61 Fried Pumpkin Flowers
◎◎
Upstairs in Tiexue Tower, as the moon faded and the candles burned out, the room was filled with wine jars, leaving no room for anything else. Xie Linchuan collapsed on the couch, drunk and unconscious.
Zhu Ming stroked his chin and sighed, "Liu Guang, ah Liu Guang, you have come to this day!"
When the bid was delivered on the Dragon Boat Festival, they were close and could clearly see that Madam Jiang was reluctant. Although she accepted the bid, she turned around and left.
"I'm afraid that this Madam Jiang is still thinking about her ex-husband, the secretary of the Junior Supervisor." Chen Yue murmured.
They all knew that Xie Linchuan regarded Lu Fei as a thorn in his side. They even helped a little by bringing Princess Fu'an and Lu Fei together.
Chen Yue also sighed and ordered the servants to carry Xie Linchuan to the carriage outside the door.
Zhu Ming glanced at the endless stream of people on Imperial Street and hurriedly tried to stop them: "Isn't this a bad idea? If this gets out, where will Liu Guang be able to face the world?"
He had experience in this matter. For distinguished guests like them, the restaurant had private rooms for overnight stays. They could just stay there for one night and go out in style the next day after they sobered up.
Chen Yue said, "Old Madam Xie, you know that Liuguang got drunk with you and stayed out all night. If she wrote a letter to Hejian Prefecture, do you think General Zhu would skin you alive?"
When Zhu Ming heard his father's title, he was like a mouse meeting a cat, completely disregarding all pretense and pretense, and immediately did as he was told. The three of them rode in a carriage and first went to the Prince of Dongping's palace.
In the carriage, Zhu Ming saw Xie Linchuan's dejected appearance and felt disappointed: "Let me tell you, Liuguang is just too restricted by Old Madam Xie. I taught him a way a long time ago, but he didn't use it himself."
Those dirty tricks of yours… Chen Yue felt a headache just thinking about them, and warned, “Don’t do anything rash. That girl is Jiang Yuan’s daughter, and there are so many eyes on her. She is completely different from those beautiful girls you have.”
"Jiang Yuan is dead," Zhu Ming made up his mind. "Besides, I know my limits."
…
By the tenth day of May, Jiang Qinglan had been hiding in the Jiang family's old house for five days.
Wang Huiniang sent her a letter, saying that two girls had written large characters cursing her on the door of the Xinghua Restaurant the previous day, and had been arrested by the Lin'an Prefecture and tortured. Now, the girls had become much more obedient.
Jiang Qinglan just shook her head when she saw the letter. She had often heard about how terrible fanatical fans were in the news in her previous life.
At the same time, the Song Dynasty and the Western Xia confronted each other for several months, and the Battle of Haoshuichuan and the Battle of Dingchuanzhai broke out, with each side winning and losing.
Finally, on May 11, news came from Yanzhou that Western Xia asked for peace.
Emperor Chengping then sent the Privy Councilor to Yanzhou to negotiate peace, which was known in history as the Chengping Peace Agreement. The agreement was as follows: Li Deming would abolish the country's name and pledge allegiance to the Song Dynasty; the Song Dynasty would grant annual tribute to Western Xia; the two sides would open trading markets to each other, etc.
When the news came back, the whole city was jubilant, and the matter of Xie Linchuan and Jiang Qinglan was no longer so noticeable.
In addition, there were still many things to deal with on Xue Qi's side, so on May 12, Jiang Qinglan returned to the Xinghua Restaurant.
After not seeing each other for seven days, Tuantuan and Huzi felt a little strange and awkward when they saw each other. Fortunately, Yingtao was humorous and soon made the two children laugh.
Wang Huiniang was also moved when she saw Jiang Qinglan. She took out another letter and said with a smile, "Look, she wrote to you."
In the letter, Zhang Yueniang said that Zhu Ming's sisters had scolded Jiang Qinglan harshly at home and threatened to send someone to beat her. Zhang Yueniang was very worried and told her to be careful.
After reading it, Jiang Qinglan told Wang Huiniang about it and said with a smile, "She is still thinking about me. It's worth my sincerity to her." The two of them talked about Zhang Yueniang's child in the Song family and decided to keep this matter a secret.
As she spoke, Wang Huiniang sighed, "I mean, you too. You just agreed to what Prince Xie said. So, all the hiding, scolding, and beatings, didn't they all go away?"
Jiang Qinglan smiled and shook his head.
In the past, she really hated his domineering attitude, but later on, he changed a little, and she also had some feelings for him, otherwise she would not have lost her mind on the Dragon Boat Festival.
But deep down, her heart was filled with the words "Jingkang Shame", so how could she have the mind to think about love? Thinking back to the visiting card, she said she didn't want to see him, but he really didn't come. I don't know what medicine he was selling in the gourd.
"Forget it!" Wang Huiniang waved her hand and laughed heartily, "Let's not talk about that anymore. I'll take you to see something new." After that, she led Jiang Qinglan down to the utility room in the Lukui courtyard.
As soon as I entered the cellar, I was hit by a cold air. The small space was filled with huge ice blocks, piled up like icebergs.
"We've been busy these past few days." Wang Hui Niang grabbed a handful of things from a hollowed-out ice hole. "You've been complaining about how food spoils easily in the summer. What do you think of this? Does it look like the refrigerator you were talking about?"
Jiang Qinglan looked down and saw that Wang Huiniang was holding a handful of shepherd's purse wontons. Because they had been frozen for a long time, they were already hard. They looked exactly like the frozen wontons sold in modern supermarkets!
Let’s look at Wang Hui Niang’s version of the “refrigerator”. It is a huge block of ice placed on a shelf. The inside is hollowed out, leaving a small hole on top for easy placement and removal of food.
There is also a small door that you close after taking things out to prevent the cold air from leaking.
You know what, her "refrigerator" is more worthy of the name than modern refrigerators!
Jiang Qinglan smiled and said, "That's great, that's great! We can use ice at home!" He then praised Wang Huiniang and Zheng Wang, the two people who were in charge, to the skies.
In the past, she felt that industrial cream was greasy, and she would not eat ice cream in the summer, but would freeze fruits in the freezer.
When the grapes and lychees are frozen solid, they can be used to make drinks or eaten directly as ice cream. They are delicious, refreshing, and relatively healthy.
I didn’t expect that in this time and space, even this could be achieved!
She was just about to go to the kitchen to get some grapes and lychees to freeze when she was bumped head-on by Tuantuan, causing her to stumble.
Tuantuan hurriedly said: "Oh no, oh no, Sister Chun is here to see you, crying like a little cat!"
Chun Jie'er lives on the other side of the Chunbo River. She is the eldest daughter in the family. Her parents run a small business and often come home late at night.
Although Chun Jie'er is only eight or nine years old, she is the head of the family and takes care of her younger brothers and sisters.
It turned out that her little brother Baoger fell off the cabinet, broke his head and was bleeding profusely. Chunjie was scared and came to find someone for help.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qinglan dug out her golden medicine and followed Chunjie'er up the Eight-Character Bridge. After Baoger's bleeding stopped, she asked the doctor to see him again. When he heard that he was fine, she felt relieved and went home.
As she walked out of the He family's house and into an alley, she suddenly felt something was wrong. Why was there no one around? She looked up and her heart skipped a beat.
The young man at the corner of the alley was riding on a horse, his long eyebrows twisted into a "川" shape, looking down at her coldly. The setting sun cast a poetic light behind him, and everything was so beautiful that it seemed out of this world.
Jiang Qinglan's heart tightened. When did he come?
She was originally curious about how he, such a domineering and overbearing man, had not forced his way into Jiang's house that day just because she said she didn't want to see him.
This time, it seemed as if he was waiting here specifically.
No matter what, this side had to be seen. She raised her head and slowly looked at the man on the horse.
The clatter of horses' hooves drew closer. "I wrote a visiting card, but since you didn't see me, I didn't come. This time, it can be considered a chance encounter," he said in a calm voice. "Are you satisfied with what I've done?"
Jiang Qinglan was very satisfied, he thought to himself, but he was afraid that you wouldn't be able to pretend to be gentle, kind, respectful, frugal and modest for long.
Sure enough, Xie Linchuan turned over and dismounted, and the corner of his plain brocade robe with sunflower patterns fluttered, dyeing the afterglow of the setting sun crimson.
Then he walked towards us step by step, with the golden crown on his head shining brightly, just like him, dazzling and unbearable to look at.
Jiang Qinglan retreated step by step until her back touched the green wall and she could no longer retreat. The man's breath lingered around her.
"I really want to know why you are so soft-hearted towards your family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, yet you won't share even a little bit with me?"
Jiang Qinglan's eyes widened, speechless.
They are just like me, powerless and struggling to survive in the market. You are born into the royal family and a child of destiny, so why should I do anything?
Xie Linchuan asked himself and answered: "You are blaming me."
Only then did Jiang Qinglan see clearly that his eyes were slightly bloodshot, his thin lips were slightly pursed, and he looked a little haggard. Her heart softened and she shook her head: "How dare I?"
Xie Linchuan smiled coldly: "What are you afraid of?"
"You blame me for exposing you to the public, forcing you to endure the jealousy of the girls and the gossip of the ladies. You would rather toil in the marketplace than share the power of the palace with you."
"You can't bend your waist or kneel, and you blame me for dragging you into the court struggle. You have to bend your waist and kneel. You always think that I am forcing you!"
Jiang Qinglan was shocked. How could he suddenly become such a different person, as if he could read minds?
"But have you ever thought about it? Lord Jiang sacrificed his life for his country, shocking the government and the people. You are his daughter. And Lu Fei's..."
He closed his eyes and paused for a moment, his heart filled with bitterness, which only turned into two words he uttered lightly, "Ex-wife."
"You were born to be in the eye of the storm, in the vortex, always in the spotlight. It will never be possible for you to live a peaceful and simple life like a real business woman."
Jiang Qinglan's heart was pounding. What did he mean by this? Apart from him, her life had been very peaceful and calm.
As the sun set, more afterglow shone into the alley, casting a light haze over the two people.
"I finally understood later." Xie Linchuan smiled bitterly. He lowered his eyes for a long time, and when he looked up again, the corners of his eyes were slightly red. "You..." He paused, and said with great difficulty, "Are you still in love with Lu Fei?"
Jiang Qinglan felt like he couldn't breathe.
His words were so soft, yet so profound. She tilted her head back, staring at him blankly, her throat dry and unable to utter a single word.
Is he really moved?
The apricot blossom hairpin, the proposal at the palace banquet, the Jiang family's old house, the Dragon Boat Festival gift, and what he just said... Could it be that her peace and stability were all because of his protection?
He is a child of destiny, why should he be so humble?
She had been rejecting, retreating, and avoiding him, and she had never asked herself: Did she have any feelings for him, even a little bit?
Where is Lu Fei?
Xie Linchuan took another step closer, pulled the corners of his mouth, but still couldn't smile. His eyes were calm and sad: "Lu Fei said that I don't understand you. Does he... understand you?"
To the west, the rosy glow dyed half the sky red. The locust and willow trees along the Chunbo River grew tall and dense, casting a thick shade over the ground.
With a sudden sound, a group of birds hidden in the tall trees were startled and flew across the vast sky.
She still couldn't speak.
What are you talking about?
I am a ghost from another world, far away from my family and friends, alone and helpless.
In this hierarchical society, I am forced to give up the modern ideas of freedom, equality and fraternity, which is extremely painful.
I know the trajectory of historical development - emphasizing culture over military power, incompetent rulers in power, the collapse of national destiny, and foreign invasions - but I have no ability to prevent the tragedy from happening.
The wealthy were looted, and thousands of houses burned. Children drowned in the Bian River, women were humiliated on the streets, and human flesh was openly sold in the market. The people cried out, and many committed suicide. Bones covered the plains, and women abandoned their children in the grass. [1]
I live in the deepest fear, who can understand?
After the birds flew away, the new cicadas on the green locust trees and tall willows began to chirp.
The white locust flowers on the shore were picked up by the evening breeze, swirling and falling into the Chunbo River, floating up and down.
The dragonfly chased for a while, then disappeared into the lush grass by the roadside.
Xie Linchuan was a very decisive person. He would rather endure the heart-wrenching pain than hesitate: "If so, I..."
"Yes!" Jiang Qinglan thought of the relationship between Lu Fei and the Third Prince, and his eyes turned cold. "He understands me better than you do!"
Xie Linchuan's breath hitched, and he took two steps back, speechless. After a long moment, he actually laughed silently. "Okay!" He raised his foot to leave.
"Xie Linchuan!" Jiang Qinglan called out to him. The rosy glow of the sunset reflected on her face, making her feel sacred.
She took a deep breath and looked straight into his reddened eyes, without fear or pity. Her voice was clear and gentle, like the gentle rain and spring breeze: "Remember what my father said!"
Xie Linchuan was stunned.
"Yelü Wang must be killed!"
The girl in the pink and purple dress walked out of the alley alone, carrying a basket, her waist straight like a sword.
The afterglow bathed everything in crimson, and the shadow of the man in the alley was stretched out very long.
The blue horse on the street snorted loudly and stamped its feet impatiently, as if urging its owner to mount quickly.
But this time, Xie Linchuan did not get started.
…
In the vegetable garden next to Lukui's courtyard, Tuantuan was squatting on the ground, staring at a pumpkin flower in a daze.
The flowers are large, wavy, bright yellow, and under the bright sunshine, they are even more striking and attract buzzing bees.
Little Fatty stretched out his hand, not afraid of the small hairs covering the delicate flower stalk, and easily picked the pumpkin flower and threw it into the bamboo basket on Cherry's arm.
"A long or round pumpkin," Tuan Tuan opened his arms and drew a huge arc in the air to describe the size of the object.
"It's so big! Is it this little pumpkin that turned into it? If we pick the flowers, will we still have pumpkins to eat in the future?"
The pumpkin flower that Tuantuan picked had a small ball-shaped stem.
Cherry said nonchalantly: "Don't worry, this thing is very cheap, it grows in large quantities once a year. It's these flowers that we want to eat now."
"From now on, you'll have plenty of pumpkins too. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin crisps, pumpkin glutinous rice balls, pumpkin dumplings. Eat as much as you want, I'm just afraid you'll end up like a Minion!"
Tuantuan was white and plump, like a glutinous rice dumpling. She didn't want to turn into a Minion, nor did she feel sorry for the flowers. She just picked a lot of them and threw them all into the basket.
Seeing that there was enough in the basket to fry several plates, Yingtao took Tuantuan back to the kitchen and heated up the oil, made the batter and beat the eggs.
Soon, two plates of fried pumpkin flowers came out of the pan, crispy, golden and attractive!
Jiang Qinglan was sitting at the counter reading a letter, but his thoughts were far away.
That day by the Chunbo River, she had made it clear to Xie Linchuan, right? He was so smart, he would definitely understand.
She shook her head and pushed these troubles away.
Xue Qi said in the letter that he was also interested in the previous buffet idea.
Jiang Qinglan thought: The cold chain is a problem, but since Wang Huiniang can make a small ice cellar, it means that the ice-making and refrigeration technology at that time is still good. Xue Qi might have other solutions.
She was no longer able to take care of other things. She was now famous and could not do anything.
If the buffet is successful, it’s a success. If not, we can follow the current model of Xue Ji Pai Hu and gradually expand it across the country.
After all, potatoes and oil are easy to store and make it easier to maintain a uniform taste.
Tuantuan rushed to the counter with his two chubby little hands holding a big white plate filled with golden things, as if he was presenting a treasure.
"Sister, eat this!"
There was a pile of fried food on the plate, all bright yellow, extremely saturated, with a few green streaks hidden in it. "What is this?"
"Fried pumpkin blossoms!" Tuantuan said proudly, "Haha, there are foods that Sister hasn't seen before!"
Jiang Qinglan didn't get angry with her and said with a smile: "There are so many edible things in the world, how can I have seen them all?"
"I read in a book that there's a country called Sweden above the northern ice sheets. The people there love to eat a kind of fermented herring that's smelly and sour. I heard that because it's so smelly, you have to eat it outside, otherwise you'll faint from the stench."
Tuan Tuan, who was very good at associating and synaesthesia, immediately pinched his nose. "No, no, I still prefer fragrant food to smelly food."
Yingtao came out with another plate and said with a smile, "Sister Tuan, my wife is just trying to scare you!"
She explained the origin of the fried pumpkin flowers in detail:
"In my hometown, when pumpkin flowers bloom, it's a time of famine and food shortages, so some families cook and eat the flowers."
"Later, as life got better, eating pumpkin blossoms became a habit. Gradually, I discovered they were even better when fried. I saw a lot of blossoms blooming in the backyard, so I fried two plates for everyone to try."
Jiang Qinglan picked up one and took a light bite.
There was a slight "crunching" sound, which was the teeth hitting the crispy shell.
Then there is a faint wheat aroma - the pumpkin flowers are covered with a thick layer of batter.
When you chew it, the pistil remains tender, and the sweet juice seems to spread in your mouth.
Tuan Tuan was not as elegant as Jiang Qinglan. He stuffed the flower into his mouth, and swallowed it in two bites.
Yingtao teased her, "Sister Tuan, I'm still frying some crispy pork in the pan. Do you have any room in your stomach?"
When Tuan Tuan heard this, he let out an "ah" and immediately started chewing something in his mouth, then put his hands behind his back - meaning that he would never touch the pumpkin flowers again.
The three of them were chatting and laughing when a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the store.
A young girl in pink palace attire walked in and bowed, "My name is Zhenzhu. Your Highness invites Madam Jiang to a gathering at Princess Jiang's residence."
Because of the Dragon Boat Festival incident, Jiang Qinglan was very cautious and only went to Chun Jie'er's house on the other side of the river, where he ran into Xie Linchuan.
These days, she never leaves the house.
But she had no choice but to go to the Princess's Mansion.
She changed her clothes in the Lukui courtyard.
She wore a narrow-sleeved blouse of azure blue, a pearly white folded skirt, her hair tied up in a bun with a few pearl beads pinned to her head, and a light touch of pomegranate red rouge on her lips. Her whole appearance was elegant and dignified.
Seeing Zhenzhu looking her up and down with a somewhat critical look, she felt a little strange and said with a smile, "It used to be Sister Suqin who came here, why is it Sister Zhenzhu who came here today?"
Pearl smiled and said, "The day before yesterday, Your Highness and Princess Fu'an went for an outing in the Western Hills. It's the turn of spring and summer, and the weather is so changeable. Suqin caught a cold, and she'll need to recuperate for a while."
She looked calm and composed.
Jiang Qinglan thought about it and it seemed to be the case, because the eldest princess sent someone to buy some locust flower cakes and pickled pork with preserved vegetables, saying that she wanted to take them to eat during the outing.
She then got into the carriage with Pearl.
There was the rumble of carriages and noise outside the window.
"Flowers for sale, flowers for sale, fresh roses, sweet and not prickly—"
"Sharpening scissors, sharpening kitchen knives, mending iron pots, and forging shovels!"
"Crispy abalone snails with sesame oil sauce - delicious!"
They must have reached the Imperial Street, so Jiang Qinglan closed his eyes to rest. After another quarter of an hour, Zhenzhu said, "We're here," and got off the car.
Jiang Qinglan got out of the car and was shocked to see the words "Liang Mansion" written on the plaque! Whose mansion was this?
【Author’s words】
There were no pumpkins in the Song Dynasty, so this place is a private setting.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
