Chapter 66-70

Chapter 67: Taro Crisp

"Actually, I wanted to come here in the afternoon, but my mother was upset, and I didn't dare to leave. I waited until she had eaten and washed up before sneaking out quietly. I hope Madam Xia won't hold it against me," Wu Xiong said earnestly.

He then continued, his words flowing without giving Xia Mingyue a chance to interject. "Madam Xia, you run a food stall for a living, and it's inevitable that you'll come across troublesome customers. If anyone gives you trouble or causes a disturbance, just send someone to the Sifang Casino to find me. I'll handle it. You should be able to do business without worries in the future."

Once he had said his piece, he stood up and bowed deeply. "I sincerely apologize again to Madam Xia and also thank you once more for helping my mother that day. It's late, so I won't impose any further. I'll take my leave now."

With that, he bowed once more and left in swift strides.

Both, Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo, were left not knowing how to react for a second.

His visit had been so brief yet so decisive that anyone unaware of the context might have thought he had merely dropped off a delivery.

"Mr. Wu is quite a capable person," Jiang Zhuguo said awkwardly, breaking the silence.

"Maybe he felt that, given his 'less-than-honorable' reputation, coming here at night would be less conspicuous," Xia Mingyue mused as she unwrapped the snacks Wu Xiong had brought.

Inside the neatly wrapped paper boxes and oil-paper packages were an assortment of delicacies——two large envelopes and four smaller boxes, each containing a different type of snack.

Honey three-knife pastries, honey fruits, taro crisps, glutinous rice strips, mung bean cakes, red date cakes, peach cakes, and cat-ear pastries.

These were all best-selling items from Zhao Ji Dim Sum.

Xia Mingyue handed Jiang Zhuguo a box of cat-ear pastries and honey three-knife cakes, suggesting she keep them as snacks. She then distributed most of the remaining treats to the Sister Lu next door, keeping only a box of taro crisps and mung bean cakes for herself.

The taro crisps were the classic, old-fashioned kind——deep-fried until crispy on the outside and hollow on the inside, forming a delicate, web-like structure. They were then coated with sticky maltose and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

The crispness was so perfect that a gentle squeeze would turn them into crumbs. Eating them required a hand beneath the chin to catch the falling flakes.

Each bite was an explosion of texture——the light crunch of the crisped taro, the slight chewiness of the maltose, and the nutty fragrance of sesame. The maltose layer was just thick enough to provide sweetness without overpowering the delicate crispiness of the taro.

The lingering sesame aroma made every bite a delight.

Taro crisps, also known as Polygonum multiflorum or Big Snow Dates, had been a childhood favorite of Xia Mingyue back in modern times. She had even attempted to make them herself but had never quite achieved the perfect texture.

She never expected that the ones from Zhaoji Dim Sum Shop would taste so close——at least 80% similar——to her cherished memories.

No wonder Zhao Ji's business was always thriving.

With admiration in her heart, she licked her lips, tempted to reach for another crisp. However, recalling how full she already was, she reluctantly resisted the urge and instead went to wash up and retire for the night.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhuguo sat in stunned silence, staring at the two boxes of snacks Xia Mingyue had given her.

She couldn't even remember the last time she had treats like these. Now, she had two whole boxes of them. It felt almost unreal.

Yet the sweet aroma wafting into her nose reminded her that this was indeed reality.

She clutched the boxes tightly, her heart swelling with joy. Instinctively, she wanted to bring them home so her mother could taste them.

But then she remembered the dumplings she had taken home last time....

Unless she force-fed her mother, those snacks would undoubtedly end up in her father’s hands instead.

Her father was well-fed and well-dressed outside the home, so why was her mother always so strict and harsh on her?

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She simply opened the boxes and decided to try some first.

The moment the crispy, sugary goodness melted in her mouth, she felt a rush of warmth.

Her eyes misted slightly.

Was it really so wrong to enjoy something delicious just for herself?

On the other hand, after leaving Xia Mingyue’s house, Wu Xiong headed straight back to the Sifang Casino.

The place was far livelier at night than during the day.

Loud cheers, the rattling of dice, and the clinking of silver coins mixed into a chaotic yet intoxicating atmosphere.

Wu Xiong scanned the floor, seeing nothing unusual, before settling at a small corner table with a bowl of sorghum wine.

The strong, aged liquor burned his throat in a way that felt strangely comforting.

But, before he could finish his drink, a man hurried in from the backyard, scanning the room before rushing toward him.

"Boss, we have a problem," he said, his voice laced with urgency.

Wu Xiong furrowed his brow. "What happened?"

"Sun Gousheng escaped."

The man continued, "We followed your orders and locked him and Tian Dazhuang in the woodshed, keeping a close watch. But when we went in to deliver food just now, Sun Gousheng was gone. We suspect he was afraid of being beaten again tomorrow and ran away in the middle of the night.

But don't worry, Boss. He has no household registration and no real means of survival in this county. The best he can do is flee with the refugees and beg for food. He won’t meet a good end."

Wu Xiong slammed his cup on the table. "That bastard got off easy!"

He had planned to give Sun Gousheng another round of punishment the next day——with a thicker whip, harsher strikes, and an even saltier solution.

He never expected the coward to escape before then.

"Spread the word. If any of our brothers see him in the county, beat him up!"

The subordinate shuddered at Wu Xiong’s words but quickly nodded in agreement.

Days later, Wu Xiong’s visit to Xia Mingyue, followed by his treating the diners, quickly became a hot topic of conversation.

Some even began using it as casual bragging rights.

"Brother Zhang, where are you off to?"

"Oh, didn't you know? Wu Xiong treated me to a meal the other day!"

The person who got responded to was confused to speechlessness.

Others were even more straightforward in flaunting it.

"I got treated by Wu Xiong, but you didn’t."

Another person who was showed off to, was stunned speechless.

On occasion, these ridiculous conversations drifted to the ears of Xia Mingyue and the others.

Sister Lu widened her eyes in disbelief. "Good grief! Those who know the truth understand that Wu Xiong isn’t exactly a noble man. But anyone overhearing this nonsense might think he’s some kind of folk hero!"

Jiang Zhuguo nodded in agreement.

A man like Wu Xiong was far from a good person.

Xia Mingyue said nothing, her mind preoccupied with a more pressing concern——House repairs.

*****

The old-fashioned Henan Dessert——Taro Crisps from plant Polygonum Multiflorum, is also called Big Snow Dates (as others call it).

However, I've known it being called, taro crisp ever since I was a child. Taro crisps are hollow and crispy, which deliciously lingered to my memory since then.

As far as I know, there are two types of taro crisps: one with sesame seeds on the surface, and the other with icing sugar atop. The latter, however, was more commonly made.

Tea Warm

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Chapter 67:

Self-knowledge

The rainy season was fast approaching, and Xia Mingyue had yet to repair her roof.

Her original plans to build a courtyard wall and renovate the kitchen had also been delayed. Now that she had gradually saved enough money, she decided to take action before the rains arrived. In addition to fixing the roof, she planned to build two and a half western wing rooms along the west wall of the courtyard.

One room would be for Jiang Zhuguo, ensuring she had a comfortable space to live in. The second would remain vacant as a reserve, while the remaining half-room would serve as a storage area for sundries and winter provisions.

After much deliberation, Xia Mingyue realized she could no longer afford to delay these improvements. They needed to be completed before the rainy season set in. Without hesitation, she sought out Liu Caisheng to discuss her plans.

When Liu Caisheng learned that she intended to repair the house and build a courtyard wall, he immediately took the matter seriously. He personally visited Xia Mingyue’s home to assess the existing layout, measure the courtyard, and even sketch out a rough blueprint using charcoal on paper.

Xia Mingyue wasn’t well-versed in construction, but she had complete faith in Liu Caisheng’s skills. She decided to entrust the entire project to him, allowing him to make the necessary decisions. However, there was one specific request she had: Wu Jin needed a proper shelter.

Although she had built a makeshift shack for Wu Jin to protect him from the elements, it was far too simple and unpresentable. Now that he was part of the household, he deserved a decent place to live.

Liu Caisheng readily agreed, touched by the trust Xia Mingyue placed in him. Determined not to disappoint her, he silently resolved to do an excellent job.

Wu Jin, upon hearing the news, felt a deep sense of relief. He had chosen the right master after all—someone who truly cared for him. From now on, he would make sure to take good care of the house in return.

His final lodging was decided——a small but well-built shelter tucked neatly at the corner where the west wing met the courtyard wall. This spot provided shade and was centrally located, making it easy to monitor the household.

Xia Mingyue approved of this arrangement.

With all the preliminary discussions completed, Liu Caisheng got to work.

He purchased bricks, tiles, quicklime, and soil needed for construction, along with wood for beams, rafters, and windows.

In addition, Liu Caisheng found himself in need of assistance.

The work of repairing the roof, rebuilding the house, and fixing the courtyard wall quickly accumulated into a sizable task, and Liu Caisheng soon realized that completing it alone would be impossible. Consequently, he needed to hire both a skilled worker and a laborer to help him.

Fortunately, there were many people in Taipei City who specialized in this type of work. Among them, a few had excellent skills and strong character. Liu Caisheng visited them one by one, carefully selecting two individuals to undertake the work. He offered them a fair wage that reflected the job's demands.

With everything prepared——the people in place and the plans set——it was time to begin.

The first task at hand was to repair the roof of the old house.

The roof, however, was not something that could be repaired in a single day. Moreover, the kitchen required renovation as well.

This made daily life a bit inconvenient, so Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo decided to temporarily move into Sister Lu’s house. They squeezed into a small space for a few days until their house was ready.

Sister Lu was more than happy to accommodate them and welcomed both Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo with open arms. She didn’t even ask if Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu were agreeable to this arrangement. Without hesitation, she tossed their bedding into the west wing, which she had cleaned and prepared for their guests. The room, once dusty and neglected, had been thoroughly tidied——its kang swept spotless, the window paper replaced with new ones——and even the bedclothes were freshly laid out.

Meanwhile, the west wing had been sitting unused for quite some time, and Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu found it filled with various old belongings. Their first task was to clear all the clutter and pile it into the corner. Next, they had to tie a broom to a long wooden stick in order to sweep away the spider webs clinging to the ceiling and corners. Once that was done, they tackled the thick layer of dust on the kang, windows, and floor, scrubbing everything thoroughly.

It took the two brothers the entire day to finish the cleaning. By the time they were done, they had even blown two large globs of black gunk from their noses after their shower.

However, despite their hard work, the night brought new challenges. As they lay in bed, Zhao Erhu reached out to touch Zhao Dahu's arm and whispered, "Brother, there are mice in the house."

"How many?" Zhao Dahu asked.

"Three."

"Don’t worry, mice don’t eat people."

"Ah." Zhao Erhu lay back down, only to sit up again a few moments later. "Brother, there’s a centipede crawling."

"Stomp on it!"

"Brother, there are ants."

"Count them and see how many there are."

Zhao Erhu fell into a moment of silence before he stated quite sentimentally, "Brother, I miss my own bed."

"Good thoughts, but don’t think about it next time." Zhao Dahu patted his younger brother’s arm, offering some comfort.

The most important thing in life, after all, was self-awareness.

Zhao Erhu silently pursed his lips, his sense of grievance lingering as he closed his eyes.

This feeling of grievance persisted through the night and into the following afternoon, though it was soon transformed into something else... an appetite.

To make up for the inconvenience caused by their stay, Xia Mingyue decided to cook a special meal for lunch that day. She carefully prepared a rich dish using pork belly. She chopped the fat white meat into cubes and sautéed it in a pan with fried onions, ginger, garlic, star anise, and bay leaves, allowing the fat to render out. Once the meat cubes were browned, she added the chopped pork belly and rice wine. To further enrich the flavor, she tossed in blanched diced mushrooms, sweet bean sauce, soybean paste, and chopped green onions. Then she poured over an amount of water, to boil.

Before serving, she added a touch of sugar to elevate the dish’s taste.

As for the noodles, Xia Mingyue boiled them until they were about 90% done, then rinsed them in cold water. She poured the noodles into a bowl and generously topped them with the savory fried mushroom and meat sauce, finishing with a handful of finely chopped cucumber. After mixing everything together, the dish was ready to eat.

The noodles, specially prepared by Xia Mingyue, had a delightfully round and chewy texture. Each strand was coated with a generous amount of meat sauce, making every bite incredibly fragrant and satisfying. The sauce, rich with bits of meat, was full of depth. Since the white meat had been thoroughly stir-fried to release its fat, the dish wasn’t greasy at all. On the contrary, the crispy skin added an intense, meaty aroma, making each mouthful a true delight.

The crisp cucumber shreds served as a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the meat sauce. They added a delightful crunch and burst of freshness, ensuring that the dish was never tiresome, encouraging a desire for seconds.

As the saying goes, 'if you don’t eat garlic with your noodles, the flavor is only half complete'.

After enjoying the delicious mixed noodles, Xia Mingyue remembered the pickled garlic she had made earlier. She opened a jar and retrieved a few cloves. The moment the jar was opened, a strong sweet-and-sour aroma filled the air, making everyone’s mouth water.

When eating pickled garlic, it’s not necessary to peel each clove completely. Instead, you can simply remove a few layers of the skin, bite into it, and enjoy the crisp, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors that explode in your mouth as you chew.

This batch of pickled garlic was particularly successful, and Xia Mingyue couldn’t help but praise it, enjoying a few more cloves herself as she ate.

When eating pickled garlic, it’s often best to pair it with something else, so Xia Mingyue unknowingly ate half a bowl of noodles as well.

It seemed that everyone shared the same fondness for this dish and indulged in it just as eagerly.

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Chapter 68: Fighting

With the addition of pickled garlic, everyone enjoyed the meal so much that they went back for second helpings. In the end, the noodles had to be cooked three times before there was finally enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyue felt relieved.

Good thing she made extra meat sauce in advance.

The noodles were so delicious that Zhao Erhu couldn’t help but turn to Zhao Dahu and remark, “Thinking about it carefully, it’s actually pretty nice having Aunt Xia stay here for a while.”

At the very least, the meals had improved significantly!

Zhao Dahu rolled his eyes at his younger brother.

’Look at you, so easily satisfied——just two bowls of mixed noodles, and you’re already singing praises.'

Unlike Zhao Erhu, Zhao Dahu had bigger ambitions. If given the chance, he would have eaten at least four bowls of noodles....

News of Xia Mingyue’s house construction and courtyard wall repairs spread quickly through the neighborhood.

Not only did the residents of Xinghua Lane hear about it, but people from several nearby alleys also got wind of it.

“I passed by the other day and saw it myself. The house is being built with blue bricks——even the walls are made of them!”

“That’s nothing! I heard that even the doghouse is made of blue bricks. And get this——Madam Xia even hired a carpenter to custom-make a large, double-leaf wooden door. Looks like she’s planning to renovate the entrance to be even more impressive.”

“This Madam Xia is really generous. She spends money without even blinking an eye.”

“Don’t say that. Her food stall is doing well, and she’s making a lot of money....”

“So what if she makes money? Money is earned through hard work, not plucked from trees! Shouldn’t she be saving instead of spending like this? Who knows what the future holds? She’s not even pregnant yet, and when she eventually has children, there will be so many more expenses. If she doesn’t save now, she’ll regret it later!”

Madam Zhang, who happened to be passing by, blinked when she overheard the gossip.

Oh? Badmouthing Xia Mingyue?

Go on, talk more——I love hearing this kind of drama.

Then, a thought struck her.

Wait... if Lu Qiyan hears this, he’s definitely not going to be happy. He’ll punish these gossipmongers for sure.

Madam Zhang’s eyes flickered with a hint of mischief before she suddenly stopped and spoke up.

“I think you all have too much free time on your hands, just sitting around criticizing others all day.

What’s wrong with Madam Xia spending her own hard-earned money however she pleases? How does it concern you? She knows how to manage her own life—why do you think you have the right to judge her? If you ask me, you’re just envious because you don’t have the ability to make money yourselves, so you’re slandering her behind her back!”

The woman who had been speaking ill of Xia Mingyue grew irritated and snapped back, “Hey, Madam Zhang, did the sun rose on the east today? Why are you being so nosy? I was just talking about Madam Xia, not you——why are you getting so worked up?

Or could it be that you’re trying to curry favor with Madam Xia because she’s wealthy? Hah! Too bad, even if you wag your tail like a dog, she might not even toss you a piece of steamed bun.”

Being compared to a dog instantly ignited Madam Zhang’s temper.

“Your mouth reeks——did you secretly eat shit? No wonder my toilet seems to have gotten half a meter shorter! So it was you! Well, that’s good——none of us will need to hire someone to clean the toilets anymore. We can just call you instead!”

When it came to verbal sparring, Madam Zhang had never lost.

Come on, if you dare!

The other woman, lacking Madam Zhang’s sharp tongue, turned red with anger and shouted, “You’re the one who’s full of shit! You half-Yasha, always spewing filth! Do you think you’re so capable?!”

The argument escalated, voices rising louder and louder——until suddenly, the insults stopped.

The woman, having run out of words, resorted to action. She reached out and shoved Madam Zhang.

Oh, you want to fight?

If I don’t beat you to a pulp today, you won’t understand who’s boss!

Madam Zhang was quick to react, grabbing hold of the other woman’s hair and scratching her face.

Not one to back down, the other woman retaliated with a slap.

The next moment, the two of them were locked in a full-on brawl, rolling on the ground as they clawed at each other.

By evening, word of the midday fight had reached Xia Mingyue.

It wasn’t unusual for Madam Zhang to get into fights. However, the fact that she fought to defend Xia Mingyue was truly puzzling.

Xia Mingyue exchanged glances with Sister Lu.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Sister Lu muttered. “Madam Zhang used to act like we were beneath her. Why is she suddenly sticking up for you, Sister Mingyue?”

She simply couldn’t wrap her head around it.

Xia Mingyue thought for a moment, then said in a thoughtful tone, “I remember when we first opened Xia Ji, Madam Zhang came by and bought a large portion of wontons. She even praised our cooking.”

“Yes, I remember that. There were a lot of people around, and we were too busy to think much of it at the time,” Sister Lu said. “But what does that have to do with this?”

“My guess is that Madam Zhang must have said something bad about me to Brother Qiyan, and he didn’t take it well. Maybe he warned her.” Xia Mingyue furrowed her brows. “But that’s just my assumption. I haven’t confirmed it with Brother Qiyan yet.”

“That makes sense,” Sister Lu agreed. “Knowing Madam Zhang’s personality, if she offended Qiyan, he wouldn’t treat her kindly. And now that Qiyan is the brigade leader, while her husband is only a squadron leader, she might be afraid of crossing him. Maybe that’s why she’s suddenly changed her attitude——trying to gain favor.”

She chuckled. “Still, you have to admit——she’s quite capable. If word spreads that she fought to defend you, people will assume she’s sincerely on your side. We’ll be expected to say good things about her, and if this reaches Qiyan, he might also be more lenient toward her. She’s forcing us to accept her favor.”

Xia Mingyue sighed. “She’s lying at home now, injured from the fight. I suppose I should visit her.”

Otherwise, people might accuse her of being ungrateful.

Resting her forehead against her hand, she let out a weary sigh.

Madam Zhang is definitely playing a long game.

But it was better to go and make things clear now——otherwise, Madam Zhang might start getting other ideas in the future.

Since it was a visit to an injured person, it wouldn’t be appropriate to go empty-handed.

After some thought, Xia Mingyue decided to bring some eggs.

In times of scarcity, eggs were as good as currency. They were essential for making pancakes, and Xia Mingyue had plenty in stock. She gathered a dozen or so, placed them carefully in a small bamboo basket, and set off for Madam Zhang’s house under the cover of night.

Madam Zhang was taken aback when she learned that Xia Mingyue had come——and even brought gifts.

Her initial surprise quickly turned into joy. She immediately called for her child to welcome Xia Mingyue inside and instructed them to prepare tea.

“Madam Xia, please sit.” Madam Zhang half-raised herself to greet her, reaching for the nearest stool.

However, the moment she moved, she winced.

The ribs she had bruised during the fight throbbed with pain. Worse yet, when she grimaced, the fresh scabs on her face stretched painfully....

Madam Zhang clenched her teeth, her expression twisting into something almost grotesque——like a mask of agony.

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Chapter 69: Sweet Potato Jelly

Xia Mingyue frowned slightly as she watched Madam Zhang wince in pain. "Madam Zhang, just lie down and don’t move too much. I brought some eggs to visit you."

"Thank you, Madam Xia." Madam Zhang took a deep breath, trying to suppress the pain while speaking. Despite her discomfort, she couldn't resist boasting about her actions.

"Those gossipy women kept badmouthing you. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I argued with them. But who would’ve thought they’d actually have the audacity to hit me? Naturally, I wasn't about to let them get away with it, so I fought back."

Madam Zhang sighed dramatically, her expression pitiful. "Madam Xia, you have no idea how vicious those women are. Their mouths are as foul as their hands are heavy. I was nearly beaten into a meat pie! Just look at me, all scratched and bruised——I’ve truly suffered."

She paused for effect, then added with a small, self-satisfied smile, "But when I think about how I taught those sharp-tongued women a lesson for slandering you, I feel relieved. Even if I had to take a few hits, it was worth it...."

After all, when Lu Qiyan heard about this, he would surely appreciate her stepping up to protect Xia Mingyue. And if he was pleased, her husband would also benefit from his goodwill. Having a good relationship with a superior could only be advantageous.

Yes, the pain was a small price to pay.

All these thoughts were plainly written across Madam Zhang's face. She even began to grin at the prospect, only to hiss in pain as the movement pulled at the scratches on her face.

Xia Mingyue, watching her, remained calm. She smiled faintly and said, "Madam Zhang, you really didn’t have to go through so much trouble on my behalf." Her voice was slow and deliberate. "As long as Madam Zhang behaves properly and refrains from causing trouble, Qiyan is not the kind of person to hold grudges or act unfairly."

Madam Zhang stiffened slightly. The meaning behind Xia Mingyue’s words was clear——her true intentions had been seen through.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Madam Zhang forced a laugh. "Madam Xia, you’re overthinking things. If I really wanted Captain Lu to remember my kindness, wouldn’t I have asked you to mention it to him?"

Xia Mingyue’s smile didn’t falter. "Indeed. But something that is deliberately brought up is never as convincing as something heard by chance." Her voice remained gentle, but her words carried weight. "Madam Zhang, you're quite clever, but Qiyan and I are not fools. We see more than we say.

Being too deliberate in one’s actions can have the opposite effect. Instead of earning favor, it may only cause discomfort, even resentment. Sometimes, the losses outweigh the gains. Don’t you think so, Madam Zhang?"

Madam Zhang felt as if she had been stripped bare, her every thought exposed. She lowered her head, speechless, her hands twisting the fabric of her sleeves.

Xia Mingyue didn’t press further. Instead, she rose to her feet and said lightly, "Take care of your injuries, Madam Zhang. I won’t disturb you any longer."

As she turned to leave, Madam Zhang hesitated before murmuring, "Madam Xia, take care...."

After Xia Mingyue left, Madam Zhang sat in a daze for a long time. The dim light of the oil lamp flickered beside her, casting long shadows on the walls. Her gaze fell upon the eggs that Xia Mingyue had left behind, their shells smooth and white under the soft glow.

Xia Mingyue’s words echoed in her mind.

Madam Zhang pursed her lips, her fingers tightening around the blanket.

The next morning, as the sun rose, the household slowly stirred to life.

"Sister Xia." Jiang Zhuguo, who had just returned from collecting the swill bucket outside, came back holding a small cloth bag in both hands. "Someone left this at the door. I don’t know who it’s from."

Xia Mingyue untied the bag and peered inside. Smooth, unblemished eggs.

There were twelve——exactly the same number she had brought to Madam Zhang’s house the night before.

A silent gesture.

Xia Mingyue arched an eyebrow. "Put them in the kitchen. Let’s make fried egg and steamed bread slices for breakfast later."

Fried steamed bread slices were simple but delicious. The dry steamed bread from the previous night would be sliced into even pieces, dipped into beaten egg mixed with a pinch of salt, and fried in a pan until both sides turned a rich golden brown.

The result was a fragrant, crispy crust with a soft and tender inside. Unlike plain leftover steamed bread, which could become hard, this method kept the slices moist and flavorful——almost as if they had just been freshly steamed.

Paired with a bowl of warm, sticky rice porridge and a side of refreshing cold dishes, the morning meal would be simple yet deeply satisfying.

Jiang Zhuguo smiled. "Understood."

The long summer days made work easier to complete.

Liu Caisheng was a diligent man, and the two workers he had brought along were skilled with their hands. Within three days, the roof repairs were finished. The kitchen, which Xia Mingyue had expanded, took five days. After that, work began on digging the foundation for the west wing and building the walls.

As the days passed, the sun grew hotter and hotter.

To help the workers stay cool and prevent heatstroke, Xia Mingyue had Jiang Zhuguo boil large batches of mung bean soup. The workers drank it throughout the day as a refreshing, cooling beverage.

At the same time, Xia Mingyue had started experimenting with making jelly——specifically, sweet potato jelly.

Sweet potato starch, collected from local farmers, was mixed with water and strained to remove impurities. It was then slowly simmered over low heat, constantly stirred until it thickened and turned from milky white to a translucent light brown. A pinch of salt was added for flavor.

Once ready, the mixture was poured into clay jars and suspended in the well overnight to cool. By morning, the jelly had fully set.

Cut into long, even strips and drizzled with garlic water, vinegar, and chili oil, then garnished with chopped scallions, fresh coriander, and toasted sesame seeds, the dish was both fragrant and refreshing.

Compared to cold noodles, sweet potato jelly had a smoother, more tender texture. It practically melted in the mouth, making it the perfect summer treat.

Moreover, it was easy to prepare in large quantities and required little effort to serve. Since sweet potato starch was inexpensive, a bowl of jelly was more generous in portion than cold rice noodles——offering better value for money.

The moment it was added to the menu, sweet potato jelly became an instant hit.

"Madam Xia, I’d like five servings of jelly," a familiar voice called out.

Looking up, Xia Mingyue saw He Shunzi standing in front of the stall, holding out a clay pot. "Just put them all in this, and I’ll take them to go."

She recognized the accent at once. "Ah, it’s you."

He Shunzi grinned. "That’s right. Business is still booming as always, I see."

"Not bad," Xia Mingyue replied as she sliced the jelly into neat portions. "I haven’t seen you in town for a while. I was wondering where you’d disappeared to."

He Shunzi chuckled. "I took on a job recently and have been busy. Haven’t had much time to visit the county."

As Xia Mingyue handed him the filled clay pot, she couldn’t help but smile. Business was thriving, construction was progressing smoothly, and new recipes were a success.

Summer days were long, but they were also full of promise.

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Chapter 70: Lotus Leaf Pork Ribs Steamed Rice

A few days after the last batch of rice dumplings was sent, He Shunzi successfully secured the job of supplying vegetables and eggs from Manager Fu. Since then, he had been busy every day, collecting fresh produce from farmers and delivering it on time.

Today, however, was different. The kitchen had been receiving a surplus of vegetables lately, and there was no delivery scheduled. Seizing the rare free time, He Shunzi came to the county town to buy new cloth for his family. As he strolled through the market, his eyes caught sight of Xia Ji stall, now offering a new delicacy.

Curious, he decided to buy  some to bring back to Steward Fu. Maintaining good relations was important——after all, a job like this was best secured with gestures of goodwill.

"Madam Xia, is there anything you're looking to buy? Maybe I can help you find it," He Shunzi offered.

He was well aware that the opportunity he had secured was closely tied to the rice dumplings Madam Xia had previously sold him. Steward Fu had initially been reluctant, but after much persuasion, he recognized his sincerity and agreed to the sale. He owed her for that, and now that she needed something, he wasn’t about to turn her down.

Xia Mingyue smiled. "Now that lotus leaves are growing in abundance, I’d like to get some fresh ones. Would it be convenient for you to find them?" She paused, then added, "If it’s too much trouble, don’t worry about it."

She didn’t want to impose. After all, He Shunzi now had an important job and likely wouldn’t have time for small errands like this.

However, He Shunzi’s response was immediate. "There’s a large lotus pond east of my village where people grow lotus roots and raise fish. There are plenty of lotus leaves there. I'll bring some to you tomorrow after I finish my deliveries."

His decision was easy——he had recently invested in an ox-drawn cart to make his deliveries more efficient, and the lotus pond was conveniently located near his home.

"That would be wonderful. Thank you," Xia Mingyue said warmly as she cut an extra half-piece of jelly for him.

"Madam Xia, you’re too kind," He Shunzi said with a chuckle.

After paying for the jelly, he left the market, caught up with his ox cart, and headed straight for the farm. He delivered the jelly to a servant at the corner gate before stopping by the lotus pond.

The pond stretched far and wide, its surface covered in lush, green leaves that swayed gently in the breeze. The air was thick with the scent of water plants, and clusters of lotus flowers peeked through the foliage.

The land belonged to a wealthy family who made their living by selling lotus roots, raising fish, and keeping ducks. They didn’t mind people picking lotus leaves, so when He Shunzi asked, they simply waved a hand and told him to take as many as he wanted.

He thanked them profusely and, early the next morning, after completing his deliveries, he picked a bundle of thick, wide, and vibrant green lotus leaves and brought them to Xia Mingyue.

When she saw the excellent quality of the leaves, she smiled. "How much do I owe you?"

"It’s just a few lotus leaves, Madam Xia. No need to pay me," He Shunzi replied with a dismissive wave. "The owners let me take them for free, so how could I charge you for them?"

He believed in maintaining good relationships, and gestures like these could pave the way for future opportunities.

Seeing his sincerity, Xia Mingyue didn’t insist on paying him. Instead, she handed him a small piece of jelly. "Take this home and enjoy it with your dinner."

He Shunzi didn’t refuse. In his view, favors should be reciprocated, and this was a fair exchange.

That evening, Xia Mingyue put the lotus leaves to good use. She washed one thoroughly and made a fragrant lotus leaf porridge. The soft, glutinous rice blended with the light floral aroma of the leaf, and the sweetness of the rock sugar made it the perfect meal for a hot summer night.

The next day, she prepared lotus leaf pork ribs rice.

She chopped the ribs into small pieces and blanched them in boiling water to remove impurities. Then, she stir-fried them until golden brown and slightly crispy before marinating them in a savory mixture of soy sauce, pepper, sesame oil, and salt.

Once the flavors had seeped in, she lined a large porcelain bowl with a fresh lotus leaf, poured in the washed rice, and placed the marinated ribs and sauce on top. Finally, she set the bowl in a steamer and let it cook.

Within fifteen minutes, a rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen——the deep, savory scent of pork ribs, the fresh, herbal fragrance of lotus leaves, and the comforting smell of steamed rice all mingled together in the air.

Outside, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, two young men helping with the construction, were supposed to be tending the fire. Instead, they were transfixed by the fragrant steam wafting from the pot.

"Brother, let me take over," Zhao Erhu offered.

"No, I got it," Zhao Dahu refused, his eyes glued to the steamer.

"Then let’s just sit here together." Zhao Erhu pulled up a stool, sniffing eagerly at the air.

Moments later, Wu Jin, the mischievous little dog, also showed up. It wasn’t allowed inside the kitchen, but that didn’t stop it from waiting just outside, clay bowl in tow, ready for its share of the meal.

As the steam billowed out, Liu Caisheng and his fellow workers, who had been hard at work on the courtyard wall, caught the scent as well.

"I wonder what delicious dish Madam Xia is making today," one of the workers mused, sniffing the air.

"Earlier, I saw her washing pork ribs and rice. Looks like we’re having something special for lunch," another said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Liu Caisheng chuckled. "Working here has its perks. Madam Xia’s meals are worth more than the wages we get elsewhere!"

Many laborers were used to simple meals——noodles, perhaps, but rarely meat. Working for Madam Xia meant not only fair pay but also meals that could rival those from a proper restaurant.

"Brother Caisheng, you’re right about that!" A younger worker laughed, stacking bricks efficiently.

Meanwhile, the skilled mason spread mortar onto the wall, carefully aligning each blue brick with practiced ease. Though he focused on his work, his mind was already on lunch.

Three more days, and their work at Madam Xia’s house would be done.

Three more days of enjoying these incredible meals.

The thought left them both excited and a little regretful.

But for now, there was still today’s meal to look forward to.

As they gathered around the kitchen, waiting for the steamer to open, anticipation filled the air.

And when the lid was finally lifted, the aroma that spilled out made every stomach rumble in unison.

It was a feast they would not soon forget.