Although the Matriarch was advanced in age, there weren't many masters in the estate, so she had people in each courtyard.

Every day, there would be people specially reporting to her about what the masters in each courtyard had done.

A few days ago, the Matriarch had tasted the honeyed kumquats Chu Lian made and even praised them.

In the past, whenever an important guest came to Duke Jing 'an's estate, Kitchen Maiden Zhou's specialty desserts would be served. However, Kitchen Maiden Zhou had perished in the kitchen fire, so the desserts they served naturally became ordinary.

The Matriarch of Duke Zheng's Estate was Matriarch's good sister when they were still in the boudoir. Now that the two of them were the lucky stars of the estate, the fact that they could still maintain contact meant that they had decades of friendship. Naturally, it was different from normal aristocratic families.

The Matriarch of Duke Zheng's Estate had never seen Chu Lian before, so she was immediately curious.

She teased Matriarch, "Oh, Jiao Niang, your little granddaughter-in-law knows how to make desserts!

Your estate's kitchen maiden is gone, so I don't feel good eating these desserts! "

The two of them were old sisters, so there was no need to be polite.

The Matriarch immediately had Senior Servant Liu bring the desserts Chu Lian brought to the table.

When Senior Servant Liu opened the lid of the food box, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Matriarch He glared at her with displeasure.

"Forgive me, Matriarch. These desserts are a bit too good-looking, so this old servant lost her composure."

"Oh, what desserts made Xiangyun lose her composure? Quickly bring it out for me to see," the Matriarch of Duke Zheng's Estate urged.

Xiangyun was Senior Servant Liu's name when she was a maidservant.

When Senior Servant Liu brought out the desserts from the food box and placed them on the small table, even the two experienced and knowledgeable old matriarchs widened their eyes.

The sweet white porcelain bowl was filled with ice.

The ice bowl was made from milk and various fruits and vegetables. It had a refreshing color and a sweet milky fragrance, making one feel good just by looking at it.

There were a few newly bloomed red camellias on the edge of the ice bowl, making one feel unbearable to eat them.

The other desserts, which were round and looked like transparent water droplets, were even more peculiar. They were placed in a shallow, long, dark green bowl with lotus leaves underneath. Soybean powder and brown syrup were sprinkled on the side of the desserts.

It really was like a dewdrop falling on a lotus leaf, a novel sight to behold.

While the two old ladies were enjoying the snacks, Nanny Liu spoke.

"Matriarch, Third Madam said that it would be a waste if you didn't make some desserts with the ice that you sent over today. That's why she sent these ice bowls and crescent biscuits.

However, these two desserts are mixed with ice. Both of you are old, so don't eat too much. "

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Mansion raised her head in confusion. "You sent ice over?"

Matriarch He nodded and told her about He Changdi's hasty trip to the Northern Region.

It was obvious that this child had made arrangements long ago. He had only left a letter.

She sent Dalang to look for him for more than half a day, but they did not find any clues.

It could be seen that he had already made up his mind and made arrangements. It was just that his new daughter-in-law had to suffer.

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Mansion frowned. "Sister, you have to make arrangements for this. The servants in the family must keep their mouths shut. Otherwise, your little granddaughter-in-law won't have a good reputation after marrying into the family!"

"How could I not know? This San Lang is too willful!"

But no matter what, He Changdi was Matriarch's most beloved grandson. How could she bear to blame him? Moreover, a man in his twenties had to make a name for himself. Duke Jing 'an's estate didn't support idlers.

Matriarch He only blamed He Changdi for leaving in a hurry and not explaining things to his family.

As for Chu Lian's reputation, He Changdi didn't care about his new wife in the first place. Why would he consider her reputation?

"Sigh … let's not talk about this for now. Quickly try the desserts my granddaughter-in-law made."

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate smiled. She took a small silver spoon from a servant girl and took a small sip from the ice bowl.

Honey smoke-stained fruits, sugar lotus root, fresh water chestnuts, and fragrant milk. When it entered the mouth, it was cool and refreshing. It also had a unique fruity aroma. It was truly a holy dessert to cool off the summer heat.

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate took a bite and immediately nodded. "I've lived for so long, but I've never eaten such delicious desserts before!

Old Sister, you're truly blessed. "

Although Matriarch He didn't have any expectations for Chu Lian, how could she not be happy if she really made her proud?

Immediately, she smiled, washing away the sadness and worry brought about by He Changdi's sudden departure.

After all, the two old madams were old and didn't dare to eat too much cold food. Although it was delicious, they endured it and only ate half a bowl. The servant girls beside them also felt relieved.

"We can't eat the younger generation's food for nothing. Here, give this bracelet to your granddaughter-in-law for me. You must bring it over for me to see." As Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate spoke, she took off the emerald green jade bracelet on her wrist.

The jade bracelet glowed green. It was obviously of good quality.

Old Madam knew what kind of person this old sister was. She didn't refuse and asked Senior Servant Liu to accept it.

"I heard that Brother Sheng likes to eat these novel desserts. You can take the rest back."

"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony with you. Brother Sheng doesn't like it very much."

Brother Sheng was the heir of High Duke Zheng's Estate, Zheng Tiancheng. He was the same age as He Changdi and was the young master of the eldest branch. In the generation of High Duke Zheng's Estate, Zheng Tiancheng was the only son of the first wife. Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate loved him dearly.

Heir Zheng loved delicious food, especially the desserts of Duke Jing 'an Estate. Every time Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate came to visit, she would bring a portion back for her grandson.

Now that Kitchen Maid Zhou was gone, she was feeling sorry. Old Madam gave her the desserts made by her granddaughter-in-law. Of course she was happy.

Senior Servant Liu remembered Xiyan's reminder and said, "Third Young Mistress said that this can only be eaten for half a day at most. Otherwise, it will spoil."

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate laughed, "Alright, I understand. Alright, I've been here for a while. I'll go back now.

Old Sister, don't worry too much about your Sanlang. In a few days, I'll ask the old duke to help you ask around. "

Old Madam He exchanged a few words with Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate before sending her old sister off.

When Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate returned, she coincidentally bumped into Heir Zheng.

Heir Zheng was dressed in a sapphire blue robe with a jade crown on his head. He had a medium build and when he smiled, his eyes squinted slightly. It gave people a warm feeling.

"Grandmother, where did you come from?"

Old Madam of High Duke Zheng's Estate chuckled, "You scoundrel, you're starting to mind your grandmother's business.

I went to Duke Jing 'an's Estate to visit my old sisters. This is for you. "

The head maidservant behind her handed over a small food box that still had some cold air.

"Are these desserts from Duke Jing 'an's Estate?"

"That's right. They were made by the new daughter-in-law of Duke Jing 'an's Estate. Quickly go back and have a taste. This isn't easy. Grandmother is tired, so she's going back to rest. Don't disturb her."

Heir Zheng carried the desserts and thought of his good friend from the Directorate, Senior Xiao, who had just arrived. He quickly walked to the front courtyard.