Chrysanthemum cake

  Now the matter of the Liu family is temporarily put on hold, and if there's no accident, it'll be checked again in half a month. But for now, with so many things to consider, An Yan doesn't know what to do.

  The land in the field still needs to be planted with radishes, and this will continue. As for Master Zhao, he won't need to go check his pulse again for over 20 days. Wu Kai won't be back for a while either, so those matters can be put on hold for now. Speaking of Wu Kai, An Yan suddenly thought of the man who was with Fang Jiao Jiao that day. He was Wu Kai's trusted assistant and the son of Wu Wen, the owner of Qing Feng Wine House - apparently named Wu Yong. Combining this with recent rumors in the village, it seems that Fang Jiao Jiao has abandoned her usual reputation and chosen to be with the rich young master Wu Yong instead.

  When it comes to Fang Jiao, a cold light flashed quickly in An Yan's eyes. This woman has repeatedly tried to bully her, and it seems that she also needs to find a good time to return the favor. After all, courtesy calls for reciprocity, which is a common human sentiment. As for the Ye family, apart from their connection with Fang Jiao, they are actually not bad people. So, in the future, as long as Ye Ming is not obstinately ignorant, she won't make a move on the Ye family.

  All this is for later, and for the time being, she can't take care of that. The other day, she also promised her aunt to study Qīng carefully. That was Uncle's wish, and she would naturally use her heart to ponder it. Moreover, now is a good opportunity, with the help of the Zhao family and the county magistrate, it will definitely develop smoothly, and it's also a good time to stimulate Wu Kai, who is about to return. When the time comes, let Wu Kai and County Magistrate Zhao fight each other, and she can sit back and reap the benefits.

  That's about it for now, most of which I can't remember, and will have to take it slowly.

  However, there is one thing that has already been close at hand, which is the cooperation with Zhao Fu last time. Using chrysanthemum as raw material to produce a series of chrysanthemum products. Speaking of chrysanthemum, An Yan suddenly had an idea in his mind. The Double Ninth Festival is approaching, and it's just the right time to appreciate chrysanthemums. At that time, various chrysanthemum products will be launched, which will surely make a big splash and do great business.

  As for what to do, it's naturally chrysanthemum cake, chrysanthemum tea, chrysanthemum wine brewing, and chrysanthemum pillow. Hmm, these should be enough for now.

  With a mind full of ideas, he felt eager to try them out, got up and paced around the courtyard, further refining his thoughts.

  At this time, Bai Ping brothers and Su San all went to the field to plant radishes. For this kind of partner, An Yan wanted to help, but unfortunately, he was not in good physical condition, so he stayed at home to rest today. Liu Shi and Xiu Niang went to deliver water and rice, while Wang Shi took Bai Shi out for a visit. Recently, Bai Shi has also become more cheerful and slowly began to integrate into Green Bamboo Village. She even followed her aunt Wang Shi out for walks recently. This is a good phenomenon, and An Yan was very relieved.

  So now there are only An Yan and Pang Ya left at home. At this time, Pang Ya is sitting under the persimmon tree writing big characters. Every day, An Yan will ask Pang Ya to write big characters, and when she has free time, she will tell Pang Ya some stories about medicine. In the subtle guidance of Pang Ya, it's not very systematic, she thinks that children should still take playing as the main thing, there is plenty of time for learning later.

  An spoke softly as she walked to the side of Pang Ya, seeing that Pang Ya's writing was almost done, so she didn't make a sound to disturb her. Until Pang Ya put down her brush, An spoke up and said: "Pang Ya, Aunt wants to go to the mountain to pick chrysanthemum flowers, do you want to go with Aunt?"

  Chubby is a child, originally playful. At this moment, after practicing big characters for a while, he has been thinking of playing. And at this moment, hearing An Yan's words, he immediately nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice.

  An Yan looked at the cute little girl and smiled, reaching out to touch her head. Suddenly, he picked up the chubby girl and walked while laughing, saying: Let's set off, go pick chrysanthemum flowers, later Auntie will make you delicious chrysanthemum cakes.

  Auntie, quickly put down Fat Doll, Fat Doll is very heavy, don't tire yourself. Besides, Fat Doll is already four years old and can walk by herself.

  Xiao Pang suddenly got picked up by An Yan and was startled. After reacting, he immediately said loudly that he could walk on his own.

  An Yan was amused by Xiao Yatou's serious and stern expression, and laughed: "It's okay, Auntie just wants to hold Fat Ya today. When we get to the foot of the mountain, Auntie will put Fat Ya down, okay?"

  Good.

  Pang Ya thought for a moment, tilting her head to one side, then decided that it was just a short walk and shouldn't be too tiring for Auntie, so she nodded happily.

  With no more worries, the little girl became lively and started talking a lot.

  Auntie, are we going up the mountain to pick chrysanthemum flowers?

  Right, go pick some beautiful chrysanthemums.

  Chrysanthemum cake is definitely delicious, can auntie have a little more later?

  Auntie cooks a lot when she has time, so much that even Fat Boy can't finish eating.

  Will Mom and Dad and Grandma have enough to eat when they all eat together?

  Of course, even if everyone eats together, they still can't finish it all.

  That's definitely a lot of work, at that time Pang Yu will help Auntie together.

  ……

  One question and one answer, echoing neatly on the small country road, with an indescribable beauty and elegance.

  Occasionally, villagers would pass by on the road, looking at the two smiling faces and that lovely question-and-answer session, they couldn't help but smile along. And An Yan would also give a slight smile to the villagers she met, whether she knew them or not, which was her way of greeting them.

  The villagers all knew An Yan, but An Yan had little impression on the villagers. The biggest impression of An Yan in the eyes of the villagers was that she was arrogant and shameless. At this moment, looking at An Yan's gentle smile and her familiar greeting, they suddenly felt as if the world had changed, making them rub their eyes repeatedly to see if they were hallucinating.

  In the eyes of many, that big and small, those childish words, that clear and crisp laughter like a silver bell, actually has a kind of magic that makes people relax physically and mentally. So harmonious, so beautiful.

  On the other hand, Mrs. Li learned that An Yan and others had been to Huichun Medical Hall, worried that things would change, so she also rushed to Huichun Medical Hall.

  Mrs. Li's family was not poor, and she had a xiucai son who would soon become the county magistrate's brother-in-law, so Hu Qing naturally showed some difference to Mrs. Li. Therefore, Hu Qing took Mrs. Li to the back hall, served tea, and personally accompanied her in conversation.

  Did that unfilial daughter-in-law from my house come to the clinic yesterday?

  Actually, before Mrs. Li spoke up, Hu Qing had already guessed that the matter was probably related to yesterday's incident. At this moment, when she heard Mrs. Li mention it, a look of displeasure flashed across her eyes, and then she said with great resentment: Yesterday, there was a shrewish woman who made a big fuss at Hui Chun Medical Hall, which made me extremely annoyed.

  I roughly know who that person is.

  Hu Qing raised an eyebrow, while Mrs. Li was unwilling to say more comforting words, but somewhat anxiously said: What if that little woman discovers the truth? If things are exposed at that time, it will be troublesome.

  Upon hearing this, Hu Qing was displeased and said coldly: "My medical skills and experience, can a little woman like her understand? If she really saw through me, then I might as well quit being a doctor and go home to farm."

  Upon hearing Hu Qing's arrogant words, a hint of annoyance flashed across Madame Li's eyes, and then she continued to say: "Doctor Hu, do you know who that little woman is? In all things, it's still best not to be too absolute, otherwise, when the time comes, don't say I didn't warn you."

  Upon hearing Mrs. Li's words, a hint of surprise flashed across Hu Qing's eyes, and he asked in astonishment: What? That little woman has an extraordinary background?

  Did Dr. Hu hear about the recent commotion in Hsinchu County regarding the "Magical Hand Revival" and the "Goddess Doctor" incident?

  Upon hearing the words "female medical genius", Hu Qing's eyes were filled with disdain, and he immediately responded: That must be a rumor, where in the world is there logic in a woman practicing medicine? Furthermore, even if she does know some medical skills, at most it would just be superficial knowledge. As for her coming that day, I reckon she was trying to get information out of me or stir up trouble, wanting me to reveal something myself. Unfortunately, those tactics are nothing but petty tricks to me.

  When Mrs. Li heard Hu Qing's confident words, her originally worried heart relaxed a bit. However, being a woman, she was more cautious and careful, so she said on the side: It's still better to be careful, maybe she really has some skills, it's not certain.

  Hearing this, Hu Qing let out a cold snort and said: Even if she really saw through it, I'm not afraid at all. I've already prepared a backup plan. At that time, I'll just lose some face, and say it was an accident. The impact on my reputation won't be too great.

  Hu Qing has this confidence, after all, he has been practicing medicine for twenty years, and the reputation he has established cannot be destroyed overnight.

  When Mrs. Li heard Hu Qing say this, she felt a little more at ease. It was true that Hu Qing was a famous doctor in Baishui County, with a great reputation, and it was not something that an ordinary woman like her could question. Thinking this way, the worries in her heart disappeared, and Mrs. Li got up to take her leave. Everything seemed as if nothing had ever happened, and those shady plots that couldn't be seen were hidden in the dark corners, flickering on and off.

  An Yan brought Pango down the mountain and released it at Xiao Pango's request.

  Xiao Pangya landed on the ground and suddenly became like a happy little bird, flapping around in circles before finally stopping.

  Anwen watched as Chubby happily ran and jumped around, her elegant eyes curved into a crescent shape.

  Alright, fatty, we should head up the mountain now, otherwise it'll be dark before we get home.

  Upon hearing this, the fatty immediately ran to An Yan's side, tightly grasping An Yan's hem and hastily said: Let's hurry up the mountain then, we still have to go back and make chrysanthemum cakes.

  You little foodie.

  An said something with a smile, stretched out her hand and gently tapped on Pang Ya's forehead. But Pang Ya didn't mind at all, still smiling happily.

  The two of them walked and laughed all the way until they reached a slope, where large patches of wild chrysanthemums grew. From afar, they could smell the strong fragrance of chrysanthemum in the air.

  Only on the slope can be seen red, yellow, purple, light green, and pink. Various colored chrysanthemums are blooming in profusion, a riot of color, breathtakingly beautiful.

  So beautiful.

  Little Chubby looked at the many beautiful chrysanthemums, cheered, and then rushed into the chrysanthemums like a rocket. An Yan looked at Little Chubby's lively appearance, her eyes filled with joy and doting. Children should be like this, carefree and playful, running wildly, like free wind.

  An Yan walked into the chrysanthemum field, selecting the more beautiful ones and picking them off to put in the bamboo basket on her back. Pang Ya ran around in the flower cluster for a while before coming obediently to An Yan's side, very sensibly helping with the chrysanthemum picking. The chrysanthemum petals were within reach, and after a short while, they had already picked a full basket. An Yan looked at it and thought it was about enough, so she called out to Pang Ya to head back.

  Anwen carried a bamboo basket on his back and led a fat donkey, happily going down the mountain.

  Walking on the small road in the countryside, maybe because of a good mood, Anwen hummed a song. Xiao Pang heard it and immediately happily danced along with her hands and feet.

  "Wow, did you pick up a treasure on the mountain? Why are you so happy, let me see what you've picked up? Haha, it's just chrysanthemum. Are you going to take this chrysanthemum back home to eat? Haven't you had rice in your pot lately? It's really pitiful, fellow villagers, if you have any difficulties, feel free to tell me, I can lend you some coarse grains."

  Unfortunately, such a beautiful moment was disrupted by someone. An Yan turned her head to look and saw Fang Jiao Jiao with an extremely pleased and contemptuous expression. Seeing Fang Jiao Jiao's appearance, An Yan felt like she was looking at a proud rooster. At this time, An Yan didn't want to bother with her; the more you bother with people like her, the more energized they become. Therefore, An Yan held onto Pang Ya's hand and pretended not to see Fang Jiao Jiao, turning around to leave.

  But Fang Jiao wouldn't let it go so easily, she reached out to grab An Yan's hand and sneered: What's wrong, fellow villagers, why aren't you responding when I'm talking to you? Do you think you're still in Qingcheng, thinking you're the young mistress?

  You wicked woman, so ugly and speaking in such an unpleasant tone, be careful or you'll be dragged away by wolves at night.

  Xiao Pangzi looked very dissatisfied on the side, and suddenly her small face puffed up like an apple. With all her might, she went to push Fang Jiaojiao.

  Fang Jiao didn't guard against the chubby kid, who was still young and would resort to violence. Caught off guard, she lost her balance and took two steps back, but failed to control herself and sat down on the ground with a thud. She looked up at the chubby kid in disbelief, not daring to believe that she had been pushed to the ground by a child - this was simply a great humiliation.

  But Pang Ya's eyebrows were upside down at this time, staring fiercely at Fang Jiao Jiao with a look of great enemy.

  An Yan looked at the chubby girl's disheveled appearance, like an angry little bird, extremely cute. She couldn't help but reach out and rub her fluffy head, laughing and praising: "Good Chubby."

  Upon hearing An's praise, Pang Ya suddenly lost her composure, lowering her head and clutching at her clothes with both hands, looking embarrassed. Seeing Pang Ya's shy appearance, An was instantly charmed to the point of being unable to move. At this moment, she really wanted to hug Pang Ya tightly and give her a few bites.

  On the other side, Fang Jiao Jiao was about to launch a fierce scolding when she saw Ye Ming walking towards them with a bundle of firewood on his back. Seeing Ye Ming, Fang Jiao Jiao's eyes lit up and she smiled mischievously at An Yan and Pang Ya.

  An Yan saw Fang Jiao Jiao's smile and felt a little puzzled, unsure of what trick she was going to play.

  Jiang Jiao then quietly pinched her own thigh in a place where no one could see, and instantly tears burst out from the pain.

  Waaah, it hurts so much! Tang Jinxiu, how could you hit me for no reason?! Who's going to save me? It hurts so much!

  In an instant, I felt like a million horses galloping across my head. Is Fang Jiao's behavior really normal? Tears fell as soon as she said they would, and her mouth opened and closed as she spoke nonsense, looking quite like a White Lotus flower. But the key is, didn't Fang Jiao used to be a proud and arrogant peacock? Why did she suddenly choose to take the White Lotus path?

  When An Yan was deep in thought and couldn't figure it out, Ye Ming, who was carrying firewood, entered his line of sight.

  In an instant, everything was reasonably explained. It turned out that Fang Jiao had seen Ye Ming, no wonder she put on a weak and bullied look.

  But will Ye Ming still be tempted by Fang Jiao Jiao? She remembered the last time she went to Ye's house to borrow a cow cart, Ye Ming's behavior, and felt that even if Fang Jiao Jiao had feelings for him, it was filled with hatred. Therefore, Fang Jiao Jiao's plan in her heart may not work at this time. An Yan stood still on the spot, looking like she was watching a good show, hoping that Ye Ming would be tough and not disappoint her.

  Jiang Jiao looked at Ye Ming as he got closer, and suddenly her eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at him, sobbing weakly: "Ye Ge, Jiao is in so much pain..."

  Fang Jiao thought to herself that she was the village flower of Qingzhu Village, and also Ye Ming's cousin. Ye Ming had always listened to her since they were young. Although she later abandoned him, he must still have feelings for her in his heart. Fang Jiao thought confidently to herself, but her expression became even more delicate, her eyes welling up with tears before she could speak, truly a pitiful sight.

  However, Ye Ming walked straight past Fang Jiaojiao's side without even a glance, as if he hadn't seen anything.

  Fang Jiao's whole person was stunned, with tears hanging on her eyelashes, about to fall but not falling, looking extremely comical. She couldn't believe it and turned her head to look at Ye Ming's departing figure, suddenly realizing that she didn't understand him as well as she thought. She had assumed that after choosing Wu Yong, she could still occupy Ye Ming's heart. She thought that even if Ye Ming was angry with her in his heart, he would never be able to let go of her. When she faced danger and bullying, he would definitely come to help her without hesitation.

  But why, everything is different now, it's not like what I imagined.

  An Yan watched this ironic scene and sighed, shaking his head in the direction of Fang Jiao Jiao. As for her thoughts, An Yan vaguely guessed some of them.

  No one will unconditionally wait for another person forever, after all Fang is being greedy.

  Fatty, let's go back, Auntie will make chrysanthemum cake for you.

  An didn't need to look at Fang Jiao Jiao, she believed that at this moment, there was no need for her to do anything, Fang Jiao Jiao already looked like she was on the verge of collapse.

  When you have it, you think it's a matter of course. When you lose it, you realize that you also care about it. So many years of childhood friends, Fang Jiao still has feelings for Ye Ming. If she can't let go herself, it will become an unrelenting obsession in her heart, a demon that she can't escape.

  Yeah, I'm really craving for it now, Auntie's cooking is definitely super delicious.

  Listening to the childish words of the chubby girl, he bent down and gently kissed her pink cheek, then took the chubby girl away from here.

  Back home, An Xun dragged Pang Ya into the kitchen and started making chrysanthemum cake.

  To make chrysanthemum cake, you need white sugar, maltose, sweet potato flour, glutinous rice flour, chopped chrysanthemum petals, and vegetable oil. As it happens, the Bai family has all these ingredients, so it saved her a lot of trouble.

  The next step is a bit cumbersome, the normal chrysanthemum cake process is steaming, frying, grinding, sifting, mixing, rod pressing, and knife cutting. However, due to the limited conditions here, some steps can only be omitted or replaced with other rough methods.

  Although so, however when chrysanthemum cake was cured, that pungent fragrance came over, still let An Yan greatly surprised. Didn't think, unexpectedly could succeed.

  The color is greenish-blue, and it tastes sweet and refreshing when eaten. It has a delicate and smooth texture, with a strong chrysanthemum fragrance. Everyone who eats it thinks the flavor is excellent.

  Compared with ordinary pastries, chrysanthemum cake has the fragrance of chrysanthemum, and is sweet, soft and fluffy. It melts in your mouth and leaves a fragrant aftertaste. Moreover, due to the addition of chrysanthemum, it also has the effects of clearing the mind and eyes, reducing fire and heat.

  Xiao Pang couldn't stop after eating one piece and quickly ate three pieces, still wanting more.

  Stop it, you can't eat so much at once, we still have dinner later.

  After hearing An Yan's words, Pang Ya suddenly looked down with a lost expression, like an abandoned little dog. An Yan felt heartbroken at the sight. After thinking for a moment, An Yan gave Pang Ya another piece of food. As soon as she got it, her face lit up and she cheered excitedly, instantly forgetting her previous sadness and disappointment.

  Chubby happily munched on chrysanthemum cake, her mouth stuffed full, and didn't forget to praise: Chrysanthemum cake is so delicious, Chubby wants to eat it every day, every night.

  When Ah Bing heard such childish words, An Yan suddenly lost his smile and said: If that's really the case, you'll be fed up in three days. From then on, Xiao Pangzi should see chrysanthemum and run away with his legs, haha...

  Just thinking about that situation makes me laugh.

  But the little fatty thought otherwise, she seriously said to An Yan: Fatty won't get tired of it, Auntie's chrysanthemum cake is so delicious, Fatty will definitely not get tired of eating it. Really, Auntie, you can trust Fatty, Fatty never lies.

  Okay, okay, Fat Girl loves to eat, Auntie believes Fat Girl.

  Pang Ya finally put her mind at ease and looked at the chrysanthemum cake with eager eyes again. But this time, An Yan had a firm attitude, no, she really couldn't eat it anymore. This pastry can be stored for several days, Pang Ya can eat it tonight, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, okay?

  Although it's now late summer, the weather is still a bit hot. When the time comes to put the chrysanthemum cake in a basket and hang it in the center of the well, it can be stored for several more days.

  Good.

  Chubby heard that there was still food left at the back, only then did he obediently run out to play.

  An was thinking of other things in the kitchen, thinking about how to promote this chrysanthemum cake and how to make a profit from it.