Chapter Thirty-Seven [V] Climbing the Ranks Through the County Government...
Hong Xiuyun knew that her father was honest and upright, and that the family lived frugally with little money left. Originally, she brought up the matter of changing the cook on purpose to spite her stepmother, but she didn't expect that it would actually be done.
But unexpectedly, there was an additional benefit.
Even if she couldn't eat such delicious food every day, even if she only ate it once or twice a month, she would be very satisfied.
"Thank you, Father." Hong Xiuyun was so happy she almost danced with joy.
Then, glancing at Madam Hong, he deliberately said something to provoke her: "My father is my father, he loves me dearly, and no one else can compare to that."
Madam Hong didn't take her niece and stepdaughter Hong Xiuyun's words to heart at all. She just blinked and was thinking about something else.
Then, she smiled and looked at Magistrate Hong, saying, "Sir, since we'll be inviting Madam Li to cook a meal on the first and fifteenth of each month, why not ask her to cook for the whole family? Since she's already here, let us have a taste of something new, and that will give us something to look forward to. Besides, this way, it'll save Aunt Wu from having to make another trip, and it'll be like giving her a day off."
Upon seeing this, Hong Xiuyun immediately said, "No way! I invited Madam Li here, why should you benefit from it?"
Seeing that her daughter showed no respect for her elders, Magistrate Hong gently reprimanded her: "Don't be so ignorant of manners. She is your elder." Even if he didn't acknowledge her as his stepmother, she was still his aunt.
Seeing her father scolding her, Hong Xiuyun's eyes welled up with tears again.
Madam Hong glanced at her, somewhat helpless, but she really didn't ignore her, so she spoke up for her, saying, "Never mind, Yun'er has always been like this, and I've never cared about it."
Hong Xiuyun said, "You're pretending to be a good person in front of my father again. I hate you." Then, she ran away crying.
Magistrate Hong was also helpless: "This child... I've spoiled him. Please bear with him."
Mrs. Hong said, "She is my own niece, the orphan left behind by my own sister. How could I really hold a grudge against her?" If she hadn't pitied her sister back then and couldn't bear to part with this niece, fearing that the niece would suffer after her brother-in-law remarried, she wouldn't have refused to marry her brother-in-law and would have gone against her morals to become his second wife.
She meant well, but things didn't go as planned. Her niece blamed and hated her.
Sometimes when I can't sleep at night, I think about the past and feel a little regretful.
If I hadn't made that choice back then, and had married a suitable man of similar age, would my life be different now?
But then again, she felt that good things couldn't all happen to her at once.
Although she doesn't have a good relationship with her stepdaughter, she still has a sensible and loving son.
Although her husband was getting on in years and was only focused on his official duties, he was neither romantic nor caring... But he was an official, and while he may not have brought her and Duan Ge'er great wealth and honor, he at least provided them with dignity and a comfortable life.
If we had chosen a different path, things might not have gone so smoothly.
“Her mother passed away early and always misunderstood your good intentions. This child…sigh, perhaps when she’s older, she’ll understand your good intentions,” said Magistrate Hong.
Madam Hong smiled and said, "As long as you haven't misunderstood me, then whatever I do is worthwhile."
Magistrate Hong said, “You have given me a son, ensuring that I have a successor and that my family line continues. Moreover, you have raised Duan’er so well. How could I not understand your kindness? It’s just that Yun’er… will require your continued care. Her coming-of-age ceremony will be in a few days.”
Madam Hong said, "Don't worry, I will personally take care of Yun'er's coming-of-age ceremony and make sure she has a proper and respectable occasion. After the ceremony, I will find a matchmaker to arrange a marriage for her."
"There's no rush for marriage," Magistrate Hong said, having his own plans.
He has been serving in Huating County for two years, and his term will end in another year. At that time, there may be an opportunity to be transferred to the capital.
If we could find a marriage partner for Yun'er in the capital, it would be far better than arranging a marriage here.
"Yun'er's marriage... it's not too late to wait another year," said Magistrate Hong.
Madam Hong understood his meaning, so she didn't say anything more, only saying, "Then I'll do whatever you say, sir." Then she changed the subject, "If you agree, I'll go to see Madam Li tomorrow and talk to her about it."
The magistrate of Hong County nodded.
.
It didn't rain the next day, and early in the morning, the Wang family from the countryside brought milk. After resting for three days, Li Yan had to go back to her stall today.
Actually, Li Yan was quite anxious during those three days of rest. She was afraid that the clients she had painstakingly built up would slowly slip away because of the three-day break.
Although she knew it was impossible, she had already made a name for herself, especially after the incident of Wei Niangzi giving her laxatives, her stall was now bustling with customers every day.
Even more so, some people outside gave her a nickname, claiming that she was the "Milk Tea Beauty".
However, businesses that rely on the weather are always subject to too many uncertainties.
Especially in winter, there will likely be many days with wind and snow.
Does this mean I have to stop setting up my stall every few days?
That business is too unstable.
And while instability is one aspect, the main issue is that I've earned significantly less money.
So, Li Yan has been thinking about a question these past few days: should she rent a small shop to sell milk tea?
If she rents the rooftop to run a business, she can make more each day. If she gets too busy, she can hire someone to help her sell milk tea.
After lunch, Li Yan walked a few hundred steps inside the house as usual, and was just about to go to sleep when there was a knock on the door.
Nowadays, Xu Ge'er is not at home during the day, otherwise he would have jumped into the yard to open the door long ago.
Just as Li Yan was about to open the door, she saw that Aunt Xue had already walked into the courtyard before her.
I thought it was a neighbor coming to talk to Aunt Xue, but to my surprise, it was a well-dressed woman.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, with above-average looks, and it was clear at a glance that she was a lady from a wealthy family, not some common aunt or sister-in-law from the marketplace.
"Excuse me... who are you looking for?" Aunt Xue asked.
Looking at Aunt Xue, Xiao Hong asked, "Are you Li Niangzi's mother-in-law?" She introduced herself and then got straight to the point, "I'm here to find Li Niangzi. If you have something to say, talk to her."
Although Li Yan was hiding inside the house, the courtyard wasn't large, and she heard everything the people outside were saying.
When she saw that it was the magistrate's wife who had come looking for her, her heart immediately jumped into her throat. Then, remembering the discord between the magistrate's daughter and wife, she worried that the magistrate's wife might have ill intentions.
Otherwise, it would be impossible that she was summoned by Madam Hong yesterday, and today, Madam Hong herself came looking for her again.
Regardless, since the person had personally come to the door, Li Yan should naturally take the initiative to go out and greet them.
When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it... If it is truly a misfortune rather than a blessing, we can only think of another way.
In short, avoidance is not the solution.
Over there, Aunt Xue, seeing that it was the county magistrate's wife, quickly led her home to welcome her.
At this moment, Li Yan had already welcomed them into the courtyard. She quickly greeted them and then asked with a smile, "Madam, what brings you here?"
Madam Hong looked her over and saw that she was tall and had a good figure. Although her appearance was not outstanding, she was of average appearance. Compared to some other women in the city, she was much more outstanding.
Although she was a bit plump, she had a good figure and was quite pleasing to the eye.
Seeing that she was very polite, Madam Hong felt a certain fondness for her.
"I originally intended to send a servant to speak directly to Madam Li, but I think it would be better if I came in person." Madam Hong was shrewd and kind, and even in front of a common woman, she did not put on any airs of a county magistrate's wife.
Li Yan didn't know what she wanted to say, but she figured she must have come for something, so she invited her to sit down.
After she sat down, Li Yan stayed with her in the main room, while Aunt Xue quickly went to the kitchen to serve tea.
Fortunately, there was tea at home and freshly boiled water, so I could brew a cup and serve it to the distinguished guest without being impolite.
Xiao Hong didn't waste anyone's time and directly stated her purpose.
“Yunniang has been craving food ever since she ate the meal cooked by Li Niangzi yesterday. When the master came home last night, he kept pestering her to change the cook. But we all know that the lady’s business is booming now, and she probably doesn’t have the extra energy to find another job.”
Li Yan listened attentively and, seeing that she had come about the food issue rather than to interrogate her, felt a little relieved.
"But Yun'er really loves your cooking skills, so... we, as husband and wife, also have a favor to ask." Madam Hong spoke very humbly, and did not put on any airs of superiority because of her status.
In fact, she had thought to herself that even if it only took up two days of her time each month, it would still be a blow to the business of others.
How much would she get for cooking two meals at the county government office? Their business is booming these days; they could earn so much more with that time.
Seeing Madam Hong's humble attitude, Li Yan immediately said, "Madam, what are you saying? There is no 'unreasonable request' at all. It is my honor and blessing to cook a meal for the magistrate's daughter. I understand what you mean, but how can this be compared to earning a few more coins? Madam's personal visit to bring this up today is an honor for me, and I am very grateful."
After hearing what she said, Madam Hong couldn't help but look at her more closely for a while, and then, a smile appeared on her lips.
This woman may not be particularly beautiful, but she is actually quite intelligent.
No wonder that among so many women in this city, only she has achieved something.
Few people who can make money through business are fools.
Since she was a smart person, it was easier for her to speak.
So, Madam Hong continued, "I would like to ask that on the first and fifteenth of each month, you wait at the county government office and cook a meal for our family of five. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just one meat dish and two vegetable dishes, or two meat dishes and one vegetable dish, either is fine, plus a soup."
Li Yan had initially thought it would be a difficult task, but when she saw that it only required going twice a month, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"Madam, please rest assured, I understand. So today is... today is the seventeenth, just past the middle of the month, so next time..." Li Yan asked tentatively.
Since the time had already passed, she should have waited until the first day of next month. But yesterday, she hid outside the courtyard wall and smelled the aroma coming from the kitchen, and her mouth was really craving it... So, after some consideration, Madam Hong smiled and said, "If you'd like, Madam, you can make a meal in the next few days."
Li Yan immediately agreed without hesitation: "No problem." Then she confirmed the specific time for cooking, "Because I have to set up a drink stall tonight, I can only cook the lunch."
"Understood, understood." Madam Hong was quite happy. "As long as we can eat, any meal is fine, depending on my wife's schedule."
"How about noon the day after tomorrow?" Li Yan discussed the time with the county magistrate's wife.
"Of course it would be great." Madam Hong readily agreed, but suddenly her expression turned somewhat awkward and troubled. "However, with only two meals a month, I'm afraid I can't afford to pay my wife much."
Being able to establish a connection with the county government was a stroke of good fortune for Li Yan. As long as she could maintain this relationship with the county government, she wouldn't have to worry about any powerful figures plotting against her behind her back. Such opportunities to curry favor with the powerful were extremely rare.
Even if you asked her to pay you extra money, she would be willing to do it herself.
Therefore, when the magistrate's wife brought up the matter of payment, Li Yan hurriedly said, "I'm only going for two days. It's because you think highly of me that you hired me. I'm already grateful enough, how could I possibly take your money? Please don't mention this, Madam."
Madam Hong laughed and said, "How can that be? We still have to pay. Otherwise, if word gets out, the magistrate's reputation for integrity will be ruined."
In that case, Li Yan said, "Then it's up to you, Madam."
Thinking of Aunt Wu, she gets two meals a day and is paid eight coins a month.
Roughly calculated, that's thirteen coins for a meal.
If you ask Madam Li to cook two meals a month, that's twenty-six coins.
But you can't calculate it that way.
What are Aunt Wu's cooking skills? And what are Li Niangzi's cooking skills?
So after thinking it over, Madam Hong said, "Twice a month, I'll pay Madam Li one tael of silver, is that alright?"
Li Yan immediately said, "The county government provides all the ingredients. I'm just cooking a meal. Why are you taking so much?"
It's really not a matter of a few dozen coins; arguing about it makes one seem petty. So, seeing that she had no objections, Madam Hong immediately made the decision: "Then it's settled."
After thinking for a moment, Li Yan asked, "Are there any dietary restrictions? If there are any, I'll avoid eating them later."
Mrs. Hong smiled and shook her head: "Our family is very easy to feed. As long as it tastes good, we don't have any dietary restrictions."
Thus, the matter was settled.
After seeing off the magistrate's wife, Li Yan immediately went to tell her mother-in-law, Aunt Xue, about the matter.
Aunt Xue and Li Yan shared the same idea: as helpless and powerless ordinary people in the city, they both longed to have power to rely on.
Although it's just cooking for the county government, as long as you have influence, you'll have to think twice if anyone tries anything behind your back.
On the nineteenth day, after finishing her morning tasks, Li Yan went to the county government office when she saw that it was almost time.
The county government's purchasing was all done by their own people. Li Yan went into the kitchen and found a piece of pork belly lying there. She guessed that today's main dish was braised pork belly, which they wanted her to make.
I also saw eggplant and green peppers.
Li Yan thought for a moment, then rendered some oil from the pork belly and used that oil to cook eggplant.
The eggplant absorbed the aroma of the hot oil completely, and with one bite, it was full of meaty flavor, making it a small meat dish.
Magistrate Hong returned to the backyard for lunch. He had been busy all morning and was already hungry. In addition, the food was delicious, so he couldn't resist and ate an extra bowl of rice.
The green bell peppers were sliced into strips, coated in egg, and stir-fried. The fresh aroma of the green bell peppers blended with the fragrance of the egg, and each bite was both spicy and delicious.
Tang Liyan made cabbage soup.
After the family finished eating, they all stared blankly at the empty plates on the table.
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Author's Note: Update is here!
Please water my plants~~ Mwah~
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