Madam Yu carried a bundle of pumpkin blossom cakes and went to the Yu family home.

When Yu’s eldest sister-in-law opened the door and saw her, she said in surprise, “Zhenniang, what brings you here at this hour?”

Madam Yu smiled and handed over the oil-paper-wrapped bundle. “It’s like this—A Rong wants to start a small food stall and hopes Big Brother can help make some bamboo tubes. There’s wild bamboo on the mountain, and he can make quite a few. These are pumpkin blossom cakes A Rong made. I brought them for the family to try.”

Yu’s eldest sister-in-law was a gentle yet capable woman.

She already felt sorry for what Madam Yu had gone through, and now, seeing her so considerate, felt all the more warm-hearted. “You’re too kind. It’s not a big deal at all—no need to bring anything next time, truly.”

Madam Yu smiled and replied, “I understand, Sister-in-law.”

Just then, Old Madam Yu came out after hearing the commotion.

Once inside, Madam Yu repeated her request to her mother-in-law.

Old Madam Yu looked a bit worried. “A Rong is still so young. Why not have Xiaoshan help her out for a few days?”

Yu Xiaoshan was Old Madam Yu’s youngest grandson, a teenager.

Madam Yu shook her head. “It’s fine, Mother. If we need a hand, I’ll let you know. For now, just try A Rong’s cooking.”

Old Madam Yu didn’t press the matter further.

She opened the oil paper in front of everyone, revealing rows of golden yellow pumpkin blossom cakes. “These cakes look so pretty!”

Yu’s eldest sister-in-law also found them delightful.

She laughed and praised, “Heavens! These are prettier than the ones sold in shops. Who could bear to eat them?”

Hearing them praise Qin Rong, Madam Yu was all the more pleased. “Just try them and give A Rong some honest feedback.”

Yu’s eldest sister-in-law picked up a cake with her fingers, took a bite, and was immediately greeted with a soft, sweet flavor accented with a floral fragrance.

Her face lit up with contentment. “Delicious!” she said in praise.

Even Old Madam Yu, though her teeth were not in great shape, found the pumpkin blossom cakes very comforting.

She and the eldest sister-in-law each had one, and then Old Madam Yu carefully wrapped up the remaining eight pieces, planning to save them for the rest of the family.

“I didn’t expect A Rong to be so talented. I believe her little business will work out!” said Old Madam Yu firmly.

Madam Yu felt delighted and agreed with her sister-in-law on the time to deliver the bamboo tubes before hurrying back home.

Two days passed in a flash.

The bamboo tubes and the cooking pots were delivered.

Qin Rong was ready to open her stall the next day.

Old Madam Yu insisted that Xiaoshan help her out—not for anything difficult, but at least to push the cart.

With Yu Xiaoshan helping, Qin Yue and Qin Yi no longer had to get involved.

Qin Yue had already reasoned that if Qin Rong’s fish balls didn’t sell, the losses could be offset by the money she earned from her woven nets.

…

At dawn, Yu Xiaoshan arrived early.

The fish balls had been prepared the night before.

Qin Rong served him a bowl and suggested he eat before heading out.

Xiaoshan hesitated, remembering his mother’s strict orders not to eat or drink at Madam Yu’s house.

But the fish ball soup smelled so good, he could hardly resist.

Seeing his conflicted expression, Qin Rong chuckled and said, “You need energy to work. Just eat, Xiaoshan. I won’t tell your mother.”

In the end, Xiaoshan gave in to temptation and ate heartily. It was truly delicious—he had never tasted such good fish balls before.

After breakfast, Qin Rong and Xiaoshan pushed the cart to the west market.

Once they found a good spot, Qin Rong paid the stall fee.

She lit the stove and dropped the fish balls into the pot. Soon, a rich aroma began to spread.

Attracted by the smell, someone came over. “Miss, what are you selling?”

“Fish balls—three copper coins per bamboo tube. If it doesn’t taste good, you don’t have to pay. Uncle, would you like to try one?” Qin Rong was articulate and composed, confident in her sales pitch.

The man was intrigued. “Really now? You young ladies shouldn’t make empty promises!”

Qin Rong smiled. “It’s true, Uncle. This is a small business—we’re honest with all customers.”

“Well then, give me one!”

“Coming right up!”

The man used a bamboo skewer to pick up a fish ball, popped it into his mouth, and his eyes immediately lit up. He laughed heartily, “Miss, your skills are excellent—you weren’t exaggerating. Give me two more!”

Qin Rong quickly collected the payment and handed over two more portions.

Seeing someone buy three portions in one go, others grew curious and lined up to try. After tasting, they all returned for seconds.

On a cool morning, eating something hot and fresh truly felt comforting.

It was a great start.

Qin Rong had made over 300 fish balls that day. With six per portion, that made a little over 40 servings. Soon, they were all sold out.

Qin Rong did a quick calculation—after deducting costs, she had made about 80 copper coins in profit.

This was just a test run, so she hadn’t prepared much. For the next day, she could bring more, and once the fish balls sold out, she could also sell her cakes.

After all, the stall fee was the same.

Yu Xiaoshan was dumbfounded.

It felt like they had just set up the stall, and now Qin Rong was already packing up. He felt like he hadn’t done anything.

After tidying up the stall, Qin Rong said to him, “Xiaoshan, help me push the cart home. I’m going to buy a few things before heading back. Stay for lunch, alright?”

Xiaoshan quickly declined. “My mother won’t allow it.”

Qin Rong knew his mother meant well. She thought for a moment, then said, “I’ll still need your help later. Just wait for me at home.”

Xiaoshan agreed once he heard there was more work to do.

At that time, some stalls in the west market had already closed.

Qin Rong wandered through with her basket and suddenly saw an old man selling river snails.

She walked up and asked, “How much are the snails?”

The old man replied, “Hard to sell these things. I’m about to pack up. If you take them all, I’ll give them to you for ten copper coins.”

Qin Rong saw that it was quite a large bucket—definitely worth ten coins. “But I don’t have anything to carry them in. Could you please deliver them to Madam Yu’s house on Liushui Alley?”

Liushui Alley wasn’t far, so the old man agreed right away.

After all, snails weren’t popular—he was glad someone was willing to buy them all, saving him the trouble.

After that, Qin Rong went to the fish vendor and bought ten fish.

With business going well, she needed to prepare more.

She also bought a few vegetables from farmers’ stalls and two pounds of meat from the butcher before heading home.