et up stoves for cooking.Over at Onsen Valley, arrangements were already made yesterday for a two-day closure to the public, starting today. The intention is to give returning soldiers a chance to res...As soon as Jiayin left, customers started coming in at the shop.
They were not outsiders, but the shopkeepers of several other confectionery shops in the city.
Mr. Peng led them into the house and entertained them with tea and casual conversation in the backyard.
The shopkeepers were all in a complicated mood.
They had all heard about how good the business was at Baiyun, and even secretly had people buy cakes and snacks to taste.
But this time, coming here and seeing with my own eyes the sun just reaching its peak in the white clouds while they were selling their goods at a loss...they must be so envious and jealous that they are going crazy!
You have to know, for many years before that, they effortlessly dominated Mr. Peng!
Peng Zhanggui saw their expressions and felt a surge of satisfaction, but he still greeted them politely on the surface.
A few shopkeepers mumbled a few words of congratulations before hurriedly taking their leave.
Chen Xicou approached Peng Zhang's counter and asked, "What is the matter with these people They came all this way just to say congratulations"
"Hmph," said Mr. Peng with a sneer, "They don't believe our business is good, they don't believe we've surpassed them. They have to see it for themselves!"
"After all, he's been the leader for so long, suddenly being replaced as number one, it's understandable that he wouldn't be happy!"
Chen Xi rolled her eyes and said disdainfully, "Even if it's uncomfortable, you have to endure it. Could it be that they are allowed to make money while we can only eat the north wind"
Besides, this time the county princess was bestowed with a plaque by the emperor. They are just trying to scheme and they should know their place.
The marketplace is like a battlefield. For the sake of silver, many people's methods are not clean.
Let's not talk about anything else, last month an old-fashioned bakery was poisoned, almost causing a fatality. As a result, they had to shut down.
"Peng Zhanggui was still cautious and instructed, “Tell everyone that just because we have a plaque bestowed by the Emperor doesn't mean we don't have to worry about anything.
"We still can't relax our guard, and must always be on the lookout for anyone with ulterior motives. The county princess trusts us, so we must put in extra effort and not let her down!"
"Yes, the shopkeeper is right," Chen Xi nodded and then said, "Shopkeeper, although my right hand is much better now and I can work, our shop only has me who can do flower arrangement. What if I get sick or have an accident one day Wouldn't that delay business!"
"This time, I'm looking for a female assistant. Could you also find me two apprentices I can teach them more on weekdays, and if something happens, they can also step in temporarily."
Peng Zhanggui listened for a moment, then slowly smiled and patted Chen Xi on the shoulder. "Master Dong is right about you; you're not stingy at all, it's great!"
Chen Xi wore a look of self-righteousness, "My craftsmanship was taught by the master, it's not my own, why should I keep it hidden!
"
Besides, teaching two apprentices means there will be more people to work, the business will thrive, and it'll also bring in more silver for the master!
"Peng Zhanguai laughed heartily, 'Good, good! If things continue like this, our shop's business will definitely get better and better!'"
They did not speak of how they discussed improving the business, only that after a night passed, when the sun had risen high in the sky, Jia's carriage arrived at Suijin Beach.
They passed through the barricade at Ercun and successfully arrived at Li's house.
The Jia family's second branch only had two children. Baozhu's older brother was studying far away from home, so Baozhu was considered the second mistress's late-blooming daughter and was beloved by the whole family.
So, she almost choked to death on peanuts before, and after the whole family found out, they were all shocked. Naturally, everyone was also grateful to Jia Yin.
This time, the visit was to express gratitude. Not only did Mr. and Mrs. Jia Er bring along Baozhu, but even Madam Jia came as well.
Li Laer purposely stayed home to receive guests and invited Jia Erlaoye to speak in the front courtyard study.
The rest, including Jia Laofu, Jia Erfu and Baozhu, were ushered into the inner rooms of the back courtyard.
Li Laotai had a difficult life in her early years. To support her large family and grandchildren, she endured hardship and exhaustion. Her expression inevitably carried a hint of sternness and coldness.
Now, Li lives in Suijintan with her children and grandchildren who are all doing well. She is living a comfortable life without worry about food and clothing, and she has gained some weight.
When peace radiates from within, one's countenance becomes gentle and kind.
At this moment, she and Madam Jia were sitting on the kang, eating fruit and talking about family matters. Unexpectedly, they found themselves in agreement.
Lady Jia was also pleased. She had originally come to express her gratitude, but unexpectedly, she gained a dear old friend...
Especially since both had lost their husbands early and raised their children alone, talking about this hardship brought them even closer.
Jia Yin and Bao Zhu sat at the end of the kang, chattering away about their bedding business and the fun places in Sui Jin Tan. It was quite lively.
Three little foxes were running around causing mischief, which made Baozhu especially want to touch its big tail.
Jia Yin bribed the three rabbits with roasted rabbit meat, and Bao Zhu was able to groom them to her heart's content, laughing gleefully.
Mrs. Wen and Tao Hongying accompanied Mrs. Jia Er on either side. Seeing the old lady so happy and the children playing merrily, they couldn't help but smile as well.
Mrs. Jia Er then said, “I feel like we've been getting to know each other too late! The older and younger generations seem to have known each other for ages. This kind of closeness is truly remarkable!”
Tao Hongying smiled and said, “I feel the same way. Usually I go into town, and Fu Niu'er also learns the rules and skills. She often leaves her grandmother alone at home. She must be very lonely.”
“From now on, things will be much better. I'll definitely invite your elderly grandmother to visit often. We can enjoy the flowers in spring, eat watermelon in the fields during summer, pick fruits in autumn, and even have hot pot and soak in hot springs during winter. We at Suijintan will never lack excitement.”
“Oh, hearing you say that, even I would want to stay here often, let alone my mother-in-law.” Jia Erfu laughed heartily, then shoved a gift list into Tao Hongying’s hand and said, “I found some fabrics and trinkets in the storeroom. I'm sending them to the county princess as a thank you for saving Baozhu that day.”
"Fourth Madam, you're a mother yourself, so you must understand that a daughter is our heart and soul. I can't even bear to think about what would happen if Pearl were to leave! So please don't refuse, this all comes from my heart. Please accept it, County Lord."
Tao Hongying wasn't particularly beautiful, and the invitation list made her hesitant. She wanted to decline, but it felt rude to refuse outright. So she took it, saying, "Fine, I'll accept it on behalf of Funiu. Honestly, our Funiu doesn't have many friends usually. Now that she knows your Baizhu, it's really wonderful."
"We wish the precious pearl good health and happiness. We're so happy that she will be best friends with our Fu Niu for a long, long time to come."
Both families were eager to become friends, and naturally, the conversation grew warmer and more lively as they chatted.
As the sun reached its zenith, Tao Hongying went to prepare the meal.
The young girls naturally set up tables in the backyard, while Li Lao Er still accompanied Master Jia Erye in the study.
Tao Hong's craftsmanship was already good, and she added two new dishes made with potatoes. The staple food was fried golden-yellow corn cakes and steamed corn rice cakes.
The Jia family also planted some corn and potatoes this year. Firstly, they want to keep them for next year's farming. Secondly, their kitchen hasn't been renovated yet, so they haven't eaten them even once.
Now that they have these two high-yielding grains at Li's house, they find them both delicious.eive a response from Coral, and he began to think she didn't like him. A trace of disappointment appeared in his eyes, but he still said: "If you don't like me, and don't want to marry me, that's okay...