The military wives readily agreed, and each of them quickly found a few more mushrooms nearby before heading down the mountain.
On the way back, everyone slowed down and stared at the roadside bushes. Aunt Mei taught Xu Xinghe to identify shepherd's purse, bitter lettuce, and the cow tongue grass that had been mentioned before.
"Look at this shepherd's purse, its leaves are serrated and its roots are white. Dig it up and use it to make steamed buns or dumplings, it's so delicious!" Aunt Mei said as she dug up a plant with a small shovel. "Bitter lettuce needs to be blanched to remove the bitterness, and it can be eaten as a cold dish. It's good for clearing heat and reducing internal fire, perfect for summer."
Xu Xinghe followed suit and also acquired a small shovel. He carefully dug up any wild vegetables that met his criteria, and soon a layer of lush green wild vegetables covered the mushrooms in his basket.
The military wives chatted as they dug, sharing their finds and laughter that echoed down the mountain path.
It was noon when I returned to the military headquarters.
The military spouse who took the lead suggested, "Everyone has picked so many mushrooms, and we can't eat them all ourselves. Why don't we send some to the mess hall so that the soldiers can also have a taste!"
"That's a great idea!" everyone agreed. "The kids train so hard, some mushroom soup will be just what they need to replenish their energy!"
Xu Xinghe nodded in agreement, picked out most of the mushrooms from her basket, and put them together with the others.
Everyone carried the mushrooms towards the cafeteria. The cafeteria staff saw them and quickly came out to greet them, "Oh my, so many fresh mushrooms! You're in for a treat today! We'll make mushroom soup and stir-fried mushrooms for everyone tonight!"
After distributing the mushrooms, the military wives each carried the remaining ingredients and prepared to go home.
Aunt Mei took Xu Xinghe's hand and said, "Xinghe, come home with me! My old hen is stewed with mushrooms, it's so delicious, let's have a good time today!"
Xu Xinghe was a little embarrassed, "Aunt Mei, this isn't very good, it's a bit too much trouble..."
"What's the trouble!" Aunt Mei said, pulling her towards her home without further ado. "It's your first time picking mushrooms with us, you should at least taste the harvest! Besides, it's no fun cooking for yourself, just keep me company!"
Aunt Zhang, who was standing nearby, also laughed and egged them on, "Xinghe, you should go! Aunt Mei's chicken stew with mushrooms is absolutely amazing, most people can't even get to eat it!"
Unable to refuse Aunt Mei's hospitality, Xu Xinghe nodded in agreement and followed her home.
As soon as she entered the yard, Aunt Mei went straight to the chicken coop, grabbed a plump old hen, and said, "This chicken has been raised for more than half a year, and the meat is just right. It's the best for stewing with mushrooms!"
She deftly handled the chicks, while Xu Xinghe helped by tending the fire and preparing vegetables.
Smoke curled from the chimney in the courtyard, and the aroma of chicken gradually wafted out.
Aunt Mei put the blanched chicken into a large iron pot and stir-fried it until the oil was rendered. Then she added ginger slices and scallion segments to sauté until fragrant. Next, she added the washed meat and mushrooms and stir-fried them. Finally, she filled the pot with water, covered it, and simmered it over low heat.
"You have to simmer the mushrooms over low heat so that the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms meld together. That's how you make them taste good," Aunt Mei told Xu Xinghe as she added firewood to the stove. "Later, we'll make some cornbread to dip in the broth. It'll be absolutely delicious!"
Xu Xinghe listened attentively, occasionally adding firewood to the pot, and the bubbling broth in the pot became increasingly fragrant.
After simmering for about an hour, Aunt Mei lifted the lid, and a rich, fresh aroma immediately wafted out.
The chicken was stewed until tender, and the mushrooms, having absorbed the broth, were a tempting golden color.
"It's ready to serve!" Aunt Mei said with a smile as she ladled the dish into a large enamel basin. She then removed the cornbread that had been stuck to the side of the pot; it was golden and crispy, still with some burnt bits at the bottom.
The two brought the food to the table. Aunt Mei stir-fried a plate of cold wild vegetables, set out two bowls, and poured in her homemade rice wine. "Come on, Xinghe, have a taste!"
She placed a piece of chicken and a large spoonful of mushrooms on Xu Xinghe's plate, saying, "These mushrooms are delicious, eat more!"
Xu Xinghe took a bite and her eyes lit up instantly. "It's so delicious! It's even better than what we make in the cafeteria!"
"Eat more if you like it!" Aunt Mei smiled so much her eyes narrowed. "If you want to eat it again, just tell me, and we'll go up the mountain to pick mushrooms together again, and I'll stew it for you!"
After the meal, Xu Xinghe offered to help clear the dishes.
Aunt Mei held her hand and said, "Xinghe, come visit us often in the future. Don't always stay alone. We military dependents are all one family. It's more lively when we help each other out!"
"Yes, I'll definitely come here often from now on!"
Two days later, Jiang Linchuan's vacation began as scheduled.
He walked into the courtyard, his casual clothes making his figure appear even more upright. "Xinghe, are you ready? We're going to the city today."
Xu Xinghe had already changed into a clean long dress, and carrying a small bag, she quickly walked out of the courtyard gate. "Alright, let's go."
The two got into the car, drove away from the military headquarters, and headed towards the city along country roads.
The crops along the roadside are growing well, and the wind blows through them, creating waves of green. In the distance, the green mountains are faintly visible.
Xu Xinghe leaned against the car window, looking at the scenery along the way, and chatted with Jiang Linchuan from time to time.
About an hour and a half later, the car entered the city.
Compared to the tranquility of the military base, the city was much more lively, with shops lining both sides of the streets, and bicycles passing by, their bells ringing.
Jiang Linchuan parked the car in front of the supply and marketing cooperative. "Let's go take a look here first. Pick whatever you want to buy. My allowance has been issued."
Xu Xinghe shook her head, "I don't have anything to buy. Today is mainly for you to pick out things."
Jiang Linchuan was stunned for a moment. Just as he was about to say that he didn't lack anything, Xu Xinghe pushed him into the supply and marketing cooperative.
The shelves inside were lined with various items.
Xu Xinghe walked straight to the ready-to-wear section, her gaze falling on a row of dark blue clothes.
She reached out and touched the fabric; it was thick, crisp, and of good quality. "Why don't you try this one on? You often wear military uniforms, but you should have a casual outfit to change into."
Jiang Linchuan obediently picked up a well-fitting garment and went into the fitting room to change.
When he came out, the dark blue clothes made him look even more energetic, with his shoulders straight and his back upright. Xu Xinghe looked at the person in front of her and couldn't help but smile, "It looks really good, this is the one!"
The sales clerk next to him smiled and chimed in, "Comrade, your partner has excellent taste! This dress just arrived, the fabric is great and it's durable. Lots of people are scrambling to buy it!"
Xu Xinghe then walked to the fabric section. “You train hard, and your clothes wear out quickly. Buy some more fabric, and I’ll learn to make you some shirts and pants later. But you can’t say that I can’t make them well.”
She picked out two pieces of light gray fine cotton fabric, which were soft and breathable, suitable for making clothes for a body double.
I also chose a piece of dark blue khaki fabric, which is sturdy and durable, suitable for making pants to wear as outerwear.
The sales clerk quickly measured the size, cut the fabric, wrapped it up, and handed it to Xu Xinghe.
After paying, she pulled Jiang Linchuan to the shoe section.
Jiang Linchuan usually wears military rubber shoes, but Xu Xinghe picked up a pair of black corduroy cloth shoes with thick, layered soles. "Try these. They're more comfortable than rubber shoes for when you're resting."
Jiang Linchuan sat on the bench next to him, changed into cloth shoes, stood up and took a few steps. They were indeed comfortable and fit well. "They're great, easy to wear."
"Then I'll buy these!" Xu Xinghe paid readily, put the shoes into her cloth bag, and then, remembering something, turned to ask the sales clerk, "Do you have any sturdier socks? I want pure cotton ones."
"Yes!" The sales clerk took several pairs of white pure cotton socks off the shelf. "These are the best cotton socks; they're absorbent and durable."
Xu Xinghe picked out three pairs of socks and put them all in her bag.
Jiang Linchuan watched her busy figure, and his heart was filled with warmth.
He stepped forward and took the things from Xu Xinghe's hands. "I really don't need anything, but I'll wear the things you bought carefully."
“You don’t need it, but I want to buy it for you.” Xu Xinghe looked up at him. “You train so hard, I’ll feel at ease if you’re dressed comfortably.”
Looking into her clear eyes, Jiang Linchuan couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair. "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."
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