When Er Ya got home, she called Jiang's mother over, handed her the rabbit, and emphasized that she must make one for Da Hei as well.
Big Black, who was listening nearby, was so happy that its tail was practically wagging in the air.
When Jiang's mother opened the basket, all six rabbits stared at her with wide eyes. They were all alive and well, even with their legs tied. They looked quite plump, but a few of them were small, and it would be a pity to sell them. She discussed it with Er Ya and decided to feed the smaller ones with her own rabbit so that they could have baby rabbits later.
Skin and gut the rabbit that was bitten by Big Black, wash it several times to remove all the blood, and we'll eat that rabbit for lunch today.
Just then, Li Taohua from next door saw Er Ya return, pushed open their yard gate, and said, "Oh my, such a fat rabbit! That's enough for several meals. Er Ya is really amazing."
After a few more compliments, he finally got to the point: "Er Ya, didn't you say you had a job you wanted me to do? I've been so anxious these past few days at home, I couldn't resist coming over to ask you when I can start?"
Jiang's mother looked blankly at Er Ya, wondering what kind of work she should ask her to do.
Seeing Jiang's mother's expression, as if she knew nothing, Li Taohua suddenly became a little angry: "Er Ya, you're not trying to trick me into telling you anything, are you? Don't tell me you're making fun of your aunt."
When Er Ya saw that Li Taohua had misunderstood, she quickly stepped forward and acted cute: "Auntie, look at what you're saying, how could I lie to you? Didn't we agree that it would start in the next couple of days? Don't be in a hurry."
Li Taohua's expression softened, and she said somewhat awkwardly, "It's not that I don't believe you, but you don't know my family's situation. My mother-in-law is in poor health and takes medicine all year round. Your uncle doesn't earn much, but he has many expenses. After you told me that day, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep all night. I only thought of asking you because I couldn't get an answer from you these past few days." As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes. She had too many things bottled up inside.
They were all neighbors, and Jiang's mother understood her family's situation.
Seeing her distress, he went over and helped her sit down on a stool, saying, "Look at you, why are you crying like this? Your son will be upset if he sees you. I understand what you're saying. My family is planning to start a small business. Don't worry, we'll definitely use your services if we say we need them."
Li Taohua stopped crying and cursed her son: "That kid doesn't care about me at all. He makes me angry all the time. I feel like I could beat him to death."
But despite saying that, she knew in her heart that her son cared about her. He was just a little naughty. What boy isn't naughty?
Hearing from Jiang's mother that the matter was promising, she felt relieved and said apologetically, "Sister-in-law, I've been feeling down lately, but I don't dare to say anything in front of my mother-in-law at home, for fear that she'll think I'm disliking her. Telling you this makes me feel a little better. I hope this will keep you from cooking. You go ahead and get busy, I have to go back now."
After Li Taohua left, Jiang's mother gently pinched Er Ya's ear: "You silly girl, you never told me anything, and you made me look bad today. Now tell me, what exactly did she say?"
Er Ya nestled in Jiang's mother's arms, trying to please her: "Mother, I was so busy that I forgot to tell you. It's because people in the village are talking about you, and I couldn't find the source, so I came up with a plan. We're going to sell the pig offal, aren't we?"
Washing that stuff is too much work, and you're pregnant, so I don't want you to get tired. I'm going to have Aunt Peach Blossom do it, and I'll give her 50 cents a day. That's a benefit for her. If you ask her about what's going on in the village, she'll tell me everything, won't she?"
Jiang's mother nodded at Er Ya's head: "You little devil, how come you have so many ideas? Your Aunt Peach Blossom is a very honest person. Since you told her you would come and work for us, you can't treat her unfairly."
After saying that, he looked at Er Ya's ears again and asked repeatedly if they hurt.
Er Ya shook her head and said in a spoiled tone, "Mom, I'm starving! When can we eat?"
When Jiang's mother saw that it was already noon, she hurriedly went to chop up the rabbit.
She then loudly called for Er Ya to help her. Er Ya diced the rabbit meat, put it in a basin, added water and washed it several times. She diced the chili peppers and shredded the ginger. She drained the rabbit meat, added some wine to remove the fishy smell, added some salt and mixed it well. She then added an egg and oil and mixed it well, setting it aside for later use.
Heat the oil in a wok to medium-high heat, add the rabbit meat and stir-fry until cooked through, then remove and set aside. Add lard to the wok and melt it, then add some of her homemade fermented broad bean paste, minced ginger, scallions, garlic, ginger shreds, and white wine. Bring to a boil, add salt, then add some white sugar to caramelize, and finally pour in some soy sauce.
She saw chefs at a restaurant using this soy sauce, saying it made the dishes taste better, so she bought a bottle that day.
Once the color was about right, I poured the rabbit meat into the pot and simmered it for about fifteen minutes. The stir-fried rabbit meat was ready. I also steamed some rice and called Er Ya to call Lin Jianguo to eat.
At the dinner table, the whole family praised the rabbit meat. Rabbit meat is a high-protein, low-fat meat. It contains up to 65% protein, which is higher than most meats, but its fat and cholesterol content is lower than all meats. Therefore, it is known as "the vegetarian among meats". It tastes even better in late autumn or late winter.
While enjoying her meal, Er Ya suddenly remembered what Li Taohua had said earlier that day. She thought it would be good for them to start their business sooner rather than later, as she was worried about the family's money only going out and not coming in. Since the medicinal herbs in the yard were almost dried, she decided to take them to the market to sell this afternoon.
Having made up his mind, he called out, "Dad, why don't we go to the market this afternoon, visit a few stalls, buy some pig offal, and also bring over the herbs we've been drying to sell together. We can braise them early tomorrow and start selling them right away."
Lin Jianguo was also worried about having nothing to do and whether the business would succeed. He didn't dare to whittle too many bamboo sticks. But when he heard Er Ya say that, he thought it was a good idea. Anyway, it didn't matter whether he did it sooner or later. He could start sooner and see how the business was going.
After discussing it, the family quickly finished their meal, washed up, packed the dried medicinal herbs into baskets, and went to the village entrance to take an oxcart.
"Oh my, Jianguo, you've got money now that the family has split up. I see you going to the market every other day."
"Yes, yes, when you have money, you have to think of your auntie. I even breastfed you when you were little."
Several women surrounded Lin Jianguo and started chattering away, making Lin Jianguo blush. The baby was right in front of him, and they were talking about breastfeeding!
To be continued!
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