Chapter 297 Let's Eat Fish Together
Jiang Ling stayed at the villa for three days, and during those three days she went to the Cheng residence every day to keep Cheng Jiaojiao company.
Cheng Jiaojiao's emotions were more stable than when they first met. Perhaps Jiang Ling's words gave her confidence, or perhaps she knew she was powerless to change anything and chose to accept it and enjoy these last warm moments.
She no longer talked about the marriage alliance, but often pulled Jiang Ling aside and asked her to tell her interesting stories about Jishui Village, the lively atmosphere of the cannery, and what trouble Xiao Yi had gotten into. Her eyes revealed her longing for the free world outside.
She often said that if she weren't the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu'an, she would also like to open a small shop in town, do some small business, and meet many interesting people.
Neither Cheng Fang nor Jiang Ling told her their plans for the future, as it was too early and things might change.
In the afternoon, Jiang Ling was playing chess with Cheng Jiaojiao in the pavilion in the courtyard. Cheng Jiaojiao held up a white piece but hesitated to make a move.
"Sister Jiang, let me tell you, I had a dream last night. I dreamt that I went to Jishui Village, saw the old locust tree you mentioned, tasted the ribbonfish you made, and even caught fish with Xiaoyi!"
After saying that, her expression changed slightly, but then she smiled with relief: "If I can only be happy in my dreams and in reality, then being happy in my dreams is also good."
Jiang Ling's words of comfort were just on the tip of her tongue.
Madam Cheng, accompanied by two maids, came over carrying freshly baked delicate pastries and a pot of fruit and flower tea.
"Miss Jiang, come and try this. It's a new almond cookie from the kitchen. See if you like it?"
Madam Cheng wore a gentle smile, but a deep worry lingered in the fine lines around her eyes.
She personally placed the snacks on the stone table and poured tea for Jiang Ling.
When Cheng Fang returned last night, she immediately asked him about the matter. Although Cheng Fang didn't say it explicitly, his eyes suggested that there might be a turning point in the situation.
She only had one son and one daughter, and she absolutely refused to marry them off to such a distant place as the Great Sheng Dynasty.
"Thank you, Madam." Jiang Ling picked up a piece of almond shortbread and tasted it. It was crisp, sweet, and melted in her mouth. She then picked up another piece and handed it to Cheng Jiaojiao.
"It's delicious, Jiaojiao, you should try some too."
To avoid worrying her parents, Cheng Jiaojiao tactfully changed the subject and picked up the almond shortbread to try.
"My mom's almond cookies are the best. I used to be able to eat several in one sitting!"
Madam Cheng looked at Jiang Ling with gentle and grateful eyes: "Thank you so much, Miss Jiang, for keeping Jiao Jiao company these past few days. She doesn't have many friends in the capital, and your presence has brought smiles to her face."
As she spoke, she gently patted Jiang Ling's hand, carrying the unspoken entrustment of a mother.
“Madam, you flatter me. Jiaojiao and I get along very well. I haven’t had much to do in the capital lately, so I’m just keeping her company,” Jiang Ling said sincerely.
A gentle breeze swept through the pavilion, carrying away some of the summer heat.
Jiang Ling and Cheng Jiaojiao sat in the pavilion watching Xiao Ran catching fish below.
Jiang Ling said she would make her sweet and sour fish.
Several servants also rolled up their trouser legs to cooperate.
The fishpond was large and had many fish. The sight of several servants falling in the water made Jiang Ling and Cheng Jiaojiao burst into laughter.
Finally, after the servants chased and intercepted the fish and a flurry of splashing water, a lively grass carp was successfully scooped up and carried to the pavilion in a small wooden bucket.
"Sister Jiang, the fish are here!" Xiao Ran wiped the water droplets from her face and shouted excitedly.
Jiang Ling smiled and took Cheng Jiaojiao's hand, "Come on, Jiaojiao, let's make this sweet and sour fish together today."
Cheng Jiaojiao's eyes lit up, filled with curiosity and eagerness: "Me? Can I do it? I... I only know how to eat, I've never cooked before!"
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "There's always a first time for everything. It's very simple, I'll teach you."
The two went hand in hand into the small kitchen.
Cheng Jiaojiao, being the daughter of a military officer, was quite bold despite never having cooked before. She watched intently as Jiang Ling deftly scraped off the fish scales and cleaned the internal organs, then made neat cuts on both sides of the fish.
"Next, marinate it briefly with salt, cooking wine, and ginger slices to remove any fishy smell," Jiang Ling explained as she worked.
Cheng Jiaojiao followed her example, carefully picking up a slice of ginger and rubbing it on the fish. Although her movements were clumsy, she was extremely earnest.
"Then coat it with starch, so that the fried fish will have a crispy skin." Jiang Ling handed her the prepared starch paste.
Cheng Jiaojiao rolled up her sleeves, grabbed some sticky starch, and smeared it little by little on the fish. Her hands and sleeves were covered in white starch, but she didn't care at all; instead, she found it amusing.
When Jiang Ling slid the fish coated in flour into the boiling oil, there was a "sizzle" and oil splattered everywhere, startling Cheng Jiaojiao, who jumped back a step, making Jiang Ling and the maid next to her laugh.
"Don't be afraid, just watch from a distance."
Jiang Ling skillfully used chopsticks to turn the fish in the pot. Soon, the surface of the fish was fried into a beautiful golden brown, and an enticing aroma filled the entire kitchen.
Cheng Jiaojiao watched the fish gradually turn golden and crispy in the oil, her nostrils twitching slightly, her eyes filled with anticipation: "It smells so good!"
The fried fish was taken out and drained of oil.
Next comes preparing the sweet and sour sauce.
Jiang Ling put a little oil in another pot, added white sugar, and watched the sugar slowly melt under the heat, turning into a caramel color. Then she poured in an appropriate amount of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and water.
With a sizzle, the sweet and sour aroma is instantly released, mixed with the fragrance of caramel, making one's appetite whetted.
"Finally, pour the prepared sauce evenly over the fish, and garnish with some shredded green onions, ginger, and red pepper. That's it!"
Jiang Ling poured the scalding hot sweet and sour sauce over the fried fish, and the rising steam carrying the sweet, sour, and caramelized aroma seemed to complete a wonderful magic.
A bright red, fragrant sweet and sour fish was served.
Looking at her work, Cheng Jiaojiao felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment, even though Jiang Ling had done most of it.
Just then, a gentle laugh came from outside the door:
"It smells so good! What's this delicious food? Can I try some?"
Jiang Ling and Cheng Jiaojiao looked back. They were so focused on cooking that they hadn't noticed that the doorway was now crowded with people.
Madam Cheng helped an elderly woman, dressed elegantly and with a kind face, who was leaning on a tiger-head cane, to walk in.
Cheng Jiaojiao happily went forward and eagerly called out, "Mother, Grandmother! What brings you here?"
It turned out to be Madam Cheng.
Jiang Ling quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Greetings, Madam."
Madam Cheng gave a slight nod and said with a kind smile, "Miss Jiang, there's no need for such formalities. You and Jiaojiao are good friends, just like my own granddaughter."
She turned to look at the sweet and sour fish on the table, her eyes lighting up. "This fish looks so beautiful, so red and glossy, it's very appetizing."
Cheng Jiaojiao presented the fish like a treasure, "Grandmother, Mother, please try it! Jiang Jie and I made this fish together!"
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