She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 334 - 333 Strong Tea Soup

Chapter 334: Chapter 333 Strong Tea Soup

Ye Xinyan was employing modern labor practices. In ancient times, people didn’t take a three-day break; from New Year’s Eve to the fifteenth day was the New Year celebration. Because the rest period was so long and to avoid drawing too much attention to their employment methods, workers who worked in both businesses were paid an additional fifty percent of their wages for the sixteen days and another fifty percent from the first to the fifth day of the lunar year.

Although ancient folks valued celebrating the New Year, the reality of tough and difficult lives couldn’t be ignored. Once Ye Xinyan announced her arrangement, the workers’ spirits immediately soared, with most indicating they had no plans to rest. Only a few who lived far away would return home for a few days before hurrying back to work. Some even volunteered to cover the shifts of those who were resting, willing to work for all twelve shichen.

Ye Xinyan was taken aback by this situation, regretting the effort she had put into those days. If she had known how much everyone loved overtime, why not just throw silver at them? As for the overtime pay, since she only held a thirty percent stake in the Dairy Products Store, even if she did have to pay, Jinrong and Jiang Yifan would bear the brunt of it.

Almost immediately after Qi Younian, Wan Yan also rushed back from the capital city. In addition to bringing back good news from the capital, he brought back many exquisite items: silk, furs, full sets of porcelain, ready-made clothes, hats and shoes, and household decorations—more than enough. Nowadays, in the middle of winter with no fear of food spoilage, there were even three carts loaded with various food ingredients and dried fruits pastries among other things. All of these formed an impressive convoy back to Qingyuan County.

Of the three carts filled with ingredients, two didn’t stay in Qingyuan County and were directly led by Hongzhi, delivered to the Qi family in Clear Water Village.

Ye Xinyan, looking at the two well-tied and fully loaded carts, asked Hongzhi with puzzlement, "What’s all this for? How many carts of ingredients did Sixth Master bring back? Surely not all of what Wan Yan brought back is food, right?"

Hongzhi handed the reins to Song Ping, smiled awkwardly, and after a bow, said, "No, while it was quite a lot, there were only three carts of food. One cart was shared by Sixth Master and Lord Jiang, and these two carts are for Old Master Qi here."

"Why would my family receive so much?" Ye Xinyan pressed on. The Qi family was different from Jinrong and Jiang Yifan; even if they were counted, each family should at most get an equal share. So why did her family end up with extra?

Hongzhi’s expression grew even more embarrassed as he laughed apologetically, saying, "Sixth Master mentioned that during the New Year, the markets will close for business, and everyone will return to their own homes to celebrate. With Sixth Master and Lord Jiang staying in the county, it will be rather lonesome. So... they might impose upon your residence for some time."

Ye Xinyan stared at him, realizing the grand scheme - it seemed like an unsolicited burden for her family. Without any notice, they just sent over food and now they were going to dine at her home?

Qi Younian and Hongzhi exchanged greetings, then with a hearty laugh, said, "Sixth Master and Lord Jiang are too polite, they’re not outsiders. If they find the county too desolate, they should just come over. During the New Year’s celebration, surely we won’t run short of food."

Watching her grandfather making only a perfunctory invitation and then calling Song Ping along with a few old woman servants and young male servants to start untying the ropes and unloading the items, Ye Xinyan couldn’t help but pout—it seemed her standing in the household was dwindling.

Nanny Jin cleared her throat softly and then gave her a lingering look. Though expressionless, the reminder was very clear.

Seeing Miss Ye immediately straighten her expression, Nanny Jin smiled and approached Hongzhi, "It must be cold traveling all this way in this freezing weather, isn’t it? Young man, come inside and rest for a while. We just made fresh milk tea, both sweet and savory, fragrant and hot—drink a couple of bowls and you’ll warm up right away."

Nanny Jin had held a favorable impression of Hongzhi ever since he helped them out at the snack shop earlier and was always warmly hospitable whenever they met.

Hongzhi quickly smiled in response, "Such a coincidence! It seems that I’m pretty lucky." It’s great to have Old Master Qi and Nanny Jin back; without them, Miss Ye doesn’t take anyone seriously and acts without reservation. It was tough for him whenever he had to do business in the village. But now it’s finally better, someone’s making decisions.

Hongzhi cheerfully followed Qi Younian into the reception hall to sit down. Nanny Liu asked about the preferences of Hongzhi, Qi Younian, and Cheung Wusi, and then instructed the maids to bring over the kettle of warm milk tea from the small stove, pouring a bowl for each of them.

Nanny Liu was confident in her freshly brewed milk tea, standing by, waiting for Hongzhi’s reaction. If he liked it, she could suggest that he brew some for Sixth Master to try. Drinking a bowl or two of thick and fragrant milk tea on a winter day would be very comforting.

Especially after growing tired of meat dishes, drinking a bowl of milk tea could instantly make one feel refreshed.

Hongzhi took the bowl with a slight cream-brown color, first smelling the intriguing aroma. Then, he took a sip, nodded his head, as the sweet taste of milk beautifully blended with the tea flavor—quite good.

He looked up at Nanny Liu and complimented, "Did Nanny brew this? It’s really good. Such a rich fragrance, with the tea flavor infused within, it’s indescribably delightful."

Nanny Liu smiled and said, "This was a chance encounter by the Young Lady with a merchant selling coarse tea in the county. They were trading post-fermented tea leaves, which, though rough with large leaves and stems and a dark color, make for a surprisingly good taste when boiled with cow’s milk. When you have a moment, try the savory version; it’s also quite pleasant."

Qi Younian also laughed, "I too just tried this tea soup when I returned this time, and the taste is indeed good. Ye Zi brought back a lot of tea, so if you’re accustomed to it, feel free to take some coarse tea back with you. The milk tea is easy to make and not difficult to learn. You and your friends can enjoy it, and if Sixth Master doesn’t mind, ask him to give it a try too."

"Sure, having such fragrant tea to drink is the best, I won’t be shy— I’ll definitely ask the Old Master for some to take back," Hongzhi replied with a smile.