Shen Miao narrowed her eyes and raised five fingers:
“Fifty coins.”
“How can that be possible!”
Wan Wunai waved her hands repeatedly.
But Shen Miao had inquired with several cat and dog dealers before coming here, and she had done her homework.
In the Song Dynasty, the trend of keeping dogs was prevalent.
In the south, some valuable breeds could even cost several guan.
However, the dogs sold by Wan Wunai were neither fierce Tibetan Mastiffs, nor Persian dogs from Persia, nor the famous hunting dogs known as Fine Dogs.
These were just ordinary puppies for guarding the house, which should normally cost only a few dozen coins.
After bargaining for a long time, Shen Miao finally got the price down to sixty-two coins, and also received a bag of dog food as a bonus.
Yes, during the Song Dynasty, there were already pet – related services.
Pet shops would also prepare all kinds of “miscellaneous goods” needed for cats and dogs.
For example, dog shops would sell malt dregs (a kind of dog food made by boiling grains); cat shops would also sell eels or pig intestines; and fish shops would supply shrimp.
[Note] At this time, there were even services for cat and dog bathing and grooming, which were called “changing the appearance of cats and dogs.”
Now that Shen Miao had bought this dog, Wan Wunai also instructed her:
“My shop is located twenty some zhang to the south of Ma Xing Street. There is a sign with a green background and a yellow dog head. That’s my shop”.
“If you want to buy a doghouse, wash the dog, or change its appearance in the future, just come to my shop. I have excellent skills in cutting dog hair!”
And also, if this puppy is not fed properly and has any problems, just bring the dog to me. Don’t just treat it casually or throw it away. I know a very skilled cat and dog doctor, who is called Wen Shiqi”.
“Her veterinary clinic is right next to my shop. She has saved countless dogs. Remember, remember!”
Shen Miao nodded and kept it in mind.
She thought to herself that Wan Wunai was a rare kind hearted person.
After wandering around for a while longer and finding nothing else to buy, Shen Miao went home with the puppy in her arms.
Who would have thought that there were already two figures lingering at the doorstep.
Shen Miao quickly approached. Zheng Neizhi heard the footsteps and turned his head, smiling and arching his hands:
“Miss Shen has returned just in time. Madam……”
“Please come in, Zheng Neizhi, and have some tea. We can talk slowly inside.”
Shen Miao knew that walls have ears, and she did not want to widely publicize the fact that she had sold the food recipe so quickly, so she hurriedly invited Zheng Neizhi into the house.
Brother Ji had not yet returned home.
The house was cold and there was no tea.
Shen Miao could only quickly put down the basket and the miscellaneous items in her hands, and awkwardly went into the house to pour a bowl of water.
But Zheng Neizhi had come to talk about something, so he waved his hand to refuse and gently explained his purpose:
“The matter I previously discussed with Miss Shen has been agreed to by Madam. Madam really likes the shortbread cookies and also praised the egg yolk pastries with meat floss and chestnuts. So, Madam readily agreed to the price Miss Shen mentioned”.
“But Madam also said that Miss Shen should not only write down the recipe but also teach the chef in detail, so that the chef does not have to puzzle over the recipe and delay important matters.”
“Of course, I am available every afternoon after my morning stall.”
Old Yang had just sent his apprentice yesterday to say that the small stall cart would be ready tomorrow.
Shen Miao did not want to delay her daily morning stall, as she also needed to earn her small but steady income!
Zheng Neizhi thought for a moment.
The family was currently preparing for a banquet, and there were not many distinguished guests coming and going.
It would be convenient to have Miss Shen come to the Xie residence to teach the pastries, so he said:
“Then I would trouble Miss Shen to come to the Xie residence to teach these two types of pastries. First, Miss Shen is a woman. If the chef were to visit Miss Shen’s home daily, it would inevitably affect Miss Shen’s reputation”.
“Second, cooking always requires purchasing and preparing ingredients, and it would not be convenient for the chef to carry them around daily”.
“Therefore, I think it would be more convenient for Miss Shen to come to the Xie residence to teach. What do you think, Miss Shen? Also, there is another matter. Please make a list of the ingredients needed for teaching the chef when you have time”.
“I will send someone to prepare them in advance. Please teach the chef with all your heart.”
“Good, good, thank you, Zheng Neizhi, for being so considerate.”
Shen Miao smiled with her eyes curved.
Zheng Neizhi, as the head steward of a family like the Xies, was indeed very thoughtful and thorough in his actions.
He never dragged his feet and always considered the needs of others.
It was true that having the chef come to Shen Miao’s home daily with large packages to teach pastries would be too conspicuous.
Since everything was settled, Zheng Neizhi smiled and had the young servant who had followed him present a heavy wooden box:
“Please, Miss Shen, check it.”
The servant quickly went to the cart outside and fetched a large wooden box.
Holding it with both hands, he still walked with heavy steps and a sweaty head.
After entering Shen Miao’s home, he finally placed it on the small square table in the courtyard with a sigh.
Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it couldn’t be.
She subconsciously reached out to open it, and sure enough, it was full of copper coins!
The bright yellow coins were strung together with red ropes, layer upon layer, piled inside.
After counting them together with Zheng Neizhi, there were eighty strings in total.
After finishing the count, Zheng Neizhi helped pack them back in and even gave her the beautiful wooden box as well.
“Eighty guan in total, not a single coin less.”
“Wow…………”
Shen Miao couldn’t tear her eyes away and hastily reached out to take it.
Then she suddenly remembered to be polite and chuckled, “Zheng Neizhi is really something. It’s okay to pay after teaching the chef ”.
“Your family has patronized my small shop before; there’s no reason not to trust us. Your madam is too polite. Well, I suppose I should respectfully accept it then.”
Before she finished speaking, she had already held it in her arms.
Zheng Neizhi suppressed a laugh:
“It’s only right. If Miss Shen is dedicated, the Xie family will naturally not break the agreement.”
The box was so heavy that it made her heart blossom with joy.
Shen Miao happily showered Zheng Neizhi with more flattering words, praising the Xie family’s madam, the Xie family’s matriarch, Xie Jiu, Yan Shu, the coachman Zhou Da, the head chef of the outer courtyard, the gatekeeper Yan Qi, and even Zheng Neizhi himself, who was in charge of external communication and errands.
Such a beautiful young lady, speaking so sweetly and lavishly with praise, was easy to make one feel elated and almost intoxicated.
Even Zheng Neizhi, who already had grandchildren, felt a bit flushed and quickly concluded the agreement with Shen Miao, preparing to return and report back.
“I’ll see you off!”
Shen Miao looked around and hurriedly stuffed the money box into the chicken coop.
Without even glancing at the frightened chicks that fluttered up, she quickly lifted her skirt and went out to see him off.
She herself felt as if her steps were flying as she escorted the guest!
She never expected that the Xie family would be so generous and pay all the remuneration in one go!
The brand new copper coins dazzled Shen Miao, and the joy on her face was impossible to hide.
Just now, she had restrained herself as much as possible, hastily covering her mouth with a handkerchief so as not to show her big teeth in front of Zheng Neizhi.
As usual, she escorted him to the alley entrance, where Zheng Neizhi returned to the carriage.
After seeing Zheng Neizhi off, Shen Miao went back and quickly dragged the box out of the chicken coop again.
She looked at the puppy she had just bought, which had been weaned not long ago, and then at Sister Xiang, who was sitting on the steps, unaware and playing with the puppy’s ears.
She felt very uneasy.
How could she leave so much money at home!
In the evening, Shen Ji walked home with eighteen copper coins in his pocket and his cheeks flushed with excitement.
Today, he met a student from the Imperial Academy at the Lanxin Book Bureau.
At that time, he and Grandpa Zhou were comfortably sitting behind the counter, eating the meat filled chestnut honey bean egg yolk pastries, and were completely immersed in the delicious taste when a head with a coiled hair bun appeared in front of the counter.
It almost scared the egg yolk pastry out of Shen Ji’s hand.
Who knew that the person actually tried to persuade him, both gently and forcefully, to buy one to taste.
Uncle Zhou recognized this person and laughed heartily:
“Ning Yi, Ning Yi, why aren’t you studying well in the academy and sneaking out again?”
The student was tall and straight, but had a baby like face.
He replied with a smile:
“I heard that a new mutton pancake shop has opened at Nanxun Gate.I wanted to go and taste it. I originally planned to stop by to buy a few sheets of Xue Tao paper”.
“He pointed at the egg yolk pastry in Shen Ji’s hand”
“What kind of pastry is this? I have never seen it before. It looks good”.
“Can you tell me which shop it is from?”
Shen Ji told him that it was made at home and not for sale.
However, Ning Yi would not give up and insisted on having a taste.
Shen Ji had no choice but to sell him one of the egg yolk pastries from his own share.
He remembered hearing his sister mutter while making the egg yolk pastries that the cost of these pastries with meat floss and chestnut paste was almost ten coins each.
If sold outside, they should be at least eighteen coins each.
So, he quoted the price accordingly.
To his surprise, the student did not haggle at all.
He took out the copper coins and took the egg yolk pastry from Shen Ji’s hand.
He took a gentle bite, and his eyes narrowed immediately.
The layered, incredibly flaky pastry crumbled into tiny pieces between his teeth, “rustling” and falling down.
Each piece was filled with a rich wheat fragrance.
He couldn’t wait to take another bite.
Then, the salty and fragrant egg yolk with an exceptionally delicate sandy texture slowly spread in his mouth.
The unique salty flavor, when combined with the sweet and fragrant pastry, became very mellow and long lasting.
“Good, good, excellent!”
Ning Yi was extremely impressed after swallowing it.
He not only asked where Shen Ji’s home was but also said that he would come to order the egg yolk pastries in a few days.
“Salt and sweetness are originally opposing flavors. I never expected that your sister’s skill could blend these two flavors so wonderfully. The red bean paste is also well – made!”
“I am a person who loves delicious food and have eaten many red bean filled dishes, but this is the first time I have tasted such smooth and delicate red bean paste”.
“It not only neutralizes the saltiness of the egg yolk but also adds a layer of gentle sweetness. It’s really wonderful, wonderful!”
Shen Ji’s eyes also widened.
It was the first time he had seen someone who could almost immediately recite an article after taking a bite of a pastry.
After finishing the egg yolk pastry, Ning Yi did not go to buy his mutton pancake.
Instead, his eyes brightened and he started to pester Boss Zhou Shen Ji had brought five egg yolk pastries today, originally planning to eat two himself and give the remaining three to Boss Zhou.
He had just sold one to Ning Yi and eaten one himself, so there were none left.
But Boss Zhou still had one left uneaten.
This remaining one was specifically saved by Boss Zhou for his late night snack, so he naturally shook his head vigorously and turned around to tightly cover the pastry box:
“No, no, I won’t give it to you!”
For this one egg yolk pastry, Ning Yi chased after Boss Zhou, who tried to escape.
In the end, Boss Zhou had nowhere to run and was even chased into the back hall.
Shen Ji watched in astonishment.
He was used to eating his sister’s food every day and never expected that Ning Yi would be so excited about an egg yolk pastry.
However, thinking about it, it was not surprising.
His sister’s cooking skills were truly unparalleled!
Sometimes Shen Ji felt that his sister had an endless supply of good ideas in her head, which allowed her to come up with such delicious pastries.
But in any case, he had also attracted a customer for his sister!
He wanted to share this interesting experience with his sister, but as soon as he got home, his sister said to him:
“Brother Ji, you’re finally back. The meal is in the pot. You can eat it by yourself in a while. Watch over Sister Xiang, the puppy, and the chicks. I have to go out for a while and will be back soon!”
“Ah?”
Shen Ji stood dazedly at the doorstep, not even having stepped in fully, when his sister ran past him like a flash and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
He vaguely saw that she seemed to be holding a heavy wooden box in her arms.
Shen Miao ran across the Jinliang Bridge and then rushed into Old Yang’s house like a whirlwind.
“Father – in – law, I’ve come to fulfill the agreement and ask you to build a house for me!”
This sudden shout scared Old Yang, who was squatting on the ground chiseling wood, almost into cutting his finger.
His apprentices were also stunned into immobility.
Shen Miao pulled him along and found the bricklayer, He Daizhao, and his apprentices.
With their recommendation, she also sought out some piling craftsmen, stonemasons, and laborers for transportation and miscellaneous tasks.
After gathering everyone together, she looked at the somewhat dazed craftsmen with a fiery gaze and made a bold statement:
“One month, fifty guan, three large tile – roofed houses!”
Old Yang and He Daizhao, along with the others, were all stunned.
After a moment, they turned and walked away:
“……Goodbye.”
“Wait, wait, wait, don’t leave. The money can be negotiated! It can still be discussed!”