However, Xia You knew that asking for that money directly won’t work. She has to use gossips.

Ye Jiayao found it hilarious how everyone at the mansion seemed to stand up straighter every time she passes.

She was in such a hurry this morning that she didn’t realize what they were doing until now.

When she got to her yard, Qiao Xi told her, “Second Young Mistress, Madame was asking what time you’ll be back. She asked to send someone to inform her of your return.”

Ye Jiayao was surprised to hear that, her mother-in-law has never summoned her before. “Did she say anything else?”

Qiao Xi shook her head. “No, but she looked unhappy.”

“Then send Ying Tao t tell her I’m back.”

Soon after Ying Tao left, Qiao came.

“Second Sister-in-law, you have to help me,” Qiao pleaded.

This was just one surprise after another. “Please sit, Big Sister. Tell me what happened.”

Qiao told her everything that happened at the gardens with Zhou.

“I told Mother about this, but we don’t have any ideas on how to get the money back. Although Mother didn’t say anything, it’s clear that she’s displeased. Please, help me, Sister-in-law.”

“You don’t have to feel guilty. Mother knows Third Auntie, she won’t blame you for this.”

“But Mother was angry,” Qiao said anxiously. Now that Jinxuan was in Mother’s good graces, Qiao couldn’t afford to screw up.

Ye Jiayao thought about it for a while and proposed, “Big Sister, why don’t you go to Third Aunt and tell her that Mother thinks you didn’t buy enough flowers for decoration. Tell her that since she hasn’t moved to her new house yet, you’re going to borrow her decorations for a few days and you’ll return it after the wedding festival. However, after the wedding festival, tell her that you’re just going to keep the flowers as decoration for Princess Liu Li and that she doesn’t need to return the 200 silvers that she borrows anymore.”

Qiao brightened up. This would solve her problem!

After Qiao left, Jiang Yue and Qiao Xi looked at their Second Young Mistress adoringly. Qiao Xi, especially, has always had her doubts about the Second Young Mistress, but it was clear that she’s a very smart and capable woman. She would make a great Madame one day.

From that day on, Qiao Xi made up her mind to serve the Second Young Mistress with all her heart.

Qiao excitedly came up to Xia You and relayed, “Mother, I borrowed the flowers from Third Auntie and had them placed in Third Brother’s yard.”

You was surprised. “And she was willing to lend it to you?”

“I told her that Mother didn’t think I bought enough flowers and we don’t have enough time to go to the gardens again to buy some more. I asked to borrow the flowers since they haven’t moved to their new house yet…”

You listened to the First Daughter-in-law’s story, pleasantly surprised to hear that Mingxiu had gotten smart. Did she underestimate Chunli’s wife? All this time she thought she was merely an airhead who couldn’t handle herself.

After Qiao left, You turned to Granny Sun and said, “First Daughter-in-law has finally smartened up.”

Granny Sun smiled and told her, “I heard that First Young Mistress only went to Lady Zhou after she met with the Second Young Mistress.”

You’s brows furrowed. “Are you saying that this was all Jinxuan’s idea?”

Granny Sun merely smiled. Wasn’t it obvious? First Young Mistress couldn’t come up with something that clever.

Finally, after two days, it was time for the cooking competition’s finals.

A lot of people has heard about Lu Xiaotian’s culinary prowess and they were looking forward to seeing if he’d win the competition like his father did the year before. Ye Jiayao wanted to see Lu Xiaotian’s cooking performance too but she had no time.

Chunyu, along with Little Jing and Zhao Qixuan, went with her to watch Zhong Xiang compete. Thanks to their rank and pull, she was able to get a seat today.

The sight of a royalty and heir-son lords caught a lot of people’s attention. They looked so handsome and regal that for a moment, they eclipsed the players’ limelight.

Xia Chunyu was accustomed to all the attention that it didn’t even faze him.

Since Litte Jing started working, his excitable demeanor has changed. He has matured and was acting more and more like Helian Xuan. Normally, all these people looking at him would’ve fueled him up, but instead, he sat there, all cool and calm.

It was only Zhao Qixuan who appears to be enjoying all the eyes on him. Since Susu wasn’t here, no one was controlling him. He was practically preening as he fanned himself for his audience.

Ye Jiayao wanted to smack him but she was also aware of the judges’ eyes on them. They were there to support Zhong Xiang and she didn’t want their behavior to impact his chances.

“Yaoyao, do you think Zhong Xiang would win?” Xia Chunyu asked her.

Ye Jiayao hesitated. “I have no idea. We have to see the others perform first.”

She knew that Zhong Xiang was good. Wang Mingde has made a perfect soup for him, so now, this all hinges on how Zhong Xiang will perform.

“You taught him, Second Young Mistress, of course, he’s going to win. I’ve betted 1000 silvers on him,” Zhao Qixuan said.

Little Jing shot him a contemptuous glance. “Do you always have to gamble for everything?”

“A little wager never hurt anyone. I’m just trying to support Second Young Mistress. Right, Chunyu?” Zhao Qixuan ribbed him with a wink.

Chunyu rebutted scornfully, “You said you’re going to treat us to a feast after Yaoyao won against that cocky newcomer. Where’s the feast now?”

Zhao Qixuan waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not going back on that promise. We’ve just both been busy. We’ll do it after Chunfeng’s wedding.”

Ye Jiayao said, “Alright. If Zhong Xiang makes it into the top three, I will also treat you guys wherever you want. You can order all the food and drinks that you want.”

“That’s fantastic! Second Young Mistress is still so generous. Oh, I miss the days when we’d eat and just chat about anything. Ahhh… now, only Chunyu can enjoy that,” Zhao Qixuan said enviously.

Little Jing scowled at him. What do you have to be jealous of? You have Susu, the love of your life! The love of my life is married to another man! I have no one!

Ding, ding, ding, ding!

The competition has begun.

Zhong Xiang has shown his skill in making Longxu noddles in the semi-final so he decided to make macaroni today.

It was also created by Ye Jiayao, as she knew that macaroni hasn’t been invented yet in this dynasty. She asked Jiang Li’s colleague who was good at machine-making to help her make the equipment needed to mold the macaroni.

Therefore, when Zhong Xiang took out the flour machine, the audience was confused as to what it was.

“Is that the thing you asked Jiang Li to make?” Xia Chunyu asked.

“Actually, his friend made it,” Ye Jiayao answered.

“What’s it for?”

“Wait and see.”

“Is he making… Baozi?” Zhao Qixuan was disappointed. He thought he’d make something more creative.

Ye Jiayao snapped at him, “It’s not just Baozi! It has an inner stuffing that’s incredible, you’ll see.”

“If Yaoyao said it is good, then it’s good,” Little Jing chimed in.

“Really? Then, I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s gonna go,” Zhao Qixuan said with a smile.