Chapter 20 Buying and Selling
The next morning, Fan Xiaoxiao cooked some noodles for everyone using the bone broth from the previous day. During the meal, Fan Xiaoxiao told everyone her plans for the day: "Everyone, I'm going to take some braised pork to the docks to sell later."
As soon as the idea was proposed, Aunt Wang immediately agreed: "I'll go with you. There's too much food for just a few of us to finish, and it would be good to earn some money."
After saying that, Aunt Wang got up and immediately started packing her things to go out with Fan Xiaoxiao. Fan Shi watched Aunt Wang's busy figure with some worry and whispered to Fan Xiaoxiao, "Sister, Aunt Wang..."
"Girl! Are you going to take the whole pot of braised pork to the dock?"
Before Fan could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Aunt Wang, who was busy in the kitchen. Fan Xiaoxiao patted Fan on the shoulder to show her not to worry too much and replied, "Yes! Aunt, remember to bring the jar of chili flakes from the stove!"
After saying this, Fan Xiaoxiao took the large bones out of the soup pot, washed them clean, and then laid them out to dry in the yard. Xiao Bao looked at Fan Xiaoxiao curiously: "Auntie, what are these for?"
Fan Xiaoxiao blinked, looked at the bone clubs that were as thick as her forearm, and laughed, "It's a secret!"
After a flurry of activity, Fan Xiaoxiao, along with Aunt Wang and her husband, pushed Old Zhao's cart towards the dock.
It just so happens that a merchant ship is scheduled to dock today, so there are quite a few more people at the dock.
After finding a lively spot under a big tree, Fan Xiaoxiao and her two companions set up a stove and pot and began hawking their wares.
"Braised pork offal for sale! Open for business today! Three coins a bowl! Don't miss it!"
Many people noticed the three newcomers and wondered what they were selling, as it smelled strangely delicious. Some, unable to resist the aroma and thinking that three coins wasn't too expensive, went up to them and asked, "Boss, what's this braised dish? It smells amazing!"
Aunt Wang, who was used to doing business with Uncle Wang, smiled and lifted the pot lid to show everyone what was inside when someone asked: "It's all pig liver and lungs and stuff like that. Don't underestimate it, it's thanks to these things that we can sell them so cheaply!"
Before the lid was lifted, everyone only thought the food smelled somewhat fragrant, but once the lid was removed, wow, the aroma was on a completely different level. With a gentle breeze blowing, the rich fragrance filled half the dock.
The man who came up to ask swallowed hard, ignoring the murmurs behind him about how this was just pig offal and dirty talk. He took out three coins and handed them to Granny Wang, saying, "Boss! One bowl, please!"
Aunt Wang accepted the money with a smile. Fan Xiaoxiao efficiently picked up a bowl of braised pork and handed it over with half a piece of flatbread soaking in it: "Here you go. Since you are our first customers, I'm giving you half a piece of flatbread as a bonus! There's chili and minced garlic here, feel free to add as you like."
The man took the braised pork offal from Fan Xiaoxiao and, without rushing to add chili or minced garlic, ate a piece of the oily and fragrant pork intestines on its own. The intestines were coated with a thick layer of sauce, and upon tasting them, the aroma of fat assaulted his entire mouth. Upon closer inspection, the salty, savory, and rich flavor, along with a hint of spiciness, made it even more irresistible.
"Delicious! So delicious!"
The man exclaimed in surprise, then took another bite of the pancake soaked in broth. The savory sauce with a hint of oil was almost as good as meat!
Passersby watched the man devour his food, some of them already secretly swallowing their saliva. Once the first person set an example, customers followed one after another.
"Boss, how much for the baked buns!"
"A whole fire costs two coins, half a fire costs one coin."
"Boss! Two bowls of braised pork offal, please!"
"Boss! One baked bun!"
...
After a morning, the stew and baked buns in the pot were almost empty. Fan Xiaoxiao wiped the sweat from her face and took several big gulps of water from her water gourd.
Just then, Fan Xiaoxiao saw Zhu Erda heading this way with great force. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately scooped out the little bit of braised food from the bottom of the pot, put it into two bowls, and walked over with a smile, saying, "Second Master Zhu! You've finally arrived! We're opening today, and we were just about to bring you and Third Master Hou some food!"
Zhu Er looked at the skinny little girl in front of him and thought for a while before remembering which family had delivered the walnuts. Then he saw that the bowl contained some pig offal and couldn't help but sneer, "Ha, I thought it was something else! Fine, since your family is at least sensible, I'll take it to Hou San."
After saying that, Zhu Er took the two bowls of braised pork and walked back. He didn't notice the meaningful smile Fan Xiaoxiao gave him behind him.
When Zhu Er returned to his and Hou San's place, it was already noon. Hou San was not there. Zhu Er rubbed his slightly hungry stomach and looked at the two bowls of fragrant braised pork offal, muttering to himself, "I wonder where that guy has run off to. Oh well, I'll try this stuff first and see if it's any good."
After a short while, both bowls in front of Zhu Er were empty. He let out a satisfied burp, rubbed his round belly, and said, "Ha! I didn't expect the food from that place to be so good!"
"What's considered acceptable?"
Hou San walked into the room with a gloomy face. Zhu Er was startled by the noise: "Oh my goodness! What are you doing! Who are you trying to scare!"
Hou San glanced at the two empty bowls on the table and snorted coldly: "I told you to inspect the docks, and you're here slacking off again!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Er immediately jumped up and retorted, "How am I being lazy and shirking my duties! I've been busy all morning! And you! How did your inquiry about the walnuts go?"
Mentioning the walnut, Hou San's face darkened even more. This morning, he took his walnut to an old expert who knew its value. The expert told him that the thing was indeed worth hundreds of taels of silver, but unfortunately, he only had that one. If it were a walnut with a pattern, it would be fine, but his one was not worth much.
The walnut with the pattern was originally his, but that scoundrel Zhu Er actually swapped it with him last night when he was drunk!
"Hmph, it's just a worthless trinket! Why are you so concerned about it!"
Zhu Er raised his eyebrows in disbelief, then his eyes darted around before he smiled and leaned close to Hou San, saying, "Third Brother! Since you said this thing isn't worth much, why don't... why don't you just give it to me? I'll round it up for my girlfriend!"
Upon hearing this, Hou San was even more furious, thinking how shameless this fellow could be. He then sneered with an even more terrifying expression, "Why should I take my things to do you a favor? Humph!"
Zhu Er shrugged: "Anyway, you said it's just a worthless thing! I really like it, so why not just give it to me!"
As Zhu Er spoke, his lips were still greasy, making Hou San feel nauseous. He chuckled coldly a few times, then leaned closer to Zhu Er in a sinister tone and said, "I quite like your life too, why don't you give it to me?"
(End of this chapter)
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