Free Web NovelChapter 672: Chapter 672: A Chance Encounter
Mrs. Xiao found Qin Yao amusing in this situation and watched for a while before coming over to rescue her.
She took Mr. Qiu’s hand, asking her to take care of this newfound fellow townsman who’s just arrived in the Capital City.
Only then did Qin Yao manage to free herself and went to the kitchen to bring out the freshly baked cake for everyone to taste.
As for Ding Xiang, who knew where she’d sneaked off to with Si Niang. Since the guests arrived, Qin Yao hadn’t seen any trace of them.
Mrs. Xiao seemed accustomed to this, comforting her instead: "They’ve grown up and won’t get lost. Let them have their little adventures; we’re busy with our matters. When we leave, I’ll have the maid call them back."
Qin Yao instantly felt a deep respect for Mrs. Xiao, showing her a thumbs up. Such relaxation, no one else could match.
Cake, being a novelty in the Capital, surprised the guests who tasted it.
Even Old Mrs. Qiu, with her aged teeth, couldn’t stop praising it.
Aunt Yu remarked with astonishment: "Who would have thought this golden piece of pastry smells good, tastes fluffy and sweet, and pairs so well with your milk tea, Miss Qin? It’s not greasy at all. Truly excellent."
Qin Yao smiled and said, "If everyone likes it, have some more. There’s plenty more in the kitchen. I’ve prepared a portion for everyone to take home so the children can try it too."
Everyone was delighted, and that was wonderful.
Eating cake, drinking milk tea, gossiping about the neighbors—all passed the noon effortlessly.
In the afternoon, as the temperature rose, Liu Ji took off his thick cotton coat and donned a brand-new white snakeskin vest. Along with Mr. Qiu, who had finished his duties, he warmly welcomed the neighbors arriving for the banquet at the door.
With every family that arrived, Mr. Qiu would greet them before introducing them to Liu Ji.
Liu Ji would then acknowledge the guests again, exchange polite words, and secretly memorize who they were, where they worked, whether they were in business or farming.
Later, he would organize this information into a document and give it to his wife, who would reward him with great pleasure!
"Old Madam Wang arrives with her grandson, offering ten taels of silver!"
Liu Fei, who rushed over to help his brother and sister-in-law in the afternoon, suddenly announced loudly.
At this, the noise in the courtyard paused for two seconds before gradually resuming discussions.
The women around Qin Yao also turned their attention toward her.
The invitation explicitly stated it was merely a gesture of gratitude to the neighbors for their care, and this banquet did not involve gift exchanges in terms of social customs.
So none of the guests brought gifts.
Only a few, like the Qiu family, who were close neighbors, brought some dried fruits and meat sticks to celebrate.
The Wang family’s gift of ten taels of silver made those who hadn’t brought gifts feel quite awkward.
Qin Yao quickly explained the situation to everyone, thanked them for attending, and dissipated the awkward atmosphere as she headed to the front courtyard.
Aunt Yu followed along since her family was familiar with the Wang family, helping Qin Yao engage in conversation to avoid feeling embarrassed for not recognizing people.
Qin Yao gratefully smiled at Aunt Yu who caught up with her, and together they approached the Wang family’s grandmother and grandson brought over by Liu Fei.
"Da Lang, Second Lang, Sanlang!"
Liu Ji called out in the courtyard, and his three sons, who were playing with neighborhood kids on the training ground, immediately ran over.
Liu Ji pointed to the Wang family’s grandmother and grandson, "Go take care of the Imperial Censor Wang’s little son."
Da Lang nodded in understanding, and the three brothers ran over to take the Wang family’s little boy away to play.
The child didn’t look too happy; he appeared to be about the same age as Second Lang, frowned and said seriously, "Grandmother, I’ll accompany you."
Old Madam Wang affectionately smiled and waved her hand, "Grandmother doesn’t need your company. Go play with them."
Wang Chengyang cast a wary glance at Da Lang and his brothers, seeing them giggling, reluctantly followed them out.
"Old Madam Wang, please come inside and have a seat." Qin Yao politely smiled.
Despite being called an old madam, Old Madam Wang wasn’t actually that old. She seemed to be much more spirited than Old Mrs. Qiu, probably around forty-five, not yet needing assistance.
However, her legs weren’t very good, so with Aunt Yu and her maid assisting her, they all came to the flower hall together.
The lively crowd stood up to welcome her, primarily because in Kuanzheng Square, the highest officials were the Wang and Qi families.
Old Madam Wang smiled and gestured for everyone to sit, "We’ve been neighbors for over ten years; there’s no need for formality with me. Please sit."
Yet everyone waited for her to sit down first before seating themselves again.
Qin Yao brought tea and pastries, "Please have some tea."
She wasn’t good with formalities, but her sincere smile made people feel she was genuinely welcoming.
Old Madam Wang nodded and indicated for her to sit as well.
Aunt Yu couldn’t help but praise, seeing the pastries, "Old Madam, you must try the pastries from Miss Qin’s kitchen—I guarantee you’ve never had such fragrant and soft cake before!"
As soon as the pastries were served, Old Madam Wang smelled the rich sweet aroma. Seeing everyone so supportive, she had a bit of anticipation and used the spoon Qin Yao handed her to take a scoop and placed it in her mouth.
Before she could react, people were eagerly asking, "How is it? Isn’t it soft, sweet, and melts in the mouth?"
Old Mrs. Wang’s eyes slowly brightened and she nodded slowly, as if only now coming out of the delicious trance, nodding again and again.
"It’s truly wonderful. What is this pastry made of? I’ve been in the Capital for so many years and have never tasted anything like this. Miss Qin’s skills are superb~"
Qin Yao dared not take credit for such skill, and explained, "It’s not really my doing but thanks to our former cook. I mentioned a few ideas casually, and she earnestly made these egg cakes."
"Egg cakes?" Old Mrs. Wang laughed and asked, "Made with eggs, huh?"
While speaking, she scooped another spoonful into her mouth, savoring the taste. As she fully swallowed the cake, she regretfully said:
"My Jin’er doesn’t have the chance to taste it, since they’re currently inspecting in Qingzhou. Otherwise, they’d have come over to taste Miss Qin’s pastries today."
Qin Yao found the name Jin’er somewhat familiar. Then she realized, the Wang family name matched with Wang Jin? Couldn’t be such coincidence. Qin Yao felt surprised inside.
To confirm, she asked tentatively, following Old Madam Wang’s words, "The person you’re referring to wouldn’t be the Imperial Censor Wang Jin, Lord Wang, would they?"
At these words, the neighbors in the hall looked at Qin Yao with surprise.
Aunt Yu curiously asked, "Miss Qin, do you know Lord Wang?"
Old Mrs. Qiu also said, "It is indeed Lord Wang. Your family came from Zijing Mansion—is there any reason you might know Lord Wang?"
Old Madam Wang’s reaction was calm, after all, everyone lived in the same square, and Qin Yao could naturally inquire and find out.
But seeing her expression, it seemed like they knew each other.
"We’ve met once before when Lord Wang visited Zijing Mansion," Qin Yao waved her hand, looking as though they weren’t familiar.
Old Madam Wang felt it couldn’t be that simple, but sensing Qin Yao didn’t want to elaborate, she didn’t press further, simply saying, "It seems like we’re connected after all."
Internally, she planned to ask her son carefully when he returned.
