She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 127 - 126: What’s in the Little Basket?

Chapter 127: Chapter 126: What’s in the Little Basket?

With Qi Younian’s testimony, Nanny Jin still turned her incredulous gaze toward Ye Xinyan. Just yesterday, she had seen several buckets of cow’s milk that had already spoiled; it was clear that they were no longer usable.

As a genuine ancient, Nanny Jin had once been deeply concerned about how to deal with the abundance of cow’s milk produced by several dairy cows at the dairy farm, and she had also seen the milk barrels stored in the dairy barn. The weather at this time of the year wasn’t yet cold, it was only slightly cool at most, and in her eyes, leaving milk untreated for such a long time could only lead to spoilage and eventually being poured out.

Although Ye Xinyan had mentioned many times that leaving the cow’s milk untouched would allow the cream to separate from the milk, Nanny Jin didn’t quite believe it and didn’t take it to heart.

Could it be that it was actually proven that her young mistress could really extract that thing called cream from the cow’s milk? Nanny Jin’s doubtful gaze drifted back to Ye Xinyan.

Ye Xinyan said proudly, "How about that? Didn’t expect it, did you?"

"But... those buckets of cow’s milk seemed... really... to have gone a bit sour."

Nanny Jin started to doubt her own eyesight or memory. Could it be that her memory was failing due to her age? She wanted to taste the buttercake again, but as soon as she thought of it, she saw Qi Jia sitting on the heated brick bed eyeing the cake voraciously, and she gave up on the idea.

Ye Xinyan looked at Nanny Jin’s puzzled expression and laughed, "Nanny Jin, don’t be troubled. There is still some cream left for today, enough to make a few cakes. Tomorrow, you can take this cream to the store. The method is very simple, just replace the cow’s milk and cooking oil we usually use for making cakes with enough cream."

Nanny Jin’s eyes widened as she asked, "Is the method for such delicious cakes really that simple?"

"Yes," Ye Xinyan nodded, "it’s that simple. Many foods are like this, what matters is not the skill but the refinement of the raw ingredients. Just take the cream to the shop and try making it. Our storeroom will have fresh cow’s milk every day, and every day there will be cream that has fermented well and is ready to be separated for the small store. Although the quantity isn’t much, the cream is rare, and the cake will inevitably be expensive. Besides wealthy households, ordinary families won’t buy it often, so our cream should be enough."

Qi Jia, who was sitting on the heated brick bed leaning against Qi Younian, watched Ye Xinyan talking and hesitated several times to speak, troubled about whether to remind his sister. If he shared the household’s cake with Brother Sanshun and Big Aunt tomorrow, there would be no cake left for him. But it seemed that the small eatery’s business was even more important.

Qi Jia pouted a little aggrievedly and decided not to remind his sister after all. It was right to take the cream to the shop to do business and earn money to support the family.

Ye Xinyan of course noticed Qi Jia’s changing expressions and was pleased he chose to remain silent.

Qi Jia had been away from the Qi Family Third Branch for some days now, and though his emotional wounds could not be said to have healed, his mood and reactions to daily life were gradually returning to normal. From then on, it was necessary to raise him to be a lively and responsible child, and to ensure he did not grow into a selfish personality that only cared for himself and was self-centered.

Ye Xinyan wanted to fulfill Qi Jia’s desire for the buttercake, which she considered a trivial wish. Yet, she still did not change her mind; when she took him to Lady Xu’s the next day, she would still bring the leftover piece of cake from home for him to share with others.

The next morning, after breakfast, Nanny Jin filled small jars with the cream that needed to be taken along and waited for Qi Ercheng and two others to go to the county town’s small eatery by oxcart at the entrance to the village to try making the buttercake that Ye Zi had mentioned.

Today, Ye Xinyan needed to deal with the fermented milk that had the cream removed. After sending off Nanny Jin, she took Qi Jia as they had agreed the day before to Qi family’s main branch. Of course, she also brought the large piece of cheese-flavored buttercake left from the day before.

Ye Xinyan led Qi Jia into the main branch’s courtyard, just as Lady Xu came out of the kitchen.

Ye Xinyan hurriedly greeted her, "Good morning Big Aunt, I’m sorry to trouble you again. I have things to take care of today, and I need to ask you to look after Qi Jia."

Qi Jia also called out, "Big Aunt" following Ye Xinyan.

Lady Xu smiled, took Qi Jia’s small hand, and said, "Ye Zi, you’re so polite. It’s just watching the children play; it’s not a bother at all. Our little Jiajia is so obedient and sensible, I can’t tell you how easy he makes it."

While talking, Lady Xu noticed the small basket Qi Jia was carrying and asked with a smile, "What’s in Jiajia’s basket? Did you bring a new toy to play with Brother Sanshun?"