Once Madam Lin spoke up, the others naturally followed suit and asked to place orders.

"The production cycle of hairpins is relatively long, and the materials are quite expensive. It would be better if the ladies provided their own blueprints and materials."

“Expensive is nothing; we’re even afraid it won’t seem valuable enough.”

"Exactly, how can we show our status if it's not expensive?"

They only feel proud when they wear expensive things.

Yan Min had anticipated that everyone would think this way, which was perfectly normal.

She was like this before, when she was in Kyoto.

If something rare appears in Kyoto that everyone else has but she doesn't, then she's out of fashion and people will laugh at her when she goes out.

The three women displayed their hairpins for everyone to admire. Of course, being well-mannered, they didn't touch them directly but simply stood around and observed.

Many people surrounded the three people to inquire about placing orders, and they received a lot of orders, so now the waiting list is for three months from now.

These ladies didn't just place one or two hairpins when they ordered; they wanted them for all four seasons and every solar term, including several popular flowers in various colors, and they also had to match them with their own jewelry.

In short, I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't place at least ten or eight orders for hairpins.

Of course, Yan Min also said that in case everyone gets impatient, she will make a hairpin for each person who placed an order first, and then the rest will be made according to the order schedule.

In this way, everyone was happy.

The atmosphere was lively, with tea and pastries, and the lifelike hairpins providing a topic of conversation. Everyone felt that the trip was worthwhile.

Cao Ying was overjoyed. Her mother had ordered quite a few for her when she placed the order. Just thinking about being able to wear such hairpins to a banquet soon would make her the most proud among her sisters. She was already excited just thinking about it.

She was already thinking about asking someone to draw some unique patterns and having Lady Yan make them for her.

A group of people were having a heated discussion when someone came in from outside to say that the feast was about to begin.

Yan Min and the other two then led everyone out of the Li family's house and towards the banquet.

This banquet was organized by all the villagers of Shuxia Village to entertain the county magistrate. The Li family provided all the ingredients for the banquet, but the villagers of Shuxia Village also contributed money and manpower.

The villagers had a simple idea: if it weren't for the Li family's workshop, the county magistrate wouldn't have come here. In any case, they couldn't take it for granted that the Li family would contribute money and effort.

The Li family didn't try to take advantage of the situation; they accepted whatever the villagers gave them.

Men and women ate at separate tables, and Lin Pei and his wife sat at the two tables at the head of the table.

Once the guests were seated, the dishes were served one after another.

"I've had braised tofu before."

"This is delicious, it's spicy."

"Tofu with scallions, not bad at all."

"This is Mapo Tofu, I like it."

"I like it too. Tofu can actually be served at a banquet?"

"Is this made from dried bean curd?"

"Yes, stir-fried pork with dried bean curd. The dried bean curd is chewy, and everyone who tries it doesn't say a word."

"Fish head tofu soup is here~ The fish is fresh and delicious, the soup is flavorful and healthy, it's just one word to describe it."

"Steamed tofu, served with chopped perilla leaves, chili flakes, and minced garlic, then drizzled with hot oil, is so fragrant it'll make your tongue tingle."

"Stuffed tofu - made from tofu puffs, stuffed with meat filling, tastes quite good, you should all give it a try."

"Cold Tofu Skin Salad - Don't miss it if you can handle spicy food!"

"·····"

The tofu dishes kept coming out one after another. Even Lin Pei's mouth watered at the descriptions. Each dish looked and smelled delicious. Just hearing the brief descriptions made him want to try them.

Many people were so engrossed in listening that they swallowed hard.

Once all twelve dishes were served, Lin Pei was the first to pick up his chopsticks.

Lin Pei first drank the fish soup, which was thick, white, and had a wonderfully fresh aroma.

One bite, and your mouth will water.

So fresh, it's so fresh it'll make your eyebrows fall off!

Lin Pei immediately took a second sip. The soup was still a bit hot, so he blew on it a few times and drank it down. The warmth went right up to his stomach, and after just a few sips, he felt like he was about to break out in a sweat.

Then I tried the stir-fried tofu skin with meat, stuffed tofu, and steamed tofu. Well, not one of them was bad. And everyone else was also engrossed in eating.

Cao Ying ate with great relish. She had been looking forward to lunch while having snacks at the Li family's house, and now that she had tasted it, it certainly did not disappoint her.

After this meal, even the belt around my waist will loosen.

Cao Shangjin had already loosened his belt by one turn, and while doing so, he secretly glanced at the villagers around him.

He was, after all, an official; if word got out that he looked like he hadn't eaten, wouldn't people laugh at him? Luckily, no one paid any attention to him.

They weren't the only ones secretly loosening their belts; most people at the dinner table did the same.

The meal was incredibly unrestrained; everyone was a little reserved at first, but later they completely let loose.

After they had eaten their fill, the villagers served soy milk and tofu pudding made by the Li family as dessert.

Naturally, both items were welcomed by the public.

After they left their seats, the people of Shuxia Village also began to eat. Li Xuming and others were at the same table as the village chiefs and were among the first to eat.

"Brother Li, I want to place an order!"

The head of the Gu family sought out Li Xuming immediately after the meal.

Gu Jia had planned to place an order today. The main product is actually spicy strips. The two parties have already coordinated several times for this cooperation. Today is just to check the scale of the workshop and then officially sign the order.

Just after lunch, the Gu family had even more orders to place.

"Haha, Patriarch Gu, Xu Yue is here."

Li Xuming smiled broadly and beckoned Li Xuyue to come forward.

"Patriarch, you can contact my cousin Xu Yue to arrange the order."

"OK."

Since they're all members of the Li family, it doesn't matter who we talk to.

"Brother Xu Yue, I want all the dried tofu, bean curd sticks, bean curd sheets, bean curd puffs, and spicy strips from the workshop. Let's find a place to discuss this in detail?"

"Patriarch Gu, this way please."

Not only the Gu family, but many other wealthy businessmen also came to them. For a time, the Li family was overwhelmed with work and couldn't keep up with writing all the contracts.

The Li family's goods are of good quality and low price. They can distribute them throughout Shaoguan County, and if that's not enough, they can distribute them even further out. They have what others don't, and they decide how much to sell them for.

Delicious and easy to store, it's sure to sell well!

———

After the meal, Lin Pei, along with his wife and guards, took a walk in the village on their own.

There were fewer people at the rally; most had gone to eat.

There were many people coming and going in the village today, and the vendors made a lot of money.

There are also food vendors, and nowadays there are quite a few people eating at their stalls. Shuxia Village is poor after all, and a continuous banquet cannot accommodate everyone.

However, the food sold by the vendors is not expensive, making it very suitable for ordinary people.

Lin Pei and his wife walked and looked around, and before they knew it, they had arrived near the farmland of Shuxia Village.