Records of the Cattle and Horses of Chang'an

Chapter 259 The days are getting more and more promising

"Okay, just be quiet!" Old Madam Xia was afraid that they would really touch the thing. Not to mention that it would be a waste, if the thing was damaged, it would be disrespectful to the royal family, and they might be punished!

"Since Nian Nu has been given to you, you two should keep her well and remember how kind she is to you!"

As she spoke, she shooed her daughter and grandson away like chickens, then scooted over to the side, looking at the items while discussing with Jiang Shangxian, "There are twenty-eight kinds of preserved fruits and vegetables, and twenty-eight kinds of pastries. While the quantity of each isn't large, it adds up to a lot. It's so hot right now, and these things won't keep well. They'll go bad in a couple of days."

Jiang's mother was also troubled by the sight of all the food: "Even if we hang a basket in the well, I'm afraid it won't be able to hold so much. What should we do?"

"Just send some out."

Jiang Shangxian had already figured it out. How could they finish all this food in one sitting? If the family didn't have a proper meal and only ate this, they could probably finish it, but who could stand eating this alone and then having a full stomach?

"Pick out two pieces of each, pack them up and send them to the Cui Mansion, and then make another copy and send it to the Jiangxia County Prince's Mansion." Giving it to the Cui family was mainly to show her future mother-in-law. She was not bragging, and the reward from His Majesty had arrived.

The reason for giving it to Li Xueyan was to express gratitude: "Take two more jars of imperial wine and send them to the Jiangxia County Prince's Mansion. Old Fan, thank you for making two trips."

She actually wanted to ask Lao Fan to ride Xiongba, but thinking of Lao Fan's speed and Xiongba's long-term laziness, she shut her mouth silently - when this dead horse is lazy, no one can walk faster!

Old Madam Xia pursed her lips and smiled: "It's time to send some to Madam Cui as well, so that she can share in the good fortune."

"It's just..." She was a little puzzled: "Why was it sent to the Jiangxia County Prince's Mansion?"

How come there are two more jars of imperial wine than given to the Cui family?

Jiang Shangxian washed his hands and began to pack them, while telling them about Li Xueyan's help. Old Madam Xia clasped her hands together and began to speak in a serious and superstitious manner: "May the blessings of the Lord be infinite, thanks to you."

"Yes, thanks to her, otherwise the food wouldn't be delivered to His Majesty." Jiang Shangxian stuffed a piece of dessert into each of his younger brother and sister. "Can you enjoy the dessert to your heart's content now? Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to avoid damaging your teeth."

"Sister, the snacks in the palace are just better than those outside." Jiang Wangri stuffed one into his mouth, and then hurriedly took another one in his hand. Most children are like this, very greedy.

Xia Zhenying, who was much more refined than him, ate carefully with one hand, taking small bites: "Of course, all the good things in the world are in the palace!"

"It's delicious. I've never seen these kinds of dishes before."

Old Lady Xia also took a few pieces for Jiang's mother and Old Fan to share. The Jiang family was an ordinary family and did not have the habit of employing servants. They never treated Old Fan as a servant when he was here, but just as a friend who came to help. They remembered to share any good things with him.

Lao Fan's eyes narrowed as he ate, and he said, this man has moved up to a higher position, he has changed his job, and the food he eats is much better than before!

After distributing the snacks and moving everything in place, Jiang Shangxian was set to be late for work. Fortunately, Shopkeeper Wang no longer cared about her being late, leaving early, or taking vacations. He was a little surprised to see her coming: "I thought you weren't coming today, but is there something going on at home?"

Jiang Shangxian chuckled and gave him one of the oil-paper packets in his hand. "Early this morning, the eunuchs from the palace came to deliver His Majesty's reward. Shopkeeper Wang, please try it."

"what?!"

Shopkeeper Wang, who was originally casually preparing to chat with her, immediately stood up straight, and even the movement of holding the oil-paper bag in his hand seemed cautious: "Your Majesty's reward? This is Your Majesty's reward? Ouch, ouch..."

His voice got lower and lower, and he leaned his head closer, resting his elbows on the counter, as if afraid of being heard. "Is this really a reward from His Majesty? How could His Majesty give me a reward?"

"Didn't you make some snacks earlier?"

Jiang Shangxian cooperated very well and leaned over, lowering his voice. "His Majesty saw Wu Niang from the Prince of Jiangxia's mansion eating it, and the nobles in the palace also liked it, so I asked her to pass on the recipe. His Majesty probably liked it, so he gave some food as a reward."

"Oh my! This is great news!"

Having roughly understood the situation, Shopkeeper Wang's mind raced. He raised his voice, then lowered it again, glancing around, and asked, "Can this be told to anyone?"

If they could tell others about it, the reputation of their Lexianlou would be even higher.

"sure!"

Jiang Shangxian nodded. When someone came to the palace, they didn't do it secretly. The one with the loud voice would be known to the neighbors next door. What was there to hide?

When she came out, Jiang's mother was about to go out to buy firecrackers and pig heads to liven up the atmosphere!

We have to bring out the incense table to tell Jiang's father, who has already passed away, that the family's life has become more and more hopeful since he passed away. No one in the Jiang family has received any reward from the emperor for many generations!

Father Jiang's spirit tablet also needs to be moved, and the imperial edict must also be enshrined together.

In other words, the Jiang family does not have an ancestral hall, otherwise the imperial edict would definitely have to be announced in the ancestral hall to inform all the ancestors.

Shopkeeper Wang, a daily worker, perked up immediately. His droopy eyes widened, and he couldn't help but clap his hands vigorously, shouting, "Great, great, great! Master Jiang! Great!"

Jiang Shangxian felt a little guilty. Her next task was to open a restaurant. If she opened it, she would be competing with Lexianlou for business. As an innocent college student who had not experienced the harshness of society, such a thing made her feel like a traitor deep in her heart.

"Then... Shopkeeper Wang, I'll go to the back first."

When Jiang Shangxian didn't know how to deal with it, he decided it would be better to take shelter for a while. Things will work out when the time comes, and he can deal with it later!

When the three disciples heard that she had received a reward from His Majesty, they jumped higher and higher. Of course, the one that jumped the lowest was the royal bowl. Because of its tonnage, it would have been impolite if it jumped higher.

Zhou Ying carefully unwrapped the oil-paper package. He was thin, and his face wrinkled when he smiled. "Master, we are going to be very rich in the future. His Majesty has given us a reward. I have never heard of any chef outside receiving such a reward from His Majesty!"

Wang Wan, drooling as he stared at the oil-paper bag, nodded repeatedly, "Second Junior Brother is right. From now on, when our sect goes out, we will be more impressive than other chefs!"

He was already thinking about the rising vegetable prices. The chef who had been rewarded by His Majesty was just one word - awesome!

It would be a shame not to raise the price when it’s so great!