Chapter 172: Managing the Kitchen

As Chen Feng observed the old lady’s interaction with Chen Aman, she chuckled to herself. The old lady was indeed astute, understanding that one becomes like those they associate with and recognizing the need for understanding between young girls of the same age. This was the benevolent grandmother, always acting in the best interest of her granddaughter. Even though she wasn’t as close to her as her own blood-related grandchildren, she still assisted when necessary and never thought of profiting unfairly from her.

In comparison, the old lady’s worth became even more apparent.

Chen Feng smiled and said, “Aman, accompany grandmother to my house more often. I’ll be on leave the day after tomorrow, taking time off until the tenth day of the Lunar New Year. When you come, I’ll cook the dishes grandma likes.”

The old lady laughed heartily. Both she and Chen Ye had already knew from Chen Ming’s words that this granddaughter, even if she knew who her biological father was, wouldn’t seek to climb the social ladder but would choose to stay with this humble family.

However, considering how the Zhao family treated Feng, she couldn’t return there either, as doing so would only bring her more suffering.

The old lady said with a smile, “Good, grandma knows A’Feng is a thoughtful child. Our family may not be wealthy, but everyone here supports each other.” She lowered her voice, “Although your eldest uncle’s wife is a bit greedy and foolish, and A’Jue has a bad temper and is immature, they wouldn’t do anything truly wicked. In this household, even if life isn’t affluent, it’s still harmonious. Your mother and you have endured some grievances here in this rural place, but we won’t let you suffer greatly. We couldn’t bring ourselves to do that.”

Chen Feng was moved and grabbed the old lady’s sleeve, saying, “Thank you, grandma. I know this family has sheltered me, and I can’t bear to…”

Chen Aman giggled foolishly beside them and said, “What are you and sister Feng talking about, grandma? I can’t quite understand.”

This made the old lady and Chen Feng burst into laughter.

Upon returning home, Chen Feng went to the kitchen to check on the pot of garlic sprouts. They had grown to nearly twenty centimeters, lush and green, emitting a delightful fragrance.

The previous batch of garlic sprouts couldn’t be harvested after the third time, so this was a new planting. She had also used a small amount of swallow droppings, just a tiny amount, dissolved in water, and watered the pot.

Although these garlic sprouts didn’t grow as quickly or as fragrantly as the first batch, they were still far more aromatic than ordinary garlic sprouts. This was exactly the effect Chen Feng desired—fragrant yet not excessively overpowering. This valuable pot of greens would be kept for the Lunar New Year, for the ancestor and grandchild from the Chu family to enjoy. Being supported by them, she had to find ways to please their palates.

She thought about the swallow droppings in those two tea bowls and felt thrilled. She planned to use this fertilizer on the few acres of watermelon fields to yield an early harvest for more profit. After the New Year, she would have Xue Dagui and Chu Xiaoniu lead a team to cultivate the barren land. Although the land wasn’t fertile, with the nourishment from the swallow droppings, it would become rich and productive.

In February, she would start germinating the watermelon seeds and could begin planting by the end of February or early March. Planting early would allow for two harvests. She also planned to plant watermelons on the three acres of land in Xiangluo Village after harvesting the winter wheat.

She also pondered the 200 acres of paddy fields, which would be ready for planting rice in early April after the rapeseed was harvested in March. She intended to send Zeng Shuang and Chen Ming to Lao Huai Village in Zhongning County to obtain seedlings…

Once she had the money, she would buy more land and use her cultivated superior seeds for planting. Whether it was for business or seed sales, her ultimate goal was to acquire more land. She wanted to use spatial advantage to produce excellent seeds on a large scale. This way, not only would she make money, but she could also benefit the people.

Lost in the thoughts of her future agricultural empire, she felt secretly delighted.

Dabao saw his mother walking into the western room, her eyes bright with joy, and asked, “Mom, why are you so happy?”

Before Chen Feng could respond, Gray chimed in, “Mom has made money again.” This was Dabao’s voice.

Chen Feng, in a good mood that day, chuckled, “Well, almost. I’m preparing to make money.”

Qiqi added, “Look at your silly look.” This was Chen Feng’s voice.

Chen Feng, feeling happy, chuckled twice and didn’t scold them.

The next day was the twenty-ninth day of the Lunar New Year. Chen Feng asked Auntie Mu to prepare their midday meal, as they would return home to eat. According to Mrs. Wei, Tangyuan would prepare midday meals for old Chu and Chu Lingxuan and Hanyan, and they were likely to arrive around noon.

Today was the last working day before the long holiday. After playing with the children for half a day, Chen Feng, not wanting to have lunch at Tangyuan, took Dabao and Zhui Feng back home. Qiqi and Gray, being playful and having big appetites, wanted to stay at Tangyuan to enjoy the food and drinks.

Chu Hanyan, aware that her grandfather and father were returning today, reluctantly bid farewell to her aunt and Dabao without pushing them to leave. She simply said, “Escort… to the…door.”

This request was reasonable, so Chen Feng, holding one hand of Dabao and the other of the little girl, walked them to the entrance.

Tangyuan was decorated festively with red lanterns hanging from the trees and eaves, and some areas adorned with red silk and colorful lights.

As they left through the side gate, they spotted a procession of carriages and horses approaching from the south. It should be old Chu and Chu Lingxuan returning.

Chen Feng released the little girl’s hand and said, “Little one, your grandfather and father are coming back. You should behave well.”

“Okay.” the little girl readily agreed.

Seeing her eager-to-be-praised demeanor, Chen Feng praised her a few more times. Upon seeing her satisfied smile, she led Dabao back to Luyuan.

Upon arriving home, she found Luyuan also adorned with decorations. Red couplets and window flowers were pasted on the doors and windows, and red lanterns hung at the entrance and along the corridor.

Seeing her home in such a state, Chen Feng felt warm and content inside.

In the afternoon, just as Chen Feng, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Ming had finished preparing the offerings for the next day and the New Year’s gift for the main branch.

Mrs. Wei suddenly arrived. Her face flushed, she said, “Ms. Feng, the old Marquis, third Master Chu, and Master Chu will be coming to your house for dinner tonight. Please make the necessary arrangements.”

Third Master? Who was this now?

Chen Feng asked, “What would they like to eat? Hotpot?”

Mrs. Wei replied, “Hotpot is troublesome to prepare and takes a while to eat. Third Master will need to return to the capital immediately after dinner, so prepare some delicate appetizers, and it’s best to start serving at the rooster hour (5-7:00 PM). Young miss also mentioned eating more golden silk cakes. They are soft and easy to digest, and Mother-in-law and my children love them.”

Listening to this, Chen Feng thought to herself that they didn’t see her as a needlework master but rather as someone in charge of the kitchen. She had anticipated that it was unlikely they would send so many New Year’s gifts to her family, as they seemed to regard her place as their kitchen and warehouse.

Despite her thoughts, she promptly agreed.