Full House Spring
Chapter 26 Emerald Ice Moon
Chapter 26 Emerald Ice Moon
Unexpectedly, just as Xiangru turned around and walked back, he saw Zhao Xiaohui suddenly appearing from nowhere.
The corners of her mouth curved in contempt, her eyes seemed to be wrapped with knives, and she said in a bad tone: "It's true that the dog that bites doesn't bark. You secretly flattered Fang Xiali behind Mai Dong's back. Does she know about this?"
Xiangru frowned, looking unhappy, "When did you become so nosy?"
Zhao Xiaohui crossed her arms and said sarcastically, "Do you really think Fang Xiali will help you? How much are those crabs of yours worth?"
Xiangru glanced at her nonchalantly and said indifferently, "The affection between her and me cannot be measured with money."
After she said this, she smiled perfunctorily and then turned and left.
Zhao Xiaohui had never been treated so lightly before. Her face was distorted. She raised her voice and shouted, "Aren't you afraid that I will report you to the old lady?"
Xiangru paused, turned around and said calmly, "What do you want to accuse me of? Xia Li and I have a deep sisterly relationship. Is it a crime to send her some crabs?"
Zhao Xiaohui gnashed her teeth and said, "You ask knowingly. The vacancy of the second-class maid should be filled by the most capable one. Why do you want to take shortcuts?"
Elsholtzia still pretends to be harmless.
"What you said is totally irrational. I have worked in Leshou Hall for two years. Even if I was promoted, it was all due to hard work. Who would take two years to take a shortcut? It's ridiculous."
Zhao Xiaohui was not stupid, but after entering Leshou Hall, she found that life was very different from what she had expected. Apart from doing endless rough labor all day long, she couldn't even see the old lady, so it was inevitable that she lost her composure.
Zhao Xiaohui curled her red lips into a cold smile, "It doesn't matter if you don't admit it, let's just rely on our own abilities to see whether Xia Li is more capable or my sister-in-law is more capable."
After that, she left without looking back. Looking at her leaving back, Xiangru frowned slightly, and a trace of slight irritation crept into her heart.
Zhao Xiaohui ran to the small kitchen holding her breath. Madam Lu was stewing tonic for the old lady. When she saw her, she stood up and went to greet her.
"Why are you here? Are you hungry or are you here to have fun?"
Zhao Xiaohui saw someone looking at them and said impatiently, "Sister-in-law, let's go to your room and talk."
When Madam Lu married into the Zhao family, Zhao Xiaohui was only a month old. She was almost raised in her arms. In addition, she had been childless for many years, so she naturally treated Zhao Xiaohui as her own daughter.
Knowing that she must have something important to discuss, he hurriedly shouted:
"Qiaohe, Qiaohe, where have you been? Go to the kitchen and watch the fire. If you boil away the old lady's tonic, watch out for your skin."
Qiao He was originally picking vegetables. Upon hearing the words, she hurried over and saw Zhao Xiaohui standing there with a gloomy face. She guessed that this girl must be trying to make trouble again. She did not expect that Madam Lu was really controlled by this sister-in-law.
The aunt and sister-in-law lifted the curtain and entered the room. Madam Lu dusted herself off and asked, "What's wrong with you? You're pouting and looking unhappy. Did someone offend you?"
Zhao Xiaohui had no scruples in front of her sister-in-law. She said indignantly, "I just saw Xiangru giving Fang Xiali crabs. Fang Xiali not only accepted the crabs, but also promised to help her get promoted to a second-class maid. Sister-in-law, what do you think I should do?"
Madam Lu was a little confused. "How long have you been here? What does Xiangru's promotion have to do with you?"
Zhao Xiaohui said dissatisfiedly: "Why can she be promoted but I can't? What can I achieve by doing chores like sweeping the house every day? I don't care. I want the position vacated by Yin Zhu."
Madam Lu frowned, "I just brought you in to work here, how can you move so soon? Even if you want to, the matron in charge of this courtyard won't agree."
Zhao Xiaohui said indignantly: "Fang Xiali was bought from outside. Isn't she also a second-class maid now? If she can do it, why can't I?"
Madam Lu had no way to deal with her, so she coaxed her in a docile way: "How can you compare with Fang Xiali? She risked her life to get this position. Don't say you don't have such an opportunity. Even if you do, I won't allow it."
Zhao Xiaohui's face was covered with dark clouds, and she said irritably:
"Sister-in-law, stop saying useless things. Can't you help me think of a solution? If I can win face in front of the old lady, wouldn't it be good for you too? Do you want to keep trying to please Fang Xiali in the future?"
Madam Lu has been in the mansion for many years and her temperament has been polished and smoothed. For her, Fang Xiali is not difficult to get along with. The two have reached a consensus and there is no question of pleasing or not.
Madam Lu said softly, "Fang Xiali is not a petty person. She can't decide the promotion of this maid. It's not your turn based on seniority. If I force you to move up, it may not be a good thing."
When Zhao Xiaohui heard her sister-in-law say this, she yelled angrily, "Why is it not my turn? Among the third-class maids, who is as smart as me? Xiangru is not even worthy of carrying my shoes, why should she be superior to me?"
Madam Lu's ears hurt from her noise, and she said impatiently, "Xiangru has more experience than you after all, so it's only right that she gets promoted."
As soon as she said this, Zhao Xiaohui's face turned pale. Madam Lu was afraid that she would throw a tantrum, so she slowed down her tone and said, "Don't be so angry yet. Xiangru may not get what she wants. Are the two sisters from the Wang family vegetarians again? I say we should just not get involved this time and let them fight over it. You will have a chance when you are older."
Zhao Xiaohui said viciously: "I don't care what they do. Anyway, I will not miss this opportunity. I am already ten years old. If I don't plan well, will I really marry a servant in the mansion?"
Madam Lu really loved her, but she was unwilling to indulge her blindly. She said with a stern face, "Don't make trouble. This matter is not up to you. Just do your job well and don't think about it."
Zhao Xiaohui sneered when she heard this, "Sister-in-law, you are so arrogant. You treat me like this when mother is not around. Aren't you afraid that I will go back and complain to mother?"
Madam Lu had a complicated look in her eyes and sighed, "I am just the chef in the small kitchen. If the old lady gets tired of me one day, someone will take my place. It's not as respectable as you think. I really don't have the ability to do whatever I want."
How could Zhao Xiaohui listen to this? She sneered and said, "I'm afraid sister-in-law doesn't know yet, but my cousin is already pregnant. Wait until she gives birth to a son, and then we'll see what you will do. If you help me this time, I will still support you in the future. If you don't help me..."
Madam Lu's face turned pale and she asked, "What if I don't help you?"
Zhao Xiaohui said fearlessly: "Then I will naturally ignore my sister-in-law. No matter if my brother scolds you or my mother scolds you, I will not plead for you."
Madam Lu's face turned extremely ugly. She said coldly, "Since you insist on doing this, I can only help you. You can't blame me whether it succeeds or not."
Zhao Xiaohui then smiled and said, "My dear sister-in-law, just help me arrange it. Even if it doesn't work, it's good to give them some trouble."
Madam Lu nodded slightly, and Zhao Xiaohui said flatteringly with a playful smile:
"Sister-in-law, please don't be angry with me. I am doing this for our future. Don't worry, even if the young widow gives birth to a son, don't think of showing off at home. I won't let her have an easy life."
Madam Lu looked calm and composed, having already turned all her worries into indifference. She said calmly:
"A harmonious family is the foundation of everything. There is no need for you to deliberately cause trouble. If nothing else, just go back to work." Madam Lu always gave her whatever she wanted, so Zhao Xiaohui didn't think much about it and went back contentedly.
On the other side, Xia Li took the crabs sent by Xiangru and went straight back to the house in the back alley. The old lady had to go to the palace after noon, and grandma could not accompany her to serve her, so she specially allowed the grandparents and grandchildren to go out of the house to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Although he could only stay at home for one night, Xia Li was still very happy. The old lady had been suffering from spleen and stomach deficiency recently, and Doctor Zhong asked her to stop drinking cow's milk. The farm sent too much milk, so the old lady gave it to the maids as a reward.
Xia Li brought home a small bucket of milk. Although she and her grandma were the only ones spending the Mid-Autumn Festival together, she couldn't be careless. She planned to use the ready-made milk to make emerald snow-skin moon balls.
As for the crabs, we have to wait for grandma to come back and see how she wants to eat them. Although Xia Li does not specialize in cooking, she can cook a lot of delicious food. She has filmed several videos related to food. In order to replicate the food, she has read through books and traveled to many places. Those recipes are firmly remembered in her mind.
The kitchen of the house was very clean. It was cleaned by the maid yesterday. When Xia Li came back, he first made condensed milk with milk, and then made snow skin moon cakes step by step.
After Matron Xie had taken good care of the old lady and sent her on the carriage to the palace, she came out of Leshou Hall. In the past, she had not had the interest to celebrate the festival and could do anything by herself, but now that she had a granddaughter, and seeing Xia Li was in high spirits, she could not bear to be perfunctory.
She was carrying a bundle in her hand and just walked to the corner door of the backyard, she saw Steward Chai waiting at the door. Nanny Xie restrained her expression slightly, greeted the door servants and then stepped out of the gate. Steward Chai followed her not far away.
After walking a little further, Manager Chai strode to her side and said in a deep voice, "You have chosen a granddaughter well. At least there is hope for her in the future."
Aunt Xie walked steadily and said calmly, "Don't worry about my affairs. If you have that mind, you might as well make more plans for yourself."
Manager Chai smiled bitterly and said, "I am already so old, what can I do? Seeing you living a good life makes me feel at ease."
Aunt Xie frowned slightly, obviously not appreciating it, "You and I have nothing to do with each other, don't say anything that may cause misunderstanding."
Manager Chai was already used to her attitude and smiled faintly, "I have never said anything nonsense outside. It is because I do not appreciate my blessings. If I had discussed the marriage in the first place..."
Aunt Xie suddenly stopped and said solemnly, "Don't take it for granted. Even if that incident hadn't happened, there would be no possibility between you and me. I don't want to get married at all. Do you understand?"
Manager Chai looked a little embarrassed. He stuffed the thing in his hand into Aunt Xie's hand and said in a deep voice, "This is the reunion cake I bought for Xia Li. Please bring it to her. That girl is very likable and I get along well with her."
Matron Xie was somewhat resistant and didn't want to take it, but Steward Chai stuffed it into her hand and turned away. After all, it was Mid-Autumn Festival and it would be embarrassing for him, so she finally took it home.
When Aunt Xie pushed the door open and entered the courtyard, Xia Li was using a mold to press the moon cakes. She heard the noise and raised her voice to shout, "Grandma, come and see the jadeite ice skin moon cakes I made."
Aunt Xie smiled and said, "When did you learn how to make moon balls? What is ice skin? I have never heard of it."
As she was talking, she had already walked to the kitchen, and was amazed to see the emerald moon-like icy skin that looked like mutton-fat warm jade placed on the tray.
"Is this really an edible moon ball? It's so delicate that I don't know where to start."
Xia Li's eyes and eyebrows were full of joy, and she said in a light voice:
"Of course you can eat it, but the ingredients are limited. There are only two kinds of fillings: red bean paste and lotus seed paste. You can try one first."
Aunt Xie felt very relieved. She said gently, "I'll go wash my hands. Steward Chai asked me to bring you this reunion cake on the way here."
Xia Li was a little surprised and hesitated to say, "Grandma, what is the connection between you and Manager Chai?"
Madam Xie washed her hands, wiped them carefully with a towel, and said calmly:
"When I was young, the old lady wanted to marry me to him. I was reluctant at first, but then I found out that he was having an affair with another girl, so I reported it to the old lady, and the matter fell through. But I don't know why he still holds a grudge against me and has not married or had children for so many years."
Xia Li was a little surprised. He didn't expect the truth to be so simple. It turned out that Manager Chai was just wishful thinking from the beginning to the end.
Aunt Xie didn't take this person to heart. She reached out and picked up the emerald ice skin moon ball. The soft touch made her feel particularly novel. She took a bite carefully, and the soft, dense and silky taste filled her mouth.
"This tastes really good. When it gets dark, we can sit under the osmanthus tree and enjoy the moon."
Xia Li thought so too. She smiled and said, "I made a lot of moon balls. Do you want to give some to the people in the mansion?"
Madam Xie nodded slightly. "Although the old lady has gone to the palace, she will return home later. It is only right to show some respect to her. You can also give some white peony and rock honey to them. The affection is accumulated slowly."
Nanny Xie treated Xia Li sincerely, so she naturally considered everything for her. Xia Li had no objection, and hurriedly found the food box at home and packed the prepared moon cakes first.
"Grandma, we have some live crabs at home. How would you like to eat them?"
While helping to pack the moon balls, Aunt Xie murmured, "Just make a simple crab soup. I'll do it."
Xia Li shook his head and said, "That won't work. You already have a granddaughter, do you still need to cook? Please go and deliver the moon cake. I will prepare dinner at home and I promise not to disappoint you."
Of course, Aunt Xie had no objection. She carried the food box and went back to the mansion. On the way, she met the old sisters and couldn't help chatting with them. She inadvertently showed off her granddaughter's filial piety, and the frowns on her face were piled up into a smile.
Xia Li was busy at home. She not only made crab soup, but also fried bones with rice flour, pickled fish, Dongpo tofu and lotus bird's nest.
Aunt Xie was very happy when she saw the delicious dishes. She took out a pot of deer pear juice and said with a smile, "This is what Aunt Gui from Yize Hall gave me. I wonder if you like it or not."
Xia Li placed the bowl and chopsticks on the stone table and said cheerfully, "I have never tasted this deer pear juice before. I must try it."
The grandfather and grandson sat opposite each other. Xia Li started to eat his chopsticks only after Aunt Xie had taken a bite.
"The crab meat is firm and sweet, really good."
Xia Li explained, "This was sent by Xiangru. She said it was river crabs raised at her uncle's farm."
Madam Xie understood everything immediately and squinted her eyes as she asked, "Is she eyeing Yin Zhu's vacancy?"
Xia Li nodded and chuckled, "Grandma is smart. She took the initiative to show her goodwill, so she must have some ulterior motive."
(End of this chapter)
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