Chapter 45
The two glanced at each other. It was unusual for Li Shan to come here. Her presence indicated that she had something to attend to. Li Xin sat up straight and allowed Li Shan to enter. As Li Shan walked in, she caught a glimpse of Li Xia sitting with Li Xin, and her eyes flashed with a hint of disdain towards Li Xia.
During the Li manor's banquet, the guests' praises for the Li family's garden had filled Li Shan with pride, as she had triumphed over Li Xin and received a generous reward from Li Ming.
The next day, Li Xin sent someone with a new menu. Although Aunt Wang had persuaded Li Shan to relinquish her duties in the kitchen, Li Shan's happiness dissipated at the thought of Li Xin taking over. If she left the kitchen for a few days, Li Xin would change the rules, and the kitchen staff, who only cared about pleasing those in charge, would comply. Previously, when Li Shan enforced new rules, those people would insist on following the "rules set by the lady of the house." Now, they remained silent about the changes, simply because Li Xin was Mrs. Lu's biological daughter while Li Shan was only the daughter of a concubine.
Li Shan grew increasingly agitated and decided to confront Li Xin with the menu. However, upon arriving, she realized that causing a scene would only humiliate herself. The inner courtyard was under the authority of the matriarch, Mrs. Lu, and Li Xin was her biological daughter. No matter what, Mrs. Lu would favor her own flesh and blood. Even their father, Li Ming, would not undermine Mrs. Lu's authority for Li Shan's sake.
Nevertheless, Li Shan had already made her presence known to the maids. It would be improper to leave without seeing Li Xin. With a confident demeanor, Li Shan entered the room. After seating herself, a maid served tea.
"Third Sister, your timing is perfect. My Second Sister and I were just discussing the menu. Please share your opinions," Li Xin said, finding Li Shan's unexpected visit unusual.
Li Shan put down her tea cup. "Since Elder Sister has requested it, I will offer my thoughts."
"Please do, Third Sister," Li Xin replied, appearing attentive. Li Xia glanced at Li Shan.
"There are too few varieties specified for the three daily meals. Father is the most prominent official in Liuzhou. Five dishes for breakfast are too few; we should add more. As for the lunch menu, with the hot weather, people's appetites are poor. There are too many meat dishes, and we should include more vegetable dishes," Li Shan said, eyeing the braised pork and stewed pork knuckles with distaste, as such greasy dishes made her nauseous.
Before coming to the Li manor, Aunt Wang's family was not wealthy, and they could barely afford meat twice a month. Whenever meat was cooked, the whole family would eagerly fight for a share. Upon her initial arrival at the Li manor, Aunt Wang had eaten a few extra pieces of meat during a gathering, prompting Auntie An to mock her "lowly" background. Afterwards, Aunt Wang had inquired about the dining habits of Mrs. Lu and the other ladies. Subsequently, her table featured fewer greasy meat dishes, and she passed on this preference to her daughter, Li Shan, who viewed an abundance of meat dishes as undesirable.
"But meat is delicious. How can we have less of it? Without meat, where would we get our energy?" Li Xia immediately objected to Li Shan's suggestion of reducing meat dishes.
Li Shan gave Li Xia a dismissive glance, unwilling to engage with her, and focused her attention on Li Xin instead.
"Third Sister makes a good point. Eating too much meat can be heavy in the summer heat," Li Xin said. Upon hearing this, Li Xia was displeased, as it seemed Li Xin was siding with Li Shan's opinion. Noticing Li Xia's smug expression, Li Xin gave her a subtle signal to remain silent and listen.
Li Xin continued, "As ladies confined to our quarters with little outdoor activity, we can manage with less meat. However, Father toils relentlessly, and he requires meat to sustain his energy. Moreover, Elder Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother need meat to fuel their studies and physical training." Li Xin's reasoning left Li Shan inwardly frustrated.
However, since Li Xin had brought up their father, Li Ming, Li Shan could not object. Li Xin went on, "Given the summer heat and everyone's poor appetite, as you mentioned, the five breakfast dishes were decided after careful consideration. Let's try this arrangement for three days and gather feedback. If there are any shortcomings, we can make adjustments later."
"I will follow Elder Sister's lead," Li Shan conceded, her gaze shifting to the ice basin in the room. "Elder Sister, it must be cool in here with this ice basin."
"Don't you have one in your quarters? I recall that the manor's rules provide an ice basin for each room every day," Li Xia remarked, causing Li Shan to clench her teeth in annoyance at Li Xia's irksome behavior.
"Yes, I do," Li Shan replied curtly, rising to take her leave.
"Is something wrong with her?" Li Xia muttered as Li Shan departed.
"Enough about her," Li Xin said, not wanting to dwell on the unpleasant encounter.
Li Xia made a sound of acknowledgment. At that moment, Hua Steward entered with a matter to discuss.
"Second Miss is here as well," Hua Steward expressed surprise at finding Li Xia with her elder sister so early in the day. After all, this was the young lady who had changed her daily visit to the Embroidery Room from morning to afternoon, simply to indulge in a late-morning nap after greeting her elders.
"Hua Steward, do you truly view me as such a lazy person?" Li Xia was unfazed by Hua Steward's implied meaning.
"Second Miss, it's plain as day. Do I need to state the obvious?" Hua Steward gained a new appreciation for Li Xia's thick skin.
Li Xia laughed aloud, unbothered by Hua Steward's remark.
"Enough. What brings you here?" Li Xia set aside the banter.
"I've come to deliver the new garments made for the Elder Miss," Hua Steward explained, glancing at the maid behind her carrying a box.
"Sister, you should try them on. If any adjustments are needed, Hua Steward can have them made promptly," Li Xia said, aware that Mrs. Lu had been seeking potential matches for Li Xin recently.
Li Xin nodded and entered the inner chamber, where her personal maid, Dan Qing, received the box from the younger maid and assisted Li Xin in trying on the garments. Hua Steward followed, making notes on any necessary alterations. She then exited with the box and looked at Li Xia.
"What is it?" Li Xia put down her tea cup, having just finished a few snacks that left her mouth dry.
"Second Miss, why don't you accompany me to the Embroidery Room?" Hua Steward appeared to have something to report.
"In that case, Second Sister should go with Hua Steward to the Embroidery Room," Li Xin said, emerging from the inner chamber.
Li Xia rose and departed with Hua Steward.
Watching them leave, Li Xin smiled.
"Why are you smiling, Miss?" Dan Qing asked, puzzled by her mistress's amusement.
"It's nothing," Li Xin regained her composure and returned to her seat, picking up the book she had been reading. However, her mind was not focused on the text. Li Xia often envied her self-discipline and diligence, but deep down, Li Xin longed for the freedom to play and be carefree like her sister. As the eldest legitimate daughter of the Li manor, she could not live solely by her own whims. She had to adhere to propriety and become a well-read, virtuous lady, learning how to be a capable wife and matriarch in the future. She could not engage in lighthearted banter with the servants as Li Xia did.
Li Xin envied Li Xia's ability to find ways to relax and live freely, earning the respect of those around her. Despite their teasing exchanges, Hua Steward held genuine respect and regard for Li Xia. Li Xia remained oblivious to Li Xin's inner thoughts.
Upon arriving at the Embroidery Room, Hua Steward instructed the embroiderers to make adjustments to the garments. Li Xia sat sipping tea, perspiring from the walk. Summer was the most unbearable season, with layers of clothing adding to the heat. If only she had access to the air conditioning or ice-based abilities from her previous life, she could fill a room with ice and cool it down.
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