northernbook Chapter 66 The Magistrate Invites You
Chapter 66 The Magistrate Invites You
Manager Chen followed Tian Tian to the steamed bun shop and immediately smelled a rich aroma.
Steam filled the shop, and the freshly steamed buns were plump and white.
Tian Tian asked Lu Tao to pack two steamed buns.
"Manager Chen, please try our newly made steamed buns and see how they taste," Tian Tian said confidently.
Shopkeeper Chen took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, took the paper bag, and took out the steamed buns.
His eyes lit up as soon as he took a bite. "This...this bun is so fragrant with meat, rich but not greasy, it tastes really good."
After saying that, he picked up another one, and after biting into it, he tasted the delicate fragrance of bean curd skin.
He nodded repeatedly, "Young lady, you have a really unique idea! This bun is special and delicious."
Seeing his satisfaction, Tian Tian seized the opportunity to say, "Manager Chen, since you think the steamed buns taste good, then... Ganzhou is a vast place with a large population, so they should be very popular."
"Why don't you take some with you and try it?"
"The holidays are coming soon, so it can be given as a gift."
Upon hearing this, Manager Chen's excitement was replaced by contemplation.
He frowned slightly. "But... miss, these buns are good, but they contain meat, so they might not keep well."
"Although Ganzhou Prefecture is very close to Yunzhou Prefecture, even by the fastest horse and carriage, it would take three days. I'm afraid... we wouldn't be able to preserve such a good taste and texture."
His concerns are valid.
However, Tian Tian was confident, "Manager Chen, you can rest assured about this."
"Our shop has a unique preservation method that allows the buns to retain their original aroma and taste when they are delivered to Ganzhou Prefecture."
"If you have an ice cellar, you can preserve it for seven to ten days; if you don't have an ice cellar, you can preserve it for five days."
"Really?" Manager Chen was a little surprised and doubtful. "It takes three days to travel from Baishi County to Ganzhou Prefecture..."
"Don't worry, Manager Chen," Tian Tian nodded.
"Try selling it first. If it sells well and you plan to operate it long-term, we can also build a workshop in Ganzhou Prefecture."
"I can even teach your guys how to make steamed buns, and I guarantee the taste."
"In short, as long as the steamed buns sell well, everything can be solved."
Upon hearing this, Manager Chen's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly.
"Then I'll buy some to try."
Tian Tian checked the stock of bean curd sheets at home.
We've already saved up 3,000 jin of bean curd sheets, and in another ten days we'll have collected 5,000 jin.
"Ten days later, the bean curd sheets will be delivered. Ten days later, our horse-drawn cart carrying the buns will set off with you."
*
In the afternoon, Lu Tao and Liu San Niang continued to make and steam buns.
Some of the steamed buns were left to cool on the counter, while others were kept warm in the pot.
If someone comes to buy, take it from the pot.
Those that have cooled down are packed in paper bags and frozen in the refrigerator.
"Young Madam!" Xiao Si suddenly came over, "Master and Madam are back."
He hurriedly picked up Chu Qian and then took Chu Yao from him, saying, "Young Madam, I'll take them back first."
He ran a few steps, then stopped. "Master and Madam went to the county government to pay the fine, and the magistrate said the young master can be released tomorrow."
There are only three restaurants in Baishi County, and Li Huaiyuan still hopes that they can make a living.
Therefore, they did not make things too difficult for Chu Wang.
No matter why merchants come to Baishi County, they can't escape the two things: food and lodging.
As for accommodation, besides guesthouses, there are also private residences available for rent in the county.
For food, there are three restaurants and some small vendors.
The fact that the bean curd skin attracted so many traveling merchants gave him hope.
Just as Xiao Si ran off, a series of hurried footsteps came from the shop entrance.
A tall yamen runner led two people over. "Which one of you is Miss Tian Er?"
Tian Tian frowned and came out of the shop. "I am..."
"The magistrate requests your presence, young lady. Let's go." The yamen runner said solemnly.
Lu Tao and Tian Xiang came out from behind the counter. "Sir, Tian Tian hasn't done anything wrong. Why are you taking her away?"
The bailiff frowned. "This is the magistrate's order."
Liu San Niang also quickly came out of the shop, "Sir, our young lady can't go with you without thinking it through."
"You'd better explain yourself clearly, what does the county magistrate want with Tian Tian?"
Tian Xiang stepped forward. "Yes, we can't just arrest people without any evidence, can we?"
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang said in unison, "Yes!"
Tian Jinghe hugged Tian Tian tightly, and Da Ya also stood beside Tian Tian.
Everyone's gaze was firm!
The constable, clearly surprised by the large number of people protecting Tian Tian, was momentarily speechless before finally managing to stammer, "I...I didn't say I wanted to arrest her, I meant...the county magistrate invited her to..."
Tian Xiang was taken aback. It seemed that what the yamen runner had said at the beginning... was indeed asking Tian Tian to come over.
So...they all misunderstood?
Tian Tian felt a warmth in her heart. "Mother, Aunt, Eldest Sister, the county magistrate invited me, he didn't arrest me, so don't worry."
Even so, Tian Xiang was still worried. "Sweetie, I'll go with you."
Lu Tao held Tian Tian's hand, "Mother will go with you."
Tian Tian looked at Tian Xiang and said, "Sister, why don't you come with me?"
For some reason, she felt that the magistrate's visit to her might be related to Chu Wang.
After all... Master Chu and Madam Chu had just returned.
Lu Tao nodded repeatedly, "Alright, then let your eldest sister go with you."
Tian Xiang accompanied Tian Tian to the county government office. Along the way, she maintained a serious expression and a wary look in her eyes.
Tian Tian seemed much more relaxed.
Upon arriving at the county government office, the two were taken directly to the main hall.
In the main hall, Li Huaiyuan sat at the desk, his expression kind and gentle.
A man who looked like a clerk was standing next to him.
"Miss Tians," Li Huaiyuan spoke first, his tone quite gentle, "Thank you for coming all this way."
Tian Xiang and Tian Tian exchanged a glance, then bowed, saying, "Lord Li, you're too kind."
"Please take a seat, both of you."
Li Huaiyuan's politeness made Tian Tian and Tian Xiang feel flattered.
The two sat at the lower end of the table, waiting for Li Huaiyuan to speak.
"Ladies, I've invited you here today because I have something to discuss with you."
Tian Tian raised her eyes. "Lord Li, please speak frankly."
Li Huaiyuan didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point, "Miss Tian, recently some merchants have come to Baishi County. They're not just passing through; they've come specifically to Baishi County."
"Just so I could try the bean curd skin from Baishi County."
Tian Tian nodded slightly; that was indeed the case.
"There are only three restaurants in our Baishi County, and currently only Fulai Restaurant has bean curd skin."
"What this county official wishes to discuss with the young lady is..."
"Could you also supply the bean curd sheets made in your family to Chuxing Restaurant and Baiwei Restaurant?"
Tian Tian was slightly taken aback.
Li Huaiyuan continued, "The young lady's bean curd skin is now famous far and wide, and only Fulai Restaurant sells it. I'm afraid we won't be able to accommodate so many traveling merchants who come specifically to try it..."
"Perhaps..."