Rare opportunity

Tang Dynasty law still placed great emphasis on protecting personal safety. Moreover, since Liu and her son had hired an assassin first, they would have no grounds for complaint if the matter went to the authorities. Pei Qingwu was certain that they would suffer in silence, which is why he dared to act in this way.

It seems that after this commotion, the Liu mother and son will be able to behave themselves for a few days.

After selling snacks at her stall for a few days, Pei Qingwu earned a lot of money. She also renovated her courtyard. The front house facing the street was converted into a snack shop. She knocked down the original courtyard wall and installed several heavy, removable wooden doors. During the day, she would remove them all, and the entire shop would open to the street. At night, when it was closed, it would be her own home.

Inside the shop, a row of newly built sturdy wooden shelves lined the wall, neatly stacked with several wide-mouthed, shallow bamboo baskets, lined with clean white linen cloths, filled with a variety of golden and crispy pastries, including dragon beard candy resembling layers of frost, fragrant flower cakes, and flaky pastries coated in honey...

In front of each type of pastry basket hangs a small, polished wooden sign, with the name and price of the pastry clearly written in ink.

In the most prominent position in the center of the shop is a long, narrow counter about half a person's height. The countertop is polished smooth and flat, and several open celadon dishes are placed on it, displaying samples of the most exquisite pastries of the day for customers to choose from. The outer edge of the counter is slightly raised to prevent the pastries from rolling off.

In one corner of the counter, there is a small wooden money box with a lid, which makes it very convenient to receive money and give change.

Inside the counter, against the wall next to the pastry shelf, there is a small clay stove with a ceramic pot on it. A little steam occasionally escapes from the spout, which can keep the pastries that need to be eaten hot, and also keep hot water on hand to serve regular customers.

Although the shop is small and simply furnished, it is clean, tidy, practical and convenient, and filled with the sweet aroma of fresh pastries, attracting the attention of passersby.

There was only one thing that troubled Pei Qingwu.

You can't open a shop without a signboard, but my handwriting is too delicate and doesn't seem suitable for attracting customers.

Or, one day I could go and ask Zhang Jian, who once helped me, to write a piece for me.

Before she could actually take action, that day, as she was in the backyard researching how to make authentic Changzhou hemp cakes in this era, she saw Gu Heng coming from the shop.

"Boss, someone is looking for you."

Gu Heng refused to call her "elder sister" no matter what, and Pei Qingwu couldn't persuade him otherwise, so she had no choice but to let him be.

"Who is it?" she asked, patting the flour off her hands.

"Judging from her appearance, she must be a young lady from a high-ranking and noble family."

In this era, the distinction between the noble and the commoner was clearly defined and enshrined in law. There were strict differences in clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Gu Heng, having grown up in a complex place like a brothel, could naturally distinguish between them at a glance.

"Okay, I'll go take a look." Pei Qingwu quickly tidied himself up and went to check.

In front of the counter stood a middle-aged woman dressed in an indigo linen shirt, with a plain silver hairpin in her hair and a solemn expression. A few steps behind her, a beautifully decorated yet noble blue-curtained carriage was parked on the street. Two servants stood respectfully by the carriage shafts. The curtains of the carriage were lowered, and a slender figure could be vaguely seen sitting inside.

When the woman saw Pei Qingwu come out, she gave her a sharp look from head to toe before nodding slightly: "Is this Madam Pei, the owner of Sushan Market?"

"It is indeed I, Pei Qingwu," Pei Qingwu curtsied, displaying impeccable manners.

The woman's proper demeanor clearly indicated that she was a well-trained servant from a wealthy and powerful family.

“My lady is the daughter of the governor of Qinzhou, Lord Zhao. She heard that Master Pei’s pastry-making skills are superb, so she came to meet him. However, due to her noble status, it is inconvenient for her to enter a common shop. Please come to the carriage to talk.”

Pei Qingwu understood. The daughter of a governor, the daughter of a high-ranking official, was indeed a very noble person. In this rigidly hierarchical dynasty, it was common practice for noble ladies not to enter the marketplace. It was already rare for her to come to the door of her small shop, so it was only natural to ask her to come forward and answer questions.

She didn't feel offended at all; on the contrary, she felt it was an excellent opportunity—if she could accept the banquet and snack order from the governor's mansion, it would be a great help to the reputation of her small shop and her future livelihood.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Stepping out of the open shop door, I stood beside the carriage that exuded a faint scent of sandalwood. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the fine beaded curtain, vaguely outlining the silhouette of the young girl sitting inside.

"Madam, the master has arrived," the woman said respectfully.

A delicate hand brushed aside the beaded curtain, revealing a young girl sitting inside. She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, with skin as white as jade and eyebrows curved like a crescent moon. She wore a smoky-colored embroidered dress with gold trim, and a gold hairpin inlaid with filigree and jewels was tucked behind her ear. As she slightly raised her eyelids, the pearl tassels on the hairpin swayed gently, adding a touch of softness to the sunlight.

"I've long heard of Master Pei's name. I've heard people in the manor say that Master Pei once quoted classical texts in court, refuting his in-laws until they were speechless, and even obtained a decree from the father authorizing the woman to become an independent household. At that time, I felt that this lady must be extraordinary..."

The girl's voice was clear and melodious, like pearls tinkling: "Later, I tasted the pastries that the maid brought back and found them to be extraordinary. In a few days, I will be hosting a small banquet at my residence to entertain my close sisters. I've eaten all the dishes made by the cooks. I wonder if Master Pei would be willing to take on this job? Just tell me what materials and wages are needed, and I will not hesitate."

Pei Qingwu felt reassured, knowing that the main event was about to begin. This was more than just a business deal; it was a rare opportunity. If Zhao Niangzi and her friends were satisfied, wouldn't it be a powerful tool for attracting customers?

She bowed slightly and replied solemnly, "I am honored by Lady Zhao's favor. How could I dare to disobey? I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations. However, I am unsure about the scale of the banquet, the guests' preferences, the types and quantities of snacks needed, and what flavors Lady Zhao prefers. Are there any taboos? I would like to prepare in advance and prepare a list of some of my favorite and suitable snacks for Lady Zhao to consider."

Zhao Niangzi seemed to ponder for a moment, and the maid standing to the side immediately spoke on her behalf, beginning to explain the details and requirements of the banquet in detail.

Pei Qingwu listened attentively, his mind racing as he considered the combinations and feasibility of various desserts.

"The guests at the banquet are all young ladies from Qinzhou City who are close to me. They are not picky about food, but they would like some dishes that are exquisite in appearance and novel in taste! As for the ingredients, there are plenty in the manor's storeroom. I will have someone go and get them for you, or you can make a list and have them purchase them... Suqiu."

The maid beside her immediately responded respectfully.

"Give the silver to Master Pei."

"Yes." The maid named Suqiu handed a delicate purse to the woman, who then handed it to Pei Qingwu. Pei Qingwu held the purse in his hand and weighed it in his hand; it was quite heavy.

"If you do well, I will reward you handsomely."

Pei Qingwu's eyes immediately lit up: "Thank you for your kind words, Madam. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Zhao Niangzi smiled gently, lowered the beaded curtain, and the servant immediately urged the coachman to drive away.

Pei Qingwu immediately returned to the shop, opened the purse and saw that it was full of silver, a full ten taels!

When I was in high school, my history teacher told me that although period dramas often reward people with silver, in reality, only high-ranking officials and nobles used silver in ancient times. Ordinary people might never see a single tael of silver in their entire lives. After time-traveling, Pei Qingwu indeed only saw copper coins and not silver. At first glance, he was almost dazzled.

Ten taels of silver equaled ten thousand coins, which could buy one thousand to three thousand three hundred dou of rice. Based on the modern rice price of four yuan per jin, this is equivalent to fifty to sixteen thousand yuan.

If Madam Zhao is satisfied, she might even reward you with silver...

We're rich! We're rich!

When Gu Heng arrived, he saw his boss holding a purse, grinning foolishly.

"East……"

Pei Qingwu grabbed his hand, his eyes gleaming with wild joy: "Aheng, your boss is going to be rich! Silver, piles of silver..."

Gu Heng's long eyebrows furrowed slightly as she gripped him, and he hissed in pain, "Master...it hurts, it hurts..."

Pei Qingwu then hurriedly let go.

After the excitement comes the consideration.

Lady Zhao was born into a wealthy and beautiful family, and everything she eats is exquisite. She must have very high standards. So, what should we prepare to satisfy her?

Just as he was pondering this, two maids arrived at the governor's mansion and invited Pei Qingwu to come inside to see the ingredients for the pastries.

After instructing Gu Heng to take good care of the house, Pei Qingwu got into the carriage with them.

This was her first time riding in a carriage. Unlike the bumpy ride she had imagined, Liangjun ran very smoothly. The carriage was furnished with soft brocade cushions, and the touch was gentle. In one corner, there was a small, exquisite table with a small celadon incense burner on it. A faint wisp of sandalwood incense wafted around, blending with the woody scent emanating from the carriage walls. It was more comfortable than many modern ride-hailing taxis.

And this was merely where the two maids sat when they went out.

Pei Qingwu's understanding of the ancient Chinese phrase "high-ranking and noble families" is...

I have experienced it firsthand.

As you wander through the streets and alleys, the bustling and noisy atmosphere of Qinzhou City comes rushing towards you.

The cobblestone road, worn smooth by countless ruts and hooves, was adorned with colorful banners embroidered with various patterns. The banners of the shops on both sides fluttered in the wind, and the merchants from the Central Plains, speaking in heavy foreign accents, hawked their spices and gems. Their calls mingled with the clear cries of the peddlers from the Central Plains, creating a cacophony of sounds. The tinkling of camel bells and the clatter of horses' hooves blended into a bustling torrent of market activity, demonstrating the extraordinary grandeur of this important Silk Road town.

Upon arriving at the governor's residence, its imposing presence was breathtaking.

The vermilion gate towers majestically, its golden nails gleaming, displaying the majesty of a high-ranking official of the third rank. The stone steps are smooth as a whetstone, and the stone lions on both sides sit with their heads held high, their manes bristling, their claws sharp, and their eyes like torches overlooking the streets. Ordinary people feel awe even before they get close.

Above the gate, the gilded plaque bearing the two characters "Zhao Mansion" shone brightly, the calligraphy vigorous and powerful, likely the work of a famous official of the time, exuding grandeur and prestige.

The gatekeepers and servants, dressed in black robes with brocade trim and copper badges hanging from their waists, stood solemnly like pine trees, their sharp eyes scanning the comings and goings, their demeanor imposing, far beyond that of ordinary wealthy households.

Upon entering the mansion gate and passing the exquisitely carved screen wall adorned with auspicious clouds and mythical beasts, a breathtaking view suddenly unfolds before your eyes.

The winding covered walkway is decorated with cinnabar-painted pillars and painted beams and rafters depicting flying apsaras, musicians, and rare birds from mountains and seas, making it dazzling and eye-catching. Every few steps under the walkway, there are glass lanterns hanging, which are radiant and colorful during the day. One can imagine how magnificent it is at night.

Deep within the courtyard, exotic flowers and rare herbs are arranged against a rockery made of Taihu stones. There are also several precious plants brought from the Western Regions, their vibrant reds and purples exuding a unique fragrance. A carved railing made of white marble surrounds a pool of clear water, where koi carp swim leisurely like rosy clouds.

The place was filled with servants, all dressed in clean and bright clothes, walking briskly. There were maids carrying gilded trays, with seasonal fruits piled up like small mountains as they hurried past; there were stewards holding whisks and standing under the eaves, their expressions respectful yet dignified; and there were servants carrying various items shuttling between the moon gates... It was truly the atmosphere of a wealthy and powerful family.

Two maids led Pei Qingwu along the way, past the magnificent five-room, nine-bay main hall of the main courtyard, through a hanging flower gate, to a more quiet and elegant side courtyard. There were a few green bamboos and a rose bush in the courtyard. Although it lacked the ostentation of the front courtyard, it still exuded a low-key refinement and sophistication.

The storeroom was located in this courtyard. One of the women, Zhang Mama, pushed open the heavy nanmu door and said with a smile, "Master Pei, please come in and choose whatever you like. All the items in the mansion are of the highest quality. Please feel free to take what you need."

Inside the warehouse, rice, flour, and cooking oil were piled up like mountains. The freshly pounded japonica rice was as lustrous as jade, and the top-quality snowflake salt was as white as frost and snow. Candied fruits and preserves were stored in wide-mouthed glass jars. Amber-colored dried apricots, agate-like cherry jelly, and crystal-clear pear syrup were tempting. Various nuts were neatly categorized, chestnuts were plump like golden balls, and pine nuts had a fragrant aroma.

Even more exotic items came from afar: raisins from the Western Regions, their purple hue shimmering and plump; golden walnuts from Persia, their shells thin and their kernels fragrant; and in the corner, several boxes of dates from Lingnan and citron from Annam were stacked... A dazzling array of goods, their aromas filling the air, as if encompassing the treasures of half the world.

That's incredibly arrogant!

As her thoughts raced, Pei Qingwu asked, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Mother. The ingredients in your household are indeed of exceptional quality, truly an eye-opener. Do you have any fresh, clean milk? Or perhaps some curdled milk skin?"

"Milk skin?" A hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Mama's eyes, then she smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master. The fresh cheese and porridge are made fresh by the kitchen every day. Although milk skin is a bit rare, we always keep it on hand. It is mostly the essence of milk tea made by Hu Ji. It is very fragrant and nourishing. I will have someone fetch it for me right away."

"Thank you, Mother." Pei Qingwu thanked her, but her gaze involuntarily drifted to the corner of the storeroom, where several heavy and ancient stone artifacts were quietly placed.

The huge stone millstone has a smooth groove, and the dark, shiny stone mortar is solid and sturdy.

The book "Qimin Yaoshu" records the "Pengsu Method", which requires repeated pounding to separate the milk fat. This method is time-consuming and laborious. If you want to try to make modern fluffy and soft cakes like clouds, or crispy and crumbly shortbread with a rich milky aroma, you must find a way to improve the extraction of fat.

After giving his instructions, Pei Qingwu strolled through the storeroom with his hands behind his back, as if inspecting the place. His gaze fell on the walnuts and almonds from the Western Regions, and a flash of inspiration struck him—if the roasted sesame and almonds were finely ground with a stone mill, perhaps a purer and more delicate sesame oil or almond oil could be extracted? And then, using the milk skin of this era as a base, could a purer milk fat be separated by repeated filtering and pounding? Even without refrigerators to refrigerate and shape it, the noble families would store ice to cool off in the summer, which might come in handy.

As he pondered, a young maid in green came briskly towards him, carrying a plain, wide-mouthed Yue kiln celadon bowl.

A layer of milk skin, thicker than a finger's width, was condensed in the bowl. It was slightly yellow in color, as smooth and lustrous as jade. A rich milky aroma wafted out as the maid approached, pure and without a trace of impurity.

"Is this what Lady Pei desires?"

"Let me see..." Pei Qingwu carefully took the porcelain bowl, tentatively touched it, and immediately felt the smooth and thick texture of the porcelain. The rich milky aroma filled her nostrils, making her heart leap with uncontrollable joy.

This item is the key to her wicked idea.

Using a small silver spoon, carefully scrape off a thin slice of milk skin from the edge, place it in your palm, and observe its delicate texture and translucent luster against the slanting sunlight streaming in from the window.

The fat content is good; it should be successful.

"Please, Mother, prepare for me a sturdy, deep earthenware bowl, a wooden pestle, and a small bucket of clean well water, preferably the kind that's cool to the bone," Pei Qingwu said, turning to Zhang's mother.

Although Zhang Mama was puzzled, seeing her solemn expression and knowing that her own wife had given instructions, she immediately ordered her maid to prepare.

Before long, all the utensils were ready.

Pei Qingwu looked at all the things in front of him, tied on an apron, rubbed his hands together, and prepared to get to work.

If this is done well, money will come from all directions, and you might even get a big customer and a powerful backer in your business.

Pei Qingwu carefully scraped the precious milk skin into a ceramic bowl and placed it in a wooden bucket filled with cool well water to cool it down, simulating a low-temperature environment.

Then, he picked up the heavy wooden pestle and began to vigorously and evenly stir the creamy milk skin along the inner wall of the earthenware bowl.

"Thump, thump, thump..."

The dull thud of hammering echoed in the quiet warehouse.