Chapter 35 Chapter 35 By the Pot
Before the new clothes were finished, Madam Jiang made a special trip to the Qiao family.
"I mentioned before that I wanted to invite you to cook a banquet, but that might have to wait until later. My elders haven't been to the Wang family's banquets before; they're used to the food at Fu Man Lou and don't want anything new," Madam Jiang said. "However, I really like your cooking. Since we've invited Fu Man Lou's chef to come over for the hot dishes, I'd like to ask you to send some of the braised dishes over so that the old lady can try them. Maybe she'll like them in the future."
"Okay, tell me how much you want, when you want it, and your taste preferences, and I'll definitely deliver it to you on time." Qiao Mianmian was already very happy that Madam Jiang had made a special trip. She understood the implication in Madam Jiang's words: since there was still a small chance, she would focus on making good braised food first, so there would be other opportunities in the future.
Seeing that Qiao Mianmian wasn't unhappy at all, but rather very enthusiastic, Madam Jiang's eyes showed more appreciation. "Half spicy, half not spicy. You don't need to cut it, just braise it and deliver it to my house. Do you need braised meat, braised vegetables, and I heard you also have braised sausages?"
Her family didn't want braised pork offal, since they were hosting a meal for their clansmen, and even the prefect would be coming, so they needed something better.
“Yes, if you want better quality food, we can have braised beef shank, braised chicken, and braised duck,” Qiao Mianmian said.
She only sells cuts of pork now because her father slaughters pigs, so they can supply their own pork and easily buy offal. But that doesn't mean she can't cook other cuts; chicken and duck are more expensive, which is why she hasn't tried them.
Mrs. Jiang thought for a moment, "Then bring some braised sausages and braised beef shank. We have other dishes with chicken and duck, so we don't need them for now."
"Okay, I've noted it all down." Qiao Mianmian calculated the money on the spot. The Jiang family was just having a family gathering, and there weren't many tables. However, the beef was expensive, so Qiao Mianmian received a deposit of five taels of silver.
She saw Madam Jiang to the door. "Take care. If you need anything else, feel free to send someone to find us anytime. If you're not home, just ask about Qiao's Food Shop at the market stalls."
Madam Jiang smiled and agreed, thinking to herself that the Qiao family was quite interesting; a large family with parents and elders all present, yet the one in charge was a young girl.
However, Qiao Mianmian made a good impression on her; she was calm, composed, and methodical in her work. After getting into the sedan chair, she thought about helping to make connections in the future, but as for the stubborn old lady in her family, she decided to ignore her.
As Qiao Mianmian watched Madam Jiang's sedan chair depart and prepared to go home, Chun Sheng's mother called her back.
"Mianmian, that lady just now looked so elegant. She was wearing a gold hairpin. Who was she?" Chun Sheng's mother felt a sense of crisis when she saw Qiao Mianmian's smiling face.
"They're customers ordering braised meat. I'm not cooking for the Wang family. Madam Jiang really likes my cooking. She's hosting a banquet and specifically asked me to order some braised dishes." Qiao Mianmian explained clearly, without lowering her voice so others could hear.
Rumors and gossip are the most annoying things. By explaining the whole story, there will be less unfounded speculation.
"I see, you're really amazing." Chun Sheng's mother praised, "Your business is getting better and better, and the people in our alley are also in luck. When we buy braised food from you, you give us even more."
“We’re neighbors, it’s only right that we look out for each other. But my fourth sister makes the braised food. I haven’t made it in a long time, but hers is just as delicious.” Qiao Mianmian specifically mentioned her fourth sister to let everyone know how capable she was. Recently, her mother has started worrying about her fourth sister’s marriage again, and has sighed a lot in private.
Chun Sheng's mother really didn't know. "I really didn't realize that Xia He could make this."
The Qiao family's braised food sells well. If Lin Xiahe also knows this skill, she can bring it to her husband's family after she gets married. Even Chun Sheng's mother thought about it, but she still preferred Qiao Mianmian. Lin Xiahe wasn't as lively and cheerful as Qiao Mianmian. She liked smiling girls; they were like sunshine, and it made her feel much better.
Qiao Mianmian praised her fourth sister a lot, "My fourth sister is not only hardworking, but she also knows a lot of things, like needlework, which I don't know at all."
She was spoiled at home, and while she had sewing and mending chores, the family didn't need her to do them. As a result, all she knew how to do was thread a needle; if you actually asked her to mend clothes, she certainly wouldn't do a good job.
“Everyone has their strengths, and I think you’re quite good too. It’s getting late, you should go back and get busy. By the way, where’s your mother?” Usually at this time, if Madam Lin heard her talking at the door, she would definitely come over and say a few words.
Qiao Mianmian said, "My parents went to visit the Hu family, so they won't be having dinner at home tonight."
"I knew she'd come and say a few words to me on ordinary days. Okay, I'm really going home now, you go about your business." Chun Sheng's mother smiled and went home after hearing the satisfactory reply.
Upon entering her own house, she saw her son weaving bamboo baskets and clicked her tongue in exasperation. "Why didn't you go talk to Mianmian earlier? All you do all day is bury yourself in work, just like your father. Can't you be a little more talkative?"
Chunsheng looked up and exclaimed "Ah!" in confusion, then asked, "Why should I talk to Sister Qiao Wu?"
"You blockhead, you're really driving me crazy!" Chun Sheng's mother angrily tapped her son's forehead. "Why don't you talk to the girls more? How can you be so friendly? All you do is make this and that for me to deliver. They've barely even seen you, how can they care about you?"
“I…” Chunsheng paused, his ears slowly turning red, “But Aunt Qiao said that Fifth Sister Qiao is still young, so there’s no rush.”
“Her family isn’t in a hurry. Qiao Mianmian is beautiful and capable. Once she comes of age, there will be countless suitors. You only hear what people say on the surface. Can’t you think more about it?” Chun Sheng’s mother sighed. Her son was reliable and capable, and he never caused trouble for the family. She had always been at ease with him since he was a child.
But as her son grew up, Chun Sheng's mother was constantly worried about his marriage. Besides, the Qiao family was getting better and better; who knew if they would become rich next year and move to a larger mansion? Would they still be interested in her family then?
Chunsheng's mother saw that her son was still confused and said, "Forget it, I think you're just a blockhead like that. I can't expect anything from you. Let's leave it to fate. If we're not destined for the Qiao family, I'll help you look for other good families."
Anyway, her family is small, the men are skilled, and they have no shortage of food and drink all year round, so she can easily find a good wife.
Meanwhile, Qiao Mianmian went back to the backyard to check on the braised dishes her fourth sister had cooked before going to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Her parents weren't home, and neither was her older brother, so she planned to eat something simple.
I set aside some lean meat this morning, cut it into small pieces, and marinated it with cooking wine and sweet potato starch. After soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms, I also sliced them thinly. I boiled water in a pot, then poured the batter along the top edge of the pot.
Cover the pot with the lid for one minute. After opening the lid, the batter will form a thin layer around the edge of the pot. Scoop it into the soup and repeat until all the batter is used up.
Add shiitake mushrooms and lean meat to the pot, and soon the aroma of shiitake mushrooms and the savory fragrance of lean meat fill the air. Finally, add a handful of bok choy. Once the bok choy is just cooked through and the broth has thickened, a steaming pot of Guobian (a type of side dish) is ready.
Qiao Mianmian specially prepared chili oil. She added a spoonful of bright red chili oil and mixed it with balsamic vinegar, and the appetizing and delicious pot-side dish was ready.
It's a pity that Lin'an City is not by the sea and there is no fresh seafood. Otherwise, adding some squid and fresh prawns would be incredibly delicious!
"Fifth Sister, is this called 'pot rim'? It's so delicious! We usually eat a lot of meat, so it's nice to have some soup occasionally." Qiao Jiaxing blew on the soup, complaining that it was too hot and he couldn't eat it in big bites.
However, the evenings can get a bit chilly after autumn arrives, so eating some hot pot ribs will quickly warm you up.
Qiao Mianmian thought to herself that this was just the simplest side dish; it would be truly delicious if seafood or dried goods were added to the pot.
But this is alright, she can now satisfy her cravings, which is much better.
The family had almost finished eating when the three members of the Lin family returned home.
Qiao Jiawang was carrying a rabbit, which the Hu family raised themselves, and he had put it in the cage.
When the Hu family heard that Lin had hired someone to make a cabinet, a complete set including a dressing table, the Hu couple were overjoyed and insisted on giving the rabbit to Qiao Jiawang.
"Jiawang, you should remember how good your mother is to you." Qiao Mancang added, "Look how happy the Hu family was when we talked about the cabinet today."
Qiao Jiawang's cheeks were flushed. He had been forced to drink a lot of alcohol by the Hu brothers, and at this moment, only his mind was clear. His hands and feet were weak. "Dad, I remember. I will be filial to Mom in the future."
"Don't listen to your father's nagging, go wash your face and go to bed. You two shouldn't drink, yet you drank so much." Lin patted her eldest son's arm.
Qiao Mancang snorted, "Where did I nag? It's not easy being a stepmother. You're always so considerate of Jiawang and Jiaxing's feelings. They should remember that." He was really drunk. He hugged Lin and gave her a kiss, which made Lin scold him for being an old lewd man. "Hehe, I am an old lewd man. Oh, why are you pushing me!"
There were other people around, and it wasn't inside the house. Lin's face turned red. "Jiaxing, quickly help your father wash his face. He's had a few drinks and he has no shame at all."
She didn't dare look at the expressions of the other family members and ran quickly into the house, thinking that the children would definitely laugh at her. At her age, Qiao Mancang was really indecent!
Lin was so angry she wanted to punch someone, but when Qiao Mancang came back, he lay down and started snoring. All she could do was pinch Qiao Mancang's arm hard.
It was getting late, so everyone lay down. In the darkness, Lin Xiahe suddenly sighed, "Mother's luck is still pretty good."
“Yes, Grandmother is broad-minded, Father loves Mother, and my eldest and second eldest brothers are sensible. Our family is very good.” Qiao Mianmian turned around and couldn’t see anything in the dark, but she still accurately patted her fourth sister’s arm. “Fourth sister, according to the days, third sister is due to give birth in a little over half a month. Shouldn’t we go and see her?”
“I was thinking about this too. Mother said to wait until Third Sister gives birth before going to take care of her, but I’m thinking of going first. I haven’t seen her in a long time, and I don’t know how she is,” Lin Xiahe said worriedly.
“Then I’ll talk to Mother tomorrow and I’ll go with you. We can go and come back on the same day.” Qiao Mianmian also wanted to visit her third sister and maternal grandmother in Linjia Village.
Lin Xiahe hummed in agreement, and the two sisters quickly drifted off to sleep.
The next day, before the two sisters mentioned going to Linjia Village, Wu Ermao came to knock on the door first.
Upon seeing Wu Ermao, Zhang spoke first, "It's Ermao! I haven't seen you for a long time. Congratulations! Your mother has found you a good marriage."
No one else spoke, except for Zhang, who tried to ease the tension.
"Grandma Zhang, I have something I'd like to tell you first." Hearing Zhang congratulate him, Wu Ermao felt a sense of irony.
Zhang let Wu Ermao in and, seeing her daughter-in-law enter, gently shook her head. She then had her eldest grandson pour tea for Wu Ermao. After all, they were neighbors, and had known each other for many years. Wu Ermao was a decent person; he hadn't done anything to wrong the Qiao family.
“Tell us what it is, we’re all listening,” Zhang said.
Lin Xiahe, who was in the backyard, stopped when she heard Wu Ermao's voice and did not walk to the front yard.
Qiao Mianmian walked over to her fourth sister. She was curious about what Wu Ermao could be here to say. Could it be to deliver an invitation?
"Here's the thing, my family is planning to move. We're selling this house. I know your family has been struggling with housing. Jiawang is getting married soon and needs a house, so I came here specifically to tell you. If you'd like to buy my house, I can sell it to you."
After a pause, Wu Ermao quickly added, "My mother knows about this, and she agrees to sell it to you. We have to sell this one because we need to buy a new house; otherwise, we could rent it to you first."
Wu Ermao and the Yu family's daughter are engaged and will get married next year. Aunt Wu couldn't persuade Wu Ermao otherwise, so she had to agree to sell the house.
His family's house could be sold on the market for nine hundred to one thousand taels of silver. With that money, the Wu family could buy another house.
Lately, Wu Ermao has been coming and going every day, and hearing his neighbors congratulate him makes him feel very uncomfortable.
After much thought, I've decided to move.
Upon hearing that the Wu family was moving, Lin's eyes widened instantly. "You...you really want to move?"
“Yes, after living here for so many years, it’s really hard to get used to moving. But it’s too far from the military camp, so after discussing it, my family decided to move to another house.” This was Wu Ermao’s reasoning.
"I see." Madam Lin stared blankly at her mother-in-law.
If they could buy the Wu family's house and knock down the wall in the middle, the Qiao family would have three more rooms, and the courtyard would be twice as big.
With these three rooms, not only is Qiao Jiawang's wedding room secured, but Qiao Jiaxing's is also taken care of. Moreover, since they've been neighbors for so many years, they can continue to live here without needing to adapt to a new environment.
Ms. Lin was very interested, but she didn't have that much money.
Zhang also wanted to buy it. "Er Mao, when do you plan to sell it?"
“We plan to move out at the end of the year. Before we buy a new house, we have to sell this place first. It has to be sold by mid-October at the latest.” Wu Ermao knew that what her mother had done to Xia He was not fair, so she came to make amends. “I came to tell you in advance that if you want to buy it, you can raise the money first, and I will not go to a real estate agent.”
He glanced at Zhang, then at Lin, before quickly looking away. "That's the thing. You can discuss it first. If your family buys it, nine hundred taels of silver will do. I'm heading back now."
Nine hundred taels isn't expensive. If you buy it through a broker, it would cost at least several dozen taels more, and you'd also have to pay the broker a fee.
But the silver that the Lin family had saved was only a little over three hundred taels, far from nine hundred taels.
However, if you miss this opportunity, buying a house elsewhere later will not only be troublesome, but may also be more expensive.
Although Lin didn't like Aunt Wu anymore, it didn't stop her from being tempted. "Mother, how do you think we can raise so much money?"
After thinking it over, Zhang decided she didn't want her gold ring anymore; it was enough that Qiao Youfu had the heart to buy it for her. But even after selling the gold ring and adding the money she had left, she was still far short of nine hundred taels.
Lin's mother and daughter-in-law frowned at the same time. Qiao Mianmian in the backyard was also thinking that this was a good opportunity and that they must find a way to buy the Wu family's house first.
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