After this incident, Ziyang Tower became a laughing stock. Tao Wanniang deliberately spread the story that the people of Ziyang Tower had stolen potatoes and gotten sick after eating sprouted potatoes. Firstly, it was to warn the world that even when potatoes became more common, people should know that sprouted potatoes are poisonous. Secondly, how could they let it go so easily after stealing her potatoes?
As the noise subsided, Yu Shizhao, the head chef sent by Sifang City, arrived, carrying a personal letter from Zhu Yan and a thousand taels of silver notes, to learn cooking at Zhaixing Tower.
Tao Wan's mother wouldn't make things difficult for the other party; she taught him everything she needed to.
Shi Tianbao arrived at Zhaixing Tower a few days later. He had been staying at the manor in Lingyunzhou for the past few days, observing the growth of the potatoes every day. However, the weather was hot, and the potato seedlings were wilting, which made him feel very uneasy.
"Manager Tao, I heard that potatoes that have sprouted can't be eaten!" Shi Tianbao was just like a curious child, even taking notes in his little notebook.
“Yes, your information is seriously outdated; so many days have passed,” Tao Wanniang replied. “What’s wrong? Judging from your expression, the situation over there isn’t very good?”
“Yes, in this sweltering heat, the potatoes are practically dying from the sun,” Shi Tianbao said. “We water them morning and night, and I even had someone build a shed and lay down straw to reduce the sun’s heat.”
"It's clear that this is not the right time to plant. Even if they survive, the yield will be reduced," Tao Wanniang sighed. "In my field, everything is planted in the spring."
"It's clear that potatoes have to be planted in the spring!" Shi Tianbao nodded and made a note in his notebook.
"Manager Tao, I've been to your field too. There was a sweet potato there. What was that sweet potato? Did you bring it back from Youzhou?"
“Yes, they can still grow well now. When autumn comes and the sweet potatoes in the field are ripe, we can have some more delicious food,” Tao Wan’s mother replied. “I need to think about how to cook them.”
Shi Tianbao looked at Tao Wanniang with great admiration and gave her a thumbs up.
"Manager Tao, just as Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs in the past, you today are tasting this unknown food. Your courage is commendable!"
"No, I didn't eat most of it," Tao Wanniang said modestly. Seeing the stiffness on Shi Tianbao's face, she smiled slightly and said, "How about letting Lord Shi have a taste first?"
"Heh, heh heh, there's no need for that." Shi Tianbao didn't have the courage!
“Actually, for this kind of lumpy crop, boiling or steaming will generally work well. Once it’s cooked, it’s ready to eat,” Tao Wanniang said cheerfully.
Shi Tianbao seemed to be deep in thought, and finally he remembered Tao Wanniang's words.
Tao Wanniang treated Shi Tianbao to a simple meal at a restaurant. She had asked Luneng to help her set up her hot pot restaurant, which was almost finished.
It's time to tell my son and daughter-in-law.
After the restaurant closed and she returned home that day, Tao Wanniang kept Wang Hongyu and Ling Dahu talking in the front yard.
"You two should leave the restaurant."
"Mother, what did we do wrong?" Ling Dahu asked, bewildered. "Tell us what we did wrong, and we'll change it."
"Yes, Mother, what can we do if we leave the restaurant?" Wang Hongyu was also very panicked.
"You're quite something!" Tao Wanniang scoffed. "I have a new shop that I'm going to hand over to the two of you. It's not a big shop, just about ten tables. The two of you can make it work."
Wang Hongyu and Ling Dapeng exchanged a shocked glance.
"Mother, you mean to let me... be the manager?" Ling Dapeng swallowed hard, this good news made him feel stunned.
Wang Hongyu had been thinking about this for a while, especially after working in the kitchen for so long, she was really tempted.
"Mother, what kind of shop is this? Is it a small restaurant?" Wang Hongyu asked excitedly.
"A hot pot restaurant," Tao Wanniang said directly.
"A hot pot restaurant?" Wang Hongyu and Ling Dapeng stared at each other again. What was this place?
“I had this idea when I was in Youzhou. Xiao Qiao’er and Master Shen have both tried it, but we’ve been busy with other things. Autumn is just around the corner, and as the days get colder, a hot pot is what everyone wants.” Tao Wan’s mother explained what hot pot was.
"I will personally teach Hongyu how to make the hot pot. This new store will definitely be quiet at the opening. You two will go and keep an eye on the store. I will provide whatever you need. If you do a good job, think about it. You will definitely get your share of the benefits."
Ling Dapeng was still a little apprehensive, afraid that he wouldn't do a good job.
But Wang Hongyu was quite excited. Her mother-in-law had given her such an opportunity, how could she not give it a try?
"Mom, don't worry, I'll definitely do a good job," Wang Hongyu said. "And this hot pot..."
"Starting tomorrow, you all go over there and familiarize yourselves with the place. I'll come over whenever I have time; hot pot isn't difficult," Tao Wanniang said. "It's late tonight, so you should all go and get some rest!"
After Tao Wanniang finished speaking, she went back to her room to wash up, leaving Ling Dahu and Wang Hongyu feeling excited and conflicted.
"Wife, can I be the manager? I'm afraid I won't do a good job!" Ling Dahu said worriedly.
"Take your time learning. It's your turn to be in charge, so you can't back down," Wang Hongyu said. "Don't you still have me?"
"If we lose this business, do you think we can go back to the restaurant?"
“You’re already thinking badly before we’ve even started. Think about your son, think about your daughter. Don’t you want them to be proud of us when they grow up?” Wang Hongyu encouraged herself and Ling Dahu.
Tao Wanniang acted immediately, and the next day she took Wang Hongyu and Ling Dahu to the hot pot restaurant, where everything was already set up.
"Mom, why is there a hole in every table?"
Ling Dahu asked curiously.
“Hot pot, hot pot, naturally it has to be cooked over a fire. I’ve already asked a blacksmith to make the right tools,” Tao Wanniang said. “What we’ll need then is smokeless charcoal to put under the pot to burn.”
Ling Dahu and Wang Hongyu both looked puzzled, seemingly not understanding why this was necessary.
"You all keep an eye on this place first, then go buy these things for me today." Tao Wan's mother took out the menu and money she had prepared beforehand. After the food was ready, she cooked it for them and showed them what hot pot was. They wouldn't understand even if she explained it to them now.
"Pork bones, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame seeds, lard, ginger, garlic..." Wang Hongyu looked at the long list of ingredients and was very curious. There was no need for so many seasonings to cook this dish!
“I’ll come over during the afternoon break to teach you how to make the broth,” Tao Wanniang said. “Alright, you all go ahead with your work, I’m going to the restaurant.”
After seeing Tao Wanniang off, Wang Hongyu and Ling Dahu were very excited. Looking at the deserted shop, they couldn't help but hold each other's hands tightly.
"Wife, I...I really want to be the manager."
"Yes, let's do our best and not let Mother down!" Wang Hongyu said with confidence and anticipation.
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