Chapter 5 — Female Cultivator and Marquis of the Palace

A moment later, the manager realized this was not something he could handle on his own. He did not advise further, just immediately stood up:

“Let me go tell the lady first.”

Not long after, I was called to the lady's hospital. In her hand she held the Buddha's rosary. The first sentence as soon as he opened his mouth was:

“A Lien, I have always respected you.”

In the past, when I heard that sentence, I would be moved to tears. Now, I just want to laugh. But on the surface he still answered politely:

"Thank you for your consideration, ma'am. Now that the ten year period has ended, I want to find another way to live."

“A Lien!”

The lady called my name harshly.

"You have lived in the Marquis Palace since childhood, and you dress no less than a normal family's daughter. How do you know that the world outside is dangerous?"

“How should a lady like you live after leaving the palace?”

“My lady, this servant has a cooking skill, enough to support herself.”

There was a look of contempt in her eyes that was hard to detect.

“You only understand cooking in the kitchen.”

"Opening a store looks glorious, but actually you have to deal with local hooligans, thugs and all kinds of customers. You don't know the hardships involved at all."

“Stay in the government, I will definitely promote you in the future.”

"After the summer party, I still leave you alone to manage the kitchen. Do you really have to go out and suffer?"

It's come to this, my wife still sees me as a fool and deceived me. I no longer had the strength to argue, I just stubbornly bowed my head and repeated:

"Thank you for your good intentions. I have made up my mind."

The lady saw that I was soft and stiff and refused to eat, so in the end she could only agree. The Marquis attaches great importance to reputation and absolutely does not do anything that forcibly detains people. It was precisely because of this benchmark that I dared to flatly refuse her. Before I left, the lady's breathless sigh came.

"After all, I come from a lowly background and my vision is limited. In the future, I will definitely know what suffering is."

My steps stopped slightly, but I didn't turn around and continued walking straight out.

08

The news that I was about to leave the Marquis Palace quickly spread throughout the backyard. I didn't expect that the first person to come find me would be Van Nuong. I originally thought she would be sarcastic, but she took the initiative to explain:

“I didn't come to the Marquis Palace to chase you away.”

"That inlaid silver sprout was not my intention to torment everyone. My lady values the fact that I know how to cook royal dishes, I must bring out my true bravery."

I said:

“Van Nuong, I'm not leaving entirely because of you.”

“The thing that kills the camel is never just the last straw.”

You and I are both just small civilians, tired of traveling for food. No one is more noble than anyone else. In the end, it's just finding a way to live. Seeing me calm and peaceful, Van Nuong finally revealed the true purpose of this trip.

"That book of tastes, before you go, can you give me a copy? It doesn't need to be too detailed, just a simple list is enough."

I smiled softly. A bit of hope suddenly appeared in her eyes. But right after that, I coldly uttered two words:

“Impossible.”

"You are taking revenge on public affairs!"

I saw through her face, didn't want to argue further, just calmly said:

“Giving you is gratitude, not giving you is a duty. Between me and you There is no love at all.”

After saying that, I turned my back and paid no attention to her anymore, sitting by the kitchen to finish the last day's work. Van Nuong stood behind me and lowered her voice. Even without looking, I could still hear the unwillingness in her voice.

“Do you really think that without that notebook, I won't be able to continue?”

“A Lien, just wait and see.”

“I will use the summer party to prove to everyone that you did not choose wrong. I am stronger than you, I can do better than you!”

But her provocation makes absolutely no sense to me. I never wanted to compete with her. I just want to do my job well. Seeing me not replying, Van Nuong coldly snorted. The sound of footsteps gradually faded away and disappeared. Early the next morning, after saying goodbye to old acquaintances, I put my luggage on and headed towards the back door. Just step through this door and we will be free.

“A Lien!”

Suddenly someone called me. The maid of the three rooms panted and ran over, placing a kaleidoscope in my hand. The glass is heavy and very delicately made. I raised my head in surprise. She smiled and said:

“The third young master gave it to you. People said the breakfast was delicious, thank you.”

In that moment, my already tense eyes suddenly became stinging. Turns out someone still saw it. Even if it's just a child. The words I wanted to say were swallowed back. I'm afraid that if I open my mouth, tears will fall.

“Take care.”

She patted my shoulder, her eyes showing a bit of admiration.

“You too.”

09

The lady's restaurant has been completely renovated, just waiting for the boss to come and take over. She led me into the restaurant's kitchen. The people in charge of savory dishes, cakes, preparation, steaming and chores were all present. The main chef in charge of the fire is also a woman. She walked over to say hello:

"You are Miss A Lien, right?"

I was extremely surprised:

“Do you know me?”

She laughed openly:

“In the kitchens of noble families in the capital, who doesn't know you?”

“Before, I worked in Ba Phu's kitchen. My wife once ate at the Marquis's banquet. After returning, he started tidying up the kitchen and told us to learn from you."

“Learn what?”

I can't believe it.

“Remember each master's taboo dishes, adjust dishes, and create breakfast. The most important thing is still fire and flavor.”

"There are so many masters in the palace, how can the kitchens of each family remember so well?"

“Most only distinguish between simple rules such as who abstains from spicy food and who abstains from cold. For more sophisticated tastes, only private kitchens can devote effort to research.”

“Others only seek convenience, but you can take care of the tastes of the Marquis's superiors and subordinates, even the guests coming to the banquet.”

“Any model owner who sees it will feel comfortable inside.”