Xu Jiang opened the door halfway and saw Shopkeeper Wang holding a jar half-filled with sauce, with a few green-shelled crabs lying in the sauce. She asked with a smile, "When did you make these candied crabs? It must have taken a lot of effort, sister-in-law."
The process of pickling sugar crab is complicated, time-consuming and it takes at least a month to prepare it.
"I received these as gifts when I went to the countryside to harvest grain. They were all so plump and large that I couldn't finish them all, but it would have been a shame to throw them away. Your sister-in-law pickled them according to the recipe you gave her. Today, she smelled the fragrance, so she opened the jar and tasted it. She said she'd send you a few so you can judge their flavor."
"Sister-in-law, you're so thoughtful." Xu Jiang took it and smelled it. It only had the aroma of soy sauce, without any fishy smell at all. "It's marinated really well."
"Okay? Try it later, it's not bad." After saying that, Shopkeeper Wang sniffed again and asked, "I just smelled the fragrance. Are they scallion pancakes?"
"Well, there are just a few left. Brother, take some home and eat them." After saying that, Xu Jiang turned around and went back to bring the plate of pancakes on the table to Shopkeeper Wang.
Shopkeeper Wang was rubbing his hands together, waiting cheerfully. But when he saw two sets of bowls and chopsticks on the table, he immediately understood what was going on. However, he didn't point it out. He just asked, "Is this enough sugar crab? If not, I'll bring you some more."
"That's enough, that's enough." Xu Jiang replied while handing over the plate. "Is that enough bread? If not, there's more in the kitchen."
"That's enough for me. We have other dishes at home." Shopkeeper Wang took the pancake and glanced at the restaurant. "Then take your time to eat. Your sister-in-law and children are waiting at home. I won't disturb you."
"Oh, okay."
"Let's go."
Shopkeeper Wang walked a short distance away, looked back at the closed door, shook his head and smiled, then hummed a little tune as he entered his own room.
Xu Jiang put the candied crabs on the table and went back to the kitchen to pick up a few pancakes. "How can crabs be eaten without wine?" she immediately bought another pot of rice wine.
The two sat down, and Xu Jiang poured each of them a glass of wine, then raised her glass and invited them to drink: "On this auspicious occasion, let's drink a glass."
Lou Yunchun was willing to accompany him, "I hope we can enjoy this every year and have a good time together every year."
A glass of wine warms the heart.
Lou Yunchun picked up a piece of willow twig and passed it to Xu Jiang's mouth, "Try it."
"Is it dipped in mustard sauce?" Xu Jiang asked in a dull tone.
"No." Seeing her doubt, Lou Yunchun stuffed the fish into his mouth.
Xu Jiang stopped him, took the fish in his mouth, and nodded while chewing it. "Mm, it's still so delicious."
Seeing that she was still not satisfied, Lou Yunchun picked up two more pieces for her.
Xu Jiang also served him some porridge, and then went to open the candied crabs. The crab roe was fat and yellow, and after being stored in the cellar day and night, it became red and crystal clear, which made people's mouths water.
"Try it." Xu Jiang broke off a piece of crab, including the legs and roe, and fed it to Lou Yunchun. "Crabs are cold in nature. Drink a glass of wine after eating."
Lou Yunchun held her hand, feasted on the years, and got drunk on the passing time.
————Dividing Line————
The procedures after the proposal were carried out step by step. The matchmaker formally delivered the betrothal gift the next day. The gift contained two pieces of red thread. One piece was tied to Xu Jiang's feet by the matchmaker, and the other piece was taken back as a return gift to Lou Yunchun.
Afterwards, they exchanged their horoscopes and Geng Tie, and each of them asked someone to divine and reconcile their fortunes. This was called asking for names.
Once again, I respectfully inform the heavens, the earth, and the ancestors of the good news, accept the betrothal gifts, and ask for a date. I also send the engagement letter and gift letter. By the time everything is settled, autumn is over and winter is approaching.
"Ah, huh!" Xu Jiang stared at the bare, leafless branches in front of the door and sneezed violently. She rubbed her arms and muttered, "It's getting colder."
"That's right, it's the beginning of winter soon." someone replied.
Xu Jiang turned around and asked in surprise, "Mr. Wen, what a rare guest! Why are you here?"
"My family is here to do some business, so I decided to stop by and have a chat." Wen Hui asked, "How's my orchid book coming along?"
"I'm currently engraving it. It's a bit chilly outside, so please come in and have some hot tea." Xu Jiang invited the guest in and said, "I've been busy lately, which has delayed the progress. Now that I have some free time, I'll definitely rush to finish it for you."
"I heard about it." Wen Hui bowed to Xu Jiang and said, "Manager Xu, congratulations on your wedding. Don't forget to invite us old folks so we can come and have a drink at the wedding."
"Thank you, sir." Xu Jiang thanked him first, then said jokingly: "It's a deal. If you don't come, I will go and invite you myself."
Wen Hui was pleased with her generous and open nature and continued, "That would require a sedan chair carried by eight men to move it."
Xu Jiang said, "Sir, you're joking. That's where I want to sit."
Wen Hui laughed uncontrollably.
Xu Jiang then invited him to sit down and asked, "I have some Pengjiang orchids I brought from Chongzhou. Would you like to try some?"
"Thank you, thank you." Wen Hui said without hesitation, "Speaking of places like this, your bookshop is the best. It has many rare items."
Xu Jiang distributed a set of orchid lamps, "With your words, my bookshop is not in vain."
"Hello, Mr. Wen." Liang Mo came back from shopping, unloaded the goods and went into the house. When he saw Wen Hui, he quickly greeted her.
"Okay, okay." Wen Hui smiled at Liang Mo, "The young man is becoming more and more handsome."
Xu Jiang continued, "Indeed, the pile of boards next to you were carved by him. Please examine them and see if they meet your standards."
Liang Mo blushed at the praise and buried his head in moving things, but he kept an eye on Wen Hui's movements when he went in and out.
Xu Jiang measured the tea into the cup and brewed it with boiling water. The misty and ethereal fragrance spread out, making people feel relaxed and comfortable both physically and mentally.
"This tea smells great," Wen Hui praised, then picked up an unfinished orchid carving and admired it. "The carving is good, you've made great progress."
Liang Mo was afraid that he would be dissatisfied, so he smiled immediately after receiving his approval. "Sir, you are so kind."
Wen Hui said to Xu Jiang, "Shopkeeper Xu, the young are truly formidable."
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