Chapter 2 Winter Melon, Tofu, and Braised Pork

Chapter 002 Winter Melon, Tofu, and Braised Pork

Although it was only a "delicacies" costing ten coins, since I had promised Yun Qiao, I couldn't just treat it casually.

The definition of "delicacies" shouldn't be taken too seriously by children, but at least the ingredients must be fresh and the dish must taste like a delicacy.

Yun Qiao told her that it was just her mother and herself at home, so they cooked for two people.

Yun Qiao is the little girl's name.

Yunqiao's mother worked as an embroiderer in an embroidery workshop, making a living on the money she earned.

Once my mother falls ill, she can no longer take on work at the embroidery workshop.

Since the mother and daughter had no other means of livelihood, Yunqiao had been secretly helping Grandpa Sun's family sort through pine mushrooms to save up some copper coins, which she would then quietly slip into her mother's money box without her mother knowing.

As Yun Qiao walked, she told Wang Sumo about her glorious deeds.

The tree branch in his hand was also busy.

Holding a tree branch, he jumped up and down, gesturing as he said he heard a storyteller talking about it from under the window of a restaurant—"The Sword of Immortality, a single strike pierces the azure clouds."

Storytellers everywhere love to tell the story of Qingyun Manor; children love to listen to it.

Su Mo recalled that when she met Yun Qiao, she had also gently tapped her shoulder with that twig, so it turned out that she had learned it on the spot.

It was almost noon, and Wang Sumo still didn't know if the vegetables in the market were fresh.

"Selling steamed buns!"

"Selling steamed buns!"

As soon as she arrived at the market, Yun Qiao heard the calls of the steamed bun vendors, and she could hardly walk any further.

"Their meat buns are so delicious~" the little girl said, swallowing hard. "My mother doesn't like buns, but Yunqiao does."

Wang Sumo carefully examined the price of the buns—three meat buns for ten coins.

Three meat buns are just the right amount of lunch for a child as big as Yun Qiao.

Wang Sumo squatted down and looked at Yun Qiao seriously. "Yun Qiao, didn't you have lunch? This ten coins was given to you by your mother for lunch, so you could buy some steamed buns."

Although Yun Qiao didn't answer, her eyes were full of admiration and surprise when she looked at Wang Sumo, as if she was practically asking him how he knew.

Wang Sumo had almost figured out the cause and effect.

Yunqiao's mother was sick but refused to take her medicine, which worried Yunqiao greatly. Her mother, unable to care for her, gave her ten coins to buy her favorite steamed buns for lunch. Yunqiao hesitated to spend the money and wandered the streets for a long time before finally meeting her.

I heard she was a cook and wanted to buy pine mushrooms. Plus, she happened to know Grandpa Sun, so she wanted to use the ten coins she saved to cook a "delicious meal" for her mother.

Yun Qiao blinked. "Mother is particularly afraid of bitterness, and she doesn't like taking medicine; but Mother is greedy for food, so if you can cook her a delicious meal, she will definitely be very happy."

No phrase sounds more melodious and touching than "My mother is greedy."

Wang Sumo suddenly realized the value of those ten coins.

"How about I treat you to some steamed buns?" she suggested.

Yun Qiao shook her head and said solemnly, "No need. Mother said that if it's agreed to be ten coins, it should be ten coins. If I want to eat steamed buns, I can come and eat them myself tomorrow!"

Wang Sumo had never met her mother, but she could tell from her words that she was well-mannered.

Just then, the stall owner saw Yun Qiao and greeted her happily, "Yun Qiao, not eating steamed buns today?"

Yun Qiao readily agreed, "I won't eat today, I'll eat tomorrow!"

"Okay~ Delicious meat buns, I'll be waiting for you tomorrow." The stall owner must really like Yun Qiao.

Few people would dislike a child like Yun Qiao.

A stroll through the Ping'an Town market revealed that the prices of meat and vegetables were quite reasonable.

The mutton used by wealthy families to cook delicacies would cost between 150 and 200 coins per pound, and 10 coins couldn't even buy a piece the size of a fingernail.

Ordinary people mostly eat pork, but better quality pork can cost 80 to 100 coins per pound, while lower quality pork can cost at least 50 coins.

Ten coins are definitely not enough to buy it.

As Wang Sumo strolled around, she pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any lard at home?"

Sugar and salt should be available in every household, and even if they happen to run out, they can be borrowed.

But not necessarily lard.

Most pork fat is made at home using rendered pork fat and is a staple in every household.

While hemp is a bit more troublesome to obtain, it is much more affordable than rapeseed oil and sesame oil bought from workshops, but it is not so convenient to borrow.

This dish is best made with pork fat.

"Yes," Yun Qiao replied, "We have lard at home."

Yun Qiao knows everything about the house.

Wang Sumo was relieved, having saved money on lard, and could now add a soup.

"Old man, how much are these winter melons?" Wang Sumo finally found the old farmer selling winter melons in a corner of the market.

The cut winter melon was gone; only the whole thing was visible on the side.

The old farmer was simple and honest. "Young lady, it's three coins a pound."

"Old man, can I buy the winter melon for only three coins?" Wang Sumo asked.

Yun Qiao nodded in agreement.

There are only ten coins in total. If we buy more, we won't be able to buy anything else. We have to be careful with our money.

The old farmer frowned, looking slightly troubled. He glanced at the sky; once noon passed, most of the day was over. Generally, winter melons that hadn't been cut after noon wouldn't be cut anymore; if they weren't sold that day, they wouldn't be fresh the next day and wouldn't sell.

As if remembering something, the old farmer pulled out a small piece of pre-cut vegetable from under the vegetable stall. "Young lady, if you don't mind, I was planning to save this piece for dinner at home tonight. If you want it, I'll give you three coins for this piece."

Wang Sumo examined the quality of the piece; it hadn't taken long to cut, and it certainly weighed more than three coins—the old man had given him a good deal.

"Thank you." Wang Sumo accepted the money and paid with three copper coins.

“We still have seven coins,” Yun Qiao thought to herself.

"I'd like five copper coins for some firm tofu." Wang Sumo paid five copper coins at another stall and bought about eight ounces of firm tofu.

With the remaining two coins, he bought an egg and also asked for some palm rope.

Yun Qiao's home wasn't far from the market, and she had been excited all the way there. "These things can be used to make delicacies?"

Wang Sumo didn't want to spoil her mood, so she said, "Yes."

With Wang Sumo so certain, Yun Qiao was filled with anticipation, skipping and jumping all the way, unable to hide the smile on her face.

The room wasn't locked. Yun Qiao's mother was lying in bed and couldn't get up easily, so the door was left open for Yun Qiao to come and go as she pleased. When Yun Qiao went back to the room to see her mother, Wang Sumo went to the kitchen first to take a quick look.

Ordinary families, unlike those in restaurants, do not have separate armbands, but they will use old clothes as waistbands and tie them around their waists when cooking to prevent oil stains.

When Yun Qiao ran back, she found Wang Sumo had already fastened his belt, lit a fire on the stove, and was boiling water.

"Did you tell your mother?" Wang Sumo asked while washing vegetables. Yun Qiao happily leaned closer. "Yes, my mother said I mustn't cause you any trouble!"

Adding to the chaos?

"You're not allowed to steal any food!" Yun Qiao couldn't help but laugh after saying that, and Wang Sumo laughed along with her.

Drain the vegetables and set them aside. Su Mo dried her hands and prepared to start working.

Yun Qiao's delicacies are so tempting!

This vegetarian braised pork dish, made with winter melon and tofu, has the rich aroma of braised pork sauce and a texture similar to a mix of lean and fatty meat. It won't make someone on their sickbed feel greasy, but it will still satisfy their cravings.

After washing the winter melon, Wang Sumo skillfully cut each piece into the size of pork belly used for braised pork. The key to this dish of winter melon, tofu, and braised pork is meticulousness and knife skills to achieve a truly authentic flavor.

A plate of braised pork belly that is both visually appealing and fragrant must first and foremost have similar sizes to be mouthwatering at first glance. A master chef's knife skills are so refined that each piece of braised pork belly looks like a perfect replica.

Wang Sumo hardly spent any time thinking or measuring; it was as if his eyes and hands were the rulers, and he cut out winter melons that were neatly and orderly arranged on the cutting board.

With a slight adjustment of the knife handle, the green skin was evenly cut off from each piece. The green skin separated from the winter melon flesh, and the sweet aroma of the winter melon immediately filled the air.

Although Yun Qiao couldn't understand what she was doing, she felt that Wang Sumo's serious and focused appearance was very similar to the head chef she had secretly seen in the kitchen of the East Street Restaurant last time. In fact, he was even more skilled than the previous head chef.

The winter melon was cut in half, and an iron pan was placed on the stove. While the pan was heating up, Wang Sumo washed his hands and prepared the tofu. The tofu was also cut into pieces the same size as the winter melon pieces. He scooped some pork fat into the heated iron pan, and the pork fat slowly heated up in the pan, gradually filling the entire kitchen with its aroma.

Using chopsticks, carefully place each piece of green skin into the hot oil of the iron pan for deep-frying. The green skin will gradually turn golden yellow in the aroma of the oil. Then, deftly remove each piece of green skin that has been deep-fried to a golden yellow color and place it on a plate for later use.

"Wow~" Yun Qiao exclaimed in admiration, not daring to blink for fear of missing anything.

The aroma of oil sizzling in the pan made the gluttonous Yun Qiao secretly swallow.

The previously sliced ​​winter melon flesh and firm tofu are layered alternately, with a layer of firm tofu sandwiched between two layers of tender winter melon flesh. Finally, the green skin that was deep-fried until golden brown is placed on top.

Soon, neat and tidy chunks of "braised pork" were placed on the cutting board.

Yun Qiao suddenly recognized it and exclaimed excitedly, "This is braised pork!"

Although the colors are different, the shapes are the same!

Two years ago, at the end of the year, a philanthropist named Li from Licheng held a banquet at Hexianglou Restaurant to entertain guests. She was looking into the restaurant through the window when he saw her. He asked her to say some auspicious words and then rewarded her with a piece of braised pork.

She was overjoyed!

I couldn't bear to finish it; I only ate half and left the other half for my mother.

She still remembers the taste and texture of that braised pork!

Yun Qiao was so hungry she was practically drooling.

But this is just winter melon and firm tofu!

Under Yun Qiao's expectant gaze, Wang Sumo took the palm rope that had been cut and prepared earlier, and tied it to the whole "braised pork piece" like tying braised pork, and tied it at the top to ensure that it would not fall apart when stewing later, and also to make it look more beautiful.

"It looks even more like it!" Yun Qiao exclaimed excitedly.

A neatly arranged chunk of braised pork, wrapped in a good palm rope, sits on the cutting board, looking so appealing that it makes you look forward to it.

So much braised pork...

Yun Qiao couldn't hide her joy; her mother would definitely be very happy!

Yun Qiao looked at Wang Sumo expectantly. Wang Sumo was staring intently at the iron pan. He had poured out half of the oil that had been used for frying and left the other half to add maltose when the heat was just right.

Maltose is easy to burn, so stir it quickly after putting it in the pot until it bubbles.

The sweet aroma of maltose mingled with the fragrance of oil, while boiling water was poured into a pot, sizzling and releasing its sweet scent quickly throughout the kitchen. Ginger slices, hawthorn slices, and cinnamon were added in that order. Once the aroma and cooking time were right, more water was added and brought to a boil. Then, regular fermented bean paste and black bean sauce were poured in, along with a suitable amount of salt.

Su Mo gently dipped his chopsticks into the broth, tasted it, and confirmed that the broth was right!

The "braised pork chunks" that had been neatly arranged on the cutting board were carefully placed into the iron pot one by one, taking care not to ruin the shape of the specially made "braised pork". Finally, the maltose sauce that had been stir-fried earlier was poured into the pot. Amidst the sizzling sound of stewing, the sauce made with maltose and spices slowly seeped into the winter melon and tofu.

The tender flesh of the winter melon, the firm texture of the tofu, layer upon layer of flavor, complement the perfectly balanced lean and fatty braised pork. A layer of deep-fried green skin, golden brown and crispy, perfectly complements the texture of the pork skin on top. As the broth gradually reduces, the aroma and essence permeate the braised pork.

When it was almost done cooking, Su Mo used chopsticks to pick out a piece. "Want to try it?"

Yun Qiao was stunned. She subconsciously swallowed and then took another bite of the "braised pork"...

With its perfect balance of lean and fatty meat, the sauce was rich yet sweet without being cloying, and it also had a subtle, refreshing aroma. Yun Qiao looked at Su Mo with a mixture of surprise and delight.

Without saying a word, their eyes and excited expressions are enough to proclaim it to the world!

Yun Qiao was reluctant to swallow it so quickly. She reached out and covered the corner of her mouth, as if afraid that the braised pork might accidentally fall out of her mouth and it would be a pity!

Wang Sumo ladled the rest onto a plate and handed it to her, saying, "Take this to your mother. I'll make a cabbage, tofu, and egg soup."

Yun Qiao's mind was completely blank; she did whatever Su Mo told her to do.

What's on the plate isn't winter melon and tofu at all; it's clearly a plate of delicious braised pork. So fragrant! So fragrant! So fragrant!

Yun Qiao was excited and couldn't wait to take it to her mother before the New Year. Su Mo reminded her, "Be careful not to drop it."

Yun Qiao nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

Su Mo scrubbed the pot again, washed the vegetables, and prepared a cabbage, tofu, and egg soup to go with the braised pork with winter melon and tofu that she had just made.

The stove and pot are both hot, so it takes almost no time.

When Yun Qiao ran over happily, she said that her mother was very happy and asked her to invite Sister Su Mo to eat together. Su Mo had just ladled out the soup, just the right amount, and told Yun Qiao to carefully carry it over.

She had already eaten lunch and wasn't going to stay with them. It was a bit hot in the kitchen, so she decided to cool off in the garden first.

Yun Qiao was obedient.

"Go ahead, but don't spill it."

After seeing Yun Qiao off, Su Mo tidied up the kitchen briefly and then took off the sash and hung it back in its original place.

On her way to the kitchen, she noticed that the courtyard and the main room were covered in dust.

The family consisted of only the mother and daughter, who depended on each other for survival. Yun Qiao's mother had been ill for some time. Yun Qiao was still young and could do what she could, but she couldn't reach the spider webs in the garden or corners.

Wang Sumo inexplicably recalled the time when her mother was still alive.

She was the same age as Yun Qiao back then...

That all happened a long time ago.

Su Mo silently picked up a broom and a feather duster and did some simple cleaning.

The garden was small, and the mother and daughter lived a poor life.

If the embroidery work stops, there will be no income, but people will always get sick.

The family didn't have much savings, so Yun Qiao's mother wanted to try to make ends meet on her own.

Ordinary families often don't have many choices.

But Yun Qiao's upbringing was better than many children's; Yun Qiao's mother had nurtured her with a rich upbringing that fostered her character...

Lao Qu always said she liked watching the excitement.

But watching a spectacle is sometimes like cooking; the world has many flavors, and what you see as a spectacle is sometimes the normalcy of someone else's life.

After cleaning up quickly, Su Mo returned just in time to hear the sound of bowls and chopsticks being put down inside. Yun Qiao's mother had asked her to go and fetch someone. Su Mo put down the broom and went inside by herself.

Yun Qiao's mother propped herself up, curtsied to her, and then gently instructed Yun Qiao, "Go wash the dishes."

Yun Qiao licked her lips again like a greedy cat, then obediently tidied the table, and even winked happily at Su Mo.

"Thank you very much, Miss Wang." Yun Qiao's mother didn't look too happy, but she was very pleased.

"It was nothing, and Madam is still ill, so let's not stand on ceremony." Wang Sumo helped her sit down, and then sat down himself.

The windows in the house were open, offering a clear view into the garden. Wang Sumo suddenly realized that she had been seen everywhere in the garden.

For example, when she jumped up to sweep away the spider larvae, the spider inside fell down.

She was startled at first and turned to run away, then suddenly realized that she was a grown woman!

When they went back to confront the spider, it had already vanished.

She leaned on the broom and exhaled a breath of stale air. "Don't let me see you again!"

Wang Sumo: "..."

"Is the food to your liking?" Wang Sumo quickly changed the subject.

Yun Qiao's mother smiled gently, "Miss Wang's cooking skills must be extraordinary."

Yun Qiao's mother was certain, and Wang Sumo tacitly agreed.

Yun Qiao's mother said gently, "Judging from Miss Wang's attire, which prioritizes convenience, she must be a traveler."

Wang Sumo always felt that Yun Qiao's mother possessed an inexplicable gentleness and approachability that made people feel close to her. Having traveled the world of Bazhenlou, she had mostly encountered chivalrous heroes, living a life of chivalry and vengeance. Perhaps Yun Qiao's mother reminded her of her own deceased mother.

“You have a good eye. You’ve been traveling from west to east and from south to north, looking for some special spices along the way. We happened to pass through Ping’an Town and wanted to buy some pine mushrooms for the elders to cook a meal, but they’re not suitable for overnight storage. Yun Qiao said she would take me to buy pine mushrooms, but asked me to cook you a feast in exchange.”

Children speak without thinking, and the two of them laughed.

Yun Qiaoniang said gently, "This girl..."

Wang Sumo also told her about spending ten coins to buy vegetables with Yun Qiao.

The process was short, but very heartwarming.

At the end, Yun Qiao's mother sighed, "Actually, I wanted to thank Miss Wang for her thoughtfulness. It was this dish of braised pork with winter melon and tofu that I used, instead of giving her too many gifts that would make her feel entitled to receive favors."

Wang Sumo's gaze faltered slightly, and he finally understood why Yun Qiao was so well-mannered...

"Yun Qiao said you didn't see a doctor, is it nothing serious?" Wang Sumo asked worriedly.

Yun Qiao's mother smiled and shook her head. "Thank you for your concern. It's nothing serious, just a recent overwork. I've seen a doctor, who said I just need to rest for a few more days. But Yun Qiao has been with me since she was little, so I can't help but worry."

"Miss Wang, thank you so much for today. Actually, I've been feeling quite weak since I fell ill, and I was worried about Yunqiao being so young..."

Wang Sumo glanced at the little figure busy in the kitchen, then looked at Yun Qiao's mother and comforted her, "Don't worry about her being small, she'll grow up quickly and still be your little darling."

Wang Sumo continued, "My father always says that life has its ups and downs, and things will get better after that."

Yun Qiao's mother looked at her and nodded with satisfaction.

*

After buying the pine mushrooms, Yun Qiao escorted her to the alley entrance, reluctant to let her go.

Su Mo patted her head and said seriously, "I'm going to collect a lot of very powerful spices this time. I'll come back to find you when the carriage turns around."

Yun Qiao's eyes were red, but she obediently nodded.

"Let's go back. Your mother must be worried after being out for so long." Su Mo poked her branch with his fingertip. "The Everlasting Gentleman's Sword, one strike pierces the azure clouds~"

Yun Qiao burst out laughing again.

...

As Wang Sumo emerged from the alley, he was still thinking about Yun Qiao and her daughter.

She never expected that her trip to Ping'an Town to buy dried fruit for her father would lead to such a little incident. It was like a chance encounter between strangers on a journey, yet it brought a touch of warmth and tenderness to each other.

Looking at the high-quality pine mushrooms in my hand, with a color that I couldn't buy anywhere else, I suddenly felt that there was a kind of luck in watching the excitement.

Having met Yun Qiao and her daughter, Lao Qu will not only have dried fruit tonight, but also fresh pine mushrooms.

What are some good uses for matsutake mushrooms?

Lost in thought, I wasn't paying much attention and almost bumped into someone walking towards me.

"Are you the owner of Bazhenlou, young lady?"

Wang Sumo slowly raised her head and saw that the other person was dressed in a light blue outfit, with arm guards and fast boots, bowing to her with his hands clasped.

What a coincidence! The Qingyun Manor, known for its "One Sword Enters the Clouds" technique, has arrived.

[Author's Note]

[Clenched fists]