Chapter 74: Thinking of some betrothal gifts: Scallion pork floss bread, squirrel mandarin fish
Xu Ping was a local soldier at Changmen Wharf.
He was not part of the Imperial Guards or the Wing Army, and was not needed when patrolling the Yangtze River in Zhenze, nor was he needed to go with them when eliminating the pirates. He only had to be responsible for checking the pedestrians and ships at the Changmen Wharf.
There are many soldiers like him.
Those who have loving parents at home and do not need their children to fight at the forefront, or those who are newlyweds with many elderly and children, will choose a relatively stable place to stand guard.
Of course Xu Ping also wanted to go out with the adults, but he was timid and had mediocre talent.
It seemed that he could not do anything for the adults, let alone rush to the pirates with a knife and fight them.
If he really went there, his legs would definitely be shaking so much that they would go weak.
Xu Ping, just like his name, was an ordinary soldier.
Although he was just a small soldier, he also liked to check pedestrians at the Changmen Wharf. He would shout a few times and ask them to take out their documents to be checked. It seemed like that was the case.
He would never let bad people enter or leave Pingjiang Prefecture.
He also likes festivals and holidays because he only needs to worry about feeding himself, and the Inspection Office will also give out a lot of things.
Old Deng was bundled up so thickly that his rat-skin hat almost covered most of his head. He walked to the stone steps of the dock, carrying two vegetable baskets on his shoulders. The ends of the baskets were carefully tied with straw ropes, with juicy greens and freshly dug winter bamboo shoots.
He placed his burden on a stone block, blew several puffs of warm air into his palms, and sat down on his own bench. Xu Ping called out, "Xiao Xu, it's your turn again this year. It's the first day of the Lunar New Year, so why don't you take a couple of days off and find a warm place to have a couple of cups of tea?"
Xu Ping, dressed in his official uniform and carrying a sword, turned around and smiled at him. "Why take a day off? I'm alone at home, and I'll just fall asleep anyway. Why not come on duty? I can watch over the docks, and the bosses will give me some extra money for the holidays. They even gave me two salted chickens yesterday. If I stew them, I can eat them until the sixth day of the first lunar month."
He quickly put on a stern face and shouted to the cargo ship that had just docked, "Everyone on board, please come ashore slowly. Bring out your documents and permits. I'll check you one by one!"
Xiao Li stood beside him, raised his eyebrows and laughed, "Brother Xu, are you planning to stand here from the first day of the New Year to the Lantern Festival and clear out all the New Year's goods from the Inspection Office?"
Xu Ping reached out and pushed him, "It's better to go home empty-handed than to go home to a cold stove. I'm keeping an eye on it, taking over your shift. Didn't you spend the twelfth lunar month with your wife yesterday? You're so loud today, look how flattered you are."
"That's right, you are really my good brother Xu. Let's be good brothers for life."
When the sun reached the top of their heads, Xiao Li and his friends found a corner sheltered from the wind and took out the food boxes they brought from home.
Lao Zhang opened the oil paper package, and inside were two greasy steamed buns with braised pork in soy sauce. They were fragrant when bitten. Xiao Wang's bowl contained tofu and bacon. It was frozen and had a layer of oil on it, but he still picked up a piece of bacon with chopsticks and ate it with warm rice.
Xiao Li's lunch box was the most substantial. Besides pork trotters and braised chicken eggs, it also contained a plate of stir-fried pickled vegetables, accompanied by a glutinous rice and eight-treasure rice pudding. He scooped out red dates and red beans mixed with the glutinous rice, slurping them up mouthful after mouthful with a spoon.
Xu Ping stood by and watched, swallowing his saliva, "It smells so good, take it away and eat it."
Xiao Li scooped a spoonful of eight-treasure rice and handed it over, chuckling, "Brother Xu, you should eat some too. My wife steamed a big bowl, enough for us to share."
Xu Ping shrank back and waved his hand, saying, "No, your wife made that especially for you. I'll find a soup noodle shop later and just have a bite."
Xiao Li was amused when he heard this and took back his spoon. "It's Chinese New Year, which soup noodle shop is still open? Look, there are only half as many boats entering Changmen today. The shop owners have gone home to spend time with their families."
Old Zhang bit into a braised pork bun and mumbled, "How can we compare to the guys patrolling the streets of Pingjiang Prefecture? They can even go to Yunlaixiang for a visit. I'm still thinking about the Sun Tarts we were given last time... Last time, it was Lord Lu who personally brought them from Yunlaixiang in a donkey cart."
They would get some food from time to time while on duty at the dock.
Xu Ping looked towards the dock and saw the boats around. "Don't worry about the master all the time. It's New Year's Day, let him rest. We can buy some sun tarts ourselves later. The master's money isn't from the government. He treats us to meals every New Year's Day, so he can't afford to spend it like this."
Little Li scooped up the eight-treasure rice and smiled coquettishly, "Yes, yes, yes, let the adults save it well, this money will be very useful."
Xu Ping asked, "What's the big use?"
Xiao Li patted his arm, his tone concealing something, "Brother Xu, Brother Xu, don't you understand this?"
Before he could finish his words, Xu Ping suddenly cried out, "Oh no! Speak of the devil! I'm afraid your money won't be saved again."
Everyone looked in the direction he pointed and saw Wei Jinyun, wearing a lilac jacket and a goose yellow cloak, pulling a small donkey cart towards them.
Two children followed her, wearing identical red jackets and lamb cloaks. Wei Fuling on the left was jumping around holding a candy ball, while Wei Fuqiu on the right was walking steadily and helping her sister to hold the carriage from time to time.
Wei Jinyun walked closer with the donkey cart and bowed slightly to the men. "Thank you for your hard work, soldiers."
"Lu Lan said."
Wei Jinyun was so used to being called that, he corrected himself repeatedly, "...Lord Lu said that Chef Zhao, the head chef of the Inspection Office, has gone back to the countryside for the New Year, and everyone has to pay for their own lunch, so he asked me to bring some food to you all. They're all very filling, so you can put them in your pocket and eat them whenever you get busy."
As she spoke, she lifted the cloth covering the donkey cart, revealing two neatly arranged baskets of snacks.
The stacked pastries were lightly charred on the brown exterior, their slits filled with golden-red shreds and chopped green onions. The aroma of the oil filled my nose as the breeze blew.
"These snacks are delivered to each person, two each day, so everyone can enjoy them until the Lantern Festival."
Wei Jinyun picked up one and handed it to Xu Ping.
Xu Ping didn't answer it. "Manager Wei, that's not possible. Please ask Lord Lu to stop spending money on us. His money should be saved. It will be very useful!"
Wei Jinyun, still holding the snack in his hand, asked, "What's the big deal?"
Xu Ping opened his mouth and could only utter, "It's...it's for you..."
Before he could finish his words, Lao Zhang quickly stuffed the half-eaten bun into his mouth and mumbled, "Oh, this snack is so delicious. Xiao Xu, don't block it, take it!"
Xiao Wang also squeezed over and stared at the snacks in the basket. "That's right, they look delicious, so fragrant."
Xiao Li even reached out and took two, stuffing one into Xu Ping's hand. "Brother Xu, don't hesitate, take it quickly, don't let Manager Wei and Master Lu down!"
Xu Ping held the warm bread and took a tentative bite.
The dim sum baked over charcoal fire has the aroma of dough spreading first, and it is soft and chewy. The golden red shreds inside have a greasy texture and are mixed with finely chopped green onions, giving it a salty and fresh taste.
He couldn't help himself and chewed and swallowed the whole snack in a few bites. It tasted delicious, but he ate it hastily, feeling a little unfulfilled.
He approached Xiao Li and asked quietly, "Just now you clearly said that Lord Lu's money was useful, why did you stop me from saying anything when I opened my mouth..."
Xiao Li, with a snack in his mouth, glared at him vaguely, "You're stupid! Why did you have to expose it for Lord Lu first? You're not allowed to say anything. Look at the shocked look on Shopkeeper Wei's face. Lord Lu didn't even say anything himself, so why are you so anxious?"
Old Zhang chewed and nodded, echoing, "My dear mother, I'm also anxious. You're so slow, it drives us crazy. In autumn, adults here smile like peony flowers. Now it's New Year, adults, please say something!"
Xiao Wang nodded and said, "The whole Pingjiang Prefecture is looking forward to it. If the adults don't say it, others will. My younger sister said that many students in the academy have written poems for Manager Wei, and some have even painted pictures."
Several people gathered together, biting bread and whispering, with their heads huddled together.
Wei Jinyun looked at the people gathered together and asked, "What are you whispering about? Is this snack okay for lunch?"
Xu Ping quickly straightened up and nodded repeatedly. "Of course it's done. It tastes great. It's also convenient to carry with you. If you get hungry on duty, you can just take it out and try it like a bun. Shopkeeper Wei, what are the names of this snack?"
Wei Jinyun's eyebrows curved as he pointed to the snacks in the basket. "This is called Scallion and Pork Floss Bread. We'll make it often in the shop in the future. If you like it, you can buy it at the Meow Meow Bakery in front of Tianqing Temple after your shift is over."
Seeing a few people still grumbling over their bread, she couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry about Lord Lu. This time, the snacks weren't paid for by him. They were allocated by the prefect. He knows how hard it is to be on duty during the New Year, so he specially asked the shops in each district to share some food. I think the dinner will be from the Li family restaurant. Those who are on duty during the day can eat before going back to work, and those who are on duty at night can also come and eat during their shift... Don't worry, Lord Lu's money is well kept."
He Zhizhou appeared at her Yunlaixiang early in the morning.
He Wenyan wasn't from Pingjiang Prefecture, but after being transferred here, his entire family moved in, seemingly wanting to put down roots. He figured that even if he was transferred in the future, he would return to Pingjiang Prefecture after his retirement.
The city is so peaceful, which prefect wouldn't want to be in office here?
He worked diligently, but would occasionally take a break. Before the New Year, he had reviewed all the documents and was strolling around Pingjiang Prefecture with his grandchildren in his arms.
When passing by Tianqing Temple, I saw many people from the Inspection Office going into Yunlaixiang for tea and snacks. When passing by Changmen Wharf to see the local customs and buy some mutton skewers for them, I saw the local soldiers on duty also eating snacks.
He knew that these people worked hard, and he planned to give them more New Year's goods this year, but he had not yet allocated the funds, so how could they have eaten all of it?
After asking, I found out that it was Lord Lu who was keeping the accounts.
Good for you, Lu Lan, do you have ten thousand households in your family?
Their Pingjiang Prefecture had a bumper harvest, merchants were everywhere, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, yet the government office was not so poor.
After some discussion, the adults decided to allocate money so that the soldiers who were willing to stand guard could have enough hot meals.
Xu Ping's tense shoulders relaxed instantly. He touched the remaining scallion and pork floss bread in his arms and nodded, "That's good, that's good, this is really great!"
His voice became clearer, and he exhaled deeply. "Our Lord Lu isn't a high-ranking official. He's only a seventh-rank official, and his salary isn't much. How can he always give us money?"
"That's right. Now I can eat with peace of mind."
Xiao Wang also nodded repeatedly and smiled while biting the scallion and pork floss bread.
"The prefect is compassionate, and Shopkeeper Wei's cooking is excellent."
Xiao Li was even more direct. He picked up another piece of bread, broke off half a piece, and stuffed it into his mouth. He said vaguely, "Just tell me it wasn't Lord Lu who paid for it. Brother Xu, why were you so nervous just now? Hurry and eat it! It's still hot!"
Wei Fuling stood aside and said, "Brothers and uncles, please take your time eating. We still have to go deliver the food to the other uncles guarding the Changmen Gate. After that, we have to go back to Yunlaixiang."
Xu Ping nodded quickly, then looked behind Wei Jinyun and warned, "Manager Wei, please drive slowly. The wind is strong near the dock. Take them and watch your step. Once the snow melts and the wind blows, a lot of places will be frozen and slippery."
"good."
Wei Jinyun pulled the donkey cart and walked around the dock to deliver bread to the other soldiers guarding the dock.
Xiao Li looked at the three sisters' backs and murmured softly, "Adults too, why don't you come and help? Let Shopkeeper Wei run around with the two children..."
Xu Ping elbowed him and said, "Shut up! Shopkeeper Wei is so powerful, why would he need you to pick him up and drop him off in person? He owns two shops and he's so arrogant. Eat your meal quickly, it's time to go on duty after that."
Wei Jinyun was pulling a donkey cart with her two sisters, humming a tune and swaying her steps to the rhythm.
The sun on the first day of the Lunar New Year was beautiful, shining brightly on the flagstones of Changmen Wharf, and even the wind was a bit less chilly. The wharf was quiet. Aside from the few vegetable vendors I had just met, everyone else had gone home to reunite with their families. The empty road was just enough for the donkey carts to move smoothly.
She admired the scenery of Changmen Wharf, but was thinking about what He Zhizhou said.
What she sent was not just snacks for the soldiers on duty during the New Year. What the prefect was really concerned about were the soldiers who were working hard on the Yangtze River and Zhenze.
Most of them stayed on the boat. The river was wide and the journey was long, so it took several days to get there. The clay stove on the boat could not cook a big pot of rice for so many people. All they brought were either dry and hard steamed buns or cold dry food, which tasted bland.
They were the ones guarding the Pingjiang River, unlike the guards at the prefecture, who could take turns on duty and then go home for a hot meal. The soldiers on the river and on the road each had their own differences and difficulties.
The prefect asked her if Meow Meow Bakery could make snacks that could be stored for two or three days. They didn't have to be too exquisite, as long as they tasted good and had a rich filling. This would allow the soldiers to change their taste and enjoy their meals, instead of always eating dry rations.
This New Year's snack delivery wasn't just a simple gesture of comfort to the soldiers; it also served as a trial period for her from the prefect. If these breads and cakes satisfied the soldiers on duty and lasted two or three days without going bad, she would have a better chance of using them as rations for the soldiers on board.
She looked up at the river in the distance, and her heart became even more motivated. If she succeeded, her Meow Meow Bakery would have a big order and make a lot of money.
Money is earned slowly, and she often delivers goods herself to build her reputation. Yunlaixiang's dine-in restaurant serves exquisite dim sum to a sophisticated clientele, while Miaomiao Bakery offers creative dine-in services and accepts large orders, gradually expanding her business.
As the number of orders increases, she will recruit more apprentices to ensure the delivery of meals.
Wei Jinyun was walking in front, pulling the donkey cart and thinking about future business, while his two sisters were following and distributing bread.
As Wei Fuling distributed the bread, she knelt down and saluted like an adult, and shouted to them, "I wish my uncle a peaceful new year."
After shouting, he took out a piece of malt sugar wrapped in oil paper from his pocket and handed it over together with the scallion and pork floss bread.
Wei Fuqiu folded her hands over her chest and said softly, "I wish you a happy New Year, Uncle."
As he spoke, he handed over the malt sugar.
The shops in front of Tianqing Temple were all closed, leaving no place for the two sisters to visit. Their great-aunt's family, with its many relatives, wouldn't invite them until the eighth day of the first lunar month. The two sisters felt bored staying in the shop, and with nowhere to show off their grandmother's new clothes, they volunteered to accompany their elder sister on a delivery trip.
How long had it been since they had gone out with their sister to sell food? In the past, the three of them had set up stalls together. The sister's cart was wobbly, shaking the whole house.
That's why their Yunlaixiang business was able to run smoothly, the two of them were able to attend a very good private school, and their grandmother's craftsmanship was also discovered...Now they are going to open a new shop.
The soldiers were guarding the empty dock. Suddenly they saw two little girls coming to wish them a happy new year. Their stern faces relaxed and they responded with "Happy New Year" when they received the candies. Some of them even reached out and touched the sisters' heads, saying with a smile, "You two are such good kids."
As they distributed bread along the way, the basket on the donkey cart gradually became empty, but the sisters' backpacks gradually became fuller.
One soldier stuffed a handful of fried orchid beans into their hands, another forced two pieces of sesame candy into their pockets, and even the vegetable seller, Old Deng, peeled two radishes for them to chew on, saying they were not spicy and tasted crispy and sweet.
When they returned to the entrance of Yunlaixiang, their backpacks were full of orchid beans, sesame candies, leftover radishes... and a bag of dried bacon given by the local soldiers.
Wei Jinyun watched the two sisters show off the food in their bags to Meng Ge'er and said with a smile, "Well, your New Year's goods are almost catching up with the stock in Yunlaixiang. Come in and warm up."
As soon as I stepped into Yunlaixiang, the heat hit me. No matter how busy the shop was, it was always warm inside.
There were already three or five people from the Inspection Office sitting in the lobby, eating snacks around a table. They had ordered a small clay oven set meal, candied fruits, crispy candies, and a few bowls of red lotus anti-aging soup. They said that their faces were cracked by the north wind and they wanted to nourish their skin.
Wei Jinyun glanced at the New Year's goods piled on the long table, including paper boxes of dried fruits and several pieces of bright cloth.
She untied her cloak and asked Wang Qiulan, who was sitting at the counter embroidering, "Grandma, are these the new year goods you bought? The market price is very high on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Why are you buying them now?"
Wang Qiulan put down the embroidery frame and replied with a smile, "I didn't buy them. These boxes of food were sent by Manager Shen from Chen's Cloth Shop. He said that their embroidery business went smoothly last year and he hopes the children's clothing business will also be good next year, so he came to pay New Year's greetings."
Wei Jinyun followed her hand and looked at the pieces of cloth. The material felt delicate and the color was fashionable. It was high-quality silk and not cheap.
"What about this cloth and the gift box on the other side? They don't look like the work of Shopkeeper Shen."
"It was sent by the Lu family."
Wang Qiulan raised her eyebrows and smiled even more happily, "The Lu family sent people to wish us a happy new year. Go and take a look at those red lacquer boxes. The hair ornaments and cosmetics inside are all for you."
Wei Jinyun walked to the gift box and opened a corner, and sure enough, she saw a unique hairpin and a porcelain bottle filled with perfume.
She quickly closed the lid and turned around, saying, "Since they gave us so much... we should prepare some return gifts. We can't just accept such expensive gifts for nothing. Xiangxiang already gave me several that day, and I was thinking of visiting Xiangxiang on the sixth day of the New Year."
Wei Jinyun looked at the boxes of gifts from the Lu family on the table and suddenly felt something was amiss. The Lu family's gifts were incredibly generous, and they'd even specifically indicated that most of them were for her. How could ordinary people give so many cosmetics for New Year's greetings? According to convention, she should have been the one to quickly prepare a return gift.
But if this goes on and on, what will others think if it gets out? Is she going to end up "marrying him"?
That won't work.
Her Meow Meow Bakery was just beginning to take shape, and Zhang's shop had just been converted into a workshop. She would also be selling rations for the soldiers on board. Her career was just getting started. She was still waiting for her business to become stable so she could move into the small house she had bought and live a comfortable life.
Besides, even if they wanted to discuss marriage, it didn't necessarily have to be the man who offered the betrothal gifts. She remembered that there were also cases in the Song Dynasty where women asked for marriage on their own behalf. At worst, she could earn more money in the future, build up enough confidence, and then take the initiative to offer the betrothal gifts to Lu Lan.
If Lu Lan doesn't want to, that's fine. They can just date first. The most important thing right now is to make the bakery famous, make a lot of money, and live a stable life.
If Lu Lan still disagrees at that time, she can only grit her teeth and accept the "tragic loss of her love".
After all, your life, business and confidence are your own, which are better than always thinking about him in a panic just because you like him a little.
Last night while staying up all night to celebrate the New Year, she finally figured out what was going on in her heart.
She likes Lu Lan, and she also likes money.
Wei Jinyun glanced at the two live fish in the water tank at the door, then turned to ask Wang Qiulan, "Grandma, were the mandarin fish in that tank sent by Lu Lan?"
Wang Qiulan had just picked up her teacup and nodded when she heard this. "That's right. Lord Lu brought it here himself. He said it was fresh and asked us to make fish soup. He has many relatives, so he had to go back to be with them after just a few words. He came here in a hurry."
Wei Jinyun rubbed his chin and pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke, "Grandma, what do you think I should prepare for Lu Lan as a betrothal gift?"
"puff--"
Wang Qiulan spat out a mouthful of tea.
A few people from the Inspection Office who were drinking the Red Lotus Rejuvenating Soup not far away couldn't help it. The rice grains choked into their throats and they coughed until their faces turned red.
Wang Qiulan wiped her mouth and replied with a smile, "You are a capable child. Just make your own decision."
Wei Jinyun walked straight up to the patrol officers who were still coughing and asked respectfully, "Soldiers, you often follow Lord Lu, do you know what he likes?"
A soldier, just catching his breath, replied, "Lu, Lord Lu... likes the Yangtze River water? I heard from the guys at the dock that Lord Lu loves to stare at the Yangtze River water every time he goes out."
Wei Jinyun raised an eyebrow, "Should I fetch him a bucket of Yangtze River water as a betrothal gift?"
Another soldier quickly chimed in, "Send a sword? Lord Lu treasures his sword the most, and he also loves to play with his spear. A while ago, he even found a bow and arrow for my sister."
"Send a knife/gun?"
Wei Jinyun frowned, "This is too cold and harsh. How can you give such a gift as a betrothal gift? It's as if I want to fight him."
The remaining soldiers scratched their heads and said thoughtfully, "Then... Manager Wei, why don't you ask Adjutant Zhan or Commander Jing? They are Lord Lu's most trusted men and will definitely know what he truly likes."
Wei Jinyun pondered for a long time, but couldn't get the soldiers to tell him what Lu Lan really wanted. He couldn't really offer a bucket of Yangtze River water, but neither could he. Swords and guns seemed inappropriate either. After much deliberation, he decided it was safer to prepare what an average man might like.
Lu Lan was already well-proportioned, and she looked like a model at that station, and she had quite a few clothes, but it was always a good idea to prepare some suitable fabrics, as it was a thoughtful gesture.
When it came time to propose the wedding cake, she had an idea in mind. She would make it herself, selecting the finest glutinous rice and the finest sugar, creating a wedding cake unique to Pingjiang Prefecture. She would also add a few sets of the four treasures of the study. She had seen Lu Lan's handwriting; it was sharp and beautiful, and she thought it would come in handy.
There was no rush to think of anything else. The betrothal gifts had to be gradually increased. The Lu family was a family of officials, after all, so they couldn't be too stingy. The most important thing right now was to expand the shop. Once Miaomiao Bakery became well-known and she had earned enough money, she would find a reliable matchmaker.
After all, since she had taken advantage of him and liked him, she naturally had to be responsible for him. However, the prerequisite for this responsibility was that she had to buy the small house first and save enough money.
Wei Jinyun didn't think about it any more. Seeing that the mandarin fish was fresh, she thought about making fish for her sisters. After all, the people of Pingjiang Prefecture had to have fish on their dinner tables on the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, and they had to continue to have fish on the first day of the first lunar month. This was the way to ensure abundance throughout the year.
Wei Jinyun picked up the mandarin fish from the water tank and went to the kitchen.
She scraped the scales and gills, gutted and gutted the fish with great skill.
First, slice the meat from both sides of the fish, reserving the bones for later use. Then slice the fish meat diagonally into diamond-shaped cuts, cutting deep into the skin without cutting through it. Mix with wine, a little salt and ginger, and marinate for half a minute.
Once the fish was marinated, she coated each fillet in glutinous rice flour, evenly coating the skin. She added more wood to the stove, simmering the oil until it started to smoke. She fried the fish bones until golden brown, then gently pulled apart the floured fillets along the cut lines and carefully placed them in the oil.
With the sound of sizzling oil, the fish fillets slowly swell up like a blooming flower. When fried until the skin is golden and crispy, remove from the oil and drain.
The next step is to prepare the sweet and sour sauce. When she eats squirrel mandarin fish, she will use tomato sauce to make the sauce, which not only makes it more sweet and sour, but also makes the color bright and beautiful.
Since there were no tomatoes at the moment, she could only boil it with sugar and vinegar, squeeze out some Li Mengzi juice, and finally add some glutinous rice flour.
She put the fried fish and fish bones back on the plate, forming a complete fish shape, poured the boiling hot sweet and sour sauce on it, sprinkled a handful of pine nuts, and the sweet and sour taste spread.
Squirrel Mandarin Fish is also known as Guiyu, a dish that symbolizes success. It resembles a squirrel after deep-frying, and gets its name from the sound it makes when doused in scalding sweet and sour sauce, which mimics the squeal of a squirrel.
When Wei Jinyun walked out of the kitchen with the plates, the people from the Inspection Office looked over first.
One of them stared at the golden, shiny fish adorned with pine nuts on the plate and couldn't help asking, "Shopkeeper Wei, this fish looks like a flower. What's its name?"
Wei Jinyun smiled and put it on the table. "It's called Squirrel Mandarin Fish. I've been getting tired of stewing it lately. Let's try something sweet and sour. My sisters like it."
Besides squirrel fish, there were stir-fried taro leaves, braised tripe with water chestnuts, and pickled radish. Of course, there were also several dishes for the twelfth lunar month. Even with loofah and edamame to share, the pork knuckle and other meats on the New Year's Eve banquet were too much to eat for two or three days.
Wei Fuling had already sat down with chopsticks in hand. She hurriedly picked up a piece of fish with skin on, blew on it, and put it into her mouth.
The pastry has a sweet and sour taste, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it feels like chewing a new snack.
Wei Fuqiu first dipped some of the juice at the bottom of the plate and chewed it slowly. After finishing a piece, she picked up a piece of tatsoi and then ate the fish.
"Just give Yuanbao a little. Meow Meow can't eat anything too sweet."
Wei Fuling picked up a bit of fish meat, dipped it in sweet and sour sauce, and carefully fed it into Yuanbao's mouth.
Yuanbao swallowed it in the blink of an eye, licked his tongue and wanted to eat more, but was sternly refused.
One of the sisters ate hurriedly, while the other ate slowly, but they still managed to finish such a big mandarin fish with the fish meat and sweet and sour sauce until only the crispy bones were left.
The days flew by with the festive atmosphere, and in the blink of an eye it was the fifth day of the first lunar month. Wei Jinyun had already brought back several bundles of firecrackers from the market and piled them in front of Yunlaixiang's door.
When the gong sounded at midnight, she would light the lighter and move close to the fuse of the firecracker.
With a "crackling" sound, sparks flew up and she quickly stepped back. The firecrackers exploded instantly. The crackling sound shook the entire area in front of Tianqing Temple. Red confetti flew all over the sky and landed on the sisters' heads and faces.
Wei Fuling covered her ears and jumped up and down following the sound of firecrackers. "The civil god of wealth brings wealth, the military god of wealth protects the family, both the civil and military gods of wealth are coming to my house!"
Wei Fuqiu also hummed along softly, "Grandpa God of Wealth laughed heartily and gave me gold, silver, and treasures. The money tree is hung with gold, and the treasure bowl is filled with silver."
After she finished, she added, "May my sister and grandmother's business prosper, may my family be healthy, and may the gods of wealth and fortune come to live in my house!"
It's not just Yunlaixiang. By this time, all the other shops are open and everyone is setting off firecrackers. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, people worship the God of Wealth and rush to the middle of the road to set off firecrackers, hoping to welcome the God of Wealth into their homes.
The sound of firecrackers could be heard all along the way, and the area in front of Tianqing Temple became lively again.
Before the sound of firecrackers had died down, Chang Siyan came slowly from the other end of the street. She was wearing thin clothes, and her body swayed slightly when the wind blew.
Wei Jinyun hurried forward and pulled her arm, which was cold to the touch.
She hurriedly took off her cloak and wrapped it around her. "Xiao Chang, why are you wearing so little? We only started working on the ninth day of the first lunar month, and the store isn't open yet. Are you here to congratulate the God of Wealth?"
Chang Siyan looked up after a long while, "No...it's not He Caishen. Shopkeeper Wei, I missed you and wanted to come see you."
She lowered her eyes and added softly, "I don't want to go back. I'm here to work."
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The author has something to say: Squirrel fish is so delicious, my wife wants to come to Songhelou to eat it
Jinyun: I have to be responsible for him and earn money to support the family. [Rainbow fart]
Mr. Lu: I’m in the middle of a New Year’s greeting… (What happened to Peanut? [Poor]
(Tubing refers to local militia.
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