It’s said to be something new, but actually the items themselves aren’t that rare. They’re merely baskets of tender green scallions, young spinach, baby bok choy, along with some pea shoots and fragrant herbs.

Nonetheless, Lian Manman was very pleased. Such things aren’t uncommon in spring or summer, but in winter, they’re a rare treat.

Come winter, Liaodong Prefecture could be described as locked in ice for miles and covered in snow for thousands of miles, leaving the entire gardens of Liaodong Prefecture barren. People simply had no fresh vegetables to eat; what could be considered green vegetables were limited to stored winter cabbage and spinach harvested and buried in autumn.

Even in the wealthiest households, though the dining table remained lavish, there was still a lack of green vegetables.

Like Manman’s family, which was particularly resourceful, especially during autumn when they preserved some other vegetables. Vegetables like radish and lotus root kept well and could be stored for a long time. However, these leafy greens, even with the most refined preservation methods, couldn’t keep for too long. As for the dried veggies from autumn, in this season, how could they compare to these fresh tender leafy greens that are far more appealing!

These fresh leafy vegetables were just delivered from the estate outside the city belonging to Manman’s family.

A little girl brought these fresh vegetables for Lian Manman to inspect. Outside, separated by a curtain, the steward who delivered the vegetables stood with hands lowered, awaiting orders.

"Very good." After looking over several types of vegetables, Lian Manman smiled and nodded, then instructed the little maids, "Take them to the backyard and let the madam have a look. Then..."

Lian Manman paused, slightly lowered her head to reflect for a moment, then refrained from saying the rest, only directing the items to be sent for Lady Zhang to see.

The little maids agreed and went to the backyard.

"...Is this all?" Manman finally asked the steward waiting outside.

"Regarding the young lady’s question, these are all that are edible now... We’ve also planted eggplants and cucumbers, they’re already supported, and in a few days, we’ll be able to enjoy small cucumbers and baby eggplants. And following your orders, the mushroom soil procured from the mountains has also started producing mushrooms; they’re just too small and not plentiful, so we didn’t feel right bringing them into the city this time. After I return, I’ll be sure to take good care of them, and promise that in a few days, the master, the madam, the young lady, and the gentlemen will be able to enjoy more fresh vegetables." The steward stood outside, smiling and speaking.

Lian Manman listened and was about to speak when she saw the little maid who had gone out earlier return.

"Regarding the young lady’s inquiry, the madam has seen the items and also approves. She’s ordered half to be sent to the Duke’s Mansion, and for a selection to be sent to Mr. Qin’s family for tasting freshness, and the rest to be delivered to the kitchen." The little maid reported to Lian Manman.

"I understand, let it be done this way." Lian Manman nodded upon hearing this.

The little maid was about to leave to pass the message along for the steward to arrange the delivery.

"Wait," Lian Manman noticed the pot of narcissus placed on the tea table and stopped the maid, "Let someone go to the garden and pick the best blossoms, select six pots to send to the Duke’s Mansion... four pots to Mr. Qin’s residence, saying they’re from me for Madam Qin and Miss Qin to enjoy."

The little maid quickly agreed and left.

"You’ve really worked hard, I know, these things are challenging to manage and require care. When the time comes for rewards, you won’t be forgotten." Only then did Lian Manman address the steward.

"It’s my duty, naturally, naturally." The steward was pleased, yet continued to say, while expressing towards the room, "Young lady, should we add another greenhouse to the estate?"

"Don’t rush, just keep it as it is for now," Lian Manman contemplated before speaking, "In a few days, when the master, madam, eldest brother, second brother, and we are free, we’ll visit the estate and decide then."

"Understood." The steward responded eagerly; adding one or two more greenhouses to the estate would not only add to his accomplishments but also enhance the returns from which he naturally benefitted.

"Day after tomorrow, send two more baskets of fresh lotus root and two baskets of fresh fish," Lian Manman instructed, feeling there was nothing else, she dismissed the steward, "You may go down, see if the master and eldest brother have any other orders."

The steward promptly agreed, bowed towards the inner room, and slowly retreated.

Another steward’s wife came in to report, and Lian Manman handled each task. Maid Ji Xiang saw that Lian Manman had dealt with the household affairs, she brought over a cape. Lian Manman put it on and carrying a hand warmer, got up and walked out of the hall.