Chapter 42 Braised Pig's Trotters with Peanuts

After eating her fill, Qiao Mianmian took the initiative to cook braised meat.

After autumn arrived, it got dark early, so she moved a stool to the backyard and sat there waiting for the braised meat to cook before going to sleep.

Lin Xiahe hopped on one foot, grabbed a coat, and draped it over Qiao Mianmian. "It gets chilly after nightfall," she said, sitting down on the stone steps beside her.

Qiao Mianmian glanced at the patched red cotton coat and sighed with a smile, "Mother made us new clothes, but she won't let us wear them. She locks them all in her room like we're guarding against thieves."

“Mother is afraid that if we wear these clothes now, we won’t be able to wear them next year.” Lin Xiahe rested her chin on her hand. She was a little sleepy, but she wanted to sit here and keep her company. After all, making braised meat was her job. “Mother said that once the Wu family moves away, we will all have our own rooms. I’ve lived with my sisters all my life, and I’ve never had my own room.”

Qiao Mianmian also hopes that the Wu family can find a new house soon. "Me too, if I have my own house, I would like to live in it for the rest of my life!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Madam Lin came out yawning and gently patted her youngest daughter's head. "If you really stay at home for the rest of your life, the ancestors of the Qiao family will have to crawl out of their graves to find me."

Qiao Mianmian shivered. "Mother, aren't you afraid of saying such things after dark?"

"You brat, what are you saying!" Lin was naturally frightened, so she quickly closed her eyes and prayed, silently reciting several words before opening them and saying, "You're not allowed to say such things in the future. You will all marry into good families. When our family expands its mansion, it will be much more impressive, no less so than the Wang scholar's family!"

Qiao Mianmian said with a smile, "Then you'd have to buy Wang Dazhu's house as well to be comparable to the other Wang family."

"Someday we will!"

Lin raised her long eyebrows, full of enthusiasm for the future. "When I have money, I won't buy the Wang family's property. I'll just move to Tongluo Lane and become neighbors with the Luo and Jiang families!"

"What ambition! Well then, I'll wait until you're rich before I retire." Qiao Mianmian chuckled, while Lin Shi pulled her ear, telling her not to get her hopes up. The three of them laughed heartily in the courtyard, while in another room, Qiao Youfu asked Zhang Shi how much money she had given Lin Shi.

“No matter how much money you give him, you won’t get it back. Look at how stingy you are. The money is for your son to buy a house, not for anything else. Why are you so reluctant to spend it?” Zhang glanced at Qiao Youfu.

Qiao Youfu snorted, "I'm not being stingy, it's just that you have three sons, not just one. There's still no word from the third son, aren't you worried?"

“How could I not be worried? I’ve already asked my third brother’s fellow villager to check on him. I don’t know what’s wrong with that kid this year, he hasn’t even sent a message.” After tidying up the table, Zhang saw her husband’s brows furrowed and clicked her tongue twice. “Look at you, do you really think I’m the kind of person who can’t see things clearly? I gave Lin Shi money, but she didn’t take it. Who knows, she might take my money secretly, because there are other brothers in the family.”

“Back then, when I introduced Lin Shi to Mancang, you weren’t too happy. She’s been with the family for over ten years and has always been very considerate. There’s no better daughter-in-law in the whole alley.”

"Hmph, when did I say I was dissatisfied? It was her ex-husband who was confused." Qiao Youfu refused to admit it and lay down.

Zhang smiled and said, "You're just being stubborn. While Mancang and his wife were getting the house deed, you went to the door eight hundred times in a quarter of an hour."

"Aren't you the same?" Qiao Youfu said with a sigh. "I don't think waiting is a problem. Why don't I find some time to go see Lao San?"

"Okay, take some meat with you." Zhang thought of her youngest son and couldn't help but feel worried.

They had already obtained the house deed. Originally, Wu Ermao and his mother weren't in a hurry, but now that they were living in someone else's house, they felt uneasy and wanted to settle down as soon as possible.

Therefore, for two consecutive days, they followed the real estate agent around Lin'an City, comparing various options, and finally bought the house.

The Wu family settled on a new house and immediately hired people to renovate it. Aunt Wu cleaned it herself, and when the Yu family heard about it, all the family members came to help.

With her new house, Aunt Wu had much more energy to work, and she no longer needed to hide the move. When she returned home that day, she boasted to the people in the alley about her upcoming move.

Zeng Hongzhi asked about the location and learned that the Wu family's new house had five rooms. He immediately exclaimed that it was remarkable, "Er Mao has really made something of himself. You'll be lucky in the future. Unlike me, I still have to squeeze into this dilapidated courtyard, day after day, unable to move my feet."

If his family had a bigger house, he would definitely remarry, even if she was older, he would want a companion.

"Haha, everyone is so lucky." Seeing everyone's envious looks, Aunt Wu no longer felt reluctant, only proud.

When Widow Wang heard that the Wu family was moving away, her eyes lit up instantly. She walked over with a sweet smile and said, "Oh, sister-in-law, this is wonderful news! Your family is moving away to enjoy a life of luxury. Will your house be left empty?"

Her eldest and third sons were both getting married. They had rented other places, but since her sons weren't around, it was practically the same as living separately after a while. If she rented the Wu family's house, her sons would still be around after they got married, and their daughters-in-law could take care of them. Just thinking about it made life so comfortable.

“How could it be empty? Do you think my family are rich landlords with that much money?” Aunt Wu knew what Widow Wang was thinking as soon as she saw her, and deliberately said, “It was sold a long time ago, to the Qiao family. From now on, you will be new neighbors.”

"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell us?" Widow Wang's expression immediately changed.

Zeng Hongzhi also frowned as he looked at Aunt Wu. Even if his family didn't buy the house, they were still neighbors. The fact that the Wu family only told the Qiao family and didn't tell them anything made him very unhappy.

Aunt Wu didn't think much of it; she just wanted to annoy Widow Wang, thinking that after all these years, she finally wouldn't have to smell the Wang family's chicken manure anymore.

"This..." She paused, unable to speak, her eyes searching around, trying to find someone to help her.

Just then, Qiao Mianmian came out to pour water. Her eyes met Aunt Wu's, and her heart skipped a beat. Aunt Wu had indeed called her.

After Aunt Wu moves out, their family will still have to live in the alley. Qiao Mianmian walked over with a smile, "Everyone, please don't misunderstand Aunt Wu. You all know that my family lives in cramped conditions, so my mother said before that if any family has a lot of houses, they can come and ask my family first. I didn't expect to be so lucky to find someone willing to lend my family money, otherwise we wouldn't have the money to buy one."

"So that's how it is." Widow Wang glanced at Qiao Mianmian. "I thought your family's business was so good that you suddenly became so rich."

Hearing that the Qiao family had borrowed money made her feel much better.

"Auntie, you're joking. My food stall has only been open for a short time. Where would we get so much money? We're lucky to have met some kind people who have helped us pay back the money slowly." Qiao Mianmian smiled kindly. She was good-looking and spoke nicely. Widow Wang and the others were her elders. Since she was so nice, they wouldn't take their anger out on her.

Zeng Hongzhi said with a smile, "That's true. If your family could earn that much money in two months, you would have moved to Tongluo Lane directly."

Aunt Wu didn't like hearing this. "What's so great about Tongluo Lane? I think our lane is just as good!"

"Why are you moving if you're doing so well?" With no hope of finding a place to rent, Widow Wang became mean to Aunt Wu again.

Aunt Wu was speechless for a moment, then rolled her eyes at Widow Wang, "Isn't it because my son is getting married and there will be more children in the house? Will there not be enough room?"

“You’re in such a hurry. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re unhappy living here,” Widow Wang retorted.

"That's true. I don't want my daughter-in-law to smell your chicken manure every day after she moves in." After saying this, Aunt Wu hurried home, afraid that Widow Wang would start a fight with her. She had been busy at the new house all day, and her arms and legs were sore; she was definitely no match for Widow Wang.

Widow Wang raised chickens in her backyard, and not only could the Wu family smell it, but the family in her backyard was also very annoyed and had told her off several times.

But in order to have more money for her family, Widow Wang would rather fight with people than reduce the number of her livestock.

Hearing this, Qiao Mianmian also had a headache. What if her family moved there and the smell was too strong?

Thinking about this, she returned home worriedly. Seeing her fourth sister turning over the pot, she hurriedly ran over, "Didn't Mother tell you to rest? I can do it. If you hurt your foot, it will heal even slower. Do you still want to go and take care of your third sister during her postpartum period?"

Lin Wangchun is about to give birth, probably in the next few days. When this was mentioned, Lin Xiahe finally sat down obediently, saying, "I have nothing to do, and I'm so bored."

"Then rest more. In a few days, when you're better, you'll have plenty of things to do." Qiao Mianmian flipped the braised meat in the pot, then sat down to process the peanuts she had bought.

Lin Xiahe peeled a few hazelnuts and roasted them over a fire. The hazelnuts were naturally sandy and had a roasted aroma, making them a delicious snack. "Today you asked Dad to save a piece of pig's trotter, but I didn't hear Mom say no?"

“I told you your foot is injured, and you need to mend it wherever it’s injured, and Mom didn’t say anything, but the look she gave me was like she wanted to yell at me.” Qiao Mianmian chuckled. She wasn’t afraid of being scolded, as long as she had something to eat. “Braised pig’s trotters with peanuts, it’s so delicious. Okay, Fourth Sister, I’m not eating anymore, I’m going to cook.”

Lin Xiahe looked at the hazelnuts in her hand, which her mother had given her. She turned her head and heard her mother talking to the neighbors in the front hall about moving to their new house. Looking at the fire in the stove, her heart warmed as well.

When the neighbors learned that the Qiao family had bought the Wu family's residence, they all came to congratulate them and asked when the Qiao family would hold a banquet.

"No, we're canceling. We've already borrowed from all our relatives to buy this house; where would we get the money for a banquet? You all know I'm shy and embarrassed to ask you for money, so it's better to cancel. I'll just share some duck eggs with everyone then, as a thank you for your help in the celebration." Madam Lin was reluctant to hold a banquet. For such a small matter, the whole family would be busy running around, and the business would have to stop. She deliberately said she needed to borrow money for the banquet to shut everyone up.

She's desperate to make money right now, so if she's really going to throw a banquet, it has to be a really big, joyous occasion.

Lin greeted the neighbors in the front hall. Qiao Mianmian had already blanched the pig's trotters, caramelized the sugar, added hot water and spices to stew them, and also added peanuts.

The soup in the iron pot was bubbling and gurgling, and the aroma made everyone in the front hall hungry.

When it was time to cook, most people weren't shameless enough to stay and chat, so they all dispersed and went home.

Qiao Mianmian put the pot lid back on and went to the front hall, where Wu Ermao came over.

"Uncle Qiao, Auntie, my mother said that in another three to five days, our new house will be cleaned up. She picked a date, and we'll move in seven days from now. After we move out, you can come and tidy up." Wu Ermao was carrying osmanthus cakes, which were sent by the Yu family, and he placed them on the table.

Before Lin could react, Wu Ermao had already left.

"Why is this kid running so fast?" Madam Lin didn't want to accept the Wu family's gifts, but since they were delivered, she had no choice but to accept them.

Qiao Mianmian went to the door to take a look, then came back and said, "Mom, Brother Er Mao has sent some to other families, so you can eat with peace of mind. It's not something that's special to our family."

The Wu family didn't hold a banquet, but having lived there for so long, they still went door-to-door to say goodbye before leaving.

At this point, everyone was congratulating him, and even Widow Wang said that Wu Ermao was amazing.

Qiao Mianmian counted the days; seven days would pass quickly, and by then, her mother would likely be going to Linjia Village.

"We'll see when the time comes." Lin was also worried, as both sides needed help. "Go to the kitchen and check, make sure it doesn't burn."

Qiao Mianmian returned to the kitchen. The pig's trotters in the pot were so tender that they fell apart at the slightest touch, and the peanuts melted in her mouth, leaving a sandy texture and a wonderfully flavorful taste.

She served the food and called to her family to start the meal.

Looking at today's dishes, Qiao Youfu exclaimed, "Since Mianmian took over the cooking, everyone in our family has gained weight, especially Jiaxing. Have you grown taller?"

As he aged, his eyesight deteriorated. He squinted and looked over, noticing that his second grandson was about the same height as his eldest grandson.

Qiao Jiaxing excitedly ran to the roof beam and gestured, "No way, I'm already twenty, how can I still grow taller?"

He compared the heights and realized he was indeed a little bit taller.

Qiao Mianmian stood on tiptoe to look and said, "Second brother, your arms have gotten thicker too."

Before, we ate two meals a day and hadn't had any meat for a long time. Now we eat meat almost every day, so it's normal for my family to gain weight.

Even Qiao Mianmian herself has grown taller.

"Then I'll eat two more bowls of rice and try to grow a little taller!" Qiao Jiaxing sat down happily. "Mom, are we really not having a banquet for our new house?"

Ms. Lin said no.

Qiao Mancang laughed and said, "You want to attend the banquet, don't you?"

"Hehe, Dad knows me best." Qiao Jiaxing ate heartily, scooping up a spoonful of peanuts. Each peanut was soaked in the broth, and they tasted delicious. "I want more rice!"

The family ate until they were stuffed, and Qiao Mianmian even ate an extra bowl of rice while mixing it with the broth.

Another simple day passed. The next morning, the family still had their own tasks. Qiao Mianmian, Lin Shi, and Qiao Jiawang went to set up their stall. Qiao Mancang and Qiao Jiaxing went to collect pork offal, pig's head meat, and deliver the goods.

Lin Xiahe's foot no longer hurt, but Lin still told her to rest at home. She couldn't stay idle, so she and Zhang stayed home to sew shoe soles.

“It’s getting colder every day, and the men are putting more effort into wearing their shoes, especially your second brother. His shoes wear out with holes in less than three months.” Zhang’s eyes narrowed.

Lin Xiahe leaned closer. "Grandmother, let me thread the needle."

“Alright, you do it. I’m getting old, my eyesight isn’t what it used to be.” Zhang smiled as she watched her granddaughter thread the needle. “When I was your age, I could do it just as well. People would be lining up to propose to us.”

"Then why did you choose Grandfather?" Lin Xiahe looked over curiously.

Zhang thought for a moment. Although so much time had passed, she remembered it clearly. "Because as soon as he came to my house, he buried himself in work. I've always known that a man who only talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk is not worth keeping. He has to be hardworking and take action."

There was no one else around, and Lin Xiahe was of marriageable age again. Although Lin Xiahe didn't have the surname Qiao, she had watched Lin Xiahe grow up. When Lin Xiahe married into the family, she wasn't even a year old and didn't remember anything. Therefore, she said a few more words, intending to give Lin Xiahe some pointers on how to choose a man.

Lin Xiahe couldn't imagine what her grandparents looked like when they were young, but seeing her grandmother's thin lips constantly smiling as she talked about her youth, she must have been very satisfied with her past.

She smiled at her grandmother, meaning she had made a mental note of it.

“Once our family expands our house, people will know that our business is doing quite well, and even more people will propose marriage. Actually, some people have been arranging marriages for your mother recently, but she's not very satisfied. You know, all of you are treasures in her eyes, and she won't feel at ease unless she chooses someone good.” Zhang Shi took the needle and thread, looking at the shoe sole in her eyes. “Marriage is actually similar to making shoe soles. Everyone's feet are different lengths, so the soles that fit are different. But some people have similar foot shapes, so no one is indispensable.”

Having lived most of her life, Zhang wanted to share these insights with the younger generation.

Lin Xiahe was thinking about her grandmother's words when, just as the needle pierced the sole of her shoe, someone knocked on the door. The grandmother and granddaughter looked over at the same time.

Lin Xiahe was surprised to see that it was a matchmaker. Her mother was not home today, so why did she invite the matchmaker to the house?

"Excuse me, is this the Qiao family's residence?" The matchmaker had a round face and a smile like that of Maitreya Buddha. Seeing the people in the courtyard nod, she hurriedly said, "I wonder if the head of the family is here? I've been asked to come and act as matchmaker for your daughter."