Although Xu Yuehuai was exhausted after a long day, she couldn't fall asleep in bed. She tossed and turned for a long time, unable to drift off. Despite her physical fatigue, she couldn't fall asleep because she was thinking about things.
She was still pondering what had happened during the day. As long as Maimaiti was the Grand General of the Mingyue Kingdom, they would never have a moment's peace. She had to find a way to resolve this once and for all. After all, Maimaiti was like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows; who knew when he might suddenly bite her? She had to find a solution as soon as possible.
However, there are only two ways to kill a snake. One is to strike it hard on its vital spot, but you also have to be careful not to get bitten. The other is to find a natural enemy of the snake and let the two fight, so you can reap the benefits.
Xu Yuehuai pondered for a long time, or rather, struggled between the two methods for a long time, before finally making up her mind. The first method, although simple and brutal, was too dangerous. In comparison, the second method was much more reliable. Therefore, she decided that she must find a stronger backer to deter Maimaiti, this venomous snake that was waiting for an opportunity to harm people, and to gain a moment of peace in the Mingyue Kingdom.
Having a goal alone is not enough; the details of the plan also need to be carefully planned. She thought about it for a long time before finally falling asleep from exhaustion. Even in her sleep, she was still racking her brains over the matter of Maimaiti. This is probably what is meant by "what you think about during the day, you dream about at night."
Although she went to bed late the night before, Xu Yuehuai got up very early the next morning, before the sun had even risen.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Xu Yuehuai sighed. She had only slept for three or four hours and already had to get up again. If this continued, her body would definitely not be able to take it. She had to solve Maimaiti's problem as soon as possible, otherwise she might be the first one to be dealt with.
After getting out of bed, she stretched and loosened her muscles, then washed her face. Feeling more refreshed after washing her face, Xu Yuehuai went to the kitchen.
This was something she had planned yesterday: to prepare breakfast for Zhao Yinfang. One reason was to express her gratitude for what happened last night, and the other was that she had another favor to ask. As the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding." Even if Lord Zhao didn't agree, she figured he wouldn't refuse her outright. She could then reason with him, appeal to his emotions, and plead with him until she succeeded.
In the morning, I simply cook some congee and prepare some side dishes.
Xu Yuehuai strolled slowly through the kitchen, selecting the ingredients she needed. Even if it was just plain porridge and side dishes, she wanted to make it stand out, hoping that this would catch Zhao Yinfang's eye and make him agree to her request.
"I've got it." When Xu Yuehuai saw the lively shrimp in the water tank, she immediately had an idea.
She's going to make crystal shrimp dumplings, cook some white porridge, and serve with some side dishes—it'll be absolutely delicious.
After all, just congee and side dishes would be too bland, so adding shrimp dumplings was the perfect finishing touch. Xu Yuehuai gave himself a thumbs up for his idea.
As she thought to herself, she began to work. After all, there wasn't much time left before dawn, and although making crystal shrimp dumplings wasn't too difficult, she had to get started as soon as possible.
Crystal shrimp dumplings are all about the word "crystal." Shrimp dumplings without a crystal-like appearance are soulless. This is especially true for someone like Xu Yuehuai who demands perfection; there can be no room for carelessness, even if there isn't enough time.
However, the "crystal" here is not real crystal, since that kind of thing is definitely not edible. The "crystal" here actually refers to the outer skin.
Regular shrimp dumplings can be made with regular flour, but crystal shrimp dumplings require starch.
First, sift the starch finely three or four times. Then, add half boiling water and half cold water and knead into a smooth dough. Set it aside for later use.
Next comes the filling for the crystal shrimp dumplings.
Xu Yuehuai then reached out to grab the large shrimp in the bucket. She didn't know where the servants of Lord Zhao's mansion had found these shrimp, as they were twice the size of the shrimp from the Central Plains and were also quite strong.
She had just picked one up when it suddenly jumped out of her hand, seemingly unwilling to die, and ran around the room.
"Don't run away! It's your good fortune to be able to make me into delicious shrimp dumplings!" Xu Yuehuai chased after it, muttering to herself, and finally managed to catch it back.
After removing the shell and tail, remove the shrimp vein, and then gently chop it a few times with the back of a knife. It shouldn't be chopped too finely, otherwise the shrimp flavor will be bland.
Add a little bit of greens and carrots as a garnish, and now you can start seasoning.
Xu Yuehuai took a small bowl, first added a little salt and MSG, then mixed it with sesame oil. After mixing it slowly, she finally added a little white sugar to enhance the flavor. In this way, the seasoning was completed.
Once the filling is ready, you can start making dumplings.
The shrimp dish caused a slight delay, but fortunately it's not too hot yet, so the dough I prepared earlier is just right for use now.
Xu Yuehuai rolled it into a long strip, cut it into small pieces, pressed it into balls, rolled it into round pieces, put a spoonful of filling on it, put her hands together and gently pinched it, and a crystal shrimp dumpling was made.
She then kneaded the rest in the same way, and sat down in front of the stove to boil water.
Once the water boils, add the shrimp dumplings. They can be scooped out when they float to the surface after a short while.
"Incredibly delicious." Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but exclaim as she scooped out the dumplings. The aroma of shrimp kept filling her nose. After serving the dumplings, she quickly went to get some porridge and pickled vegetables.
Zhao Yinfang had just gotten up when he smelled a fragrant aroma, and he knew that Xu Yuehuai must be busy preparing it.
After tidying up, just as I was about to go to the small kitchen to find her, I saw that Xu Yuehuai had already brought out breakfast.
"Good morning, Lord Zhao," Xu Yuehuai greeted as she walked towards the dining table.
When Zhao Yinfang saw the sumptuous breakfast and looked at Xu Yuehuai's expression, he instantly understood that she needed his help.
His eyes lit up, and he immediately asked.
When Xu Yuehuai was asked this, she became a little embarrassed and said with a blush, "To be honest, this matter is actually a bit difficult for Lord Zhao."
"General Maimaiti has always been eyeing us covetously, eager to find fault with us so he can kill us. I think it would be best to find someone in the Dark Moon Kingdom who is on his side and can protect us..." She glanced at Zhao Yinfang's expression, and seeing that there was nothing amiss, she continued, "I wonder if we could trouble Lord Zhao to lend us a hand?"
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