Chapter 96-100

Chapter 96: Watermelon Fermented Beans

"It's all my fault. I failed to teach Zhuguo properly, and now she's done something so reckless. Not only has she fallen into a massive debt, but she’s also dragged down your reputation. I’m useless...."

Madam Tian's voice trembled with self-reproach, her fingers twisting in the hem of her sleeve.

Truly useless...!

Completely worthless...!

After all these years, nothing had changed. No progress, no improvement——just the same helplessness that had plagued her all along.

Jiang Yihe narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "Girls have their own thoughts as they grow older. You haven't been with her every moment of the day——how could you possibly know what she’s been thinking? Now isn’t the time for regret. What matters is returning the Zhang family's betrothal gifts as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Madam Tian felt a strange mix of relief and guilt. Though Jiang Yihe hadn't blamed her outright, his words only made her remorse deepen. Without further hesitation, she busied herself——packing up the Zhang family's belongings and preparing meals for Jiang Yihe.

Jiang Yihe watched her work in silence, his brows knitting together.

He had already planned how to make use of that silver and those valuables, but now everything was gone. Just like that.

'I need to find another way to get money.'

His gaze swept over the nearly barren room before landing on Madam Tian.

Speaking of which, Madam Tian’s family had been in decline for years. Ever since she married into the Jiang household, she had distanced herself from them, cutting nearly all ties.

But if....

Would the Tian family intervene?

A calculating glint flickered in Jiang Yihe’s eyes, but he quickly masked it by picking up a book, pretending to read.

Meanwhile, Wu Xiong and his men remained near Xia Mingyue’s house for a while, lingering at the entrance as though waiting for something. When it became clear that Madam Tian and Jiang Yihe would not be returning, they finally left, making their way back to the gambling house.

Along the way, murmurs of conversation filled the streets.

"How heartless," one person sighed. "To treat their own daughter so cruelly..., how can they be so cold?"

"Especially Jiang Zhuguo. That child is sensible and filial, yet look how she’s been abandoned."

"Tsk, things like this aren’t rare." Another voice objected, more pragmatic. "Debts reveal the true nature of people. This is just the way of the world."

Silence followed.

Indeed, those who had seen enough of life understood——when money was involved, sentiments meant little. Today’s events were hardly unusual.

Wu Xiong remained quiet, his expression unreadable. He didn't speak a word until they arrived at the gambling house. After posting guards at the entrance, he slipped away and returned home.

At home, Aunt Han was seated on a low stool, leisurely picking fresh peanuts.

Early peanuts were tender and juicy. Once peeled and rid of their red skins, they could be eaten raw——crisp, sweet, and full of a refreshing fragrance that lingered in the mouth. Much better than braised or dry-fried peanuts.

Or, they could be ground into peanut milk——cooked, and enjoyed as a thick, fragrant drink.

Wu Xiong preferred eating them raw, while Aunt Han preferred the peanut milk. To satisfy them both, she had bought a large batch from a street vendor and was preparing them for the evening.

The moment Wu Xiong saw the peanuts, warmth surged through his chest.

She still remembered.

The thought that his mother had specifically prepared them because she knew his tastes, made his eyes sting. Overcome with emotion, he suddenly crouched down and buried his head against her shoulder, his voice muffled.

"Mother treats me so well."

Truly, his mother was the best in the world.

Aunt Han, caught off guard, nearly dropped the peanuts. A moment later, her hand reflexively shot out, giving him a firm smack. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Wu Xiong only chuckled, completely unfazed. Instead of retreating, he grabbed her hand and rubbed it with exaggerated concern. "Mother, you need to be careful. Your hand will hurt when you hit me. Next time, let me guide you——I’ll make sure it’s softer. Not because I care about my own head, but because I care about your hand."

Aunt Han stared at him in exasperation.

This fool.

How thick was his skull, anyway? Did he really think she needed to be careful for his sake?

Annoyed, she gave him another push. "Move aside! You're blocking my work."

"Okay, mother." Wu Xiong grinned, moving a stool next to her. He propped his chin on his hands, watching her intently with an expression of pure, childlike joy.

A silly grin. A quiet giggle.

Aunt Han stared at her son, speechless.

Why did her son seem to be getting dumber by the day?

Maybe she should hit his head less often in the future.

Yes, too many blows to the head could make someone foolish. It would be better to smack his backside instead——thicker, sturdier, and more resistant to damage....

Meanwhile, business at Xia Mingyue’s food stall was as lively as ever.

Once they sold out for the day, they closed up as usual, a sense of relief washing over everyone. Throughout the entire day, Madam Tian and Jiang Yihe had not appeared again, and no one brought up the matter.

Jiang Zhuguo seemed fine on the surface, insisting that everything was normal. But those around her knew the truth. Some wounds didn’t heal overnight.

For now, all they could do was wait.

Wait for the bleeding scars to stop. Wait for them to scab over. Wait for them to heal, in time.

Xia Mingyue and the others spoke little of the past few days. Instead, they went about their routine as usual——washing up, tidying the stall, and preparing ingredients for the next day.

As they worked, Xia Mingyue turned her attention to the beans she had been fermenting.

After several days, the beans were now covered in long mycelium. Two days of sun exposure had dried them further, turning them into a beautiful yellow-green color.

They were ready for the next step.

Carefully, she poured them into a large winnowing basket, rubbing them vigorously to remove the excess mycelium. Once cleaned, she transferred them to a wooden basin, adding salt, white wine, pepper, star anise, ginger slices, and as much crushed watermelon pulp as possible.

To ensure the best flavor, she had carefully picked out the watermelon seeds beforehand and thoroughly mashed the pulp with a large spoon before mixing everything together.

Afterward, she sealed the mixture into coarse porcelain jars, layering the openings with cage cloth before covering them with lids and sealing them with yellow mud.

Now, all that was left was to wait.

Pickled watermelon beans needed at least a month to ferment properly. Patience was key.

Tonight, three whole watermelons had been used for the pickling process. Since she had left the rinds thick to preserve the flavor, each still had a generous layer of red flesh.

And in Xia Mingyue’s kitchen, nothing went to waste.

For dinner, she decided to turn the watermelon rinds into two dishes——one cold, one stir-fried.

The first, a crisp salad, involved peeling the outer green layer, slicing the rinds thinly, salting them to remove excess moisture, and tossing them with garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.

The second, a spicy stir-fry, followed a similar process but with the addition of small red chilies, soy sauce for color, and a splash of vinegar at the end for a tangy kick.

One dish was light, refreshing, and subtly sweet.

The other was bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

There was no meat for dinner tonight, but there was a half-basket of freshly steamed buns, and that was more than enough.

In the quiet days that followed, life slowly returned to normal.

Jiang Zhuguo’s swollen, red eyes gradually faded back to their usual clarity.

No one spoke of what had happened.

But when she wasn’t around, the sighs lingered.

The beginning of Autumn was approaching, and with it, a subtle shift in the air. The mornings and evenings were no longer as oppressively hot.

Change was coming.

And for those willing to endure, healing would come, too.

*****

There are various methods for making watermelon bean paste. Some do not require drying to develop mycelium, while others allow the mycelium to remain rather than being rubbed off before pickling.

In this story, I described my mother’s method, in which she always rubbed off the mycelium before pickling. The result is a wonderfully rich and flavorful paste.

In recent years, my mother has shifted to making chili bean paste instead, which also has an excellent taste. In the coming days, I plan to ask her for the recipe and document it when the opportunity arises.

Tea Warm

__________________________

Chapter 97: Cold Pot Skewers

Despite the dropping temperatures, the popularity of Xia Ji stalls only soared higher. Not only did business remain steady, but it thrived, spreading its reputation across Jinqiu County. Among the franchise locations, Ding Quan’s stall was particularly successful. His warm, easygoing nature, paired with his ability to chat effortlessly with customers, made his stall even more popular than Xia Mingyue’s.

As the business flourished, Xia Mingyue’s home became increasingly lively. Visitors came knocking daily——some inquiring about franchise opportunities, others eager to see if they could open a branch on East Street. The once——quiet courtyard now bustled with activity, with merchants and traders coming and going, each hoping to secure a lucrative partnership.

Having already managed two franchise locations, Xia Mingyue had gained valuable experience in selecting suitable franchisees. She understood the risks of choosing the wrong person and was cautious in her decisions.

After careful evaluation, she finally settled on a candidate.

His name was Liu Fulin, a distant relative of Boss Qian. Previously, he had worked as a waiter in a large restaurant in another county. Years of experience had made him skilled in the art of hospitality——knowing exactly how to welcome guests and leave a lasting impression.

More importantly, Liu Fulin was hardworking and highly sociable, an ideal candidate for the bustling snack business. The moment he heard about Xia Mingyue’s success from Boss Qian, he rushed to find her, eager for the opportunity.

Xia Mingyue admired his interpersonal skills and business acumen. Their discussions went smoothly, and soon, they finalized the details.

Dongcheng District was the heart of Jinqiu County, a place where every inch of land was valuable. Fortunately, securing a prime location wasn’t too difficult. Liu Fulin, having saved up some silver over the years, pooled together additional funds with loans from Boss Qian and another acquaintance, allowing him to proceed with the branch setup.

Days of relentless effort followed. Finally, the new location was on the brink of opening.

With another branch coming under her name, Xia Mingyue knew that her food supply would need to increase significantly——by at least 20 to 30 percent. This meant more ingredients, more preparation, and ultimately, more hands on deck.

To keep things running smoothly, she decided to hire additional help at home, freeing up Sister Lu to focus more on purchasing supplies.

After some consideration, she chose a woman surnamed Song, recommended by Sister Zhou.

Sister Song was technically Sister Zhou’s distant aunt, though only a year older. Her life had been full of hardships.

Years ago, she had been engaged, and her wedding was set. But mere days before the ceremony, tragedy struck——her fiancé fell ill and died.

Grief was not the only thing that followed. The superstitious label of a 'husband-killer' was attached to her.

Her natal family, unwilling to return the betrothal gifts, sided against her, leaving her trapped between two families. Her fiancé’s parents, desperate to keep their son’s intended wife within the household, proposed that she marry his younger brother instead.

But the younger brother was merely ten years old——still a child who barely understood the weight of such matters. The family saw it as a solution. But, Sister Song saw it as a nightmare.

She refused.

She threatened to end her life rather than be forced into such a fate.

In the end, a compromise was reached. She did not remarry but entered the household as a sister-in-law, promising to care for her late fiancé’s family. She vowed to raise the young boy, ensuring he would one day marry and have a family of his own.

But fate had other plans....

As war spread, displacement and turmoil followed. Sister Song endured countless hardships while traveling with her late fiancé’s family, only to watch her parents-in-law succumb to illness along the way.

By the time they reached Jinqiu County, only she and her brother-in-law remained.

Now fifteen, he had grown into a strong young man, working as a long-term laborer to support them. Meanwhile, Sister Song took on sewing and mending work, struggling to make ends meet.

It was through Sister Zhou’s introduction that she found her way to Xia Mingyue’s household.

Diligent, clean, and efficient, Sister Song carried herself with quiet strength. She worked swiftly, always wearing a gentle smile, making those around her feel at ease.

Xia Mingyue was more than satisfied. After a short trial period, she confirmed Sister Song’s employment and set her salary equal to Sister Zhou’s.

With another pair of hands managing household chores, Xia Mingyue found herself with more time to focus on expanding the business.

Every morning, she moved jars of pickled watermelon beans outside to bask in the sunlight, ensuring proper fermentation before bringing them back in at dusk.

In the courtyard, the radish, mustard greens, and cabbage had grown taller, requiring careful tending. She also planted garlic cloves along the garden’s edge, looking forward to fresh garlic sprouts as the weather cooled.

But beyond farming and fermentation, a new idea had taken root in her mind——cold pot skewers.

The first step was the soup base.

She carefully fried dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel, star anise, onions, ginger, and garlic in hot oil, adding a generous spoonful of fermented bean paste for depth. As the aroma intensified, she poured in a rich broth made from simmered chicken bones, seasoning it with salt, vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar.

Once the flavors had melded together, she strained out the solid ingredients, leaving behind a vibrant red oil base, its surface glistening. A sprinkle of white sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions completed the preparation.

Next came the skewers.

She meticulously sliced potatoes, tore mushrooms into bite-sized pieces, cubed tofu, and prepared lotus root slices. Thin cuts of tenderloin were skewered alongside vegetables, each stick neatly arranged.

The chili oil soup base is already bright in color and extremely fragrant, and with the addition of various foods, it becomes even more appetizing.

This chili oil soup base looks bright red, but because it is neutralized by the addition of sugar and balsamic vinegar, and it is a cooled sauce, it is not very spicy when you eat it, but rather quite comfortable. Moreover, because it contains a lot of seasonings, oil, and broth, it is fragrant and delicious.

These skewers were first cooked in bone broth, then immersed in the rich red oil, allowing them to soak up the bold flavors before being served.

The result...?

A strikingly red, aromatic dish——spicy, fragrant, yet perfectly balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the tang of vinegar.

When Sister Lu tasted it, she smacked her lips in satisfaction. “Fragrant but not overwhelmingly spicy. Just right.”

Sister Zhou and Sister Song, eager to try, were soon won over by the dish’s addictive flavor.

The taste test quickly turned into a shared meal. What began as a planned business experiment transformed into a lively dinner, everyone gathered around, eating and chatting.

At some point, Zhao Dahu, his mouth full, let out a strange comment:

“This cold pot skewer..., it’s as delicious as a mosquito eaten by a toad....”

Everyone paused.

“...What?”

His words hung in the air, bizarre yet oddly fitting.

After all, just as a toad couldn’t resist a mosquito, they, too, found themselves unable to stop eating.

Zhao Erhu, still licking his chopsticks, suddenly looked up. “Aunt Xia, are these skewers going to be sold at Xia Ji’s?”

Xia Mingyue tapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. “I’m still considering it. It can be sold for now, but temporarily.”

The weather was still warm, and chilled dishes like cold skin noodles were bestsellers. The skewers could easily be served alongside them.

But once autumn deepened, hot soups and warming dishes like wontons would take center stage. Serving skewers in a separate bowl would add extra costs, from bamboo sticks to dishwashing, potentially cutting into profits.

Skewers, after all, were street snacks.

...Wait.

Street snacks.

A food cart...!

Xia Mingyue’s fingers curled slightly.

A new idea had just taken shape.

Would a mobile stall work?

Could she bring her food to the customers, instead of waiting for them to come to her?

The thought sent a thrill through her chest.

Perhaps, just perhaps, she was onto something new.

__________________________

Chapter 98: Oil Paper Cup

Xia Mingyue's eyes suddenly lit up. She clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "Got it! I finally know how to sen this cold pot skewer.!"

The people around her, who had been savoring the delicious skewers, immediately turned their heads in curiosity.

"How?" Zhao Dahu asked, his mouth still half-full.

Zhao Erhu leaned in closer. "Tell us, Aunt Mingyue!"

But Xia Mingyue simply smiled mysteriously and shook her head. "I need to think it through a little more to see if it’s actually feasible."

Her cautious nature was well-known. She never made empty promises or rushed into business decisions without careful planning. Since she wasn't ready to share, no one pressed further. Instead, they focused on their meal, continuing to pluck skewers from the plate and relish the flavors.

After all, no matter how much they pondered business, food still had to be eaten while it was hot.

The next morning, Xia Mingyue wasted no time. If her idea was going to work, she needed to solve two problems——bamboo skewers and a proper container for the soup base.

Her first stop was He Shunzi, a regular at her stall who came to collect ice jelly every day.

"He Shunzi, do you know anyone who makes bamboo sticks? And how much would they cost?" She asked as she scooped ice jelly into a bowl for him.

"Bamboo sticks? That’s easy," He Shunzi said, scratching his head. "Almost every household in the village can make them. The elderly, women, and even children can do it during their free time. I’m not sure about the current price, but I can ask around and let you know."

Xia Mingyue nodded. "That would be a great help. By the way, the weather’s getting colder. Do you still need this much ice jelly?"

She found it a little odd that a wealthy household like He Shunzi’s would continue ordering chilled food every day as the seasons changed. Ice jelly was cooling, and excessive consumption could harm the stomach, especially in colder weather.

He Shunzi shrugged. "I don’t really know. The kitchen at Dexinyuan still asks for it daily. I guess they want to keep some on hand in case the old madam feels like having it."

"That makes sense." Xia Mingyue gave him a thoughtful look.

"Then, I will continue to deliver the Ice Jelly. Also, I’ve been collecting more little lantern fruits. Once I have enough, I’ll send them your way. Even if they can't be used at once,at least there can be a stock for next year."

"That’d be great! Thanks, Brother He!"

With that settled, Xia Mingyue moved on to her second concern——finding a way to serve her cold pot skewers without using fragile ceramic bowls.

With that settled, Xia Mingyue moved on to her second concern——finding a way to serve her cold pot skewers without using fragile ceramic bowls.

She made her way to the town’s grocery store, where she often purchased oil paper for wrapping pancakes. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with keen business instincts, greeted her warmly.

"Madam Xia, what brings you here today? Need more oil paper?"

"Actually, I have a special request," she said, picking up a piece of thick oil paper from the counter. "I need something sturdier——thicker than what I usually buy. Preferably something that can be folded into the shape of a cup with a sealed bottom. I need it to hold soup without leaking."

The shopkeeper’s eyebrows shot up. "A paper cup?" He scratched his chin. "That’s... an interesting idea. But making something like that won’t be easy. It needs to be thick, properly sealed, and resistant to oil and liquid."

Xia Mingyue smiled. "That’s why I came to you, Shopkeeper. If anyone can figure it out, it's you."

The shopkeeper fiddled with the paper, trying to fold it into a cup shape, but after a moment, he sighed. "I’ll have to experiment with this. Give me a few days, and I’ll see if it’s possible."

"Thank you," she said. "And if you do manage to make them, try to keep the cost low. If they’re too expensive, I won’t be able to use them for business."

The shopkeeper chuckled. "I understand, I understand. I’ll see what I can do."

With that, Xia Mingyue left, feeling one step closer to making her idea a reality.

As she strolled through the market, considering what to cook for lunch, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her.

"Madam Xia!"

Turning, she spotted Butcher Hong waving at her from behind his stall. The sturdy man was wiping his hands on his apron, his face bright with recognition.

"Brother Hong," she greeted with a smile. "Ran out of chili sauce again?"

Ever since she had gifted his wife, Madam Fang, a jar of fragrant chili oil, the woman had been obsessed with it. But knowing that pregnant women needed balanced nutrition, Xia Mingyue had improved the recipe by adding pork and shiitake mushrooms, making it richer and more nourishing.

Butcher Hong laughed. "Not yet! The last batch you made is still keeping us happy. But I wanted to tell you something I heard today."

Xia Mingyue raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Gossip or business?"

The butcher’s smile faded. He leaned in slightly and lowered his voice. "Neither. It’s about the war."

Her expression turned serious. "What happened?"

"I heard that the court sent troops to attack Changzhou City, but the battle isn’t going well. They’ve been fighting for a long time without success. A few days ago, they launched a major offensive, but instead of victory, the generals suffered heavy losses. One was seriously injured, another was killed outright, and countless soldiers died in the battle."

Xia Mingyue’s stomach clenched. War always brought tragedy, but this news was particularly grim.

Butcher Hong shook his head. "They say the battlefield is a mess——bodies everywhere, and the camp doesn’t even have enough people to count the dead. That’s why the reports haven’t reached the capital yet."

Xia Mingyue exhaled slowly. "That bad?"

Butcher Hong nodded. "Worse than before. If the court doesn’t reinforce the front lines soon, I don’t know how much longer they can hold out."

Xia Mingyue fell silent. War had never felt so close before. It was something that happened elsewhere——far away from her quiet life of cooking and selling food. But now, with this news, it felt like a shadow creeping toward them, unseen but inevitable.

She looked around at the bustling marketplace, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, the cheerful chatter of vendors and customers. Life here was peaceful for now. But how long would that last?

__________________________

Chapter 99: City God Temple

Xia Mingyue bit her lip, her heart weighed down by unease.

'I don’t know whether Lu Qiyan and Brother Youcai are safe....'

The news Butcher Hong had shared replayed in her mind, stirring up worry she couldn’t easily suppress.

"I heard all this from the officers who came to buy meat today. They, in turn, heard it from their acquaintances in the army," Butcher Hong said, his voice lowered slightly, as if reluctant to spread unsettling rumors. "I can’t say for certain if it’s true or exaggerated, but I thought Madam Xia should hear it first. It’s best to be prepared."

Although they didn’t need to assume the worst, if trouble did arise, a woman like Madam Xia should make early preparations to protect herself and her business.

"If everything is fine, then that would be for the best," he added with a sigh.

Xia Mingyue nodded solemnly. "I understand. Thank you, Brother Hong."

Her appetite for wandering the market had vanished. Instead of lingering, she turned back toward home, her mind preoccupied with the implications of the war.

That evening, after Sister Lu and the others returned from closing their stall, Xia Mingyue recounted Butcher Hong’s words.

Sister Lu fell silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a soft sigh, she murmured, "Being in the army means putting your life on the line. We all know that. The moment you step onto the battlefield, you must be ready to give up everything."

War had been a constant in recent years, bringing wave after wave of bad news. Sister Lu had long grown accustomed to it, but that didn’t mean she worried any less.

Still, what could worry accomplish? Life and death, fortune and disaster——some things were beyond human control.

Xia Mingyue pressed her lips together.

Lu Qiyan is a good man.... I hope he and Brother Zhao return safely.

Seeing their solemn expressions, Jiang Zhuguo hesitated before speaking.

"Sister Xia, Sister Lu," she finally said, her voice unusually serious. "Would you like to go to the City God Temple to pray?"

Xia Mingyue looked up.

Jiang Zhuguo scratched her head, then quickly corrected herself, "I heard from the people in the village that the amulets from the City God Temple are very effective."

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu exchanged glances.

The City God Temple was a standard fixture in every county or prefectural capital. It was not only a place of worship but also held a significant role in local governance. The City God was believed to oversee the people’s well-being, guard against disasters and war, and even influence matters of life and death. It was customary for a new county magistrate to offer respects at the temple before assuming office. On the fifteenth of each month, the wealthy gentry often sponsored opera performances or free meals at the temple, ensuring the deity remained appeased.

Tomorrow happened to be the fifteenth.

Sister Lu nodded. "It’s a good time to go."

The next day, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu left their food stall in the hands of Sister Zhou and Sister Song. After ensuring the business was running smoothly, they prepared their offerings and set off for the temple.

The City God Temple stood in the southern part of Jinqiu County, a grand and imposing structure that occupied a large area. Today, on the fifteenth, it was bustling with worshippers. People moved in and out of the archway and main gate, some carrying offerings, others lighting incense.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu entered the main hall, their steps steady and reverent.

Each region had its own City God, often a historical figure known for loyalty and righteousness. In Jinqiu County, it was none other than Guan Gong——Guan Yu, the famed general of the Three Kingdoms era, revered for his unwavering honor and bravery.

The statue of Guan Gong loomed before them, his stern, majestic features inspiring both awe and devotion. His piercing gaze seemed to look straight into their souls, demanding honesty in their prayers.

The two women bowed respectfully. Then, they proceeded to the offering hall, where they placed the fruits they had brought and bowed again, their silent wishes carried by the rising incense smoke.

Nearby, a temple master, an elderly man with white hair but a youthful face, watched them with a kind expression.

"The two ladies are sincere," he said warmly, handing them each an amulet. "Your prayers will surely be answered."

"Thank you," Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu said in unison, accepting the charms with gratitude.

"The play for today is The Oath of the Peach Garden," the temple master continued. "If you’d like, you can stay and watch. At noon, meals will be distributed in the back hall. You are welcome to join——"

Before he could finish, a young boy in green robes came sprinting toward them, his face flushed.

"Oh no! Oh no!" The boy cried breathlessly.

The temple master frowned. "Speak properly. What’s the matter?"

The child gulped down air before blurting out, "Chef Lai is in trouble!"

The temple master’s expression darkened. "What happened?"

"When he woke up this morning, Chef Lai said his stomach was upset. He already went to the latrine twice, and now it’s been three times! He can’t even stand, let alone cook!"

A murmur ran through the temple staff nearby.

"Who will take over?" Someone asked anxiously.

The temple master sighed. "If it were just a simple meal for the worshippers, we could manage. But the food we offer to the City God must be properly prepared. If it’s subpar...."

Wouldn’t that risk offending the deity?

He rubbed his temples. "Chef Li in Qingyang Hutong might help——no, he’s gotten too heavy-handed with his seasoning lately. Chef Zhang is busy with a wedding banquet, and Chef Ge is too old to handle the work...."

Xia Mingyue listened quietly, her fingers tightening around the amulet in her palm.

She stepped forward. "Excuse me, are you looking for a cook?"

The temple master turned to her in surprise. "Yes. Do you have someone to recommend?"

"I’m not recommending anyone else——I’ll do it," Xia Mingyue said with confidence. "I run a food stall, and my cooking skills are more than decent. I believe I can prepare the meals."

A hush fell over the small gathering.

The temple master studied her, his eyes full of doubt.

It wasn’t that he looked down on women——many could cook well at home. But professional chefs, especially those trusted with offerings to the City God, were almost always men. Could this slender young woman truly manage?

Before he could respond, Sister Lu interjected, "My sister’s cooking skills surpass even the chef of Yueran Restaurant! To be honest, I’ve never tasted food better than hers!"

The temple master’s brows shot up.

If someone had made such a statement under ordinary circumstances, he would have dismissed it as an exaggeration. But here, inside the temple, before the watchful eyes of the City God....

*****

I have thoroughly researched information about the City God, but there are many differing accounts. Customs vary from place to place, and the City God worshipped in each region is different. For example, Fan Zhongyan was deified as a City God in some areas, while others honor Guan Gong in this role. Personally, I prefer Guan Gong, so I chose to depict him as the City God in this story.

Tea Warm

__________________________

Chapter 100: Tofu Balls Soup

Even if Sister Lu’s praise was exaggerated, there had to be a limit, right?

Yet, with no other cook available and the pressing need to prepare the City God's offering, the temple master hesitated only for a moment before nodding. The young lady before him might appear delicate, but her confidence suggested she was not one to make empty boasts.

"Then I must trouble you," the temple master said with a sigh of relief.

"My surname is Xia," Xia Mingyue introduced herself with a polite smile. "This is Sister Lu. She often helps in the kitchen and can assist as well."

It seemed almost fated——coming to the City God Temple to pray for amulets and unexpectedly encountering such a predicament. In Xia Mingyue’s eyes, this was likely the will of the gods.

Helping prepare the offering meal could be considered an act of devotion, a way to accumulate good karma.

Who knew? Perhaps this goodwill would also bring blessings to Lu Qiyan and Brother Youcai, protecting them on the battlefield.

Sister Lu shared the same sentiment. She quickly added, "Yes, I can help wash, chop, and clean up."

"Thank you, Madam Xia and Madam Lu." The temple keeper, now feeling reassured, wasted no more time and led them toward the rear hall.

Behind the main temple, the sleeping quarters of the City God and his wife occupied a solemn space. To the west, a small doorway led to the quarters of the temple priests and attendants who lived and worked at the temple.

The kitchen was situated in this courtyard, already bustling with activity. Volunteers——elderly women, middle-aged wives, and even a few elderly men——were washing vegetables and preparing ingredients under the guidance of a few temple workers. Large wooden basins were filled with water, where fresh tofu, carrots, and other side dishes were being cleaned.

"We’re making tofu balls soup for today's meal," the temple master explained. "Madam Xia, you’ll need to fry all the tofu balls and prepare a rich, flavorful broth. Buns made from a mix of two types of flour are already being steamed, so you won’t have to worry about that."

Xia Mingyue surveyed the kitchen, ensuring the necessary ingredients were ready. Once she was certain everything was in order, she nodded. "Rest assured, temple master, you can leave it to me."

Perhaps it was her calm demeanor, but the temple master felt an unexpected sense of ease. He immediately instructed the kitchen workers to follow Xia Mingyue’s orders before sending a few attendants to take the sickly Chef Lai to a physician.

With the temple master gone, Xia Mingyue quickly took charge.

Although most of the helpers were volunteers, everyone had been worried about the quality of today’s meal. With Chef Lai out of commission, they feared the food would be unpalatable. However, seeing Xia Mingyue's confident posture, the nervous atmosphere gradually eased.

Tofu balls soup relied heavily on the quality of the tofu.

The tofu provided was False Nightshade tofu——creamy white with a faint yellow hue, firm yet tender, and carrying a rich bean aroma.

Xia Mingyue assessed the quantity and swiftly divided it into three portions.

The first portion was crushed entirely, meant for the tofu ball mixture.

The second portion was sliced into large squares, each about three inches wide and half a finger thick.

The third portion was cut into diamond-shaped slices, about two fingers wide, to be fried until golden and crisp.

With the preparations complete, she heated a deep iron pot, waiting for the oil to reach the perfect temperature. Once the surface shimmered, she gently lowered the large tofu slices into the sizzling oil.

The tofu hissed and crackled as the heat enveloped it, its smooth white surface gradually turning golden brown. The kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma, a blend of fried tofu and rich oil, stirring the appetites of those around.

Using a large colander, Xia Mingyue carefully flipped each piece, ensuring both sides absorbed heat evenly. When they had turned a crisp golden hue, she removed them, draining the excess oil.

One batch after another, she fried all the tofu slices until they were stacked high like a small golden hill.

Next came the tofu balls.

In a large wooden basin, she combined the crushed tofu with finely diced carrots, white radish, chopped green onions, flour, five-spice powder, salt, and ground pepper. Cracking a few fresh eggs over the mixture, she worked the ingredients together, kneading and mashing until everything formed a sticky, cohesive paste.

Washing her hands, she took a handful of the mixture, skillfully squeezing out small balls between her thumb and forefinger before scooping them up with a spoon and dropping them into the hot oil.

At first, her movements were careful and deliberate, but after forming a dozen or so tofu balls, she found her rhythm. Her hands moved with practiced ease, and the tofu balls fell into the pot one after another in a steady, mesmerizing flow.

A middle-aged woman who had been watching closely sighed, rubbing her forehead. She had originally wanted to learn how to make these tofu balls, but after seeing Xia Mingyue’s swift and precise technique, she gave up the idea.

Not everyone was suited to be a chef.

As long as she contributed in some small way, the City God would surely see her sincerity, right?

Meanwhile, the other volunteers watched with growing admiration.

"She looks so delicate and refined. Who would have thought she was this capable?" An elderly man murmured in awe. "Her cooking skills might even surpass Chef Lai’s."

"That's hard to say," a young man named Lou Shanzi interjected with skepticism. "Frying tofu balls is one thing, but the real test is the soup. Seasoning it properly is the key, and that’s not something just anyone can do."

"You're just saying that because you're good friends with Chef Lai," someone teased. "You don’t want to admit that someone else might be better, do you?"

Lou Shanzi stiffened. "Nonsense! I’m just being realistic. Most skilled cooks are men. There aren’t many women who can match their expertise."

At this, the group fell silent.

While the Great Zhou Kingdom afforded women more opportunities than other places, it was true that female chefs were rare. Women often cooked in their own homes, but few were recognized as professional chefs. Even those who worked in restaurants usually assisted rather than took charge.

"But I think Madam Xia is different," a woman remarked. "Why don’t we make a little wager? Just a friendly guess on how the meal will turn out."

"You're gambling in front of the City God?" An elderly man frowned. "Aren't you afraid of divine punishment?"

"It’s not gambling! Just a friendly test of luck. If you lose, you donate a few extra coins to the temple. It’s for a good cause," she reasoned.

The idea quickly gained traction, and soon a small bet was formed.

"I’ll bet that Chef Lai is still better!" Lou Shanzi declared. "If I lose, I’ll donate a hundred coins to the temple!"

Laughter rippled through the group.

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue remained focused on her work, oblivious to the whispered wagers.

One by one, the golden tofu balls floated to the surface of the oil, their crispy shells glistening. She scooped them out, placing them into a large wooden basin where they joined the golden slices of tofu from earlier.

The sight was impressive——a mound of perfectly fried tofu balls, light and airy, yet rich in flavor.

Unable to resist, someone reached out, plucking a piece to taste....