Wang Xing felt like he had witnessed a farce, and laughed all the way as he walked towards the donkey cart.

Upon arrival, Wang Xing asked his classmate, "Where is our first destination?"

"Yanxia Village. No, brother, let me ask you something, what's in your basket? It smells so good?"

His classmate Lu Song, who was talking to him, handed him a piece of fruit and asked him what he had bought to eat, saying it smelled so good.

"This? That's cloud cake." Wang Xing said as he unloaded the basket from his back and took out the cloud cake inside.

"No, this smells amazing, like meat!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xing remembered that he had just passed by a guokui (a type of flatbread) shop and bought three packs of guokui with fresh meat filling. Later, while standing there watching the storyteller, he forgot about it.

To prevent the oil from seeping out, he also had books and maps in his basket.

I specifically asked the old lady selling pancakes to wrap two or three extra layers so that I couldn't smell the aroma. But Lu Song's nose is really sharp; he smelled it right away.

To make fresh meat guokui, take pork hind leg meat, mince it, and marinate the filling with a spoonful of soy sauce, a spoonful of sesame oil, salt, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and pepper powder.

Then, make the dough for the guokui (a type of flatbread). Add sugar to the flour to promote fermentation of the dough. Add water in small amounts several times, knead into a ball, and then add an appropriate amount of oil.

Cover the kneaded dough and let it rest. Knead the rested dough again and then roll it out into a long sheet.

The dough is cut in half lengthwise, then vertically into square-shaped flatbreads.

Each piece of noodle is topped with a large chunk of freshly seasoned minced meat and sprinkled with chopped green onions.

Then fold the filled dough in half from the middle, seal it like making a dumpling, and stretch it out by shaking your hands after sealing it.

Then arrange them in a circle and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. The result is a golden-brown, fragrant, crispy and delicious fresh meat guokui.

Oil was added to the flour, so the resulting pancakes were somewhat like those made with a flaky pastry. They crumbled easily when you bit into them, and were both fragrant and delicious.

Wang Xing specially bought three large bags, each containing ten items, to share with his classmates.

Before the group of ten even set off, each person grabbed a guokui (a type of flatbread) and started eating it.

With a flick of the old driver's whip, they leisurely set off on their journey.

The group traveled together, and the inns they stayed at at night were also two people per room, where they could wash up, rest, and discuss their studies after dinner.

When the weather is nice, we sometimes stay in guesthouses run by local farmers, which usually have a large courtyard.

They would also engage in lively discussions in the courtyard, sharing their knowledge with the evening breeze.

Four days later, they arrived at their first destination, Yanxia Village, and stayed at a farmer's house.

I didn't come to this village to study, and there's no academy here anyway.

The painters have come. If you walk another 20 miles ahead, you'll find many wealthy families' estates. Those people have planted a rather rare type of bamboo here, and they've come to copy it for their paintings.

Wang Xing wasn't particularly skilled at painting, but he still accepted the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone handed to him by the old man driving the carriage. "Let me start by sketching a few strokes!"

While painting, I was distracted by the bamboo shoots in the bamboo forest; it was the perfect time to eat bamboo shoots.

Should we light a fire and roast some fresh seafood from the forest later? Lu Song, who was next to him, had the same idea.

Painting was not tested in the imperial examinations; it was merely a means to cultivate one's character. With that kind of effort, one might as well practice pitch-pot. Therefore, Lu Song did not paint very seriously.

The two were staring at the bamboo shoots sprouting from the ground when suddenly a human head appeared, startling Wang Xing so much that his hand trembled and he almost drew it crookedly.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an old woman with two maids digging for bamboo shoots.

When the old woman looked up, Wang Xing realized she was someone he knew.

"This lad greets Granny Lin."

Hearing the voice, Lin Mama turned around and saw Wang Xing.

After chatting for a while, Lin Mama learned that Wang Xing was traveling for study and praised him.

"Be ambitious! Know that all things in the world are difficult, and studying is the best course of action!"

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Granny."

Lin Mama and Yingchun came out to dig bamboo shoots for Xu Shaoqing so they could make soup.

Xu Shaoqing wanted to drink bamboo shoot and tofu soup, since it was the season for eating fresh spring delicacies.

Slice the bamboo shoots and blanch them briefly in boiling water to remove any slight bitterness. Cut the tofu into large pieces.

In a separate pot, combine water, lily bulbs, lotus seeds, goji berries, and fresh chicken broth. Add bamboo shoots and tofu, and simmer briefly until the tofu is cooked through.

With a subtle sweetness, Xu Shaoqing, who doesn't like strong flavors, found this delicate fragrance and sweetness to be just right for her taste.

"Husband, have a bowl too. The soup made this season is fresh and delicious, much better than the one made with dried bamboo shoots."

Gu Ting frowned impatiently. "What are you drinking? I'm not in the mood!"

"Why are you taking it out on me?" Xu Shaoqing immediately exploded when she saw Gu Ting's bad attitude.

Yingchun watched as the two of them had another falling out, and she couldn't help but feel terrified.

Xu Shaoqing probably didn't realize that Yingchun hadn't seen her for almost two years.

Upon returning this time, I discovered that Xu Shaoqing is now completely different from two years ago, and her temper has become increasingly irritable.

Moreover, before she arrived, Guixiang and Guilan had talked to her for a long time, so Yingchun knew a little about the situation here.

However, she is similar in temperament to Gui Xiang back then, and her emotions are relatively stable.

She's just arrived, and it's not time to drive her crazy yet, so I can keep my composure.

There was no direct conflict with Gu Ting, so things were relatively peaceful for a while.

…………………………………………………………

Meeting Granny Lin was just a minor incident; Wang Xing's biggest concern now was whether or not he could eat the fresh fruit from Granny Lin.

Finally, they got to eat as they wished. After finishing two bamboo shoots, it was time for the group to set off again, and they began to walk forward.

About two months later, Wang Xing and his group arrived at Qinglin Academy. This was not the Qingsong Academy that Gu Yan had attended, but rather one from another prefecture.

Wang Xing originally thought he could go to Qingsong Academy, but when he arrived at his destination, he learned that the arrangement was that they could only borrow books from the academy for a period of time on their return trip.

However, Qinglin Academy has a good environment. The academy is located on a mountain, next to a temple.

The academy's teaching quality is also very good, and many students come here to study every year.

The accommodation was also quite nice, similar to a double room in a guesthouse.

The key point is that there is a great Confucian scholar giving lectures here, which is what excites Wang Xing the most.

Moreover, they allowed this group of travelers to stay here for a month.

Upon receiving this good news, Wang Xing was overjoyed and immediately prepared ink and paper to write a letter to his family, wanting them to share in his happiness.

His family accepted the letter, but none of them were happy at all.

This is a long story.

Ever since that old lady and her grandson booked a 10-tael banquet, Wang Yan's family's banquet business has become very popular.

The old lady was also a relative of a fourth-rank official, so she came into contact with quite a few people, which indirectly brought a lot of business to Wang Yan's family.

However, the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow against it! The chili peppers in Wang Yan's house have already begun to show their potential.

Manager Hu of the local restaurant had his eye on their family as early as when they received their third ten-tael banquet.

It wasn't about the ten taels of silver, but rather curiosity about what secret recipe they had. Wang Yan's family had a spicy dish made with rather unusual seasonings.

………………………………………………………………

That day, Wang Yan, Wang Ying, and Aunt Wang were frying chicken strips together.

Fatty Wang was over there, slicing out distinct, uniformly thick and heavy pieces of chicken breast with a knife.

While the family was busy at work, President Hu arrived uninvited.

Upon arriving, he first looked at Fatty Wang, who was slicing chicken breast, and praised Fatty Wang's knife skills.

"Oh my, brother, your skills are amazing! I heard you were a chef who retired from the Marquis's mansion."

"Having come to see for myself today, I can attest that this skill is truly something I've never heard of before."

Fatty Wang chuckled modestly, "What's the matter? You've come here to...?"

President Hu waved his hand, "No rush, no rush. I've just heard that your banquets are excellent, and I'd like to book a few tables as well. Is that feasible?"

"Of course, that's possible. What specifications would you like to order, Mr. Bank Manager?"

"I've heard of prices ranging from one tael to three taels, five taels, or even ten taels?"

"Yes, we have all kinds of sizes here."

"Then bring me a table full of everything!"

Wang Yan sensed something was amiss. "Grandpa Hu, why do we have to order a table full of everything?"

President Hu stroked his long beard. "Of course, I want to try our family's specialties."

"There's no need to order a whole table for every style. We can eat separately. This time we can order one tael of silver, and next time we can order three taels of silver."

Bank Manager Hu pursed his lips, smiled silently, and took out 20 taels of silver, placed it on the table, and then turned and left.

After he left, Wang Yan looked at Fatty Wang and said, "Dad, something's not right! What's he planning?"

Fatty Wang frowned as well. "It's alright, let's take a look first."

Fatty Wang had some guesses in his mind. Could it be that they wanted some of his chili powder and wanted him to share some with them?

The next day, after the prepared banquet was ready, President Hu arrived with a group of people.

Wang Yan took a closer look and saw that almost all of the people who came were the owners of several well-known taverns in the market, followed by some servants.

Even the manager of Yuchunlou came; it's one of the 72 official stores.

Wang Yan could tell from the manager's expression that they were up to no good.

However, this group did not start causing trouble as soon as they arrived.

Instead, they first tried the dishes prepared by the other person. After tasting them, the group silently nodded in agreement that they were indeed delicious!

But the chef's skill is one aspect, while the available seasonings are another.

They also thoroughly investigated the background of Fatty Wang's family.

It seems he used to be a servant in the Marquis's mansion. With this background, others might be afraid, but the manager of Yuchunlou and Director Hu are not!

So what if everyone has a powerful backer? Yuchunlou is owned by the younger brother of the current Consort Hui!

Therefore, the shopkeeper of that shop has a certain amount of influence wherever he goes in this capital city; he's used to being fawned over.

So when they saw Wang Yan's small foot massage shop, they didn't think much of it.

He scoffed, looking at Fatty Wang with disdain.

"I've heard that your family has a special seasoning? I personally think that you're keeping it for your own use. Such behavior is inappropriate, isn't it? It's rather despicable. Do you intend to monopolize the market?"

The manager of Yuchunlou launched a preemptive attack, and his questions were clearly a distortion of the truth!

Wang Yan's temper flared up! She almost rushed over to yell at that old bastard!

It was Aunt Wang who grabbed her hand; she couldn't act impulsively at this moment.

Fatty Wang clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "Why do you all say that? The seasonings you asked about were all bought by my family honestly and legitimately."

The expenses weren't low, so how come they've become a despicable act in your mouths? How come you've made me the one with all the power?"

Unexpectedly, he would ask a question back. The old scoundrel from Yuchunlou was somewhat embarrassed and angry, and he sneered again.

"Enough with the nonsense, you dog of a lackey. You should know that it's an honor for you that I'm even bothering to speak to you like this!"

If you know what's good for you, quickly hand over the seasonings and the recipes for these dishes.

If I'm in a good mood, I might allow you to keep some of this chili powder for your own use.

What kind of talk is this? Wang Ying was shocked by his shameless remarks. So, we're supposed to leave some of our own things for you to keep in a good mood?

Wang Yan turned to look at President Hu, who slowly picked up his teacup and sipped it.