Chapter 616: Internal and External Troubles

hick clothes on, it wasn't so cold after all.Those who make a living in the yamen are all shrewd and capable people. There are no fools among them.With such a grand display, the jailer, upon hearing t...Li Zhensheng told the Marquis about his experiences on the journey from Xindu to Quanzhou.

The Jiangnan region is far more prosperous than the northern regions. Apart from Xin'du, which is located in the north of this region, all other areas have two harvests a year.

But the entire populace of Tianwu, gathering in Jiangnan, was still under immense pressure.

Heavy taxes were levied throughout the land, making life difficult for the common people. As a result, there was an increase in theft and robbery.

The Li family's fleet wasn't large, but it had enough manpower and was careful enough. However, they still encountered three pirate attacks on the way.

Once, a group of bandits almost hurt Jia Xi and Jia An. Luckily, Jia Yi was skilled and brave enough to save them in time, preventing any serious harm.

Of course, this is something you can't tell your family, and you absolutely can't let Grandma hear a word of it.

Li Zhensheng was afraid that, besides the external threat from the barbarians in Jiangbei, there might be internal troubles. That's why he spoke to the Marquis a few more times, just giving him a gentle reminder.

The Marquis's face was heavy. He had originally entered the palace to speak to the emperor about military training, but now he would have to add a few more things.

It is better to prevent problems than to deal with them after they happen. We should also plan ahead for bandits and other pests like that...

Jia Yin didn't understand these big matters and wasn't focused on them for the time being.

Because she was simply too busy.

Let's go to Xindu today, and hurry over to check out the snack shops.

The glass in space, she had already taken it out.

The glass counter of the tea shop is being made with great haste, and Uncle Two over at Baihuayuan is also keeping a close eye on the construction of the greenhouse.

After finishing all this, she estimated there would be some glass left over. She planned to build a small greenhouse in the Ye family's backyard to provide cover for the space.

She prepared to plant the saplings that her brothers had brought back, right in front of everyone. That way, when it was time to eat the new fruit, they'd know where it came from.

As for whether these fruits were truly grown in a greenhouse, no one would bother to investigate further.

Just imagining sitting by the warm kang in winter, with all sorts of fruits laid out, and chatting and eating with family, makes Jia Yin feel extremely happy.

Of course, the fruits here in Tianwu are still very different from those in my past life. They don't look good and they taste bad.

But with a seedling nursery in hand, this isn't a problem at all. It's just a matter of staying up a few nights, guarding the nursery, and evolving a few more times!

Li Zhensheng chatted with the Marquis for a while, his mood was still somewhat heavy, but when he lowered his head, he saw that the little girl had actually fallen asleep.

She was smiling in her sleep, her mouth moving as if she were talking.

Both of them couldn't help but laugh.

The Lord removed his outer robe and used it to cover the fat girl's belly. Li Zhensheng offered his leg as a pillow.

Life is full of hardships, but there is always hope ahead.

For example, this carefree and chubby little girl is what they are willing to fight for and protect...

In Xindu, the once ordinary teahouse has undergone a significant transformation after days of renovation.

Jia Yin went inside and out of the shop, feeling quite satisfied. She called Peng Chuan forward and asked, "Peng shopkeeper, please preheat the oven tomorrow morning. My mother and I will come over to try baking some new snacks."

"Yes, master. I will personally arrange it." Pengchuan accompanied Li Zhensheng in speaking for a while. Now that he heard the master's orders, he quickly agreed.

Jia Yin was about to speak when she noticed something peculiar about a pile of wood shavings in the corner. She walked over and, upon closer inspection, exclaimed in surprise, "Peng shopkeeper, do we have anyone else in our shop who can carve or paint"

Peng Chuan took a closer look and realized it was the leftover wood shavings from making cabinets. Someone had arranged some flower patterns on them, which were incredibly lifelike and beautiful to look at.

He quickly replied, "My Lady, this must have been a kitchen boy who carelessly put it there. I previously assigned him the task of tidying up after the flower petals, and instructed him to clean it up quickly. However, perhaps Master Chef called him back to the kitchen for something, and he forgot about it."

Jia Yin's eyes lit up as she heard this and asked, "Is this young man from the kitchen Can he also make desserts"

"It's just a simple hand, doing some odd jobs." Pengchuan replied cautiously with a smile: "The rules of our shop are that apprentices serve for five years. This kid has only been here for three years, but he is very diligent and honest on weekdays."

Having said that, he personally went to the back to call someone, and soon brought a young man of fifteen or sixteen years old over.

This young man was very thin, and his clothes were all half-old, but they had been washed so many times that they were slightly white. His hair was neatly combed, and his hands and face were clean.

What's remarkable is that his eyes are very bright, and there are two dimples on his cheeks when he smiles, which are very festive.

Perhaps he didn't know why he was called out, the younger one felt a little uneasy. But he didn't blurt out questions, after bowing respectfully, he just stood quietly by the side.

This not only made Jia Yin feel good, but Li Zhen also nodded and spoke first: "Young brother, what's your name, where do you live, and what is your background"

"The young man quickly replied, "To the honorable master, my name is Chen Xi. I was born and raised in Xindu. My family were farmers, and when I was thirteen years old, both my parents passed away. Fortunately, I entered a shop as an apprentice three years ago and am now sixteen."

Li Zhensheng nodded and asked again, "From what you say, can you read"

Chen Xi's eyes flashed with a trace of sadness, and he said, "When I was young, I studied under the village elder for three years. After my parents died, life was difficult..."

Jia Yin didn't want to talk about her sad things, and interrupted: "Can you draw If it's like those fancy decorations on pastries, you might be able to do it"

Chen was taken aback for a moment, then nodded repeatedly, “Yes, master! I’ve loved tinkering with these things since I was little. On sand, tree bark, even the mud, I could draw. But I’ve never had formal training...”

“This is enough,” Jiayin was very satisfied and ordered, “Tomorrow, I will come over to ponder new desserts. I need to draw on the desserts or arrange patterns on them. When the time comes, you will follow me and help me out. As long as you learn it, or do even better, in the future, the new desserts will be entrusted to you.”

Chen Xilai seemed unable to believe it, suddenly having such a good opportunity. He was stunned for quite a while before bowing his head in thanks under the shopkeeper's reminder.

The renovation of the shop is all for selling new snacks.

If he truly performs well and gains the trust of the county lord, wouldn't he become the master chef!

This is a shortcut to success!

After chatting for a while, as it was getting late, Jia Yin followed her uncle home by car.

Peng Chuan sent his master away and turned back into the teahouse. He saw the rest of the servants and kitchen staff surrounding Chen Xi, congratulating him.

He was also happy, but still advised: "Xi Zi, the master favors you, it's your lucky time, but don't be arrogant, be sure to put your heart into it and do your best."

"Rest assured, shopkeeper! I will definitely work hard and not disappoint you!" Chen Xi's face flushed with excitement as he repeatedly assured the shopkeeper.

Peng Chuan looked at the two master chefs standing behind him. His face wasn't looking too good. After thinking for a moment, he knocked on a few more times, "Although the owner wants to add some new pastries to our shop, the original traditional pastries won't be discarded. So everyone don't overthink it, just listen to the owner's instructions!"

"I see that the master is very kind. As long as we work hard, we're sure to have a good outcome!"ed mixed vegetables with her chopsticks. Then, she beckoned everyone to eat, saying, "Oh, Second Uncle, Village Head, these two dishes of bean sprouts are made by me personally. Please try them first...