Chapter 7: A Booming First Day (Part 1)

In the early hours of the seventh day, Xu Nuo pulled Shangguan out of bed. They lit the fire and started boiling water, preparing to go all in.

They reheated the marinated dishes that had been soaking overnight, poured them into a small wooden barrel, and sealed it with a lid. Xu Nuo and Shangguan had already discussed that if no one bought it, they would just give it away as a bonus to those who purchased cold dishes—after all, marinated food doesn’t keep long in the summer.

Next came the main task—preparing the cold dishes.

Madam Wang efficiently cleaned the vegetables they had picked the day before, Shangguan quickly cut them into proportionate pieces, and Xu Nuo blanched them in hot water. The vegetables couldn’t be boiled too long, or it would ruin their crisp texture.

The three of them worked in high spirits, and finally finished everything before the sun rose.

While everyone was eating breakfast, Xu Nuo took out five or six lemons, scrubbed them with salt, sliced them, and placed them in a water jug, adding a bit of mint. It would’ve been perfect with some ice cubes, but even so, their refreshing summer drink was done.

Shangguan borrowed a cart from the neighbors. They loaded the two barrels of food and the jug of drink, secured them tightly with straps to avoid tipping over on the way, and then set off for town together.

The three of them arrived at the academy gate before lunch. This time, they didn’t go straight into the kitchen. Xu Nuo asked Shangguan to park the cart under a shady tree by the entrance and hung up the banner she had pestered Shangguan to write the day before.

On the white banner were five bold characters: “Top Scholar Snack Stall.” Shangguan had been reluctant to write it, but Xu Nuo explained that it was a blessing for the academy students—wishing them all academic success and smooth official careers.

While Shangguan went into the academy to call the colleagues who had pre-ordered cold dishes, Xu Nuo got busy shouting out to attract customers:

“Selling cold dishes! Delicious and refreshing cold dishes! Don’t miss out—only fifteen coins a bowl! Buy two portions and get a free summer drink! Come and try—if it’s not tasty, it’s free!”

At first, passersby at the academy gate didn’t stop. It was midday—most people were heading home for lunch. And fifteen coins a bowl wasn’t cheap for the average commoner.

Madam Wang looked at the quiet stall with a worried face. She was concerned the food wouldn’t sell—and the three of them definitely couldn’t finish two full barrels.

Xu Nuo wasn’t surprised at all. She pulled out some plates she had prepared in advance, used chopsticks to serve samples of cold dishes and marinated pork intestines and stomach on plates, and launched a modern tasting strategy.

“Don’t miss out! Free samples of cold dishes and marinated meat! Today is our grand opening—this promotion is for today only!” Xu Nuo’s spirited performance left Madam Wang stunned.

To everyone’s surprise, it really drew in customers. No shop around here had ever offered free samples before. Curious, people started stopping to watch. Two men dressed in fine blue silk, fanning themselves, strolled over to Xu Nuo’s stall.

“Young lady, your stall name is quite something, huh? ‘Top Scholar Stall’? That’s bold,” the taller man teased.

Xu Nuo smiled and replied, “Just a hopeful name to bring good luck—wishing everyone success in the imperial exams and smooth careers ahead. What would you two gentlemen like to try? Care for some marinated meat or cold dishes?”

She handed them two pairs of clean chopsticks. One tried the cold dish, the other the marinated intestines. At first, they looked indifferent—but as soon as the food entered their mouths, both men’s eyes lit up.

The crowd eagerly waited for their reactions. Onlookers chattered excitedly, urging, “Well? How is it? Is it good? What does it taste like?”