Chapter 232: Chapter 234: The New Owner of Chuyue Tower

“Chenchen, she is a farmer from my mother’s territory, Sister-in-law Li. Sister-in-law Li, this is the owner of Zuixian Inn in the city, Ouyang Chenchen. From now on, the fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and eggs from Xinqi Village will be delivered to Zuixian Inn. Additionally, twenty buckets of milk are to be sent to Zuixian Inn every morning, noon, and evening.”

Feng Bailing introduced the two, and then talked about the situation of Zuixian Inn and Xinqi Village.

Ouyang Chenchen immediately placed a deposit of one thousand taels.

Feng Bailing, true to her generous nature, even lent the chef of the Princess’ Mansion to Ouyang Chenchen.

Chef Liu from the Princess’ Mansion, originally the head chef of Chuyue Tower, came along to Feng Bailing when Dugu Wu bought the Princess’ Mansion.

He excelled in making desserts and had even fattened Feng Xiaoli by a size.

After Feng Bailing married into Prince Shun’s Mansion, neither Dongfang Lianhua nor Feng Luochen from the Princess’ Mansion cared for sweets, so Feng Bailing thought it wise to send Chef Liu to Zuixian Inn.

Chef Liu was initially unhappy, as he was a renowned chef in Chu City, and Zuixian Inn was just a shabby tavern, but Ouyang Chenchen was generous, and so Chef Liu agreed.

“I shouldn’t show myself. Don’t worry, once Zuixian Inn reopens, the business will surely thrive.”

Feng Bailing said with a smile.

Ouyang Chenchen was nervously managing the inn by herself.

As soon as it opened, there were already customers.

The woman’s appearance was beautiful and moving, and the Wenhua Seal between her eyebrows made her face look even more exquisite.

The man beside her, dressed in a purple robe with a tall and slender figure, exuding an extraordinary presence, was none other than Nalan Yan’er and Hua Wushang.

“It turns out to be Miss Ouyang, I heard that a tavern had newly opened and made a special trip to support it, never expected it to be your tavern.”

Nalan Yan’er recognized Ouyang Chenchen, a good friend of Feng Bailing.

She was quite bold; the street opened by Chuyue Tower had not seen any tavern last long, and Zuixian Inn would be no exception.

“Thank you for your support. Would you like to drink some tea? Our special blend from Zuixian Inn, it tastes really good.”

Ouyang Chenchen made a courteous offer.

Nalan Yan’er smiled and left with Hua Wushang.

“Thinking that just by inviting Chuyue Tower’s former Chef Liu, they could compete with us? Feng Bailing’s friend looks like a pig and has the brains of one too; I don’t know what the Institute Director saw in her.”

Nalan Yan’er disdainfully said.

“Their tea seems a bit different.”

Hua Wushang seemed to smell a faint aroma of tea and milk in the air.

“Can it compare to the exquisite teas we have at Chuyue Tower? I invited many ladies to taste tea at Chuyue Tower, none would visit Zuixian Inn.”

Nalan Yan’er expressed her disapproval.

At this time, Feng Bailing, with a basket in her right hand and a food box in her left, was heading towards the Imperial Palace in a horse carriage.

After marrying Dugu Wu, the Empress Dowager, out of fondness for the two children, specially issued Feng Bailing a token, facilitating her frequent access to and from the Imperial Palace.

When Feng Bailing entered the palace, it was already 3 p.m., and the Empress Dowager was cooling off in the imperial garden.

The water lilies in the imperial garden were blooming beautifully.

From afar, Feng Bailing could already hear the sound of a guqin, the notes flowing like water, refreshing and revitalizing in the summer heat.

Inside the pavilion, two palace maidens were fanning the Empress Dowager, who couldn’t help but smile when she saw Feng Bailing.

“Ah Ling, since you are here, why did you bring so many things without asking for help?”

Feng Bailing arrived in a hurry, not bringing any servant, and carrying so much all by herself; the palace maidens and eunuchs in the palace laughed secretly.

But in the eyes of the Empress Dowager, it was a different scene altogether.

Accustomed to receiving gold, silver, and jewelry, the Empress Dowager found Feng Bailing’s mundane gifts a fresh sight, appreciating Feng Bailing as genuine, unlike the others in the palace who wore masks.

Dongfang Mosheng, sitting to one side, heard Feng Bailing’s footsteps, nodded slightly, with a faint smile appearing on his face.

Feng Bailing approached with a full smile.

“This year, my mother’s territory has cultivated a variety of fruits and vegetables and also bred some seafood. She asked me to bring some for you to taste.”

The Empress Dowager looked into Feng Bailing’s basket, seeing the fresh fruits and vegetables still with dew.

“Try this cherry tomato, it’s a variety brought in from outside, you won’t find it in Great Chu.”

Feng Bailing promptly popped a yellow cherry tomato into the Empress Dowager’s mouth.

Behind her, Nanny Zhang was about to object, but then she saw a delighted expression on the Empress Dowager’s face.

“I’ve lived so long and never tasted such a rare thing; it’s sour and sweet, very delicious.”

Recently, Emperor Yongye had been unwell, and the Empress Dowager had been frowning.

Even the Ninth Prince’s special visit to play the guqin didn’t bring a smile to her face, but with the arrival of Princess Consort Wu, the Empress Dowager was all smiles.

“And here’s this cucumber, a fruit cucumber, not only edible but also usable for facial masks. My mother has been using it on her face lately; look at her skin, smooth as a peeled egg.”

Feng Bailing then took out several fruit cucumbers.

“There’s also this watermelon, seedless, so you don’t have to spit out the seeds.”

Feng Bailing spoke, and the Empress Dowager was beaming.

Dongfang Mosheng was also quietly astonished.

“You girl, where did you find all these treasures? All this, how can I eat them all by myself? You and Xiao Jiu stay for dinner before leaving.”

The Empress Dowager said with a smile.

“I was indeed planning so; I also prepared some drinks and food, perfect for summer consumption.”

Feng Bailing responded, and the Empress Dowager laughed.

“I’ve indeed been lacking appetite recently; if you make it delicious, there will be a reward.”

Feng Bailing quickly had Nanny Zhang help set up the stove and charcoal.

The setting sun cast its lingering glow on the lake in the imperial garden, the purple water lilies quietly blossoming, releasing a subtle fragrance.

A cool evening breeze arrived; Dugu Wu, busy all day, finally had some free time and came to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, still needing to thank her for matters concerning the Ministry of Revenue contributions.

As he entered the imperial garden, he smelled a scent of fireworks.

It’s on fire… Dugu Wu’s uniquely colored pupils slightly narrowed.

“Ninth Prince, put more effort into it.”

The slightly reproachful voice of the woman, carried by the wind.