Chapter 249: You Dont Have to Come Back Anymore (2)

Could it be that Third Young Madam had hidden most of her secret recipes from them when she was back at Songtao Court?

No, that was impossible. Third Young Madam never evaded them whenever she cooked. She even taught them her secret recipes personally. She wasnt silly, so she had earnestly remembered and picked up whatever Third Young Madam had taught them.

Third Young Madam was just a normal person, how could she have an endless store of secret recipes? Even if she had more than a few secret recipes, after all this time, she should have finished learning all of them. Why were there suddenly even more dishes that she hadnt even seen before?

Actually, Mingyan had only learned about twenty or so dishes. That number was just a drop in the ocean for the great foodie Chu Lian, who had eaten most of the foods on either side of the Yangtze River.

It was only Mingyan herself who had thought that she had learned all of the secret recipes that Third Young Madams family had passed down.

Judging from the scene just now, Guilin Restaurants dishes had clearly stolen away Old Duke Zhengs favour.

How was she going to gain a foothold in the Zheng Estate by Old Duke Zhengs side from now on like this?

As she continued thinking, Mingyans mood worsened. She wasnt satisfied. She had already bravely taken the first step away from Chu Lian. She definitely wasnt going to return.

She paced about in the corridor outside the parlour, the handkerchief in her hands had already been wrung into knots. Finally, she abruptly made a decision and quickly strode out of the courtyard in the next second.

She asked directions from a manservant before moving quickly towards the kitchen. However, before she could enter, she was blocked by a tall server guarding the kitchen.

Miss, please stop there. Outsiders are not allowed in Guilin Restaurants kitchen.

Mingyan lowered her head and trembled imperceptibly. In the next moment, she had already made up her mind. She raised her head and met the servers sharp gaze. She spoke confidently, Im Third Young Madams handmaid and Ive come here with her orders to handle some affairs in the kitchen. How dare you stop me!

The originally confident server froze for a moment and was at a loss for what to do when a familiar voice sounded from behind Mingyan. Ah-zhong, go inside and help. Leave this to me.

The speaker was Xiyan. Xiyan often came to Guilin Restaurant to teach the cooks new dishes, so the staff here were all familiar with her.

The server called Ah-zhong immediately saluted to Xiyan before entering the kitchen.

Mingyans body was rooted to the spot. She hadnt expected Xiyan to come to the kitchen at this time.

However, her next thought calmed her down. She wasnt doing anything against her conscience here. Furthermore, while serving Old Duke Zheng, he didnt treat her as a maidservant at all. Even if she claimed to be Old Duke Zhengs granddaughter, others might believe it. Her current status was higher than Xiyans, so she could hold her head high and keep her back straight.

Miss Mingyan, youve been taking care of His Grace all this time. How could I not have noticed when Third Young Madam sent you some orders? Xiyan mocked.

This Mingyan seemed honest enough in their daily life together previously. Who could have thought that she would have such a disloyal heart? She even tried to fake Third Young Madams orders. If she really entered the kitchen, who knew what kind of disaster might occur?

Today was Guilin Restaurants first banquet. It was extremely important and there was no space for mistakes.

Mingyan could sense Xiyans distance in her tone.

She frowned and scolded Xiyan in her heart. However, she still forced a smile on her face.

She walked over to Xiyans side and said, Sister Xiyan, youve mistaken me. I just noticed that the dishes that Guilin Restaurant brought out today were all new, so I wanted to come over and broaden my horizons a little. I didnt have any other intentions.

Xiyan tugged her arm away from Mingyans hold and looked at her with a cold expression. You had better not have any other intentions. If theres nothing, you should go back to His Graces side. Guilin Restaurants dishes are all made from secret recipes, its not convenient for outsiders to enter.

There was no courtesy left in Xiyans very direct words. She wasnt someone who liked to beat around the bush anyway. Furthermore, this Mingyan was annoying, so she just spoke however she liked.

Mingyan couldnt hold the smile on her face any longer. She stomped her foot in rage, Sister Xiyan, what do you mean by that? Youre treating me as an outsider? Even when Third Young Madam was cooking back in the estate, she never minded letting me watch!

That was because you were still Third Young Madams handmaid back then and was someone serving Third Young Madam. However, your current master is Duke Zheng. Whenever you start serving Third Young Madam again is when everything will be as before.

After throwing down these words, Xiyan couldnt be bothered to continue talking to this ingrate. She quickly turned and entered the kitchen, leaving just the sight of her back for Mingyan.

Mingyan glared at the kitchen door for a long moment. However, in the end, she could only spit at the door and stomp her foot once more before leaving.

Following that, Mingyan tried searching for Jingyan and Fuyan. However, they were currently serving by Chu Lians side, so she wasnt able to meet them.

With an uneasy and impatient heart, Mingyan returned to wait outside the parlour with tumultous emotions.

Right as she reached the entrance of the parlour, she could hear Old Duke Zhengs booming voice from within. After a moment of hesitation, she walked forward and came even closer to the parlour.

Jinyi, its good that you opened this restaurant. This old man will have a place to eat at from now on. That was Old Duke Zhengs voice, brimming full of undisguised joy.

Then Guilin Restaurant will be depending on Old Duke Zheng from now on! Chu Lians voice was uniquely gentle and bright and very pleasing to the ear.

Oh yes, these few days, Ive been recovering well all thanks to the maidservant you left in my estate. Her skills arent bad at all. However, my bodys almost fully recovered and I cant keep your personal handmaid away from you. Why dont you send someone to take her back today?

Chu Lian blinked and smiled, It seems like Mingyan has gotten Your Graces favour. This junior has enough servants. Since Your Grace likes her skills, theres no need to send her back. This junior will send over that girls contract over to the estate some other day. That girl has learned quite a few of my secret recipes after all. Your Grace, you have to accept this present from your humble junior.