ily to know he had saved up to buy it, so he quickly nodded and agreed, "Okay, brother, don't worry, Fu Niu won't say anything."Jiahuan secretly let out a breath of relief, feeling more at ease in her...Just now, Jiayin brought back a gift from the imperial court - a four-fold screen that is quite good. It's a double-sided embroidery from the south, one side depicts Five Blessings Presenting Longevity, and the other depicts mountains and green water. It's very exquisite.

Jia Yin originally wanted to put the good news on Grandma's kang, but the old lady took it and used it as a tribute for her birthday celebration.

Firstly, coming to the house with only one cake seems a bit too meager.

Secondly, this was also one of the few times Li's family had a chance to showcase their wealth in Xindu. It wouldn't do for them to be seen as stingy.

This screen is perfectly symbolic, coming from the palace itself. No one could fault it, and it also shows the imperial family's favor towards the Li family.

Jia Yin pouted her little mouth. Seeing this, Old Lady Li guessed that her granddaughter was reluctant to part with it, so she hugged her and smiled, "Our little Cai is stingy again When grandma tells your uncle, when we encounter a good one next time, we'll buy another one back to make up for you."

"That's not true at all!" Jia Yin leaned against her grandmother's bosom and acted coquettishly, "This is what I kept for Grandma. I always give the good stuff to Grandma. If I gave it to outsiders, I would feel heartbroken!"

Grandma Li was touched. She pinched her granddaughter's chubby cheeks and replied, “Our little Funiu is the most filial. Grandma knows that, so let's choose something else. Your uncle brought back a lot of good wood from the south. Why don't we pick a piece to make as a birthday gift”

Jia Yin quickly waved her hand, "No, no, this time just give grandma the kang screen. I'll get a better one for her later."

"The lumber must be kept hidden. If Grandpa Zhang and the others find out, I'm in trouble! Grandpa Zhang will make me memorize medical texts until I'm eighty years old!"

Everyone laughed.

This time, the family fleet returned from the south with a good supply of timber, all carefully selected by Li Zhensheng.

In the south, the climate is humid and hot, which is suitable for tree growth. There are also traders from nearby countries who sell lumber from their homelands.

Li Zhensheng seized the opportunity, buying a large amount at once and transporting it back by water. It took a lot of effort along the way.

I'm a little late for the Mid-Autumn Festival, that's the reason.

These timbers will be used to build most of the Earl's and Countess's mansions. The rest will be divided among the elders at home.

Li Lao Tai, Zhang Shen Yi, the village head and his wife, Zhao Shu and even Liu Lao Ye heard about it and all rushed to grab a piece.

There is no other reason; they all have to make tomb offerings.

Funeral arrangements are what elderly people worry about most.

A good coffin can bring them peace of mind and lessen their fear of aging and death.

Although Li Zhensheng promised to bring more back later, the elderly people still treated these remaining pieces like precious jewels.

Then, while they waited for the Earl's Mansion and the Countess's Mansion to be built, the carpenters, once their work was done, began to construct their "homes" for after death.

At this time, moving the wood, Jia Yin, this beloved member of the team, would definitely become a meatball in seconds...

The next day, after the meal, everyone dressed up and set off.

Tao Hongying brought Jia Yin, along with He Mama and Shui Ling to serve her.

Since Madam Wen was pregnant, besides Qiong's maidservant, she also brought along an extra Nanny Tian.

Lao Li and Wen Juan stayed home and didn't go.

After all, it was their first time visiting the Jia family. They hadn't gotten close enough to go together as a whole family for a birthday celebration yet.

Furthermore, Li Laotai held the title of First Rank誥命 (Imperial Dowager Consort), which was two ranks higher than today's Longevity Star. In the past, she would have undoubtedly overshadowed him.

Then there was Wenjuan. Although she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Li family's third branch, her status stemmed from her husband's position. Since her husband, Jia, held no official titles or accomplishments, such gatherings wouldn't treat her with importance.

And she was also pregnant, with a big belly, and her family had to keep her in mind at all times...

At a celebration of someone's birthday, it may seem casual at first glance, but there are actually many layers of human relationships and social interactions underneath.

Sitting in the carriage, Tao Hongying figured out the twists and turns within. She unconsciously straightened her back and secretly pondered how to slowly find a few talented apprentices and pass on her secret recipes.

Now that life at home is good and we don't lack the money she earns,

Instead, she was to begin as a fourth-rank general's wife and the mother of a county lord, going out to socialize and make connections.

She shouldn't be a source of shame for her husband and daughter just because she is a cook.

As for hobbies, she could focus on perfecting new dishes, which would then be introduced to the restaurant's menu.

Her best friend gave her a few cookbooks, enough to keep her busy for years.

Think about it carefully, it seems like any problem, as long as my daughter is by my side, it's not a problem anymore...

She couldn't help but look at the plump girl opposite, chatting and giggling with her companion, her eyes filled with love and pride.

Jia Yin was just talking about the business at the snack shop when her mother's gaze suddenly made her heart skip a beat. The first thought that came to her mind was...

She hasn't seemed to cause any trouble these past two days, has she

The carriage rattled its way into the city, turning directly towards the dessert shop.

Early on, the people on this side of the bed received the news.

I heard that the master is going to a birthday banquet and plans to bring a birthday cake as a gift.

Chen Xi and Peng Zhanggui were so excited they were ecstatic.

Before the shop even opened, the master started drumming up business.

This master is so reliable!

Know that this is the first time a birthday cake has truly appeared before the world.

Chen Xi used all his skills to bake the cake base, whip the cream, and decorate it. He almost did everything himself.

By the time Jia Yin and the others arrived, the cake was already ready.

A two-tiered cake with a diameter of two feet. The top tier features the Longevity Star offering peaches, while the bottom tier is adorned with flowers and colorful decorations.

The painting of the Star God by Shou Xing is so lifelike, one would think his clothes, wrinkles, and beard marks are all clear as day. In his hand, he holds a peach that looks as white and watery as a real one, indistinguishable from a true peach.

The lower layer of flowers was a vibrant and colorful spectacle, with blossoms of every hue. It was a truly lively scene.

This design is definitely a favorite among the elderly, it's festive and auspicious.

Jia Yin had a look and praised them highly, Chen Xi and Peng the shopkeeper were overjoyed with smiles on their faces.

When making a cake, it is placed in a large white porcelain dish.

Then take another characteristic wooden box, place the cake inside from the side, fasten the clasp, tie on the ribbon and decorative flowers, and you're done!

Jia Yin thought about it and asked Peng Zhang to pack some snacks and four small cakes for her.

After tidying up, it was already past midday when everyone set off for Jia's house.

The second madam of the Jia family was waiting for guests at the gate adorned with blooming flowers. She had been eagerly anticipating Mrs. Wen and the Li family's arrival, overjoyed when they finally arrived. She hurried forward to greet them warmly.

"Oh, Jinrou, you're finally here! If you hadn't come soon, my neck would have stretched out!" She was a quick-witted person with a cheerful smile. Not to mention Mrs. Wen, even Tao Hongying seemed less tense.

Mrs. Wen pulled her hand, introducing her to Tao Hongying and Jia Yin.

But Tao Hongying was still acceptable, but this County Princess Jiayin's status was far too valuable.

Mrs. Jia Er was about to perform a grand courtesy, but Tao Hongying stopped her with a smile. "She's just a child. Today she's here to congratulate the old lady and share in the joy. Madam Jia Er, please don't be so formal. Just treat her as an ordinary junior."

Jia Yin also smiled sweetly and bowed, saying, "Madam Two, how are you"

"Oh, oh, Miss Li has truly astounded our humble servant. Please come in quickly." Mrs. Jia Er felt so at ease with the Li family that she practically burst into a smile.

She worried all night, afraid that the new member of the Li family might be difficult to get along with.r 66 taels of silver. Someone has already paid the money. In five days, it will be the first table.""Really" The old woman was happy for her daughter-in-law and smiled, "That's wonderful! Hongying has...