Mrs. Fu chimed in, "You're truly amazing. Not only are you superb at cooking, but you can also make floral hand cream. You're the perfect candidate to be the head chef for the old madam's birthday banquet."
As the mistress of the household, Mrs. Fu smoothly steered the conversation back to the main topic with just a few words.
Hearing this, the old madam said, "What Mrs. Fu said is right. Since Jiaoniang is capable, the birthday banquet will be entrusted to her. As for that Lei Biao, his character is questionable. Get rid of him as soon as possible."
Mrs. Fu was overjoyed. Squeezing out Zhu Lian'er was more satisfying to her than taking a magic pill.
She immediately replied, "Yes, daughter-in-law will handle it right away."
Mrs. Fu and Caizhi left first. Feeling angry, Mrs. Zhu also found an excuse to take her leave.
The ladies asked Jiaoniang to sit down. They bombarded her with questions one after another. Taking this opportunity, Jiaoniang shared several dietary supplements for maintaining good looks. They were both delicious and nourishing, making the old madam wish she could keep Jiaoniang by her side all the time.
As it was getting late and Jiaoniang still had to return to the kitchen to prepare the dishes for the birthday banquet, the old madam and the others reluctantly let her go.
Mrs. Fu acted swiftly. She had already sent Lei Biao and his gang away before Jiaoniang returned.
Only two honest cooks who were not in Lei Biao's clique were left.
Lei Biao failed to land the job of cooking for the Shu Mansion's birthday banquet and was even kicked out by the host.
Before coming, he had boasted to everyone. One could only imagine his predicament when he returned.
Mrs. Fu intended to support Jiaoniang. She specially ordered a few smart servants to spread the news secretly outside the mansion that Lei Biao had plagiarized Jiaoniang's Restaurant.
By then, once Lei Biao was disgraced, let's see if the Zhenxuan Restaurant would still dare to hire him.
Jiaoniang was grateful to Mrs. Fu and Shu Qingnian. She also thanked Aunt Mei and the female chefs who had come to her aid. She pleaded with Mrs. Fu to let Aunt Mei and the others assist her.
With just a glance from Mrs. Fu, Steward Qian knew his place and only followed Jiaoniang's instructions.
Without any interference, and with the help of professional cooks like Aunt Mei, Jiaoniang found everything going smoothly.
Everyone worked together for a full day and night, and finally, all kinds of dishes were prepared.
Soon, the big day arrived. The weather was fine, and the Shu Mansion was bustling with activity. The old madam's birthday banquet was a great success.
The largest commercial firm, bank, and pawnshop in Lingle County all belonged to the Shu family.
The Shu family was even wealthier than the Guo family. So, many nobles and celebrities came today. The new county magistrate, Hui Zhenyu, and his wife, Fang Yunxin, also attended. While congratulating the old madam on her birthday, they highly praised the banquet.
Master Shu and Second Master Shu entertained the guests respectfully and were very satisfied with the birthday banquet.
Master Shu immediately told his wife, Mrs. Fu, "Reward the kitchen staff generously, especially the head chef."
Mrs. Fu was dressed elegantly today, which made Master Shu couldn't help but take a few extra glances at her.
She smiled and said, "You don't need to remind me. I've already planned to do so."
Jiaoniang and the other cooks and maids had their own tables in the backyard to enjoy the feast and drinks.
Aunt Mei and the others were extremely grateful to Jiaoniang. "If it weren't for you, Jiaoniang, we would have been bullied badly by Lei Biao and his gang. We really owe you a lot."
Jiaoniang clinked glasses with them. "Aunt Mei, you're being too polite. If it weren't for you all standing up for me, I might not have been the one left in the end. I'll drink this glass first to express my gratitude for your help."
...
For a moment, everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest. Before they had finished cleaning up, Caizhi from Mrs. Fu's side came.
Caizhi said with a smile, "Madam is busy greeting the guests in the front and can't get away. She sent me here to give you all some hard - work money. Today's banquet was outstanding, and the masters are very proud. She asked me to convey her thanks."
Jiaoniang took it with a smile. The red envelope in her hand was heavy, containing a considerable amount of money.
Before Jiaoniang could put it in her sleeve pocket, Caizhi handed over two brocade pouches.
"This is the lucky money from the old madam, and this red silk brocade pouch was sent by Second Miss through me."
Jiaoniang felt embarrassed to accept so many things and declined, "The salary is already enough. How could I dare to let the old madam and Second Miss spend so much?"
Caizhi insisted that she take them. "This is the masters' kindness. Just take them. Maybe the mansion will hold another happy event next time and will need to invite you again."
Jiaoniang had no choice but to accept. She took out a clean silver coin from her other sleeve. "I'd like to thank you, sister, for taking care of me these days. Take this money to buy some tea. If you have time to go out of the mansion, please come and visit Jiaoniang's Restaurant."
Caizhi was a smart person. She knew that Jiaoniang was grateful to her and also to the grand madam.
So she took it with a smile. "Next time when I accompany the madam out of the mansion, I'll definitely visit your restaurant."
Then, Jiaoniang chatted with Aunt Mei and the others for a while. She promised that as long as they came to Jiaoniang's Restaurant, she would show her best skills to treat them.
This made Aunt Mei and the other cooks burst into laughter. They all said that they would go to Jiaoniang's Restaurant for a meal on their next day off.
After Jiaoniang packed up, Steward Qian personally saw her out of the door.
Jiaoniang thanked him and told him to go back. As soon as she turned around, she saw a carriage.
A tall and handsome man was standing beside the carriage. His good - looking face was filled with deep longing.
Jiaoniang couldn't help but show a charming smile and called out, "Axia."
Then she ran over quickly, jumped up, and hung on Pei Xia.
Pei Xia held her firmly, looking into her eyes. "You're finally out." He missed her so much.
Jiaoniang had been away from him for a day and a night. The last time she was separated from Pei Xia for such a long time was when she lived in the Ye family before their wedding.
She didn't care about the looks of the passers - by. She held Pei Xia's face and gave him a kiss.
Then...
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing two very similar smiling faces.
"Sister Jiaoniang (Sister - in - law)!"
Jiaoniang was both happy and surprised. "Ajin, Ali! Why are you here?"
The two stepped aside, revealing Tang Guiniang's kind and smiling face behind them. "Jiaoniang, we just came into the city from Yinwan. Axia said he was coming to pick you up, so we all came."
Jiaoniang called out "Mother" and felt a bit embarrassed. She immediately got off Pei Xia and gave him a secret glare. "Why didn't you tell me Mother and the others were coming?"
Pei Xia held back his laughter and directly picked her up and put her on the carriage. "You didn't give me a chance to speak."
Jiaoniang was momentarily speechless with anger. Looking at Pei Xia, all that was left was a sweet smile.
After getting on the carriage, Pei Xia drove the carriage. Jiaoniang chatted with Tang Guiniang and the others in the carriage.
"I haven't seen you all for more than half a month. Are Ajin and Ali on leave today?"
"Yes. Mother said that since we're free these two days, we should come and help at the shop..."
Tang Guiniang and the others brought good news this time.
Jiang Yuniang had given birth! She had a daughter!
"It happened the night before last. Coincidentally, her labor pains started in the middle of the night. Fortunately, your elder brother had invited Dr. Gong and two experienced midwives in advance. Otherwise, it would have been really dangerous."
At night, the whole family sat around a hot - pot. Tang Guiniang began to tell the story.
Although she didn't see it with her own eyes, just hearing it made Jiaoniang worried for Jiang Yuniang.
Jiang Yuniang was petite, so giving birth was very difficult for her. Fortunately, both the mother and the daughter were safe.
Her elder brother, Ye Geng, was also a caring husband. He had been with her and taken care of her during her due date.
Jiaoniang was very excited. She even stopped eating her favorite spicy hot - pot. She immediately went back to her room and rummaged through her things to prepare gifts for her little niece and Jiang Yuniang.
She was going to be an aunt for the first time!
On the other side of the table, seeing her mother and aunt chatting happily, Zheng Huier nudged Ye Pa with her elbow and whispered, "Hey, what do you think I should prepare as gifts for Sister Yuniang and the baby?"
Ye Pa had drunk a few cups of wine. He looked at Zheng Huier beside him. Drunk without wine, a happy smile appeared on his face. "What baby? That's... that's our little niece. She's family. It doesn't matter what you give. As long as you show your sincerity."
Zheng Huier blushed. This fool!
She nudged Ye Pa hard, trying to wake him up. "Who's family with you?"
Ye Pa looked up at her. The corners of his peach - blossom eyes were a bit red, but his eyes were clear.
He said, "Huier, do you understand my feelings?"
Zheng Huier met his gaze and suddenly felt at a loss. She only felt her heart beating fast.
She turned her head and took sips of wine. As she drank, her face became as red as rouge. Finally, she made a decision in her heart and a smile appeared on her lips.
When she turned to look at Ye Pa again, this guy had already fallen asleep on the table, drunk.
Zheng Huier: ...