Chapter 47 Doing Business? "I would like you to come forward and represent me with this...

The next day, Liu Yeshu woke up little brother Liu early in the morning.

"There's a simple fishing net in the southwest corner of the kitchen. Let's try using it to catch fish in Qingxi this time."

This Qingxi River, fed by snow from distant mountains, boasts clear waters, a vital resource for fishing and irrigation for the villagers. Morning mist drifted across the stream, reflecting the faintly rosy glow of the sky. The water was crystal clear, revealing the bottom. Through the surface, a few fish could be vaguely seen swimming in the shallows. Liu Yeling squatted by the river, scooped up a handful of cool water, and splashed it on his face, instantly feeling refreshed. He excitedly exclaimed, "Sister, I just saw a fish swim by!"

As she spoke, Liu Yeling flung her fishing net toward the surface of the water. It arced beautifully in mid-air, but just as it hit the surface, rocks on the riverbed snagged it. She tugged hard, but it wouldn't budge. Seeing this, several clever little fish quickly scattered, disappearing without a trace.

Liu Yeling scratched her head in frustration: "Sister, this net is too small. Fish are much smarter than us!"

Liu Yeshu smiled, squatted down, and looked at the direction of the water flow in the river for a while.

"Fish swim with the current. It's hard to catch them with a small net. Why don't we try a different method?"

She suggested going to the shore to gather some sturdy branches and vines. Liu Yeling was a little confused, but she followed her lead. They wove the branches and vines into a slightly larger fish basket, adding fine wooden strips to the inside to prevent the fish from easily escaping. After adjusting the basket, they placed it along the river's current, causing it to sway slightly, creating a natural trap.

After everything was ready, Liu Yeling held her breath and stared at the water. Soon, a few small fish were washed into the basket by the current. Quick-witted, Liu Yeling immediately lifted the basket and, looking at the fish jumping around in it, jumped up excitedly: "Sister, I caught them! I really caught them!"

After a long day of work by the Qingxi River, as the sun set, the bamboo baskets were already overflowing with fresh fish, gleaming silver in the afterglow. The brother and sister returned home with their heavily loaded baskets, their faces filled with tired yet satisfied smiles.

Back home, Liu Yeshu sorted the fish from the bamboo basket, picked out a few plump ones, and carefully wrapped them in lotus leaves, ready to give them to Li Guanshi to taste. She wiped her hands, picked up the wrapped fish, and walked straight to Li Guanshi's residence.

Manager Li was sorting out the account books in the courtyard. When he saw Liu Yeshu coming, he hurried over to greet her and said with a smile, "Miss Liu, why did you bring me some goodies again today?"

Manager Li's eyes lit up. He opened the lotus leaf bag and saw several plump fish inside. He couldn't help but smile: "This fish looks delicious!"

"But recently, since the Hu merchant came back, the sales of pickles and eggs have been getting better and better. I wonder if your stock is enough?" Manager Li raised his head and asked with some anticipation in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yeling came forward and asked curiously, "Manager Li, have things been selling so quickly these past few days? Didn't they just take a lot from us two days ago?"

"There are many Hu merchants this time, and all the goods have been sold out. If it can be cheaper, I will take more." Manager Li grinned.

Liu Yeling looked embarrassed and looked towards Liu Yeshu, but Liu Yeshu seemed not to hear the hidden meaning: "It's the cost price. I'm just making a profit from it."

After returning home, Liu Yeshu carefully cleaned the fresh fish, scraped off the scales, removed the internal organs, and then rinsed the fish with clean water. She put a little oil in a pan, and when the oil was slightly hot, she put the fish pieces in the pan and gently fried them until both sides were slightly yellow.

She placed the stew pot on the stove. She added a spoonful of lard and sautéed the ginger and garlic until fragrant. She then added the fish pieces to the hot pot and lightly seared them until golden brown. As the fish gradually began to emit a fresh and fragrant aroma, she added enough water, sprinkled in a few fresh coriander leaves, and simmered it over low heat.

The rich aroma of fish filled the kitchen, and the broth grew milky and thick. Liu Yeshu gently lifted the lid of the pot, scooped a spoonful of the broth with a spoon, blew on the steam, and took a sip. The broth was delicious and rich, the fish tender and smooth, and the spicy aroma of the ginger slices neutralized the fishy smell, warming the heart.

She took out a small porcelain bowl with a chip on it and filled it up for Yuanbao.

Yuanbao had been pacing outside the kitchen anxiously. When he saw the steaming hot fish soup, his eyes lit up like copper bells. He couldn't wait to move forward, dipped his paws into the soup, and licked them with his tongue.

"Ling'er, help Yuanbao pick out the thick thorns."

Liu Yeling was puzzled: "Aren't cats born to eat fish?"

Liu Yeshu shook her head: "Cats have a strong ability to tolerate pain. They can endure it even if they are stuck by thorns. Normally, people won't notice it."

Liu Yeling nodded and meticulously helped Yuanbao remove the fishbone. Yuanbao, on the other hand, anxiously paced around, tapping Liu Yeling's legs with his paws, as if urging him to hurry. Finally, Liu Yeling had the fishbone free, and Yuanbao eagerly leaned in to devour it. He licked the fish mouthful by mouthful with relish, his tail wagging like a small fan, clearly delighted with the delicious meal. After each swallow, he licked the corners of his mouth, his eyes narrowed into thin lines, and he purred with pleasure.

Watching Yuanbao feasting on his meal, Little Brother Liu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Sister, not only does the general like your food, but even his cat likes it. I think the entire general's mansion might become inseparable from you in the future."

Liu Yeshu blushed: "What are you talking about."

*

A few days later, one morning, Liu Yeshu had just finished her meal when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it and saw Widow Wang, holding her daughter by the hand, with Yuanbao, a proud figure, at her feet. Widow Wang had a shy smile on her face, but her eyes couldn't hide her excitement and gratitude.

"Sister Liu, thanks to the cat's help these past few days, the mice have finally been completely cleared out. I came here to thank you."

Liu Yeshu lowered her head and accidentally noticed that the little girl next to Widow Wang had a red and swollen scar on her face.

"What happened to the little girl's face?"

Widow Wang sighed, "Oh, these mice are really vengeful. I thought they had all been killed a few days ago, but I didn't expect that one of them escaped and climbed onto the bed late at night and bit my daughter on the face. Fortunately, the cat reacted quickly and pounced on it and caught the damn mouse!" She reached out and gently stroked her daughter's hair, with a bit of fear and self-blame.

"Call someone quickly, call Sister Liu."

The little girl blushed and hid behind the adult's legs. Widow Wang smiled embarrassedly: "She is only six years old this year. You can just call her Xiao Yu'er."

Liu Yeshu patted the little girl's shoulder gently and said softly: "Xiao Yu'er, don't be afraid. No mouse will dare to approach you anymore." The little girl nodded timidly, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

Widow Wang felt more relaxed when she saw Liu Yeshu being so gentle and considerate. She found a stone bench in the yard and sat with Xiao Yu'er on her lap. She sighed and said, "I used to have a shelter at my husband's house, but since my husband died on the battlefield, they can no longer accommodate me."

The villagers had talked about these things before, and Liu Yeshu said a few words to comfort them, but it seemed that Widow Wang still had something else to say.

Widow Wang spoke in a roundabout way, but finally seemed to have made up her mind and told the purpose of this trip.

"I heard from the villagers that Miss Liu is an excellent cook and works as a housekeeper in the general's mansion. If there is a chance in the future, could you take me with you? I can endure hardships and do any dirty or tiring work!" There was a hint of humility and pleading in her tone, and a hint of expectation in her eyes.

After hearing this, Liu Yeshu thought for a while and said slowly: "Sister Wang, I am no longer the steward of the General's Mansion. The previous steward came back after his injury healed."

After being rejected, Widow Wang seemed relieved, but also felt disappointed, and listened to Liu Ye talking again and again.

"However, I have a suggestion that is more suitable for you."

Widow Wang looked at Liu Yeshu with some surprise, a little confused.

Liu Yeshu said slowly, "Sister Wang, this place is close to the Silk Road, and there are frequent caravans coming and going. I just happened to have a plan to do some business with those Hu merchants. However, criminal slaves cannot engage in business, so it is difficult for me to come forward."

She paused, then looked meaningfully at Widow Wang. "I'd like to ask you to negotiate a deal with these foreign merchants on my behalf. If you're willing to do this for me, not only can we make a living, but we can also earn some money together, giving your daughter a better life in the future."

When Widow Wang heard this, a hint of hesitation and uneasiness flashed in her eyes. She had obviously not expected Liu Yeshu to make such a request. She lowered her head in thought for a moment, then looked up at her daughter standing beside her. Finally, she took a deep breath, nodded, and said firmly, "Miss Liu, if you really trust me, I'm willing to give it a try."

Liu Yeshu looked at Widow Wang's expectant eyes, and an idea suddenly struck her. She smiled and said, "Aunt Wang, I have an idea. Back in the spring, I sold some pickled vegetables to the Hu merchants, and they were very enthusiastic. Now we can think of some other food to feed them on the road."

Widow Wang asked curiously, "What kind of food?"

"My current idea is to use dried bacon and jerky. Jerky is durable and easy to carry. It can be eaten directly or stewed. Moreover, this kind of food can replenish physical strength in winter, which is perfect for Hu merchants."

Widow Wang's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she immediately nodded in agreement. "Yes, bacon and dried meat are long-lasting and have a rich aroma, making them perfect for eating in cold weather. Merchants from the Hu region are always on the go, so they'll definitely appreciate this kind of food that's both filling and delicious."

"We can also try making some fried snacks, such as pretzels and sesame chips. Although simple, these snacks are crispy and delicious. They are convenient for merchants to eat and can also replenish their energy on the road."

Widow Wang smiled and continued, "I used to make some snacks at my husband's house. Although I'm not as skilled as Miss Liu, I can definitely make delicious ones if I learn a few tricks from you."

After hearing this, Liu Yeshu smiled and said, "In that case, let's take advantage of the cold weather and make a few batches of bacon and dried meat to see the results."

The two immediately sprang into action. Liu Yeshu first retrieved fresh pork from her closet. She cut the meat into evenly sized strips, then mixed a marinade of salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and various spices, placing each strip into the marinade. Widow Wang watched carefully, occasionally offering a hand and turning the strips to ensure the marinade was more evenly absorbed.

"The longer this bacon is cured, the more fragrant it will be." Liu Yeshu explained patiently, "After curing, we hang the strips of meat in a well-ventilated place to dry. Once they are dried and formed, we can smoke them in a few days. When the meat turns golden and has a strong jerky flavor, it's done."

Widow Wang listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and then asked, "What about the snacks? When can we start making them?"

Liu Yeshu smiled and said, "The snacks can be prepared right away. The ingredients are simple, just some flour, sesame seeds and lard." As she spoke, she mixed the flour and sesame seeds together, kneaded them into dough, cut them into small pieces, and then fried them in a pan until golden and crispy. She sprinkled a thin layer of pepper and salt on them, and the aroma immediately filled the air.

Widow Wang looked at the crispy pastries, her eyes filled with surprise and admiration. She couldn't help but sigh, "The smell of these snacks makes people drool. If the Hu merchants tried them, they would definitely like them!"

Liu Yeshu smiled and said, "Let's make a few samples first. When the Hu merchants pass by, we'll let them try these freshly baked snacks and bacon. If the response is good, we can start large-scale production."