Li Yue Shu’s gifts were few and not particularly valuable, but she included a package of hot pot base.
The magistrate and his wife seemed to enjoy it; she had specially taken it from her spatial dimension and repacked it.
The gatekeeper who greeted them happened to be the same servant who had accompanied them to Li Yue Shu’s home to pay New Year’s greetings. Upon seeing the couple, he immediately led them to the magistrate.
“Your Honor, Madam, Happy New Year.” Li Yue Shu had Shen Wei hand over the gifts. “I’ve specially prepared some hot pot base and written down the cooking instructions. You can have your household staff follow them.”
The magistrate’s wife was surprised. “This is a dish from Liuxian Restaurant. How can you give me the recipe!”
Li Yue Shu chuckled. “This recipe isn't complicated. Experienced chefs can figure it out after trying it a few times, and many people will surely learn it in the future.”
She had indeed considered opening a hot pot restaurant, but if others were to discover the ingredients later, it wouldn’t be unique.
Conversely, Liuxian Restaurant’s introduction of a new dish, unheard of in this world, each month would not only elevate its prestige but also prevent too many imitators.
In this world where status and hierarchy were exceptionally important, the dishes at Liuxian Restaurant were more likely to be favored by nobles than hot pot.
The magistrate’s wife knew she was a sharp-minded woman, so she didn’t say more. She instructed her most trusted maid to put away the gifts.
Afterward, she didn’t accompany the magistrate to entertain guests but took Li Yue Shu to the back courtyard alone.
Those attending the banquet today were all prominent figures in Tong Mu County.
They had only heard of the renowned divine doctor’s name recently and had never seen her. Seeing how warmly the magistrate’s wife treated Li Yue Shu, they were all curious about her identity.
The magistrate introduced her enthusiastically. “This is the divine doctor who has recently become famous. I personally witnessed the patient who underwent a lung transplant by Madam Shen a few days ago. You couldn't tell she was once half-dead and on the verge of death.”
“I believe that Madam Shen’s future is something I cannot even hope to reach.”
This was indeed a very high evaluation.
Everyone looked at Li Yue Shu’s retreating figure in surprise, secretly marveling at the capabilities of this village woman.
Li Yue Shu was unaware of this, simply thinking it was a casual New Year’s visit.
However, when the banquet began, Li Yue Shu and Shen Wei were escorted to the magistrate’s table.
Under everyone’s astonished gazes, the magistrate solemnly introduced Li Yue Shu’s identity to everyone and also mentioned Liuxian Restaurant.
“Madam Shen’s Liuxian Restaurant will officially open on the fifteenth of the first lunar month. I was fortunate enough to taste Madam Shen’s culinary skills, and it is absolutely worth everyone’s patronage.”
Li Yue Shu looked up in surprise, never expecting the magistrate to say these words on this particular day.
Given that the guests today were all gentry and wealthy landowners of Tong Mu County, with the magistrate’s endorsement, Liuxian Restaurant had secured a strong backing!
Li Yue Shu raised her wine cup and solemnly toasted the magistrate, “Thank you, Your Honor.”
Although the magistrate had initially helped her out of respect for Elder Xu and to support Hengde Pharmacy, their subsequent interactions were entirely driven by the magistrate assisting her. She remembered this kindness.
The magistrate didn’t attach much importance to being remembered. He simply didn’t want Li Yue Shu’s medical skills to be wasted and hoped she would always remain kind and benevolent, doing more to benefit the common people.
Shen Wei had been quiet throughout, not appearing foolish or muddled at all. Only when Li Yue Shu occasionally spoke to him with concern would his expression become childlike and naive.
Listening to the magistrate’s words, Shen Wei’s gaze toward the magistrate now held a hint of admiration. It was a pity that such a discerning and kind person was only a magistrate.
At this moment, the magistrate was completely unaware of how this benevolent act would turn his official career. He was currently introducing Li Yue Shu to the local gentry and wealthy landowners.
…
Leaving the magistrate’s residence, Li Yue Shu’s mood was visibly brighter. With the magistrate acting as a connector, establishing a foothold in Tong Mu County would be several times easier than planned. It would even provide connections for opening her pharmacy and restaurant in other places in the future.
Because of her good mood, Li Yue Shu bought more things. However, her good mood dissipated instantly upon returning home and seeing the person at the entrance.
Hadn't Yang Shi returned to her maiden home? Why was she here?
Shivering from the cold, Yang Shi saw Li Yue Shu return and quickly ran over. “Madam Shen, you’re finally back! I’ve been waiting here for over half an hour!”
Hearing her address, Li Yue Shu paused for a moment but remained outwardly impassive.
Yang Shi smiled broadly, raising her hands, which were red with chilblains, and holding up an oil-paper packet. “I specially went to town to buy you these pastries. They might be cold, but they still smell fragrant. It cost me over twenty copper coins!”
Li Yue Shu lowered her gaze to look, but didn’t take it. “Do you need something?”
Yang Shi wiped her red, frozen nose. “Madam Shen, our relationship wasn’t good before, and it was all instigated by that old woman from the Shen family. She was the one who tormented you; I didn’t do anything to you, did I!”
Li Yue Shu said with a half-smile, “You didn’t obviously do anything to me.” But it was precisely because of her instigation that Madam Shen had tormented the original owner.
Yang Shi seemed not to have understood the deeper meaning in her words, smiling obsequiously. “I’m no longer a woman of the Shen family, and your grievances with the Shen family have nothing to do with me. I came here today specifically to apologize.”
Li Yue Shu naturally didn’t believe her words but didn’t expose her. “I accept your apology.” After all, she had already retaliated for what Yang Shi had done to her. As long as Yang Shi didn’t continue to act foolishly, she wouldn’t waste her energy on her.
But Yang Shi clearly didn’t know when to stop. Upon hearing this, she immediately said, “That’s wonderful! Then we can be considered to have a sister-in-law relationship. May I ask you for a favor?”
Seeing her push her luck, Li Yue Shu couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you want to ask of me?”
Yang Shi instinctively walked a step closer to the carriage. “Madam Shen, Cheng Cai does everything because he’s instigated by his father and grandmother. Offending your sister wasn’t intentional.”
“Cheng Cai is also your nephew; you are all family. He’s still young, can you please plead with your sister not to hold it against a child?”
Li Yue Shu was surprised by what she wanted to say. “I’ve said it before, that Shen Cheng Cai’s matter was handled by the benefactor behind my sister. I can’t control that.” When the incident first happened, Madam Shen had also brought Shen Cheng Cai to find her, but she had naturally refused.
“Things are different now!” Yang Shi put on an expression of “I understand everything,” resting one hand on the carriage. “You now have the magistrate supporting you, and that… benefactor from the Li family. Your abilities are no less than your sister’s!” Yang Shi gave an exaggerated thumbs-up. “As long as you speak, Cheng Cai will definitely be able to return to the academy.”
“When he becomes a top scholar in the future, he certainly won’t forget you, his third aunt, and will hire a dozen servants to attend to you!”
Hearing this, Li Yue Shu couldn’t help but let out a laugh.