Chef Hua
Chapter 529: Episode 285: The Trouble Caused by Spicy Ginger Duck Strips

Chapter 529: Episode 285: The Trouble Caused by Spicy Ginger Duck Strips

After the arrival of autumn, Fire Knife Village gradually became bustling with activity.

After a summer’s rest, with the cooler weather, the villagers once again started to busy themselves with plowing and planting.

It was the season for sowing winter wheat, and the fields were once again a hotbed of intense activity, with laughter and shouts resounding throughout the day. Daoxiang Garden was surrounded by fields; in the morning, when Madame Yang and the others arrived, they saw the hardworking farmers on the ridges from their carriage, and they discussed it at length, clucking in admiration and laughing heartily at the uncouth village dialect, finding it most amusing.

In recent times, on the small road in front of the restaurant, the bustle and noise had been unceasing, to which Hua Xiaomai had long since grown accustomed; but today’s clamor seemed somewhat different from usual.

It had just passed noon, and most of the farmhands were only now having their meals, which should have been the prime time for banter and cheeky jokes, exchanging stories and bursting into hearty laughter, creating an atmosphere that ought to be very lively and joyous, but now...

The intermittent noises that carried over were clearly someone making a scene, weren’t they?

Indeed, making a scene, even without witnessing it firsthand, Hua Xiaomai could probably guess what kind of situation it was there now.

It was as if someone, while cursing and swearing up a storm, was rolling around on the ground non-stop, hell-bent on fighting someone else to the death, with others chiming in supports even though she couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying, their tone was certainly furious as if they wanted to tear someone to pieces.

...There was also laughter, but however one listened to it, it seemed like the sound of onlookers who enjoyed watching the excitement without worrying about the magnitude of the situation, roaring with laughter.

Madame Yang clearly heard the commotion too, and while she had been speaking with Hua Xiaomai, she suddenly stopped, a hint of confusion on her face, "What’s... what’s going on?"

Hua Xiaomai hurriedly gave her an apologetic smile and pulled Xiu Miao aside, whispering instructions.

"Go to the front and see what’s happening, after understanding what’s the matter, there’s no need to tell me for now, just inform Chun Xi and La Mei, and let them handle it with care. If it has nothing to do with our household, quickly dismiss those people making trouble at our doorstep, we won’t allow them to make a racket here. If it relates to us... I can’t leave right now, have the ladies stall for time, and if they really can’t hold them back, send Qing You to Zhenwei Garden to ask for Uncle Pan’s help."

Pan Ping’an was slick and a bit crafty, and after all, he had done business in Provincial City for quite a while. Although he had not made a significant name for himself, dealing with this kind of minor trouble of people causing scenes should be within his capabilities.

Xiu Miao quickly nodded her agreement and scurried out of the garden.

Madame Yang turned towards Hua Xiaomai, and seeing that she still wore a slight smile, she asked with what seemed like genuine concern, "What’s the matter? Are you alright? It sounds quite serious!"

"No trouble at all," Hua Xiaomai replied with a smile, shaking her head, "It’s the busy farming season, and there are more people around the edges of the fields, which inevitably leads to some trivial household disputes. I reckon they’ll stop after quarreling a bit and won’t make too much of a fuss. Besides, this garden is fenced, with employees at the front, and ordinary people can’t easily get in."

Only then did Madame Yang feel relieved, turning her head and saying to the rest of the ladies somewhat nonchalantly, "This is quite normal, not just in this village. Even where we live in the city, aren’t such quarrels both big and small commonplace? Don’t bother about them, let’s enjoy ourselves."

Seeing the women nodded in agreement, Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips and smiled, nodding her head, then turning to Madame Yang, she said, "Lady, didn’t you just mention wanting to take a look at the bamboo grove? I think we shouldn’t wait any longer; since there’s no one else there now, how about I accompany you all for a walk? If you find the place to your liking, we can move our gathering there, and I’ll go to the kitchen later to prepare a couple of hot dishes."

Madame Yang understood her implication and did not decline. She smiled and agreed, and the group made their way, not needing to leave the garden, but rather walking around from behind the fish pond directly into the bamboo grove.

That day, Madame Yang and the other ladies had a delightful time in Daoxiang Garden, not leaving until the afternoon. Before departing, one or two of the women told Hua Xiaomai to inform them immediately if the banquet was to be held there.

Hua Xiaomai, preoccupied with the incident that occurred at noon, nonetheless had to entertain them as best as she could. After finally sending the group off, she hurriedly rushed to the main hall of the restaurant.