pregnant, Tangyuan had lacked nothing.

When Lin Qiuran first arrived here, Xiao Dashi caught fish every day and even sold some. They soon moved to the county town to make business easier, and after that, they had no worries about food or drink.

Business was good, and the family quickly had a shop. They saved money and moved to a larger house before Lin Qiuran gave birth.

Tangyuan never had to squeeze in with others after he was born. Shortly after his birth, the family bought the neighboring tea house and expanded the eatery. Before he was a year old, the family had a restaurant.

Sun Shi often said Tangyuan was born lucky. He had a wet nurse from birth, was taken away by Xu Yuanhang during the unrest in Yu’an, and grew up safely. There were times when he was sick, but with Lin Qiuran watching over him day and night, he always came through safely.

Now he was at the age to start studying, and they had moved to the capital. The house was bigger, he had his own courtyard where he could play freely, and there were more toys.

Although Tangyuan didn’t know it, Lin Qiuran knew Xiao Xun had been promoted. The Xiao family was no longer a merchant household. Tangyuan had an official for a father and could take the imperial exams in the future. It might not be a limitless future yet, but at least Tangyuan could study and had the opportunity to learn.

In Sun Shi’s eyes, this was like being born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Think about what Xiao Xun had as a child, or Aunt Yu’s children. What did they have?

Moreover, the house was big, with plenty of space to play. Lin Qiuran said she would put a swing in Tangyuan’s courtyard and had gone to pick a spot these past few days. After that, he could ice-skate and build snowmen. He still found these things novel and exciting.

Lin Qiuran waited anxiously for the Marquis of Anyang’s reply. She didn’t know if the marquis’s household would agree. If not, she would have to think of another way.

How could she let people know about the Golden Tripod Restaurant’s flavors? She couldn’t just set up a stall again. The Golden Tripod Restaurant was a restaurant, opened in the capital. The prices would certainly be different from those in Yu’an. Setting up a stall wouldn’t be of much use.

She waited like this for over half an hour before the servant at the gate came in to announce that a servant from the Marquis of Anyang’s household had delivered a note.

Lin Qiuran eagerly took the note and opened it. It stated that the marquis’s household would hold a Flower Viewing Banquet in three days, and she needed to go the next day to plan the menu.

It worked.

This note was different from the one Lin Qiuran had written. She had just chosen paper, written the note, and put it in an envelope. The marquis’s household’s note was on different paper, embossed with floral patterns.

Lin Qiuran took note of this and looked at the note again. This was no longer just a note; it was a stepping stone.

The banquet was in three days, and she needed to go three days in advance, leaving two full days to prepare. This was more involved than preparing a banquet in the past, though it was understandable. After all, this was hosting a banquet. The marquis’s household was large and prosperous; it couldn’t be as simple and casual as preparing a banquet in a county town.

Lin Qiuran put the note away and told Sun Shi she would be going out the next day.

Sun Shi asked, "What are you going to do?"

Lin Qiuran said, "I’m going to the marquis’s household to plan the menu and spread word about the Golden Tripod Restaurant a bit."

Lin Qiuran felt it wasn’t simple. This was a Flower Viewing Banquet. During the banquet, there would be tea and snacks. If guests were staying for a meal, food would need to be prepared. If not, the banquet would mostly feature attractive and delicious snacks, depending on the host’s intentions.

Lin Qiuran wasn’t particularly skilled at making snacks, but her knife work was excellent, and shaping things was effortless for her. She could certainly help.

Besides snacks, Lin Qiuran could make other things. She was good at steamed dishes, and what she made was delicate and beautiful. It depended on whether the marquis’s household wanted these.

Sun Shi nodded. This seemed like going back to the time when they prepared a banquet for the Wang family. She subconsciously said, "I’ll go with you to help... Wait, to the marquis’s household?"

Lin Qiuran smiled and nodded. "Yes, if you’re tired of staying home, you can come along. If not, I’ll take Lin Chun and the others that day."

Lin Qiuran felt that people shouldn’t stay idle for too long. Idleness leads to boredom—not wanting to do this or that, and prone to overthinking.

Just like Tangyuan. When he was idle, who knew what mischief he was thinking up? A quiet child is definitely getting into mischief. Even though Tangyuan was sensible and obedient, he was no exception.

If Sun Shi felt bored and wanted to do some work, that was fine too. Of course, if she didn’t want to go, that was also okay. After all, it was the marquis’s household. Lin Qiuran still remembered how frightened Sun Shi was that time they went to the Jiang family.

When Sun Shi heard it was the marquis’s household, she initially wanted to go but felt a bit afraid.

She said, "I won’t go this time. I’m afraid I might say something wrong and cause trouble for you. You be careful too. If it doesn’t work out, just come back. It’s not like you have to do it."

Sun Shi knew Lin Qiuran was going out to earn money, but the marquis’s household was such a big place, with the marquis living there. There were certainly many rules, and she felt a bit scared.

Lin Qiuran said, "It’s fine. This is the family Tangyuan helped on the road that day. I’ll be careful. Don’t worry, Mom. Keep an eye on Tangyuan at home."

Lin Qiuran planned to send him to study after the New Year, so these days, she let him play as much as he wanted, as long as he didn’t go too far.

She wouldn’t be home the next day and didn’t know when she’d be back. Sun Shi indulged the child. Lin Qiuran had noticed she had improved a lot recently, but she was afraid that without her around, Sun Shi would go back to how she was before. Once Tangyuan whined, Sun Shi would give in to him.

Sun Shi imitated Tangyuan’s way of promising: "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely keep a good eye on him."

Watching Tangyuan was left to her.

The next day, Lin Qiuran left at dawn. She brought Lin Chun with her. It was quite far, and the carriage trip took more than fifteen minutes.

When they arrived, she first handed the note to the servant at the gate. Without waiting, Lin Qiuran was led inside.

Lin Qiuran crossed the threshold, her eyes taking in the Marquis of Anyang’s household.

The Xiao family’s current situation was already very good, but after seeing the marquis’s household, she realized there was another level entirely.

The snow on the paths had been swept away, and it hadn’t been piled on the sides but taken away, leaving everything looking very clean.

The snow hadn’t melted yet. The ornamental trees on both sides were covered with thick snow, like white caps—a very nice sight. The estate was large but didn’t feel empty. Every plant and tree was deliberately placed.

The servants they passed on the path all kept their heads bowed, very well-disciplined.

Lin Qiuran thought she could learn from this, and in a couple of days, she might even observe how the marquis’s estate hosted banquets, picking up hospitality skills. Since arriving in the capital, she, like Tangyuan, found everything novel and eye-opening—a chance to broaden her horizons and gain knowledge. Back in Yu’an, she might have felt content with everything, like a frog in a well.

Yes, Tangyuan needed to study and learn to read, and she too should acquire some skills.

Lin Qiuran had no idea where the maid was leading her. They wound along narrow paths, a few covered walkways, passed through a moon gate (a round arched doorway), and finally arrived at a courtyard.

Two older female servants stood guard at the courtyard entrance. Inside were three main rooms, with side chambers nearby. Thick curtains hung at the door, and another maid was in attendance.

The maid brought Lin Qiuran to the doorway and said, “Please wait a moment, Madam Lin. I’ll announce your arrival.”

Lin Qiuran nodded. She didn’t have to wait long before the maid came out and invited her in.

Upon entering, she was greeted by a warm, fragrant scent—a blend of floral and fruity aromas that was very soothing. Out of the corner of her eye, Lin Qiuran caught sight of a pot of gardenias; winter blooms indeed brought joy.

Lin Qiuran didn’t let her gaze wander, and Lady Qin didn’t scrutinize her either. She beckoned Lin Qiuran over and said, “You must be Madam Lin.”

Lin Qiuran curtsied. “My respects, Madam.”

Lady Qin smiled and said, “Come, sit. Let’s discuss the banquet.”

Lin Qiuran sat opposite Lady Qin on a luohan bed, with a small table between them bearing pastries and a fruit platter.

Lin Qiuran said, “Madam, I specialize in steamed dim sum and food carving. Please let me know what you need.”

Lady Qin had originally intended to have her come just as a formality, letting Lin Qiuran do as she pleased, but seeing how earnest she was, she grew genuinely interested. She said, “For past Flower Viewing Banquets, we usually prepared tea and pastries. You say you’re skilled at steamed pastries—what kind?”

As for carving, like carving radishes? The estate’s chefs could do that too.

Lin Qiuran smiled and replied, “Madam, when it comes to food and pastries, the emphasis is on taste. No matter how eloquently I describe it, if you haven’t tried it, you won’t really know what it’s like.”

Lady Qin found this reasonable. She had initially planned to ask nothing and simply have Lin Qiuran help out—finalize the menu and show it to her. The estate had chefs and cooks; they lacked nothing.

But now, that approach seemed too hasty. She said, “Why don’t you give it a try? There’s a small kitchen in the courtyard. Jinxiu, you take Madam Lin there. Madam Lin, if you need anything, just tell Jinxiu, and she’ll get it for you.”

Lin Qiuran nodded. “Does Madam have any dietary restrictions?”

Lady Qin said, “None, though I prefer spicy food. But since we’re making pastries today, that won’t be necessary.”

Lin Qiuran understood and headed to the small kitchen.

Though called a small kitchen, it was fully equipped with a large wok, iron pans, steamers, and an oven. Lin Qiuran even spotted the Thirteen Spices and Mushroom Seasoning sold by Xu Yuanhang—small bottles prominently displayed on the shelf.

Lin Qiuran was surprised and a little proud. These were her creations, having reached the capital before she did. If the marquis’s estate had them, it proved the products were good.

There were two cooks in the small kitchen. Lin Qiuran had them prepare skinned mung bean paste—dry, fine, and with little moisture—for now, without seasoning.

She wasn’t skilled at this, but she could handle the rest herself.

The kitchen had meat, vegetables, live shrimp, and seafood. While surveying the kitchen, Lin Qiuran noticed buckets of cow’s milk and goat’s milk.

She couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Jinxiu, where does this milk come from?”

Tangyuan had been weaned for over a year, but milk was good for him, so she wanted to keep an eye out for it. Lin Qiuran knew how to make some Cantonese-style sweet soups, having learned them alongside steamed dim sum—some banquets included desserts.

She hadn’t tried making milk tea or the like, though, as it was widely available outside.

The milk here had a rather strong smell, but it could still be used for dishes like ginger milk curd.

Jinxiu said, “It’s delivered from the estate’s farm.”

Jinxiu, being close to Lady Qin, knew these details. Aware that Lin Qiuran had a child, she added, “If Madam Lin needs this, we can have it delivered to your residence daily from now on. It’s no trouble.”

Lin Qiuran truly needed this and hurriedly thanked her. “Thank you so much. Payment can be daily or monthly, whichever works.”

Daily delivery meant Tangyuan could have milk every day.

Jinxiu smiled. “Alright. Madam Lin, just let me know if you need anything else.”

Lin Qiuran nodded. “Okay.”

She looked at the ingredients on hand and had Lin Chun take out the knives. Busying herself in the kitchen, she planned to make some Cantonese steamed dim sum—like shrimp dumplings, custard buns, and char siu buns—small and easy to eat. At a banquet, food should be bite-sized.

It was best if the flavors weren’t too strong, but she assumed there would be tea for rinsing the mouth.

Lin Qiuran also used the milk to make double-skin milk, ginger milk curd, and almond goat’s milk.

Once these were ready, the red bean paste prepared by the kitchen cooks was also done. She used milk and sugar to season it, using red bean paste for petals and mung bean paste for leaves.

Recalling the appearance of flowers, she scooped an appropriate amount of bean paste with a knife, carved petal textures onto the blade, and layered the petals on a plate. She did the same for leaves, using osmanthus powder for the stamens, making it incredibly lifelike.

The taste was just ordinary bean paste—decent but nothing extraordinary.

The two cooks marvelled, utterly amazed. Lin Qiuran turned to them and asked, “Are there any ready-made pastries?”

Trays of pastries were brought into the room. The double-skin milk and ginger milk curd were topped with red beans, and the almond goat’s milk was drizzled with osmanthus honey.

Unlike Lv Zheng, Lady Qin didn’t prioritize food cravings and even scoffed at his gluttony—a grown man who couldn’t control his appetite and often needed reminders, how embarrassing.

Lin Qiuran was still in the kitchen, as she hadn’t finished all the dishes.

Lady Qin looked at the plates and asked, “Did Madam Lin make all of this?”

Jinxiu replied, “The pastries on the plate were bought outside, but the plate arrangement was done by Madam Lin.”

Lady Qin examined them, her eyes showing appreciation. “This is a peony. If I didn’t know it wasn’t the season for flowers, I’d have believed it was real. It’s quite beautiful and would make a dignified display.”

Lin Qiuran could only make simpler items today. If it were spring or summer, with edible plant pigments, she could have made them even more stunning.

Lady Qin thought this was already lovely—a feast for the eyes. “Can the flower be eaten?”

Jinxiu said, “Madam Lin said it’s edible, made from bean paste, but mostly for decoration. If you’d like to try, you could sample this.”

Lady Qin picked up a shrimp dumpling, bit into half, slowed her movements, and examined the filling.

Minced meat and shrimp.

Having lived in the marquis’s estate, Lady Qin had never lacked for chicken, duck, fish, meat, or delicacies from land and sea—she’d tasted everything from home and abroad. Trying this was both novel and delicious.

She thought ordinary people wouldn’t make such things, and recalling Lin Qiuran’s offer to handle the banquet, she understood.

Lady Qin said, “Jinxiu, please invite Madam Lin over.”

Lin Qiuran’s mushroom minced steamed dumplings were also brought in—small and exquisite, two per plate, accompanied by a radish flower, very pretty.

Lady Qin tasted this too and restrained herself from eating more. She couldn’t help but ask, “Madam Lin, with such fine culinary skills, are you planning to open a restaurant in the capital?”