As night fell and the streets grew less crowded, Liao Qiuniang observed the three remaining diners patiently waiting outside her store, contemplating a later closing time.
Just then, a round-faced eighteen-year-old maid approached the store with a warm smile on her face. Liao Qiuniang regarded her curiously, wondering why the young lady seemed so cheerful.
“Storekeeper Liao, I purchased steamed buns from you back in March, do you remember me?” The round-faced girl asked affectionately.
Liao Qiuniang felt a hint of embarrassment. The store had been thriving, and a multitude of customers came daily to buy buns. It was a challenge to recall every person who had visited months ago, let alone someone from over two months back.
“What can I do for you?” Liao Qiuniang inquired with a friendly smile.
The round-faced girl explained, “Well, in March, I accompanied our elderly lady for a leisurely stroll. As we passed by your store, she insisted I buy two buns to try. After tasting them, she became smitten with their flavor. Every few days, she dispatched our servants to stand in line, but our lady always felt that the buns we brought home were not as fresh as the ones right out of your oven. Unfortunately, due to her leg ailment, she can’t go out to purchase them herself. But she couldn’t endure it any longer and finally sent me here to inquire if you would be willing to provide a door-to-door bun delivery service.”
Liao Qiuniang found herself at a loss for words.
The round-faced girl recalled something and added, “Oh, and the elderly lady mentioned that she understands you have a store to run. She said you can come at your convenience, not necessarily during meal times. She doesn’t want to inconvenience you and will compensate you fairly. In addition to the cost of the food, she’s willing to pay ten taels of silver for your efforts. Our master is away on business, and our lady is quite affluent. She’s happy to spend ten taels of silver to satisfy her cravings.”
Ten taels of silver! Regardless of how well her store was doing, Liao Qiuniang couldn’t pass up the opportunity to earn such an amount in a single visit. Who could resist such a tempting offer?
Liao Qiuniang wiped her hands on her apron and inquired, “May I ask where the elderly lady resides?”
“The Wang family of the jade business,” she remarked.
She knew they resided in Osmanthus Alley, which wasn’t too far away. A half-hour trip would suffice, ensuring her business wouldn’t be delayed during the busy noon hours.
“I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Is that convenient for your family?” She inquired.
“It’s convenient. We’ll prepare the ingredients. You can come empty-handed. Oh, here’s a deposit of five taels of silver. Please accept it!” The round-faced girl said as she handed her the money.
Liao Qiuniang wanted to decline, but the girl had already disappeared. An envious diner who had just received their steamed bread commented, “Storekeeper Liao makes delicious food, so you’re lucky. If you secure a few more big orders, you won’t have to worry about opening every day.”
Liao Qiuniang chuckled, “It’s a matter of luck. Having such an opportunity once a year is sufficient; one can’t expect it every day.”
After all the diners had left, Liao Qiuniang closed the store’s door, and she, Lihua, and Meihua began tidying up.
“Storekeeper, what’s your plan for tomorrow?” Lihua asked with concern.
Liao Qiuniang replied, “Tomorrow, I’ll prepare extra steamed buns in advance. When the customers arrive, you two can handle the baking.”
Lihua objected, “I must accompany you. Madam instructed us to look after you when she sent us here. She mentioned that you’re young and attractive and might face harassment. She wants us to protect you.”
Moved by the concern, Liao Qiuniang said, “Alright, you can come with me tomorrow morning.”
At dinner, Liao Qiuniang also discussed the matter with her parents. Her mother expressed some worry, and Liao Shisan remarked, “I’ve heard of the Wang family. Master Wang is in the jade business and has some connection with our master. He’s often away and leaves an elderly lady at home.”
Liao Qiuniang was overjoyed and turned to her mother, saying, “See, everyone thinks it’s alright.”
Liao Shisan chewed his food, considering that the young master of the Wang family was only about ten years old, so there was truly nothing to be concerned about.
Early the following morning, Liao Qiuniang, along with Lihua and Meihua, rose early as usual. After the busiest part of the morning business, Liao Qiuniang and Lihua removed their aprons, washed their hands and faces, and set off with enthusiasm.
At the entrance of Osmanthus Alley, a tall and elegant osmanthus tree greeted them. Several elderly ladies sat beneath it, enjoying the cool breeze. Liao Qiuniang approached to inquire about the Wang family’s residence.
A black plaque bearing the inscription “Wang’s House” hung above the gate of their residence, and Lihua knocked on the door.
The doorman, evidently informed in advance, summoned a young maid and instructed her to lead them directly to the old lady’s courtyard.
Usually, the elderly lady resided in a relatively peaceful courtyard. As Liao Qiuniang and her helper followed the young maid to the rear of the inner house, they didn’t find it unusual.
Upon reaching a courtyard named “Shouchun Hall,” the round-faced servant girl who had paid the deposit the previous night emerged and sent the concierge servant girl away. She then accompanied them to the kitchen with a smile, explaining, “My young master just climbed a tree and had a little mishap. The old lady has gone to attend to him. You can start cooking, and the old lady should be back by the time the meal is ready.”
Observing Lihua’s suspicious gaze toward the kitchen, the round-faced servant girl clarified, “The old lady requested that the meals be prepared uniquely, so she instructed her cooks to retire to the servants’ quarters in advance to prevent any chance of them trying to steal your recipe.”
Lihua’s doubts dissipated. It made sense why the kitchen was deserted. The old lady of the Wang family indeed had exacting standards.