The overpowering aroma grew even stronger, its subtle fragrance making one's stomach rumble.

The crispy aroma of the pancake, the rich flavor of the egg, and the savory taste of the sauce.

There's also the unique sweet aroma of various fruits mixed together.

Even these pampered old ministers, accustomed to a life of ease, couldn't help but feel their appetites whetted and their throats bobbed involuntarily.

It smells so good!

An impatient old minister could no longer contain himself and walked shakily toward a stall selling jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes).

The stall owner was a kind-looking woman who deftly spread batter on a scorching hot griddle.

Add an egg, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and the aroma is irresistible.

"How will this food be sold?" the old minister asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

He groped in his sleeve, seemingly trying to pull out a few copper coins.

The stall owner looked up and saw several well-dressed elderly men. She paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sir, we only accept factory points here, not cash."

"integral?"

The senior officials exchanged glances, their faces showing embarrassment.

Where do they get factory credits?

This is truly, utterly embarrassing!

Seeing this, Liang Yu smiled slightly and stepped forward.

"Stadium owner, please bring twelve servings of jianbing guozi and some chilled watermelon." Liang Yu skillfully handed over a wooden plaque engraved with unique patterns.

The stall owner's eyes lit up when she saw the wooden sign. She took the sign, scribbled it on a simple wooden box next to her, and said with a smile, "Alright! Please wait a moment!"

Soon, several steaming hot jianbing guozi were handed over.

The young man next to him also deftly scooped half a watermelon out of a large wooden bucket that was submerged in a well of cold water.

With a snap, the bright red flesh of the melon, emitting a wisp of cool air, was revealed.

The senior officials were used to living in luxury and had tasted many delicacies.

At this moment, however, he was so tempted by this ordinary street food that he didn't care about being polite. He took the pancake and carefully took a bite.

"Hmm!"

Golden pancakes are wrapped around bright green scallions and tender eggs, and brushed with a special sauce.

One bite and you'll experience a salty, fragrant, and crispy flavor that's so rich it'll make your eyebrows jump!

Take another bite of that chilled watermelon, with its red flesh and black seeds, sweet and juicy.

One bite and the summer heat vanishes, leaving only a refreshing and sweet taste.

"Delicious! So delicious!" An old minister ate with his mouth full of oil, completely losing his usual dignity.

Another senior official nodded repeatedly: "How can this watermelon be so refreshingly cool? Could it be ice stored away during the winter?"

On such a hot day, being able to eat such refreshing fruits is simply a heavenly experience!

It should be noted that even in the palace, ice was rationed in the summer and was extremely precious.

These old bones, who usually put on airs, seemed to have been starving for a long time.

He devoured a jianbing guozi in a few bites, and the watermelon slices were gone in no time.

They all looked at Liang Yu with longing, still wanting more.

Seeing that they still wanted more, Liang Yu smiled and asked the stall owner next to him to prepare a few more portions to ensure that each of the old ministers ate their fill.

The senior officials ate to their hearts' content, their eyes filled with gratitude and admiration as they looked at Liang Yu.

No wonder His Majesty has been secretly and carefully cultivating the crown prince!

Such composure and generosity at such a young age, and consideration for subordinates, indicate that he will surely achieve great things in the future!

Look at him, so considerate of the people's needs, even personally paying out of his own pocket to buy food for these old folks!

This sentiment is more heartwarming than any delicacy!

Grand Tutor Xi wiped his mouth and exclaimed sincerely, "Brother Yu, the food made by ordinary people has such amazing flavors. You are truly a hidden master!"

He was deeply moved, thinking that even ordinary street vendors put so much effort into the food they served in this desolate mountain area.

This shows that the people are simple and honest, and their lives are prosperous!

As soon as he finished speaking, the pancake vendor respectfully presented Liang Yu with a small plate of sliced, chilled watermelon.

"Manager Yu, it's hot, have some water! These pieces were specially saved for you, they're sweet!"

The veteran officials: "??????"

The smile on Grand Tutor Xi's face froze slightly.

The other senior officials were also stunned, as if the watermelon they had just swallowed was stuck in their throats.

Manager Yu?

Why does this vendor also address His Highness as "manager"?

Could it be...?

Liang Yu naturally took the watermelon, then took out a small points badge from her waist and handed it to the stall owner.

He was gestured to cross out the corresponding points, not wanting to take them for free.

She smiled and explained to the several dumbfounded old ministers.

“The affairs of the barren mountains are complicated. These food stalls are actually part of our barren mountain industry. They are managed in a unified manner, which is convenient for everyone and can also be considered a way to make a living.”

Upon hearing this, the senior officials gaped wide-eyed and remained speechless for a long time.

They instinctively looked up.

Sure enough, as far as the eye could see, there was this bustling food street.

Seven or eight out of ten stalls had the words "barren mountain" written in conspicuous ink on their signs, or painted with camellia flowers, a unique feature of barren mountains.

What kind of stalls sell jianbing (Chinese crepes), liangpi (cold skin noodles), roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and sweet soup...

A dazzling array of goods, everything you could want!

Not only that, there are also summer clothing shops, farm tool shops, department stores, beauty salons... nearby.

These shops all bear the symbol of the barren mountain!

It turns out that even this seemingly ordinary market is part of the unified planning and management of the barren mountain!

They had previously thought that these were just ordinary people making a living on their own!

After careful consideration, the group of veteran officials were suddenly filled with dread!

A factory was built on the barren mountain, and the workers were given points every day, which could be exchanged for silver.

After the points are distributed, most workers may have already spent almost all of them before even leaving the factory area!

They turned around and observed, and sure enough, they found several men lingering in the farm tool shop, exchanging points for brand-new farm tools, and even talking about them there.

"Erzhuang, we've already bought fruit, melon seeds, and summer clothes. Today we bought this farm tool, and a month's wages are gone. How are we going to survive?" a man asked from the side.

"So what? The factory provides food and lodging anyway, so we can just eat there from now on! Although it's not as fancy as the food outside, the portions are big and filling!" Erzhuang said nonchalantly.

"Besides, bringing these things back home will make my wife, kids, and parents happy! That's the most important thing!"

The man next to him nodded, seemingly understanding as well. He then turned and bought a silk beaded headdress from a nearby jewelry store.

He was still there, exclaiming, "It's so beautiful! My little girl will definitely love it!"

Seeing these scenes...

The veteran officials felt that their understanding had been overturned once again.

Isn't this just like putting money from the left pocket into the right pocket?

The money and points given to the workers have returned in the blink of an eye!

The desolate mountains are terrifying!