Chapter 258 - Chapter 258: Quite Conscious
Chapter 258: Quite Conscious
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations
The next day, Ji Zhao went to the restaurant’s kitchen early in the morning to get busy.
Early in the morning, she placed the cooked ginseng and black chicken soup into a food box. After packing up, she rushed towards the Ma Residence.
Yesterday, she had promised Shen Yao that she would visit the county magistrate’s Madam, Madam Hou, this morning.
Shen Yao explained the Ma family’s relationship to her last night, and Ji Zhao finally understood what Shen Yao meant by a breakthrough point.
Old Madam Ma had been alone for many years. She only had one son, County Magistrate Ma.
However, County Magistrate Ma was not a sentimental person. Back then, for the sake of his career, he abandoned his wife and married the daughter of the higher-ups, Madam Hou.
As for the tyrannical Young Master Ma, although he was registered under
Madam Hou’s name, his biological mother was a farmer’s wife that Magistrate Ma had married in the countryside in his early years. Unfortunately, that person was unlucky and died of illness in less than a year after giving birth to Ma Tianxiang.
If Ma Tianxiang was involved in the plot against Eldest Brother Shen, then the Hou family would be a good breakthrough point.
“Ah Tao, it’s not that I want to attack you.” Second Manager You looked at the excited Ji Zhao and said worriedly, “This county magistrate’s Madam is a reclusive person. She has never liked to interact with others.”
“Second Brother You, in order to save Eldest Brother, I have to give it a try!” Ji Zhao sighed softly. “Previously, when I went to the Ma Residence to cook, Madam Ma also praised my double-skinned milk for being delicious.
Therefore, even if there’s only a trace of chance, I have to try!’
“It’s a pity that Second Brother Ma accompanied Old Madam Ma back to the prefecture capital first,” Second Manager You said regretfully. ‘Otherwise, our chances of meeting Madam Ma would be higher.”
In addition to a pot of ginseng and black chicken soup, Ji Zhao also brought along a painting made by Shen Yao.
Early in the morning, Second Manager You accompanied Ji Zhao to the Ma Residence.
“The things have been handed in, but it’s hard to say if Madam Ma is willing to see us.” Second Manager You looked at the indifferent Ji Zhao and sighed. “Ah Tao, don’t have too much hope. ‘
“Second Brother You, I believe Madam Ma will be willing to see me.” Ji Zhao slowly looked up and smiled firmly.
At that moment.
Madam Hou, who was kneeling in the small Buddhist hall in the backyard and chanting Buddhist scriptures, couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows when she saw the chicken soup and paintings that Ji Zhao had gotten someone to send in. A complicated expression appeared in her eyes.
“Madam, do you want to see her?” the little maid, Lianxin, asked in a low voice.
“Ginseng Black Chicken Soup nourishes the qi and nourishes the blood. Before I got married, my favorite thing to drink was the Black Chicken Soup that my mother made herself.” With Lianxin’s help, Madam Hou slowly stood up. There was a sincere smile in her eyes. “This Miss Ji is quite thoughtful.”
“As the saying goes, one never visits unless they need something. I feel that this Miss Ji must have a request!’ Lianxin said firmly. “However, I feel that this painting is a little strange.”
The painting was a painting of a hundred children. However, everyone in Dingyuan County knew that the county magistrate’s Madam had been married for many years and had never been pregnant. Although she had a son, he was not her legitimate son…
“Invite Miss Ji in.” Madam Hou chuckled.
Halfway through the night, Ji Zhao was finally invited into the Ma Residence.
She was brought to the reception pavilion by a maidservant. Not long after, a servant served refreshments.
The weather was very bright today, and Ji Zhao had waited outside for more than an hour. Her mouth was really dry.
After taking a sip of tea, a look of amazement flashed across her eyes.
Ji Zhao looked down at the stamen that appeared on the surface of the tea and silently curled her lips.
The originally bitter green tea was mixed with osmanthus stamen soaked in honey. Not only did it cover the astringent taste of the green tea, but it also raised the taste of the entire cup of tea to a higher level. The clear and sweet taste left a lasting aftertaste.
She had to admit that this design was very ingenious.
Just as Ji Zhao was savoring the tea, Madam Hou arrived late.
“Greetings, Madam.” Ji Zhao hurriedly stood up, bent her knees slightly, and curtsied respectfully.
This county magistrate’s Madam was exactly as Ji Zhao had imagined. She was wearing a dark gray brocade robe embroidered with the word ‘fortune’, making her pallor look very ugly. Although her facial features were very upright, it did not hide the haggardness in her eyes.
“Get up.” Madam Hou smiled and said gently, “The bowl of ginseng black chicken soup that Miss Ji sent in just now tastes pretty good.”
“The most important thing is that you like it, Madam.” Ji Zhao smiled faintly and said gently, “Previously, when I was lucky enough to come to the residence to cook for Matriarch’s birthday banquet, I wanted to visit you. It was just that I was too busy that day. In addition, I had been busy in the kitchen for the entire day, and the smell of oil and smoke on my body was too strong, so I didn’t visit you.”
“Miss Ji.” Madam Hou smiled slightly. Her seemingly gentle eyes were filled with a cold light. “If you have something to say, why don’t you just say it?’
“Madam, please forgive me for asking.” Ji Zhao mustered his courage and asked softly, “When Madam married the county magistrate back then, did you know that he was already married?”
“How dare you! ” The maidservant standing behind Madam Hou berated angrily. “Who gave you the guts to speak to the Madam in such a tone?” Madam Hou smiled and shook her head at the maidservant behind her.
Then, she looked at Ji Zhao and asked softly, “l heard that Miss Ji is already married? Your husband is also a scholar? Miss Ji, don’t you think that your question just now has already offended others?’
“Madam, Ah Tao doesn’t want to offend you,” Ji Zhao said sincerely. “It’s just that Ah Tao is in some trouble now and wants to ask Madam for help. The trouble Ah Tao encountered is related to Young Master Ma.”
“Ah Tao knows that Young Master Ma is not Madam’s legitimate son, so Ah Tao wants to make a deal with Madam.” Ji Zhao clenched her fists and looked into her eyes. She said softly, “Madam, do you want to have your own child?”
Madam Hou suddenly narrowed her eyes, and her gentle smile instantly disappeared.
“Miss Ji, some things can’t be said carelessly!’ “Madam, didn’t you try? How do you know that you can’t do it?’
Ji Zhao met Madam Hou’s cold gaze fearlessly.
On the other side.
Shen Ji Pastry Shop.
Looking at the drunk Young Master Ma in front of her, Feng Chunyan shrunk her neck and kept retreating—
“Young Master Ma, Shen Ji is not open for business today…” Feng Chunyan clenched her fists nervously and said in a low voice, “If you want to buy pastries, come backin a few days?”
“Don’t you know what I’m here for?” Ma Tianxiang, who was already drunk, suddenly smiled. However, that cheap smile coupled with his pockmarked face was really nauseating…
Ma Tianxiang approached her step by step. He raised the folding fan in his hand and lifted her chin. He sneered.. “Don’t ruin my mood on such a good day! As long as you cooperate obediently, your brother-in-law and Shen Ji will be safe and sound! Do you understand?”