Chapter 530 A Dream of Youth 62
The last few people paddled in the lake for almost half an hour before finally getting ashore.
Seeing Xie Ning's wet sleeves, Chen was worried that she would catch a cold, so she took her to change her clothes before getting into the carriage to go home.
Each child received two extra-large lotus pods from the harvested lotus seeds. The lotus seeds were very sweet and refreshing, making them a rare summer snack.
When the mother and daughter returned home, Xie Qi had already finished school and gone home. Upon seeing Xie Ning, Xie Qi mysteriously pulled her away.
"Brother, eat lotus seeds, they're very sweet."
She was delighted to taste such sweet and crunchy lotus seeds.
Xie Qi also liked it, but after eating two, he stopped. He then pulled Xie Ning to the study, took out a long wooden box, and gestured for Xie Ning to open it.
"What is this?" Xie Ning put down the lotus seedpod in her hand and curiously opened the wooden box.
A beautifully carved and small wooden sword comes into view, with its edges polished so smooth that it will not hurt your hands.
Xie Qi saw Xie Ning's bright eyes and almost couldn't suppress the corners of his mouth from turning up. He just coughed lightly and said nonchalantly, "Didn't you say the other day that you wanted to practice swordsmanship like the heroes in the book?"
So I had someone forge you a small wooden sword. You're still too young now; when you're older, your older brother will forge you a real sword!
Actually, Xie Ning had only casually remarked while reading a storybook with Chen Yuncheng, but she hadn't expected Xie Qi to actually find it for her, "Brother..."
He gently stroked Xie Ning's soft hair, his voice softening, "Brother will work hard to learn swordsmanship at school, and will teach you when we get home."
Originally, although he had the intention, he only wanted to make a small wooden sword as a toy for Xie Ning to play with, and he did not intend to teach Xie Ning swordsmanship. However, a few days ago he saw Huo Xiao, who was his future cousin-in-law.
Not long after the winter solstice, Huo Xiao and Chen Yunsheng got engaged.
That day, not far from the bookstore, he saw Huo Xiao wielding a stick like a sword, whipping a thug who was harassing a girl on the street until he cried out in pain. He was filled with respect at that moment.
I think my future sister-in-law is really amazing!
Then he thought of his younger sister. What if Bao'er was also harassed on the street? His Bao'er is so cute, and there are so many rude lechers in this world.
Even with someone following you, oversights are inevitable. It's better to become more capable, like your future cousin-in-law, who can fight back against anyone who dares to be rude.
Of course, Xie Qi didn't want Xie Ning to completely learn from Huo Xiao, because Huo Xiao's attack methods were a bit, a bit inhumane... He would rather personally teach his younger sister, the Gentleman's Sword.
While I wouldn't say I could take on ten people at once, I could definitely protect myself.
At this moment, Xie Qi had completely forgotten the experience of being beaten so badly in sword class that he shed tears.
Now everyone is focused on starting martial arts training from a young age.
Of course, if we ignore Xie Qi's desire to see Xie Ning shed tears like him, then it would indeed be perfect.
Hearing the laughter and chatter coming from the garden, Madam Chen shook her head and continued cooking with Yan Niang in the kitchen.
There were some pastries and sweet soups that she knew how to make, but Yan Niang didn't. Chen Shi would teach Yan Niang, and once Yan Niang learned how to make them, Chen Shi would be able to relax.
As the saying goes, one should admire lotus flowers in summer and eat lotus seeds in autumn. At this time of year, we have picked a lot of lotus seeds, which are perfect for making refreshing lotus seed cakes.
"Qingli, go and get a porcelain jar and put these lotus seeds in it. I'll get them later. These lotus seeds are great for making tea, especially for cooling down and relieving summer heat."
As she spoke, Chen put the washed lotus seeds into the pot of boiling water. As the lotus seeds slowly softened, a fragrant aroma filled the room.
Chen took the lotus seeds out and instructed Yan Niang to mash them. She then mixed the washed lotus seeds with glutinous rice, intending to steam lotus seed glutinous rice.
"Madam, I bought some shrimp this morning, and I've already peeled them. Why don't we stir-fry them with these lotus seeds? The delicate fragrance combined with the freshness of the shrimp should taste quite good." Yan Niang looked at the remaining lotus seeds, feeling a bit of a headache.
That's too much. Did Madam pluck the whole pond?
Madam Chen didn't think it was too much, after all, she had given half of it to Madam Huo. Actually, it wasn't really a gift, since the pond was on Madam Huo's estate.
Hearing Yan Niang say this, Chen Shi also thought it was a good idea. "Then let's take some out and stir-fry some shrimp. Bao'er loves this. Don't we still have some ham? Let's make a ham and lotus seed soup and we'll have everything."
The delicious aroma from the kitchen gradually wafted into the garden. Xie Ning's stomach rumbled, and the two exchanged a glance. They then gave up practicing their swordplay and poked their heads into the kitchen one by one.
"Mother, are you making lotus seed cake?"
"Yes, it's ready. I'll have Moqi take some to your uncle and aunt later. It's still a little warm. Would Bao'er and Qi'er like to have a piece first?"
"Yes!" they both said in unison.
Lotus seed cake tastes better when it's cooled down, but it's also great to eat when it's warm. It's topped with a small spoonful of osmanthus honey, and it's soft and chewy, with the fragrance of lotus seeds and the sweet aroma of osmanthus.
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