Xu Jiang found the donkey and broke off a few bundles of reed shoots. This stupid donkey was picky about food. The reed shoots in the field it found were newly sprouted, short, fat and tender. They were delicious when she took them back to make soup or mix them with food.
She led the donkey to catch up with the attendant and the flute player, and wanted the donkey to carry the flute player back, but the flute player's eyes were as big as a black-eyed chicken, and he refused to get on no matter what.
"You're covered in mud, but it doesn't despise you. You're the one who despises it."
"How dare you tell me who I am covered in mud because of!"
"puff."
"How dare you laugh! Two kinds of people can come from the same nest. You are so heartless, no wonder the donkey you brought out is also so conscienceless!"
The two of them returned to the bamboo shed quarreling, but calmed down when they saw Zhong Lu.
Seeing the men return and the flute player in such a state of disarray, Zhong Lu truly believed Xu Jiang had listened to his advice and dealt a dark hand. After listening to the flute player's agonizing explanation of the whole situation, he realized he had misunderstood and hurriedly thanked him.
Xu Jiang originally felt quite sorry for him, but the flute player didn't give her a good look, and all the way along, he kept repeating the insults she had said to him at the banquet, and kept retorting to her in various ways. She couldn't help but argue with him a few more times, and both of them felt a little dissatisfied.
Xu Jiang changed his mind and thought, never mind, after all, it was his own stupid donkey that got him into this situation, so it was even after all, so he decided to let it go.
She saluted the flutist and said, "I'm sorry." Then she said, "Thank you very much."
This made the flute player feel very uncomfortable, so he turned his head and bowed hastily in return, humming, "Forget it, I won't bother with a mere woman like you."
Hey, this guy! Xu Jiang was about to retort, but when she met Zhong Lu's dissuading gaze, she had no choice but to swallow her complaint and turn aside.
Zhong Lu asked the flute player, "How are you going to get back?"
The flute player was also in a dilemma. He had embarrassed himself in front of the musicians today, and it was not appropriate for him to ride with them again. He had originally planned to walk back, but now his ankle was twisted and he could not walk. Moreover, he had no mount or carriage, so he really didn't know what to do.
Seeing that he looked hesitant, Zhong Lu suggested, "Are you in Pingkangfang? Why don't I take you back?"
Now I can only trouble Zhong Lu.
The flute player looked at his own dirty body and said shamefully, "I'm afraid I'll soil your carriage."
Zhong Lu waved his hand and said, "If it gets dirty, just wipe it clean. It's okay."
Seeing that he had let bygones be bygones, the flute player was impressed and said, "Chi Liao thanks you very much, sir."
Chi Liao, it’s too late.
Xu Jiang couldn't help laughing. This name was quite unique.
When they were about to leave the bamboo forest, Xu Jiang broke off a lot of tender bamboo branches, which would be very useful for providing shade and shelter from the rain during the book feast tomorrow.
After returning to the city, Zhong Lu wanted to send the flute player back to Pingkangfang, so he and Xu Jiang went their separate ways.
Xu Jiang thought about the many things going on in the brothel, so she whipped her stubborn donkey to quicken her pace and rushed towards Yonghefang.
Zeng Zhui danced happily in the kitchen.
He had put locust bean buns and mugwort fruit on the tray according to the menu given by Xu Jiang. Don't look at him as a rough man, he is very meticulous in his work. Every pastry that passed through his hands was round and cute, very pleasing to the eye.
He was making mulberry leaf tofu. First, he washed the tender mulberry leaves, chopped them, wrapped them in gauze, and pounded them into a pulp. Then, he mixed the wood ash with water, stirred it until it was clear, and poured the water and the pulp into a pot to boil. Finally, he placed it in a ceramic basin and let it sit. It would be ready the next day.
After making the tofu, he was about to go outside to have a cup of tea and get some fresh air when he saw Xu Jiang sitting on a pile of bamboo clouds floating from afar.
"Oh, did you become an immortal after going out?"
Liang Mo heard the noise and came out to greet them. He was also a little surprised, "What did the boss bring back so many bamboo branches for?"
Xu Jiang pulled the donkey and said with a smile, "It can be used for anything. It can block out the sun and rain, provide for offerings, and make incense. It's useful." Then she landed on the ground and took the bamboo branches off the donkey.
Liang Mo carried the bamboo branches to the backyard. Zeng Zhui saw a few bundles of reed shoots on the donkey and laughed, "It's really like plucking feathers from a passing goose."
Xu Jiang laughed heartily and patted the donkey's butt. "It found this. Mixing it with water will also make a delicious dish."
Then he pulled out two and gave them to the stubborn donkey, and gave the rest to Zeng Zhui, then led the donkey to the backyard.
After settling the donkey, Xu Jiang went to the kitchen, which was filled with steam and a fragrant aroma.
She couldn't wait to walk over and lift the bamboo hat, only to see blue and white items in the drawer, each occupying half, of even size and arranged neatly.
The green ones are mugwort fruit, and the white ones are small locust flower buns, which are just right when steamed.
Zeng Zhui came in leisurely and asked for credit: "How is it?"
"Excellent cooking skills." Xu Jiang praised him generously. "It seems he's the best in the capital. Not only are the dishes good, but the dim sum is also good."
Zeng Zhui loved to hear this, his mouth almost grinning to the back of his head.
"I've already mixed the dough for the peony cake, but I'm having trouble getting the filling just right, so I need you to do it."
"Leave it to me. You've been busy for most of the day, so take a break first."
Zeng Zhui waved his hand and said, "No need. I'll help you get everything ready first, and then we'll go to Nanshan Academy later."
Since Mrs. Lin passed away, he often went to the school to visit her. In addition to his admiration for Master Lin, his feelings for Lin Hongchu, although he did not say it, were expressed in his actions.
Seeing that Master Lin did not stop her, Xu Jiang guessed that the road ahead would be smooth.
"Okay, if you want to go, pick up some cakes and bring them with you so that Master Lin and Hong Chu can have some too."
Zeng Zhui nodded quickly, as this was exactly what he meant.
The two of them divided the work and worked together in an orderly manner.
Xu Jiang and the filling are used to make peony cakes. Since it is a peony cake, the filling must be mainly peony flowers.
First, pick and chop the peony petals, add a little salt and crushed rock honey powder, mix well, squeeze out the juice, and then add a little glutinous rice flour. Knead into flower balls and set aside. This will make the filling softer and more glutinous.
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