Wang Xiulan spoke without looking up, her movements clean and efficient.
Su Jianguo nodded and walked to the other stove.
There was a basin of cleaned pig stomach, intestines, and liver, as well as a large pig's head.
These are all fresh goods that I specially bought from the market yesterday.
He first poured half a pot of water into the pot, added scallions, ginger, garlic, and his own homemade braising spice packet, and then added some dark soy sauce and cooking wine.
"Dad, the eggs are beaten!"
Su Mingfu ran in from outside, carrying a large bowl of golden egg liquid mixed with chopped green onions and dried shrimp.
"Okay, put it there."
Su Jianguo pointed to the cutting board.
"Yufen, are the sausage casings soaked yet?"
Su Yufen was squatting in front of a large basin in the corner of the kitchen, carefully cleaning the sausage casings.
"Almost done, Dad. This casing is so thin, I'm afraid I'll tear it while washing it."
"Wash it carefully, it'll be harder to fill if it breaks."
As Su Jianguo spoke, he began cutting the minced meat.
The streaky pork, with its alternating layers of fat and lean meat, quickly turned into a fine paste under his knife. He added salt, five-spice powder, cooking wine, and a little sugar, then stirred it clockwise until it became sticky.
After killing the chicken, Wang Xiulan put it into boiling water to scald its feathers. Turning her head, she saw Su Jianguo's focused profile and couldn't help but smile.
"Honey, your cooking skills are getting better and better. Last year, the whole family praised the sausages you made."
Su Jianguo looked up and smiled.
"That's right, this recipe was learned from the master chef at the state-run restaurant."
He wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Come here, Mingfu, I'll teach you how to do an enema."
The father and son worked together, one opening the sausage casing and the other using a funnel to pour in the meat filling.
Su Yuzhen curiously came over to take a look, but Su Jianguo sent her off to peel garlic.
"Go away, don't cause trouble here. You'll be busy later."
In the courtyard, Grandpa Wang and Grandma Wang sat on small stools and began to pick vegetables.
"Old man, look how capable Jianguo is."
The old lady said in a low voice.
"Xiulan is so lucky to have married him."
Grandpa Wang nodded and exhaled a smoke ring.
"Yes, who would have thought? We thought we'd found a reliable worker, but now his business is so big, and he's so filial to his parents."
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside. The sound of gongs and drums grew louder as they approached, accompanied by cheerful suona horns.
"The Yangko dance troupe is here!"
Su Yuzhen was the first to react, dropping the garlic in her hand and running towards the courtyard gate.
Su Jianguo also put down his work.
"Mingfu, watch the pot, I'll go check on it."
Outside the courtyard gate, a Yangko dance troupe dressed in brightly colored costumes was making a lively entrance.
Leading the way were two "big-headed dolls" on stilts, followed by Yangko dancers dressed in red and green, some dressed as old fishermen, others as young wives, all with heavy makeup on their faces and holding colorful ribbons or fans, swaying to the beat of gongs and drums.
"Wow, it's so lively!"
Grandma Wang couldn't help but stand up and walk to the courtyard gate to look around.
The Yangko dance troupe stopped immediately when they saw people standing at the entrance of Su Jianguo's house.
The leader was a lean man in his fifties, wearing a melon-shaped hat and a bright red jacket, and carrying a gong.
Wishing you prosperity and good fortune in the New Year!
The team leader banged a gong and shouted loudly.
"Wishing my employer a Happy New Year in advance!"
At his shout, the Yangko dance team immediately formed a semicircle in front of Su Jianguo's house and began their performance.
The "big-headed dolls" on stilts made all sorts of funny movements, making Su Yuzhen giggle.
The other team members lined up in two rows and danced the Yangko to a lively rhythm, with colorful ribbons fluttering and fans opening and closing, creating a very festive atmosphere.
The neighbors heard the commotion and all came over.
Before long, twenty or thirty people, adults and children, gathered in front of Su Jianguo's house, all with festive joy on their faces.
"Dad, shouldn't we give him a reward?"
Su Mingfu, who had also come out to watch the commotion at some point, whispered a reminder.
Su Jianguo slapped his forehead.
"Look at my memory! Mingfu, hurry to my room, there are some red envelopes prepared in the drawer!"
Su Mingfu ran back into the house quickly and returned a short while later with a bulging red envelope.
Su Jianguo took it, walked up to the team leader, and presented it with both hands.
"Thank you all for your hard work. Here's a small token of my appreciation—buy me a cup of hot tea!"
The team leader took the red envelope, and just by pinching it between his fingers, he knew the amount was considerable, and immediately beamed with joy.
"Oh, you're too kind, sir!"
He turned and shouted to the Yangko dance team.
"Brothers, the boss is being generous, let's perform another scene for him!"
The drumbeats grew even louder, and the Yangko dancers performed with even greater enthusiasm.
The team leader struck a gong while improvising auspicious sayings.
"A red lantern hangs in front of the east door, bringing good fortune and happiness every day!"
A spacious courtyard brings abundant blessings, and the hall is filled with gold and silver treasures!
May the elderly be healthy, their children and grandchildren be filial, and may husband and wife live in harmony for a long and happy life!
May the coming year bring new beginnings, and may fortune, prosperity, longevity, and joy all come your way!
The onlookers applauded and cheered, some even clapping along to the rhythm.
The Su Jianguo family stood at the gate of their courtyard, their faces beaming with joy.
Grandpa Wang stroked his beard with delight and nodded repeatedly.
The Yangko dance troupe performed in front of Su Jianguo's house for more than ten minutes, and finally ended the performance with a gong sounded by the leader.
The team members lined up and shouted in unison.
Happy New Year to my employer! Wishing you a prosperous and wealthy new year!
Su Jianguo repeatedly cupped his hands in greeting.
Thank you, thank you everyone! Happy New Year to you all!
The Yangko dance troupe, accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums, moved on to the next house in a lively and bustling manner.
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