Chapter 100: Chapter 100: They Thought of the Same Thing
Perhaps in Mrs. Xiao’s eyes, Ji Nishang being able to discern food recipes is quite an extraordinary skill.
But if Qu Fulan knew about this, she would certainly be unimpressed.
In fact, this is a skill that even a somewhat competent chef can possess.
The premise is that the chef must be well-versed in all kinds of seasonings.
The basic training for chefs is to become familiar with various flavorings; after tasting and using them enough, they can understand the differences and identify the ingredients during the tasting process later on.
However, they can only identify the ingredients and rely on past experience to estimate the quantities used.
This is the most difficult and impossible to replicate aspect; otherwise, how could there be so many franchise stores in modern times? It’s precisely because it can’t be replicated.
Additionally, if they encounter unfamiliar seasonings, there’s nothing they can do.
Qu Fulan, a person from modern times transmigrated to ancient times, knows that modern cuisine has been refined over generations; the recipes are not just those few ancient types anymore, but possibly a combination of over a dozen ingredients mixed with herbal concoctions.
Ji Nishang finds herself caught at this juncture.
She already sensed something was amiss at the "Flower Garden Ode", besides the seasonings she could identify, there seemed to be other indescribable flavors.
No matter how much she deliberated, she couldn’t deduce the reason.
"How can this be?" she couldn’t help but murmur softly.
She was well-traveled and had tasted many delicacies, and the recipes were usually slightly varied; anything she had tasted, she could definitely figure out the ingredients.
But the cuisine at the "Flower Garden Ode" seemed to have many special seasonings she couldn’t identify.
Mrs. Xiao, without getting an answer, anxiously asked, "Can’t you write it down?"
Ji Nishang put down the pen, frowning deeply, "There are many ingredients I’ve never seen anyone use; hence, I can’t articulate them." After a moment of consideration, she added, "Actually, it’s not a big deal, the ’Flower Garden Ode’ didn’t become famous for its gourmet dishes; the key is milk tea and ’Journey to the West’."
Milk tea is easy to handle; with just a few ingredients, through repeated study and comparison, one can brew the same thing.
As for the taste of the food at "Tingya Building", she could also improve it using her skills.
The remaining issue is the storybook.
"I went to listen to ’Journey to the West’ today; the content is indeed excellent. In the short term, I’m afraid no one can surpass the ’Flower Garden Ode’, unless..."
Mrs. Xiao quickly interjected, "Unless what?"
The business at "Flower Garden Ode", no matter how booming, can only receive a limited number of guests each day.
Aside from attracting many visitors on the opening day for the spectacle, in the following days, other businesses may be somewhat affected, but it’s not to the extent of having no customers at all.
Especially "Tingya Building", which was the leader on Chang’an Street before "Flower Garden Ode" emerged; now it’s forced to be number two and earns much less than before, but compared to others, it’s still alright.
However, Mrs. Xiao is still not satisfied. Her main income source is this restaurant, and with reduced income, she’s certainly not happy.
Ji Nishang said, "Unless we know who wrote ’Journey to the West’ and pay a high price to invite them over."
She had investigated; ’Journey to the West’ was already registered with the authorities, so plagiarism was not an option. However, if the creator was willing to collaborate with them, it would be different.
Such a good book could not only be narrated in restaurants but also published in bookstores, providing another way to make money— a win-win situation.
It shows that Miss Ji indeed has a business mind; at least in this step, she and Qu Fulan had the same thought.
"Madam, the Princely Heir has returned."
Mrs. Xiao had long forgotten the quarrel with her son, holding her niece’s hand, waiting for her son to come and greet her.
She hadn’t seen him the previous day because he wasn’t home, so it got delayed until today.
Ten Thousand Books Bookstore.
Manager Wu, after reading the ’Journey to the West’ manuscript, was so excited his face turned red.
"Once this storybook is published, it can absolutely triumph over all others!"
And after he read this part of the manuscript, he felt that what had been written before was nothing special; to be demotivated over such drafts was truly unjustified.
"I just don’t know who authored this marvelous book. If possible, I really wish to visit them personally."
Qu Fulan coughed gently, "It was written by a senior with the same surname as yours, who passed away long ago."
Manager Wu immediately looked regretful and added, "This book should be passed down through the ages to be truly worthwhile. I wonder what plans you have, miss. I will certainly do all I can to assist."
Qu Fulan briefly shared her plan, then left Ten Thousand Books Bookstore. As her carriage passed by Furui Bookstore, she asked her escort to go in and buy a few of the best-selling storybooks to take back to the Pei Mansion to read.
Four books, costing a total of forty-two taels.
About ten taels per book, which was quite in line with the prices of this era.
Before movable type printing, the expense of books was beyond what later generations could imagine.
For the wealthy, ten taels for a book was just the cost of a meal, but for the poor, it was life-threatening.
Penniless at home, unable to secure books to read, they would have to borrow from homes with collections and copy them by hand.
Qu Fulan returned to the Pei Mansion, but before she could read the storybooks, someone came looking for her.
"Fulan big sister, are you free? The Third Miss would like you to help with something."
Qu Fulan first placed her books back in her room, then asked the maid what kind of help was needed.
The maid spoke up.
It turned out that relatives from the second madam’s family had come, with the granddaughter and nephew visiting too.
The Third Miss was naturally responsible for entertaining her cousin and wanted to entertain her with the best things. While chatting, she mentioned the milk tea, praising how delicious the milk tea made by Fulan was.
The cousin’s name was Cheng Ru, and she had already heard about the milk tea but never had the chance to taste it. Now, being at the Pei Family, she naturally wanted to try it.
Thus, the Third Miss needed to trouble Fulan for assistance.
It’s not a big deal anyway. The old lady has enjoyed drinking milk tea these days, so Qu Fulan made some spares every day. She immediately took one tray over with the maid.
Upon reaching the pavilion, the Third Miss hurried to greet her with an apologetic look, "Sorry for troubling you, sister."
Qu Fulan smiled, "Third Miss, you’re too kind."
As soon as the milk tea was set down, the Third Miss took her hand warmly and introduced, "This is my cousin Miss Cheng, and cousin, this is the Fulan big sister whom I mentioned to you earlier."
Qu Fulan gave a bow, "Miss Cheng."
Miss Cheng was slightly stunned when she saw Qu Fulan. Earlier, she had seen from afar the girl at the front with a small white orchid fan and a slim waist sash swaying in the breeze, just like a celestial being. Upon closer inspection now, her cheeks ripened with litchi, her nose smooth as goose fat.
She even overlooked the tray in her hands, thinking she was perhaps a young lady of the Pei Family. Her cousin’s words now left her utterly surprised.
In the Pei Mansion, could even a maid be so pretty?
Miss Cheng was the most outstanding among her sisters at home and was one of the five beauties in the Capital City. She considered herself better than that Miss Su.
Unexpectedly, she was now outshone by a maid.
"Cheng Ru?"
Qu Fulan’s gesture of courtesy went without response for some time, until the Third Miss, anxious, called out her name.
Cheng Ru finally came back to her senses, smiling at Qu Fulan, "Forgive my rudeness."
Qu Fulan, with an impassive yet friendly smile, showed no sign of concern.
She recognized this Miss Cheng.
For she had been mentioned in the book.