The kitchen maid in the back kitchen occasionally had some free time and would come to He Lean to ask for some cooking techniques. She was not stingy or secretive, and she would answer whatever questions were asked of her. Sometimes, she would even proactively share clever ways of cooking different dishes. Before long, she had established a good relationship with this nearly 40-year-old woman. From their conversations, He Lean discovered that the kitchen maid had an unconscious habit of trying to please the princess when cooking. Specifically, whatever dish the princess liked to eat, the kitchen maid would often cook it, even though she strived for perfection in her work. However, no matter who ate too much of one thing, they would eventually get tired of it.
"Ni Da Niang, do you know why the good wine houses always have a constant stream of customers?" He Le An smiled casually and said, "They not only refine their existing dishes to perfection, but also meticulously create new ones. They want to keep their regular customers from leaving for other restaurants with new menu styles. Sometimes, taste can vary depending on ones mood and the weather."
She couldnt help but say, "Youve been in charge of the kitchen for over 20 years, and your skill at controlling the fire is so impressive. It shouldnt be difficult to innovate, as long as you coordinate with the weather and seasonal changes, and make good use of different materials."
Ni Da Niangs words were like a refreshing rain pouring down on her head, making her feel a thousand kinds of gratitude and ten thousand kinds of thanks. When she came, she hung her head in shame, but when she left, she was beaming with joy.
Fang Ruo smiled and said: "Its been a long time since Ive seen her so happy, like shes picked up several hundred taels of silver."
The more you care about something, the more afraid you are of losing it. Nai Dang has been serving the princess for many years and is used to being favored. If the princess stops eating her cooking, even if she doesnt need to leave the palace, she will be gradually replaced by newcomers, so she would naturally be worried.
He Lean smiled but didnt speak, Fang Rou said: "Today is the 15th, according to convention, the princess will have dinner with the crown prince and the king of Yue together. Master, you can take a break again." Although the princess liked to eat vegetarian food, she occasionally worshipped Buddha, but she didnt avoid meat and fish.
She said, "Then can I go out for a trip? I want to buy some scriptures and bring them back to the temple to give to my fellow monks." During this time, because of the vegetarian dishes she made, which were all very appetizing, the princess gave her quite a few rewards, including silver notes.
"Youre not a prisoner of the Wang Fu, so its fine. If the Duke of Yue asks, Ill tell him the truth." Fang Rou said with a smile.
He Lean put on the small Buddhist rosary necklace in his bag and went out, avoiding all streets where he might meet acquaintances. He familiarly walked through the alleys to a simple bookstore, bought several sutras, and also asked for a small portion of pen and ink.
She carried a large and small package, winding around the deserted corner, took out her pen and ink, casually dotted on the left cheek, and then dotted on the right eye, put away her things, and walked towards the end of the alley, until she stopped in front of a luxurious mansion, looked up to see the vermilion signboard, written with four neat big characters Si Yibo Fu.
"Amitabha Buddha." He Lean saw the two little servants guarding the door looking at her with suspicion, and piously recited a Buddhist mantra, praying to heaven for a few sentences of scripture. Then she walked up to the little servant, handed him two bright yellow talismans, and said: "The monk happened to be passing by here and found that your mansion is about to have a disaster. Now I give you a talisman for the old master and mistress of the mansion, hoping to keep them safe and healthy. Remember to avoid boats and water for the next two months." After finishing speaking, she floated away without waiting for their reaction.
It can be considered as one less worry now.
He Lean found a water source and wiped away the mole on his face, then happily followed the original path back to the Wang Fu. There, he saw Fang Rui being scolded by an old woman with a black face, while several small maids knelt beside her, crying and begging for mercy.
The two rough men who were supposed to be punished not only didnt reduce their strength, but instead used more force in their beating, while Fang Ruo had already fainted from the severe injuries, her buttocks covered in blood. The sunlight shone on the ground, making the bloodstains appear even deeper and darker, reminding her of the first month after she became a concubine, when she was also beaten to death by the maids under the orders of her elder sister.
