Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2 - Startling Her Husband
Chapter 3 - Conquering Through The Stomach
Chapter 4 - Planting Seeds
Chapter 5 - The Beginnings Of A Small Vegetable Garden And Her Livelihood
Chapter 6 - Suspicious
Chapter 7 - Zhang
Chapter 8 - Into The City
Chapter 9 - Negotiations
Chapter 10 - Silver Hairpin
Chapter 11 - There Are Many Scandals Laid Before A Widow'S Door.
Chapter 12 - What A Calculation! Corn Bread For Meat!
Chapter 13 - Superb Cutting Skill
Chapter 14 - Prey; Die To Survive
Chapter 15 - Dishonest, A Man’S Mind
Chapter 16 - Laugh, This Unkind Woman!
Chapter 17 - Rage, Sudden Rage
Chapter 18 - Sudden Disease; Witch Dance
Chapter 19 - Panic, 100-Day Limit
Chapter 20 - Pipe Dream, Words From A Dog Mouth
Chapter 21 - Life Saved By Gold Needle
Chapter 22 - Wake Up With Red Eyes
Chapter 23 - Drama By A Unique Creep
Chapter 24 - Intimacy, Change Of Addressing Term
Chapter 25 - Heal With An Open Heart
Chapter 26 - Close, Karma Is Coming
Chapter 27 - Dock, Soft As Jade
Chapter 28 - Root Sculpture, Windfall
Chapter 29 - In The Forest, All Together
Chapter 30 - Companion, A Serious Woman Is Most Beautiful
Chapter 31 - Conscience, Losing Both
Chapter 32 - Scene-Making, The Village Head
Chapter 33 - Embarrassment, Thick-Faced
Chapter 34 - Want To Go, No Way!
Chapter 35 - Bias And Calumniation
Chapter 36 - Driving Away, Punishment
Chapter 37 - Nap, The Prettiest Hand
Chapter 38 - Open An Umbrella For A Beautiful Flower
Chapter 39 - Money, Who Doesn’T Like?
Chapter 40 - A Great Idea
Chapter 41 - To Hire People, Elder Wangsan’S Whole Family
Chapter 42 - Hope, An Ox Carriage
Chapter 43 - Revenge, Stones From Above
Chapter 44 - Beautiful Blossoms And Grass, Gentle Wind
Chapter 45 - Kiss, Jealousy
Chapter 46 - Alas, Heaven Forbid Ancient Society
Chapter 47 - : Fair, Cunning Reward
Chapter 48 - Changyou, Three-Sided Attitude
Chapter 49 - Her Whereabouts Is His Home
Chapter 50 - Boiling, New House Completed
Chapter 51 - Rage, Shocking All
Chapter 52 - Theory, Unfilial Son
Chapter 53 - Retribution, Wang Yushan Defeated
Chapter 54 - Gentle Wind, Son Paying Father’S Debt
Chapter 55 - Compensation, A Satisfactory Answer
Chapter 56 - Sob, Shadow Guard
Chapter 57 - Building A Restaurant And Connections
Chapter 58 - Conquer, Laying Foundation For The Future
Chapter 59 - Encounter, Promise
Chapter 60 - Persistence, Uneasiness Of The Su Qi
Chapter 61 - Seventh Young Lord Awed By Mr. Ning
Chapter 62 - Begging And Rejection
Chapter 63 - Bean War
Chapter 64 - Windfall, Root Sculpture Business
Chapter 65 - Victory Of Bean War
Chapter 66 - A Pair Of Disgusting People
Chapter 67 - A ‘Happy’ Ending
Chapter 68 - Jian Qingyou
Chapter 69 - Su Qi’S Change
Chapter 70 - A Visit To Jian Mansion
Chapter 71 - A Sudden Stroke
Chapter 72 - A Strange Old Man
Chapter 73 - Kick Your Ass
Chapter 74 - The 'Happy' Couple
Chapter 75 - Refusal
Chapter 76 - Prepare For Soy Sauce Factory
Chapter 77 - Tong Family
Chapter 78 - Invitation
Chapter 79 - Tong Zijing’S Condition
Chapter 80 - Confession
Chapter 81 - Day One Of Therapy
Chapter 82 - Day Two
Chapter 83 - Uncle Jing
Chapter 84 - Cute Portrait
Chapter 85 - Become An Enviable Man
Chapter 86 - Tell Me Everything
Chapter 87 - Longevity Birthday Noodles
Chapter 88 - Cold Poison
Chapter 89 - Take Him Home
Chapter 90 - Brother-In-Law
Chapter 91 - A Hot Potato
Chapter 92 - Old Madam Jian’S Secret
Chapter 93 - An Amazing Play
Chapter 94 - The Biggest Loser
Chapter 95 - See Through The Vanity Of Life
Chapter 96 - Get Him A Tutor
Chapter 97 - Ji Xuyao
Chapter 98 - Happy New Year
Chapter 99 - Crush-On Of The Ladies
Chapter 100 - I Lose
Chapter 101 - The Story Of Liangzhu
Chapter 102 - The Vulgar Woman
Chapter 103 - Make It Bigger
Chapter 104 - A Decision
Chapter 105 - Would You Marry Me?
Chapter 106 - A Deadly Trap
Chapter 107 - Fall Into The Trap
Chapter 108 - Help Me
Chapter 109 - It’S My Fault!
Chapter 110 - Assassins!
Chapter 111 - Feel-Out
Chapter 112 - Reconsideration
Chapter 113 - Buying Servants
Chapter 114 - Mingyue And Caixia
Chapter 115 - An End Of The Connection
Chapter 116 - Vinegar
Chapter 117 - You Forget?
Chapter 118 - Former Servants
Chapter 119 - Being Forced Out
Chapter 120 - Another Mo Qianxue
Chapter 121 - Dream Broken
Chapter 122 - Chuyi'S Narrative
Chapter 123 - I Don'T Mind
Chapter 124 - A Stupid Thing
Chapter 125 - Poison Triggered
Chapter 126 - An Impasse
Chapter 127 - Plan B
Chapter 128 - Poison Removed
Chapter 129 - Love Palm
Chapter 130 - Nanny Mo
Chapter 131 - Run!
Chapter 132 - The Xie Family
Chapter 133 - Secret Internal Strength
Chapter 134 - Fake Truth
Chapter 135 - Toll The Bell
Chapter 136 - Man Up
Chapter 137 - Lady Is Back
Chapter 138 - The Empress
Chapter 139 - White Silk
Chapter 140 - Beggars In The Way
Chapter 141 - Who Is She?
Chapter 142 - Backbone
Chapter 143 - Grind Her Heart
Chapter 144 - Three Peach Blossoms
Chapter 145 - Old Trash
Chapter 146 - Invitation
Chapter 147 - Don'T You Trust Me?
Chapter 148 - Let Them Do It
Chapter 149 - The Empress’S Parrot
Chapter 150 - Manager Feng’S Report
Chapter 151 - Pay Rise
Chapter 152 - New Arrangement
Chapter 153 - Reshuffle
Chapter 154 - Lu Zhengyang
Chapter 155 - Learn Sword
Chapter 156 - Inside Spy
Chapter 157 - Bait
Chapter 158 - Vice Commander
Chapter 159 - How Did He Die?
Chapter 160 - A Halidom
Chapter 161 - The Seven Days
Chapter 162 - Questioning In The Face (1)
Chapter 163 - Questioning In The Face (2)
Chapter 164 - Questioning In The Face (3)
Chapter 165 - Questioning In The Face (4)
Chapter 166 - Lord Ning Is Here (1)
Chapter 167 - Lord Ning Is Here (2)
Chapter 168 - Peach Blossom Party (1)
Chapter 169 - Peach Blossom Party (2)
Chapter 170 - Peach Blossom Party (3)
Chapter 171 - Peach Blossom Party (4)
Chapter 172 - Dance Competition
Chapter 173 - Poem Competition
Chapter 174 - Fake Servant Girls
Chapter 175 - You, Or Him?
Chapter 176 - A New Master
Chapter 177 - Tea Ceremony
Chapter 178 - The First Talented Lady
Chapter 179 - A Fake Husband
Chapter 180 - A Fake Husband (2)
Chapter 181 - Put Her In Jail
Chapter 182 - Bad Luck
Chapter 183 - Can’T Get Out Now
Chapter 184 - The Emperor’S Reaction
Chapter 185 - The Night Before
Chapter 186 - The Witnesses
Chapter 187 - Mr. Jia
Chapter 188 - The Three Madams
Chapter 189 - Acquired Daughter
Chapter 190 - Impossible!
Chapter 191 - She Is Innocent
Chapter 192 - A Good Opponent
Chapter 193 - New Master Ning
Chapter 194 - Reunion
Chapter 195 - Reunion (2)
Chapter 196 - The Aftermath
Chapter 197 - Comers From Heimu And Ruoshui
Chapter 198 - The Death Of The Founder
Chapter 199 - The Secret Of The Token
Chapter 200 - Tell Him Everything
Chapter 201 - A Visit To Mother (1)
Chapter 202 - The Heartless Master
Chapter 203 - A Startling Conspiracy
Chapter 204 - Ning Shaoqing’S Former Fiancé
Chapter 205 - A Visit To Mother (2)
Chapter 206 - A Visit To Mother (3)
Chapter 207 - Make It Clear
Chapter 208 - A New Chess Piece
Chapter 209 - The First Encounter
Chapter 210 - All Is Worthwhile
Chapter 211 - Her Life-Savior
Chapter 212 - Caught By Surprise
Chapter 213 - Making Invitations
Chapter 214 - Daunt Away Master Mo
Chapter 215 - Mo Sisters
Chapter 216 - Stay Here
Chapter 217 - Junzhu Susu’S Wish
Chapter 218 - A Battle For The Box
Chapter 219 - Lan Ruomeng’S Invitation
Chapter 220 - The Power Of Love
Chapter 221 - The Flower-Appreciating Party
Chapter 222 - Yuwen Hanlei
Chapter 223 - Teach Her A Lesson
Chapter 224 - Two On-Looking Men
Chapter 225 - A Cheap Drama
Chapter 226 - Who Are You, Madam?
Chapter 227 - Slap!
Chapter 228 - Let Old Madam Take Care Of It
Chapter 229 - Make Matches
Chapter 230 - An Interesting Book
Categories Genre: Adventure, All, Drama, Historical, Josei, Ongoing, Romance, Shoujo Status: Ongoing Alternative names: 农门病夫君的娘子, ______
Total Chapters in book: 230
Estimated words: 503134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2516(@200wpm)___ 2013(@250wpm)___ 1677(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 503134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2516(@200wpm)___ 2013(@250wpm)___ 1677(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 230 Page No. 229 Page No. 228 Page No. 227 Page No. 226 Page No. 225 Page No. 224 Page No. 223 Page No. 222 Page No. 221 Page No. 220 Chapter 10 - Silver Hairpin
Chapter 10 – Silver Hairpin
Within Bai Yunju’s kitchen, a server tidied up and selected ingredients that Mo Qian Xue had requested.
“Lady, all the ingredients you seek are right here. You may want to be careful since these are all high quality.”
Although the server’s tone revealed impatience, Mo Qian Xue still showed her a smile of gratitude.
With the help of Sister Fang, Lady Ning was able to prepare four dishes and one soup: these included fishcakes, meatpie, fried lotus root, Qianjiafu stew, and meatball soup.
At this ancient era, fish breeding and poultry raising was not as developed. The recipes that master chefs used with meat were quite primitive, and even meatballs have not yet been invented. Under such circumstances, Mo Qian Xue chose to present these four dishes; they were simple and flavorful, with attractive colors.
While flavor was an important aspect, the appearance was the key to selling. As Mo Qian Xue proceeded to decorate her dishes, Sister Fang’s eyes widened in awe. Never in her life had she seen such a beautiful meal, let alone taste.
“Sister Ning, you have quite a skillful hand! These dishes are so attractive and fragrant, just like a painting. My mouth just waters from wanting to try them!”
Although Sister Fang had helped with the preparation, she only aided with mixing and putting together ingredients. She did not have the actual skill to add those final touches.
Even the waiter stared in a stupor at the beautifully prepared dishes.
It’s not like he had never seen an attractively laid dish before. It’s just that this was the first time he has seen food that was decorated so strangely. And yet the design still made the meal look appetizing.
Mo Qian Xue used a Western style when plating the fresh food and vegetables. It was a modern style of presentation that was usually found in high-end restaurants. Of course they would never have seen this technique.
After their preparation, the dishes were soon sent to the small courtyard, while the women stayed in the kitchen.
A quarter of an hour later, the young serving boy came to the kitchen relaying his master’s invitation.
Mo Qian Xue made her way out, but the serving boy stopped Sister Fang in her tracks. “Sister-in-law, please stay. Only your companion was invited to the courtyard.”
“Why is that?” Although Sister Fang tried to be polite, she still felt displeased that her friend was left to go alone.
A young wife alone with a young man. If that Qi Gongzi didn’t have good intentions, how could she be safe?
Sister Fang hurriedly reached out to Lady Ning.
Mo Qian Xue looked back with calm eyes. She shook her head and said, “Sister Fang it’s going to be okay.”
Fang Fangzi replied in worry, “Alright then, just call out if anything happens.” Lady Ning’s seriousness reminded her that Mo Qian Xue’s goal was to discuss about business. She let go of Lady Ning’s hem, then stared suspiciously at Qi Gongzi who sat under the evergreen tree before heading back in.
When Qi Gongzi saw Mo Qian Xue approach, he put away his fan, sat upright, and gave her a welcoming smile.
Mo Qian Xue bowed in courtesy then swept a glance over the table. Most of the dishes have already been eaten, leaving a few bowls of leftovers. The corner of her lips raised.
I didn’t think that this rich young man would eat so much.
When she gave Qi Gongzi a funny look, he didn’t feel embarrassed in the least. Instead, he unfurled his fan and laughed gently, “The young lady’s craft is very delicious. I’ve eaten until I was very full. What a talent you have!
He continued, “This Gongzi has tasted each of these dishes and I can tell by the appearance and taste that the recipes are high-quality goods. How much do you plan to sell these for?”
Manager Li’s brow furrowed. How could the young master eat so much? If the manager was one who tested the recipes, he would only bother to empty one or two bowls.
Qi Gongzi looked to Mo Qian Xue with inquiry. Mo Qian Xue, in turn, observed his beauty.
He wore expensive clothing, and his adornments were eye-catching and costly. His facial features were delicate and beautiful while his speech was pleasant to the ear. Qi Gongzi swayed his fan gracefully, adding to his luxurious charm.
Mo Qian Xue couldn’t help but stare in a daze.
He appeared too handsome and delicate to refuse!
“Four dishes and one soup adds up to five recipes. Each of these is worth two hundred and twenty silver.”
With this kind of earning, Mo Qian Xue calculated the possibility of opening a soy sauce factory, or even a vinegar factory. If these dishes were served with soy sauce and vinegar, the taste would be even more desirable.
What? 220 silver? A regular menu sold for 232 silver taels is already considered quite a sum. You’re demanding for too high of a price…” When Manager Li heard woman’s selling price, he immediately felt overwhelmed; a chef’s monthly salary did not even exceed 12 taels and yet she dared to ask such an amount.
Mo Qian Xue turned and looked to the rich young man with pride. “Just like Manager Li, do you also think what I’m offering is simply a normal menu? Can your restaurant’s dishes compare with what I have brought? I assume that your young master is quite knowledgeable considering your high status. Have you ever tasted something better than my dishes?”
The village woman composed herself quite calmly before the shopkeeper’s tirade. Trying to haggle with her? As an expert businesswoman, she will never lose.
She continued, “Qi Gongzi’s status must be quite special, not only within this restaurant, but also among the government and other people. Likewise, my recipes don’t have to be limited to this building–I can also sell these to other restaurants who are willing. It goes without saying who gains and who loses such an opportunity.”
Manager Li was angered even more. “You– you’re out of your mind! For a price of 220 taels per dish, even for our Su family…”
“It’s a fixed price, 220 silver, take it or leave it. If Gongzi doesn’t want it, then I’ll just go to Ying Ke Xuan restaurant. I’m sure their shopkeeper would be very interested in this deal.”
When Su Qi Gongzi** witnessed how Li Manager’s thorough defeat in a battle of words, the young master’s eyes twinkled with interest and his smile deepened. He reached out and stopped the shopkeeper from yelling in anger. The young man finally opened his mouth, “Alright, we will accept your price of 220 silver for each recipe. But we must settle things with a contract.”
“We can do as the Young Master wishes.”
“Hearing how eloquent the Miss’ speech is, you must have read many books!”
“This maiden is even more in awe of Gongzi’s manners! Although I have read a few books and know a few words, I can’t even compare to the elegant Young Master.”
Manager Li’s eyes flitted left and right as he listened to their conversation. As he pondered her behavior, he concluded that her mannerisms were not something an ordinary village woman could have. He had a bit of skill in watching people after having managed the restaurant for so many years.
Although the woman claimed to be an ordinary maidservant, her character and eloquent speech made her identity quite a mystery.
Without being aware, the expression on Manager Li’s face had already softened; he was no longer as impatient and arrogant as before.
After all scholars highly treasured while a literate woman was even harder to find. It’s a pity that such an educated woman would be found living in the wilderness while selling recipes.
Su Qi Gongzi stood up smiled. “My requirements are very simple. First, you can’t resell today’s dishes to others. Second, if you come up with new recipes in the future, you should sell them with the same price, and only to our Bai Yun Ju restaurant.”
“Alright, I’ll cooperate with you. I’ll consider you a partner then.”
“…”
When Mo Qian Xue walked out of Bai Yunju restaurant, the first thing she noticed was a jewelry shop not far away. She took Sister Fang with her and went in.
In her past life, it wasn’t impossible for Mo Qian Xue to acquire an exquisite jewelry here and there. Now she can’t even afford to buy gold or jade. She needed to prioritize purchasing silverware and buying cloth to sew two new pieces of clothing.
Instead, Mo Qian Xue chose two carved silver hairpins before leaving the shop. She removed the wooden choptsicks on her hair and replaced them with one of the silver hairpins. Meanwhile, she placed the other hairpin on Sister Fang’s hair, and laughingly said it was a gift.
Sister Fang couldn’t bear to accept it but Mo Qian Xue insisted.
Fang Fangzi didn’t know how much Mo Qian Xue earned from selling the dishes, but a carved hairpin with flowers was worth 452 silver. This was worth so much more than the wooden pins she often wore.
How could she accept such a valuable gift?
Mo Qian Xue looked at her with forlorn eyes. “Didn’t Sister-in-law promise to treat me as a close sister? You’re hurting my heart, you simply don’t want my gift.” Mo Qian Xue’s eyes began to water as she spoke with grievances.
Seeing her beautiful friend cry, Fang Fangzi felt very nervous. This beautiful woman did not know her origins nor her family, and yet she was willing to offer such an expensive gift after earning a bit of money.
After thinking about it, Sister Fang decided to accept the hairpin. If Mo Qian Xue’s husband ever decides to leave, she decided to take care of the young maiden and prevent her from being sold as a slave. So if Mo Qian Xue can’t manage her finances today, then Sister Fang will hold on to this expensive pin, just in case her dear sister needs money in the future.
Fang Fangzi reached to Mo Qian Xue and comforted, “Please don’t cry dear sister. It’s my fault for being insensitive. But you must listen to my advice and take this to heart–if younger sister earns money, you must think of your livelihood and not be wasteful in spending. This will only ruin your family! In the future you can’t do this again!”
Mo Qian Xue’s face brightened up. “Oh I know! Didn’t we say we’d buy fabric for sewing? Let’s go buy some so we can make new clothes for Shuan Zi and Yaya. I also need to make some for my husband and myself”
Mo Qian Xue pulled her friend into a fabric store. Sister Fang was reluctant to pick anything from the store so Lady Ning urged her to quickly choose.
Fang Fangzi shook her head helplessly and finally gave in. It seems that her stubborn sister won’t give up until she picks a fabric.
Total Chapters in book: 230
Estimated words: 503134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2516(@200wpm)___ 2013(@250wpm)___ 1677(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 503134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2516(@200wpm)___ 2013(@250wpm)___ 1677(@300wpm)
______